Suction device

Abstract

[Problem] To provide a mechanism that can improve the quality of user experience. [Solution] This suction device comprises: a first cylindrical body that can accommodate a base material containing an aerosol source; one or more heat generating units disposed outside a side wall of the first cylindrical body; and one or more first contact terminals disposed outside the side wall of the first cylindrical body and connected to each of the one or more heat generating units. The first cylindrical body has, on an upper side thereof, an opening that permits vertical insertion and extraction of the base material. The first contact terminals are disposed at positions above all the heat generating units.

Description

suction device

[0001] The present disclosure relates to aspiration devices.

[0002] Inhalation devices that generate substances to be inhaled by users are widely used. For example, inhalation devices generate aerosols imparted with flavor components using a substrate containing an aerosol source for generating aerosols and a flavor source for imparting flavor components to the generated aerosol. Users can enjoy the flavor by inhaling the aerosols imparted with flavor components generated by the inhalation device. The action of a user inhaling the aerosol is hereinafter also referred to as a puff or puffing action. An example of a device classified as an inhalation device is a heated tobacco product, which is used instead of a so-called cigarette. Note that a heated tobacco product is an inhalation device that generates an aerosol by heating an aerosol source.

[0003] Various technologies relating to heated tobacco have been developed. For example, Patent Document 1 below discloses a technology in which a heating unit is moved relative to a substrate to sequentially heat each segment of the substrate.

[0004] Special Publication No. 2021-518131

[0005] However, the technology disclosed in the above-mentioned Patent Document 1 has only recently been developed, and there is still room for improvement in various respects.

[0006] Therefore, the present disclosure has been made in consideration of the above problems, and an object of the present disclosure is to provide a mechanism that can improve the quality of the user experience.

[0007] In order to solve the above problem, according to one aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a suction device comprising a first cylindrical body capable of accommodating a substrate containing an aerosol source, one or more heat generating parts arranged on the outside of a side wall of the first cylindrical body, and one or more first contact terminals arranged on the outside of the side wall of the first cylindrical body and connected to each of the one or more heat generating parts, wherein the first cylindrical body has an opening on the upper side through which the substrate can be inserted and removed in the vertical direction, and the first contact terminals are arranged above all of the heat generating parts.

[0008] The first contact terminal may be disposed above the center of the first cylindrical body.

[0009] The suction device may further include a control unit that controls the operation of the heat generating unit, and the control unit may be disposed on the side of the first cylindrical body.

[0010] The suction device may further include a power supply unit that stores and supplies electric power, and the power supply unit may be disposed below the first cylindrical body.

[0011] The suction device may further include a housing that forms the outermost shell of the suction device, a gasket that fills the gap between the upper end of the first cylindrical body and the housing, and a first conductor that supplies power to the heating element, and the first conductor may be arranged on the gasket and connected to the first contact terminal.

[0012] The gasket may include a pogo pin, and the first conducting wire and the first contact terminal may be connected by the pogo pin.

[0013] The gasket may have a second contact terminal to which the first conducting wire is connected, and the first contact terminal may be bent in a direction away from the side wall and connected to the second contact terminal.

[0014] The suction device may further include a heat insulating portion that covers the first cylindrical body below the gasket.

[0015] The suction device may further include a second cylindrical body having an opening at its upper end and connected to the gasket, the second cylindrical body accommodating the first cylindrical body inside, and the insulating portion being positioned in the space between the first cylindrical body and the second cylindrical body.

[0016] The first conducting wire may be drawn out of the gasket and bent outside the heat insulating portion.

[0017] The gasket has a third contact terminal arranged outside the second contact terminal, the second contact terminal and the third contact terminal forming both ends of the first conductor, the second cylindrical body has a fourth contact terminal arranged to penetrate the surface contacting the gasket and the surface exposed to the outside, at a position where it contacts the third contact terminal when the second cylindrical body and the gasket are connected, and a second conductor that supplies power to the heat-generating portion may be connected to the fourth contact terminal exposed to the outside.

[0018] As described above, the present disclosure provides a mechanism that can improve the quality of the user experience.

[0019] 12 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the configuration of a suction device. FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a heating system of the suction device according to the present embodiment. FIG. 14 is a diagram showing the cross section of the heating system shown in FIG. 2 cut along section line A-A and viewed from above. FIG. 15 is a perspective view showing a state in which a gasket is connected to the heating system according to the present embodiment. FIG. 16 is a diagram showing a state in which a gasket is connected to the heating system according to the present embodiment. FIG. 17 is a diagram showing an example of the internal configuration of the suction device according to the present embodiment. FIG. 18 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a heating system according to a first modified example. FIG. 19 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a heating system according to a second modified example. FIG. 19 is a diagram showing an example of the external configuration of a heating system according to the second modified example. FIG. 19 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a heating system according to a third modified example. FIG. 19 is a diagram showing an example of the external configuration of a heating system according to the third modified example. FIG. 11 is a diagram showing a state in which the storage unit cover is removed from the heating system shown in FIG. 11. FIG. 19 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a heating system according to a comparative example. FIG. 19 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a suction device equipped with a heating system according to a comparative example.

[0020] Preferred embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. In this specification and drawings, components having substantially the same functional configurations are designated by the same reference numerals, and redundant description will be omitted.

[0021] 1. Configuration Example of Inhalation Device The inhalation device is a device that generates a substance to be inhaled by a user. In the following description, the substance generated by the inhalation device is described as an aerosol. Alternatively, the substance generated by the inhalation device may be a gas.

[0022] 1 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the configuration of a suction device. As shown in Fig. 1, a suction device 100 according to this example configuration includes a power supply unit 111, a sensor unit 112, a notification unit 113, a memory unit 114, a communication unit 115, a control unit 116, a heating unit 40, a storage unit 50, and a heat insulating unit 70.

[0023] The power supply unit 111 stores electric power and supplies electric power to each component of the suction device 100 under the control of the control unit 116. The power supply unit 111 may be configured by, for example, a rechargeable battery such as a lithium ion secondary battery.

[0024] The sensor unit 112 acquires various types of information related to the suction device 100. As one example, the sensor unit 112 is configured with a pressure sensor such as a condenser microphone, a flow rate sensor, a temperature sensor, or the like, and acquires values ​​associated with suction by the user. As another example, the sensor unit 112 is configured with an input device such as a button or a switch that accepts information input from the user.

[0025] The notification unit 113 notifies the user of information. The notification unit 113 is configured by, for example, a light emitting device that emits light, a display device that displays an image, a sound output device that outputs sound, or a vibration device that vibrates.

[0026] The storage unit 114 stores various types of information for the operation of the suction device 100. The storage unit 114 is configured by a non-volatile storage medium such as a flash memory, for example.

[0027] The communication unit 115 is a communication interface capable of performing communication conforming to any wired or wireless communication standard, such as Wi-Fi (registered trademark), Bluetooth (registered trademark), BLE (Bluetooth Low Energy (registered trademark)), NFC (Near Field Communication), or LPWA (Low Power Wide Area).

[0028] The control unit 116 functions as an arithmetic processing unit and a control unit, and controls the overall operation of the suction device 100 in accordance with various programs. The control unit 116 is realized by an electronic circuit such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) or a microprocessor.

[0029] The storage unit 50 is a member configured to be able to store the stick-shaped substrate 150. More specifically, the storage unit 50 has an internal space 80 and holds the stick-shaped substrate 150 while storing a portion of the stick-shaped substrate 150 in the internal space 80. The storage unit 50 has an opening 52 that connects the internal space 80 to the outside, and stores the stick-shaped substrate 150 inserted into the internal space 80 through the opening 52. For example, the storage unit 50 is a cylindrical body with the opening 52 and a bottom wall 56 at both ends, and defines a columnar internal space 80. An air flow path that supplies air to the internal space 80 may be connected to the storage unit 50. An air inlet, which is an air inlet to the air flow path, is arranged, for example, on a side surface of the suction device 100. An air outlet, which is an air outlet from the air flow path to the internal space 80, is arranged, for example, on the bottom wall 56.

[0030] The stick-shaped substrate 150 includes a substrate portion 151 and a mouthpiece portion 152. The substrate portion 151 includes an aerosol source. The aerosol source includes a tobacco-derived or non-tobacco-derived flavor component. When the inhalation device 100 is a medical inhaler such as a nebulizer, the aerosol source may include a medicament. The aerosol source may be, for example, a liquid such as a polyhydric alcohol, such as glycerin or propylene glycol, or water, containing a tobacco-derived or non-tobacco-derived flavor component, or a solid containing a tobacco-derived or non-tobacco-derived flavor component. When the stick-shaped substrate 150 is held in the storage portion 50, at least a portion of the substrate portion 151 is housed in the internal space 80, and at least a portion of the mouthpiece portion 152 protrudes from the opening 52. When a user holds the mouthpiece portion 152 protruding from the opening 52 in their mouth and inhales, air flows into the internal space 80 via an air flow path (not shown) and reaches the user's mouth along with the aerosol generated from the substrate portion 151.

[0031] The heating unit 40 generates aerosol by heating the aerosol source and atomizing the aerosol source. In the example shown in FIG. 1 , the heating unit 40 is configured in a film shape and is arranged to cover the outer periphery of the storage unit 50. When the heating unit 40 generates heat, the substrate unit 151 of the stick-shaped substrate 150 is heated from the outer periphery, generating aerosol. The heating unit 40 generates heat when power is supplied from the power supply unit 111. As an example, power may be supplied when the sensor unit 112 detects that the user has started inhaling and / or that predetermined information has been input. Power supply may be stopped when the sensor unit 112 detects that the user has stopped inhaling and / or that predetermined information has been input.

[0032] The heat insulating section 70 prevents heat transfer from the heating section 40 to other components. For example, the heat insulating section 70 is made of a vacuum heat insulating material, an aerogel heat insulating material, or the like.

[0033] The above describes an example of the configuration of the suction device 100. Of course, the configuration of the suction device 100 is not limited to the above, and various configurations such as those exemplified below may be used.

[0034] As an example, the storage unit 50 may include an opening / closing mechanism such as a hinge that opens and closes a portion of the outer shell that forms the internal space 80. The storage unit 50 may then open and close the outer shell to store the stick-shaped substrate 150 inserted into the internal space 80 while clamping it. In this case, the heating unit 40 may be provided at the clamping location in the storage unit 50, and may heat the stick-shaped substrate 150 while pressing it.

[0035] The intake and exhaust form of the container 50 may be a so-called counterflow. In this case, as the user puffs, air flows into the internal space 80 from the opening 52. The air then passes through the inside of the stick-shaped substrate 150 from the tip of the stick-shaped substrate 150 and reaches the user's mouth together with the aerosol.

[0036] The stick-shaped substrate 150 is an example of an aerosol-generating substrate containing an aerosol source. The inhalation device 100 and the stick-shaped substrate 150 work together to generate an aerosol that is inhaled by a user. Therefore, the combination of the inhalation device 100 and the stick-shaped substrate 150 may be considered an aerosol-generating system.

[0037] 2. Technical Features An example of the configuration of the heating system 30 of the suction device 100 according to this embodiment will be described below with reference to Figs. 2 and 3. The heating system 30 is a system made up of components involved in heating the stick-shaped substrate 150. The heating system 30 includes at least a heating unit 40 and a storage unit 50. In addition, the heat insulating unit 70 shown in Fig. 1 may be included in the heating system 30.

[0038] Fig. 2 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of the heating system 30 of the suction device 100 according to this embodiment. Fig. 3 is a diagram showing the cross section of the heating system 30 shown in Fig. 2 cut along the cutting line A-A and viewed from above. As shown in Figs. 2 and 3, the heating system 30 is configured by laminating an adhesive layer 60 and a heating unit 40 on a housing unit 50.

[0039] As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3 , the storage unit 50 is a cylindrical body having side walls 54 (54a to 54c), a bottom wall 56 connected to one end of the side walls 54, and an opening 52 provided at the other end of the side walls 54. The stick-shaped substrate 150 is inserted into the storage unit 50 through the opening 52 and is stored in an internal space 80 surrounded by the side walls 54 and the bottom wall 56. The storage unit 50 is preferably made of a metal with high thermal conductivity, such as SUS (stainless steel). This allows for efficient heating of the stick-shaped substrate 150. The storage unit 50 is an example of a first cylindrical body capable of storing the stick-shaped substrate 150.

[0040] The stick-shaped substrate 150 is inserted and removed through the opening 52 along the axial direction of the cylindrical storage unit 50. Within the axial direction, the direction in which the stick-shaped substrate 150 is inserted is also referred to as the down direction, and the direction in which the stick-shaped substrate 150 is removed is also referred to as the up direction. The axial direction is also referred to as the up-down direction. The up-down direction may be the longitudinal direction of the storage unit 50. Among the directions perpendicular to the up-down direction, the direction toward the central axis of the storage unit 50 is also referred to as the inward direction, and the direction away from the central axis is also referred to as the outward direction. Furthermore, among the directions perpendicular to the up-down direction, the direction in which the side walls 54a face each other is also referred to as the front-rear direction, and the direction in which the side walls 54c, described later, face each other is also referred to as the left-right direction.

[0041] 3, the side walls 54 include two side walls 54a having flat outer and inner surfaces, four side walls 54b having outwardly curved outer and inner surfaces, and two side walls 54c having outwardly curved outer and inner surfaces. The side walls 54 may have a uniform thickness. For example, the side wall 54a may be a flat plate. The side walls 54b and 54c may be outwardly curved plates.

[0042] As shown in Figure 3, the two side walls 54a are positioned opposite each other. The two side walls 54c are also positioned opposite each other. The four side walls 54b are positioned between the side walls 54a and 54c. The distance between the two opposing side walls 54a is smaller than the width of the stick-shaped substrate 150 inserted into the storage unit 50. With this configuration, the two opposing side walls 54a can hold the stick-shaped substrate 150 stored in the storage unit 50 while pressing it from the outside.

[0043] 2, the heating unit 40 includes an electrical insulating layer 41, a resistance heating layer 42, and a first contact terminal 43. The heating unit 40 is configured by laminating the resistance heating layer 42 and the first contact terminal 43 on the electrical insulating layer 41.

[0044] 2, the heating unit 40 has a heat generating region 44 and a non-heat generating region 45. The heat generating region 44 is a region that generates heat when a current flows through the heating unit 40. The non-heat generating region 45 is a region that does not generate heat or generates very little heat when a current flows through the heating unit 40.

[0045] 2 illustrates the heating unit 40 stacked on the front side wall 54a, but as shown in FIG. 3, a heating unit 40 is also stacked on the rear side wall 54a. That is, the heating system 30 includes two heating units 40.

[0046] 2 and 3 , the heating unit 40 is disposed outside the storage unit 50. Therefore, when the heating unit 40 generates heat, the storage unit 50 is heated from the outside, and the stick-shaped substrate 150 is heated by heat transfer from the storage unit 50. This makes it possible to generate an aerosol from the stick-shaped substrate 150.

[0047] 2 and 3 , an adhesive layer 60 is laminated on the outside of the side wall 54 of the housing 50, an electrical insulating layer 41 is laminated on the outside of that, and a resistance heating layer 42 and a first contact terminal 43 are laminated on the outside of that. These may be laminated using a vapor deposition process or a printing process. The vapor deposition process is a process of evaporating a substance onto the surface of the target object to form a thin film coating. The printing process is a process of spraying a liquid onto the surface of the target object to form a thin film coating.

[0048] The adhesive layer 60 is a member that adheres to members arranged on both the inside and outside, and adheres the storage unit 50 and the heating unit 40. In the example shown in Fig. 2, the adhesive layer 60 adheres the side wall 54a on the inside of the adhesive layer 60 to the electrical insulating layer 41 laminated on the outside of the adhesive layer 60. Examples of materials that form the adhesive layer 60 include silver and silver compounds.

[0049] 2 and 3, the first adhesive layer 61, which is a portion of the adhesive layer 60 corresponding to the position of the heat generating region 44 (i.e., the portion on which the heat generating region 44 of the heating unit 40 will be laminated), is laminated so as to cover the entire outer periphery of the accommodating unit 50, including the side walls 54a, 54b, and 54c. On the other hand, as shown in Fig. 2, the second adhesive layer 62, which is a portion of the adhesive layer 60 corresponding to the position of the non-heat generating region 45 (i.e., the portion on which the non-heat generating region 45 of the heating unit 40 will be laminated), is laminated on the side wall 54a and further extends from the side wall 54a onto the side wall 54b.

[0050] The electrical insulating layer 41 is a member having a predetermined electrical insulating property. Examples of materials that can be used to form the electrical insulating layer 41 include resins such as polyimide, glass, and ceramics.

[0051] The resistive heating layer 42 is a member that generates Joule heat according to electrical resistance when a current flows through it. The resistive heating layer 42 is made of a heat-resistant and conductive material. Examples of materials that can be used to form the resistive heating layer 42 include metallic materials such as silver, platinum, and SUS, as well as non-metallic materials such as silicon carbide. The resistive heating layer 42 is an example of a heat-generating part that generates heat when a current flows through it.

[0052] The first contact terminal 43 is an electrical contact that electrically connects the power supply unit 111 and the resistance heating layer 42. A conductor (a conductor 20a described below) that conducts power from the power supply unit 111 is connected to the first contact terminal 43. The first contact terminal 43 and the conductor may be connected by, for example, soldering. The first contact terminal 43 is made of a conductive material. Examples of materials that can be used to form the first contact terminal 43 include metallic materials such as tin or nickel.

[0053] A resistive heating layer 42 is laminated on the heat-generating region 44. On the other hand, a first contact terminal 43 is laminated on the non-heat-generating region 45. The electrical resistance of the resistive heating layer 42 may be 10 times or more the electrical resistance of the first contact terminal 43. With this configuration, the heating unit 40 generates strong heat in the heat-generating region 44 and does not generate heat or generates very little heat in the non-heat-generating region 45.

[0054] 2, the adhesive layer 60 is laminated over a wider area than the electrical insulating layer 41. Specifically, the first adhesive layer 61, which is a portion of the adhesive layer 60 corresponding to the position of the heat generating region 44 (i.e., the portion on which the heat generating region 44 of the heating unit 40 is laminated), is laminated so as to cover the entire outer periphery of the accommodating unit 50, including the side walls 54a, 54b, and 54c. On the other hand, the second adhesive layer 62, which is a portion of the adhesive layer 60 corresponding to the position of the non-heat generating region 45 (i.e., the portion on which the non-heat generating region 45 of the heating unit 40 is laminated), is laminated on the outside of part of the side walls 54a and 54b.

[0055] 2, most of the resistive heating layer 42 and the first contact terminal 43 are laminated on the electrical insulating layer 41. This configuration makes it possible to prevent a short circuit via an internal component of the heating unit 40 (e.g., the accommodating unit 50 or the adhesive layer 60).

[0056] 2 and 3, the ends of the resistive heating layers 42 protrude from the electrical insulation layer 41 and are laminated on the outer surface of the first adhesive layer 61. Here, the first adhesive layer 61 is made of a conductive material. With this configuration, the two resistive heating layers 42 arranged on one pair of side walls 54a are electrically connected via the first adhesive layer 61 to form a single conductive path. Therefore, by connecting wires to each of the two first contact terminals 43 connected to the two resistive heating layers 42 arranged on the pair of side walls 54a, it is possible to pass current supplied from the power supply unit 111 through the two resistive heating layers 42 and cause each to generate heat.

[0057] It is desirable that the thermal conductivity of the first adhesive layer 61 is at least higher than the thermal conductivity of the storage unit 50. With this configuration, the heat generated in the heating unit 40 on the side wall 54a can be diffused over the entire periphery of the storage unit 50, including the side walls 54b and 54c, via the first adhesive layer 61. As a result, the stick-shaped substrate 150 stored in the storage unit 50 can be efficiently heated.

[0058] As shown in FIG. 2 , in this embodiment, the non-heat-generating region 45 is positioned above the heat-generating region 44. The first contact terminal 43 is positioned above all of the pair of resistive heating layers 42 arranged on the front and rear side walls 54a and 54b. That is, the first contact terminal 43 is positioned closer to the opening 52 than all of the resistive heating layers 42. In particular, it is desirable for the first contact terminal 43 to be positioned above the center of the housing portion 50. This configuration enables more efficient heating than a comparative example in which the first contact terminal 43 is positioned below the resistive heating layers 42. This effect will be described in detail later.

[0059] An example of the configuration of the heating system 30 according to this embodiment has been described above. The arrangement of the heating system 30 and other components in the suction device 100 will now be described with reference to FIGS.

[0060] Fig. 4 is a perspective view showing a state in which the gasket 12 is connected to the heating system 30 according to this embodiment. Fig. 5 is a diagram schematically showing a state in which the gasket 12 is connected to the heating system 30 according to this embodiment. Fig. 6 is a diagram schematically showing the internal configuration of the suction device 100 according to this embodiment. In Fig. 6, the configuration below the suction device 100 is omitted.

[0061] As shown in FIG. 6 , components such as a heating system 30, a control unit 116, and a power supply unit 111 are stored inside the suction device 100. Power is supplied to the components inside the suction device 100 from the power supply unit 111 via conductors 20 (20a and 20b). More specifically, conductor 20a connects the control unit 116 to the heating system 30. conductor 20b connects the power supply unit 111 to the control unit 116. The control unit 116 supplies the power supplied from the power supply unit 111 via conductor 20b to the heating system 30 via conductor 20a. conductor 20a is an example of a first conductor in this embodiment. The control unit 116 may be configured using a PCBA (Printed Circuit Board Assembly) or the like.

[0062] 4 and 5, the heating system 30 is connected to the gasket 12. Then, as shown in FIG.

[0063] The housing 11 forms the outermost shell of the suction device 100. The housing 11 is configured, for example, to have a size and shape that allows the user to easily grip it.

[0064] 6 , the gasket 12 is a member that fills the gap between the upper end of the accommodating portion 50 and the housing 11. The gasket 12 is connected to the housing 11 and the accommodating portion 50 so as to close the gap between the edge of the opening 52 of the accommodating portion 50 and an opening (not shown) provided at the upper end of the housing 11.

[0065] 5 , the gasket 12 is configured as an annular member having a through hole 13. The gasket 12 is connected to the storage portion 50 in a state in which the opening 52 of the storage portion 50 and the through hole 13 of the gasket 12 are in communication with each other in the vertical direction. This exposes the opening 52 of the storage portion 50 to the outside through the through hole 13, and makes it possible to insert and remove the stick-shaped substrate 150 via the through hole 13 and the opening 52.

[0066] As shown in Fig. 5 , during manufacturing, the gasket 12 may first be connected to the upper end of the accommodating portion 50. In the example shown in Fig. 5 , an annular groove 12a is provided on the underside of the gasket 12, and the upper end of the accommodating portion 50 is fitted into the groove 12a, thereby connecting the gasket 12 and the accommodating portion 50. Then, the gasket 12 with the accommodating portion 50 connected thereto may be connected to the housing 11.

[0067] 4 to 6, the gasket 12 has a pair of downwardly extending claws 14 and a pair of pogo pins 15. The conductor 20a and the first contact terminal 43 are connected by the pogo pins 15.

[0068] Specifically, the pair of pogo pins 15 are positioned inside the claw portion 14 at a position where the pogo pins 15 and the first contact terminal 43 overlap in the front-rear direction when the gasket 12 and the housing 50 are connected. The pair of pogo pins 15 expand and contract in the front-rear direction, i.e., in the direction toward the first contact terminal 43 when the gasket 12 and the housing 50 are connected. Therefore, when the gasket 12 and the housing 50 are connected, the pogo pins 15 are pressed against the first contact terminal 43. With this configuration, simply connecting the gasket 12 and the housing 50 achieves electrical connection between the power supply unit 111 and the heating unit 40 via the conductor 20a. This facilitates manufacturing of the suction device 100 and improves manufacturing accuracy. Furthermore, with this configuration, the durability and heat resistance of the connection portion can be improved compared to when the conductor 20a is soldered to the first contact terminal 43, making the suction device 100 less susceptible to failure.

[0069] As shown in Fig. 6, the conductor 20a is disposed in the gasket 12. For example, the conductor 20a may be disposed in a hole or groove provided in the gasket 12. One end of the conductor 20a is connected to the pogo pin 15 at the claw portion 14. On the other hand, the other end of the conductor 20a is pulled out from the gasket 12 and connected to the control unit 116. With this configuration, the range of movement of the conductor 20a can be limited. Therefore, compared to when the conductor 20a is exposed to the space within the suction device 100, it is possible to suppress malfunctions caused by movement of the conductor 20a.

[0070] As shown in Fig. 6, the control unit 116 is disposed to the side of the heating system 30 (i.e., in the front-to-rear or left-to-right direction; in the example shown in Fig. 6, at the rear). With this configuration, the distance between the gasket 12 and the control unit 116 can be minimized. As a result, the length of the conductor 20a from when it is drawn out from the gasket 12 to when it is connected to the control unit 116 can be shortened, making it possible to suppress energy loss in the conductor 20a.

[0071] 6 , the power supply unit 111 is disposed below the heating system 30. The power supply unit 111 often occupies a relatively large space within the suction device 100 to ensure capacity, and its location can affect the shape of the suction device 100. In this regard, with this configuration, the suction device 100 can be made elongated and easier to grip, compared to when the power supply unit 111 is disposed to the side of the heating system 30. Furthermore, with this configuration, the area of ​​the portion of the power supply unit 111 that is close to the heating system 30 is smaller, compared to when the power supply unit 111 is disposed to the side of the heating system 30, and therefore heat transfer from the heating system 30 to the power supply unit 111 can be suppressed.

[0072] Furthermore, by arranging the control unit 116 to the side of the heating system 30 and the power supply unit 111 below the heating system 30, the connection portion of the control unit 116 to the conductor 20a and the connection portion of the conductor 20b can be arranged far apart. By arranging these far apart, it is possible to suppress heat transfer from the heating system 30 to the power supply unit 111.

[0073] 3. Effects The heating system 30 according to this embodiment is characterized by a configuration in which the first contact terminal 43 is arranged above all of the resistance heating layers 42 stacked on the outside of the housing portion 50. Below, the effects of this configuration will be explained in comparison with a comparative example having a configuration in which the first contact terminal 43 is arranged below the resistance heating layers 42.

[0074] First, with reference to FIG. 14, a configuration example of a heating system according to a comparative example will be described.

[0075] FIG. 14 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a heating system 31 according to a comparative example. As shown in FIG. 14 , in this comparative example, the non-heat-generating region 45 is located below the heat-generating region 44. The first contact terminal 43 is located below the resistance heating layer 42. Furthermore, a conductive path 49 connecting the resistance heating layer 42 and the first contact terminal 43 is located in the non-heat-generating region 45. The conductive path 49 is made thicker or wider than the resistance heating layer 42, so that it has low electrical resistance and generates little or no heat even when a current flows through it. The other configurations are the same as those of the heating system 30 according to this embodiment.

[0076] (First Effect) The side wall 54 below the resistive heating layer 42 is heated not only by direct heat transfer from the resistive heating layer 42, but also by the air in the internal space 80 that is heated by the resistive heating layer 42. Therefore, in the heating system 31 according to the comparative example in which the first contact terminal 43 is stacked on the side wall 54 below the resistive heating layer 42, a conductive path 49 is disposed between the resistive heating layer 42 and the first contact terminal 43. This is to sufficiently separate the first contact terminal 43 from the resistive heating layer 42 so that it is difficult for the temperature to rise. Therefore, in the heating system 31 according to the comparative example, energy loss occurs in the conductive path 49.

[0077] On the other hand, the side wall 54 above the resistance heating layer 42 is cooled by the external air that flows into the internal space 80 through the opening 52. Therefore, in the heating system 30 according to this embodiment in which the first contact terminal 43 is stacked on the side wall 54 above the resistance heating layer 42, the first contact terminal 43 is difficult to heat up in the first place, so it is possible to shorten the conductive path 49 or eliminate the conductive path 49 as shown in FIG. 2. Therefore, the heating system 30 according to this embodiment can suppress energy loss and achieve efficient heating compared to the heating system 31 according to the comparative example.

[0078] (Second Effect) Compared to the heating system 31 according to the comparative example, the heating system 30 according to this embodiment can simplify the configuration for electrically connecting to the power supply unit 111 via the pogo pins 15. This effect will be described with reference to FIG.

[0079] Fig. 15 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a suction device 101 equipped with a heating system 31 according to a comparative example. In Fig. 15, the configuration below the suction device 101 is omitted.

[0080] As shown in FIG. 15 , the suction device 101 according to this comparative example includes the heating system 31 shown in FIG. 14 instead of the heating system 30. In this comparative example, the claw portion 14 is omitted from the gasket 12, and instead, an annular member 19 having a pair of pogo pins 15 is provided. The annular member 19 is configured, for example, in a circular ring shape and is arranged to surround the outer periphery of the housing portion 50. The pair of pogo pins 15 are arranged inside the annular member 19 at positions where the pogo pins 15 and the first contact terminal 43 overlap in the front-rear direction when the annular member 19 is arranged. The pair of pogo pins 15 expand and contract in the front-rear direction, i.e., in the direction toward the first contact terminal 43 when the annular member 19 is arranged. Therefore, when the annular member 19 is arranged, the pogo pins 15 are pressed against the first contact terminal 43. The pogo pins 15 are connected to the control unit 116 via a conductor 20c.

[0081] In the suction device 101 according to this comparative example, the movable range of the conducting wire 20c can be limited by the annular member 19 instead of the gasket 12. However, the number of parts increases because the annular member 19 is added in addition to the gasket 12. Furthermore, since the central portion of the internal space of the suction device 101 is occupied by the annular member 19, the arrangement of parts becomes complicated and it becomes difficult to miniaturize the suction device 101.

[0082] In contrast, in the suction device 100 according to this embodiment, the gasket 12 can limit the range of movement of the conductor 20a, and the number of parts can be reduced compared to the comparative example. Furthermore, the space occupied by the gasket 12 can be moved closer to the upper end of the interior space of the suction device 100, which simplifies the arrangement of parts. As a result, the suction device 100 can be made smaller than the comparative example, thereby improving usability.

[0083] (Third Effect) Furthermore, the heating system 30 according to this embodiment is more advantageous than the heating system 31 according to the comparative example in terms of the layout of the power supply unit 111 and the control unit 116 .

[0084] 15, in the suction device 101 according to the comparative example, a layout in which the control unit 116 is disposed below the heating system 31 is conceivable. However, in this case, the space below the heating system 31 is occupied by the control unit 116. It is also conceivable to dispose the power supply unit 111 further below the control unit 116, but in that case, the suction device 101 may become excessively elongated.

[0085] As shown in FIG. 16, it is also possible to arrange the control unit 116 on the side of the heating system 31.

[0086] Fig. 16 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a suction device 102 equipped with a heating system 31 according to a comparative example. In Fig. 16, the configuration below the suction device 102 is omitted. As shown in Fig. 16, in the suction device 102, similar to the suction device 100 according to the present embodiment shown in Fig. 6, a control unit 116 is disposed to the side of the heating system 31, and a power supply unit 111 is disposed below the heating system 31.

[0087] It is desirable to locate the connection portion of the control unit 116 with the power supply unit 111 (i.e., the connection portion with the conductor 20b) far from the connection portion with the heating system 30 (i.e., the connection portion with the conductor 20c). This is to suppress heat transfer from the heating system 30 to the power supply unit 111. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 16 , the conductor 20b can be connected above the control unit 116, and the conductor 20c can be connected below the control unit 116. As a result, in the suction device 102 according to this comparative example, the conductor 20b is longer than in the suction device 100 according to the present embodiment shown in FIG. 6 , which can result in greater energy loss. In other words, the suction device 100 according to the present embodiment can suppress energy loss and achieve more efficient heating than the comparative example.

[0088] In addition, in the suction device 102 of the comparative example, it is also possible to place the power supply unit 111 further to the side of the control unit 116, but in that case, it becomes difficult to make the shape of the suction device 101 easy for the user to hold.

[0089] As described above, the heating system 30 according to this embodiment makes it possible to miniaturize the suction device 100 and give it a shape that is easy for the user to hold, while also realizing efficient heating, thereby improving the overall quality of the user experience.

[0090] 4. Modifications The following describes modifications of the heating system 30 according to the above embodiment. In the following description, the heating system 30 will be described as including the gasket 12 and the heat insulating section 70.

[0091] (First Modification) FIG. 7 is a diagram schematically illustrating an example of the configuration of a heating system 30a according to a first modification. As shown in FIG. 7 , in this modification, a second contact terminal 16 connected to a conductor 20a is provided on the underside of the gasket 12. The first contact terminal 43 of the heating system 30a is bent in a direction away from the side wall 54 of the accommodating portion 50 (i.e., in the front-to-rear direction). The first contact terminal 43 of the heating system 30a is connected to the second contact terminal 16 provided on the underside of the gasket 12. This connection may be made by soldering. Alternatively, the accommodating portion 50, in which the heating portion 40 and other components are disposed, may be connected to the gasket 12 in a manner that lifts it up from below, thereby crimping the first contact terminal 43 and the second contact terminal 16 together.

[0092] 7 , in the heating system 30a according to this modification, the accommodating section 50 below the gasket 12 is covered by the heat insulating section 70. This allows the heat insulating section 70 to cover the entire portion of the heating system 30a except for the gasket 12.

[0093] In the heating system 30 according to the above embodiment, the area below the claws 14 can be covered by the insulating section 70. However, in this configuration, the area that can be covered by the insulating section 70 is small, which can lead to heat leakage to the gasket 12 and energy loss. In this regard, the heating system 30a according to this modification achieves a higher insulating effect than the heating system 30 according to the above embodiment, making it possible to suppress energy loss.

[0094] 7, the conducting wire 20a is drawn out of the gasket 12 and bent outside the heat insulating portion 70. With this configuration, the outer diameter of the heat insulating portion 70 can be freely adjusted.

[0095] 8 is a diagram schematically illustrating an example of the configuration of a heating system 30b according to a second modification. As shown in Fig. 8, in the heating system 30b according to this modification, similar to the heating system 30a according to the first modification, the second contact terminal 16 provided on the underside of the gasket 12 is connected to the first contact terminal 43 bent in a direction away from the side wall 54 of the accommodation portion 50.

[0096] As shown in FIG. 8 , the heating system 30b according to this modification further includes a housing cover 72 that is slightly larger than the housing 50. The housing cover 72 may be a cylindrical body with an open top and a flange 73 at its upper end. The housing cover 72 is an example of a second cylindrical body according to this modification. The housing cover 72 is preferably made of a material that is difficult to deform. As an example, the housing cover 72 may be made of a metal such as SUS, a resin such as PEEK (Poly Ether Ether Ketone) or PC (polycarbonate), glass, or wood. As another example, depending on the material of the insulation section 70 (described later), the housing cover 72 may be made of a soft, easily deformed material such as rubber or paper.

[0097] As shown in FIG. 8 , a flange 73 provided on the upper end of the housing cover 72 is connected to the gasket 12. As a result, the housing cover 72 is connected to the gasket 12 with the housing 50 housed inside. The heat insulating part 70 is disposed in the space between the housing 50 and the housing cover 72. As one example, air or a material containing air with low thermal conductivity (aerogel, wool, urethane, wood, etc.) may be disposed in the space between the housing 50 and the housing cover 72. As another example, the space between the housing 50 and the housing cover 72 may be evacuated. This configuration can further enhance the heat insulating effect.

[0098] Fig. 9 is a diagram showing an example of the external configuration of a heating system 30b according to a second modified example. As shown in Fig. 9, a housing cover 72 is connected below the gasket 12, and the heating unit 40, housing unit 50, and heat insulating unit 70 therein are covered by the housing cover 72. The conducting wire 20a is drawn out of the gasket 12 and bent outside the housing cover 72.

[0099] (Third Modification) Fig. 10 is a diagram schematically illustrating an example of the configuration of a heating system 30c according to a third modification. Fig. 11 is a diagram illustrating an example of the external configuration of the heating system 30c according to the third modification. Fig. 12 is a diagram illustrating a state in which the storage unit cover 72 is removed from the heating system 30c shown in Fig. 11. Fig. 13 is a diagram illustrating the storage unit cover 72 of the heating system 30c shown in Fig. 11.

[0100] 10 , in this modification, the conductor 20a that connects the heating unit 40 and the control unit 116 and supplies power to the resistance heating layer 42 is divided into a conductor 20a-1 that is disposed in the gasket 12 and a conductor 20a-2 that is drawn out from the gasket 12. The conductor 20a-1 is an example of a first conductor in this modification. The conductor 20a-2 is an example of a second conductor in this modification.

[0101] 10 to 12, the gasket 12 has a third contact terminal 17. The third contact terminal 17 is located on the underside of the gasket 12, further outward than the second contact terminal 16. More specifically, the third contact terminal 17 is located in a position where it comes into contact with a fourth contact terminal 74 provided on the flange 73 when the gasket 12 and the housing cover 72 are connected. The second contact terminal 16 and the third contact terminal 17 form both ends of the conducting wire 20-1.

[0102] 10 to 13, the housing cover 72 has a fourth contact terminal 74 on the flange 73. In particular, the fourth contact terminal 74 is disposed so as to penetrate the upper surface of the flange 73 (i.e., the surface that contacts the gasket 12) and the lower surface of the flange 73 (i.e., the surface that is exposed to the outside) at a position that contacts the third contact terminal 17 when the housing cover 72 and the gasket 12 are connected. The conducting wire 20a-2 is connected to the fourth contact terminal 74 that is exposed to the outside.

[0103] With this configuration, when the gasket 12 and the flange 73 are connected, the third contact terminal 17 and the fourth contact terminal 74 are automatically connected, and the conductors 20a-1 and 20a-2 are electrically connected. This makes it possible to easily manufacture the suction device 100 and improve manufacturing accuracy.

[0104] Furthermore, with this configuration, the second contact terminal 16 and the third contact terminal 17, which form both ends of the conductor 20a-1, are fixed to the gasket 12, thereby minimizing movement of the conductor 20a-1. As a result, it is possible to prevent circuit breakage of the conductor 20-1 and improve the durability of the suction device 100.

[0105] In the heating system 30c according to this modification, similarly to the heating system 30b according to the second modification, the heat insulating section 70 is disposed in the space between the storage section 50 and the storage section cover 72.

[0106] If the housing cover 72 is made of a conductive material such as SUS, the surface of the housing cover 72 may function as the conductor 20a-2. In this case, the surface of the housing cover 72 is insulated except for the portion that functions as the conductor 20a-2, and current flows through the exposed surface. This configuration makes it possible to reduce the number of parts, and is expected to further reduce the size of the suction device 100.

[0107] 5. Supplementary Information Although preferred embodiments of the present disclosure have been described above in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, the present disclosure is not limited to such examples. It is clear that a person skilled in the art to which the present disclosure pertains can conceive of various modified or altered examples within the scope of the technical ideas described in the claims, and it is understood that these also naturally fall within the technical scope of the present disclosure.

[0108] Although the above describes an example in which one heating unit 40 is arranged on one side wall 54a, the present disclosure is not limited to such an example. Two or more heating units 40 may be arranged on one side wall 54a. In this case, all of the first contact terminals 43 included in the two or more heating units 40 stacked on one side wall 54a may be arranged above all of the resistance heating layers 42 included in the two or more heating units 40.

[0109] Although the example in which the first contact terminal 43 is disposed on the side wall 54a has been described above, the present disclosure is not limited to such an example. The first contact terminal 43 may be disposed on the side wall 54b or the side wall 54c.

[0110] Although the pogo pins and soldering are given above as examples of connection methods for the contact terminals, these are merely examples and any other connection method may be used. For example, the contact terminals may be crimped together using a separate part, such as by being clamped by a clip.

[0111] The following configurations also fall within the technical scope of the present disclosure. (1) An inhalation device comprising: a first cylindrical body capable of accommodating a substrate containing an aerosol source; one or more heat generating units arranged on the outside of a side wall of the first cylindrical body; and one or more first contact terminals arranged on the outside of the side wall of the first cylindrical body and connected to each of the one or more heat generating units, wherein the first cylindrical body has an opening on its upper side through which the substrate can be inserted and removed in the vertical direction, and the first contact terminals are arranged above all of the heat generating units. (2) The inhalation device described in (1), wherein the first contact terminals are arranged above the center of the first cylindrical body. (3) The inhalation device described in (1) or (2), wherein the inhalation device further comprises a control unit that controls operation of the heat generating units, and the control unit is arranged to the side of the first cylindrical body. (4) The inhalation device described in any one of (1) to (3), wherein the inhalation device further comprises a power supply unit that stores and supplies electric power, and the power supply unit is arranged below the first cylindrical body. (5) The suction device according to any one of (1) to (4), further comprising: a housing constituting the outermost shell of the suction device; a gasket filling a gap between the upper end of the first cylindrical body and the housing; and a first conducting wire supplying power to the heat generating unit, wherein the first conducting wire is disposed in the gasket and connected to the first contact terminal. (6) The suction device according to (5), further comprising: a pogo pin; and the first conducting wire and the first contact terminal are connected by the pogo pin. (7) The suction device according to (5), further comprising: a second contact terminal to which the first conducting wire is connected; and the first contact terminal is bent in a direction away from the side wall and connected to the second contact terminal. (8) The suction device according to (7), further comprising: a heat insulating part covering the first cylindrical body below the gasket. (9) The suction device according to (7) or (8), further comprising a second cylindrical body having an opening at an upper end and connected to the gasket, the second cylindrical body accommodating the first cylindrical body therein, and the heat insulating portion being disposed in a space between the first cylindrical body and the second cylindrical body.(10) The suction device according to any one of (7) to (9), wherein the first conducting wire is drawn out to the outside of the gasket and bent outside the heat insulating portion. (11) The suction device according to (9), wherein the gasket has a third contact terminal arranged outside the second contact terminal, the second contact terminal and the third contact terminal form both ends of the first conducting wire, the second cylindrical body has a fourth contact terminal arranged to penetrate between the surface in contact with the gasket and the surface exposed to the outside, at a position that contacts the third contact terminal when the second cylindrical body and the gasket are connected, and a second conducting wire that supplies power to the heat generating portion is connected to the fourth contact terminal exposed to the outside.

[0112] REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 100 Suction device 100 Suction device 111 Power supply unit 112 Sensor unit 113 Notification unit 114 Memory unit 115 Communication unit 116 Control unit 150 Stick-shaped substrate 151 Substrate unit 152 Suction nozzle unit 11 Housing 12 Gasket 13 Through hole 14 Claw unit 15 Pogo pin 16 Second contact terminal 17 Third contact terminal 19 Annular member 20 Conductive wire 30 Heating system 40 Heating unit 41 Electrical insulating layer 42 Resistive heating layer 43 First contact terminal 44 Heat-generating region 45 Non-heat-generating region 50 Storage unit 52 Opening 54 Side wall 56 Bottom wall 60 Adhesive layer 61 First adhesive layer 62 Second adhesive layer 70 Heat-insulating unit 72 Storage unit cover 73 Flange 74 4th contact terminal 80 Internal space

Claims

1. A suction device comprising: a first cylindrical body capable of accommodating a base material containing an aerosol source; one or more heating parts arranged outside the side wall of the first cylindrical body; and one or more first contact terminals arranged outside the side wall of the first cylindrical body and connected to each of the one or more heating parts, wherein the first cylindrical body has an opening at the upper side through which the base material can be inserted and removed in the vertical direction, and the first contact terminals are arranged above all the heating parts.

2. The suction device according to claim 1, wherein the first contact terminals are arranged above the center of the first cylindrical body.

3. The suction device according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising a control part for controlling the operation of the heating parts, wherein the control part is arranged on the side of the first cylindrical body.

4. The suction device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, further comprising a power supply part for storing and supplying electric power, wherein the power supply part is arranged below the first cylindrical body.

5. The suction device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, further comprising: a housing constituting the outermost shell of the suction device; a gasket for filling the gap between the upper end of the first cylindrical body and the housing; and a first conducting wire for supplying electric power to the heating parts, wherein the first conducting wire is arranged in the gasket and connected to the first contact terminals.

6. The suction device according to claim 5, wherein the gasket is provided with pogo pins, and the first conducting wire and the first contact terminals are connected by the pogo pins.

7. The suction device according to claim 5, wherein the gasket has second contact terminals to which the first conducting wire is connected, and the first contact terminals are bent in a direction away from the side wall and connected to the second contact terminals.

8. The suction device according to claim 7, further comprising a heat insulation part for covering the first cylindrical body below the gasket.

9. The suction device according to claim 7 or 8, further comprising a second cylindrical body having an opening at the upper end and the upper end connected to the gasket, wherein the second cylindrical body houses the first cylindrical body therein, and the heat insulation part is arranged in the space between the first cylindrical body and the second cylindrical body.

10. The suction device according to any one of claims 7 to 9, wherein the first conductor is drawn out outside the gasket and bent outside the heat insulating portion.

11. The gasket has a third contact terminal disposed outside the second contact terminal. The second contact terminal and the third contact terminal form both ends of the first conductor. The second cylindrical body has a fourth contact terminal disposed so as to penetrate a surface in contact with the gasket and a surface exposed to the outside at a position in contact with the third contact terminal in a state where the second cylindrical body and the gasket are connected. A second conductor for supplying power to the heating portion is connected to the fourth contact terminal exposed to the outside. The suction device according to claim 9.

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