Cartridge, aerosol generation device, and non-combustion-type inhaler

Abstract

This cartridge comprises: a tank capable of accommodating an aerosol source; a heating unit which is supplied with the aerosol source from the tank, and which generates an aerosol by heating the aerosol source; and an electrode unit that is electrically connected to the heating unit. The electrode unit is provided with a space portion capable of accommodating the aerosol source.

Description

Cartridge, aerosol generating device, and non-combustion inhaler

[0001] This application claims priority to PCT / CN2023 / 133690, filed November 23, 2023, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[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] A 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 capable of accommodating an aerosol source, a heating unit that receives the aerosol source from the tank and heats the aerosol source to generate aerosol, and an electrode unit that is electrically connected to the heating unit.

[0004] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2020-65536

[0005] The present invention aims to suppress the escape of aerosol sources.

[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 to which the aerosol source is supplied from the tank and which heats the aerosol source to generate an aerosol, and an electrode unit electrically connected to the heating unit, wherein the electrode unit is provided with a space capable of accommodating the aerosol source. According to this aspect, the space provided in the electrode unit can accommodate aerosol source that has dripped from the tank or the heating unit, or aerosol source that has condensed and returned to a liquid, etc. Therefore, outflow of the aerosol source can be suppressed.

[0007] In the cartridge, the electrode portion may have a shape that opens toward the heating portion. According to this aspect, the aerosol source that drips from the tank and the heating portion can be easily received by the electrode portion.

[0008] In the cartridge, the electrode portion may include a bottom wall portion that forms a bottom surface of the space portion, and a peripheral wall portion that stands upright from the bottom wall portion and forms a side surface of the space portion. According to this aspect, the electrode portion has a bottomed cylindrical shape, and a large volume of the space portion can be ensured.

[0009] The cartridge may further include a first fitting portion that fits into an inner circumferential surface of the peripheral wall portion and holds the electrode portion. According to this aspect, the first fitting portion fits into the inner circumferential surface of the peripheral wall portion, thereby sealing the inside of the electrode portion and preventing the aerosol source from overflowing from the space portion.

[0010] In the cartridge, the first fitting portion may be formed on a convex portion having a facing surface facing the bottom wall portion with a gap therebetween. According to this aspect, the aerosol source can be accommodated in a space surrounded by the bottom wall portion of the electrode portion, the facing surface of the convex portion, and the peripheral wall portion of the electrode portion sealed by the first fitting portion.

[0011] In the cartridge, the convex portion may be formed on a holder that supports the heating unit, the heating unit may have a lead wire that abuts against the electrode unit, and the opposing surface may have a through hole that penetrates the holder and through which the lead wire passes. According to this aspect, the aerosol source that flows out through the through hole through which the lead wire of the heating unit passes can be received in the space.

[0012] In the cartridge, a rib may be formed on the opposing surface extending toward the bottom wall, and the lead wire may be sandwiched between the bottom wall and the rib. According to this aspect, the lead wire can be prevented from separating from the bottom wall in the space, thereby stabilizing the supply of power to the lead wire.

[0013] In the cartridge, a groove may be formed in the opposing surface on the opposite side of the rib from the through hole, and an end of the lead wire may be inserted into the groove. According to this aspect, the lead wire can be positioned with respect to the rib before the electrode portion is fitted to the protrusion. Furthermore, the formation of the groove increases the capacity of the space, allowing a larger amount of aerosol source to be stored in the space.

[0014] In the cartridge, a second through hole penetrating the holder may be formed in the opposing surface at a position different from the through hole. According to this aspect, when the aerosol source flows into the space portion from the through hole through which the lead wire passes, the air in the space portion can be discharged to the outside through the second through hole, making it easier for the aerosol source to flow into the space portion.

[0015] In the cartridge, the peripheral wall portion may have a diameter that increases toward an end opposite the bottom wall portion. According to this aspect, it becomes easier to insert a protrusion into the inner side of the peripheral wall portion, and it becomes easier to assemble the electrode portion.

[0016] The cartridge may further include a second fitting portion that fits onto the outer peripheral surface of the peripheral wall portion and holds the electrode portion. According to this aspect, the second fitting portion fits onto the outer peripheral surface of the peripheral wall portion, thereby sealing the outside of the electrode portion and preventing the aerosol source from overflowing from the space portion.

[0017] In the cartridge, an annular groove into which the peripheral wall portion is inserted may be provided, and an outer peripheral wall of the annular groove may form the second fitting portion. According to this aspect, the annular groove forms a tortuous outflow path of the aerosol source from the space portion to the outside, thereby suppressing outflow of the aerosol source via the electrode portion.

[0018] 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 power supply unit from getting wet with the aerosol source.

[0019] 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.

[0020] According to one aspect of the present invention, the outflow of the aerosol source can be suppressed.

[0021] 9 is a perspective view 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 VII-VII in FIG. 4; a cross-sectional view taken along VIII-VIII in FIG. 4; 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 plan view of a holder according to one embodiment; a bottom view of a holder according to one embodiment, from which an electrode unit has been removed; an exploded perspective view of a holder according to one embodiment, from which an electrode unit has been removed; a perspective view of an electrode unit according to one embodiment; a cross-sectional view taken along XV-XV in FIG. 9; an exploded perspective view of a modified version of a holder according to one embodiment, from which an electrode unit has been removed; a plan view of a modified version of a holder according to one embodiment; a bottom view of a modified version of a holder according to one embodiment, from which an electrode unit has been removed; a cross-sectional view of a modified version of a holder to which an electrode unit has been attached according to one embodiment.

[0022] 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.

[0023] [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.

[0024] 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.

[0025] 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.

[0026] 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.

[0027] 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.

[0028] 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.

[0029] 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.

[0030] 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.

[0031] 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 has mating surfaces for the first peripheral wall 12B1 of the first case 13A and the second peripheral wall 12B2 of the second case 13B.

[0032] 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.

[0033] 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.

[0034] 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.

[0035] 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.

[0036] 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.

[0037] 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.

[0038] 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.

[0039] 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.

[0040] 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.

[0041] 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.

[0042] 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.

[0043] 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.

[0044] 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.

[0045] 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.

[0046] 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.

[0047] <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).

[0048] 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.

[0049] <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.

[0050] <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.

[0051] 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.

[0052] 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.

[0053] 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.

[0054] 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.

[0055] 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.

[0056] 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).

[0057] 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."

[0058] 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.

[0059] 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.

[0060] 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.

[0061] 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.

[0062] 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.

[0063] Three projecting electrodes 51 are provided (the one located at the back is not shown) so that alignment with the two electrode portions 6A, 6B of the cartridge 3 is not required. As shown in FIG. 2 , the two electrode portions 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 electrode portions 6A, 6B. This ensures reliable electrical conduction to the cartridge 3.

[0064] <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 section 10 provided at the bottom of the housing 12.

[0065] 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. 6 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 electrode units 6A and 6B, a tank 100, a gasket 200, a heating unit 300, and a holder 400.

[0066] 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 other side through the material. In other words, even frosted glass or milky white plastic can be translucent. Note that the gasket 200, heating unit 300, and holder 400 are not translucent, but some or all of them may be translucent. Furthermore, if the remaining liquid level in the aerosol source is not to be confirmed, the tank 100 does not need to be translucent.

[0067] 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.

[0068] 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.

[0069] 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.

[0070] 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.

[0071] 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. That is, 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 at equal intervals in the circumferential direction. As shown in FIG. 7 , the lower ends 142 of the ribs 140 abut against the top surface 211 of the gasket 200. This positions the gasket 200 in the Z-axis direction relative to the tank 100.

[0072] 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.

[0073] 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.

[0074] 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. Note that 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, but it does not have to protrude.

[0075] 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 lower end 142 of the rib 140 has an outer diameter that allows the portion to abut against the lower end 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 generally truncated conical circumferential surface whose outer diameter increases downward.

[0076] The third cylindrical portion 230 is connected to the lower end of the second cylindrical portion 220. The third cylindrical portion 230 has a 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.

[0077] The gasket 200 has a plurality of flat surfaces formed thereon to prevent air from accumulating in narrow gaps within the liquid storage chamber 101 and interfering with the supply of the aerosol source to the heating unit 300 (wick 310). Specifically, as shown in Fig. 8, 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 X-Z plane and extends from the upper end of the first cylindrical portion 210 to near the lower end of the second cylindrical portion 220.

[0078] 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.

[0079] A through-hole penetrating the third cylindrical portion 230 in the Y-axis direction is formed below the third flat portion 205. The through-hole 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 are formed in pairs on the gasket 200 symmetrically in the Y-axis direction.

[0080] As shown in Figure 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 cotton fibers or glass fibers, 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.

[0081] 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 of the gasket 200. This causes 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. Note that the one end 311 and the other end 312 of the wick 310 include the end face in the Y-axis direction and the outer peripheral surface around the end face.

[0082] 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.

[0083] 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 , lead wires 322A and 322B at one end and the other end of the heater wire 320 extend from both ends of the heat generating portion 321 toward the holder 400 along the axial direction.

[0084] The lead wires 322A and 322B of the heater wire 320 are electrically connected to the two electrode portions 6A and 6B, respectively, which are fitted to the holder 400. When electricity is applied to the heater wire 320 via the two electrode portions 6A and 6B, the wick 310 is heated. When the wick 310 is heated, the aerosol source absorbed in the wick 310 is atomized.

[0085] 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.

[0086] Fig. 9 is a bottom view of the holder 400 according to one embodiment. Fig. 10 is a perspective view of the heating unit 300 and the holder 400 according to one embodiment. Fig. 11 is a plan view of the holder 400 according to one embodiment. As shown in Fig. 9, two annular grooves 470 into which the two electrode units 6A and 6B fit are formed on the lower surface 410a of the base unit 410. Each of the two electrode units 6A and 6B has a shape, in bottom view, that includes two straight lines extending parallel to the Y-axis direction and two arcs connecting both ends of the two straight lines.

[0087] As shown in Fig. 9, the two electrode portions 6A, 6B are arranged as a pair in the X-axis direction with the main axis O between them. Furthermore, a pair of recesses 412 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).

[0088] The engagement recesses 413 are open on two surfaces, the lower surface 410a 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.

[0089] 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.

[0090] 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.

[0091] 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.

[0092] 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.

[0093] 10 , the positioning protrusion 402 is 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 protrusion 402 is inserted into the positioning recess 112, and the engaging piece 401 engages with the engaging hole 111, whereby the holder 400 is assembled to the tank 100 in a state where it is positioned axially, radially, and circumferentially. The gasket 200 and the heating portion 300 are incorporated between the tank 100 and the holder 400.

[0094] 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.

[0095] 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).

[0096] 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 puffing is possible as long as at least horizontal groove 414 is present, and vertical groove 415 is formed so that sensor 26 can detect the puff.

[0097] As shown in Fig. 10, 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. 11, 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.

[0098] 7 and a pair of through holes 418 that guide the lead wires 322A, 322B of the heater wire 320 to the electrode portions 6A, 6B. 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 of the four corners on the inside of the inner cylinder portion 430 that are located diagonally opposite each other.

[0099] At the upper end of the inner cylinder 430, a pair of support surfaces 432 that support the heating unit 300 are formed on either side of 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 on both sides of the support surfaces 432 relative to the lowest point of the support surfaces 432. A groove 433 extending linearly in the Y-axis direction is formed at the lowest point of the support surfaces 432. For example, a portion of the wick 310 fits into the groove 433, restricting displacement of the heating unit 300 around the Y-axis. The groove 433 also functions as a gas-liquid exchange groove that introduces air into the tank 100 when an aerosol source is supplied from the tank 100 to the wick 310. In addition, the above-mentioned air vent grooves 431 are formed in pairs on the upper end surfaces and outer peripheral surfaces of the wall portions facing each other in the X-axis direction of the inner cylinder portion 430, in a point-symmetrical positional relationship on either side of the main axis O.

[0100] 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. 11 , 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 .

[0101] An aerosol source holding portion 440 (sub-reserve tank) capable of accommodating an aerosol source is formed between the inner cylindrical portion 430 and the outer cylindrical portion 420. The aerosol source holding portion 440 forms an annular space in a plan view shown in Fig. 11 and has a communication portion 441 (opening) on ​​the upper side (see Fig. 8). The bottom of the aerosol source holding portion 440 is formed with a first bottom surface 442, a second bottom surface 443 that is deeper than the first bottom surface 442, and a third bottom surface 444 that is shallower than the first bottom surface 442.

[0102] The first bottom surface 442 is a reference surface for the bottom surface of the aerosol source holding unit 440. The second bottom surfaces 443 are provided in a pair at the bottom of the aerosol source holding unit 440, sandwiching the main axis O in the Y-axis direction. In a 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. The second bottom surface 443 is the bottom surface of an inverted truncated cone depression whose inner diameter decreases downward from the first bottom surface 442. In a 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.

[0103] 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.

[0104] 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.

[0105] 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).

[0106] 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. The second fixing part 502 also includes a pair of clamping pieces of the gasket 200.

[0107] The lower surface 206 of the gasket 200 is not present directly above the support surface 421 of the outer cylinder 420, and a space S communicating with the liquid storage chamber 101 is formed. The lower surface 206 of the gasket 200 is positioned opposite at least the support surface 432 of the inner cylinder 430 in the Z-axis direction. The wick 310 is compressed more at the first fixing portion 501 than at the second fixing portion 502. In other words, the compression rate of the wick 310 is higher at the first fixing portion 501 than at the second fixing portion 502. Note that the "compression rate" referred to here can be defined, for example, as the ratio of the cross-sectional area after compression to the cross-sectional area of ​​the outer shape of the wick 310 in its normal state.

[0108] Next, the electrode portions 6A and 6B and their surrounding structure will be described.

[0109] Fig. 12 is a bottom view of the holder 400 from which the electrode units 6A and 6B according to one embodiment have been removed. Fig. 13 is an exploded perspective view of the holder 400 from which the electrode unit 6B according to one embodiment has been removed. Fig. 14 is a perspective view of the electrode unit 6B according to one embodiment. Fig. 15 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line XV-XV shown in Fig. 9. As shown in Fig. 15, the electrode unit 6B is provided with a space 7 capable of accommodating an aerosol source. Note that the electrode unit 6A is also provided with a space 7 similar to that of the electrode unit 6B, but a description thereof will be omitted to avoid redundancy.

[0110] The electrode unit 6B has a shape that opens toward the heating unit 300. Specifically, the electrode unit 6B is located below the heating unit 300 in the Z-axis direction or the direction of gravity, and has a shape that opens in the direction opposite to the direction of gravity. In this way, the electrode unit 6B has a shape that allows it to receive an aerosol source that drips due to gravity. As shown in FIG. 14 , the electrode unit 6B is formed in a cylindrical shape with a bottom and includes a bottom wall portion 601 and a peripheral wall portion 602. Such an electrode unit 6B can be formed, for example, by press working. Note that the electrode unit 6B may also be formed by cutting out a metal material. In other words, depending on the processing method, the thicknesses of the bottom wall portion 601 and the peripheral wall portion 602 may not be uniform. Furthermore, depending on the processing method, the bottom wall portion 601 and the peripheral wall portion 602 may be smoothly connected by a curved surface inside the electrode unit 6B.

[0111] The bottom wall portion 601 extends in a plate-like shape along the X-Y plane. When viewed from the bottom, the bottom wall portion 601 has an outer periphery with two straight lines extending parallel to the Y-axis direction and two arcs connecting the two straight lines. The peripheral wall portion 602 stands at a constant height from the outer periphery of the bottom wall portion 601 toward the +Z side. A flange portion 603 is formed at the upper end of the peripheral wall portion 602, curving toward the outside of the electrode portion 6B. This flange portion 603 prevents the protrusion portion 460 (described later) from getting caught during insertion, making it easier for the protrusion portion 460 to be inserted into the electrode portion 6B. Furthermore, because the flange portion 603 is formed around the entire periphery of the upper end of the peripheral wall portion 602, the peripheral wall portion 602 is less likely to deform, and the pressing pressure of the protrusion portion 460 is more likely to be uniform.

[0112] As shown in Figures 12 and 13, the holder 400 has a convex portion 460 formed inside an annular groove portion 470 into which the electrode portion 6B is inserted. The convex portion 460 fits inside the electrode portion 6B. The convex portion 460 has an opposing surface 461 that faces the bottom wall portion 601 with a gap therebetween, and a peripheral surface 462 that fits with the inner surface of the peripheral wall portion 602. The opposing surface 461 has the same shape as the bottom wall portion 601 described above when viewed from the bottom as shown in Figure 12. The peripheral surface 462 of the convex portion 460 is also referred to as the inner wall portion 471 of the annular groove portion 470 (see Figure 15).

[0113] 12, a through hole 418 through which the lead wire 322B of the heating unit 300 passes is formed in the facing surface 461. The through hole 418 is formed on one side in the longitudinal direction (Y-axis direction) of the facing surface 461 (the -Y side for the electrode unit 6B). A guide groove 418a that guides the lead wire 322B is formed in the inner circumferential surface of the through hole 418. The guide groove 418a forms an inclination that guides the lead wire 322B toward the center of the facing surface 461 in the longitudinal direction.

[0114] A rib 463 is formed in the longitudinal center of the opposing surface 461. The rib 463 stands on the -Z side from the opposing surface 461 toward the bottom wall portion 601. The rib 463 extends in the short direction of the opposing surface 461. In this embodiment, a plurality of ribs 463 (two in this embodiment) are formed at intervals in the longitudinal direction of the opposing surface 461. As shown in FIG. 15 , the lead wire 322B is sandwiched between the bottom wall portion 601 and the rib 463.

[0115] 12, a pair of abutment portions 464 is provided on both longitudinal sides of the opposing surface 461. The pair of abutment portions 464 is formed in a semicircular arc shape along the outer periphery of the opposing surface 461. The pair of abutment portions 464 protrudes further toward the -Z side than the rib 463 from the opposing surface 461. The pair of abutment portions 464 abut against the bottom wall portion 601, thereby preventing the rib 463 from being excessively pressed against the lead wire 322B.

[0116] 15 , the protrusion 460 includes a first fitting portion 700 that fits into the inner circumferential surface of the peripheral wall portion 602 and holds the electrode portion 6B. The first fitting portion 700 is formed on the peripheral surface 462 of the protrusion 460. The first fitting portion 700 fits into the inner circumferential surface of the peripheral wall portion 602 of the electrode portion 6B and forms an annular sealing portion that follows the inner circumferential surface of the peripheral wall portion 602. In other words, the area surrounded by the bottom wall portion 601 of the electrode portion 6B, the opposing surface 461 of the protrusion 460, and the peripheral wall portion 602 of the electrode portion 6B sealed by the first fitting portion 700 becomes the space portion 7 that can accommodate the aerosol source.

[0117] 15, the diameter of the peripheral wall portion 602 increases toward the end (opening of the electrode portion 6B) that is open toward the heating portion 300 on the opposite side from the bottom wall portion 601. Note that the diameter of the peripheral wall portion 602 originally increases toward the +Z side due to press working, but the diameter increases further as the convex portion 460 fits inside. Note that the "increased diameter" here refers to the cross section of the peripheral wall portion 602 gradually increasing in size while maintaining a similar shape, but the shape does not have to be strictly similar.

[0118] The holder 400 includes a second fitting portion 710 that fits into the outer peripheral surface of the peripheral wall portion 602 and holds the electrode portion 6B. The second fitting portion 710 is formed on the outer peripheral wall 472 of the annular groove portion 470 into which the peripheral wall portion 602 is inserted. Note that the second fitting portion 710 is formed on the flange portion 603 at the upper end portion of the peripheral wall portion 602, but if the flange portion 603 is not present, the second fitting portion 710 may be formed on the outer peripheral surface of the upper end portion of the peripheral wall portion 602 or on the outer peripheral surface other than the upper end portion.

[0119] The second fitting portion 710 fits into the outer peripheral wall 472 of the annular groove portion 470, forming an annular seal portion that fits along the annular groove portion 470. In other words, the gap between the electrode portion 6B and the holder 400 is doubly sealed by a first seal portion formed by the first fitting portion 700 and a second seal portion formed by the second fitting portion 710. Furthermore, because the electrode portion 6B has a cup shape, the outflow path of the aerosol source from the space portion 7 to the outside of the holder 400 is a complex path (a so-called labyrinth path) that travels back and forth in the Z-axis direction inside and outside the peripheral wall portion 602.

[0120] <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.

[0121] 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.

[0122] 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.

[0123] 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.

[0124] The atomized aerosol fills the heating chamber 200A, and may partially condense within the heating chamber 200A and return to the aerosol source. As shown in FIG. 8 , the aerosol source is supplied from the tank 100 to the heating unit 300. If the aerosol source supplied to the wick 310 exceeds the amount that can be held, the aerosol source will tend 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.

[0125] On the other hand, if the aerosol source drips inside the inner tube portion 430, the aerosol source passes through, for example, the through-hole 418 of the lead wire 322B and is contained in the space portion 7 of the electrode unit 6B, as shown in FIG. 15 . The electrode unit 6B has a shape that opens toward the heating unit 300, making it easy to receive the aerosol source that drips from the through-hole 418. Furthermore, the electrode unit 6B is doubly sealed by the first fitting portion 700 and the second fitting portion 710, thereby preventing the aerosol source from overflowing from the space portion 7. Even if the space portion 7 is provided, the provision of a rib 463 on the opposing surface 461 of the convex portion 460 prevents the lead wire 322B from separating (floating) from the bottom wall portion 601. In other words, electrical connection between the power supply unit 22 and the heating unit 300 can be reliably ensured.

[0126] The cartridge 3 having the above-described structure may have the structure shown in FIGS.

[0127] FIG. 16 is an exploded perspective view showing a modified example of the holder 400 according to an embodiment, from which the electrode unit 6B has been removed. FIG. 17 is a plan view showing a modified example of the holder 400 according to an embodiment. FIG. 18 is a bottom view showing a modified example of the holder 400 according to an embodiment, from which the electrode units 6A and 6B have been removed. FIG. 19 is a cross-sectional view showing a modified example of the holder 400 to which the electrode unit 6B according to an embodiment has been attached. Note that FIG. 19 is a cross-sectional view corresponding to the XV-XV cross-sectional view shown in FIG. 9. As shown in FIGS. 16 and 18, a groove 466 is formed in the opposing surface 461 on the opposite side in the Y-axis direction from the through-hole 418, with the rib 463 sandwiched therebetween.

[0128] The groove 466 is a recess recessed toward the +Z side relative to the opposing surface 461. The groove 466 is formed between the rib 463 and the abutment portion 464 in the bottom view shown in FIG. 16 . As shown in FIG. 19 , the end of the lead wire 322B is inserted into the groove 466. The end of the lead wire 322B forms a bent portion 323 that is bent at a substantially right angle toward the +Z side. This causes the lead wire 322B to assume a substantially J-shape and to be caught in the groove 466, allowing the lead wire 322B to be positioned relative to the rib 463 (protrusion 460) even without the electrode portion 6B. Furthermore, the formation of the groove 466 increases the capacity of the space 7, allowing a larger amount of aerosol source to be stored in the space 7.

[0129] 17 , second through holes 480 are formed in the holder 400 at positions different from the through holes 418. Specifically, the second through holes 480 are formed as a pair on the inside of two of the four corners on the inside of the inner cylinder portion 430 that are located on a diagonal line different from the through holes 418. As shown in FIG. 18 , the second through holes 480 extend to the opposing surface 461. Note that the second through holes 480 are disposed within the groove portion 466, but they may also be disposed outside the groove portion 466. As shown in FIG. 19 , the presence of the second through holes 480 allows air in the space portion 7 to be discharged to the outside through the second through holes 480 when the aerosol source flows into the space portion 7 through the through holes 418, thereby facilitating the flow of the aerosol source into the space portion 7.

[0130] That is, in this embodiment, the following effects can be obtained.

[0131] [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, and electrode units 6A and 6B that are electrically connected to the heating unit 300, and the electrode units 6A and 6B are provided with spaces 7 capable of accommodating the aerosol source. According to this configuration, the aerosol source that has dripped from the tank 100 or the heating unit 300, or the aerosol source that has condensed and turned back into a liquid, can be accommodated in the spaces 7 provided in the electrode units 6A and 6B. This makes it possible to prevent the aerosol source from leaking out.

[0132] In addition, in this embodiment, the electrode units 6A and 6B have a shape that opens toward the heating unit 300. With this configuration, the aerosol source that drips from the tank 100 and the heating unit 300 can be easily received by the electrode units 6A and 6B.

[0133] In this embodiment, the electrode units 6A and 6B include a bottom wall 601 that forms the bottom surface of the space 7, and a peripheral wall 602 that extends from the bottom wall 601 and forms the side surface of the space 7. This configuration allows the electrode units 6A and 6B to have a cylindrical shape with a bottom, ensuring a large volume for the space 7. Furthermore, solvent cracking of the holder 400 can be suppressed. Conventionally, the electrode units were inserted into holes in the holder, which applied stress from the inside to the outside of the holes, making the holder prone to cracking (solvent cracking). In contrast, in this embodiment, the protrusions 460 on the holder 400 are inserted into the cylindrical electrodes 6A and 6B with a bottom, which applies stress from the outside to the protrusions 460, making the holder 400 less likely to crack.

[0134] In addition, in this embodiment, a first fitting portion 700 is provided that fits into the inner circumferential surface of the peripheral wall portion 602 and holds the electrode portions 6A and 6B. According to this configuration, the first fitting portion 700 fits into the inner circumferential surface of the peripheral wall portion 602, thereby sealing the inside of the electrode portions 6A and 6B and preventing the aerosol source from overflowing from the space portion 7.

[0135] In this embodiment, the first fitting portion 700 is formed on the convex portion 460 having an opposing surface 461 that faces the bottom wall portion 601 with a gap therebetween. With this configuration, the aerosol source can be accommodated in the space 7 surrounded by the bottom wall portions 601 of the electrode portions 6A and 6B, the opposing surface 461 of the convex portion 460, and the peripheral wall portions 602 of the electrode portions 6A and 6B that are sealed by the first fitting portion 700.

[0136] In this embodiment, the convex portion 460 is formed on the holder 400 that supports the heating portion 300, the heating portion 300 has lead wires 322A and 322B that abut against the electrode portions 6A and 6B, and the opposing surface 461 is formed with through holes 418 that penetrate the holder 400 and through which the lead wires 322A and 322B pass. With this configuration, the aerosol source that flows out via the through holes 418 of the holder 400, through which the lead wires 322A and 322B of the heating portion 300 pass, can be received in the space portion 7.

[0137] In the present embodiment, a rib 463 extending upright toward the bottom wall 601 is formed on the opposing surface 461, and the lead wires 322A, 322B are sandwiched between the bottom wall 601 and the rib 463. This configuration can prevent the lead wires 322A, 322B from separating (floating) from the bottom wall 601 in the space 7, thereby stabilizing the power supply to the lead wires 322A, 322B.

[0138] Furthermore, in this embodiment, a groove 466 is formed in the opposing surface 461 on the opposite side of the rib 463 from the through-hole 418, and the ends (bent portions 323) of the lead wires 322A and 322B are inserted into the groove 466. With this configuration, the lead wires 322A and 322B can be positioned with respect to the rib 463 before the electrodes 6A and 6B are fitted into the protrusion 460. Furthermore, the formation of the groove 466 increases the capacity of the space 7, allowing a larger amount of aerosol source to be stored in the space 7.

[0139] Furthermore, in the present embodiment, a second through-hole 480 that penetrates holder 400 is formed in opposing surface 461 at a position different from through-hole 418. With this configuration, when the aerosol source flows into space 7 from through-hole 418 through which lead wires 322A and 322B pass, the air in space 7 can be discharged to the outside from second through-hole 480, making it easier for the aerosol source to flow into space 7.

[0140] In addition, in this embodiment, the diameter of the peripheral wall portion 602 increases toward the end opposite the bottom wall portion 601. This configuration makes it easier to insert the protrusion 460 into the inside of the peripheral wall portion 602, facilitating the assembly of the electrode portions 6A and 6B.

[0141] In this embodiment, the second fitting portion 710 is provided, which fits onto the outer peripheral surface of the peripheral wall portion 602 and holds the electrode portions 6A and 6B. According to this configuration, the second fitting portion 710 fits onto the outer peripheral surface of the peripheral wall portion 602, thereby sealing the outside of the electrode portions 6A and 6B and preventing the aerosol source from overflowing from the space portion 7.

[0142] In this embodiment, the annular groove 470 into which the peripheral wall 602 is inserted is provided, and the outer peripheral wall 472 of the annular groove 470 forms the second fitting portion 710. With this configuration, the outflow path of the aerosol source from the space 7 to the outside is made into a complex path, and outflow of the aerosol source via the electrode portions 6A and 6B can be suppressed.

[0143] The aerosol generation 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, it is possible to prevent the power supply unit 22 from becoming wet with the aerosol source.

[0144] The non-combustion 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 way, according to this embodiment, the outflow of the aerosol source can be suppressed.

[0146] <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 scope of the appended claims.

[0147] 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.

[0148] 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.

[0149] In the above-described embodiment, a configuration was described in which the main unit 2 is activated by pressing the input device 15, but a configuration in which the main unit 2 is activated only by detecting a puff from the sensor 26 without having the input device 15 may also be used.

[0150] 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.

[0151] 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.

[0152] DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1...inhaler, 2...main unit, 3...cartridge, 4...flavor source container, 5...mouthpiece, 6A...electrode portion, 6B...electrode portion, 7...space portion, 10...cartridge accommodating portion, 10A...cartridge accommodating space, 11...heating module, 11a...suction mouth portion, 11b...heater portion, 12...casing portion, 12A...main surface portion, 12A1...first main surface portion, 12A2...second main surface portion, 12B...circumferential wall portion, 12B1...first peripheral wall portion, 12B2...second peripheral wall portion, 12C...corner portion, 12C1...first corner portion, 12C2...second corner portion, 12C3...third corner portion, 12C4...fourth corner portion, 13...outer case, 13 a...opening, 13A...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...protrusion, 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, 142...lower end, 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, 300...heating portion, 310...wick, 311...one end portion, 312...other end portion, 320...heater wire, 3 21...heat-generating portion, 322A...lead wire, 322B...lead wire, 323...bent portion, 400...holder, 401...engaging piece, 402...convex portion, 410...base portion, 410a...lower surface, 410b...outer peripheral surface, 410c...step portion, 413...engaging recess, 414...horizontal groove, 415...vertical groove, 416...air passage, 417...communicating hole, 418...through hole, 418a...guide groove, 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, 460...convex portion, 461...opposing surface, 462...circumferential surface, 463...rib, 464...abutment portion, 466...groove portion, 470...annular groove portion, 471...inner wall portion, 472...outer peripheral wall, 480...second through hole, 501...first fixing portion, 502...second fixing portion, 601...bottom wall portion, 602...circumferential wall portion, 603...flange portion, 700...first fitting portion, 710...second fitting portion, O...main shaft, S...space,

Claims

1. A cartridge comprising: a tank capable of accommodating 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; and an electrode unit electrically connected to the heating unit, wherein the electrode unit is provided with a space capable of accommodating the aerosol source.

2. The cartridge according to claim 1, wherein the electrode portion has a shape that is open toward the heating portion.

3. A cartridge as described in claim 1 or 2, wherein the electrode portion comprises: a bottom wall portion that forms the bottom surface of the space; and a peripheral wall portion that stands upright from the bottom wall portion and forms a side surface of the space.

4. The cartridge according to claim 3, further comprising a first fitting portion that fits into an inner peripheral surface of the peripheral wall portion and holds the electrode portion.

5. The cartridge according to claim 4, wherein the first fitting portion is formed in a protrusion having a facing surface that faces the bottom wall portion with a gap therebetween.

6. A cartridge as described in claim 5, wherein the convex portion is formed on a holder supporting the heating portion, the heating portion has a lead wire that abuts against the electrode portion, and a through hole that passes through the holder and through which the lead wire passes is formed in the opposing surface.

7. The cartridge according to claim 6, wherein a rib is formed on the opposing surface so as to stand toward the bottom wall portion, and the lead wire is sandwiched between the bottom wall portion and the rib.

8. The cartridge according to claim 7, wherein a groove is formed on the opposing surface on the opposite side of the rib with respect to the through hole, and an end of the lead wire is inserted into the groove.

9. The cartridge according to any one of claims 6 to 8, wherein a second through hole penetrating the holder is formed in the opposing surface at a position different from the through hole.

10. The cartridge according to any one of claims 3 to 9, wherein the peripheral wall portion is gradually enlarged in diameter toward the end portion opposite the bottom wall portion.

11. The cartridge according to any one of claims 3 to 10, further comprising a second fitting portion that fits onto the outer circumferential surface of the peripheral wall portion and holds the electrode portion.

12. The cartridge according to claim 11, further comprising an annular groove into which said peripheral wall portion is inserted, and an outer peripheral wall of said annular groove portion forms said second fitting portion.

13. An aerosol generating device comprising: a cartridge according to any one of claims 1 to 12; and a power supply unit that supplies power to the heating unit of the cartridge to generate the aerosol.

14. A non-combustion inhaler comprising: the aerosol generating device according to claim 13; and a flavor source container attached to the mouthpiece of the aerosol generating device.

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