Cartridge, aerosol-generating device, and non-combustion-type inhalation implement

Abstract

This cartridge comprises: a tank in which an aerosol source can be accommodated; a heating unit to which the aerosol source is supplied from the tank, the heating unit heating the aerosol source to generate an aerosol; an inner tube part that supports the heating unit; an outer tube part that supports the heating unit and is located farther outward than the inner tube part; an aerosol-source-holding part that is formed between the inner tube part and the outer tube part, the aerosol-source-holding part being capable of accommodating the aerosol source; and an aerosol source-guiding part that guides the aerosol source supplied to the heating unit to the aerosol-source-holding part.

Description

Cartridge, aerosol generating device, and non-combustion inhaler

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

[0002] Non-combustion inhalers for inhaling an aerosol and tasting a flavor have been known for some time. For example, one such non-combustion inhaler includes a cartridge for accommodating an aerosol source, a main unit of an aerosol generating device that detachably accommodates the cartridge, and a flavor source container that imparts a flavor to the aerosol atomized by the main unit.

[0003] One known example of this type of device is the cartridge for a non-combustion inhaler described in Patent Document 1. This cartridge includes a tank having a liquid storage section capable of storing a liquid, a heating section to which the liquid in the liquid storage section is supplied and which heats the liquid, and an atomizing container supporting the heating section, and the atomizing container has a liquid holding section capable of holding the liquid and spaced apart from the heating section, and a liquid guide section that circulates the liquid held in the liquid holding section back to the heating section.

[0004] International Publication No. 2021 / 171534

[0005] The present invention aims to provide a cartridge that suppresses the escape of an aerosol source.

[0006] To achieve the above object, a cartridge according to one aspect of the present invention includes a tank capable of accommodating an aerosol source, a heating unit that receives the aerosol source from the tank and heats the aerosol source to generate an aerosol, an inner cylindrical portion that supports the heating unit, an outer cylindrical portion that supports the heating unit outside the inner cylindrical portion, an aerosol source holding unit formed between the inner cylindrical portion and the outer cylindrical portion and capable of accommodating the aerosol source, and an aerosol source guide unit that guides the aerosol source supplied to the heating unit to the aerosol source holding unit. According to this aspect, excess aerosol source supplied to the heating unit from the tank is guided by the aerosol source guide unit to the aerosol source holding unit between the inner cylindrical portion that supports the heating unit and the outer cylindrical portion, thereby preventing the aerosol source from dripping inside the inner cylindrical portion. Therefore, outflow of the aerosol source can be prevented.

[0007] In the cartridge, the aerosol source guide portion may be provided in at least one of the inner and outer cylindrical portions. According to this aspect, since the inner and outer cylindrical portions support the heating portion, providing the aerosol source guide portion in at least one of the inner and outer cylindrical portions makes it easier to guide the excess aerosol source from the heating portion to the aerosol-source holding portion.

[0008] In the cartridge, the aerosol source guide portion may be provided along an inner wall surface of the outer cylindrical portion. According to this aspect, by providing the aerosol source holding portion along the inner wall surface of the outer cylindrical portion away from the inner cylindrical portion, it is possible to prevent the aerosol source from dripping inward from the inner cylindrical portion.

[0009] In the cartridge, the aerosol source guide portion may include a groove portion extending from the opening of the aerosol-source holding portion toward the bottom of the aerosol-source holding portion. According to this aspect, the groove portion guides the aerosol source from the opening of the aerosol-source holding portion toward the bottom, making it easier for the aerosol source to accumulate in the aerosol-source holding portion.

[0010] In the cartridge, the cross-sectional area of ​​the groove may be smaller on the bottom side than on the opening side of the aerosol-source holding part. According to this aspect, the capillary force of the groove gradually increases from the opening toward the bottom side of the aerosol-source holding part, making it easier to guide the aerosol source toward the bottom side of the aerosol-source holding part.

[0011] In the cartridge, the bottom of the aerosol-source holding part may include a first bottom surface and a second bottom surface that is deeper than the first bottom surface, and the groove may extend toward the second bottom surface. According to this aspect, it is easier to guide the aerosol source to a deeper location in the bottom of the aerosol-source holding part.

[0012] In the cartridge, the aerosol source guiding section may be in contact with the heating section. According to this aspect, the aerosol source guiding section is in contact with the heating section, making it easier to guide excess aerosol source from the heating section to the aerosol source holding section.

[0013] In the cartridge, the heating unit may have a capillary force that holds the aerosol source, and the aerosol source guiding unit may have a capillary force that is weaker than the capillary force of the heating unit. According to this aspect, if an excess of the aerosol source occurs in the heating unit, the aerosol source can be guided from the heating unit to the aerosol source holding unit by the capillary force of the aerosol source guiding unit. Furthermore, if a shortage of the aerosol source occurs in the heating unit, the aerosol source can be sucked up from the aerosol source holding unit to the heating unit by the capillary force of the aerosol source guiding unit.

[0014] An aerosol generating device according to one aspect of the present invention includes the cartridge described above and a power supply unit that supplies power to the heating unit of the cartridge to generate the aerosol. According to this aspect, the cartridge described above can prevent the aerosol source from dripping from the heating unit.

[0015] A non-combustion inhaler according to one aspect of the present invention includes the aerosol generating device described above and a flavor source container attached to the mouthpiece of the aerosol generating device. According to this aspect, a flavor can be added to the aerosol.

[0016] According to one aspect of the present invention, the outflow of an aerosol source can be suppressed.

[0017] 13A and 13B are perspective views of an aspirator according to one embodiment; an exploded perspective view of an aspirator according to one embodiment, viewed from the bottom side; an internal configuration diagram of an aspirator according to one embodiment; a perspective view of a cartridge according to one embodiment, viewed from the bottom side; a perspective view of a cartridge according to one embodiment, viewed from the top side; an exploded perspective view of a cartridge according to one embodiment, viewed from the bottom side; a cross-sectional view taken along line VII-VII in FIG. 4; a cross-sectional view taken along line VIII-VIII in FIG. 4; a perspective view of a tank according to one embodiment, viewed from the bottom side; a bottom view of a holder according to one embodiment; a perspective view of a heating unit and a holder according to one embodiment; a perspective view of a holder according to one embodiment; a plan view of a holder according to one embodiment; a cross-sectional view taken along line XIV-XIV in FIG. 13; a perspective view of a gasket and a holder according to one embodiment; a plan view of a gasket and a holder according to one embodiment; a side view of a gasket and a holder according to one embodiment; a perspective view of a gasket according to one embodiment, viewed from the bottom side; a bottom view of a gasket according to one embodiment; a cross-sectional view taken along line X-Z in the first fixing part according to one embodiment; a cross-sectional view taken along line X-Z in the second fixing part according to one embodiment; a perspective cross-sectional view of the periphery of a flow path pipe part according to one embodiment, viewed from the bottom side. 1 is a front view of a cartridge according to an embodiment; a rear view of a cartridge according to an embodiment; a left side view of a cartridge according to an embodiment; a right side view of a cartridge according to an embodiment; a plan view of a cartridge according to an embodiment; a bottom view of a cartridge according to an embodiment; a reference oblique view of a cartridge according to an embodiment; a bottom view of a cartridge according to a first modified example; a bottom view of a cartridge according to a second modified example; a bottom view of a cartridge according to a third modified example; a bottom view of a cartridge according to a fourth modified example; a bottom view of a cartridge according to a fifth modified example; a bottom view of a cartridge according to a sixth modified example; a bottom view of a cartridge according to a seventh modified example; a bottom view of a cartridge according to an eighth modified example; a bottom view of a cartridge according to a ninth modified example; a bottom view of a cartridge according to a tenth modified example; a bottom view of a cartridge according to an eleventh modified example; a bottom view of a cartridge according to a twelfth modified example; and a bottom view of a cartridge according to a thirteenth modified example.16A to 16C are bottom views of a cartridge according to a fourteenth modified example, a fifteenth modified example, and a sixteenth modified example.

[0018] A non-combustion type inhaler (hereinafter simply referred to as an inhaler) according to one embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

[0019] [Inhaler] Fig. 1 is a perspective view of an inhaler 1 according to one embodiment. Fig. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the inhaler 1 according to one embodiment, viewed from the bottom side. Fig. 3 is a diagram showing the internal configuration of the inhaler 1 according to one embodiment. The inhaler 1 is a so-called non-combustion inhaler, which obtains a flavor by inhaling aerosol atomized by heating through a flavor source.

[0020] As shown in Figure 2, the inhaler 1 includes a main unit 2, a cartridge 3 (also referred to as an atomization unit), a flavor source container 4, and a mouthpiece 5. The cartridge 3 is removably housed in a cartridge housing 10 of the main unit 2. The flavor source container 4 is removably attached to a heating module 11 of the main unit 2. The mouthpiece 5 is removably attached to the flavor source container 4.

[0021] The main unit 2 includes a housing 12. The housing 12 is generally formed in the shape of a rounded, flat box. The housing 12 has a pair of main surface portions 12A and a peripheral wall portion 12B. Here, the term "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 opposite each other, and is not limited to the first main surface portion 12A1 and the second main surface portion 12A2 matching in shape down to the smallest details. Note that the term "pair" also appears in the description of other parts, but is not limited to the same meaning as above, that is, matching in shape down to the smallest details.

[0022] When the housing 12 is imagined as a hexahedron surrounded by six rectangles, the pair of main surface portions 12A refer to portions that form a pair of opposing faces of the hexahedron (the faces with the largest area in this embodiment). The peripheral wall portion 12B refers to portions that form the remaining four faces of the hexahedron excluding the pair of main surface portions 12A. The peripheral wall portion 12B is also referred to as a portion that connects the peripheries of the pair of opposing main surface portions 12A.

[0023] In the following description, of the pair of principal surface portions 12A (first principal surface portion 12A1, second principal surface portion 12A2), the side on which the first principal surface portion 12A1 is arranged will be referred to as the front side, and the side on which the second principal surface portion 12A2 is arranged will be referred to as the rear side. Also, in a plan view, the side on which the heating module 11 is arranged will be referred to as the left side, and the side on which the input device 15 (see FIG. 1) is arranged will be referred to as the right side. Also, the side from 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.

[0024] In the drawings, an XYZ Cartesian coordinate system is set, and the positional relationship of each component is sometimes described with reference to this XYZ Cartesian coordinate system. The X-axis direction is the front-to-rear direction (also called the thickness direction) of the aspirator 1, the Y-axis direction is the left-to-right direction (also called the width direction) of the aspirator 1, and the Z-axis direction is the up-to-down direction (also called the height direction) of the aspirator 1.

[0025] Furthermore, the positional relationship of each component may be described based on the main axis O of the cartridge 3 and cartridge accommodating portion 10. The main axis O is the central axis of the cylindrical cartridge 3 and cartridge accommodating portion 10. The direction in which the main axis O extends may be referred to as the axial direction (the Z-axis direction described above), the direction perpendicular to the main axis O may be referred to as the radial direction, and the direction going around the main axis O may be referred to as the circumferential direction.

[0026] 1, the housing 12 includes 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 12A1 and a first peripheral wall 12B1 provided on the periphery of the first main surface 12A1. The second case 13B has a second main surface 12A2 and a second peripheral wall 12B2 provided on the periphery of the second main surface 12A2.

[0027] The peripheral wall 12B is formed by the first peripheral wall 12B1 of the first case 13A, the second peripheral wall 12B2 of the second case 13B, the display cover 14, and the inner case 20. The peripheral wall 12B includes mating surfaces for the first peripheral wall 12B1 of the first case 13A and the second peripheral wall 12B2 of the second case 13B.

[0028] The peripheral wall 12B has four corners 12C (first corner 12C1) where the heating module 11 is disposed, a second corner 12C2 where the opening of the cartridge accommodating section 10 (see FIG. 2) is disposed, a third corner 12C3 where the charging terminal 21 (see FIG. 2) is disposed, and a fourth corner 12C4 where the input device 15 (see FIG. 1) is disposed.

[0029] 1, the display cover 14 is provided from the heating module 11 disposed at the first corner 12C1 to the fourth corner 12C4. The display cover 14 has a through-hole formed therein 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 disposed in a recess.

[0030] The input device 15 may be disposed at a position below the outer surface of the outer case 13. In other words, it is sufficient that at least a portion of the input device 15 is disposed at a position below the outer surface of the outer case 13. Preferably, the entire input device 15 is disposed at a position 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 disposed at a position that does not reach the outer surface of the outer case 13.

[0031] 2, an opening of the cartridge accommodating section 10 is provided at the second corner 12C2. The opening of the cartridge accommodating section 10 can be opened and closed by a cartridge accommodating lid 50 provided at the bottom of the housing section 12 (inner case 20). A charging terminal 21 is provided at the third corner 12C3.

[0032] 1 , a window 16 is provided between a first corner 12C1 and a second corner 12C2 of the peripheral wall 12B. The remaining amount of liquid in the aerosol source of the cartridge 3 housed inside the cartridge housing 10 can be checked through the window 16. The window 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 that takes in air (outside air) into the housing 12 is provided in the gap between the opening 13a and the cover member 17.

[0033] The first air inlet 18A takes in air into the cartridge accommodating section 10 from a window 16 between adjacent corners 12C (in this embodiment, a first corner 12C1 and a second corner 12C2) of the peripheral wall section 12B. The first air inlet 18A is an entrance to a first air flow path 70 that takes in outside air when the user inhales. The first air inlet 18A is formed in a ring shape along the edge of the opening 13a of the outer case 13.

[0034] The size of the first air inlet 18A is preferably such that it is not completely blocked by the user's fingers. For example, the dimension of the first air inlet 18A in the main axis direction (Z-axis direction) may be equal to or greater than the width of the first knuckle of the average adult's thumb (e.g., 2.0 cm or greater). Furthermore, 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 equal to or greater than the width of the first knuckle of the average adult's thumb.

[0035] The first air inlet 18A may consist of only one or two slits extending parallel to the main axis direction, as long as it is large enough not to be blocked by a user's fingers. In other words, the first air inlet 18A may be formed in a slit shape along the edge of the opening 13a of the outer case 13.

[0036] A communication hole 17a is formed in the cover member 17. The communication hole 17a fluidly connects the first air inlet 18A and the interior of the cartridge accommodating portion 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 outside the outer case 13. Furthermore, the communication hole 17a cannot be directly blocked with a finger unless the outer case 13 is removed.

[0037] 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 that takes in air (outside air) into the housing 12 is provided in the gap between the inner case 20 and the outer case 13 at the exposed portion 13b.

[0038] The second air inlet 18B takes in air from the second corner 12C2 of the peripheral wall portion 12B into the interior of the cartridge accommodating portion 10. The second air inlet 18B is formed in the gap between the inner case 20 and the outer case 13 in 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 position from the first air inlet 18A, and the opening direction of the second air inlet 18B is 90 degrees different from that of the first air inlet 18A, which faces the -Y side.

[0039] The housing 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 a 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 forms a step, creating a gap between the user's finger and the area around the second air inlet 18B, 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, and may be formed by making a portion of the inner case 20 protrude.

[0040] The housing 12 has a first air flow path 70 that connects the first air inlet 18A and the communication hole 17a, and a second air flow path 80 that connects the second air inlet 18B and the communication hole 17a. The first air flow path 70 is a gap between the outer case 13 and the cover member 17, and is formed in a ring shape along the edge of the opening 13a. The second air flow path 80 is a gap between the outer case 13 and the inner case 20, and extends from the exposed portion 13b of the second corner 12C2 to the +Z side, passing through a part of the first air flow path 70, to the communication hole 17a.

[0041] The first air flow path 70 has a shorter flow path length to the communication hole 17a than the second air flow path 80. In other words, the first air flow path 70 has a smaller airflow resistance than the second air flow path 80. Therefore, more air flows through the first air flow path 70 than through the second air flow path 80. For this reason, in normal use, the first air inlet 18A serves as the main air inlet, and the second air inlet 18B serves as a secondary air inlet when the first air inlet 18A is blocked.

[0042] The communication hole 17a has a smaller flow path cross-sectional area than either the first air inlet 18A or 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 the flow rate and flow velocity of the air sucked into the cartridge accommodating space 10A can be kept almost constant. In other words, the communication hole 17a functions as an air resistance rate-controlling section.

[0043] <Flavor Source Container> The flavor source container 4 (also referred to as a tobacco capsule) shown in FIG. 2 contains a flavor source and adds the flavor to the aerosol atomized by the cartridge 3. The raw material pieces constituting the flavor source can be cut tobacco or a molded product obtained by forming tobacco raw material into particles. The flavor source may also be made from plants other than tobacco (e.g., mint, Chinese medicine, herbs, etc.). A flavoring such as menthol may also be added to the flavor source. Furthermore, the flavor source may be a flavoring supported on a plant-derived support (e.g., cellulose) or other support (including inorganic supports).

[0044] The flavor source container 4 includes a flavor source storage chamber for storing the flavor source, and a filter or micropores for allowing the aerosol to pass through the flavor source storage chamber. The flavor source container 4 is attached to a mouthpiece 11a provided in a heating module 11 of the main unit 2. The top of the flavor source container 4 protrudes from the heating module 11, and the mouthpiece 5 is attached to this protrusion.

[0045] <Mouthpiece> The mouthpiece 5 is a cylindrical member that the user holds in their mouth. For example, the portion of the mouthpiece 5 that the user holds in their mouth is a soft resin molded body made of a resin material such as silicone resin, and the portion that is attached to the top of the flavor source container 4 is a hard resin molded body made of a resin material such as polypropylene resin. Note that the attachment of the mouthpiece 5 to the flavor source container 4 is optional, and the top of the flavor source container 4 may also be held directly in the mouth when in use.

[0046] <Main Unit> As shown in FIG. 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 storage lid 50.

[0047] The housing 12 of the main unit 2 is a hard resin molded body made of a resin material such as polycarbonate resin or ABS resin. A cartridge storage section 10 that stores the cartridge 3 is provided inside the housing 12. The cartridge storage section 10 forms a cylindrical space extending in the Z-axis direction.

[0048] A cartridge contact portion 27 is disposed at the opening on the upper axial side (+Z side) of the cartridge storage portion 10. The cartridge contact portion 27 is an elastic body formed of a resin material such as silicone resin. A communication hole 27a is formed in the cartridge contact portion 27, which connects the top of the cartridge 3 with the bottom of the flavor source container 4.

[0049] The heating module 11 includes a heater section 11b that heats 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 wrapped cylindrically around the outer periphery of the pipe member. The heater section 11b is electrically connected to the main board 23.

[0050] 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 be a touch panel. In other words, the input device 15 may be any device that is a contact detection unit.

[0051] The power supply unit 22 is disposed on the +Y side of the cartridge housing unit 10. The power supply unit 22 is electrically connected to the main board 23. The power supply unit 22 is, for example, a storage battery (secondary battery), and can be charged via a charging terminal 21 provided on the main board 23. The power supply unit 22 is not limited to a chargeable and dischargeable secondary battery, and may 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 necessary.

[0052] The main board 23 is disposed on the +Y side of the power supply unit 22. The main board 23 has a plate shape extending along the XZ plane. The 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 or a flexible printed circuit board (not shown).

[0053] Here, the "main board" refers to the largest board housed inside the housing 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 housing 12, that board is the "main board." If two boards of the same size are housed inside the housing 12, the board on which an electronic control calculation unit such as a CPU or microcomputer is mounted is the "main board."

[0054] The display device 24 is disposed below (on the -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.

[0055] The light source 25 is disposed opposite the cover member 17 in the Y-axis direction, with the cartridge storage section 10 sandwiched between them. The light source 25 is, for example, an LED light. The cover member 17 is translucent, and the liquid level of the aerosol source inside the cartridge 3 illuminated by the light source 25 can be confirmed. The light source 25 is electrically connected to the main board 23.

[0056] The sensor 26 is disposed on the +Y side of the cartridge holder 10. The sensor 26 is a so-called puff sensor that detects inhalation by the user. Examples of the sensor 26 include a pressure sensor that detects pressure, an airflow sensor that detects airflow, and a temperature sensor that detects temperature. In the sensor 26 of this embodiment, the side facing the cartridge holder 10 serves as a detection unit. The detection unit detects, for example, the behavior of a diaphragm that deforms in response to pressure fluctuations as a change in capacitance.

[0057] The cartridge accommodating lid 50 opens and closes the cartridge accommodating section 10 provided at the bottom of the housing 12. The cartridge accommodating lid 50 is attached to the housing 12 in a pivotal (hinge) manner. The cartridge accommodating lid 50 is provided with a plurality of protruding electrodes 51. The protruding electrodes 51 are inserted into the cartridge accommodating section 10 when the cartridge accommodating lid 50 is closed. The plurality of protruding electrodes 51 are electrically connected to the main board 23.

[0058] The tip portion of the protruding electrode 51 is biased toward 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 portion of the protruding electrode 51 extends toward the cartridge 3, and displaces toward the -Z side when the cartridge 3 is inserted. Even in this state, the tip portion of the protruding electrode 51 is biased toward the +Z side, ensuring reliable contact with the cartridge 3.

[0059] Three projecting electrodes 51 are provided (the one located at the back is not shown) so that alignment with the two electrodes 6A, 6B of the cartridge 3 is not required. As shown in FIG. 2 , the two electrodes 6A, 6B of the cartridge 3 are formed in semicircular regions that divide the bottom surface of the cartridge 3 into two halves. In contrast, the projecting electrodes 51 are arranged at 120° intervals at positions corresponding to the three vertices of an equilateral triangle. This ensures that at least two of the three projecting electrodes 51 come into contact with the two electrodes 6A, 6B. This ensures that electricity is reliably applied to the cartridge 3.

[0060] <Cartridge> The cartridge 3 stores a liquid aerosol source and atomizes the liquid aerosol source. The cartridge 3 is formed in a cylindrical shape and is housed inside the housing 12 through a cartridge housing portion 10 provided at the bottom of the housing 12.

[0061] Fig. 4 is a perspective view of the cartridge 3 according to one embodiment, viewed from the bottom side. Fig. 5 is a perspective view of the cartridge 3 according to one embodiment, viewed from the top side. Fig. 5 is an exploded perspective view of the cartridge 3 according to one embodiment, viewed from the bottom side. Fig. 7 is a cross-sectional view taken along line VII-VII shown in Fig. 4. Fig. 8 is a cross-sectional view taken along line VIII-VIII shown in Fig. 4. As shown in Fig. 6, the cartridge 3 includes a tank 100, a gasket 200, a heating unit 300, and a holder 400.

[0062] The tank 100 stores an aerosol source. The tank 100 is a hard resin molded body formed from a resin material such as polycarbonate resin. The tank 100 is translucent, allowing the remaining liquid level in the aerosol source to be confirmed. Here, "translucent" refers to a material that allows light to pass through, and includes "transparency," which has extremely high transmittance, allowing the viewer to see through the material, as well as a material that allows light to pass through, but unlike "transparency," the transmitted light is diffused or has low transmittance, making it impossible to clearly see the shape of the object on the other side. In other words, even frosted glass or milky white plastic can be translucent. While the gasket 200, heating unit 300, and holder 400 are not translucent, some or all of them may be translucent.

[0063] The tank 100 is formed in a cylindrical shape with a top. As shown in FIG. 7 , the tank 100 includes a peripheral wall portion 110, a top wall portion 120, a flow path pipe portion 130, and a rib 140. The peripheral wall portion 110 is formed in a cylindrical shape with a main axis O as its central axis. The upper end of the peripheral wall portion 110 is connected to the peripheral edge of the top wall portion 120. Note that the peripheral wall portion 110, the top wall portion 120, the flow path pipe portion 130, and the rib 140 are integrally molded into a single component, but some or all of these components may be separate components. For example, the flow path pipe portion 130 is integrally molded with the tank 100, but may also be a separate component from the tank 100. Furthermore, the flow path pipe portion 130 may be integrally molded with the gasket 200 or the holder 400.

[0064] The top wall portion 120 is formed in a disk shape with the main axis O as its central axis, and closes the upper end of the peripheral wall portion 110. A first opening 131 of the flow path pipe portion 130 opens in the center of the top wall portion 120. Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 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 resin injection holes used in injection molding of the tank 100.

[0065] 7, the flow path pipe section 130 is formed in a cylindrical shape with the main axis O as its central axis, and is provided vertically downward (toward 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 path pipe section 130. Furthermore, a second opening 132 is formed at the lower end of the flow path pipe section 130. The second opening 132 is disposed directly above the heating section 300 and opens toward the heating section 300.

[0066] The flow path pipe 130 guides the aerosol generated in the heating unit 300 to the outside. The aerosol generated in the heating unit 300 is introduced into the flow path pipe 130 from the second opening 132, passes through the flow path pipe 130, and is guided to the outside of the cartridge 3 from the first opening 131. The aerosol emitted from the first opening 131 passes through the communication hole 27a of the cartridge abutment portion 27 shown in FIG. 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 here refers to the outside of the outlet side of the aerosol flow when the user inhales (puffs), and not the outside of the inlet side where outside air (air) is taken in.

[0067] Fig. 9 is a perspective view of the tank 100 according to one embodiment, viewed from the bottom side. As shown in Fig. 9, the ribs 140 extend radially from the flow path pipe portion 130 and connect the outer circumferential surface of the flow path pipe portion 130 to the inner circumferential surface of the peripheral wall portion 110. The upper ends of the ribs 140 are connected to the lower surface of the top wall portion 120. In other words, the ribs 140 are connected to three surfaces: the outer circumferential surface of the flow path pipe portion 130, the inner circumferential surface of the peripheral wall portion 110, and the lower surface of the top wall portion 120. In this embodiment, three ribs 140 are formed around the flow path pipe portion 130, spaced equally apart in the circumferential direction.

[0068] A notch 141 is formed on the peripheral wall 110 side (radially outward) of the rib 140, cutting out in a concave shape facing upward. The notch 141 increases the volume of the annular space (liquid storage chamber 101 shown in FIG. 7) formed between the flow path pipe 130 and the peripheral wall 110. A convex portion 142 is formed on the flow path pipe 130 side of the rib 140, protruding relatively downward (toward the -Z side) from the notch 141. The lower end of the convex portion 142 abuts against the top surface 211 of the gasket 200, as shown in FIG. 7. This positions the gasket 200 in the Z-axis direction with respect to the tank 100.

[0069] 7, the peripheral wall 110 of the tank 100 extends downward (toward the -Z direction) beyond the lower end of the flow path pipe 130. Two engagement holes 111 are formed near the lower end of the peripheral wall 110. The two engagement holes 111 are used to secure the holder 400 to the tank 100. The two engagement holes 111 are arranged opposite each other on either side of the peripheral wall 110, with the main axis O in between.

[0070] The gasket 200 is a cylindrical member that covers the bottom side of the annular space (liquid storage chamber 101) formed between the peripheral wall portion 110 and the flow path pipe portion 130 of the tank 100. The gasket 200 is made of an elastic member, for example, a resin material such as silicone resin. The gasket 200 fits into the interior of the tank 100, thereby forming the liquid storage chamber 101 inside the tank 100. The liquid storage chamber 101 stores a liquid aerosol source.

[0071] The gasket 200 has an insertion hole 201 formed therein, axially penetrating the center of the top surface 211, into which the flow path pipe portion 130 is inserted. A plurality of annular protrusions 202 are formed on the inner peripheral surface of the insertion hole 201 to seal the gap between the insertion hole 201 and the flow path pipe portion 130. A heating chamber 200A is formed inside the lower part of the gasket 200, and communicates with the lower end of the insertion hole 201. The flow path pipe portion 130 is inserted into the insertion hole 201, thereby communicating with the heating chamber 200A. The lower end (second opening 132) of the flow path pipe portion 130 protrudes downward (into the heating chamber 200A) beyond the insertion hole 201.

[0072] The gasket 200 includes 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 a 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 the portion to abut against the protrusion 142 in the radial direction. 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 generally truncated cone-shaped and whose outer diameter increases downward.

[0073] The third cylindrical portion 230 is connected to the lower end of the second cylindrical portion 220. The third cylindrical portion 230 has a peripheral surface with an outer diameter slightly smaller than the inner diameter of the tank peripheral wall portion 110. A sealing cylindrical portion 231 is formed at the lower end of the third cylindrical portion 230. A plurality of annular sealing protrusions 232 that protrude radially outward are formed on the outer peripheral surface of the sealing cylindrical portion 231. The sealing protrusions 232 abut against the inner peripheral surface of the tank peripheral wall portion 110 to seal the gap between the tank 100 and the gasket 200.

[0074] The gasket 200 has a plurality of flat surfaces formed thereon in order to increase the volume of the liquid storage chamber 101. Specifically, as shown in Fig. 8 and Fig. 15 (described later), a first flat surface 203, a second flat surface 204, and a third flat surface 205 are formed on the outer periphery of the gasket 200. The first flat surface 203 is a plane parallel to the XZ plane, and extends from the upper end of the first cylindrical portion 210 to near the lower end of the second cylindrical portion 220.

[0075] The second flat surface portion 204 is connected to the lower end of the first flat surface portion 203. The second flat surface portion 204 is a plane inclined with respect to the X-Z plane, and is formed near the lower end of the second cylindrical portion 220. The second flat surface portion 204 is inclined so that the lower end is farther away from the main axis O than the upper end. The third flat surface portion 205 is connected to the lower end of the second flat surface portion 204. The third flat surface portion 205 is a plane parallel to the X-Z plane, and extends from near the lower end of the second cylindrical portion 220 to the third cylindrical portion 230.

[0076] 15 , a through-hole 235 that penetrates the third cylindrical portion 230 in the Y-axis direction is formed on the underside of the third flat portion 205. 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 described above are formed in pairs on the gasket 200 symmetrically in the Y-axis direction.

[0077] As shown in Fig. 6, the heating unit 300 includes a wick 310 and a heater wire 320. The wick 310 is a porous, liquid-absorbent, and generally cylindrical member. The wick 310 is made of bundled fibers such as glass fiber and has a capillary structure. Note that the wick 310 may be an elastic sponge body, a woven fiber net or string body, a porous sintered body, or the like, as long as it has a capillary structure.

[0078] As shown in Fig. 8, the wick 310 extends in the Y-axis direction, which is 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 storage chamber 101 via the through-holes 235 (see Fig. 15) of the gasket 200. This allows the aerosol source in the liquid storage chamber 101 to be sucked up into the wick 310 from the one end 311 and the other end 312 of the wick 310.

[0079] Note that one end 311 and the other end 312 of the wick 310 are thicker and have a larger surface area than the other parts, but this is because they are not constrained by the heater wire 320 or the first fixing part 501 and second fixing part 502 described below. In other words, the wick 310 is elastically compressed by the heater wire 320, the first fixing part 501, and the second fixing part 502, and is restored and deformed in the other parts.

[0080] The heater wire 320 heats the aerosol source sucked up by the wick 310 to generate aerosol. The heater wire 320 is, for example, a nichrome wire, and has a heat generating portion 321 wound in a spiral shape around the wick 310. As shown in Fig. 7 , one end 322A and the other end 322B of the heater wire 320 extend from both ends of the heat generating portion 321 toward the holder 400 along the axial direction.

[0081] One end 322A and the other end 322B of the heater wire 320 are electrically connected to two electrodes 6A and 6B, respectively, which are fitted to the holder 400. When electricity 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 in the wick 310 is atomized.

[0082] The holder 400 is formed in a cylindrical shape with a bottom. The holder 400 is a hard resin molded body made of a resin material such as polycarbonate resin. The holder 400 includes 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 stand on the base portion 410. The base portion 410 is formed in a disk shape with the main axis O as its central axis. The outer cylinder portion 420 and the inner cylinder portion 430 are formed in a cylindrical shape with the main axis O as its central axis.

[0083] Fig. 10 is a bottom view of the holder 400 according to one embodiment. Fig. 11 is a perspective view of the heating unit 300 and the holder 400 according to one embodiment. Fig. 12 is a perspective view of the holder 400 according to one embodiment. Fig. 13 is a plan view of the holder 400 according to one embodiment. Fig. 14 is a cross-sectional view taken along line XIV-XIV shown in Fig. 13. As shown in Fig. 10, two fitting holes 411 into which the two electrodes 6A, 6B fit are formed on the lower surface 410a of the base portion 410.

[0084] Each of the two electrodes 6A, 6B has a shape including two straight lines extending parallel to the Y-axis direction and two arcs connecting the ends of the two straight lines when viewed from the bottom. The two fitting holes 411 have elongated hole shapes corresponding to the shapes of the two electrodes 6A, 6B. As shown in FIG. 7 , the two electrodes 6A, 6B are each formed in a block shape with a predetermined height in the Z-axis direction. This increases the contact area between the two electrodes 6A, 6B and the two fitting holes 411, improving the sealing performance between the two electrodes 6A, 6B and the two fitting holes 411.

[0085] As shown in Fig. 10, the two electrodes 6A, 6B are arranged as a pair in the X-axis direction with the main axis O between them. Furthermore, a pair of cylindrical recesses 412 with closed ends are formed in the lower surface 410a of the base portion 410 in the Y-axis direction with the main axis O between them. The recesses 412 correspond to resin injection holes used in injection molding of the holder 400. Furthermore, three engagement recesses 413 are formed in 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 (at 120° intervals in the circumferential direction).

[0086] The engagement recesses 413 are open to two surfaces, the lower surface 410a of the base portion 410 and the outer peripheral surface 410b of the base portion 410. The engagement recesses 413 are formed in a tapered shape such that the circumferential width of the engagement recesses 413 gradually increases toward the lower surface 410a of the base portion 410. For example, vertical engagement protrusions of an aerosol generation device disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2020-65538 are inserted into the three engagement recesses 413 formed in this manner. In other words, the cartridge 3 of this embodiment is compatible with cartridges of other aerosol generation devices.

[0087] A vertical groove 415 extending in the Z-axis direction is formed in one of the three engagement recesses 413. The vertical groove 415 opens to the lower surface 410a of the base portion 410 and is formed deeper radially inward than the engagement recess 413. The upper end of the vertical groove 415 communicates with the bottom surface of a horizontal groove 414 extending radially inward from the outer peripheral surface 410b of the base portion 410. As shown in FIG. 7 , the horizontal grooves 414 are formed in a pair in the X-axis direction so as to communicate with the lower surface sides of both ends of an air passage 416 that penetrates the base portion 410 in the X-axis direction.

[0088] 7 , the outer cylinder 420, the inner cylinder 430, and the portion of the base 410 above the lateral groove 414 are inserted into the inside of the peripheral wall 110 of the tank 100. The base 410 has two engagement pieces 401 that protrude radially outward and engage with two engagement holes 111 in the peripheral wall 110 of the tank 100.

[0089] The sealing cylindrical portion 231 of the gasket 200 is fitted onto the outer cylindrical portion 420. The outer cylindrical portion 420 supports the radially inner side of the sealing cylindrical portion 231 and prevents the sealing protrusion 232 of the sealing cylindrical portion 231 from separating from the peripheral wall portion 110 of the tank 100. In other words, the outer cylindrical portion 420 improves the adhesion of the sealing protrusion 232 to the peripheral wall portion 110 of the tank 100.

[0090] As shown in Fig. 6, positioning recesses 112 that position the holder 400 in the circumferential direction are formed at the lower end of the peripheral wall 110 of the tank 100. The positioning recesses 112 are notches recessed on the +Z side and are arranged in pairs facing each other with the main axis O in between. In contrast, the holder 400 is formed with positioning protrusions 402 that are inserted into the positioning recesses 112 in the axial direction. The positioning protrusions 402 have a shape, size, number, and arrangement that correspond to those of the positioning recesses 112.

[0091] 11 , the positioning protrusions 402 are formed on a stepped portion 410c that is recessed radially inward from the outer circumferential 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 protrusions 402 are inserted into the positioning recesses 112, and the engaging pieces 401 engage with the engaging holes 111, whereby the holder 400 is assembled to the tank 100 in a state where it is positioned axially, radially, and circumferentially. A gasket 200 and a heating portion 300 are incorporated between the tank 100 and the holder 400.

[0092] As shown in Fig. 7, the inner cylinder 430 is fitted into the heating chamber 200A of the gasket 200. This allows communication between the space inside the inner cylinder 430 and the heating chamber 200A. An aerosol-source holding portion 440, which will be described later, is formed between the inner cylinder 430 and the outer cylinder 420. The aerosol-source holding portion 440 is an annular space that surrounds the heating chamber 200A in a plan view, and its upper portion 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 430 to the middle of the outer circumferential surface of the inner cylinder 430 in the height direction.

[0093] The underside of the holder 400 is exposed from the tank 100. The underside of the holder 400 has approximately the same outer diameter as the peripheral wall 110 of the tank 100. Two lateral grooves 414 recessed radially inward are formed on the underside of the holder 400. The two lateral grooves 414 are arranged opposite each other across the main axis O. The two lateral grooves 414 communicate with the bottom surfaces of both ends of an air passage 416 arranged radially inside the peripheral wall 110 of the tank 100. A plurality of communication holes 417 are formed in the ceiling surface of the middle part of the air passage 416 in the longitudinal direction (X-axis direction) in the Z-axis direction, which communicate with the inside of the inner cylinder 430 (heating chamber 200A).

[0094] That is, when the user puffs (inhales), negative pressure is created in heating chamber 200A via flow path pipe portion 130, and outside air is introduced into air passage 416 through vertical groove 415 and horizontal groove 414, and / or horizontal groove 414. The air introduced into air passage 416 is introduced into heating chamber 200A through communication hole 417 in the middle of the passage, and, carrying the aerosol generated in heating chamber 200A, passes through flow path pipe portion 130 and communication hole 27a of cartridge abutment portion 27 shown in FIG. 3, and further passes through flavor source container 4, and is carried to the user's mouth. Note that while the presence of vertical groove 415 allows outside air to be taken in from the bottom side of cartridge 3, puffing is possible as long as at least horizontal groove 414 is present.

[0095] As shown in Fig. 11 , the holder 400 includes an inner cylinder 430 that supports the heating unit 300, and an outer cylinder 420 that supports the heating unit 300 outside the inner cylinder 430. As shown in Fig. 13 , the inner cylinder 430 is formed in a rectangular cylindrical shape in a plan view. The outer cylinder 420 is formed in a circular cylindrical shape in a plan view.

[0096] 7 are formed inside the inner cylinder portion 430. A plurality of communication holes 417 that communicate with the air passage 416 shown in Fig. 7 and a pair of through holes 418 that guide one end 322A and the other end 322B of the heater wire 320 to the 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. A pair of through holes 418 are formed inside two diagonally opposite corners of the four inner corners of the inner cylinder portion 430.

[0097] As shown in FIG. 12 , a pair of support surfaces 432 for supporting the heating unit 300 are formed on the upper end of the inner cylinder 430, sandwiching the main axis O in the Y-axis direction. The support surfaces 432 are formed in a semicircular arc shape in a side view, convex downward. The upper end of the inner cylinder 430 is raised upward relative to the lowest point of the support surface 432 on both sides of the support surface 432. A groove 433 extending linearly in the Y-axis direction is formed at the lowest point of the support surface 432. For example, a portion of the wick 310 fits into the groove 433 to restrict displacement of the heating unit 300 around the Y-axis. Note that a pair of the above-mentioned air vent grooves 431 are formed on the upper end surfaces and outer peripheral surfaces of wall portions of the inner cylinder 430 facing each other in the X-axis direction, in a point-symmetrical relationship with respect to the main axis O.

[0098] Furthermore, a pair of support surfaces 421 that support the heating unit 300 are formed on the upper end of the outer tube portion 420, sandwiching the main axis O in the Y-axis direction. The support surfaces 421 are formed in a semicircular arc shape in a side view, convex downward. The upper end of the outer tube portion 420 is protruded upward relative to the support surfaces 421 on both sides of the support surfaces 421. As shown in FIG. 13 , the support surfaces 421 of the outer tube portion 420 are wider in the X-axis direction than the support surfaces 432 of the inner tube portion 430. In other words, the support surfaces 421 of the outer tube portion 420 have a larger radius of curvature (smaller curvature) than the support surfaces 432 of the inner tube portion 430. Furthermore, the support surfaces 421 of the outer tube portion 420 have a larger support area than the support surfaces 432 of the inner tube portion 430. In other words, the support surface 421 of the outer cylinder portion 420 supports the heating unit 300 (wick 310 ) more loosely than the support surface 432 of the inner cylinder portion 430 .

[0099] An aerosol source holding portion 440 (sub-reserve tank) capable of accommodating an aerosol source is formed between inner cylinder portion 430 and outer cylinder portion 420. Aerosol source holding portion 440 forms an annular space in a plan view as shown in Fig. 13 and has a communication portion 441 (opening) on ​​the upper side. A first bottom surface 442, a second bottom surface 443 that is deeper than first bottom surface 442, and a third bottom surface 444 that is shallower than first bottom surface 442 are formed at the bottom of aerosol source holding portion 440.

[0100] The first bottom surface 442 is a reference surface for the bottom surface of the aerosol-source holding unit 440. A pair of second bottom surfaces 443 are provided on the bottom of the aerosol-source holding unit 440, sandwiching the main axis O in the Y-axis direction. In plan view, the second bottom surfaces 443 are disposed between the support surface 421 of the outer cylinder 420 and the support surface 432 of the inner cylinder 430. As shown in FIG. 14 , the second bottom surface 443 is the bottom surface of an inverted truncated cone-shaped depression whose inner diameter decreases downward from the first bottom surface 442. As shown in FIG. 13 , in plan view, the center of the second bottom surface 443 is disposed closer to the support surface 421 of the outer cylinder 420 than to the support surface 432 of the inner cylinder 430, and the second bottom surface 443 extends to the lower end of the aerosol-source guiding unit 450, which will be described later.

[0101] The third bottom surfaces 444 are provided in a pair on the bottom of the aerosol source holding part 440, sandwiching the main axis O in the X-axis direction. The third bottom surfaces 444 are provided along the X-axis direction in which the air passage 416 extends. That is, the third bottom surfaces 444 are formed in a portion that protrudes relatively upward from the first bottom surface 442 in order to ensure the volume of the air passage 416 and the thickness of the ceiling of the air passage 416. The air vent groove 431 is formed to be located above the third bottom surfaces 444.

[0102] An aerosol source guiding portion 450 is formed on the inner wall surface of the outer cylinder portion 420. As shown in Fig. 8 , the aerosol source guiding portion 450 of this embodiment is a groove portion that guides the aerosol source supplied to the heating portion 300 to the aerosol source holding portion 440. Note that the aerosol source guiding portion 450 may be anything other than a groove portion as long as it can guide the aerosol source supplied to the heating portion 300 to the aerosol source holding portion 440.

[0103] The aerosol source guiding unit 450 may have, for example, a capillary structure similar to that of the wick 310, or a surface treatment that makes the aerosol source less water-repellent (more lyophilic) at a position corresponding to the groove, or a structure that combines all or part of the groove, capillary structure, and surface treatment. Furthermore, "guiding" refers to at least drawing the aerosol source into the aerosol source holding unit 440 without the aerosol source naturally dripping from the heating unit 300 (wick 310).

[0104] 14 , the aerosol source guiding unit 450 extends from the communication unit 441 (opening) of the aerosol source holding unit 440 toward the bottom of the aerosol source holding unit 440. Specifically, the aerosol source guiding unit 450 extends in the Z-axis direction from the lowest point of the support surface 421 of the outer cylinder 420 along the inner wall surface of the outer cylinder 420 to the second bottom surface 443 of the aerosol source holding unit 440. Note that although the aerosol source guiding unit 450 of this embodiment is formed on the inner wall surface of the outer cylinder 420, it may also be formed on the outer wall surface of the inner cylinder 430. Furthermore, the aerosol source guiding unit 450 may also be formed on both the inner wall surface of the outer cylinder 420 and the inner wall surface of the inner cylinder 430.

[0105] 13 and 14 , the cross-sectional area (cross-sectional area in the X-Y plane) of the aerosol source guiding unit 450 (groove portion) is smaller on the bottom side than on the communication portion 441 (opening) side of the aerosol source holding unit 440. Specifically, the width of the aerosol source guiding unit 450 in the X-axis direction gradually narrows toward the bottom, and the depth of the aerosol source guiding unit 450 in the Y-axis direction gradually shallows toward the bottom. Furthermore, the shape of the aerosol source guiding unit 450 in a plan view changes from a rectangular shape to a smaller rectangular shape toward the bottom. The shape of the aerosol source guiding unit 450 in a plan view is not limited to a rectangle, and may change, for example, from a trapezoid to a rectangle or from a trapezoid to a trapezoid toward the bottom.

[0106] The upper end opening of the aerosol source induction unit 450 is formed on the support surface 421 of the outer cylinder 420. That is, the aerosol source induction unit 450 abuts against the wick 310 of the heating unit 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 induction unit 450 has a capillary force that is smaller than the capillary force of the wick 310. Here, the "capillary force" can be defined as the height of rise of the liquid level h = 2T cos θ / ρgr, where T is the surface tension, θ is the contact angle, ρ is the density of the liquid, g is the gravitational acceleration, and r is the inner diameter (radius) of the tube. However, when comparing in terms of r, the gaps (tubes) between the fibers of the wick 310 are clearly smaller than the grooves (tubes) of the aerosol source induction unit 450.

[0107] Because the height h of the rise of the liquid level 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 guiding unit 450. The capillary force of the aerosol source guiding unit 450 need only be such that it can guide the surplus aerosol source that exceeds the amount held by the wick 310 to the aerosol source holding unit 440. The aerosol source guiding unit 450 also need only be capable of sucking up the aerosol source stored in the aerosol source holding unit 440 and returning it to the wick 310 when the amount of aerosol source held by the wick 310 is insufficient. For example, the aerosol source guiding unit 450 need only have a capillary force such that the height h of the rise of the liquid level is 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 portion 420.

[0108] Next, the fixing structure of the heating unit 300 will be described. Fig. 15 is a perspective view of the gasket 200 and holder 400 according to one embodiment. Fig. 16 is a plan view of the gasket 200 and holder 400 according to one embodiment. Fig. 17 is a side view of the gasket 200 and holder 400 according to one embodiment. Fig. 18 is a perspective view of the gasket 200 according to one embodiment as seen from the bottom side. Fig. 19 is a bottom view of the gasket 200 according to one embodiment. Fig. 20 is a cross-sectional view of the X-Z plane along the first fixing portion 501 according to one embodiment. Fig. 21 is a cross-sectional view of the X-Z plane along the second fixing portion 502 according to one embodiment.

[0109] 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 parts on both sides of the heat-generating part 321 of the heating unit 300. The second fixing part 502 fixes the wick 310 parts at a position farther away from the heat-generating part 321 of the heating unit 300 than the first fixing part 501. The first fixing part 501 includes the inner cylinder part 430 of the holder 400 and the lower surface part 206 of the gasket 200. In addition, the second fixing part 502 includes a pair of clamping pieces 260 (see Figure 18) of the holder 400.

[0110] As shown in FIGS. 18 and 19 , the lower surface portions 206 of the gasket 200 are located inside the third cylindrical portion 230, and are arranged in pairs on both sides of the heating chamber 200A in the Y-axis direction. The lower surface portions 206 are flat portions extending along the X-Y plane. The outer edge of the lower surface portions 206 in the Y-axis direction is connected to the lower end of the third flat portion 205, as shown in FIGS. 15 and 17 . As shown in FIG. 19 , a pair of clamping pieces 260 are arranged on both sides of the lower surface portion 206 in the X-axis direction. A portion of the lower surface portion 206 extends radially inward beyond the pair of clamping pieces 260. Meanwhile, a portion of the pair of clamping pieces 260 extends radially outward beyond the lower surface portion 206.

[0111] 16 , in a plan view of the gasket 200, a portion of the pair of clamping pieces 260 extends outward beyond the third flat surface portion 205. The through-hole 235 of the gasket 200 opens in the Y-axis direction and the Z-axis direction in relation to the multiple flat surfaces (the first flat surface portion 203, the second flat surface portion 204, and the third flat surface portion 205). In a plan view in the Z-axis direction, the through-hole 235 exposes the communicating portion 441 of the aerosol source holding portion 440, the pair of clamping pieces 260, and the support surface 421 of the outer tube portion 420 of the holder 400. The lower surface portion 206 of the gasket 200 is not present directly above the support surface 421 of the outer tube portion 420, and as shown in FIG. 8 , a space S is formed that communicates with the liquid storage chamber 101.

[0112] 8 and 20, the lower surface portion 206 of the gasket 200 is positioned opposite at least the support surface 432 of the inner tube portion 430 in the Z-axis direction. The approximately semicircular space surrounded by the lower surface portion 206, the support surface 432, and the groove 433 is smaller than the outer shape (shown by the dotted line in FIG. 20) of the wick 310 in its normal state (before compression). In other words, the wick 310 is fixed in a state compressed from all sides by the first fixing portion 501.

[0113] As shown in FIG. 21 , the pair of clamping pieces 260 of the gasket 200 are disposed in positions facing at least the communicating portion 441 (opening) of the aerosol-source holding part 440 in the Z-axis direction. The pair of clamping pieces 260 include a tapered portion 261 and a flat portion 262. The tapered portion 261 has a spacing in the X-axis direction that clamps the wick 310, which increases toward the communicating portion 441 of the aerosol-source holding part 440. The flat portion 262 has a constant spacing in the X-axis direction that clamps the wick 310. The tapered portion 261 is connected to the flat portion 262 on the side of the communicating portion 441 of the aerosol-source holding part 440.

[0114] 17 , the flat portion 262 is visible through the through-hole 235 formed in the gasket 200, and is disposed above the support surface 421 of the outer tube 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 tube portion 420. Most of the pair of clamping pieces 260 are disposed inside the outer tube portion 420 in plan view, but as shown in FIGS. 15 and 16 , they are elastically deformed by contacting the inner wall surface of the outer tube 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 communicating portion 441 (opening) of the aerosol source holding portion 440 to a position facing the support surface 421 of the outer tube portion 420.

[0115] 21 , the wick 310 is clamped in the Y-axis direction by a pair of clamping pieces 260 in the second fixing portion 502. The wick 310 is tightly clamped by the flat portion 262 and loosely clamped by the tapered portion 261. The wick 310 is fixed in the second fixing portion 502 in a state compressed in the X-axis direction relative to the outer shape of the wick 310 in its normal state (before compression) (shown by the dotted line in FIG. 21 ).

[0116] The wick 310 is more compressed at the first fixing portion 501 (FIG. 22) than at the second fixing portion 502 (FIG. 21). In other words, the compression rate of the wick 310 is higher at the first fixing portion 501 (FIG. 22) than at the second fixing portion 502 (FIG. 21). Note that the "compression rate" here can be defined, for example, as the ratio of the cross-sectional area of ​​the wick 310 after compression to the cross-sectional area of ​​the wick 310's normal outer shape.

[0117] Because the wick 310 has a high compressibility at the first fixing portion 501, the above-mentioned parameter r of the capillary force is small, and the capillary force is strong. Furthermore, because the wick 310 has a low compressibility at the second fixing portion 502, the above-mentioned parameter r of the capillary force is large, and the capillary force is weak. In other words, in the wick 310, the capillary force is stronger at the first fixing portion 501 than at the second fixing portion 502, and the aerosol source is more easily transferred from the second fixing portion 502 to the first fixing portion 501. Furthermore, because the capillary force is weak at the second fixing portion 502, the wick 310 is more easily introduced into the aerosol source holding portion 440 directly below the second fixing portion 502.

[0118] Next, a description will be given of the structure surrounding the flow path pipe portion 130. Fig. 22 is a perspective cross-sectional view of the flow path pipe portion 130 and its periphery according to one embodiment, as viewed from the bottom side. Note that, for convenience of explanation, the cartridge 3 is shown upside down in Fig. 22.

[0119] 22 , an aerosol source capture part 240 that captures an aerosol source is provided inside the gasket 200 near the second opening 132 on the heating unit 300 side of the flow path pipe part 130. The aerosol source capture part 240 has a groove part formed in an annular shape around the opening (second opening 132) on the heating unit 300 side of the flow path pipe part 130. Note that the term "annular" here refers to a continuous annular shape around the flow path pipe part 130, or an annular shape that is discontinuously connected (for example, in the form of a dotted line, two arcs, etc.). The aerosol source capture part 240 of this embodiment is formed in an annular shape that is continuously connected around the flow path pipe part 130.

[0120] The aerosol source capturing unit 240 has an annular space surrounded by the ceiling surface of the heating chamber 200A, the four side surfaces of the heating chamber 200A, and the outer peripheral surface of the lower end of the flow path pipe 130 that protrudes into the heating chamber 200A. As shown in FIG. 19 , the aerosol source capturing unit 240 has a rectangular outer shape when viewed from the bottom. Specifically, the outer shape of the aerosol source capturing unit 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 width of the aerosol source capturing unit 240 (groove portion) is partially narrowed at the long sides 241. It is preferable to compare the width of the aerosol source capturing unit 240 (groove portion) using the opening width rather than the bottom width.

[0121] 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 within 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).

[0122] As shown in Fig. 22 , an aerosol source return section 250 extending in the Z-axis direction from the aerosol source capture section 240 to the heating section 300 is provided inside the gasket 200. As shown in Fig. 19 , a pair of aerosol source return sections 250 are formed in the portion (long side portion 241) where the width to the insertion hole 201 is smallest. Note that the shape of the aerosol source return section 250 in a bottom view is not limited to a rectangle and may be a shape that is easy to mold into resin, such as a trapezoid. As shown in Fig. 8 , a pair of aerosol source return sections 250 extend from the ceiling surface of the heating chamber 200A to the wick 310 portions on both sides of the heat-generating portion 321 around which the heater wire 320 of the wick 310 is wound.

[0123] The aerosol source return section 250 is a groove that returns the aerosol source captured by the aerosol source capture section 240 to the wick 310 portion of the heating section 300. The aerosol source return section 250 may be anything other than a groove as long as it can return the aerosol source captured by the aerosol source capture section 240 to the wick 310 portion of the heating section 300. The aerosol source return section 250 may have, for example, a capillary structure similar to that of the wick 310, or a surface treatment that reduces water repellency (high lyophilicity) to the aerosol source, at a position corresponding to the groove, or a structure that combines all or part of the groove, capillary structure, and surface treatment. In this embodiment, the aerosol source return section 250 is formed integrally with the gasket 200, but it may also be formed as a separate part from the gasket 200.

[0124] Similarly, although the aerosol source capturing part 240 in this embodiment is formed integrally with the gasket 200, it may also be formed as a separate part from the gasket 200. In other words, the aerosol source capturing part 240 may be anything other than a groove as long as it can capture the aerosol source near the second opening 132 of the flow path pipe part 130. The aerosol source capturing part 240 may have, for example, a capillary structure similar to that of the wick 310, or a surface treatment that makes it less water-repellent (more lyophilic) to the aerosol source, at a position corresponding to the groove, or a structure that combines all or part of the groove, capillary structure, and surface treatment.

[0125] The aerosol source capturing unit 240 has a capillary force that holds the aerosol source at least in the portion of width W1 shown in Fig. 19. Furthermore, the aerosol source return unit 250 has a capillary force that is stronger than the capillary force of the aerosol source capturing unit 240. As a result, even if the cartridge 3 is inverted as shown in Fig. 22, the aerosol source captured by the aerosol source capturing unit 240 can be returned to the wick 310 portion of the heating unit 300. For example, the aerosol source return unit 250 only needs to have a capillary force such that the height h of the liquid level rises to the height from the ceiling surface of the heating chamber 200A to the outer peripheral surface of the wick 310.

[0126] <How to Use the Inhaler> To use the inhaler 1 configured as described above, first, as shown in Figure 2, the cartridge housing lid 50 provided on the bottom of the housing 12 of the main unit 2 is opened. Then, the cartridge 3 is inserted into the cartridge housing 10. After the cartridge 3 is inserted into the cartridge housing 10, the cartridge housing lid 50 is closed. Next, the flavor source container 4 is attached to the mouthpiece portion 11a of the heating module 11 of the main unit 2, and the mouthpiece 5 is attached to the flavor source container 4 protruding from the heating module 11.

[0127] 1 and 3 , when inhaling the inhaler 1, the user presses the input device 15. At this time, for example, the main unit 2 may be programmed to be activated by pressing the input device 15 multiple times. When the main unit 2 is activated, for example, the heating module 11 heats the flavor source container 4 to enhance the flavor.

[0128] Next, the user inhales while holding the mouthpiece 5 in their mouth. This draws air from inside the cartridge housing 10 into the cartridge 3, and the sensor 26 shown in FIG. 3 detects a puff. When the sensor 26 detects a puff, electricity is applied to the heater wire 320 of the cartridge 3, causing the heater wire 320 to generate heat. When the heater wire 320 generates heat, the aerosol source liquid impregnated in the wick 310 is heated and atomized.

[0129] Air (outside air) flows into the cartridge accommodating section 10 through the communication hole 17a formed in the cover member 17. The air that has flowed into the cartridge accommodating section 10 is introduced into the air passage 416 through the vertical groove 415 and the horizontal groove 414 of the cartridge 3, and / or the horizontal groove 414, as shown in FIG. 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 path pipe section 130 and the communication hole 27a of the cartridge abutment section 27 shown in FIG. 3, further passes through the flavor source container 4 and the mouthpiece 5, and is carried to the user's mouth. This allows the user to taste the flavor.

[0130] The atomized aerosol fills the heating chamber 200A, and may partially condense within the heating chamber 200A and return to the aerosol source. This aerosol source attempts to flow out of the cartridge 3 from the flow path pipe 130 when the cartridge 3 is facing downward. However, in this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 22 , when the cartridge 3 is facing downward, the aerosol source capture unit 240 captures the aerosol source near the second opening 132 on the heating unit 300 side of the flow path pipe 130, thereby preventing the aerosol source from flowing out of the flow path pipe 130. Furthermore, the aerosol source return unit 250 returns the aerosol source accumulated in the aerosol source capture unit 240 to the heating unit 300, thereby preventing the aerosol source from overflowing from the aerosol source capture unit 240.

[0131] 8 , the aerosol source is supplied from the tank 100 to the heating unit 300, but if the aerosol source supplied to the wick 310 exceeds the amount that can be held, the aerosol source tends to drip from the heat-generating portion 321 inside the inner cylinder 430 (heating chamber 200A). However, in this embodiment, the excess aerosol source supplied from the tank 100 to the heating unit 300 is guided by the aerosol source guide unit 450 to the aerosol source holding unit 440 between the inner cylinder 430 and the outer cylinder 420 that support the heating unit 300, thereby preventing the aerosol source from dripping inside the inner cylinder 430.

[0132] On the other hand, if the aerosol source supplied from the tank 100 to the heating unit 300 is insufficient, the wick 310 is likely to overheat at the heat generating portion 321. However, in this embodiment, as shown in Fig. 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. This allows the aerosol source to be sufficiently absorbed at one end 311 and the other end 312 of the wick 310, and the aerosol source to move toward the heat generating portion 321, making it easier to wet the entire wick 310 with the aerosol source, thereby preventing the aerosol source from running out at the heat generating portion 321 and the resulting overheating.

[0133] That is, in this embodiment, the following effects can be obtained.

[0134] [Effects] The cartridge 3 according to the present embodiment described above includes a tank 100 capable of accommodating 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 path pipe unit 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 a second opening 132 (opening) on ​​the heating unit 300 side of the flow path pipe unit 130, and an aerosol source return unit 250 that extends from the aerosol source capture unit 240 to the heating unit 300. With this configuration, when the cartridge 3 is oriented downward, the aerosol source capture unit 240 captures the aerosol source near the second opening 132 on the heating unit 300 side of the flow path pipe unit 130, thereby preventing the aerosol source from leaking out of the flow path pipe unit 130 to the outside. Furthermore, since the aerosol source return section 250 returns the aerosol source accumulated in the aerosol source capture section 240 to the heating section 300 , the aerosol source can be prevented from overflowing from the aerosol source capture section 240 .

[0135] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the aerosol source capturing section 240 includes a groove portion formed in an annular shape around the second opening 132 on the heating section 300 side of the flow path pipe section 130. According to this configuration, the groove portion captures the aerosol source around the entire circumference of the second opening 132 on the heating section 300 side of the flow path pipe section 130, thereby making it possible to suppress the outflow of the aerosol source from the flow path pipe section 130 to the outside.

[0136] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the aerosol source capturing unit 240 (groove portion) includes a short side portion 242 (first portion) and a long side portion 241 (second portion) that is narrower than the first portion, and the aerosol source return unit 250 is connected to the long side portion 241 (second portion). With this configuration, the aerosol source captured by the aerosol source capturing unit 240 is returned to the heating unit 300 from the long side portion 241 (second portion) of the groove portion, which has a narrow width, so that the aerosol source is less likely to remain in corners, etc., of the aerosol source capturing unit 240. Note that it is sufficient for the aerosol source return unit 250 to return the aerosol source from the narrowed portion of the aerosol source capturing unit 240. For example, if the aerosol source capturing unit 240 is square in bottom view and the flow path pipe unit 130 is elliptical in bottom view, the aerosol source return unit 250 may be connected to the narrow portion of the aerosol source capturing unit 240 in the major axis direction of the ellipse.

[0137] In this embodiment, the aerosol source capture unit 240 has a capillary force that holds 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 path pipe unit 130.

[0138] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the aerosol source return unit 250 has a greater capillary force than the aerosol source capture unit 240. With this configuration, the aerosol source moves from the aerosol source capture unit 240 to the aerosol source return unit 250 due to the difference in capillary force, and therefore the aerosol source can be returned from the aerosol source capture unit 240 to the heating unit 300 regardless of the orientation of the cartridge 3.

[0139] Furthermore, in this embodiment, a gasket 200 is provided that contacts the heating part 300, and the aerosol source capturing part 240 is formed in the gasket 200. According to this configuration, by forming the aerosol source capturing part 240 in the gasket 200, the number of parts can be reduced and the cartridge 3 can be easily assembled.

[0140] In addition, in the present embodiment, the aerosol source return portion 250 is formed in the gasket 200. According to this configuration, by forming the aerosol source return portion 250 in the gasket 200, the number of parts can be reduced and the assembly of the cartridge 3 can be facilitated.

[0141] Furthermore, in the present embodiment, the aerosol source return portion 250 may be formed as a separate component from the gasket 200. According to this configuration, by forming the aerosol source return portion 250 as a separate component from the gasket 200, it is possible to design the shape and the like of the aerosol source return portion 250 separately from the gasket 200.

[0142] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the heating unit 300 includes a wick 310 that holds the aerosol source and a heater wire 320 wound around the wick 310, and the aerosol source return unit 250 is provided in pair and extends from the aerosol source capturing unit 240 to both sides of the heat-generating portion 321 of the wick 310 around which the heater wire 320 is wound. With this configuration, the aerosol source is returned from the aerosol source capturing unit 240 to the heating unit 300 from two locations rather than one location, thereby increasing the amount of the aerosol source returned to the heating unit 300 and preventing the aerosol source from overflowing from the aerosol source capturing unit 240. Furthermore, because the aerosol source is returned to both sides of the portion of the wick 310 around which the heater wire 320 is wound, the heat-generating portion 321 is more likely to be evenly moistened, allowing the aerosol source to be generated efficiently.

[0143] The aerosol generating device according to this embodiment also includes 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 an aerosol. With this configuration, since the cartridge 3 described above is included, it is possible to suppress the outflow of the aerosol source.

[0144] The inhaler 1 according to this embodiment includes the aerosol generating device described above and a flavor source container 4 attached to the mouthpiece 11a of the aerosol generating device. This configuration allows flavor to be added to the aerosol.

[0145] In this embodiment, the heating unit 300 is provided in the cartridge 3, but the heating unit 300 may be detachable from the cartridge 3, or the heating unit 300 may be provided on the main unit 2 side of the aerosol generation device, or the heating unit 300 may be detachable from the main unit 2. That is, the cartridge 3 may have the following configuration.

[0146] The cartridge 3 is used in an aerosol generating device having a heating unit 300, and includes a tank 100 capable of accommodating an aerosol source, a flow path pipe unit 130 that directs the aerosol generated in the heating unit 300 to the outside, an aerosol source capture unit 240 that captures the aerosol source near a second opening 132 on the heating unit 300 side of the flow path pipe unit 130, and an aerosol source return unit 250 that extends from the aerosol source capture unit 240 to the heating unit 300. With this configuration, when the cartridge 3 is facing downward, the aerosol source capture unit 240 captures the aerosol source near the second opening 132 on the heating unit 300 side of the flow path pipe unit 130, thereby preventing the aerosol source from leaking out of the flow path pipe unit 130 to the outside. Furthermore, since the aerosol source return section 250 returns the aerosol source accumulated in the aerosol source capture section 240 to the heating section 300 , the aerosol source can be prevented from overflowing from the aerosol source capture section 240 .

[0147] In addition, the present embodiment also provides the following advantageous effects.

[0148] The cartridge 3 according to the present embodiment described above includes a tank 100 capable of accommodating 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, an inner cylinder 430 that supports the heating unit 300, an outer cylinder 420 that supports the heating unit 300 outside the inner cylinder 430, an aerosol source holding unit 440 that is formed between the inner cylinder 430 and the outer cylinder 420 and is capable of accommodating the aerosol source, and an aerosol source guiding unit 450 that guides the aerosol source supplied to the heating unit 300 to the aerosol source holding unit 440. With this configuration, excess aerosol source supplied from the tank 100 to the heating unit 300 is guided by the aerosol source guiding unit 450 to the aerosol source holding unit 440 between the inner cylinder 430 that supports the heating unit 300 and the outer cylinder 420, thereby preventing the aerosol source from dripping inside the inner cylinder 430.

[0149] In the present embodiment, the aerosol source guiding unit 450 is provided in at least one of the inner cylinder 430 and the outer cylinder 420. According to this configuration, the inner cylinder 430 and the outer cylinder 420 support the heating unit 300, and therefore, by providing the aerosol source guiding unit 450 in at least one of the inner cylinder 430 and the outer cylinder 420, it becomes easier to guide the excess aerosol source from the heating unit 300 to the aerosol source holding unit 440.

[0150] In addition, in the present embodiment, aerosol source guiding unit 450 is provided along the inner wall surface of outer cylinder 420. According to this configuration, by providing aerosol source holding unit 440 along the inner wall surface of outer cylinder 420 away from inner cylinder 430, it is possible to prevent the aerosol source from dripping inside inner cylinder 430.

[0151] Furthermore, in the present embodiment, aerosol source guiding unit 450 includes a groove portion extending from communication portion 441 (opening) of aerosol source holding unit 440 toward the bottom of aerosol source holding unit 440. According to this configuration, the groove portion guides the aerosol source from communication portion 441 (opening) of aerosol source holding unit 440 toward the bottom, making it easier for the aerosol source to accumulate in aerosol source holding unit 440.

[0152] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the cross-sectional area of ​​aerosol source guiding unit 450 (groove portion) is smaller on the bottom side than on the communicating unit 441 (opening) side of aerosol source holding unit 440. According to this configuration, the capillary force of aerosol source guiding unit 450 (groove portion) gradually increases from communicating unit 441 (opening) toward the bottom of aerosol source holding unit 440, making it easier to guide the aerosol source toward the bottom of aerosol source holding unit 440.

[0153] In the present embodiment, the bottom of aerosol-source holding unit 440 includes first bottom surface 442 and second bottom surface 443 that is deeper than first bottom surface 442, and aerosol-source guiding unit 450 (groove portion) extends toward second bottom surface 443. This configuration makes it easier to guide the aerosol source to a deeper location in the bottom of aerosol-source holding unit 440.

[0154] In addition, in the present embodiment, the aerosol source guiding unit 450 is in contact with the heating unit 300. According to this configuration, the aerosol source guiding unit 450 is in contact with the heating unit 300, which makes it easier to guide the excess aerosol source from the heating unit 300 to the aerosol source holding unit 440.

[0155] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the heating unit 300 has a capillary force that holds the aerosol source, and the aerosol source guiding unit 450 has a capillary force that is weaker than the capillary force of the heating unit 300. With this configuration, if an excess of the aerosol source occurs in the heating unit 300, the aerosol source can be guided from the heating unit 300 to the aerosol source holding unit 440 by the capillary force of the aerosol source guiding unit 450. Furthermore, if a shortage of the aerosol source occurs in the heating unit 300, the aerosol source can be sucked up from the aerosol source holding unit 440 to the heating unit 300 by the capillary force of the aerosol source guiding unit 450.

[0156] The aerosol generating device according to this embodiment includes 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 an aerosol. With this configuration, since the cartridge 3 described above is included, dripping of the aerosol source from the heating unit 300 can be suppressed.

[0157] The inhaler 1 according to this embodiment includes the aerosol generating device described above and a flavor source container 4 attached to the mouthpiece 11a of the aerosol generating device. This configuration allows flavor to be added to the aerosol.

[0158] In addition, the present embodiment also provides the following advantageous effects.

[0159] The cartridge 3 according to the present embodiment described above includes a tank 100 capable of accommodating 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 first fixing unit 501 that fixes the heating unit 300, and a second fixing unit 502 that fixes the heating unit 300 at a position farther from the heat-generating portion 321 of the heating unit 300 than the first fixing unit 501 and looser than the first fixing unit 501. With this configuration, the heating unit 300 is stably fixed by the two fixing units, 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 farther from the heat-generating portion 321 of the heating unit 300. This makes it easier to moisten the entire heating unit 300 with the aerosol source, and prevents the aerosol source from running out in the heat-generating portion 321 and resulting overheating.

[0160] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the heating unit 300 is compressed more at the first fixing unit 501 than at the second fixing unit 502. With this configuration, the heating unit 300 is compressed more at the first fixing unit 501 than at the second fixing unit 502, so that the aerosol source is more likely to move to the heat generating portion 321 of the heating unit 300 due to the capillary force of the heating unit 300.

[0161] Furthermore, in this embodiment, aerosol source holding unit 440 is formed, which has communicating unit 441 at a position farther from heat generating portion 321 of heating unit 300 than first fixing unit 501, and which can accommodate the aerosol source from communicating unit 441, and second fixing unit 502 fixes heating unit 300 at a position facing at least communicating unit 441 of aerosol source holding unit 440. With this configuration, when an excess of aerosol source is supplied to heating unit 300, the excess aerosol source drips from second fixing unit 502, to which heating unit 300 is loosely fixed, and the aerosol source can be collected in aerosol source holding unit 440, which has communicating unit 441 at a position farther from heat generating portion 321 of heating unit 300.

[0162] Furthermore, in this embodiment, second fixing unit 502 includes a pair of clamping pieces 260 that clamp heating unit 300, and pair of clamping pieces 260 include tapered portions 261 that widen the gap that clamps heating unit 300 toward communicating portion 441 of aerosol-source holding unit 440. According to this configuration, the compression of heating unit 300 gradually decreases toward communicating portion 441 of aerosol-source holding unit 440, making it easier to guide excess aerosol source from heating unit 300 to aerosol-source holding unit 440.

[0163] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the pair of clamping pieces 260 have flat portions 262 with a constant gap between them that clamp the heating unit 300, and the tapered portion 261 is connected to the flat portion 262 on the side of the communication portion 441 of the aerosol-source holding unit 440. With this configuration, the heating unit 300 is stably fixed by the flat portion 262, and the heating unit 300 is loosely fixed by the tapered portion 261, making it easier to guide excess aerosol source from the heating unit 300 to the aerosol-source holding unit 440.

[0164] Furthermore, in this embodiment, an outer cylinder 420 (supporting portion) that supports the heating portion 300 is provided at a position farther away from the heat generating portion 321 of the heating portion 300 than the aerosol source holding portion 440, and a space S (see FIG. 8 ) is formed on the opposite side of the heating portion 300 from the support surface 421 of the outer cylinder 420 (supporting portion). According to this configuration, by forming the space S on the opposite side of the heating portion 300 from the support surface 421 of the outer cylinder 420 (supporting portion), the volume of the tank 100 is expanded and air bubbles are less likely to remain at the lower end of the liquid storage chamber 101, making it possible to suppress depletion of the aerosol source of the heating portion 300 due to air bubble retention and the resulting overheating.

[0165] In addition, in this embodiment, second fixing part 502 extends from a position facing communicating part 441 of aerosol source holding part 440 to a position facing support surface 421 of outer cylinder part 420 (support part). According to this configuration, heating part 300 can be fixed by second fixing part 502 at a position facing support surface 421, and therefore heating part 300 can be stably fixed.

[0166] The aerosol generating device according to this embodiment includes the cartridge 3 described above and a power supply unit 22 that generates an aerosol by supplying power to the heating unit 300 of the cartridge 3. With this configuration, since the cartridge 3 described above is included, the heating unit 300 can be stably fixed, and depletion of the aerosol source in the heat generating portion 321 and the resulting overheating can be suppressed.

[0167] The inhaler 1 according to this embodiment includes the aerosol generating device described above and a flavor source container 4 attached to the mouthpiece 11a of the aerosol generating device. This configuration allows flavor to be added to the aerosol.

[0168] <Appearance of Cartridge> The appearance of the cartridge 3 will be disclosed below.

[0169] FIG. 23 is a front view of the cartridge 3 according to one embodiment. FIG. 24 is a rear view of the cartridge 3 according to one embodiment. FIG. 25 is a left side view of the cartridge 3 according to one embodiment. FIG. 26 is a right side view of the cartridge 3 according to one embodiment. FIG. 27 is a plan view of the cartridge 3 according to one embodiment. FIG. 28 is a bottom view of the cartridge 3 according to one embodiment. FIG. 29 is a reference perspective view of the cartridge 3 according to one embodiment. As shown in FIGS. 23 to 29, the cartridge 3 is formed in a cylindrical shape. The exterior of the cartridge 3 is such that the bottom side is made up of a non-light-transmitting holder 400, and the rest of the cartridge 3 is made up of a light-transmitting tank 100.

[0170] The two electrode portions on the bottom surface of the cartridge 3 shown in Figure 29 may have the following appearance. The size of the two electrode portions is not limited to the ratio shown in the figure below, and may be larger or smaller than the ratio shown in the figure below. The sizes of the two electrode portions may be equal to or different from each other.

[0171] Figure 30 is a bottom view of a cartridge 3 according to a first modified example. The two electrode portions of the cartridge 3 shown in Figure 30 are formed in a substantially semicircular hexagonal shape. Figure 31 is a bottom view of a cartridge 3 according to a second modified example. The two electrode portions of the cartridge 3 shown in Figure 31 are formed by rounding the corners of the electrode portions shown in Figure 30. Note that the rounded shape shown in Figure 31 may be such that only some of the corners of the electrode portions are rounded, rather than all of the corners being rounded.

[0172] Figure 32 is a bottom view of a cartridge 3 according to a third modified example. The two electrode portions of the cartridge 3 shown in Figure 32 are formed in a band shape that is curved so as to be recessed toward the center of the holder 400. Figure 33 is a bottom view of a cartridge 3 according to a fourth modified example. The two electrode portions of the cartridge 3 shown in Figure 33 are formed by rounding the corners of 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, and only some of the corners may be rounded.

[0173] Figure 34 is a bottom view of a cartridge 3 according to a fifth modified example. The two electrode portions of the cartridge 3 shown in Figure 34 are formed in a curved band shape that bulges out toward the opposite side from the center of the holder 400. Figure 35 is a bottom view of a cartridge 3 according to a sixth modified example. The two electrode portions of the cartridge 3 shown in Figure 35 are similar to the electrode portions shown in Figure 34 in that the corners are rounded. Note that the rounded shape shown in Figure 35 does not require all corners of the electrode portions to be rounded, and only some of the corners may be rounded.

[0174] Figure 36 is a bottom view of a cartridge 3 according to a seventh modified example. The two electrode portions of the cartridge 3 shown in Figure 36 are formed in a trapezoidal shape with their 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 a cartridge 3 according to an eighth modified example. The two electrode portions of the cartridge 3 shown in Figure 37 are similar to the electrode portions shown in Figure 36 in that the corners are rounded. Note that the rounded shape shown in Figure 37 does not require all corners of the electrode portions to be rounded, and only some of the corners may be rounded.

[0175] Figure 38 is a bottom view of a cartridge 3 according to a ninth modified example. The two electrode portions of the cartridge 3 shown in Figure 38 are formed in a trapezoidal shape with their lower portions (the longer of the two parallel sides) facing the center of the holder 400. Figure 39 is a bottom view of a cartridge 3 according to a tenth modified example. The two electrode portions of the cartridge 3 shown in Figure 39 are similar to the electrode portions shown in Figure 38 in that the corners are rounded. Note that the rounded shape shown in Figure 39 does not require all corners of the electrode portions to be rounded, and only some of the corners may be rounded.

[0176] Figure 40 is a bottom view of a cartridge 3 according to an eleventh modified example. The two electrode portions of the cartridge 3 shown in Figure 40 are formed in a pentagonal shape with two right-angled interior angles on the side opposite the center of the holder 400 and an apex angle facing the center of the holder 400. Figure 41 is a bottom view of a cartridge 3 according to a twelfth modified example. The two electrode portions of the cartridge 3 shown in Figure 41 are formed by rounding the corners of the electrode portions shown in Figure 40. Note that the rounded shape shown in Figure 41 does not require all corners of the electrode portions to be rounded, and only some of the corners may be rounded.

[0177] Figure 42 is a bottom view of a cartridge 3 according to a thirteenth modified example. The two electrode portions of the cartridge 3 shown in Figure 42 are formed in a pentagonal shape with two right-angled interior corners toward the center of the holder 400 and an apex angle facing away from the center of the holder 400. Figure 43 is a bottom view of a cartridge 3 according to a fourteenth modified example. The two electrode portions of the cartridge 3 shown in Figure 43 are formed by rounding the corners of the electrode portions shown in Figure 42. Note that the rounded shape shown in Figure 43 does not require all corners of the electrode portions to be rounded, and only some of the corners may be rounded.

[0178] Figure 44 is a bottom view of a cartridge 3 according to a fifteenth modified example. The two electrode portions of the cartridge 3 shown in Figure 44 are formed in a hexagonal shape with one of two parallel sides facing the center of the holder 400. Figure 45 is a bottom view of a cartridge 3 according to a sixteenth modified example. The two electrode portions of the cartridge 3 shown in Figure 45 are similar to the electrode portions shown in Figure 44 in that the corners are rounded. Note that the rounded shape shown in Figure 45 does not require all corners of the electrode portions to be rounded, and only some of the corners may be rounded.

[0179] <Other Modifications> Although preferred embodiments and modifications of the present invention have been described above, the present invention is not limited to these embodiments and modifications. Addition, omission, substitution, and other modifications of the configuration are possible within the scope of the present invention. The present invention is not limited by the above description, but is limited only by the appended claims.

[0180] For example, in the above-described embodiment, the inhaler 1 having a detachable flavor source container 4 has been described as an example of an aerosol generating device that generates aerosol without combustion, but this configuration is not limiting. Another example of an aerosol generating device may be one that does not have a flavor source container 4, such as an electronic cigarette (e.g., a configuration in which a mouthpiece is directly attached to the mouthpiece). In this case, an aerosol source containing a flavor may be housed in the cartridge 3, and the aerosol containing the flavor may be generated by the aerosol generating device. That is, in the above-described embodiment, an aerosol generating device may be one that does not have a flavor source container 4 but includes the main unit 2 and the cartridge 3. Furthermore, an aerosol generating device may be one that does not have the flavor source container 4 and the cartridge 3 but includes only the main unit 2. The aerosol generating device may be one that does not have the flavor source container 4 or the cartridge 3 but includes only the main unit 2. The aerosol source is not limited to a liquid, and may include a solid or gel contained in a liquid, as long as it can utilize capillary action.

[0181] In the above-described embodiment, the cartridge 3 is described as being cylindrical, but the cartridge 3 is not limited to this configuration. The cartridge 3 may have any configuration that can hold the aerosol source. In other words, the cartridge 3 is not limited to a cylinder, and may have a three-dimensional shape such as a cube, triangular pyramid, pyramid, prism, octahedron, cone, sphere, torus, or the like.

[0182] In the above-described embodiment, a configuration was described in which the main unit 2 is activated by pressing the input device 15, but the main unit 2 may also be activated by detecting a puff only by the sensor 26 without having the input device 15.

[0183] In addition, within the scope of the spirit of the present invention, it is possible to replace the components in the above-described embodiments with well-known components as appropriate, and the above-described modified examples may be combined as appropriate.

[0184] The present invention relates to a cartridge, an aerosol generating device, and a non-combustion inhaler, which can suppress the outflow of an aerosol source.

[0185] REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 1...inhaler, 2...main unit, 3...cartridge, 4...flavor source container, 5...mouthpiece, 6A...electrode, 6B...electrode, 10...cartridge storage section, 10A...cartridge storage space, 11...heating module, 11a...mouthpiece section, 11b...heater section, 12...casing section, 12A...main surface section, 12A1...first main surface section, 12A2...second main surface section, 12B...circumferential wall section, 12B1...first peripheral wall section, 12B2...second peripheral wall section, 12C...corner section, 12C1...first corner section, 12C2...second corner section, 12C3...third corner section, 12C4...fourth corner section, 13...outer case, 13a...opening section, 1 3A...first case, 13b...exposed portion, 13B...second case, 14...display cover, 15...input device, 16...window portion, 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 abutment portion, 27a...communication hole, 50...cartridge storage lid, 51...projecting electrode, 70...first air flow path, 80...second air flow path, 90...protruding portion, 100...tank, 101...liquid storage chamber, 110... Peripheral wall portion, 111...engagement hole, 112...recess, 120...top wall portion, 130...flow path pipe portion, 131...first opening, 132...second opening, 140...rib, 141...notch portion, 142...convex portion, 200...gasket, 200A...heating chamber, 201...insertion hole, 202...annular protrusion, 203...first flat portion, 204...second flat portion, 205...third flat portion, 206...lower surface portion, 210...first cylindrical portion, 211...top surface, 220...second cylindrical portion, 230...third cylindrical portion, 231...sealing cylindrical portion, 232...sealing protrusion, 235...through hole, 240...aerosol source capturing portion, 241...long side portion, 242...short side portion, 250...end Aerosol source return portion, 260... clamping piece, 261... tapered portion, 262... flat portion, 300... heating portion, 310... wick, 311... one end portion, 312... other end portion, 320... heater wire, 321... heat generating portion, 322A... one end portion, 322B... other end portion, 400... holder, 401... engaging piece, 402... convex portion, 410... base portion, 410a... lower surface, 410b... outer peripheral surface, 410c... step portion, 411... fitting hole, 413... engaging recess, 414... horizontal groove, 415... vertical groove, 416... air passage, 417... communication hole, 418... through hole, 420... outer cylinder portion, 421... support surface, 430... inner cylinder portion, 431... groove,432...support surface, 433...groove, 440...aerosol source holding portion, 441...communicating portion, 442...first bottom surface, 443...second bottom surface, 444...third bottom surface, 450...aerosol source guiding portion, 501...first fixing portion, 502...second fixing portion, S...space, W1...width, W2...width,

Claims

1. A tank capable of containing an aerosol source; a heating unit to which the aerosol source is supplied from the tank and which heats the aerosol source to generate an aerosol; An inner cylinder portion supporting the heating portion; an outer cylinder portion that supports the heating portion outside the inner cylinder portion; an aerosol source holding portion formed between the inner cylindrical portion and the outer cylindrical portion and capable of accommodating the aerosol source; and an aerosol source guiding unit that guides the aerosol source supplied to the heating unit to the aerosol source holding unit. cartridge.

2. The aerosol source guiding portion is provided in at least one of the inner cylindrical portion and the outer cylindrical portion.

2. The cartridge of claim 1.

3. The aerosol source guiding portion is provided along the inner wall surface of the outer cylinder portion.

2. The cartridge of claim 1.

4. The aerosol source guiding unit includes a groove portion extending from an opening of the aerosol source holding unit toward a bottom portion of the aerosol source holding unit.

2. The cartridge of claim 1.

5. A cross-sectional area of ​​the groove is smaller on the bottom side than on the opening side of the aerosol source holding part.

5. A cartridge according to claim 4.

6. The bottom of the aerosol source holding unit includes a first bottom surface and a second bottom surface that is deeper than the first bottom surface, The groove portion extends toward the second bottom surface.

5. A cartridge according to claim 4.

7. The aerosol source induction unit is in contact with the heating unit.

2. The cartridge of claim 1.

8. The heating unit has a capillary force that holds the aerosol source, The aerosol source induction unit has a capillary force smaller than the capillary force of the heating unit. A cartridge according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

9. A cartridge according to any one of claims 1 to 8; A power supply unit that supplies power to the heating unit of the cartridge to generate the aerosol. Aerosol generating device.

10. The aerosol generating device according to claim 9 ; A flavor source container attached to a mouthpiece of the aerosol generating device. Non-combustion aspirator.