Cartridge, aerosol generator, and non-combustion type suction device

Abstract

This cartridge comprises: a tank in which an aerosol source can be stored; a heating unit to which the aerosol source is supplied from the tank, and which heats the aerosol source to generate an aerosol; a flow passage pipe section which guides the aerosol generated in the heating unit to the outside; an aerosol source capturing unit which captures the aerosol source in the vicinity of an opening on the heating unit side of the flow passage pipe section; and an aerosol source recirculation section extending from the aerosol source capturing unit to the heating unit.

Description

Technical Field

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

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, non-combustion aspirators that aspirate aerosols and enjoy the fragrance have been known. As this type of non-combustion aspirator, for example, there is one including a cartridge that houses an aerosol source, a main body unit of an aerosol generating device that removably houses the cartridge, and a fragrance source container that imparts a fragrance to the aerosol atomized by the main body unit.

[0003] As this type of device, for example, the aerosol delivery device described in Patent Document 1 below is known. This aerosol delivery device includes an atomizer, a main body having an outlet and housing the atomizer, and a structural part configured to prevent droplets of an aerosol precursor from flowing out of the outlet. The structural part is a fine pattern applied to the surface of the main body, and the fine pattern includes a plurality of capillary channels sized and arranged to guide the liquid away from the outlet.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] By the way, although the capillary channels can hold an aerosol source where the aerosol has condensed or has not completely vaporized, if it exceeds a certain amount, the liquid cannot be held. When the suction port is facing downward, there is a risk that the liquid that could not be held will flow out directly to the suction port side.

[0006] The present invention aims to suppress the outflow of aerosol sources. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] To achieve the above objective, a cartridge according to one aspect of the present invention comprises: a tank capable of containing an aerosol source; a heating section into which the aerosol source is supplied from the tank and heated to generate an aerosol; a flow channel section into which the aerosol generated in the heating section is guided to the outside; an aerosol source capture section near the opening of the flow channel section on the heating section side for capturing the aerosol source; and an aerosol source recirculation section extending from the aerosol source capture section to the heating section. According to this embodiment, when the cartridge is facing downwards, the aerosol source capture unit captures the aerosol source near the opening on the heating side of the flow channel tube, thereby suppressing the outflow of the aerosol source from the flow channel tube to the outside. Furthermore, the aerosol source recirculation unit recirculates the aerosol source accumulated in the aerosol source capture unit to the heating unit, thereby suppressing the overflow of the aerosol source from the aerosol source capture unit.

[0008] In the cartridge described above, the aerosol source capture unit may be provided with an annular groove around the opening of the flow channel tube on the heating unit side. According to this embodiment, the groove portion captures the aerosol source around the entire circumference of the opening on the heating side of the flow channel tube, thereby suppressing the outflow of the aerosol source from the flow channel tube to the outside.

[0009] In the cartridge described above, the groove comprises a first portion and a second portion that is narrower than the first portion, and the aerosol source recirculation portion may be connected to the second portion. According to this embodiment, the aerosol source captured in the aerosol source capture unit is returned to the heating unit from the second portion where the groove width is narrow, making it less likely for the aerosol source to remain in the aerosol source capture unit.

[0010] In the above-described cartridge, the aerosol source capture unit may have capillary force to hold the aerosol source. According to this embodiment, since the aerosol source capture unit holds the aerosol source by capillary force, the aerosol source is less likely to flow out from the aerosol source capture unit to the flow channel.

[0011] In the above-described cartridge, the aerosol source reflux section may have a greater capillary force than the aerosol source capture section. According to this embodiment, the aerosol source moves from the aerosol source capture unit to the aerosol source recirculation unit due to the difference in capillary force, so the aerosol source can be recirculated from the aerosol source capture unit to the heating unit regardless of the orientation of the cartridge.

[0012] The above-described cartridge may include a gasket that contacts the heating element, and the aerosol source capture element may be formed on the gasket. According to this embodiment, by forming an aerosol source capture section in the gasket, the number of parts can be reduced and the assembly of the cartridge can be made easier.

[0013] In the cartridge described above, the aerosol source reflux portion may be formed in the gasket. According to this embodiment, by forming an aerosol source recirculation section in the gasket, the number of parts can be reduced and the assembly of the cartridge can be made easier.

[0014] In the above-described cartridge, the aerosol source recirculation section may be formed on a separate component from the gasket. According to this embodiment, by forming the aerosol source recirculation section on a separate component from the gasket, the shape of the aerosol source recirculation section can be designed separately from the gasket.

[0015] In the cartridge described above, the heating section comprises a wick for holding the aerosol source and a heater wire wound around the wick, and the aerosol source recirculation section is provided in pairs and may extend from the aerosol source capture section to both sides of the heating portion of the wick around which the heater wire is wound. According to this embodiment, since the aerosol source is recirculated from the aerosol source capture unit to the heating unit from two locations instead of one, the recirculation rate of the aerosol source to the heating unit increases, and overflow of the aerosol source from the aerosol source capture unit can be suppressed. Furthermore, since the locations where the aerosol source is recirculated are on both sides of the heating portion around which the heater wire of the wick is wound, the heating portion is more easily moistened uniformly, and the aerosol source can be generated efficiently.

[0016] An aerosol generating apparatus according to one aspect of the present invention comprises the cartridge described above and a power supply unit that supplies power to the heating portion of the cartridge to generate the aerosol. According to this embodiment, since the above-described cartridge is provided, the outflow of the aerosol source can be suppressed.

[0017] A non-combustion type suction device according to one aspect of the present invention comprises the aerosol generating device described above and a flavor source container attached to the suction port of the aerosol generating device. According to this embodiment, flavor can be added to the aerosol.

[0018] A cartridge according to one aspect of the present invention is a cartridge used in an aerosol generating apparatus having a heating section, comprising: a tank capable of containing an aerosol source; a flow channel pipe section for guiding the aerosol generated in the heating section to the outside; an aerosol source capture section for capturing the aerosol source near the opening of the flow channel pipe section on the heating section side; and an aerosol source recirculation section extending from the aerosol source capture section to the heating section. According to this embodiment, when the cartridge is facing downwards, the aerosol source capture unit captures the aerosol source near the opening on the heating side of the flow channel tube, thereby suppressing the outflow of the aerosol source from the flow channel tube to the outside. Furthermore, the aerosol source recirculation unit recirculates the aerosol source accumulated in the aerosol source capture unit to the heating unit, thereby suppressing the overflow of the aerosol source from the aerosol source capture unit. [Effects of the Invention]

[0019] According to one aspect of the present invention, the outflow of the aerosol source can be suppressed.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0020] [Figure 1] It is a perspective view of a suction device according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] It is an exploded perspective view of a suction device according to an embodiment viewed from the bottom side. [Figure 3] It is an internal configuration diagram of a suction device according to an embodiment. [Figure 4] It is a perspective view of a cartridge according to an embodiment viewed from the bottom side. [Figure 5] It is a perspective view of a cartridge according to an embodiment viewed from the top side. [Figure 6] It is an exploded perspective view of a cartridge according to an embodiment viewed from the bottom side. [Figure 7] It is a cross-sectional view taken along the line VII-VII shown in FIG. 4. [Figure 8] It is a cross-sectional view taken along the line VIII-VIII shown in FIG. 4. [Figure 9] It is a perspective view of a tank according to an embodiment viewed from the bottom side. [Figure 10] It is a bottom view of a holder according to an embodiment. [Figure 11] It is a perspective view of a heating part and a holder according to an embodiment. [Figure 12] It is a perspective view of a holder according to an embodiment. [Figure 13] It is a plan view of a holder according to an embodiment. [Figure 14] It is a cross-sectional view taken along the line XIV-XIV shown in FIG. 13. [Figure 15] It is a perspective view of a gasket and a holder according to an embodiment. [Figure 16] It is a plan view of a gasket and a holder according to an embodiment. [Figure 17] It is a side view of a gasket and a holder according to an embodiment. [Figure 18] It is a perspective view of a gasket according to an embodiment viewed from the bottom side. [Figure 19] This is a bottom view of a gasket according to one embodiment. [Figure 20] This is a cross-sectional view of the XZ plane along the first fixed portion according to one embodiment. [Figure 21] This is a cross-sectional view of the XZ plane along the second fixed portion according to one embodiment. [Figure 22] This is a perspective cross-sectional view of the area around the flow channel pipe according to one embodiment, viewed from the bottom side. [Figure 23] This is a front view of a cartridge according to one embodiment. [Figure 24] This is a rear view of a cartridge according to one embodiment. [Figure 25] This is a left side view of a cartridge according to one embodiment. [Figure 26] This is a right side view of a cartridge according to one embodiment. [Figure 27] This is a plan view of a cartridge according to one embodiment. [Figure 28] This is a bottom view of a cartridge according to one embodiment. [Figure 29] This is a reference perspective view of a cartridge according to one embodiment. [Figure 30] This is a bottom view of the cartridge according to the first modified example. [Figure 31] This is a bottom view of the cartridge according to the second modified example. [Figure 32] This is a bottom view of the cartridge according to the third modified example. [Figure 33] This is a bottom view of the cartridge according to the fourth modified example. [Figure 34] This is a bottom view of the cartridge according to the fifth modified example. [Figure 35] This is a bottom view of the cartridge relating to the sixth modification. [Figure 36] This is a bottom view of the cartridge according to the seventh modified example. [Figure 37] This is a bottom view of the cartridge according to the eighth modified example. [Figure 38] This is a bottom view of the cartridge according to the ninth modification. [Figure 39] This is a bottom view of the cartridge according to the 10th modified example. [Figure 40] This is a bottom view of the cartridge according to the 11th modified example. [Figure 41] This is a bottom view of the cartridge according to the 12th modified example. [Figure 42] This is a bottom view of the cartridge according to the 13th modified example. [Figure 43] This is a bottom view of the cartridge relating to the 14th modified example. [Figure 44] This is a bottom view of the cartridge according to the 15th modified example. [Figure 45] This is a bottom view of the cartridge relating to the 16th modified example. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0021] A non-combustion type suction device (hereinafter simply referred to as "suction device") according to one embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

[0022] [Suction device] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a suction device 1 according to one embodiment. Figure 2 is an exploded perspective view of the suction device 1 according to one embodiment, viewed from the bottom. Figure 3 is an internal configuration diagram of the suction device 1 according to one embodiment. The suction device 1 is a so-called non-combustion type suction device, which obtains flavor by inhaling an aerosol atomized by heating through a flavor source.

[0023] As shown in Figure 2, the suction device 1 comprises a main unit 2, a cartridge 3 (also called an atomizing unit), a flavor source container 4, and a mouthpiece 5. The cartridge 3 is removably housed in the cartridge housing section 10 of the main unit 2. The flavor source container 4 is removably attached to the heating module 11 of the main unit 2. The mouthpiece 5 is removably attached to the flavor source container 4.

[0024] The main unit 2 includes a housing portion 12. The housing portion 12 is formed in a generally rounded, flattened box shape. The housing portion 12 has a pair of main surface portions 12A and a peripheral wall portion 12B. Here, "a pair" of main surface portions 12A means that one main surface portion (first main surface portion 12A1) and the other main surface portion (second main surface portion 12A2) are arranged facing each other, and is not limited to the meaning that the first main surface portion 12A1 and the second main surface portion 12A2 match in terms of detailed shape. The term "a pair" also appears in the description of other parts, but as above, it is not limited to the meaning that the details of the shape match.

[0025] The pair of main surfaces 12A refer to the parts that form a pair of opposing faces (the faces with the largest area in this embodiment) of the hexahedron when the housing 12 is considered as a hexahedron enclosed by six quadrilaterals. The peripheral wall 12B refers to the parts that form the remaining four faces of the hexahedron excluding the pair of main surfaces 12A. The peripheral wall 12B can also be said to be the part that connects the periphery of the pair of opposing main surfaces 12A.

[0026] In the following explanation, of the pair of main surfaces 12A (first main surface 12A1, second main surface 12A2) described above, the side on which the first main surface 12A1 is located will be referred to as the front side, and the side on which the second main surface 12A2 is located will be referred to as the rear side. Also, in a plan view, the side on which the heating module 11 is located will be referred to as the left side, and the side on which the input device 15 (see Figure 1) is located will be referred to as the right side. Furthermore, the side on which the heating module 11 protrudes will be referred to as the upper side, and the opposite side will be referred to as the lower side.

[0027] Furthermore, in drawings, an XYZ Cartesian coordinate system is sometimes set, and the positional relationships of each component are explained while referring to this XYZ Cartesian coordinate system. The X-axis direction is the front-to-back direction (also called the thickness direction) of the suction device 1, the Y-axis direction is the left-to-right direction (also called the width direction) of the suction device 1, and the Z-axis direction is the up-and-down direction (also called the height direction) of the suction device 1.

[0028] Furthermore, the positional relationships of each component may be explained with reference to the main spindle O of the cartridge 3 and the cartridge housing 10. The main spindle O is the central axis of the cylindrical cartridge 3 and the cartridge housing 10. The direction in which the main spindle O extends is called the axial direction (the Z-axis direction as described above), the direction perpendicular to the main spindle O is called the radial direction, and the direction around the main spindle O is called the circumferential direction.

[0029] As shown in Figure 1, the housing 12 comprises an outer case 13, a display cover 14, and an inner case 20. The outer case 13 is formed by combining a first case 13A and a second case 13B. The first case 13A has a first main surface portion 12A1 and a first peripheral wall portion 12B1 provided on the periphery of the first main surface portion 12A1. The second case 13B has a second main surface portion 12A2 and a second peripheral wall portion 12B2 provided on the periphery of the second main surface portion 12A2.

[0030] The first peripheral wall portion 12B1 of the first case 13A, the second peripheral wall portion 12B2 of the second case 13B, the display cover 14, and the inner case 20 all form the peripheral wall portion 12B. The peripheral wall portion 12B has a mating surface formed between the first peripheral wall portion 12B1 of the first case 13A and the second peripheral wall portion 12B2 of the second case 13B.

[0031] The peripheral wall portion 12B has four corner portions 12C. The four corner portions 12C include a first corner portion 12C1 where the heating module 11 is located, a second corner portion 12C2 where the opening of the cartridge housing portion 10 (see Figure 2) is located, a third corner portion 12C3 where the charging terminal 21 (see Figure 2) is located, and a fourth corner portion 12C4 where the input device 15 (see Figure 1) is located.

[0032] As shown in Figure 1, the display cover 14 extends from the heating module 11 located at the first corner 12C1 to the fourth corner 12C4. The display cover 14 has through holes for arranging the input device 15 (push button). The outer surface of the display cover 14 is lower than the outer surface of the outer case 13. In other words, the input device 15 is located in a recess.

[0033] The input device 15 may be positioned below the outer surface of the outer case 13. In other words, it is sufficient that at least a part of the input device 15 is positioned below the outer surface of the outer case 13. Preferably, the entire input device 15 is positioned below the outer surface of the outer case 13. In other words, it is preferable that the contact detection portion (button surface) of the input device 15 is positioned so that it does not reach the outer surface of the outer case 13.

[0034] As shown in Figure 2, the second corner 12C2 is provided with an opening for the cartridge housing 10. The opening for the cartridge housing 10 can be opened and closed by a cartridge housing lid 50 provided at the bottom of the housing 12 (inner case 20). The third corner 12C3 is provided with a charging terminal 21.

[0035] As shown in Figure 1, a window portion 16 is provided between the first corner 12C1 and the second corner 12C2 of the peripheral wall portion 12B. The amount of liquid remaining in the aerosol source of the cartridge 3 housed inside the cartridge housing portion 10 can be checked through the window portion 16. The window portion 16 is formed by an opening 13a provided in the outer case 13 and a cover member 17 that covers the opening 13a. A first air inlet 18A is provided in the gap between the opening 13a and the cover member 17 to take in air (outside air) into the housing portion 12.

[0036] The first air inlet 18A draws air into the cartridge housing 10 through a window 16 between adjacent corners 12C (in this embodiment, the first corner 12C1 and the second corner 12C2) of the peripheral wall 12B. The first air inlet 18A is the entrance to the first air passage 70, which draws in outside air through user suction. The first air inlet 18A is formed in an annular shape along the opening edge of the opening 13a of the outer case 13.

[0037] The size of the first air inlet 18A should be such that it cannot be completely blocked by the user's finger. For example, the dimension of the first air inlet 18A in the main axis direction (Z axis direction) should be greater than or equal to the width of the first joint of the thumb of an average adult (e.g., 2.0 cm or more). Also, the distance in the X axis direction between the two slits extending parallel to the main axis direction of the first air inlet 18A may be greater than or equal to the width of the first joint of the thumb of an average adult.

[0038] Furthermore, the first air inlet 18A may consist of only one or two slits extending parallel to the main axis direction, as long as they are not too large to be blocked by the user's fingers. In other words, the first air inlet 18A may be formed in a slit shape along the opening edge of the opening 13a of the outer case 13.

[0039] A communication hole 17a is formed in the cover member 17. The communication hole 17a allows fluid communication between the first air inlet 18A and the inside of the cartridge housing 10. The communication hole 17a is located where the cover member 17 and the outer case 13 overlap. In other words, the communication hole 17a is located inside the outer case 13 and is covered by the outer case 13. Therefore, the communication hole 17a cannot be seen from the outside of the outer case 13. Furthermore, the communication hole 17a cannot be directly blocked with a finger without removing the outer case 13.

[0040] The outer case 13 has an exposed portion 13b at the second corner 12C2 that exposes a part of the inner case 20. A second air inlet 18B is provided in the gap between the inner case 20 and the outer case 13 at the exposed portion 13b to draw air (outside air) into the housing portion 12.

[0041] The second air inlet 18B draws air into the cartridge housing 10 from the second corner 12C2 of the peripheral wall 12B. The second air inlet 18B is formed in the gap between the inner case 20 and the outer case 13 at the exposed portion 13b. The second air inlet 18B opens facing the -Z side. In other words, the second air inlet 18B is located in a different place from the first air inlet 18A, and its opening direction is 90° different from that of the first air inlet 18A, which faces the -Y side.

[0042] The housing portion 12 has a protrusion 90 around the second air inlet 18B. The protrusion 90 is formed by the outer case 13. The protrusion 90 is formed by the step between the inner case 20 and the outer case 13. In other words, even if a user's finger touches the area around the second air inlet 18B, the protrusion 90 (outer case 13) around the exposed portion 13b creates a step, forming a gap between the user's finger and the protrusion 90, making it difficult for the second air inlet 18B to be blocked. Note that the protrusion 90 is not limited to the outer case 13, but may also be formed by making a part of the inner case 20 protrude.

[0043] The housing portion 12 has a first air passage 70 that connects the first air inlet 18A to the communication hole 17a, and a second air passage 80 that connects the second air inlet 18B to the communication hole 17a. The first air passage 70 is the gap between the outer case 13 and the cover member 17, and is formed in an annular shape along the opening edge of the opening 13a. The second air passage 80 is the gap between the outer case 13 and the inner case 20, extends from the exposed portion 13b of the second corner portion 12C2 toward the +Z side, and reaches the communication hole 17a via a part of the first air passage 70.

[0044] The first air passage 70 has a shorter passage length to the communication hole 17a than the second air passage 80. In other words, the first air passage 70 has less airflow resistance than the second air passage 80. Therefore, more air flows through the first air passage 70 than through the second air passage 80. For this reason, in normal use, the first air inlet 18A becomes the main air inlet, and the second air inlet 18B becomes a secondary air inlet when the first air inlet 18A is blocked.

[0045] The communication hole 17a has a smaller flow path cross-sectional area than both the first air inlet 18A and the second air inlet 18B. Therefore, even if either the first air inlet 18A or the second air inlet 18B is blocked, the flow path cross-sectional area is ultimately narrowed at the communication hole 17a, so that the flow rate and velocity of the air drawn into the cartridge housing space 10A can be kept almost constant. In other words, the communication hole 17a functions as an air resistance rate-limiting part.

[0046] <Flavour source container> The flavor source container 4 (also called a tobacco capsule) shown in Figure 2 contains the flavor source and adds flavor to the aerosol atomized by the cartridge 3. As raw material pieces constituting the flavor source, shredded tobacco or molded bodies formed from tobacco raw materials into granules can be used. The flavor source may also be composed of plants other than tobacco (e.g., mint, herbs, etc.). Furthermore, the flavor source may be flavored with menthol or other fragrances. In addition, the flavor source may be a plant-derived carrier (cellulose, etc.) or other carrier (including inorganic carriers) on which fragrances are supported.

[0047] The flavor source container 4 has a flavor source chamber for containing the flavor source, and a filter or fine pores for passing an aerosol through the flavor source chamber. The flavor source container 4 is attached to the mouthpiece portion 11a provided on the heating module 11 of the main unit 2. The upper part of the flavor source container 4 protrudes from the heating module 11, and the mouthpiece 5 is attached to this protruding portion.

[0048] <Mouthpiece> The mouthpiece 5 is a cylindrical component that the user holds in their mouth. For example, the mouthpiece 5 is a soft resin molded body made of a resin material such as silicone resin for the part that the user holds in their mouth, and a hard resin molded body made of a resin material such as polypropylene resin for the part that attaches to the top of the flavor source container 4. Note that attaching the mouthpiece 5 to the flavor source container 4 is optional, and the user may also use the product by directly holding the top of the flavor source container 4 in their mouth.

[0049] <Main Unit> As shown in Figure 3, the main unit 2 includes a heating module 11, an input device 15, a charging terminal 21, a power supply unit 22, a main board 23, a display device 24, a light source 25, a sensor 26, and a cartridge housing lid 50.

[0050] The housing portion 12 of the main unit 2 is a rigid resin molded body formed from a resin material such as polycarbonate resin or ABS resin. Inside the housing portion 12, there is a cartridge housing portion 10 for housing the cartridge 3. The cartridge housing portion 10 forms a cylindrical space extending in the Z-axis direction.

[0051] A cartridge contact portion 27 is positioned at the axially upper (+Z side) opening of the cartridge housing portion 10. The cartridge contact portion 27 is an elastic body formed from a resin material such as silicone resin. The cartridge contact portion 27 has a communication hole 27a that connects the upper part of the cartridge 3 and the bottom part of the flavor source container 4.

[0052] The heating module 11 includes a heater section 11b for heating the flavor source container 4. The heater section 11b includes, for example, a pipe member into which the flavor source container 4 is inserted, and a film heater or the like wound cylindrically around the outer circumference of the pipe member. The heater section 11b is electrically connected to the main circuit board 23.

[0053] The input device 15 is, for example, a push button. The input device 15 is electrically connected to the main board 23. The input device may also be a touch panel. In other words, the input device 15 can be any contact detection unit.

[0054] The power supply unit 22 is located on the +Y side of the cartridge housing 10. The power supply unit 22 is electrically connected to the main board 23. The power supply unit 22 is, for example, a rechargeable battery (secondary battery) and can be charged via the charging terminal 21 provided on the main board 23. The power supply unit 22 is not limited to a rechargeable secondary battery, but may also be a supercapacitor or the like. The power supply unit 22 may also be a primary battery. If the power supply unit 22 is a primary battery, the charging terminal 21 is not required.

[0055] The main board 23 is located on the +Y side of the power supply unit 22. The main board 23 has a plate shape that extends along the XZ plane. A charging terminal 21 is mounted on the lower end of the main board 23. The main board 23 is connected to various electronic components directly or indirectly via wiring (not shown) or flexible printed circuit boards.

[0056] Here, "main board" refers to the largest board among those housed inside the enclosure 12. The main board 23 is larger than the switch board of the input device 15 and the display board of the display device 24. If only one board is housed inside the enclosure 12, that board is the "main board." If two boards of the same size are housed inside the enclosure 12, the board on which the electronically controlled calculation unit, such as the CPU or microcontroller, is installed is considered the "main board."

[0057] The display device 24 is located on the underside (-Z side) of the display cover 14. The display cover 14 is translucent, allowing the display surface of the display device 24 to be seen. The display device 24 is, for example, an organic EL display or a liquid crystal display. The display device 24 is electrically connected to the main board 23.

[0058] The light source 25 is positioned opposite the cover member 17 in the Y-axis direction, with the cartridge housing 10 in between. The light source 25 is, for example, an LED light. The cover member 17 is translucent, allowing the liquid level of the aerosol source inside the cartridge 3, illuminated by the light source 25, to be seen. The light source 25 is electrically connected to the main circuit board 23.

[0059] Sensor 26 is located on the +Y side of the cartridge housing 10. Sensor 26 is a so-called puff sensor that detects the user's inhalation. Examples of sensors 26 include a pressure sensor that detects pressure, an airflow sensor that detects airflow, and a temperature sensor that detects temperature. In this embodiment, the side of sensor 26 facing the cartridge housing 10 is the detection unit. The detection unit detects, for example, the behavior of the diaphragm, which deforms in response to pressure fluctuations, as a change in capacitance.

[0060] The cartridge housing lid 50 opens and closes the cartridge housing 10, which is located at the bottom of the housing 12. The cartridge housing lid 50 is attached to the housing 12 in a pivot (hinge) manner. The cartridge housing lid 50 is provided with multiple protruding electrodes 51. The protruding electrodes 51 are inserted into the cartridge housing 10 when the cartridge housing lid 50 is closed. The multiple protruding electrodes 51 are electrically connected to the main circuit board 23.

[0061] The tip of the protruding electrode 51 is biased to the +Z side by a spring member housed inside the protruding electrode 51, and is freely displaceable in the Z-axis direction. In other words, the tip of the protruding electrode 51 extends toward the cartridge 3, and when the cartridge 3 is inserted, it is displaced toward the -Z side. Even in this state, the tip of the protruding electrode 51 is biased toward the +Z side, so reliable contact with the cartridge 3 can be ensured.

[0062] Three protruding electrodes 51 are provided so that alignment with the two electrodes 6A and 6B of the cartridge 3 is unnecessary (one located at the back is not shown). As shown in Figure 2, the two electrodes 6A and 6B of the cartridge 3 are formed in semicircular regions that divide the bottom surface of the cartridge 3 into two parts. In contrast, the protruding electrodes 51 are arranged at 120° intervals at positions corresponding to the three vertices of an equilateral triangle. As a result, at least two of the three protruding electrodes 51 make contact with the two electrodes 6A and 6B. Therefore, current can be reliably supplied to the cartridge 3.

[0063] <Cartridge> Cartridge 3 stores a liquid aerosol source and atomizes this liquid aerosol source. Cartridge 3 is cylindrical in shape and is housed inside the housing 12 from a cartridge housing section 10 located at the bottom of the housing 12.

[0064] Figure 4 is a perspective view of cartridge 3 according to one embodiment, viewed from the bottom. Figure 5 is a perspective view of cartridge 3 according to one embodiment, viewed from the top. Figure 5 is an exploded perspective view of cartridge 3 according to one embodiment, viewed from the bottom. Figure 7 is a cross-sectional view taken along line VII-VII shown in Figure 4. Figure 8 is a cross-sectional view taken along line VIII-VIII shown in Figure 4. As shown in Figure 6, the cartridge 3 comprises a tank 100, a gasket 200, a heating element 300, and a holder 400.

[0065] Tank 100 stores the aerosol source. Tank 100 is a rigid resin molded body made of a resin material such as polycarbonate resin. Tank 100 is translucent, allowing the remaining amount of liquid in the aerosol source to be checked. Here, "translucency" refers to the property of a material through which light passes, including "transparency," where the transmittance is extremely high and the other side can be seen through the material, and a state in which light is transmitted similarly to "transparent," but unlike "transparent," the transmitted light is diffused or the transmittance is low, so the shape of the other side cannot be clearly recognized through the material. In other words, even frosted glass or milky white plastic can be translucent. Note that the gasket 200, heating section 300, and holder 400 are not translucent, but some or all of them may be translucent.

[0066] The tank 100 is formed in a top-cylindrical shape. As shown in Figure 7, the tank 100 comprises a circumferential wall portion 110, a top wall portion 120, a flow channel portion 130, and ribs 140. The circumferential wall portion 110 is formed in a cylindrical shape with the main axis O as its central axis. The upper end of the circumferential wall portion 110 is connected to the periphery of the top wall portion 120. The circumferential wall portion 110, the top wall portion 120, the flow channel portion 130, and the ribs 140 are integrally molded as a single part, but some or all of these may be separate parts. For example, the flow channel portion 130 is integrally molded with the tank 100, but it may be a separate part from the tank 100. Also, the flow channel portion 130 may be integrally molded with the gasket 200 or holder 400.

[0067] The top wall portion 120 is formed in a disc shape with the main axis O as its central axis and closes the upper end of the peripheral wall portion 110. The first opening 131 of the flow channel portion 130 is located in the center of the top wall portion 120. Also, as shown in Figure 5, a plurality of bottomed cylindrical recesses 121 are formed on the upper surface of the top wall portion 120 around the first opening 131. The recesses 121 correspond to the resin injection holes during injection molding of the tank 100.

[0068] As shown in Figure 7, the flow channel section 130 is formed in a cylindrical shape with the main axis O as its central axis and is suspended downward (towards the -Z side) from the lower surface of the top wall section 120. As described above, a first opening 131 is formed at the upper end of the flow channel section 130. A second opening 132 is formed at the lower end of the flow channel section 130. The second opening 132 is located directly above the heating section 300 and opens toward the heating section 300.

[0069] The flow channel section 130 guides the aerosol generated in the heating section 300 to the outside. The aerosol generated in the heating section 300 is introduced into the flow channel section 130 from the second opening 132, passes through the flow channel section 130, and is guided to the outside of the cartridge 3 from the first opening 131. The aerosol that exits from the first opening 131 passes through the communication hole 27a of the cartridge contact section 27 shown in Figure 3, and further passes through the flavor source container 4, and is carried to the user's mouth. In other words, the "outside" of the cartridge 3 referred to here is the outside on the outlet side of the aerosol flow when the user inhales (puffs), and not the outside on the inlet side where outside air is taken in.

[0070] Figure 9 is a perspective view of a tank 100 according to one embodiment, viewed from the bottom. As shown in Figure 9, the ribs 140 extend radially from the flow channel section 130, connecting the outer circumferential surface of the flow channel section 130 with the inner circumferential surface of the peripheral wall section 110. The upper end of the ribs 140 is also connected to the lower surface of the top wall section 120. In other words, the ribs 140 are connected to three surfaces: the outer circumferential surface of the flow channel section 130, the inner circumferential surface of the peripheral wall section 110, and the lower surface of the top wall section 120. In this embodiment, three ribs 140 are formed around the flow channel section 130 at equal intervals in the circumferential direction.

[0071] A notch 141 is formed on the peripheral wall portion 110 side (radially outward) of the rib 140, which is cut out in a concave shape toward the upward. The notch 141 increases the volume of the annular space (liquid storage chamber 101 shown in Figure 7) formed between the flow channel portion 130 and the peripheral wall portion 110. A convex portion 142 is formed on the flow channel portion 130 side of the rib 140, which protrudes relatively downward (-Z side) relative to the notch 141. The lower end of the convex portion 142 abuts against the top surface 211 of the gasket 200, as shown in Figure 7. This positions the gasket 200 in the Z-axis direction relative to the tank 100.

[0072] As shown in Figure 7, the peripheral wall portion 110 of the tank 100 extends below (towards the -Z side) the lower end of the flow channel portion 130. Two engagement holes 111 are formed near the lower end of the peripheral wall portion 110. The two engagement holes 111 are for fixing the holder 400 to the tank 100. The two engagement holes 111 are positioned opposite each other on both sides of the peripheral wall portion 110, with the main shaft O in between.

[0073] The gasket 200 is a cylindrical member that covers the bottom of the annular space (liquid storage chamber 101) formed between the peripheral wall portion 110 and the flow channel pipe portion 130 of the tank 100. The gasket 200 is made of an elastic material, such as a resin material such as silicone resin. When the gasket 200 is fitted inside the tank 100, the liquid storage chamber 101 is formed inside the tank 100. A liquid aerosol source is stored in the liquid storage chamber 101.

[0074] The gasket 200 has an insertion hole 201 formed therein, which penetrates axially through the center of the top surface 211 into which the flow channel section 130 is inserted. Multiple annular protrusions 202 are formed on the inner circumferential surface of the insertion hole 201 to seal the gap with the flow channel section 130. A heating chamber 200A is formed on the lower inner side of the gasket 200, communicating with the lower end of the insertion hole 201. When the flow channel section 130 is inserted into the insertion hole 201, the flow channel section 130 and the heating chamber 200A are connected. The lower end of the flow channel section 130 (second opening 132) protrudes below the insertion hole 201 (into the heating chamber 200A).

[0075] The gasket 200 comprises a first cylindrical portion 210, a second cylindrical portion 220, and a third cylindrical portion 230. The first cylindrical portion 210, the second cylindrical portion 220, and the third cylindrical portion 230 are connected in this order from top to bottom. The first cylindrical portion 210 forms the top surface 211 of the gasket 200. The portion of the first cylindrical portion 210 that abuts against the protrusion 142 of the rib 140 has an outer diameter that allows it to abut against the protrusion 142 radially. The second cylindrical portion 220 is connected to the lower end of the first cylindrical portion 210. The second cylindrical portion 220 has a circumferential surface that is substantially frustoconical in shape, with its outer diameter increasing as it goes downwards.

[0076] The third cylindrical portion 230 is connected to the lower end of the second cylindrical portion 220. The third cylindrical portion 230 has a circumferential surface with an outer diameter slightly smaller than the inner diameter of the tank's peripheral wall portion 110. A sealing cylindrical portion 231 is formed at the lower end of the third cylindrical portion 230. Multiple annular sealing protrusions 232 are formed on the outer circumferential surface of the sealing cylindrical portion 231, projecting radially outward. The sealing protrusions 232 abut against the inner circumferential surface of the tank's peripheral wall portion 110, sealing the gap between the tank 100 and the gasket 200.

[0077] The gasket 200 has multiple flat sections formed therein to increase the volume of the liquid containment chamber 101. Specifically, as shown in Figure 8 and Figure 15 described later, the outer circumference of the gasket 200 has a first flat section 203, a second flat section 204, and a third flat section 205. The first flat section 203 is a plane parallel to the XZ plane and extends from the upper end of the first cylindrical section 210 to near the lower end of the second cylindrical section 220.

[0078] The second planar section 204 is connected to the lower end of the first planar section 203. The second planar section 204 is a plane inclined with respect to the XZ plane and is formed near the lower end of the second cylindrical section 220. The lower end of the second planar section 204 is inclined to be further away from the main axis O than the upper end. The third planar section 205 is connected to the lower end of the second planar section 204. The third planar section 205 is a plane parallel to the XZ plane and extends from near the lower end of the second cylindrical section 220 to the third cylindrical section 230.

[0079] As shown in Figure 15, a through-hole 235 is formed on the lower side of the third flat portion 205, penetrating the third cylindrical portion 230 in the Y-axis direction. The through-hole 235 forms a space for inserting the heating portion 300 into the heating chamber 200A inside the gasket 200. The first flat portion 203, the second flat portion 204, the third flat portion 205, and the through-hole 235 are formed in the gasket 200 in pairs symmetrically in the Y-axis direction.

[0080] As shown in Figure 6, the heating section 300 comprises a wick 310 and a heater wire 320. The wick 310 is a porous, liquid-absorbing, substantially cylindrical member. The wick 310 is made of bundled fibers, such as glass fiber, and has a capillary structure. The wick 310 may also be an elastic sponge, a woven fiber mesh or string, a porous sintered body, or the like, as long as it has a capillary structure.

[0081] As shown in Figure 8, the wick 310 extends in the Y-axis direction perpendicular to the main axis O. One end 311 and the other end 312 of the wick 310 in the Y-axis direction are inserted into the liquid containment chamber 101 through through holes 235 in the gasket 200 (see Figure 15). As a result, the aerosol source in the liquid containment chamber 101 is drawn up into the wick 310 from the one end 311 and the other end 312.

[0082] Furthermore, one end 311 and the other end 312 of the wick 310 are thicker and have a larger surface area compared to the rest of the wick. This is because they are not constrained by the heater wire 320 or the first and second fixing parts 501 and 502, which will be described later. In other words, the wick 310 is elastically compressed by the heater wire 320, the first and second fixing parts 501 and 502, and the rest of the wick is undergoing restorative deformation.

[0083] The heater wire 320 heats the aerosol source drawn up by the wick 310 to generate an aerosol. The heater wire 320 is, for example, a nichrome wire and has a heating portion 321 that is spirally wound around the wick 310. As shown in Figure 7, one end 322A and the other end 322B of the heater wire 320 extend axially toward the holder 400 from both ends of the heating portion 321.

[0084] One end 322A and the other end 322B of the heater wire 320 are electrically connected to two electrodes 6A and 6B that fit into the holder 400. When current is passed through the heater wire 320 via the two electrodes 6A and 6B, the wick 310 is heated. When the wick 310 is heated, the aerosol source absorbed by the wick 310 is atomized.

[0085] The holder 400 is formed in the shape of a bottomed cylinder. The holder 400 is a rigid resin molded body made of a resin material such as polycarbonate resin. The holder 400 comprises a base portion 410 that forms the bottom of the cartridge 3, and an outer cylinder portion 420 and an inner cylinder portion 430 that are erected on the base portion 410. The base portion 410 is formed in the shape of a disc with the main shaft O as its central axis. The outer cylinder portion 420 and the inner cylinder portion 430 are formed in the shape of cylinders with the main shaft O as their central axis.

[0086] Figure 10 is a bottom view of the holder 400 according to one embodiment. Figure 11 is a perspective view of the heating section 300 and the holder 400 according to one embodiment. Figure 12 is a perspective view of the holder 400 according to one embodiment. Figure 13 is a plan view of the holder 400 according to one embodiment. Figure 14 is a cross-sectional view taken along line XIV-XIV shown in Figure 13. As shown in Figure 10, two fitting holes 411 are formed on the lower surface 410a of the base portion 410, into which the two electrodes 6A and 6B are fitted.

[0087] Each of the two electrodes 6A and 6B has a shape, when viewed from below, that includes two straight lines extending parallel to the Y-axis and two arcs connecting the ends of these two straight lines. The two fitting holes 411 have elongated shapes corresponding to the shapes of the two electrodes 6A and 6B. As shown in Figure 7, each of the two electrodes 6A and 6B is formed in a block shape having a predetermined height in the Z-axis direction. This increases the contact area between the two electrodes 6A and 6B and the two fitting holes 411, thereby improving the sealing performance between the two electrodes 6A and 6B and the two fitting holes 411.

[0088] As shown in Figure 10, the two electrodes 6A and 6B are arranged in a pair in the X-axis direction, flanking the main shaft O. Additionally, a pair of top-cylindrical recesses 412 are formed on the lower surface 410a of the base portion 410, flanking the main shaft O in the Y-axis direction. These recesses 412 correspond to the resin injection holes during injection molding of the holder 400. Furthermore, three engagement recesses 413 are formed on the lower surface 410a of the base portion 410, along the outer periphery of the base portion 410. The three engagement recesses 413 are arranged at approximately equal intervals in the circumferential direction (120° intervals in the circumferential direction).

[0089] The engaging recesses 413 open to two surfaces of the base portion 410: the lower surface 410a and the outer peripheral surface 410b of the base portion 410. The engaging recesses 413 are tapered, with the circumferential width of the engaging recesses 413 gradually increasing towards the lower surface 410a of the base portion 410. For example, the vertical engaging protrusions of an aerosol generating device disclosed in Japanese Patent Publication No. 2020-65538 are inserted into the three engaging recesses 413 formed in this manner. In other words, the cartridge 3 of this embodiment is interchangeable with cartridges of other aerosol generating devices.

[0090] A longitudinal groove 415 extending in the Z-axis direction is formed in one of the three engagement recesses 413. The longitudinal groove 415 opens into the lower surface 410a of the base portion 410 and is formed to extend radially inward from the engagement recess 413. The upper end of the longitudinal groove 415 communicates with the bottom surface of a transverse groove 414 that extends radially inward from the outer peripheral surface 410b of the base portion 410. As shown in Figure 7, the transverse grooves 414 are formed in pairs in the X-axis direction so as to communicate with the lower surfaces of both ends of an air passage 416 that penetrates the base portion 410 in the X-axis direction.

[0091] As shown in Figure 7, the outer cylinder portion 420, the inner cylinder portion 430, and the portion of the base portion 410 above the lateral groove 414 are inserted inside the peripheral wall portion 110 of the tank 100. The base portion 410 has two engaging pieces 401 that protrude radially outward, engaging with two engaging holes 111 in the peripheral wall portion 110 of the tank 100.

[0092] The sealing cylinder portion 231 of the gasket 200 is fitted onto the outer cylinder portion 420. The outer cylinder portion 420 supports the radially inner side of the sealing cylinder portion 231 and prevents the sealing projection 232 of the sealing cylinder portion 231 from separating from the peripheral wall portion 110 of the tank 100. In other words, the outer cylinder portion 420 enhances the adhesion of the sealing projection 232 to the peripheral wall portion 110 of the tank 100.

[0093] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 6, a positioning recess 112 is formed at the lower end of the peripheral wall portion 110 of the tank 100 for positioning the holder 400 in the circumferential direction. The positioning recess 112 is a notch recessed on the +Z side and is arranged in pairs opposite each other with the main shaft O in between. In contrast, the holder 400 has a positioning projection 402 that is inserted axially into the positioning recess 112. The positioning projection 402 has a shape, dimensions, number, and arrangement corresponding to the positioning recess 112.

[0094] As shown in Figure 11, the positioning projection 402 is formed on a stepped portion 410c that is recessed radially inward from the outer peripheral surface 410b of the base portion 410. The lower end of the peripheral wall portion 110 of the tank 100 abuts against the stepped portion 410c in the axial direction. When the lower end of the peripheral wall portion 110 of the tank 100 abuts against the stepped portion 410c, the positioning projection 402 is inserted into the positioning recess 112, and the engaging piece 401 engages with the engaging hole 111, the holder 400 is assembled to the tank 100 in a state where it is positioned in the axial, radial, and circumferential directions. A gasket 200 and a heating portion 300 are incorporated between the tank 100 and the holder 400.

[0095] As shown in Figure 7, the inner cylinder portion 430 is fitted inside the heating chamber 200A of the gasket 200. This allows the space inside the inner cylinder portion 430 to communicate with the heating chamber 200A. An aerosol source holding portion 440, which will be described later, is formed between the inner cylinder portion 430 and the outer cylinder portion 420. The aerosol source holding portion 440 is an annular space surrounding the heating chamber 200A in plan view, and its upper part is closed by the gasket 200. The aerosol source holding portion 440 is partially in communication with the heating chamber 200A via an air vent groove 431. The air vent groove 431 extends from the upper end surface of the inner cylinder portion 430 to the middle of the outer peripheral surface of the inner cylinder portion 430 in the height direction.

[0096] The lower side of the holder 400 is exposed from the tank 100. The lower side of the holder 400 has approximately the same outer diameter as the peripheral wall portion 110 of the tank 100. In addition, two lateral grooves 414 recessed radially inward are formed on the lower side of the holder 400. The two lateral grooves 414 are arranged opposite each other, with the main shaft O in between. The two lateral grooves 414 communicate with the bottom surfaces of both ends of an air passage 416 located radially inward of the peripheral wall portion 110 of the tank 100. Multiple communication holes 417 are formed in the Z-axis direction on the ceiling surface of the intermediate portion of the air passage 416 in the longitudinal direction (X-axis direction), communicating with the inside of the inner cylinder portion 430 (heating chamber 200A).

[0097] In other words, when the user puffs (inhales), the heating chamber 200A becomes negatively pressurized via the flow channel section 130, and outside air is introduced into the air passage 416 through the vertical groove 415 and the horizontal groove 414, and / or the horizontal groove 414. The air introduced into the air passage 416 is introduced into the heating chamber 200A through the communication hole 417 in the middle of the passage, and, carrying the aerosol generated in the heating chamber 200A, passes through the flow channel section 130 and the communication hole 27a of the cartridge contact section 27 shown in Figure 3, and further passes through the flavor source container 4, and is delivered to the user's mouth. The presence of the vertical groove 415 allows outside air to be taken in from the bottom side of the cartridge 3, but puffing is possible as long as there is at least the horizontal groove 414.

[0098] As shown in Figure 11, the holder 400 comprises an inner cylinder portion 430 that supports the heating section 300, and an outer cylinder portion 420 that supports the heating section 300 outside the inner cylinder portion 430. As shown in Figure 13, the inner cylinder portion 430 is formed in a rectangular cylindrical shape in plan view. The outer cylinder portion 420 is formed in a circular cylindrical shape in plan view.

[0099] The inner cylinder portion 430 has a plurality of communication holes 417 that communicate with the air passage 416 shown in Figure 7, and a pair of through holes 418 that guide one end 322A and the other end 322B of the heater wire 320 into two fitting holes 411. The communication holes 417 are formed in two rows along the X-axis direction in which the air passage 416 extends. The through holes 418 are formed in pairs on the inside of two diagonally opposite corners of the four inner corners of the inner cylinder portion 430.

[0100] As shown in Figure 12, a pair of support surfaces 432 for supporting the heating section 300 are formed at the upper end of the inner cylinder portion 430, flanking the main shaft O in the Y-axis direction. The support surfaces 432 are formed in a semi-circular arc shape in side view, convex downwards. The upper end of the inner cylinder portion 430 is raised on both sides of the support surfaces 432 relative to the lowest point of the support surfaces 432. A groove 433 extending linearly in the Y-axis direction is formed at the lowest point of the support surfaces 432. For example, a part of the wick 310 fits into the groove 433, restricting the displacement of the heating section 300 around the Y-axis. Furthermore, the above-mentioned air vent grooves 431 are formed in a pair on the upper end surface and its outer circumferential surface of the wall portions of the inner cylinder portion 430 that face each other in the X-axis direction, in a point-symmetrical positional relationship with respect to the main shaft O.

[0101] Furthermore, a pair of support surfaces 421 for supporting the heating section 300 are formed at the upper end of the outer cylinder portion 420, flanking the main axis O in the Y-axis direction. The support surfaces 421 are formed in a semi-circular arc shape in side view, convex downwards. The upper end of the outer cylinder portion 420 is raised on both sides of the support surfaces 421 relative to the support surfaces 421. As shown in Figure 13, the support surfaces 421 of the outer cylinder portion 420 are wider in the X-axis direction than the support surfaces 432 of the inner cylinder portion 430. In other words, the support surfaces 421 of the outer cylinder portion 420 have a larger radius of curvature (smaller curvature) than the support surfaces 432 of the inner cylinder portion 430. Also, the support surface 421 of the outer cylinder portion 420 has a larger support area than the support surface 432 of the inner cylinder portion 430. In other words, the support surface 421 of the outer cylinder portion 420 supports the heating portion 300 (wick 310) more loosely than the support surface 432 of the inner cylinder portion 430.

[0102] Between the inner cylinder 430 and the outer cylinder 420, an aerosol source holding section 440 (sub-reserve tank) capable of accommodating an aerosol source is formed. As shown in Figure 13, the aerosol source holding section 440 forms an annular space in plan view and has a communication section 441 (opening) on ​​its upper side. The bottom of the aerosol source holding section 440 is formed a first bottom surface 442, a second bottom surface 443 which is deeper than the first bottom surface 442, and a third bottom surface 444 which is shallower than the first bottom surface 442.

[0103] The first bottom surface 442 is the reference surface for the bottom surface of the aerosol source holding section 440. The second bottom surface 443 is provided at the bottom of the aerosol source holding section 440 in a pair, sandwiching the main shaft O in the Y-axis direction. In plan view, the second bottom surface 443 is located between the support surface 421 of the outer cylinder section 420 and the support surface 432 of the inner cylinder section 430. As shown in Figure 14, the second bottom surface 443 is the bottom surface of an inverted frustoconical depression, where the inner diameter decreases as it goes downward from the first bottom surface 442. As shown in Figure 13, the center of the second bottom surface 443 is located closer to the support surface 421 of the outer cylinder section 420 than the support surface 432 of the inner cylinder section 430 in plan view, and the second bottom surface 443 extends to the lower end of the aerosol source guidance section 450, which will be described later.

[0104] The third bottom surface 444 is provided at the bottom of the aerosol source holding section 440 in a pair, sandwiching the main shaft O in the X-axis direction. The third bottom surface 444 is provided along the X-axis direction in which the air passage 416 extends. In other words, the third bottom surface 444 is formed as a portion that rises relatively above the first bottom surface 442 in order to secure the volume of the air passage 416 and to ensure the thickness of the ceiling of the air passage 416. The air vent groove 431 is formed to be located above the third bottom surface 444.

[0105] An aerosol source guidance section 450 is formed on the inner wall surface of the outer cylinder section 420. As shown in Figure 8, the aerosol source guidance section 450 in this embodiment is a groove that guides the aerosol source supplied to the heating section 300 to the aerosol source holding section 440. The aerosol source guidance section 450 does not need to be a groove; it just needs to be capable of guiding the aerosol source supplied to the heating section 300 to the aerosol source holding section 440.

[0106] The aerosol source guide unit 450 may, for example, have a capillary structure similar to that of the wick 310 at a position corresponding to the groove, or a surface treatment that is less water-repellent (more hydrophilic) to the aerosol source, or a structure that combines all or part of the groove, capillary structure, and surface treatment. Furthermore, "guide" means at least that the aerosol source can be drawn into the aerosol source holding unit 440 without the aerosol source spontaneously dripping from the heating unit 300 (wick 310).

[0107] As shown in Figure 14, the aerosol source guide unit 450 extends from the communication portion 441 (opening) of the aerosol source holding unit 440 toward the bottom of the aerosol source holding unit 440. Specifically, the aerosol source guide unit 450 extends in the Z-axis direction from the lowest point of the support surface 421 of the outer cylinder portion 420 along the inner wall surface of the outer cylinder portion 420 to the second bottom surface 443 of the aerosol source holding unit 440. In this embodiment, the aerosol source guide unit 450 is formed on the inner wall surface of the outer cylinder portion 420, but it may also be formed on the outer wall surface of the inner cylinder portion 430. Furthermore, the aerosol source guide unit 450 may be formed on both the inner wall surface of the outer cylinder portion 420 and the inner wall surface of the inner cylinder portion 430.

[0108] As shown in Figures 13 and 14, the cross-sectional area (cross-sectional area in the XY plane) of the aerosol source guide section 450 (groove section) is smaller on the bottom side than on the side of the communication section 441 (opening) of the aerosol source holding section 440. Specifically, the width of the aerosol source guide section 450 in the X-axis direction gradually narrows as it goes downwards, and the depth of the aerosol source guide section 450 in the Y-axis direction gradually becomes shallower as it goes downwards. In addition, the plan view shape of the aerosol source guide section 450 changes from a rectangular shape to a smaller rectangular shape as it goes downwards. Note that the plan view shape of the aerosol source guide section 450 is not limited to a rectangle; for example, it may change from a trapezoid to a rectangle, or from a trapezoid to a trapezoid as it goes downwards.

[0109] The upper end opening of the aerosol source guide section 450 is formed on the support surface 421 of the outer cylinder section 420. In other words, the aerosol source guide section 450 is in contact with the wick 310 of the heating section 300, which is supported on the support surface 421. The wick 310 has a capillary force that holds the aerosol source, and the aerosol source guide section 450 has a capillary force smaller than that of the wick 310. Here, "capillary force" can be defined, for example, by the liquid level rise height h = 2Tcosθ / ρgr, where T is the surface tension, θ is the contact angle, ρ is the density of the liquid, g is the acceleration due to gravity, and r is the inner diameter (radius) of the tube. When comparing with respect to r, the gaps (tubes) between the fibers of the wick 310 are clearly smaller than the grooves (tubes) of the aerosol source guide section 450.

[0110] Since the rise in liquid level height h is inversely proportional to the magnitude of r, the wick 310 has a capillary force that is clearly greater than the capillary force of the aerosol source guide unit 450. The capillary force of the aerosol source guide unit 450 only needs to be sufficient to guide any excess aerosol source exceeding the amount that the wick 310 can hold to the aerosol source holding unit 440. Furthermore, the aerosol source guide unit 450 only needs to be able to draw up the aerosol source stored in the aerosol source holding unit 440 and return it to the wick 310 when the amount of aerosol source that the wick 310 can hold is insufficient. For example, the aerosol source guide unit 450 only needs to have a capillary force such that the rise in liquid level height h is equal to the height from the second bottom surface 443 of the aerosol source holding unit 440 to the lowest point of the support surface 421 of the outer cylinder 420.

[0111] Next, the fixing structure of the heating unit 300 will be described. Figure 15 is a perspective view of the gasket 200 and holder 400 according to one embodiment. Figure 16 is a plan view of the gasket 200 and holder 400 according to one embodiment. Figure 17 is a side view of the gasket 200 and holder 400 according to one embodiment. Figure 18 is a perspective view of the gasket 200 according to one embodiment, viewed from the bottom. Figure 19 is a bottom view of the gasket 200 according to one embodiment. Figure 20 is a cross-sectional view of the XZ plane along the first fixing portion 501 according to one embodiment. Figure 21 is a cross-sectional view of the XZ plane along the second fixing portion 502 according to one embodiment.

[0112] As shown in Figure 8, the heating unit 300 is fixed by a first fixing part 501 and a second fixing part 502. The first fixing part 501 fixes the wick 310 portions on both sides of the heat-generating portion 321 of the heating unit 300. The second fixing part 502 fixes the wick 310 portions at a position further away from the heat-generating portion 321 of the heating unit 300 than the first fixing part 501. The first fixing part 501 comprises the inner cylindrical portion 430 of the holder 400 and the lower surface portion 206 of the gasket 200. The second fixing part 502 comprises a pair of clamping pieces 260 of the holder 400 (see Figure 18).

[0113] As shown in Figures 18 and 19, the lower portion 206 of the gasket 200 is located inside the third cylindrical portion 230 and is arranged in pairs on both sides of the heating chamber 200A in the Y-axis direction. The lower portion 206 is a flat portion extending along the XY plane. The outer edge of the lower portion 206 in the Y-axis direction is connected to the lower end of the third flat portion 205, as shown in Figures 15 and 17. As shown in Figure 19, a pair of clamping pieces 260 are arranged on both sides of the lower portion 206 in the X-axis direction. A portion of the lower portion 206 extends radially inward beyond the pair of clamping pieces 260. On the other hand, a portion of the pair of clamping pieces 260 extends radially outward beyond the lower portion 206.

[0114] As shown in Figure 16, when the gasket 200 is viewed from above, a portion of the pair of clamping pieces 260 extends outward beyond the third planar portion 205. The through-hole 235 of the gasket 200 opens in the Y-axis and Z-axis directions in relation to the multiple planar portions (first planar portion 203, second planar portion 204, and third planar portion 205). From the through-hole 235, in a planar view in the Z-axis direction, the communication portion 441 of the aerosol source holding portion 440, the pair of clamping pieces 260, and the support surface 421 of the outer cylindrical portion 420 of the holder 400 are exposed. Directly above the support surface 421 of the outer cylindrical portion 420, the lower surface portion 206 of the gasket 200 is absent, and as shown in Figure 8, a space S communicating with the liquid containment chamber 101 is formed.

[0115] As shown in Figures 8 and 20, the lower surface portion 206 of the gasket 200 is positioned at least opposite the support surface 432 of the inner cylinder portion 430 in the Z-axis direction. The approximately semicircular space enclosed by the lower surface portion 206, the support surface 432, and the groove 433 is smaller than the normal (pre-compression) outer shape of the wick 310 (shown by the dotted line in Figure 20). In other words, the wick 310 is fixed in the first fixing portion 501 in a compressed state from all sides.

[0116] As shown in Figure 21, the pair of clamping pieces 260 of the gasket 200 are positioned at least opposite the communication portion 441 (opening) of the aerosol source holding portion 440 in the Z-axis direction. The pair of clamping pieces 260 comprises a tapered portion 261 and a flat portion 262. The tapered portion 261 has a wider X-axis distance for clamping the wick 310 as it approaches the communication portion 441 of the aerosol source holding portion 440. The flat portion 262 has a constant X-axis distance for clamping the wick 310. The tapered portion 261 is connected to the communication portion 441 side of the aerosol source holding portion 440 of the flat portion 262.

[0117] The flat portion 262 is visible from the through hole 235 formed in the gasket 200 in the side view shown in Figure 17, and is positioned above the support surface 421 of the outer cylinder portion 420. The tapered portion 261 extends from the lower end of the flat portion 262 to below the support surface 421 of the outer cylinder portion 420. Most of the pair of clamping pieces 260 are positioned inside the outer cylinder portion 420 in a plan view, but as shown in Figures 15 and 16, they elastically deform by contacting the inner wall surface of the outer cylinder portion 420, and a portion of them rests on the support surface 421. In other words, the pair of clamping pieces 260 extend in the Y-axis direction from a position facing the communication portion 441 (opening) of the aerosol source holding portion 440 to a position facing the support surface 421 of the outer cylinder portion 420.

[0118] As shown in Figure 21, the wick 310 is clamped in the Y-axis direction by a pair of clamping pieces 260 at the second fixing portion 502. The wick 310 is tightly clamped at the flat portion 262 and loosely clamped at the tapered portion 261. At the second fixing portion 502, the wick 310 is fixed in a state that is compressed in the X-axis direction compared to the normal (pre-compression) external shape of the wick 310 (shown by the dotted line in Figure 21).

[0119] The wick 310 is more compressed at the first fixing part 501 (Figure 22) than at the second fixing part 502 (see Figure 21). In other words, the compression ratio of the wick 310 is higher at the first fixing part 501 (Figure 22) than at the second fixing part 502 (see Figure 21). The "compression ratio" here can be defined, for example, as the ratio of the cross-sectional area after compression to the cross-sectional area of ​​the wick 310 in its normal state.

[0120] In the wick 310, the compressibility is high at the first fixed part 501, which reduces the capillary force parameter r and increases the capillary force. Also, in the wick 310, the compressibility is low at the second fixed part 502, which reduces the capillary force parameter r and decreases the capillary force. In other words, in the wick 310, the capillary force is greater at the first fixed part 501 than at the second fixed part 502, making it easier for the aerosol source to move from the second fixed part 502 to the first fixed part 501. Furthermore, in the wick 310, the capillary force is smaller at the second fixed part 502, making it easier to introduce excess aerosol source into the aerosol source holding part 440 directly below the second fixed part 502.

[0121] Next, the surrounding structure of the flow channel section 130 will be described. Figure 22 is a perspective cross-sectional view of the area around the flow channel pipe 130 according to one embodiment, viewed from the bottom side. Note that in Figure 22, the cartridge 3 is shown upside down for illustrative purposes.

[0122] As shown in Figure 22, an aerosol source capture unit 240 is provided inside the gasket 200 near the second opening 132 on the heating section 300 side of the flow channel pipe section 130 to capture the aerosol source. The aerosol source capture unit 240 has an annular groove formed around the opening (second opening 132) on the heating section 300 side of the flow channel pipe section 130. Here, "annular" may be a continuously connected annular shape around the flow channel pipe section 130, or an annular shape that is connected intermittently (for example, in the shape of a dotted line, two arcs, etc.). In this embodiment, the aerosol source capture unit 240 is formed in a continuously connected annular shape around the flow channel pipe section 130.

[0123] The aerosol source capture section 240 has an annular space enclosed by the ceiling surface of the heating chamber 200A, the four sides of the heating chamber 200A, and the outer circumferential surface of the lower end of the flow channel pipe section 130 that protrudes into the heating chamber 200A. As shown in Figure 19, the aerosol source capture section 240 has a rectangular shape when viewed from below. Specifically, the aerosol source capture section 240 has a pair of long sides 241 extending parallel to the X-axis direction and a pair of short sides 242 extending parallel to the Y-axis direction. The width W1 from the long sides 241 to the insertion hole 201 is narrower than the width W2 from the short sides 242 to the insertion hole 201. In other words, the aerosol source capture section 240 (groove section) is partially narrower in width at the long sides 241. Note that the width of the aerosol source capture section 240 (groove section) should be compared using the opening width rather than the bottom width.

[0124] The aerosol sources captured by the aerosol source capture unit 240 include, for example, aerosols generated in the heating unit 300 that condense and liquefy in the heating chamber 200A, aerosols that flow out of the heating unit 300 without vaporizing or evaporating, and aerosols that flow out from parts other than the heating unit 300 (for example, the tank 100 or the aerosol source holding unit 440).

[0125] As shown in Figure 22, an aerosol source reflux section 250 is provided inside the gasket 200, extending in the Z-axis direction from the aerosol source capture section 240 to the heating section 300. As shown in Figure 19, the aerosol source reflux section 250 is formed in pairs at the portion where the width is smallest up to the insertion hole 201 (long side section 241). The bottom view shape of the aerosol source reflux section 250 is not limited to a rectangle, but may be a shape that is easy to mold in resin, such as a trapezoid. As shown in Figure 8, the aerosol source reflux section 250 extends in pairs from the ceiling surface of the heating chamber 200A to the wick 310 portions on both sides of the heating section 321 around which the heater wire 320 of the wick 310 is wound.

[0126] The aerosol source reflux section 250 is a groove that refluxes the aerosol source captured by the aerosol source capture section 240 to the wick 310 portion of the heating section 300. The aerosol source reflux section 250 does not need to be a groove; it just needs to be capable of refluxing the aerosol source captured by the aerosol source capture section 240 to the wick 310 portion of the heating section 300. For example, the aerosol source reflux section 250 may have a capillary structure similar to the wick 310 at a position corresponding to the groove, or a surface treatment that provides low water repellency (high hydrophilicity) to the aerosol source, or a structure that combines all or part of the groove, capillary structure, and surface treatment. In this embodiment, the aerosol source reflux section 250 is integrally formed with the gasket 200, but it may also be formed as a separate part from the gasket 200.

[0127] Similarly, although the aerosol source capture unit 240 in this embodiment is integrally formed with the gasket 200, it may also be formed as a separate part from the gasket 200. In other words, the aerosol source capture unit 240 only needs to be capable of capturing the aerosol source near the second opening 132 of the flow channel pipe 130, and does not need to be located in a groove. The aerosol source capture unit 240 may, for example, have a capillary structure similar to the wick 310, or a surface treatment that is low in water repellency (high in hydrophilicity) towards the aerosol source at a position corresponding to the groove, or it may be a structure that combines all or part of the groove, capillary structure, and surface treatment.

[0128] The aerosol source capture unit 240 has a capillary force that holds the aerosol source in at least the portion with a width W1 as shown in Figure 19. The aerosol source reflux unit 250 has a greater capillary force than the aerosol source capture unit 240. As a result, even if the cartridge 3 is inverted, as shown in Figure 22, the aerosol source captured by the aerosol source capture unit 240 can be refluxed to the wick 310 portion of the heating unit 300. For example, the aerosol source reflux unit 250 only needs to have a capillary force such that the rise in liquid level height h is equal to the height from the ceiling surface of the heating chamber 200A to the outer surface of the wick 310.

[0129] <How to use a suction device> To use the suction device 1 configured as described above, first, open the cartridge storage lid 50 located at the bottom of the housing portion 12 of the main unit 2, as shown in Figure 2. Then, insert the cartridge 3 into the cartridge storage portion 10. After inserting the cartridge 3 into the cartridge storage portion 10, close the cartridge storage lid 50. Next, attach the flavor source container 4 to the mouthpiece portion 11a of the heating module 11 of the main unit 2, and then attach the mouthpiece 5 to the flavor source container 4 that protrudes from the heating module 11.

[0130] When using the suction device 1, the user presses the input device 15 shown in Figures 1 and 3. The program may, for example, be designed so that pressing the input device 15 multiple times activates the main unit 2. Once the main unit 2 is activated, for example, the heating module 11 heats the flavor source container 4 to enhance the flavor.

[0131] Next, the user inhales while holding the mouthpiece 5 in their mouth. As a result, the air inside the cartridge housing 10 is drawn into the cartridge 3, and the sensor 26 shown in Figure 3 detects the puff. When the sensor 26 detects the puff, power is supplied to the heater wire 320 of the cartridge 3, causing the heater wire 320 to heat up. When the heater wire 320 heats up, the liquid aerosol source impregnated in the wick 310 is heated and atomized.

[0132] Air (outside air) flows into the cartridge housing 10 through a communication hole 17a formed in the cover member 17. The air that has flowed into the cartridge housing 10 is introduced into the air passage 416 through the vertical groove 415 and horizontal groove 414 of the cartridge 3, and / or the horizontal groove 414, as shown in Figure 7. The air introduced into the air passage 416 is introduced into the heating chamber 200A through the communication hole 417, and, carrying the aerosol generated in the heating chamber 200A, passes through the flow channel pipe 130 and the communication hole 27a of the cartridge contact part 27 shown in Figure 3, and further passes through the flavor source container 4 and mouthpiece 5, and is delivered to the user's mouth. This allows the user to enjoy the flavor.

[0133] The atomized aerosol fills the heating chamber 200A, and some of it may condense within the heating chamber 200A and return to the aerosol source. When the cartridge 3 is turned downwards, this aerosol source attempts to flow out of the cartridge 3 through the flow channel section 130. However, in this embodiment, as shown in Figure 22, when the cartridge 3 is turned downwards, the aerosol source capture unit 240 captures the aerosol source near the second opening 132 on the heating section 300 side of the flow channel section 130, thus suppressing the outflow of the aerosol source from the flow channel section 130 to the outside. In addition, the aerosol source recirculation unit 250 recirculates the aerosol source accumulated in the aerosol source capture unit 240 to the heating section 300, thus suppressing the overflow of the aerosol source from the aerosol source capture unit 240.

[0134] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 8, the aerosol source is supplied from the tank 100 to the heating section 300. However, if the amount of aerosol source supplied to the wick 310 exceeds the amount that can be held, the aerosol source will attempt to drip from the heating section 321 into the inside of the inner cylinder 430 (heating chamber 200A). However, in this embodiment, the excess aerosol source supplied from the tank 100 to the heating section 300 is guided to the aerosol source holding section 440 by the aerosol source guidance section 450 between the inner cylinder 430 and the outer cylinder 420 that support the heating section 300. This prevents the aerosol source from dripping inside the inner cylinder 430.

[0135] On the other hand, if the aerosol source supplied from the tank 100 to the heating unit 300 is insufficient, overheating of the wick 310 is likely to occur in the heat-generating portion 321. However, in this embodiment, as shown in Figure 8, the heating unit 300 is stably fixed by the first fixing portion 501 and the second fixing portion 502, and is firmly fixed at a position close to the heat-generating portion 321 of the heating unit 300, and loosely fixed at a position away from the heat-generating portion 321 of the heating unit 300. As a result, the aerosol source is sufficiently absorbed at one end 311 and the other end 312 of the wick 310, and the aerosol source is moved toward the heat-generating portion 321, making it easier to moisten the entire wick 310 with the aerosol source, thereby suppressing the depletion of the aerosol source in the heat-generating portion 321 and the resulting overheating.

[0136] In other words, the following effects and advantages can be obtained in this embodiment.

[0137] [Effects and Effects] The cartridge 3 according to the above embodiment includes a tank 100 capable of containing an aerosol source, a heating unit 300 that receives the aerosol source from the tank 100 and heats the aerosol source to generate an aerosol, a flow channel pipe 130 that guides the aerosol generated in the heating unit 300 to the outside, an aerosol source capture unit 240 that captures the aerosol source near the second opening 132 (opening) of the flow channel pipe 130 on the heating unit 300 side, and an aerosol source recirculation unit 250 that extends from the aerosol source capture unit 240 to the heating unit 300. With this configuration, when cartridge 3 is facing downwards, the aerosol source capture unit 240 captures the aerosol source near the second opening 132 on the heating unit 300 side of the flow channel pipe 130, thereby suppressing the outflow of the aerosol source from the flow channel pipe 130 to the outside. In addition, the aerosol source recirculation unit 250 recirculates the aerosol source accumulated in the aerosol source capture unit 240 to the heating unit 300, thereby suppressing the overflow of the aerosol source from the aerosol source capture unit 240.

[0138] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the aerosol source capture unit 240 is provided with an annular groove formed around the second opening 132 on the heating unit 300 side of the flow channel pipe 130. With this configuration, the grooves capture the aerosol source around the entire circumference of the second opening 132 on the heating section 300 side of the flow channel pipe 130, thereby suppressing the outflow of the aerosol source from the flow channel pipe 130 to the outside.

[0139] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the aerosol source capture section 240 (groove section) comprises a short side section 242 (first section) and a long side section 241 (second section) which is narrower than the first section, and the aerosol source recirculation section 250 is connected to the long side section 241 (second section). With this configuration, the aerosol source captured in the aerosol source capture unit 240 recirculates to the heating unit 300 from the long side portion 241 (second portion) where the groove width is narrow, making it less likely for the aerosol source to remain in the corners of the aerosol source capture unit 240. Furthermore, the aerosol source recirculation section 250 only needs to be able to recirculate the aerosol source from the narrower portion of the aerosol source capture section 240. For example, if the aerosol source capture section 240 is square in bottom view and the flow channel section 130 is elliptical in bottom view, the aerosol source recirculation section 250 should be connected to the narrower portion of the aerosol source capture section 240 along the major axis of the ellipse.

[0140] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the aerosol source capture unit 240 has capillary force to hold the aerosol source. With this configuration, the aerosol source capture unit 240 holds the aerosol source by capillary force, making it difficult for the aerosol source to flow out of the aerosol source capture unit 240 into the flow channel pipe 130.

[0141] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the aerosol source reflux section 250 has a greater capillary force than the aerosol source capture section 240. With this configuration, the aerosol source moves from the aerosol source capture unit 240 to the aerosol source recirculation unit 250 due to the difference in capillary force, so the aerosol source can be recirculated from the aerosol source capture unit 240 to the heating unit 300 regardless of the orientation of the cartridge 3.

[0142] Furthermore, in this embodiment, a gasket 200 is provided that contacts the heating section 300, and an aerosol source capture section 240 is formed on the gasket 200. With this configuration, the number of parts can be reduced and the assembly of the cartridge 3 can be made easier by forming the aerosol source capture section 240 on the gasket 200.

[0143] Furthermore, in this embodiment, an aerosol source reflux section 250 is formed in the gasket 200. With this configuration, the number of parts can be reduced and the assembly of the cartridge 3 can be made easier by forming the aerosol source recirculation section 250 on the gasket 200.

[0144] In this embodiment, the aerosol source reflux section 250 may be formed on a separate component from the gasket 200. With this configuration, by forming the aerosol source recirculation section 250 as a separate component from the gasket 200, the shape of the aerosol source recirculation section 250 can be designed separately from the gasket 200.

[0145] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the heating section 300 includes a wick 310 for holding an aerosol source and a heater wire 320 wound around the wick 310, and the aerosol source recirculation section 250 is provided in pairs and extends from the aerosol source capture section 240 to both sides of the heating section 321 around which the heater wire 320 of the wick 310 is wound. With this configuration, the aerosol source recirculates from the aerosol source capture unit 240 to the heating unit 300 from two locations instead of one. This increases the recirculation rate of the aerosol source to the heating unit 300, preventing the aerosol source from overflowing from the aerosol source capture unit 240. Furthermore, since the recirculation points of the aerosol source are on both sides of the portion of the wick 310 around which the heater wire 320 is wound, the heating portion 321 becomes more evenly moistened, allowing for efficient generation of the aerosol source.

[0146] Furthermore, the aerosol generating apparatus according to this embodiment comprises the cartridge 3 described above and a power supply unit 22 that supplies power to the heating unit 300 of the cartridge 3 to generate aerosols. With this configuration, the outflow of the aerosol source can be suppressed because it is equipped with the aforementioned cartridge 3.

[0147] Furthermore, the suction device 1 according to this embodiment comprises the aerosol generating device described above and a flavor source container 4 attached to the suction port 11a of the aerosol generating device. This configuration allows for the addition of flavor to the aerosol.

[0148] In this embodiment, the cartridge 3 is provided with a heating unit 300, but the heating unit 300 may be detachable from the cartridge 3, the heating unit 300 may be provided on the main unit 2 side of the aerosol generator, and the heating unit 300 may also be detachable from the main unit 2. In other words, the cartridge 3 may have the following configuration.

[0149] Cartridge 3 is used in an aerosol generating apparatus having a heating section 300, and comprises a tank 100 capable of containing an aerosol source, a flow channel pipe section 130 that guides the aerosol generated in the heating section 300 to the outside, an aerosol source capture section 240 that captures the aerosol source near the second opening 132 of the flow channel pipe section 130 on the heating section 300 side, and an aerosol source recirculation section 250 that extends from the aerosol source capture section 240 to the heating section 300. With this configuration, when cartridge 3 is facing downwards, the aerosol source capture unit 240 captures the aerosol source near the second opening 132 on the heating unit 300 side of the flow channel pipe 130, thereby suppressing the outflow of the aerosol source from the flow channel pipe 130 to the outside. In addition, the aerosol source recirculation unit 250 recirculates the aerosol source accumulated in the aerosol source capture unit 240 to the heating unit 300, thereby suppressing the overflow of the aerosol source from the aerosol source capture unit 240.

[0150] Furthermore, the following effects can also be obtained in this embodiment.

[0151] The cartridge 3 according to the present embodiment described above comprises a tank 100 capable of containing an aerosol source, a heating unit 300 to which the aerosol source is supplied from the tank 100 and which heats the aerosol source to generate an aerosol, an inner cylinder 430 supporting the heating unit 300, an outer cylinder 420 outside the inner cylinder 430 that supports the heating unit 300, an aerosol source holding unit 440 formed between the inner cylinder 430 and the outer cylinder 420 and capable of containing an aerosol source, and an aerosol source guidance unit 450 that guides the aerosol source supplied to the heating unit 300 to the aerosol source holding unit 440. With this configuration, any excess aerosol source supplied from the tank 100 to the heating unit 300 is guided to the aerosol source holding unit 440 by the aerosol source guidance unit 450 between the inner cylinder 430 and the outer cylinder 420 that support the heating unit 300, thereby preventing the aerosol source from dripping inward from the inner cylinder 430.

[0152] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the aerosol source induction unit 450 is provided in at least one of the inner cylinder portion 430 and the outer cylinder portion 420. With this configuration, since the inner cylinder portion 430 and the outer cylinder portion 420 support the heating portion 300, providing an aerosol source guidance portion 450 in at least one of the inner cylinder portion 430 and the outer cylinder portion 420 makes it easier to guide the excess aerosol source from the heating portion 300 to the aerosol source holding portion 440.

[0153] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the aerosol source induction unit 450 is provided along the inner wall surface of the outer cylinder 420. With this configuration, by providing the aerosol source holding portion 440 along the inner wall surface of the outer cylinder portion 420, which is separated from the inner cylinder portion 430, it is possible to suppress the aerosol source from dripping inward from the inner cylinder portion 430.

[0154] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the aerosol source guidance unit 450 includes a groove that extends from the communication portion 441 (opening) of the aerosol source holding unit 440 toward the bottom of the aerosol source holding unit 440. With this configuration, the grooves guide the aerosol source from the communication section 441 (opening) of the aerosol source holding section 440 toward the bottom, making it easier for the aerosol source to accumulate in the aerosol source holding section 440.

[0155] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the cross-sectional area of ​​the aerosol source guide portion 450 (groove portion) is smaller on the bottom side than on the communication portion 441 (opening) side of the aerosol source holding portion 440. With this configuration, the capillary force of the aerosol source guidance section 450 (groove section) gradually increases from the communication section 441 (opening) of the aerosol source holding section 440 towards the bottom, making it easier to guide the aerosol source towards the bottom of the aerosol source holding section 440.

[0156] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the bottom of the aerosol source holding section 440 includes a first bottom surface 442 and a second bottom surface 443 which is deeper than the first bottom surface 442, and the aerosol source guidance section 450 (groove section) extends toward the second bottom surface 443. This configuration makes it easier to guide the aerosol source to a deeper location at the bottom of the aerosol source holding unit 440.

[0157] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the aerosol source induction unit 450 is in contact with the heating unit 300. With this configuration, the aerosol source guidance unit 450 comes into contact with the heating unit 300, making it easier to guide excess aerosols from the heating unit 300 to the aerosol source holding unit 440.

[0158] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the heating section 300 has a capillary force that holds the aerosol source, and the aerosol source induction section 450 has a capillary force that is smaller than the capillary force of the heating section 300. With this configuration, if there is an excess of aerosol source in the heating section 300, the aerosol source can be guided from the heating section 300 to the aerosol source holding section 440 by the capillary force of the aerosol source guidance section 450. Also, if there is a shortage of aerosol source in the heating section 300, the aerosol source can be drawn up from the aerosol source holding section 440 to the heating section 300 by the capillary force of the aerosol source guidance section 450.

[0159] The aerosol generating apparatus according to this embodiment comprises the cartridge 3 described above and a power supply unit 22 that supplies power to the heating unit 300 of the cartridge 3 and generates aerosols. With this configuration, since the aforementioned cartridge 3 is included, it is possible to suppress the dripping of the aerosol source from the heating unit 300.

[0160] The suction device 1 according to this embodiment comprises the aerosol generating device described above and a flavor source container 4 attached to the suction port 11a of the aerosol generating device. This configuration allows for the addition of flavor to the aerosol.

[0161] Furthermore, the following effects can also be obtained in this embodiment.

[0162] The cartridge 3 according to the present embodiment described above comprises a tank 100 capable of containing an aerosol source, a heating unit 300 to which the aerosol source is supplied from the tank 100 and which heats the aerosol source to generate an aerosol, a first fixing part 501 for fixing the heating unit 300, and a second fixing part 502 that fixes the heating unit 300 more loosely than the first fixing part 501, at a position further away from the heat-generating portion 321 of the heating unit 300 than the first fixing part 501. With this configuration, the heating unit 300 is stably fixed by two fixing parts, and is firmly fixed at a position close to the heat-generating portion 321 of the heating unit 300, and loosely fixed at a position away from the heat-generating portion 321 of the heating unit 300. This makes it easier to moisten the entire heating unit 300 with an aerosol source, and suppresses the depletion of the aerosol source at the heat-generating portion 321 and the resulting overheating.

[0163] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the heating section 300 is more compressed at the first fixing section 501 than at the second fixing section 502. In this configuration, the heating section 300 is more compressed in the first fixed section 501 than in the second fixed section 502, so the aerosol source is more easily moved to the heat-generating portion 321 of the heating section 300 by the capillary force of the heating section 300.

[0164] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the second fixing portion 502 has a communication portion 441 located further away from the heat-generating portion 321 of the heating portion 300 than the first fixing portion 501, and an aerosol source holding portion 440 capable of accommodating an aerosol source is formed from the communication portion 441, and the second fixing portion 502 fixes the heating portion 300 at a position at least opposite to the communication portion 441 of the aerosol source holding portion 440. With this configuration, if an excess aerosol source is supplied to the heating unit 300, the excess aerosol source will drip down from the second fixing part 502, to which the heating unit 300 is loosely fixed, and the aerosol source can be recovered in the aerosol source holding unit 440, which has a communication part 441 located away from the heat-generating part 321 of the heating unit 300.

[0165] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the second fixing portion 502 includes a pair of clamping pieces 260 that clamp the heating portion 300, and the pair of clamping pieces 260 have tapered portions 261 in which the distance between which they clamp the heating portion 300 widens as they move toward the communication portion 441 of the aerosol source holding portion 440. With this configuration, the compression of the heating section 300 gradually decreases as it approaches the communication section 441 of the aerosol source holding section 440, making it easier to guide excess aerosol source from the heating section 300 to the aerosol source holding section 440.

[0166] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the pair of clamping pieces 260 are provided with flat portions 262 that have a constant spacing for clamping the heating portion 300, and the tapered portion 261 is connected to the communication portion 441 of the aerosol source holding portion 440 of the flat portion 262. With this configuration, the heating section 300 is stably fixed by the flat section 262, while the heating section 300 is loosely fixed by the tapered section 261, making it easier to guide excess aerosol source from the heating section 300 to the aerosol source holding section 440.

[0167] Furthermore, in this embodiment, an outer cylinder portion 420 (support portion) that supports the heating portion 300 is provided at a position further away from the heat-generating portion 321 of the heating portion 300 than the aerosol source holding portion 440, and a space S (see Figure 8) is formed on the opposite side of the heating portion 300 from the support surface 421 of the outer cylinder portion 420 (support portion). With this configuration, by forming a space S on the opposite side of the heating section 300 from the support surface 421 of the outer cylinder section 420 (support section), the volume of the tank 100 is expanded, and bubbles are less likely to accumulate at the lower end of the liquid storage chamber 101. This suppresses the depletion of the aerosol source in the heating section 300 due to bubble accumulation and the resulting overheating.

[0168] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the second fixing portion 502 extends from a position facing the communication portion 441 of the aerosol source holding portion 440 to a position facing the support surface 421 of the outer cylinder portion 420 (support portion). With this configuration, the heating unit 300 can be fixed by the second fixing unit 502 at a position facing the support surface 421, thus enabling stable fixing of the heating unit 300.

[0169] The aerosol generating apparatus according to this embodiment comprises the cartridge 3 described above and a power supply unit 22 that supplies power to the heating unit 300 of the cartridge 3 to generate aerosols. With this configuration, since the cartridge 3 described above is included, the heating unit 300 can be stably fixed while suppressing the depletion of the aerosol source in the heat-generating section 321 and the resulting overheating.

[0170] The suction device 1 according to this embodiment comprises the aerosol generating device described above and a flavor source container 4 attached to the suction port 11a of the aerosol generating device. This configuration allows for the addition of flavor to the aerosol.

[0171] <Cartridge appearance> The following describes the appearance of cartridge 3.

[0172] Figure 23 is a front view of cartridge 3 according to one embodiment. Figure 24 is a rear view of cartridge 3 according to one embodiment. Figure 25 is a left side view of cartridge 3 according to one embodiment. Figure 26 is a right side view of cartridge 3 according to one embodiment. Figure 27 is a top view of cartridge 3 according to one embodiment. Figure 28 is a bottom view of cartridge 3 according to one embodiment. Figure 29 is a reference perspective view of cartridge 3 according to one embodiment. As shown in Figures 23 to 29, the cartridge 3 is formed in a cylindrical shape. The exterior of the cartridge 3 consists of a non-transparent holder 400 at the bottom and a translucent tank 100 for the majority of the rest.

[0173] The two electrode portions on the bottom surface of the cartridge 3 shown in Figure 29 may have the following appearance. The sizes of the two electrode portions are not limited to the ratio shown in the following figure; for example, they may be larger or smaller than the ratio shown in the following figure. Furthermore, the sizes of the two electrode portions may be equal or different.

[0174] Figure 30 is a bottom view of the cartridge 3 according to the first modified example. The two electrode portions of the cartridge 3 shown in Figure 30 are formed in a roughly semicircular hexagonal shape. Figure 31 is a bottom view of cartridge 3 according to the second modified example. The two electrode portions of cartridge 3 shown in Figure 31 have rounded corners compared to the electrode portions shown in Figure 30. Note that the rounded shape shown in Figure 31 does not require all corners of the electrode portions to be rounded; only some corners may be rounded.

[0175] Figure 32 is a bottom view of the cartridge 3 according to the third modified example. The two electrode portions of the cartridge 3 shown in Figure 32 are formed in a curved, band-like shape that is recessed toward the center of the holder 400. Figure 33 is a bottom view of cartridge 3 according to the fourth modified example. The two electrode portions of cartridge 3 shown in Figure 33 have rounded corners compared to the electrode portions shown in Figure 32. Note that the rounded shape shown in Figure 33 does not require all corners of the electrode portions to be rounded; only some corners may be rounded.

[0176] Figure 34 is a bottom view of the cartridge 3 according to the fifth modified example. The two electrode portions of the cartridge 3 shown in Figure 34 are formed in a curved, band-like shape that bulges outwards from the center of the holder 400. Figure 35 is a bottom view of cartridge 3 according to the sixth modified example. The two electrode portions of cartridge 3 shown in Figure 35 have rounded corners compared to the electrode portions shown in Figure 34. Note that the rounded shape shown in Figure 35 does not require all corners of the electrode portion to be rounded; only some corners may be rounded.

[0177] Figure 36 is a bottom view of cartridge 3 according to the seventh modified example. The two electrode portions of cartridge 3 shown in Figure 36 are formed in a trapezoidal shape with the upper and lower portions (the shorter of the two parallel sides) facing the center of the holder 400. Figure 37 is a bottom view of cartridge 3 according to the eighth modified example. The two electrode portions of cartridge 3 shown in Figure 37 have rounded corners compared to the electrode portions shown in Figure 36. Note that the rounded shape shown in Figure 37 does not require all corners of the electrode portion to be rounded; only some corners may be rounded.

[0178] Figure 38 is a bottom view of cartridge 3 according to the ninth modified example. The two electrode portions of cartridge 3 shown in Figure 38 are formed in a trapezoidal shape with the lower portion (the longer of the two parallel sides) facing the center of the holder 400. Figure 39 is a bottom view of cartridge 3 according to the 10th modified example. The two electrode portions of cartridge 3 shown in Figure 39 have rounded corners compared to the electrode portions shown in Figure 38. Note that the rounded shape shown in Figure 39 does not require all corners of the electrode portion to be rounded; only some corners may be rounded.

[0179] Figure 40 is a bottom view of the cartridge 3 according to the 11th modified example. The two electrode portions of the cartridge 3 shown in Figure 40 are formed in a pentagonal shape with two right-angle interior angles opposite to the center of the holder 400 and the vertex angle pointing towards the center of the holder 400. Figure 41 is a bottom view of cartridge 3 according to the 12th modified example. The two electrode portions of cartridge 3 shown in Figure 41 have rounded corners compared to the electrode portions shown in Figure 40. Note that the rounded shape shown in Figure 41 does not require all corners of the electrode portion to be rounded; only some corners may be rounded.

[0180] Figure 42 is a bottom view of cartridge 3 according to the 13th modified example. The two electrode portions of cartridge 3 shown in Figure 42 are formed in a pentagonal shape with two right-angle interior angles toward the center of the holder 400 and the apex angle facing away from the center of the holder 400. Figure 43 is a bottom view of cartridge 3 according to the 14th modified example. The two electrode portions of cartridge 3 shown in Figure 43 have rounded corners compared to the electrode portions shown in Figure 42. Note that the rounded shape shown in Figure 43 does not require all corners of the electrode portion to be rounded; only some corners may be rounded.

[0181] Figure 44 is a bottom view of cartridge 3 according to the 15th modified example. The two electrode portions of cartridge 3 shown in Figure 44 are formed in a hexagonal shape with one of its two parallel sides facing the center of the holder 400. Figure 45 is a bottom view of cartridge 3 according to the 16th modified example. The two electrode portions of cartridge 3 shown in Figure 45 have rounded corners compared to the electrode portions shown in Figure 44. Note that the rounded shape shown in Figure 45 does not require all corners of the electrode portion to be rounded; only some corners may be rounded.

[0182] <Other variations> Preferred embodiments and variations of the present invention have been described above, but the present invention is not limited to these embodiments and variations. Additions, omissions, substitutions, and other modifications are possible without departing from the spirit of the present invention. The present invention is not limited by the above description, but only by the appended claims.

[0183] For example, in the above-described embodiment, an inhaler 1 in which a flavor source container 4 is detachably configured was given as an example of an aerosol generating device that generates an aerosol without combustion, but the device is not limited to this configuration. As another example of an aerosol generating device, there may be a configuration that does not have a flavor source container 4, such as an e-cigarette (for example, a configuration in which the mouthpiece is directly attached to the mouthpiece). In this case, an aerosol source containing flavor may be contained in a cartridge 3, and the aerosol generating device may generate an aerosol containing flavor. In other words, in the embodiments described above, a device that does not include the flavor source container 4 but includes the main unit 2 and the cartridge 3 may also be called an aerosol generating device. Furthermore, a device that does not include the flavor source container 4 and the cartridge 3 but includes only the main unit 2 may also be called the main unit of an aerosol generating device. Furthermore, the aerosol source is not limited to liquids; it may also include solids or gels in a liquid, as long as it can utilize capillary action.

[0184] In the embodiments described above, a configuration in which the cartridge 3 is formed in a cylindrical shape was explained, but this configuration is not the only one. The cartridge 3 can be any configuration that can hold an aerosol source. In other words, the cartridge 3 is not limited to a cylinder, but may be a three-dimensional shape such as a cube, triangular pyramid, pyramid, prism, octahedron, cone, sphere, or torus.

[0185] In the embodiment described above, a configuration was described in which the main unit 2 is activated by pressing the input device 15. However, a configuration in which the main unit 2 is activated solely by puff detection by the sensor 26, without the input device 15, is also possible.

[0186] Furthermore, without departing from the spirit of the present invention, the components in the embodiments described above can be replaced with well-known components as appropriate, and the modifications described above can be combined as appropriate. [Industrial applicability]

[0187] The present invention relates to a cartridge, an aerosol generator, and a non-combustion type suction device, and can suppress the outflow of the aerosol source. [Explanation of symbols]

[0188] 1...Suction device, 2...Main unit, 3...Cartridge, 4...Flavor source container, 5...Mouthpiece, 6A...Electrode, 6B...Electrode, 10...Cartridge housing, 10A...Cartridge housing space, 11...Heating module, 11a...Suction nozzle, 11b...Heater section, 12...Housing section, 12A...Main surface, 12A1...First main surface, 12A2...Second main surface, 12B...Peripheral wall, 12B1...First peripheral wall, 12B2...Second peripheral wall, 12C...Corner, 12C1...First corner, 12C2...Second corner, 12C3...Third corner, 12C4...Fourth corner, 13...Outer case, 13a...Opening, 1 3A…First case, 13b…Exposed part, 13B…Second case, 14…Display cover, 15…Input device, 16…Window part, 17…Cover member, 17a…Communication hole, 18A…First air inlet, 18B…Second air inlet, 20…Inner case, 21…Charging terminal, 22…Power supply unit, 23…Main board, 24…Display device, 25…Light source, 26…Sensor, 27…Cartridge contact part, 27a…Communication hole, 50…Cartridge housing lid, 51…Protruding electrode, 70…First air passage, 80…Second air passage, 90…Protruding part, 100…Tank, 101…Liquid storage chamber, 110… Circumferential wall portion, 111...Engagement hole, 112...Recess, 120...Top wall portion, 130...Flow channel tube portion, 131...First opening, 132...Second opening, 140...Rib, 141...Notch portion, 142...Protrusion, 200...Gasket, 200A...Heating chamber, 201...Insertion hole, 202...Annular projection, 203...First flat portion, 204...Second flat portion, 205...Third flat portion, 206...Bottom surface portion, 210...First cylindrical portion, 211...Top surface, 220...Second cylindrical portion, 230...Third cylindrical portion, 231...Seal cylindrical portion, 232...Seal projection, 235...Through hole, 240...Aerosol source capture portion, 241...Long side portion, 242...Short side portion, 250...E Allosol source reflux section, 260... clamping piece, 261... tapered section, 262... flat section, 300... heating section, 310... wick, 311... one end, 312... other end, 320... heater wire, 321... heating part, 322A... one end, 322B... other end, 400... holder, 401... engaging piece, 402... convex section, 410... base section, 410a... bottom surface, 410b... outer peripheral surface, 410c... stepped section, 411... fitting hole, 413... engaging recess, 414... horizontal groove, 415... vertical groove, 416... air passage, 417... communication hole, 418... through hole, 420... outer cylinder section, 421... support surface, 430... inner cylinder section, 431... groove,432...Support surface, 433...Groove, 440...Aerosol source holding part, 441...Communication part, 442...First bottom surface, 443...Second bottom surface, 444...Third bottom surface, 450...Aerosol source guidance part, 501...First fixing part, 502...Second fixing part, S...Space, W1...Width, W2...Width

Claims

1. A tank capable of containing an aerosol source, A heating unit is provided, which receives the aerosol source from the tank and heats the aerosol source to generate an aerosol. A flow channel pipe section for guiding the aerosol generated in the heating section to the outside, Near the opening on the heating section side of the flow channel pipe, there is an aerosol source capture unit that captures the aerosol source, The system includes an aerosol source reflux section extending from the aerosol source capture section to the heating section, The heating element is equipped with a gasket that comes into contact with it, The aerosol source capture portion is formed in the gasket. cartridge.

2. The aerosol source capture unit is provided with an annular groove around the opening of the flow channel pipe on the heating unit side. The cartridge according to claim 1.

3. The groove comprises a first portion and a second portion that is narrower than the first portion. The aerosol source reflux section is connected to the second section. The cartridge according to claim 2.

4. The aerosol source capture unit has capillary force to hold the aerosol source. The cartridge according to claim 1.

5. The aerosol source reflux section is larger than the aerosol source capture section. Having capillary action, The cartridge according to claim 4.

6. The aerosol source reflux section is formed in the gasket. The cartridge according to claim 1.

7. The aerosol source reflux section is formed on a separate component from the gasket. The cartridge according to claim 1.

8. The heating unit comprises a wick for holding the aerosol source and a heater wire wound around the wick. The aerosol source recirculation section is provided in pairs and extends from the aerosol source capture section to both sides of the heating portion of the wick around which the heater wire is wound. The cartridge according to claim 1.

9. A tank capable of containing an aerosol source, A heating unit is provided, which receives the aerosol source from the tank and heats the aerosol source to generate an aerosol. A flow channel pipe section for guiding the aerosol generated in the heating section to the outside, Near the opening on the heating section side of the flow channel pipe, there is an aerosol source capture unit that captures the aerosol source, The system includes an aerosol source reflux section extending from the aerosol source capture section to the heating section, The aerosol source capture unit is provided with an annular groove around the opening of the flow channel pipe on the heating unit side, The groove comprises a first portion and a second portion that is narrower than the first portion. The aerosol source reflux section is connected to the second section. cartridge.

10. A cartridge according to any one of claims 1 to 9, The system comprises a power supply unit that supplies power to the heating element of the cartridge to generate the aerosol, Aerosol generator.

11. The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 10, The aerosol generating device comprises a flavor source container attached to the mouthpiece, Non-combustion type suction device.

12. A cartridge used in an aerosol generating device having a heating section, A tank capable of containing an aerosol source, A flow channel pipe section for guiding the aerosol generated in the heating section to the outside, Near the opening on the heating section side of the flow channel pipe, there is an aerosol source capture unit that captures the aerosol source, The system comprises an aerosol source reflux section extending from the aerosol source capture section to the heating section, cartridge.

Images