Power supply unit for aerosol generating device, cartridge, and aerosol generating device

Abstract

Provided is an aerosol production device with which it is possible to prevent short-circuiting and maintain electrical connection between a cartridge and an accommodation part.　This power supply unit (10) of an aerosol inhaler (1) comprises a cartridge accommodation part CS that accommodates a columnar first cartridge (20) in which an aerosol source (22) is retained. A first electrode part including plate electrodes (261, 262) is provided to the lower surface of a first cartridge (20). The cartridge accommodation part CS has a second electrode part facing the lower surface of the first cartridge (20). The second electrode part includes electrodes (protruding electrodes (411, 412, 413)) that can come into contact with the electrodes included in the first electrode part and that are present in a number greater than the total number of electrodes included in the first electrode part.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a power supply unit for an aerosol generating device. [Background technology]

[0002] Patent document 1 describes an aerosol generating device having a cartridge that contains an aerosol source, a bottomed cylindrical cartridge storage section that stores the cartridge, a suction port that screws onto the cartridge storage section and has a suction port that sucks in the aerosol atomized by the aerosol source, and a positioning mechanism that positions the cartridge relative to the cartridge storage section in conjunction with the screwing of the suction port into the cartridge storage section. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent No. 6552028 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In order to improve the operability when installing a cartridge containing an aerosol source into a cartridge housing, it is conceivable to eliminate the positioning mechanism as exemplified in Patent Document 1. However, if the positioning mechanism is eliminated, the insertion position of the cartridge relative to the cartridge housing will not be fixed. This poses challenges in maintaining the electrical connection between the cartridge and the cartridge housing and preventing short circuits due to differences in insertion position. Furthermore, if the positioning mechanism can be eliminated, it would be easier to install multiple types of cartridges with different electrode shapes. In this case, too, challenges arise in maintaining the electrical connection between each type of cartridge and the cartridge housing and preventing short circuits.

[0005] The object of the present invention is to provide an aerosol generating device that can maintain the electrical connection between the cartridge and the storage section and prevent short circuits even when the cartridge insertion position changes or a different type of cartridge is inserted. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The power supply unit of the aerosol generating device according to one aspect of the present invention includes a housing portion that houses a columnar cartridge that stores an aerosol source, and the end surface of the cartridge is provided with , th One electrode portion is provided, the first electrode unit is composed of only two first sub-electrodes arranged opposite to each other across the center of the cartridge, The housing portion has a second electrode portion in a region facing the end surface, and the second electrode portion has a front The two first sub-electrodes Each electrode is contactable with 3 or more Contains and the second electrode portion is arranged so that at least one electrode of the second electrode portion contacts each of the two first sub-electrodes regardless of the rotational position of the cartridge in the storage portion. , is something. The power supply unit of an aerosol generating device of one embodiment of the present invention includes a storage section that stores a cylindrical cartridge that stores an aerosol source, and a first electrode section is provided on the end face of the cartridge, and the first electrode section consists only of two first sub-electrodes arranged opposite each other across the center of the cartridge, and the storage section has a second electrode section in an area facing the end face, and the second electrode section includes three or more electrodes that can contact each of the two first sub-electrodes, and is arranged so that at least one electrode of the second electrode section comes into contact with each of the two first sub-electrodes even when the cartridge rotates in the storage section. A cartridge according to one embodiment of the present invention is a cylindrical cartridge for storing an aerosol source, which can be accommodated in the storage section of the power supply unit, and has an end surface facing the second electrode section of the storage section, on which a first electrode section consisting only of two first sub-electrodes arranged opposite each other across the center of the cartridge is provided. An aerosol generating device according to one embodiment of the present invention comprises a power supply unit and a cylindrical cartridge for storing an aerosol source, wherein a first electrode portion is provided on an end face of the cartridge, and the first electrode portion consists of only two first sub-electrodes arranged opposite each other across the center of the cartridge; the power supply unit comprises a storage section for accommodating the cartridge, and the storage section has a second electrode portion in an area facing the end face, the second electrode portion including three or more electrodes that can come into contact with each of the two first sub-electrodes, and the second electrode portion is arranged so that at least one electrode of the second electrode portion comes into contact with each of the two first sub-electrodes even when the cartridge rotates in the storage section. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to the present invention, an aerosol generating device can be provided that can maintain the electrical connection between the cartridge and the storage section and prevent short circuits even when the cartridge insertion position changes or a different type of cartridge is inserted. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] 1 is a perspective view of an aerosol inhalator according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the aerosol inhalator of FIG. 1. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional schematic view of the aerosol inhalator of FIG. 1. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a first cartridge in the aerosol inhalator of FIG. 1. [Figure 5] FIG. 4 is a schematic cross-sectional view taken along the arrow BB in FIG. 3. [Figure 6]FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram showing a state in which the first cartridge has been rotated clockwise from the state in FIG. 5. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram showing a state in which the first cartridge has been rotated clockwise from the state in FIG. 6. [Figure 8] FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram showing a state in which the first cartridge has been rotated clockwise from the state in FIG. 6. [Figure 9] FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram of a circuit mounted on the circuit board of the aerosol inhalator of FIG. 2. [Figure 10] FIG. 4 is a schematic view showing a first modified example of the cartridge receiving portion of FIG. 3. [Figure 11] FIG. 4 is a schematic view showing a second modified example of the cartridge receiving portion of FIG. 3. [Figure 12] FIG. 4 is a schematic view showing a third modified example of the cartridge receiving portion of FIG. 3. [Figure 13] 10 is a cross-sectional view showing a fourth modified example of the cartridge receiving portion of FIG. 3. FIG. [Figure 14] FIG. 14 is a schematic cross-sectional view taken along the arrow BB in FIG. 13. [Figure 15] 14 is a schematic exploded perspective view of the bottom of the cartridge accommodating section of FIG. 13. FIG. [Figure 16] 15 is a cross-sectional view schematically illustrating a modified example of the cross section taken along the arrow CC in FIG. 14. [Figure 17] 15 is a cross-sectional schematic view showing another modified example of the cross section taken along the CC arrow in FIG. 14. [Figure 18] 2 is a schematic diagram showing a preferred example of the configuration of an electric circuit formed on a circuit board 60. FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] The power supply unit of the aerosol generation device according to one embodiment of the present invention will now be described. First, an aerosol inhalator, which is an example of an aerosol generation device equipped with the power supply unit of this embodiment, will be described with reference to FIGS.

[0010] (aerosol inhaler) The aerosol inhalator 1 is a device for generating a flavored aerosol without combustion and for inhaling the generated aerosol. It is preferably hand-sized and has a roughly rectangular parallelepiped shape. The aerosol inhalator 1 may also be oval, elliptical, or other shapes. In the following description, the three orthogonal directions of the roughly rectangular parallelepiped aerosol inhalator are referred to in descending order of length as the up-down direction, the front-rear direction, and the left-right direction. For convenience, the following description defines the front, rear, left, right, upper, and lower directions as shown in Figures 1 to 3, with the front indicated as Fr, the rear as Rr, the left as L, the right as R, the upper as U, and the lower as D.

[0011] As shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, the aerosol inhalator 1 includes a power supply unit 10, a first cartridge 20, and a second cartridge 30. The first cartridge 20 and the second cartridge 30 are detachable from the power supply unit 10. In other words, the first cartridge 20 and the second cartridge 30 are each replaceable. As shown in FIG. 4, the first cartridge 20 has a cylindrical outer shape. The outer shape of the first cartridge 20 does not have to be a perfect cylinder. For example, it may be a polygonal shape of a regular polygon such as a regular hexagon, or a columnar shape with rounded corners.

[0012] (Power supply unit) 1 and 2, power supply unit 10 accommodates power supply 12, internal holder 13, circuit board 60, various sensors such as intake sensor 15, etc. inside power supply unit case 11 (hereinafter also referred to as the case interior) which has a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape. By accommodating power supply 12, circuit board 60 (including MCU (Micro Controller Unit) 50, described below, current flow switching circuit 51, resistance measurement circuit 52, resistance measurement circuit 53, resistance measurement circuit 54, projecting electrodes 411, 412, 413, charging terminal 43, etc.) etc. together in power supply unit case 11, it becomes easier for the user to carry it around, improving user convenience.

[0013] The power supply unit case 11 is composed of a first case 11A and a second case 11B that are detachable in the left-right direction (thickness direction). The first case 11A and the second case 11B are assembled in the left-right direction (thickness direction) to form the front, rear, left, right, and bottom surfaces of the power supply unit 10. The top surface of the power supply unit 10 is formed by the display 16.

[0014] A mouthpiece 17 is provided on the top surface of the power supply unit 10 in front of the display 16. As shown in FIG.

[0015] Between the top and rear surfaces of the power supply unit 10, there is provided an inclined surface that slopes downward toward the rear. An operation unit 18 that can be operated by the user is provided on the inclined surface. The operation unit 18 is composed of a button-type switch, a touch panel, etc. The operation unit 18 is used to start / shut off the MCU 50 and various sensors, reflecting the user's intention to use the power supply unit 10.

[0016] A charging terminal 43 is provided on the underside of the power supply unit 10 and can be electrically connected to an external power source (not shown) that can charge the power supply 12. The charging terminal 43 is, for example, a receptacle into which a mating plug (not shown) can be inserted. The charging terminal 43 can be a receptacle into which various USB terminals (plugs) can be inserted. As an example, in this embodiment, the charging terminal 43 is a USB Type-C receptacle. This makes it easy to charge the power supply unit 10 (i.e., the aerosol inhalator 1) in various locations (places), and ensures opportunities to charge the power supply unit 10.

[0017] Furthermore, charging terminal 43 may include, for example, a power receiving coil and be configured to be able to contactlessly receive power transmitted from an external power source. In this case, the power transmission (wireless power transfer) method may be electromagnetic induction type, magnetic resonance type, or a combination of electromagnetic induction type and magnetic resonance type. As another example, charging terminal 43 may be connectable to various USB terminals and include the above-mentioned power receiving coil.

[0018] The internal holder 13 includes a rear wall 13r extending along the rear surface of the power supply unit 10, a central wall 13c located in the center of the front-to-rear direction inside the case and extending parallel to the rear wall 13r, an upper wall 13u extending along the display 16 and connecting the rear wall 13r and the central wall 13c, a partition wall 13d perpendicular to the rear wall 13r, the central wall 13c, and the upper wall 13u and dividing the space defined by the rear wall 13r, the central wall 13c, and the upper wall 13u into a left space and a right space, and a cartridge holding portion 13a connected to the central wall 13c and located in front of the central wall 13c and above the bottom surface of the power supply unit 10. As shown in Figures 2 and 3, the cartridge holding portion 13a is a cylindrical member with a bottom that has an opening at its upper end and whose axial direction is the up-down direction.

[0019] The power source 12 is disposed in the space on the left side of the internal holder 13. The power source 12 is a rechargeable secondary battery, an electric double layer capacitor, or the like, and is preferably a lithium ion secondary battery. The electrolyte of the power source 12 may be one or a combination of a gel electrolyte, an electrolytic solution, a solid electrolyte, and an ionic liquid.

[0020] An L-shaped circuit board 60 is disposed in the space formed by the right space of the internal holder 13 and the lower space formed between the cartridge holding portion 13a and the lower surface of the power supply unit 10. The circuit board 60 is configured by stacking multiple layers (four layers in this embodiment) of boards, and electronic components such as the MCU 50 are mounted on the circuit board 60.

[0021] The MCU 50 is connected to various sensor devices such as an inhalation sensor 15 that detects a puff (inhalation) action, an operation unit 18, a notification unit 45, etc. The MCU 50 is a control device (controller) that performs various controls on the aerosol inhalator 1, including discharge control to a load 21 (see FIG. 3 ) described below for heating the load 21 (to generate aerosol). Specifically, the MCU 50 is mainly composed of a processor, and further includes storage media such as a RAM (random access memory) necessary for the processor's operation and a ROM (read only memory) for storing various information. The processor in this specification refers to an electric circuit that combines circuit elements such as semiconductor elements, for example.

[0022] As shown in Fig. 3, the lower end of a cylindrical cartridge holder 14 that holds the first cartridge 20 is disposed on the inner periphery of the cartridge holding portion 13a. A bottom wall portion 13ab of the cartridge holding portion 13a and the cartridge holder 14 form a cylindrical cartridge accommodating portion CS that houses the first cartridge 20. The bottom wall portion 13ab forms the bottom of the cartridge accommodating portion CS. The upper surface of the bottom wall portion 13ab forms the bottom surface 13as of the cartridge accommodating portion CS.

[0023] The inner peripheral portion of the cartridge holder 14 has a shape corresponding to the outer shape of the first cartridge 20. A minute gap is formed between the inner peripheral surface of the cartridge holder 14 and the outer peripheral surface of the first cartridge 20, which allows the first cartridge 20 to rotate slightly in the circumferential direction due to impacts, vibrations, etc. applied to the power supply unit 10.

[0024] The cartridge accommodating section CS and the first cartridge 20 are not provided with a mechanism for positioning the first cartridge 20 in the circumferential direction (the direction around the center line of the first cartridge 20) in the cartridge accommodating section CS. In other words, when the first cartridge 20 is accommodated in the cartridge accommodating section CS, by applying a force to the first cartridge 20 to rotate it in the circumferential direction, the first cartridge 20 can be rotated 360 degrees.

[0025] The bottom wall 13ab of the cartridge holding portion 13a is provided with through holes 13b that receive the respective protruding electrodes 411, 412, and 413 (see FIGS. 3 and 5) that are provided to protrude from the circuit board 60 toward the first cartridge 20. The protruding electrodes 411, 412, and 413 form second electrodes. The protruding electrodes 411, 412, and 413 are each configured to be electrically connectable to the power source 12 and are formed, for example, by pins with built-in springs. The through holes 13b provided corresponding to the respective protruding electrodes 411, 412, and 413 are larger than the respective protruding electrodes, and are configured so that air can flow into the interior of the first cartridge 20 through gaps formed between the through holes 13b and the respective protruding electrodes.

[0026] As shown in FIG. 2, an inhalation sensor 15 for detecting a puffing action is provided on the outer peripheral surface 14a of the cartridge holder 14 at a position facing the circuit board 60. The inhalation sensor 15 may be composed of a condenser microphone, a pressure sensor, or the like. The cartridge holder 14 is provided with a vertically elongated hole 14b through which the remaining amount of aerosol source 22 stored inside the first cartridge 20 can be visually confirmed. As shown in FIG. 1, a light-transmitting remaining amount confirmation window 11w is formed in the power supply unit case 11. The remaining amount of aerosol source 22 stored inside the first cartridge 20 can be visually confirmed from this remaining amount confirmation window 11w through the hole 14b of the first cartridge 20. The remaining amount confirmation window 11w is provided with an air intake port 11i for taking outside air into the case.

[0027] 3, a mouthpiece 17 is detachably fixed to the upper end of the cartridge holder 14. A second cartridge 30 is detachably fixed to the mouthpiece 17. The mouthpiece 17 includes a cartridge accommodating portion 17b that accommodates a portion of the second cartridge 30, and a communication passage 17c that connects the first cartridge 20 to the cartridge accommodating portion 17b.

[0028] (1st cartridge) As shown in Figure 3, the first cartridge 20 has a cylindrical cartridge case 27, inside which a reservoir 23 for storing an aerosol source 22, an electrical load 21 for atomizing the aerosol source 22, a wick 24 for drawing the aerosol source from the reservoir 23 to the load 21, and an aerosol flow path 25 through which the aerosol generated by atomizing the aerosol source 22 flows toward the second cartridge 30.

[0029] Reservoir 23 is partitioned and formed to surround the periphery of aerosol flow path 25, and stores aerosol source 22. Reservoir 23 may contain a porous body such as a resin web or cotton, and the porous body may be impregnated with aerosol source 22. Reservoir 23 may not contain a porous body on the resin web or cotton, and may store only aerosol source 22. Aerosol source 22 contains a liquid such as glycerin, propylene glycol, or water.

[0030] The wick 24 is a liquid retention member that uses capillary action to draw the aerosol source 22 from the reservoir 23 into the load 21. The wick 24 is made of, for example, glass fiber or porous ceramic.

[0031] Load 21 is a heat generating element (i.e., heater) that heats aerosol source 22 without combustion, and is configured, for example, by an electric heating wire (coil) wound at a predetermined pitch. Load 21 atomizes aerosol source 22 by heating it. A heating resistor, a ceramic heater, an induction heater, or the like can be used as load 21. Load 21 may also be configured by an element that can atomize aerosol source 22 without heating, such as an ultrasonic element.

[0032] The aerosol flow path 25 is provided downstream of the load 21 and on the center line of the first cartridge 20 .

[0033] 4, a first electrode unit including plate electrodes 261 and 262 electrically connected to the load 21 is provided at the lower end 26 of the cartridge case 27 of the first cartridge 20. The plate electrodes 261 and 262 are exposed on a surface 26s of the lower end 26. One terminal of the load 21 built into the first cartridge 20 is connected to the plate electrodes 261, and the other terminal of the load 21 is connected to the plate electrodes 262. The load 21 atomizes the aerosol source 22 by receiving power from the power source 12 via two electrodes out of the protruding electrodes 411, 412, and 413 on the power supply unit 10 side: one electrode abutting on and electrically connected to the plate electrode 261, and the other electrode abutting on and electrically connected to the plate electrode 262.

[0034] Fig. 5 is a cross-sectional schematic diagram of the cartridge holding portion CS as viewed from the arrow BB in Fig. 3. In Fig. 5, the surface 26s of the lower end portion 26 of the first cartridge 20 (the end surface of the first cartridge 20 on the bottom wall portion 13ab side) that abuts against the bottom surface 13as of the cartridge holding portion CS is indicated by a dashed line. Fig. 5 shows a state in which the center CP1 (position of the center line) of the first cartridge 20 and the center CP2 (position of the center line) of the cartridge holding portion CS coincide with each other. The gap between the inner peripheral surface of the cartridge holding portion CS and the outer peripheral surface of the first cartridge 20 is very small, and when the first cartridge 20 is held in the cartridge holding portion CS, the centers CP1 and CP2 are configured to coincide with each other as shown in Fig. 5.

[0035] First, with reference to FIG. 5, the configuration of the first electrode unit provided at the lower end 26 of the first cartridge 20 will be described. The plate electrode 261 included in the first electrode unit has a generally semicircular shape with both ends of an arc connected by a straight line, and has a notch 261a in the center of the arc portion. The plate electrode 262 included in the first electrode unit has a generally semicircular shape with both ends of an arc connected by a straight line, and has a notch 262a in the center of the arc portion. The plate electrodes 261 and 262 are arranged opposite each other across the center CP1 of the first cartridge 20, with the center CP1 overlapping the line connecting the notches 261a and 262a. The plate electrodes 261 and 262 have the same shape, and are arranged such that when one of the plate electrodes 261 and 262 is rotated 180 degrees about the center CP1, it overlaps with the other of the plate electrodes 261 and 262. That is, the plate electrodes 261 and 262 are in a point-symmetric relationship with respect to the center CP1.

[0036] The configuration of the second electrode portion provided on the bottom wall portion 13ab of the cartridge holding portion CS will be described. FIG. 5 shows an imaginary circle CR1 centered at the center CP2 of the cartridge holding portion CS. The diameter of the imaginary circle CR1 is larger than the distance D1 between the plate electrodes 261 and 262. The diameter of the imaginary circle CR1 is smaller than the distance D2 between the notches 261a and 262a. Note that the notches 261a and 262a in the plate electrodes 261 and 262 are not essential and can be omitted. In this case, the diameter of the imaginary circle CR1 only needs to be larger than the distance D1 and smaller than the length of a line segment connecting the center CP1 and a point on the arc of the plate electrode 261.

[0037] The projecting electrodes 411, 412, and 413 included in the second electrode portion are arranged on this imaginary circle CR1 at equal intervals in the circumferential direction of the imaginary circle CR1. That is, the angle between the line segment connecting the projecting electrode 411 and the center CP2 and the line segment connecting the projecting electrode 412 and the center CP2 is 120 degrees, the angle between the line segment connecting the projecting electrode 412 and the center CP2 and the line segment connecting the projecting electrode 413 and the center CP2 is 120 degrees, and the angle between the line segment connecting the projecting electrode 413 and the center CP2 and the line segment connecting the projecting electrode 411 and the center CP2 is 120 degrees. Note that the projecting electrodes 411, 412, and 413 included in the second electrode portion do not have to be arranged at equal intervals on the imaginary circle CR1. When the first cartridge 20 is accommodated in the cartridge accommodating section CS, the protruding electrodes 411, 412, and 413 should be arranged so that at least one protruding electrode abuts against the plate electrode 261 and at least one protruding electrode abuts against the plate electrode 262, regardless of the possible rotational position of the first cartridge 20.

[0038] As described above, the first cartridge 20 is rotatable in the cartridge accommodating portion CS. That is, there are no restrictions on the insertion posture of the first cartridge 20 into the cartridge accommodating portion CS (the circumferential rotational position of the first cartridge 20). Therefore, depending on how the first cartridge 20 is inserted into the cartridge accommodating portion CS, as shown in FIGS. 6 to 8, the first cartridge 20 may be accommodated in a state rotated more clockwise than in the state shown in FIG. 5.

[0039] In this embodiment, in contrast to the first electrode portion (plate electrodes 261 and 262) provided in the first cartridge 20, the cartridge storage portion CS is provided with three projecting electrodes (projecting electrodes 411, 412, and 413), which is greater than the total number (=2) of plate electrodes included in the first electrode portion. The projecting electrodes 411, 412, and 413 are arranged at equal intervals on an imaginary circle CR1. Therefore, when the first cartridge 20 rotates 360 degrees around the center CP1, one or two of the projecting electrodes 411, 412, and 413 always come into contact with each of the plate electrodes 261 and 262. That is, in a state where one projecting electrode overlaps the gap between plate electrode 261 and plate electrode 262, one of the remaining two projecting electrodes abuts on plate electrode 261, and the other of the remaining two projecting electrodes abuts on plate electrode 262, as shown in Figures 5 to 7, allowing current to flow to load 21. As shown in Figure 8, in a state where no projecting electrode overlaps this gap, two projecting electrodes abut on one of plate electrode 261 and plate electrode 262, and one projecting electrode abuts on the other of plate electrode 261 and plate electrode 262, allowing current to flow to load 21. In this way, the second electrode portion provided in the cartridge storage portion CS is positioned so that at least one electrode of the second electrode portion contacts each electrode of the first electrode portion regardless of the rotational position of the first cartridge 20 in the cartridge storage portion CS.

[0040] (2nd cartridge) The second cartridge 30 stores a flavor source 31. The second cartridge 30 is removably housed in a cartridge housing portion 17b provided in the mouthpiece 17.

[0041] The second cartridge 30 imparts flavor to the aerosol by passing the aerosol generated by atomizing the aerosol source 22 by the load 21 through the flavor source 31. The raw material pieces constituting the flavor source 31 may be cut tobacco or a molded product obtained by molding tobacco raw material into particles. The flavor source 31 may be made from plants other than tobacco (e.g., mint, Chinese medicine, herbs, etc.). The flavor source 31 may be imparted with a flavoring such as menthol.

[0042] The aerosol inhalator 1 can generate a flavored aerosol by using the aerosol source 22, the flavor source 31, and the load 21. In other words, the aerosol source 22 and the flavor source 31 constitute an aerosol generation source that generates a flavored aerosol.

[0043] The aerosol generating source used in the aerosol inhaler 1 may be configured such that the aerosol source 22 and the flavor source 31 are separate entities, or such that the flavor source 31 is omitted and a substance that can be contained in the flavor source 31 is added to the aerosol source 22, or such that a drug or the like is added to the aerosol source 22 instead of the flavor source 31.

[0044] In the aerosol inhalator 1 configured as described above, when a user inhales, the inhalation sensor 15 detects the puffing action and inputs an aerosol generation request to the MCU 50. Upon receiving the aerosol generation request, the MCU 50 controls discharge from the power supply 12 to the load 21 to generate aerosol. When the user inhales, as indicated by arrow A in FIG. 3 , air flows into the cartridge housing CS through the gaps formed between the through-holes 13b and the projecting electrodes 411, 412, and 413 and enters the cartridge housing CS. This air flows into the first cartridge 20 through microholes (not shown) formed in the lower end 26 of the first cartridge 20 and passes near the load 21. The load 21 atomizes the aerosol source 22 drawn from the reservoir 23 by the wick 24. The atomized aerosol flows through the aerosol flow path 25 together with the air flowing in through the microholes and is supplied to the second cartridge 30 via the communication passage 17c. The aerosol supplied to the second cartridge 30 is flavored by passing through a flavor source 31 and is then supplied to a mouthpiece 32 .

[0045] The aerosol inhalator 1 is provided with a notification unit 45 that notifies various pieces of information (see FIG. 2). The notification unit 45 may be configured with a light-emitting element, a vibration element, or a sound output element. The notification unit 45 may be a combination of two or more elements selected from the light-emitting element, the vibration element, and the sound output element. The notification unit 45 may be provided in any of the power supply unit 10, the first cartridge 20, and the second cartridge 30, but is preferably provided in the power supply unit 10, which is not a consumable item.

[0046] In this embodiment, an OLED (Organic Light Emitting Diode) panel 46 and a vibrator 47 are provided as the notification unit 45. When the OLED of the OLED panel 46 emits light, various pieces of information related to the aerosol inhalator 1 are notified to the user via the display 16. When the vibrator 47 vibrates, various pieces of information related to the aerosol inhalator 1 are notified to the user via the power supply unit case 11. The notification unit 45 may be provided with only either the OLED panel 46 or the vibrator 47, or may be provided with other light-emitting elements, etc. Furthermore, the information notified by the OLED panel 46 and the information notified by the vibrator 47 may be different or the same.

[0047] (Configuration of the electrical circuit formed on the circuit board) 9 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of an electric circuit formed on a circuit board 60. The circuit board 60 is provided with a resistance measurement circuit 52, a resistance measurement circuit 53, a resistance measurement circuit 54, a current switching circuit 51, and an MCU 50.

[0048] The resistance measurement circuit 52 is connected to the projecting electrodes 411 and 412, and transmits information corresponding to the electrical resistance value R1 between the projecting electrodes 411 and 412 to the MCU 50. For example, the resistance measurement circuit 52 passes a small current through the projecting electrodes 411 and 412, measures the voltage between the projecting electrodes 411 and 412 in this state, and transmits this voltage to the MCU 50 as information corresponding to the electrical resistance value R1. The MCU 50 acquires the electrical resistance value R1 based on this voltage.

[0049] The resistance measurement circuit 53 is connected to the projecting electrodes 411 and 413, and transmits information corresponding to the electrical resistance value R2 between the projecting electrodes 411 and 413 to the MCU 50. For example, the resistance measurement circuit 53 passes a small current through the projecting electrodes 411 and 413, measures the voltage between the projecting electrodes 411 and 413 in this state, and transmits this voltage to the MCU 50 as information corresponding to the electrical resistance value R2. The MCU 50 acquires the electrical resistance value R2 based on this voltage.

[0050] The resistance measurement circuit 54 is connected to the projecting electrodes 412 and 413, and transmits information corresponding to the electrical resistance value R3 between the projecting electrodes 412 and 413 to the MCU 50. The resistance measurement circuit 54, for example, passes a small current through the projecting electrodes 412 and 413, measures the voltage between the projecting electrodes 412 and 413 in this state, and transmits this voltage to the MCU 50 as information corresponding to the electrical resistance value R3. The MCU 50 obtains the electrical resistance value R3 based on this voltage. In this way, the MCU 50 functions as a resistance measurement unit that obtains the electrical resistance values ​​R1, R2, and R3 based on information from the resistance measurement circuits 52, 53, and 54.

[0051] In the state shown in Figure 5, the electrical resistance values ​​R1 and R2 are unmeasurable, and the electrical resistance value R3 is close to the electrical resistance value of the load 21. In the state shown in Figure 6, the electrical resistance values ​​R2 and R3 are unmeasurable, and the electrical resistance value R1 is close to the electrical resistance value of the load 21. In the state shown in Figure 7, the electrical resistance values ​​R1 and R3 are unmeasurable, and the electrical resistance value R2 is close to the electrical resistance value of the load 21. In the state shown in Figure 8, the electrical resistance value R3 is a small value, and the electrical resistance values ​​R1 and R2 are close to the electrical resistance value of the load 21.

[0052] The current switching circuit 51 includes a switch and switches between a state in which the power supplied from the power source 12 is supplied to the electrode pair of the projecting electrodes 411 and 412, a state in which the power is supplied to the electrode pair of the projecting electrodes 412 and 413, and a state in which the power is supplied to the electrode pair of the projecting electrodes 411 and 413.

[0053] Based on the electrical resistance values ​​R1, R2, and R3, the MCU 50 determines the electrode pair to which power (including at least power for atomizing the aerosol source 22) from the power source 12 should be supplied, and controls the power switching circuit 51 so that power is supplied to the determined electrode pair.

[0054] Specifically, the MCU 50 selects an electrode pair whose inter-electrode electrical resistance value is equal to or greater than a threshold value based on the electrical resistance values ​​R1, R2, and R3. In the state of FIG. 5, the electrode pair of the salient electrodes 412 and 413 is selected. In the state of FIG. 6, the electrode pair of the salient electrodes 411 and 412 is selected. In the state of FIG. 7, the electrode pair of the salient electrodes 411 and 413 is selected. In the state of FIG. 8, either the electrode pair of the salient electrodes 411 and 412 or the electrode pair of the salient electrodes 411 and 413 is selected. When there are multiple electrode pairs whose inter-electrode electrical resistance value is equal to or greater than a threshold value, it is sufficient to determine in advance which electrode pair to preferentially select. Alternatively, it is possible to accumulate information on the current conduction history for each salient electrode and select an electrode pair including a salient electrode with the fewest number of times current has been conducted. Alternatively, it is possible to set another threshold higher than the threshold value, and select an electrode pair whose electrical resistance value is less than this another threshold value from among multiple electrode pairs whose electrical resistance value is equal to or greater than the threshold value. Alternatively, a target value for the electrical resistance may be set in advance, and an electrode pair having an electrical resistance value between the electrodes closest to this target value may be selected.

[0055] (Effects of the embodiment) In the aerosol inhalator 1, the cartridge holder CS does not have a positioning mechanism for determining the circumferential position of the first cartridge 20. Therefore, the first cartridge 20 can be inserted into the cartridge holder CS without having to consider the rotational posture of the first cartridge 20. This improves the ease of mounting the first cartridge 20 to the power supply unit 10.

[0056] Furthermore, in the aerosol inhalator 1, a second electrode unit including a greater number of electrodes than the first electrode unit is provided in the power supply unit 10. Therefore, regardless of the rotational position of the first cartridge 20, electrical connection can be established between the first cartridge 20 and the power supply unit 10, and aerosol generation can be performed in the same manner as conventional methods.

[0057] Furthermore, in the aerosol inhalator 1, the electrode pair to be energized for aerosol generation is selected based on the electrical resistance between the projecting electrodes of the second electrode unit. For example, even in any of the states shown in Figures 5 to 7, the projecting electrodes in contact with each of the plate electrodes 261 and 262 can be selected and energized to generate aerosol. In addition, in the state shown in Figure 8, the electrode pair of projecting electrodes 412 and 413 in contact with the plate electrode 262 is short-circuited, but no current is passed through this electrode pair. This prevents the high power required for aerosol generation from being supplied to the short-circuited electrode pair, thereby enhancing safety. As described above, even if the second electrode unit includes three electrodes, the appropriate two of these electrodes are selected and energized. Therefore, aerosol generation can be performed safely, as with conventional methods, even without a positioning mechanism.

[0058] The timing for the MCU 50 to acquire the electrical resistance values ​​R1, R2, and R3 is preferably between the time when the aerosol inhalator 1 is turned on by operating the operation unit 18 and the time when the first aerosol generation request is received (in other words, the period during which atomization of the aerosol source 22 is not occurring). By doing so, the electrical resistance values ​​R1, R2, and R3 can be measured before a large amount of power for aerosol generation is supplied to the first cartridge 20, and the electrode pair to be energized in the second electrode unit can be determined. This allows aerosol generation to be performed safely.

[0059] (First Modification of Cartridge Storage Section) Fig. 10 is a schematic diagram showing a first modified example of the cartridge accommodating section CS, and is a schematic cross-sectional view corresponding to Fig. 5. The configuration in Fig. 10 is the same as the configuration in Fig. 5, except that the position of the protruding electrode 412 provided on the bottom wall portion 13ab of the cartridge accommodating section CS is different.

[0060] 10 shows an imaginary circle CR2 centered on the center CP2 of the cartridge receiving section CS. The imaginary circle CR2 has a smaller diameter than the imaginary circle CR1 and is located inside the imaginary circle CR2. The diameter of the imaginary circle CR2 is greater than the distance D1 described above. The projecting electrode 412 is disposed on this imaginary circle CR2.

[0061] In the configuration of Figure 10, the angle between the line segment connecting the projecting electrode 411 and the center CP2 and the line segment connecting the projecting electrode 412 and the center CP2 is 120 degrees, the angle between the line segment connecting the projecting electrode 412 and the center CP2 and the line segment connecting the projecting electrode 413 and the center CP2 is 120 degrees, and the angle between the line segment connecting the projecting electrode 413 and the center CP2 and the line segment connecting the projecting electrode 411 and the center CP2 is 120 degrees.

[0062] The configuration shown in Fig. 10 can also provide the same effects as the configuration shown in Fig. 5. Furthermore, the configuration shown in Fig. 10 can also be used with first cartridges 20 of different types having different first electrode portion structures.

[0063] For example, consider a case where a different type of first cartridge 20 having as its first electrode portion a first annular electrode that overlaps with the periphery of the imaginary circle CR1 and a second annular electrode that overlaps with the periphery of the imaginary circle CR2 can be accommodated in the cartridge accommodating portion CS and used.

[0064] According to the configuration of FIG. 10 , regardless of the rotational position of the different type of first cartridge 20, the first annular electrode can always be brought into contact with the salient electrodes 411 and 413, and the second annular electrode can always be brought into contact with the salient electrode 412. When the first annular electrode is in contact with the salient electrodes 411 and 413 and the second annular electrode is in contact with the salient electrode 412, the electrical resistance between the salient electrodes 411 and 412 and the electrical resistance between the salient electrodes 412 and 413 are each equal to or greater than a threshold, and the electrical resistance between the salient electrodes 411 and 413 is less than a threshold. Therefore, the MCU 50 controls the power supply 12 to supply power to the electrode pair of the salient electrodes 412 and 411 or the electrode pair of the salient electrodes 412 and 413, thereby applying electricity to the different type of first cartridge 20 and generating aerosol. Thus, according to the configuration of FIG. 10 , an aerosol inhaler 1 compatible with various types of first cartridges 20 can be realized, thereby increasing commercial value.

[0065] In the configuration of FIG. 10 , by arranging the projecting electrodes 411 and 413 point-symmetrically with respect to the center CP2, it becomes possible to distinguish whether the first cartridge 20 of the type shown in FIG. 4 or the first cartridge 20 of the different type is installed. Specifically, the MCU 50 first acquires a first electrical resistance value between the projecting electrodes 411 and 413. If the first electrical resistance value is equal to or greater than a threshold, it recognizes that the first cartridge 20 of the type shown in FIG. 4 is installed. If the first electrical resistance value is less than the threshold, the MCU 50 acquires a second electrical resistance value between the projecting electrodes 411 and 412 or a second electrical resistance value between the projecting electrodes 413 and 412. If the second electrical resistance value is equal to or greater than the threshold, it recognizes that the first cartridge 20 of the different type is installed. If the second electrical resistance value is less than the threshold, the MCU 50 determines that a connection error has occurred and notifies the user. The MCU 50 may notify the user of the recognized cartridge type. The MCU 50 may also change the discharge control for the first cartridge 20 depending on the cartridge type. In this way, by allowing different types of cartridges to be used and performing optimal control according to the cartridge type, the commercial value of the aerosol inhalator 1 can be increased.

[0066] (Second Modification of Cartridge Storage Section) Figure 11 is a schematic diagram showing a second modified example of cartridge accommodating section CS, and is a schematic cross-sectional view corresponding to Figure 5. The configuration in Figure 11 is the same as the configuration in Figure 5 except that the positions of protruding electrodes 411, 412, 413 provided on bottom wall portion 13ab of cartridge accommodating section CS are different and that protruding electrode 414 is additionally provided on bottom wall portion 13ab. The imaginary circle CR2 shown in Figure 11 is the same as the imaginary circle CR2 shown in Figure 10.

[0067] 11, the projecting electrodes 411 and 413 are arranged at equal intervals on an imaginary circle CR1, and the projecting electrodes 412 and 414 are arranged at equal intervals on an imaginary circle CR2. In the configuration of Fig. 11, the angle formed by the two line segments connecting each of the projecting electrodes 411 and 412 to the center CP2, the angle formed by the two line segments connecting each of the projecting electrodes 412 and 413 to the center CP2, the angle formed by the two line segments connecting each of the projecting electrodes 413 and 414 to the center CP2, and the angle formed by the two line segments connecting each of the projecting electrodes 414 and 411 to the center CP2 are all 90 degrees.

[0068] 11 is employed, the MCU 50 acquires the electrical resistance value between the electrodes of the electrode pair of the projecting electrode 411 and the projecting electrode 412, the electrical resistance value between the electrodes of the electrode pair of the projecting electrode 411 and the projecting electrode 413, the electrical resistance value between the electrodes of the electrode pair of the projecting electrode 411 and the projecting electrode 414, the electrical resistance value between the electrodes of the electrode pair of the projecting electrode 412 and the projecting electrode 413, the electrical resistance value between the electrodes of the electrode pair of the projecting electrode 412 and the projecting electrode 414, and the electrical resistance value between the electrodes of the electrode pair of the projecting electrode 413 and the projecting electrode 414. Then, the MCU 50 selects one electrode pair for which the acquired electrical resistance value is equal to or greater than a threshold, and controls the supply of power from the power source 12 to that electrode pair.

[0069] The configuration shown in FIG. 11 can achieve the same effects as the configurations shown in FIGS. 5 and 10 . Furthermore, the configuration shown in FIG. 11 includes a larger number of projecting electrodes in the second electrode portion than the configurations shown in FIGS. 5 and 10 . This allows for a high probability of multiple electrode pairs having an electrical resistance value equal to or greater than the threshold. This makes it easy to select electrode pairs so that each projecting electrode is evenly used for current flow, thereby improving the durability of the second electrode portion. Furthermore, according to the configuration shown in FIG. 11 , the projecting electrodes 411 and 413 are arranged point-symmetrically with respect to the center CP2, and the projecting electrodes 412 and 414 are arranged point-symmetrically with respect to the center CP2. This makes it possible to distinguish the first cartridge 20 of the type shown in FIG. 4 from the other types of first cartridge 20, thereby improving the product value.

[0070] In the configuration of FIG. 11, the projecting electrodes 411, 412, 413, and 414 may be arranged at equal intervals on either the imaginary circle CR1 or the imaginary circle CR2.

[0071] (Third Modification of Cartridge Storage Section) Fig. 12 is a schematic diagram showing a third modified example of the cartridge holding section CS, and is a schematic cross-sectional view corresponding to Fig. 5. The configuration in Fig. 12 is the same as the configuration in Fig. 11 except that the positions of the protruding electrodes 411 and 414 are changed.

[0072] 12, the projecting electrode 411 is arranged on an imaginary circle CR2, and the projecting electrode 414 is arranged on an imaginary circle CR1. In the configuration of Fig. 12, the angle formed by the two line segments connecting each of the projecting electrodes 411 and 412 to the center CP2, the angle formed by the two line segments connecting each of the projecting electrodes 412 and 413 to the center CP2, the angle formed by the two line segments connecting each of the projecting electrodes 413 and 414 to the center CP2, and the angle formed by the two line segments connecting each of the projecting electrodes 414 and 411 to the center CP2 are all 90 degrees.

[0073] Even with the configuration shown in FIG. 12, the same effects as those of the configuration shown in FIG. 11 can be obtained.

[0074] In the configuration shown in FIG. 10 described above, the position of the projecting electrode 412 may be changed to the center CP2. Furthermore, in the configurations shown in FIGS. 11 and 12, the position of the projecting electrode 412 or the projecting electrode 414 may be changed to the center CP2. Assume that the first cartridge 20 is of a second different type, with a first electrode portion including a circular electrode arranged at the center CP1 and an annular electrode arranged on an imaginary circle CR1. The configuration shown in FIG. 10 in which the position of the projecting electrode 412 is changed to the center CP2, or the configuration shown in FIGS. 11 and 12 in which the position of the projecting electrode 412 or the projecting electrode 414 is changed to the center CP2, allows for selection of an electrode pair to be energized based on the electrical resistance between the electrode pair, thereby enabling compatibility with both the first cartridge 20 of the type shown in FIG. 4 and the first cartridge 20 of a second different type. Furthermore, the type can be identified based on the electrical resistance between the electrode pairs.

[0075] (Fourth Modification of Cartridge Storage Section) Figure 13 is a diagram showing a fourth modified example of the cartridge accommodating section CS, and is a schematic cross-sectional view corresponding to Figure 3. The configuration in Figure 13 is the same as the configuration in Figure 3, except that an annular member 131 is provided on the bottom wall portion 13ab.

[0076] Fig. 14 is a schematic cross-sectional view taken along the line BB in Fig. 13. Fig. 15 is a schematic exploded perspective view of the bottom wall portion 13ab of the cartridge accommodating portion CS in Fig. 13.

[0077] As shown in FIG. 15 , an annular recess 130 is formed in the bottom surface 13as of the cartridge accommodating section CS, and is shaped to follow the outer periphery of the bottom wall section 13ab. The annular recess 130 is formed to surround an area in which the through holes 13b, through which the protruding electrodes 411, 412, and 413 respectively pass, are formed. An annular member 131 is disposed in this annular recess 130 in an unfixed state. The unfixed state refers to a state different from a state in which the annular recess 130 and the annular member 131 are firmly fixed by adhesion, press-fitting, or the like, and refers to a state in which the annular member 131 can be removed from the annular recess 130. The annular member 131 is fitted into the annular recess 130 in such a manner that it can rotate within the annular recess 130 when a strong force is applied in the circumferential direction.

[0078] The annular member 131 is a flexible member made of a soft material such as urethane, silicone, resin, or rubber. The annular member 131 is made of a member having a rigidity that is sufficiently lower than the rigidity of the bottom end 26 of the first cartridge 20. The static friction coefficient between the surface 26s of the bottom end 26 of the first cartridge 20 and the annular member 131 is large enough to prevent the first cartridge 20 from rotating inside the cartridge accommodating section CS.

[0079] 14, the annular member 131 has an inner diameter smaller than the diameter of the first cartridge 20, and is configured to be able to come into contact with the surface 26s of the first cartridge 20 along its circumferential direction. Furthermore, it is preferable that the vertical height of the annular member 131 is greater than the vertical depth of the annular recess 130. It is more preferable that the upper surface of the annular member 131 is located between the tips of the protruding electrodes 411, 412, 413 and the bottom surface 13as of the cartridge holding portion CS.

[0080] 14 and 15, the annular member 131 is embedded in the bottom wall portion 13ab in a state where it is exposed within the cartridge holding portion CS. Therefore, even if a circumferential rotational force is applied to the first cartridge 20 while the first cartridge 20 is held in the cartridge holding portion CS, the rotation of the first cartridge 20 due to the force is suppressed by the frictional force between the annular member 131 and the first cartridge 20. By suppressing the rotation of the first cartridge 20 in this way, wear of the first cartridge 20 and the cartridge holding portion CS due to friction can be prevented.

[0081] Furthermore, by restricting the rotation of the first cartridge 20, it is possible to prevent short circuits and improve safety. For example, in the state shown in Fig. 8, electricity is passed through the first cartridge 20 using, for example, the protruding electrodes 411 and 412. If the first cartridge 20 rotates during this current passage and the protruding electrode 412 comes into contact with the plate electrode 261, a short circuit will occur. By restricting the rotation of the first cartridge 20, it is possible to prevent such short circuits from occurring.

[0082] 14 and 15, the annular member 131 is disposed in an unattached state on the bottom wall 13ab of the cartridge holding unit CS. As a result, a gap is formed between the annular member 131 and the bottom wall 13ab of the cartridge holding unit CS. The capillary force created by this gap allows the aerosol source 22 leaking from the first cartridge 20 to be collected. As a result, the aerosol source 22 can be prevented from entering the area where the projecting electrode and the plate electrode are disposed, thereby improving durability and safety.

[0083] 14 and 15, the annular member 131 has the function of suppressing rotation of the first cartridge 20. However, any configuration may be used as long as it can generate frictional force between the bottom wall portion 13ab and the first cartridge 20. For example, instead of the annular member 131, a configuration may be used in which multiple arc-shaped flexible members are arranged in the annular recess 130.

[0084] (Preferable embodiment of the cartridge storage section of the fourth modified example) Below, we will explain preferred aspects of the cartridge storage section CS shown in Figures 14 and 15. The preferred aspects shown below can be combined as appropriate.

[0085] It is preferable that part or all of the surface (upper surface 131sa (see FIG. 15)) of the annular member 131 facing the first cartridge 20 be made uneven. By configuring it in this way, the static friction coefficient between the annular member 131 and the first cartridge 20 can be increased, and the effect of inhibiting rotation of the first cartridge 20 can be strengthened.

[0086] It is preferable that part or all of the surface (lower surface 131sb (see FIG. 15)) of the annular member 131 on the side of the bottom wall portion 13ab is an uneven surface. With this configuration, the static friction coefficient between the annular member 131 and the bottom surface 130b of the annular recess 130 can be increased, and rotation of the annular member 131 can be prevented. In addition, the unevenness of the lower surface 131sb of the annular member 131 can increase the capillary force, thereby strengthening the collection effect of the aerosol source 22.

[0087] It is preferable that part or all of the bottom surface 130b of the annular recess 130 is an uneven surface. With this configuration, the static friction coefficient between the annular member 131 and the bottom surface 130b can be increased, and rotation of the annular member 131 can be prevented. In addition, the unevenness of the bottom surface 130b can increase the capillary force, thereby enhancing the collection effect of the aerosol source 22.

[0088] Figure 16 is a cross-sectional schematic diagram showing a modified example of the cross section taken along the CC arrow in Figure 14. This modified example differs from the cartridge storage section CS in Figures 14 and 15 in that at least one recess 131b is formed in the lower surface 131sb of the annular member 131, and that protrusions 130c that engage with each recess 131b of the annular member 131 are formed in the bottom surface 130b of the annular recess 130. The recess 131b and the protrusion 130c that engages therewith are each shaped like a cylinder or a rectangular parallelepiped, for example.

[0089] According to the configuration shown in Figure 16, the annular member 131 and the bottom wall 13ab of the cartridge accommodating section CS are engaged with each other by the recessed portion 131b and the protruding portion 130c. This prevents the annular member 131 from rotating. The same effect can be achieved by forming a protruding portion on the lower surface 131sb of the annular member 131 and forming a recess that engages with this protruding portion on the bottom surface 130b of the annular recess 130. To increase the engagement force, it is preferable that multiple pairs of recessed portion 131b and protruding portion 130c are arranged side by side in the circumferential direction.

[0090] Figure 17 is a cross-sectional schematic diagram showing another modified example of the cross section taken along the CC arrow in Figure 14. This modified example differs from the cartridge accommodating section CS in Figures 14 and 15 in that at least one recess 131a is formed on the outer peripheral side surface 131sc of the annular member 131, and that protrusions 130a that engage with each recess 131a of the annular member 131 are formed on a wall surface 130s of the annular recess 130 that faces the outer peripheral side surface 131sc. The recess 131a and the protrusion 130a that engages therewith are each, for example, cylindrical, rectangular, annular, etc.

[0091] 17, the annular member 131 and the wall surface 130s of the cartridge storage section CS are engaged with each other by the recessed portion 131a and the protruding portion 130a. This restricts the annular member 131 from moving up and down. This prevents the annular member 131 from being lifted up by the aerosol source 22 trapped between the annular member 131 and the bottom surface 130b of the annular recess 130.

[0092] The same effect can be obtained by forming a convex portion on the outer peripheral side surface 131sc of the annular member 131 and forming a concave portion that engages with this convex portion on the wall surface 130s of the annular recess 130. In order to effectively prevent the annular member 131 from floating up, it is preferable that the concave portion 131a and the convex portion 130a each have an annular shape that follows the circumferential direction.

[0093] Alternatively, a convex portion or a concave portion may be formed on the inner peripheral side surface 131sd of the annular member 131, and a concave portion or a convex portion that engages with the convex portion or concave portion may be provided on the wall surface of the annular recess 130 that faces the inner peripheral side surface 131sd. This configuration also makes it possible to prevent the annular member 131 from floating up.

[0094] In the aerosol inhalator 1 of the embodiment and its modified example described above, two electrodes (plate electrodes 261, 262) are provided in the first cartridge 20. However, the number of electrodes provided in the first cartridge 20 is not limited to two.

[0095] For example, a heater for heating the flavor source 31 may be added to the first cartridge 20, and two electrodes for energizing the heater and two electrodes for energizing the load 21 may be provided in the first cartridge 20, for a total of four electrodes. Alternatively, two heaters for heating the aerosol source 22 may be provided in the first cartridge 20, and a total of four electrodes for energizing each of the two heaters may be provided in the first cartridge 20.

[0096] In these configurations, the number of protruding electrodes provided in the cartridge storage section CS may be set to five or more, greater than four. By doing so, regardless of the rotational position of the first cartridge 20, the electrodes included in the first electrode section can be brought into contact with the electrodes included in the second electrode section, and electricity can be individually applied to the two heaters of the first cartridge 20.

[0097] In the aerosol inhalator 1, it is preferable that at least a part of the area of ​​the surface 26s of the lower end 26 of the first cartridge 20 that can come into contact with the annular member 131 is made uneven. This can enhance the effect of suppressing rotation of the annular member 131 and the capillary force.

[0098] In the above description, the upper opening of the cartridge storage unit CS is closed by the second cartridge 30. However, for example, it is also possible to install the second cartridge 30 from the upper end surface side and the first cartridge 20 from the lower end surface side to the power supply unit case 11 of the aerosol inhalator 1 shown in FIG. 1 . In this case, after inserting the first cartridge 20 into the cartridge holder 14, the lower opening of the cartridge holder 14 can be closed, for example, by closing a lid provided on the lower end surface of the power supply unit case 11. In this configuration, for example, a second electrode unit can be provided on the lid unit so that the first electrode unit and the second electrode unit are electrically connected when the lid unit is closed. In this configuration, the cartridge holder 14 and the lid unit form a storage unit that stores the first cartridge 20.

[0099] (Preferable configuration of the electric circuit formed on the circuit board) Fig. 18 is a schematic diagram showing a preferred example of the configuration of an electric circuit formed on a circuit board 60. In the example shown in Fig. 18, the circuit board 60 is provided with a switch group consisting of six switches SW1 to SW6 configured with transistors or the like, resistive elements 61 and 62 configured with transistors or resistors or the like and having fixed electric resistance values, projecting electrodes 411 to 413, and an MCU 50 (not shown). The electric resistance value of resistive element 61 is represented by Ra, and the electric resistance value of resistive element 62 is represented by Rb.

[0100] One end of each of the switches SW1 to SW4 is connected to a supply line of the power supply voltage Vdd supplied from the power supply 12. The other end of the switch SW1 is connected to a protruding electrode 411 via a resistive element 61. The other end of the switch SW2 is connected to the protruding electrode 411. That is, a first parallel circuit formed by connecting a series circuit of the resistive element 61 and the switch SW1 and the switch SW2 in parallel is connected between the power supply 12 and the protruding electrode 411.

[0101] The other end of the switch SW4 is connected to the protruding electrode 412 via the resistive element 62. The other end of the switch SW3 is connected to the protruding electrode 412. That is, a second parallel circuit formed by connecting the series circuit of the resistive element 62 and the switch SW4 and the switch SW3 in parallel is connected between the power supply 12 and the protruding electrode 412.

[0102] One end of each of the switches SW5 and SW6 is connected to ground. The other end of the switch SW5 is connected to the protruding electrode 413. The other end of the switch SW6 is connected to the protruding electrode 412.

[0103] The switches SW1 to SW6 are each controlled to open and close by the MCU 50. The salient electrode 411 is connected to a voltage measurement circuit (not shown) built into the MCU 50, for example, and the voltage V1 of the salient electrode 411 is measured by this voltage measurement circuit. The salient electrode 412 is connected to a voltage measurement circuit (not shown) built into the MCU 50, for example, and the voltage V2 of the salient electrode 412 is measured by this voltage measurement circuit. The voltage measurement circuit for measuring the voltage V1 and the voltage measurement circuit for measuring the voltage V2 may be provided separately, or may share a single voltage measurement circuit.

[0104] (Method for measuring the electrical resistance R1 between the projecting electrodes 411 and 412) The MCU 50 controls the switches SW1 to SW6 so that switches SW1 and SW6 are closed and all others are open. In this state, the MCU 50 measures the voltage V1 of the projecting electrode 411 using a voltage measurement circuit. The voltage V1 is expressed by the following equation (1) using the electrical resistance value R1, the electrical resistance value Ra, and the power supply voltage Vdd.

[0105] V1=Vdd*{R1 / (Ra+R1)} (1)

[0106] By solving equation (1) for R1, the following equation (2) is obtained: Therefore, the MCU 50 can measure the electrical resistance value R1 between the projecting electrodes 411 and 412 by acquiring the voltage V1. R1=Ra / {(Vdd / V1)-1} (2)

[0107] (Method for measuring the electrical resistance R2 between the projecting electrodes 411 and 413) The MCU 50 controls the switches SW1 to SW6 so that switches SW1 and SW5 are closed and all others are open. In this state, the MCU 50 measures the voltage V1 of the projecting electrode 411 using a voltage measurement circuit. The voltage V1 is expressed by the following equation (3) using the electrical resistance value R2, the electrical resistance value Ra, and the power supply voltage Vdd.

[0108] V1=Vdd*{R2 / (Ra+R2)} (3)

[0109] By solving equation (3) for R2, the following equation (4) is obtained: Therefore, the MCU 50 can measure the electrical resistance value R2 between the projecting electrode 411 and the projecting electrode 413 by acquiring the voltage V1. R2=Ra / {(Vdd / V1)-1} (4)

[0110] (Method for measuring the electrical resistance R3 between the projecting electrodes 412 and 413) The MCU 50 controls the switches SW1 to SW6 so that switches SW4 and SW5 are closed and all the others are open. In this state, the MCU 50 measures the voltage V2 of the projecting electrode 412 using a voltage measurement circuit. The voltage V2 is expressed by the following equation (5) using the electrical resistance value R3, the electrical resistance value Rb, and the power supply voltage Vdd.

[0111] V2=Vdd*{R3 / (Rb+R3)} (5)

[0112] By solving equation (5) for R3, the following equation (6) is obtained: Therefore, the MCU 50 can measure the electrical resistance value R3 between the projecting electrode 412 and the projecting electrode 413 by acquiring the voltage V2. R3 = Rb / {(Vdd / V2)-1} (6)

[0113] The operation until the power supply unit 10 can supply power to the first cartridge 20 is as follows. First, the MCU 50 acquires the electrical resistance value R1 using the above-described method. If a predetermined condition is satisfied, that is, the difference between the acquired electrical resistance value R1 and the electrical resistance value of the load 21 is equal to or smaller than a determination threshold, the MCU 50 determines that the load 21 is connected to the projecting electrodes 411 and 412. Then, of the switches SW1 to SW6, the MCU 50 controls the switches SW2 and SW6 to be closed and all the others to be open. As a result, electricity is applied to the first cartridge 20 via the projecting electrodes 411 and 412.

[0114] If the difference between the acquired electrical resistance value R1 and the electrical resistance value of the load 21 exceeds the determination threshold, the MCU 50 subsequently acquires the electrical resistance value R2 using the above method. If the predetermined condition that the difference between the acquired electrical resistance value R2 and the electrical resistance value of the load 21 is equal to or less than the determination threshold is met, the MCU 50 determines that the load 21 is connected to the projecting electrodes 411 and 413. Then, the MCU 50 controls the switches SW1 to SW6 so that switches SW2 and SW5 are closed and all the others are open. As a result, electricity is applied to the first cartridge 20 via the projecting electrodes 411 and 413.

[0115] If the difference between the acquired electrical resistance value R2 and the electrical resistance value of the load 21 exceeds the determination threshold, the MCU 50 continues by acquiring an electrical resistance value R3 using the above method. If the predetermined condition that the difference between the acquired electrical resistance value R3 and the electrical resistance value of the load 21 is equal to or less than the determination threshold is met, the MCU 50 determines that the load 21 is connected to the projecting electrodes 412 and 413. Then, the MCU 50 controls the switches SW1 to SW6 so that switches SW3 and SW5 are closed and all the others are open. As a result, electricity is applied to the first cartridge 20 via the projecting electrodes 412 and 413.

[0116] If the difference between the acquired electrical resistance value R3 and the electrical resistance value of the load 21 exceeds the above-mentioned determination threshold, the MCU 50 determines that power cannot be applied to the first cartridge 20 or that the first cartridge 20 is not inserted, and issues an error notification, etc. The order in which the electrical resistance values ​​are acquired is not limited to the above. For example, the electrical resistance values ​​may be acquired in the order of R2, R1, and R3, or R3, R2, and R1.

[0117] In this way, according to the circuit configuration shown in FIG. 18, simply by changing which of the switches SW1 to SW6 is closed, it is possible to sequentially obtain the electrical resistance value R1, the electrical resistance value R2, and the electrical resistance value R3, or to energize only the necessary pairs of projecting electrodes.

[0118] 18, the circuit including the switches SW1 to SW4 and the resistor elements 61 and 62 is connected between the power supply 12 and the protruding electrodes 411 and 412, and the circuit including the switches SW5 and SW6 is connected between the ground and the protruding electrodes 412 and 413, but this is not limiting. A configuration may also be adopted in which the circuit including the switches SW1 to SW4 and the resistor elements 61 and 62 is connected between the ground and the protruding electrodes 411 and 412, and a circuit including the switches SW5 and SW6 is connected between the power supply 12 and the protruding electrodes 412 and 413. In other words, in FIG. 18, the supply line of the power supply voltage Vdd may be changed to a ground line connected to the ground, and the ground may be changed to the supply line.

[0119] This specification describes at least the following items. Note that the components in parentheses correspond to those in the above-described embodiment, but are not limited to these.

[0120] (1) a storage section (cartridge storage section CS) that stores a columnar cartridge (first cartridge 20) that stores an aerosol source (aerosol source 22); A first electrode unit including a plurality of electrodes (plate electrodes 261, 262) is provided on an end surface (surface 26s) of the cartridge, the housing portion has a second electrode portion in a region facing the end surface, The second electrode section includes electrodes (projecting electrodes 411, 412, 413) that can come into contact with each electrode included in the first electrode section, and the number of electrodes included in the first electrode section is greater than the total number of electrodes included in the first electrode section. This is a power supply unit (power supply unit 10) of an aerosol generating device (aerosol inhaler 1).

[0121] According to (1), regardless of the state of the cartridge, the electrodes included in the first electrode unit can be brought into contact with the electrodes included in the second electrode unit, thereby allowing current to flow through the cartridge. This configuration eliminates the need for a mechanism for positioning the cartridge in the storage unit, improving the operability of cartridge installation. Furthermore, by allowing current to flow through only one electrode of the second electrode unit that contacts each electrode of the first electrode unit, it is possible to prevent current from flowing through a short circuit. Furthermore, even when cartridges with different types of first electrode unit configurations are stored, electrical connection with each type of cartridge is possible, thereby increasing the commercial value of the aerosol inhaler.

[0122] (2) A power supply unit for the aerosol generating device according to (1), A power supply unit for an aerosol generating device, wherein the second electrode section is arranged so that at least one electrode of the second electrode section contacts each electrode of the first electrode section regardless of the rotational position of the cartridge in the storage section.

[0123] According to (2), the electrodes included in the second electrode unit can be brought into contact with the electrodes included in the first electrode unit, regardless of the state in which the cartridge is housed, thereby allowing current to flow through the cartridge.

[0124] (3) A power supply unit for the aerosol generating device according to (2), a resistance measurement unit (MCU50) for measuring the electrical resistance values ​​(electrical resistance values ​​R1, R2, R3) between all electrode pairs that can be selected from all electrodes included in the second electrode unit; A power supply unit for an aerosol generating device, comprising: a control unit (MCU50) that selects the same number of electrodes as the electrodes of the first electrode unit from the electrodes included in the second electrode unit based on the electrical resistance value measured by the resistance measuring unit, and controls the passing of electricity through the selected electrodes.

[0125] According to (3), electricity can be passed only to the electrodes of the second electrode unit that are electrically connected to the electrodes of the first electrode unit, thereby preventing electricity from passing through in a short-circuited state.

[0126] (4) A power supply unit for the aerosol generating device according to (3), The control unit selects the electrode pair for which the electrical resistance value is equal to or greater than a threshold value.

[0127] According to (4), it is possible to pass current through the electrode pair that is not short-circuited.

[0128] (5) A power supply unit for the aerosol generating device according to (3) or (4), The resistance measuring unit is a power supply unit of the aerosol generating device that measures the electrical resistance value of the electrode pair during a period when the aerosol source is not being atomized.

[0129] According to (5), the electrical resistance value can be measured before supplying a large amount of power to the cartridge for generating the aerosol, and the electrode to which current is to be applied in the second electrode unit can be determined. This allows for safe aerosol generation.

[0130] (6) A power supply unit for the aerosol generating device according to (2), the second electrode portion includes a first electrode (projecting electrode 411), a second electrode (projecting electrode 412), and a third electrode (projecting electrode 413), a first parallel circuit connected between one of a power supply (power supply 12) and ground and the first electrode; a second parallel circuit connected between one of the power supply and the ground and the second electrode, The first parallel circuit is a series circuit of a resistor element (resistor element 61) and a first switch (switch SW1), and a second switch (switch SW2) connected in parallel, The second parallel circuit is a series circuit of a resistor element (resistor element 62) and a fourth switch (switch SW4), and a third switch (switch SW3) connected in parallel, a fifth switch (switch SW5) connected between the other of the power supply and the ground and the third electrode; a sixth switch (switch SW6) connected between the other of the power supply and the ground and the second electrode; a voltage measurement circuit that measures the voltage of the first electrode (voltage V1) and the voltage of the second electrode (voltage V2); and a controller (MCU50) that controls opening and closing of a group of switches including the first switch, the second switch, the third switch, the fourth switch, the fifth switch, and the sixth switch, and acquires electrical resistance values ​​between all electrode pairs that can be selected from all electrodes included in the second electrode unit based on the voltage measured by the voltage measurement circuit. Power supply unit for the aerosol generator.

[0131] According to (6), the electrodes of the second electrode unit that are electrically connected to the electrodes of the first electrode unit can be identified based on the electrical resistance value, and it is possible to pass electricity only to these electrodes. This makes it possible to prevent electricity from passing through in a short-circuited state. Furthermore, this effect can be achieved with a simple circuit configuration.

[0132] (7) A power supply unit for the aerosol generating device according to (6), The controller a process of acquiring a first electrical resistance value (electrical resistance value R1) between the first electrode and the second electrode based on the voltage of the first electrode measured by the voltage measurement circuit in a state where only the first switch and the sixth switch are closed; a process of acquiring a second electrical resistance value (electrical resistance value R2) between the first electrode and the third electrode based on the voltage of the first electrode measured by the voltage measurement circuit in a state where only the first switch and the fifth switch are closed; and acquiring a third electrical resistance value (electrical resistance value R3) between the second electrode and the third electrode based on the voltage of the second electrode measured by the voltage measurement circuit with only the fourth switch and the fifth switch closed, in a time-division manner. When the first electrical resistance value satisfies a predetermined condition, the group of switches is controlled to be opened or closed so that electricity can be passed only through the first electrode and the second electrode; When the second electrical resistance value satisfies the predetermined condition, the group of switches is controlled to be opened and closed so that electricity can be passed only through the first electrode and the third electrode; When the third electrical resistance value satisfies the predetermined condition, the group of switches is controlled to be opened and closed so that electricity can be passed only through the second electrode and the third electrode. Power supply unit for the aerosol generator.

[0133] According to (7), it is possible to pass current only to the electrodes of the second electrode unit that are electrically connected to the electrodes of the first electrode unit. This prevents current from passing through in a short-circuited state. Furthermore, this effect can be achieved with a simple circuit configuration.

[0134] (8) A power supply unit for the aerosol generating device according to any one of (1) to (5), The first electrode unit is composed of two first sub-electrodes (plate electrodes 261, 262) arranged opposite to each other across the center (center CP1) of the cartridge, The second electrode section is a power supply unit of the aerosol generating device, consisting of three or more second sub-electrodes (projection electrodes 411, 412, 413) arranged at equal intervals on a circle (imaginary circle CR1) centered on the center of the storage section (center CP2).

[0135] According to (8), the electrodes included in the second electrode portion can be brought into contact with the electrodes included in the first electrode portion, regardless of the rotational position of the cartridge within the housing portion, thereby enabling current to flow through the cartridge.

[0136] (9) A power supply unit for the aerosol generating device according to any one of (1) to (5), The first electrode unit is composed of two first sub-electrodes (plate electrodes 261, 262) arranged opposite to each other across the center (center CP1) of the cartridge, The second electrode section is a power supply unit of the aerosol generating device, consisting of second sub-electrodes (projection electrodes 411, 412, 413, 414) arranged at least one on each of multiple circles (imaginary circles CR1, CR2) of different diameters centered on the center of the storage section (center CP2).

[0137] According to (9), it is possible to energize the cartridge by bringing the electrodes included in the second electrode unit into contact with each electrode included in the first electrode unit, regardless of the rotational position of the cartridge within the housing. Furthermore, for example, when a cartridge having a first electrode unit including a first annular electrode and a second annular electrode disposed inside the first annular electrode is housed in the housing and made usable, it is possible to ensure that one second sub-electrode is in contact with each of the first annular electrode and the second annular electrode. Therefore, even when multiple different types of cartridges are installed, it is possible to safely energize each type of cartridge.

[0138] (10) A power supply unit for the aerosol generating device according to (9), A power supply unit for an aerosol generating device, in which the angles formed by the two line segments connecting each of two adjacent second sub-electrodes of the second electrode unit in the circumferential direction of the circle to the center of the circle are uniform (uniformly 90 degrees in the examples of Figures 11 and 12).

[0139] According to (10), the electrodes included in the second electrode portion can be brought into contact with the electrodes included in the first electrode portion, regardless of the rotational position of the cartridge within the housing portion, thereby allowing current to flow through the cartridge.

[0140] (11) A power supply unit for the aerosol generating device according to (1), A power supply unit for an aerosol generating device, wherein the second electrode portion consists of a second sub-electrode arranged at the center of the containing portion and two or more second sub-electrodes arranged on at least one circle centered on the center of the containing portion.

[0141] Although various embodiments have been described above with reference to the drawings, it goes without saying that the present invention is not limited to such examples. It is clear that a person skilled in the art can conceive of various modifications or alterations within the scope of the claims, and it is understood that these also naturally fall within the technical scope of the present invention. Furthermore, the components of the above-described embodiments may be combined in any manner without departing from the spirit of the invention.

[0142] This application is based on a Japanese patent application (Patent Application No. 2020-202110) filed on December 4, 2020, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. [Explanation of symbols]

[0143] 1 aerosol inhaler 20 First Cartridge 22 Aerosol Sources 261, 262 Plate electrodes 411, 412, 413 protruding electrode CS cartridge storage area

Claims

1. a housing portion for housing a columnar cartridge for storing an aerosol source; a first electrode portion is provided on an end surface of the cartridge; the first electrode unit is composed of only two first sub-electrodes arranged opposite to each other across the center of the cartridge, the housing portion has a second electrode portion in a region facing the end surface, A power supply unit for an aerosol generating device, wherein the second electrode section includes three or more electrodes that can contact each of the two first sub-electrodes, and is arranged so that at least one electrode of the second electrode section contacts each of the two first sub-electrodes regardless of the rotational position of the cartridge in the storage section.

2. a housing portion for housing a columnar cartridge for storing an aerosol source; a first electrode portion is provided on an end surface of the cartridge; the first electrode unit is composed of only two first sub-electrodes arranged opposite to each other across the center of the cartridge, the housing portion has a second electrode portion in a region facing the end surface, A power supply unit for an aerosol generating device, wherein the second electrode section includes three or more electrodes that can contact each of the two first sub-electrodes, and is arranged so that at least one electrode of the second electrode section contacts each of the two first sub-electrodes even when the cartridge rotates in the storage section.

3. A power supply unit for the aerosol generating device according to claim 1 or 2, a resistance measurement unit that measures the electrical resistance values ​​between all electrode pairs that can be selected from all electrodes included in the second electrode unit; A power supply unit for an aerosol generating device comprising: a control unit that selects the same number of electrodes as the electrodes of the first electrode unit from the electrodes included in the second electrode unit based on the electrical resistance value measured by the resistance measuring unit, and controls the passing of electricity through the selected electrodes.

4. A power supply unit for the aerosol generating device according to claim 3, The control unit selects the electrode pair for which the electrical resistance value is greater than or equal to a threshold value.

5. A power supply unit for the aerosol generating device according to claim 3 or 4, The resistance measuring unit is a power supply unit of the aerosol generating device that measures the electrical resistance value of the electrode pair during a period when atomization of the aerosol source is not occurring.

6. A power supply unit for the aerosol generating device according to claim 1 or 2, the second electrode unit includes a first electrode, a second electrode, and a third electrode, a first parallel circuit connected between one of a power supply and a ground and the first electrode; a second parallel circuit connected between one of the power supply and the ground and the second electrode, the first parallel circuit is a series circuit of a resistance element and a first switch, and a second switch connected in parallel; the second parallel circuit is a series circuit of a resistor element and a fourth switch, and a third switch connected in parallel; a fifth switch connected between the other of the power supply and the ground and the third electrode; a sixth switch connected between the other of the power supply and the ground and the second electrode; a voltage measurement circuit that measures the voltage of the first electrode and the voltage of the second electrode; a controller that controls opening and closing of a group of switches including the first switch, the second switch, the third switch, the fourth switch, the fifth switch, and the sixth switch, and that acquires electrical resistance values ​​between all electrode pairs that can be selected from all electrodes included in the second electrode unit based on the voltage measured by the voltage measurement circuit. Power supply unit for the aerosol generator.

7. A power supply unit for the aerosol generating device according to claim 6, The controller a process of acquiring a first electrical resistance value between the first electrode and the second electrode based on the voltage of the first electrode measured by the voltage measurement circuit in a state where only the first switch and the sixth switch are closed; acquiring a second electrical resistance value between the first electrode and the third electrode based on the voltage of the first electrode measured by the voltage measurement circuit in a state where only the first switch and the fifth switch are closed; and acquiring a third electrical resistance value between the second electrode and the third electrode based on the voltage of the second electrode measured by the voltage measurement circuit with only the fourth switch and the fifth switch closed, in a time-division manner; When the first electrical resistance value satisfies a predetermined condition, the group of switches is controlled to be opened or closed so that electricity can be passed only through the first electrode and the second electrode; When the second electrical resistance value satisfies the predetermined condition, the group of switches is controlled to be opened and closed so that electricity can be passed only through the first electrode and the third electrode; When the third electrical resistance value satisfies the predetermined condition, the group of switches is controlled to be opened and closed so that electricity can be passed only through the second electrode and the third electrode. Power supply unit for the aerosol generator.

8. A power supply unit for the aerosol generating device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, A power supply unit for an aerosol generating device, wherein the second electrode section consists of three or more second sub-electrodes arranged at equal intervals on a circle centered on the center of the storage section.

9. A power supply unit for the aerosol generating device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, A power supply unit for an aerosol generating device, wherein the second electrode portion consists of at least one second sub-electrode arranged on each of a plurality of circles of different diameters centered on the center of the storage portion.

10. 10. A power supply unit for the aerosol generating device according to claim 9, A power supply unit for an aerosol generating device, in which the angles formed by two line segments connecting each of two adjacent second sub-electrodes of the second electrode portion in the circumferential direction of the circle to the center of the circle are uniform.

11. A cylindrical cartridge for storing an aerosol source, comprising: A cartridge that can be accommodated in the storage section of the power supply unit of the aerosol generating device described in claim 1 or 2, and has an end surface facing the second electrode section of the storage section, and is provided with a first electrode section consisting only of two first sub-electrodes arranged opposite each other across the center of the cartridge.

12. The cartridge of claim 11, The cartridge is configured to be rotatable in the circumferential direction of the cartridge in the accommodating portion.

13. The cartridge of claim 12, The cartridge is configured to be rotatable in the circumferential direction with the end surface and the storage portion in contact with each other.

14. The cartridge of claim 13, The cartridge is configured to be rotatable in the circumferential direction with the end surface in contact with a region of the storage portion where the second electrode portion is provided.

15. The cartridge according to any one of claims 12 to 14, The cartridge is configured to be rotatable in a circumferential direction of the cartridge with the second electrode portion of the storage portion and the first electrode portion of the end surface in contact with each other.

16. The cartridge according to any one of claims 11 to 15, A cartridge that does not have a mechanism for positioning the cartridge in the circumferential direction relative to the accommodating portion.

17. A power supply unit; a cylindrical cartridge for storing an aerosol source; a first electrode portion is provided on an end surface of the cartridge; the first electrode unit is composed of only two first sub-electrodes arranged opposite to each other across the center of the cartridge, the power supply unit includes a housing portion that houses the cartridge; the housing portion has a second electrode portion in a region facing the end surface, An aerosol generating device in which the second electrode unit includes three or more electrodes that can contact each of the two first sub-electrodes, and is arranged so that at least one electrode of the second electrode unit contacts each of the two first sub-electrodes even when the cartridge rotates in the storage unit.

18. The aerosol generating device according to claim 17, An aerosol generating device, wherein the cartridge is configured to be rotatable in the circumferential direction of the cartridge in the storage section.

19. The aerosol generating device according to claim 18, An aerosol generating device, wherein the cartridge is configured to be rotatable in the circumferential direction with the end surface and the storage portion in contact with each other.

20. The aerosol generating device according to claim 19, An aerosol generating device in which the cartridge is configured to be rotatable in the circumferential direction with the end surface in contact with the surface of the storage portion on which the second electrode portion is provided.

21. The aerosol generating device according to claim 18, wherein: An aerosol generating device in which the cartridge is configured to be rotatable in the circumferential direction with the second electrode portion of the storage portion and the first electrode portion of the end surface in contact.

22. An aerosol generating device according to any one of claims 17 to 21, comprising: An aerosol generating device, wherein the cartridge and the storage section are not provided with a mechanism for circumferentially positioning the cartridge in the storage section.

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