CN108135260B

CN108135260B - Method for producing atomizing unit and atomizing unit

Info

Publication number: CN108135260B
Application number: CN201680043778.8A
Authority: CN
Inventors: 铃木晶彦; 竹内学; 中野拓磨; 山田学
Original assignee: Japan Tobacco Inc
Current assignee: Japan Tobacco Inc
Priority date: 2015-06-26
Filing date: 2016-06-24
Publication date: 2021-06-29
Anticipated expiration: 2036-06-24
Also published as: TWI612908B; CN108135260A; WO2016208760A1; EP3311683B1; HK1251977A1; TW201707588A; EP3311683A4; EP3311683A1

Abstract

A method of manufacturing an atomizing unit, comprising: a step (A) of disposing a resistance heating element along a spiral groove or a protrusion formed on a side surface of a base member having an axis extending in a predetermined direction; a step B of rotating the base member with the shaft as a rotation axis to separate at least a part of the resistance heating element from the groove or the projection; and a step C of disposing a liquid holding member for holding an aerosol source so as to contact or come close to at least a part of the resistance heating element.

Description

Method for producing atomizing unit and atomizing unit

Technical Field

The present invention relates to a method for manufacturing an atomizing unit having a heat generating body for atomizing an aerosol source without combustion, and an atomizing unit.

Background

Conventionally, there is known a non-combustion type flavor inhaler for attracting flavor without combustion. The non-combustion flavor aspirator has an atomizing unit that atomizes the aerosol source without combustion. The atomizing unit includes a reservoir for storing an aerosol source, a liquid holding member for holding the aerosol source supplied from the reservoir, and a heating element (atomizing unit) for atomizing the aerosol source held by the liquid holding member. Here, the heating element is a coil having a spiral shape and has a shape extending in a predetermined direction. The liquid holding member has a shape extending along a predetermined direction, and is disposed in contact with an outer side surface of the heating element in a direction orthogonal to the predetermined direction (for example, patent documents 1 and 2).

Documents of the prior art

Patent document

Patent document 1: japanese Kokai publication Hei-2012-517229

Patent document 2: japanese laid-open patent publication No. 2015-504652

Disclosure of Invention

A first feature provides a method for manufacturing an atomizing unit, including: a step (A) of disposing a resistance heating element along a spiral groove or a protrusion formed on a side surface of a base member having an axis extending in a predetermined direction; a step B of rotating the base member with the shaft as a rotation axis to separate at least a part of the resistance heating element from the groove or the projection; and a step C of disposing a liquid holding member for holding an aerosol source so as to contact or come close to at least a part of the resistance heating element.

The second feature is based on the first feature, and is characterized in that the step C is performed after the step a and before the step B.

A third feature is that, on the basis of the first or second feature, the resistance heating body includes a heating portion that heats the aerosol source, and the step C is: the liquid holding member is disposed while being pressed against an inner side surface or an outer side surface of the heating portion.

A fourth characteristic is that, in addition to any one of the first to third characteristics, the resistance heating element includes a heating portion that heats the aerosol source, and the step C is: the liquid holding member is disposed so as to contact the entire circumference of the inner side surface or the outer side surface of the heating portion.

The fifth feature is summarized as the feature of any one of the first to fourth features, wherein the step B is: and forming an aerosol introduction port by utilizing the separation of the resistance heating element, wherein the aerosol introduction port enables the aerosol atomized by the resistance heating element to pass through the inner side of the resistance heating element.

A sixth feature is summarized as the feature of any one of the first to fifth features, wherein the step B is: at least a part of the air flow path is formed inside the resistance heating element by the separation of the resistance heating element.

The seventh feature is summarized as the feature of any one of the first to sixth features, wherein the step C is: when the resistance heating element is disposed on the outer side surface of the base member, the liquid holding member is disposed outside the resistance heating element.

An eighth feature is the developing device according to any one of the first to seventh features, wherein the base member is a jig, and the step B includes: separating all the resistance heating elements from the clamp, and forming at least one part of an air flow path inside the resistance heating elements by utilizing the separation of the resistance heating elements; the method for manufacturing the atomizing unit includes a step G of disposing a flow path forming member forming at least a part of the air flow path before the step B.

A ninth feature is the eighth feature, wherein the step G includes a step of disposing the flow passage forming member along an outer side surface of the jig.

The tenth feature is characterized in that, in addition to any one of the first to ninth features, the base member is a jig, the step B is a step of separating all the resistance heating elements from the jig, the step E is provided before the step B, and the step E is: a cylindrical member having a cylindrical shape and forming at least a part of an air flow path is disposed on an outer side surface or an inner side surface of the resistance heating element in a direction orthogonal to the predetermined direction.

An eleventh feature is the tenth feature wherein the step B is performed after the cylindrical member is fixed to the housing of the atomizing unit and/or after the resistance heating element is fixed to the cylindrical member.

The twelfth characteristic is characterized in that, in addition to the tenth or eleventh characteristic, the tubular member is composed of a first tubular member and a second tubular member, and the step E is a step of disposing the first tubular member and the second tubular member in a state of being separated from each other.

A thirteenth characteristic is the video display device according to the twelfth characteristic, wherein a part or all of the first tubular member is made of a conductive member, and a part or all of the second tubular member is made of a conductive member.

A fourteenth aspect is the ninth or thirteenth aspect, wherein the jig includes a first engaging portion that engages with the first tubular member and a second engaging portion that engages with the second tubular member, and the step E includes: a step E1 of disposing the first tubular member at a position where the first tubular member is locked by the first locking portion; step E2 is a step of disposing the second tubular member at a position where the second tubular member is locked by the second locking portion.

A fifteenth feature is the jig according to any one of the twelfth to fourteenth features, wherein the jig includes a first support portion having a first outer diameter and a second support portion having a second outer diameter smaller than the first outer diameter, an inner diameter of the first cylindrical member corresponds to the first outer diameter, an inner diameter of the second cylindrical member corresponds to the second outer diameter, and the step E includes: a step E3 of disposing the first tubular member on an outer side surface of the first support portion in the orthogonal direction; step E4 is to dispose the second tubular member on an outer side surface of the second support portion in the orthogonal direction.

A sixteenth feature is the developing device of any one of the twelfth to fifteenth features, wherein the jig includes a first support portion having a first outer diameter and a second support portion having a second outer diameter smaller than the first outer diameter, the step E, E1 or E3 is a step of sliding the first cylindrical member from the second support portion side toward the first support portion side, and the step E, E2 or E4 is a step of sliding the second cylindrical member from the second support portion side toward the first support portion side.

A seventeenth feature is the liquid holding device of any one of the twelfth to sixteenth features, wherein the jig includes a first support portion having a first outer diameter and a second support portion having a second outer diameter smaller than the first outer diameter, and the step C is a step of sliding the liquid holding member from the second support portion side toward the first support portion side.

The eighteenth feature is the combination of any one of the twelfth to sixteenth features, wherein the jig includes a first support portion having a first outer diameter and a second support portion having a second outer diameter smaller than the first outer diameter, the groove or the protrusion is provided on a side surface of the first support portion, and the step a is a step of disposing the resistance heating element on an outer side surface of the first support portion and an outer side surface of the second tubular member.

The nineteenth feature is characterized by, in addition to any one of the first to eighteenth features, comprising: a step C1 of sliding the sliding member along an outer side surface of the resistance heating element in a direction orthogonal to the predetermined direction; a step C2 of disposing the liquid holding member along an outer side surface of the sliding member in the orthogonal direction; and a step C3 of removing the sliding member from between the liquid holding member and the resistance heating element by sliding after the steps C1 and C2.

A twentieth aspect of the present invention is the liquid crystal display device according to any one of the first to eighth aspects, wherein the base member is a tubular member having a tubular shape and forming at least a part of the air flow path.

A twenty-first aspect of the present invention is summarized as the twentieth aspect, wherein the cylindrical member is made of a conductive member, and the manufacturing method includes a step D of electrically connecting the cylindrical member and the resistance heating element.

A twenty-second characteristic is the feature that, on the basis of the twentieth or twenty-first characteristic, the cylindrical member is composed of a first cylindrical member and a second cylindrical member, and the step a is: the resistance heating element is disposed across both the first cylindrical member and the second cylindrical member, and step B is: the first tubular member and the second tubular member are separated from each other while maintaining the state in which the resistance heating element is arranged across both the first tubular member and the second tubular member.

A twenty-third feature is summarized as the first feature, wherein the base member is a tubular member, and the step a is as follows: the resistance heating element is disposed along a spiral groove or protrusion formed on an outer side surface of the cylindrical member, and the steps B and C are: the resistance heating element is configured such that a part of the resistance heating element is separated from the cylindrical member by rotation of the cylindrical member, and a part of the liquid holding member disposed inside the cylindrical member is separated from the cylindrical member, and the part of the liquid holding member is brought into contact with or close to a part of the resistance heating element by expansion of the part of the liquid holding member.

A twenty-fourth feature of the present invention is summarized as a method of manufacturing an atomizing unit, including step a of disposing a resistance heating element along a spiral groove or protrusion formed on a side surface of a base member having an axis extending in a predetermined direction; a step C of disposing a liquid holding member for holding an aerosol source in contact with or in proximity to at least a part of the resistance heating element, or a step C4 of disposing a liquid holding member for holding an aerosol source in contact with or in proximity to at least a part of the resistance heating element by rotating the base member about the shaft as a rotation axis and separating at least a part of the resistance heating element from the groove or the projection; and a step F of accommodating the resistance heating element and the liquid holding member in the case.

A twenty-fifth feature provides an atomizing unit, which has: a base member having an axis extending in a predetermined direction; a resistance heating element disposed along a spiral groove or protrusion formed on a side surface of the base member; a liquid holding member for holding an aerosol source, the liquid holding member being disposed in contact with or in proximity to at least a part of the resistance heating element, or being disposed in contact with or in proximity to at least a part of the resistance heating element in step B, the liquid holding member being configured to rotate the base member about the shaft as a rotation axis to separate at least a part of the resistance heating element from the groove or the projection; and a case that houses the resistance heating element and the liquid holding member.

In the fifteenth feature described above, the term "correspond" has the following meaning. First, in the case where a resistance heating element is provided between the outer side surface of the jig (the first support portion or the second support portion) and the inner side surface of the tubular member (the first tubular member and the second tubular member), "corresponding" means that the inner side surface of the tubular member is slidable along the resistance heating element disposed on the outer side surface of the jig, and the inner diameter of the tubular member and the outer diameter of the jig are in such a relationship that the resistance heating element disposed on the outer side surface of the jig and the inner side surface of the tubular member are in contact with each other. Second, in the case where no resistance heating element is provided between the outer side surface of the jig and the inner side surface of the tubular member, "corresponding" means that the inner side surface of the tubular member is slidable along the outer side surface of the jig, and the inner diameter of the tubular member and the outer diameter of the jig have a relationship such that the central axis of the tubular member does not deviate from the central axis of the jig in a state where the tubular member is disposed on the outer side surface of the jig. In the case where the jig or the cylindrical member is made of a member having elasticity, "outer diameter" and "inner diameter" refer to dimensions in a state where the cylindrical member is disposed behind the outer side surface of the jig.

In the fifteenth feature described above, the step E3 of disposing the first tubular member on the outer side surface of the first support section in the orthogonal direction is preferably performed before the step E4 of disposing the second tubular member on the outer side surface of the second support section in the orthogonal direction. By such a method, the first tubular member and the second tubular member can be easily arranged.

In the above feature, step C is preferably performed after step E. In this way, the liquid holding member, the first cylindrical member, and the second cylindrical member can be easily arranged.

In the above feature, step B is preferably performed before step C2 and step C3. With this method, the base member can be separated as soon as possible, and the base member can be used for the next semi-finished product in a short time, thereby improving the productivity of the atomizing unit.

In the twenty-fourth feature described above, the step F is preferably performed in a state where at least a part of the base member is exposed from the housing. With this method, the resistance heating element can be easily separated from the groove or the projection by the rotation of the base member before the atomizing unit is used.

In the twenty-fifth feature described above, it is preferable that at least a part of the base member is exposed from the housing. With this configuration, the resistance heating element can be easily separated from the groove or the projection by the rotation of the base member before the atomizing unit is used.

In the above feature, the resistance heating element may be formed of a wire rod having a spiral shape, and may be a coil having a shape extending in a predetermined direction. That is, step a may be a step of winding a non-coiled wire rod along a spiral groove or a protrusion formed on a side surface of the base member to form a non-coiled wire rod into a coiled wire rod.

Drawings

Fig. 1 is a diagram showing a non-combustion flavor inhaler 100 according to an embodiment.

Fig. 2 is a diagram showing the atomizing unit 111 according to the embodiment.

Fig. 3(a) is a view showing a P-P cross section shown in fig. 2, and fig. 3(B) is a view showing a Q-Q cross section shown in fig. 2.

Fig. 4(a) to 4(D) are views for explaining a method of manufacturing the atomizing unit 111 according to the embodiment.

Fig. 5(a) to 5(C) are views for explaining a method of manufacturing the atomizing unit 111 according to the embodiment.

Fig. 6(a) to 6(D) are views for explaining the atomizing unit 111 of modification 1.

Fig. 7(a) to 7(B) are views for explaining a method of manufacturing the atomizing unit 111 according to modification 2.

Fig. 8(a) to 8(B) are views for explaining a method of manufacturing the atomizing unit 111 according to modification 3.

Fig. 9 is a diagram showing atomizing unit 111 according to modification 4.

Fig. 10 is a diagram showing atomizing unit 111 according to modification 5.

Fig. 11 is a diagram showing an atomizing unit 11 according to modification 6.

Fig. 12(a) to 12(E) are views for explaining a method of manufacturing the atomizing unit 111 according to modification 7.

Fig. 13(a) to 13(D) are views for explaining a method of manufacturing the atomizing unit 111 according to modification 8.

Fig. 14(a) to 14(E) are views for explaining a method of manufacturing the atomizing unit 111 according to modification 9.

Fig. 15 is a diagram showing atomizing unit 111 according to modification 10.

Fig. 16 is a diagram showing atomizing unit 111 according to modification 11.

Fig. 17 is a diagram showing atomizing unit 111 according to modification 12.

Fig. 18(a) and 18(B) are views for explaining a method of manufacturing the atomizing unit 111 according to modification 13.

Fig. 19 is a diagram showing the atomizing unit 111 of modification 14.

Fig. 20 is a diagram showing atomizing unit 111 according to modification 15.

FIG. 21 is a view showing a liquid amount adjusting member 19 according to modified example 15.

Fig. 22(a) and 22(B) are views for explaining a method of manufacturing the atomizing unit 111 according to modification 16.

Detailed Description

Hereinafter, embodiments will be described. In the following description of the drawings, the same or similar components are denoted by the same or similar reference numerals. However, the drawings are schematic, and it should be noted that the ratio of each dimension and the like are different from those in the display.

Therefore, specific dimensions and the like should be determined with reference to the following description. Needless to say, the drawings also include portions having different dimensional relationships and ratios from each other.

[ brief summary of disclosure ]

In the atomizing unit described in the above-mentioned background art, it is difficult to manufacture an atomizing unit having a high-quality heat generating body.

The manufacturing method of the atomizing unit disclosed in the disclosure includes: a step (A) of disposing a resistance heating element along a spiral groove or a protrusion formed on a side surface of a base member having an axis extending in a predetermined direction; a step B of rotating the base member with the shaft as a rotation axis to separate at least a part of the resistance heating element from the groove or the projection; and a step C of disposing a liquid holding member for holding an aerosol source so as to contact or come close to at least a part of the resistance heating element.

In the summary of the disclosure, since the resistance heat generating element is supported by the base member in the manufacturing process of the atomizing unit, the deformation of the resistance heat generating element in the manufacturing process of the atomizing unit can be suppressed, and the atomizing unit having the high-quality resistance heat generating element can be manufactured.

[ embodiment ]

(non-combustion type flavor aspirator)

Hereinafter, the non-combustion flavor inhaler of the embodiment will be described. Fig. 1 is a diagram showing a non-combustion flavor inhaler 100 according to an embodiment. The non-combustion flavor inhaler 100 is an appliance for attracting flavor components without combustion, and has a shape extending in a direction from a non-suction port end toward a suction port end (i.e., a predetermined direction a). Fig. 2 is a diagram showing the atomizing unit 111 according to the embodiment. Fig. 3(a) is a diagram showing a P-P section of the atomizing unit 111 shown in fig. 2, and fig. 3(B) is a diagram showing a Q-Q section of the atomizing unit 111 shown in fig. 2. Further, hereinafter, it should be noted that the non-combustion flavor attractor 100 is simply referred to as the flavor attractor 100.

As shown in fig. 1, the flavor inhaler 100 has an inhaler body 110 and a cartridge 130.

The inhaler body 110 constitutes the body of the flavor inhaler 10 and has a shape to which a cartridge 130 can be attached. Specifically, the inhaler body 100 has an inhaler housing 110X, and the cartridge 130 is connected to the downstream end of the inhaler housing 110X. The aspirator body 110 has an atomizing unit 111 and an electric accessory unit 112 for atomizing an aerosol source without combustion. The atomizing unit 111 and the electrical accessory unit 112 are housed in the aspirator housing 110X.

In the embodiment, the atomizing unit 111 has an atomizing unit housing 111X constituting a part of the aspirator housing 110X. The atomizing unit 111 has a connection portion 111C connected to a power source provided in the electric accessory unit 112 and a nozzle-side opening 111O provided on the opposite side of the connection portion 111C. The connection portion 111C is, for example, a connector connected to a power supply. The nozzle-side opening 111O is an opening for receiving the cartridge 130 and is provided on the nozzle side. As shown in FIG. 2, the atomizing unit 111 has a reservoir 11, a liquid holding member 12, a heating element 13, and a cylindrical member 14 (cylindrical member 14)₁And a cylindrical member 14₂) Cover member 15, cover 16, and flange 17 (flange 17)₁And a flange 17₂). These components are housed in the atomizing unit housing 111X. The atomizing unit housing 111X has a shape (e.g., a cylindrical shape) extending along the predetermined direction a. In fig. 2, although the connecting portion 111C is omitted, the connecting portion 111C is provided in the flange 17₂The non-suction-nozzle-end side (the electric component unit 112 side).

The reservoir 11 stores a source of aerosol. The reservoir 11 has a structure (size, material, construction, etc.) suitable for storing an aerosol source for multiple pumping actions. For example, the reservoir 11 may be a porous body formed by a material such as a resin mesh, or may be a cavity for storing an aerosol source. The reservoir 11 is preferably capable of storing more aerosol sources per unit volume. The reservoir 11 may be disposed at a position where the aerosol source can be supplied to the liquid holding member 12, and may be in contact with at least a part of the liquid holding member 12. In the embodiment, as shown in fig. 3(a) and 3(B), at least a part of the reservoir 11 is preferably disposed outside the cover member 15 in a direction B orthogonal to the predetermined direction a.

The liquid retaining means 12 retains an aerosol source supplied from the reservoir 11. The liquid holding member 12 has a structure (size, material, structure, etc.) suitable for moving and holding a part of an aerosol source storable in the reservoir 11 (for example, an aerosol source for 1 pumping operation) from the reservoir 11 to a position in contact with or close to the heating element 13. The liquid retaining member 12 may also be a member that moves the aerosol source from the reservoir 11 to the liquid retaining member 12 by capillary action. Further, the liquid retaining part 12 moves the aerosol source to the liquid retaining part 12 by contact with the reservoir 11. When the reservoir 11 is a cavity, the contact between the liquid holding member 12 and the reservoir 11 means that the liquid holding member 12 is exposed to the cavity (reservoir 11). Note, however, that the liquid holding member 12 is disposed so that the liquid holding member 12 is in contact with the aerosol source filled in the cavity (reservoir 11) after the reservoir 11 is filled with the aerosol source. For example, the liquid holding member 12 is made of glass fiber or porous ceramic. For example, the liquid holding member 12 is a core member made of glass fiber or porous ceramic. The liquid holding member 12 preferably has heat resistance to withstand the heating of the heating element 13. As shown in fig. 3(a) and 3(B), the liquid holding member 12 has a cylindrical shape extending in the predetermined direction a.

Here, in the orthogonal direction B, at least a part of the inner side surface of the liquid holding member 12 is in contact with or close to the heating element 13. Note that the proximity of at least a part of the inner side surface of the liquid holding member 12 to the heating element 13 means that the distance between the heating element 13 and the inner side surface of the liquid holding member 12 is maintained to the extent that: to this extent, the heating element 13 and the aerosol source are maintained at such a distance that the aerosol source can be atomized by the heating element 13 while the liquid holding member 12 holds the aerosol source. The distance between the heating element 13 and the inner side surface of the liquid holding member 12 depends on the type of the aerosol source or the liquid holding member 12, the temperature of the heating element 13, and the like, but may be, for example, 3mm or less, preferably 1mm or less. Further, since the proximity of at least a part of the inner side surface of the liquid holding member 12 to the heating element 13 means that the distance between the heating element 13 and the inner side surface of the liquid holding member 12 is maintained to such an extent that the aerosol source can be atomized by the heating element 13, it cannot be said that at least a part of the inner side surface of the liquid holding member 12 is in proximity to the heating element 13 when there is a member between the heating element 13 and the aerosol source such that the aerosol source is in a state where atomization of the heating element 13 is impossible or is prevented.

In the embodiment, as shown in fig. 3(a), the inner side surface of the liquid holding member 12 is in contact with or close to the heating portion 13A of the heat-generating body 13. On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 3(B), the liquid holding member 12 and the first end portion 13B₁A cylindrical part 14 is arranged between₁The inner side surface of the liquid holding member 12 is not in contact with the first end portion 13B of the heating element 13₁In contact with or in proximity to each other. Also, in the liquid holding member 12 and the second end portion 13B₂A cylindrical part 14 is arranged between₂The inner side surface of the liquid holding member 12 does not contact the second end portion 13B of the heating element 13₂In contact with or in proximity to each other.

As shown in fig. 3(a) and 3(B), at least a part of the outer side surface of the liquid holding member 12 in the orthogonal direction B is covered with the covering member 15.

The heating element 13 is an example of an atomizing unit that atomizes the aerosol source held by the liquid holding member 12. In the embodiment, the heating element 13 is a resistance heating element that generates heat by a power supply output supplied to the heating element 13. Further, the heating element 13 is formed of a wire rod having a spiral shape, and is a coil having a shape extending in the predetermined direction a. Further, the inside of the heating element 13 forms at least a part of a flow path (i.e., an air flow path) of air sucked from the nozzle end (the outlet 130O shown in fig. 1). Preferably, the inside of the heating body 13 is hollow.

Here, the heating element 13 has a heating section 13A and a first end section 13B₁A second end portion 13B₂. In the heating element 13, a first contact electrically connected to a first pole of a power supply and a second contact electrically connected to a second pole side of the power supply are provided on the wire at intervals. In an embodiment, the first contact is formed by the first end portion 13B₁And a cylindrical member 14₁And (4) forming. Similarly, the second contact is formed by the second end portion 13B₂And a cylindrical member 14₂And (4) forming.

The heating portion 13A is constituted by a wire rod between a first contact and a second contact disposed closest to each other on the wire rod. First end portion 13B₁By heating part 13A on the wireThe wires on one outer side (in the embodiment, the wires on the downstream side in the air flow path) are formed. Second end portion 13B₂The wire rod is constituted by a wire rod outside the other side of the heating portion 13A (in the embodiment, a wire rod on the upstream side in the air flow path). Forming a heating portion 13A, a first end portion 13B₁And a second end portion 13B₂The pitches of the wires are the same. Note that the "pitch" refers to the interval between the wires adjacent to each other in the predetermined direction a. The same pitch of the wires does not mean that the pitch of the wires is exactly the same, but means that the pitch of the wires is substantially the same. The substantially same means that the heating portion 13A and the first end portion 13B are not intentionally formed₁And a second end portion 13B₂The difference in pitch of the wires in (2) allows for a difference in degree due to a manufacturing error or the like.

The tubular member 14 has a tubular shape, and includes the tubular member 14₁And a cylindrical member 14₂. Tubular member 14₁And a cylindrical member 14₂Has a cylindrical shape forming at least a part of an air flow path communicating from the inlet 112A to the outlet 130O (suction end). Namely, the tubular member 14₁Constituting a first cylindrical member, cylindrical member 14₂Formed in a predetermined direction A and a cylindrical member 14₁And a second cylindrical member disposed at an interval. Preferably, the cylindrical member 14₁And a cylindrical member 14₂Each not in the tubular member 14₁And a cylindrical member 14₂Has an opening but has a completely closed cylindrical shape. In the embodiment, the tubular member 14₁Inner diameter of and cylindrical member 14₂Have the same inner diameter.

The cylindrical member 14 has an aerosol introduction port through which the aerosol atomized by the heating element 13 passes in the air flow path. In an embodiment, the tubular member 14 includes a tubular member 14₁And a cylindrical member 14₂The aerosol introduction port is a cylindrical member 14₁And a cylindrical member 14₂The interval of (c). The heating portion 13A is disposed adjacent to the aerosol introduction port over the entire length of the aerosol introduction port in the predetermined direction a. The liquid holding member 12 is disposed to guide the aerosol in the predetermined direction aThe inlet has a full length adjacent the aerosol introduction port. With this configuration, the aerosol source held by the liquid holding member 12 can be atomized by effectively using a portion of good quality other than the end of the wire constituting the heating element 13 (coil) as the heating portion 13A. The term "adjacent" may refer to an arrangement relationship in which the heating portion 13A (or the liquid holding member 12) is exposed to the aerosol introduction port, an arrangement relationship in which a gap is provided between the heating portion 13A (or the liquid holding member 12) and the aerosol introduction port, or an arrangement relationship in which a part of the heating portion 13A (or the liquid holding member 12) enters the aerosol introduction port. Note that, even in a state where the heating portion 13A (or the liquid holding member 12) is adjacent to the aerosol introduction port, the arrangement relationship between the heating portion 13A and the inner side surface of the liquid holding member 12 satisfies the above-described contact or proximity relationship.

The cylindrical member 14 is partially or entirely made of a conductive member having a resistivity lower than that of the wire material constituting the heating portion 13A, and is in contact with the heating element 13 to form a first contact and a second contact. The cylindrical member 14 is made of, for example, aluminum or stainless steel (SUS). In the embodiment, the tubular member 14₁Formed at the first contact point and the first end portion 13B₁First conductive member in contact, cylindrical member 14₂Formed at the second contact and the second end portion 13B₂A second conductive member in contact. The heating part 13A is provided in the cylindrical member 14₁And a cylindrical member 14₂The space is exposed from the tubular member 14.

In the embodiment, the tubular member 14₁Arranged in the orthogonal direction B between the liquid holding member 12 and the first end portion 13B₁In the meantime. Also, the cylindrical member 14₂Arranged in the orthogonal direction B between the liquid holding member 12 and the second end portion 13B₂In the meantime.

In the embodiment, as shown in fig. 3(B), the cylindrical member 14 constitutes a barrier member having an outer side surface located between an outer side surface of the heating element 13 and an inner side surface of the liquid holding member 12 in the orthogonal direction B. The outer side surface of the cylindrical member 14 is preferably provided at a position facing a part of the inner side surface of the liquid holding member 12. Further, the outer side surface of the tubular member 14 is preferably provided at a position facing a part of the inner side surface of the covering member 15. However, the outer side surface of the tubular member 14 may be provided at a position not facing the inner side surface of the covering member 15. The cylindrical member 14 preferably has a function of suppressing the heat generating element 13 from being deformed by the stress in the inward direction of the liquid holding member 12 covered with the covering member 15. That is, the cylindrical member 14 is preferably strong enough to withstand the stress of the covering member 15 pressing the outer side surface of the cylindrical member 14 in the inward direction in the orthogonal direction B. Therefore, the cylindrical member 14 is preferably made of a conductive member having a predetermined strength (for example, stainless steel (SUS)). In the embodiment, the cylindrical member 14 constituting the air flow path has a predetermined strength, and the outer side surface of the cylindrical member 14 is provided at a position facing a part of the inner side surface of the cover member 15, so that deformation of the heating element 13 due to stress of the cover member 15 and deformation of the air flow path can be suppressed.

The cover member 15 restricts the supply amount of the aerosol source to the liquid holding member 12. As shown in fig. 3(a) and 3(B), the covering member 15 has a cylindrical shape extending in the predetermined direction a. The covering member 15 is made of a liquid-impermeable member. The covering member 15 may be a liquid-impermeable coating. The cover member 15 is preferably formed of a member having a lower thermal conductivity than that of the aerosol source or the liquid holding member 12. According to this structure, the heat of the heat-generating body 13 is hardly conducted to the aerosol source stored in the reservoir 11. The covering member 15 is preferably a member that presses the liquid holding member 12 in the inward direction, and is formed of, for example, a member having elasticity. As a member constituting the covering member 15, for example, silicone resin or polyolefin resin can be used.

In the embodiment, as shown in fig. 2, the entire length of the outer side surface of the liquid holding member 12 in the predetermined direction a of the cover member 15 covers the outer side surface of the liquid holding member 12 in a range where the inner side surface of the liquid holding member 12 is in contact with or close to the heating element 13 (heating portion 13A).

In the embodiment, as shown in fig. 3A, the covering member 15 covers the outer side surface of the liquid holding member 12 over the entire circumference of the outer side surface of the liquid holding member 12 in the circumferential direction with the predetermined direction a as an axis in a range where the inner side surface of the liquid holding member 12 is in contact with or close to the heating element 13 (heating portion 13A).

In such an example, the covering member 15 preferably uniformly covers the outer side surface of the liquid holding member 12. For example, the covering member 15 covers the outer side surface of the liquid holding member 12 without having an opening. Alternatively, the cover member 15 may have 10 or more openings arranged at equal intervals in a predetermined direction (extending direction of the liquid holding member 12) and/or in a circumferential direction around the predetermined direction as an axis. Alternatively, the cover member 15 may have a plurality of openings arranged at equal intervals as described above, and the area of the outer side surface of the liquid holding member 12 covered by the cover member 15 (i.e., the covered area) may be 60% or more of the area of the outer side surface of the liquid holding member 12. Alternatively, the covering member 15 may have 10 or more openings arranged at equal intervals as described above, and the covering area may be 60% or more of the area of the outer side surface of the liquid holding member 12. The range in which the cover member 15 uniformly covers the outer side surface of the liquid holding member 12 may be only the range in which the inner side surface of the liquid holding member 12 is in contact with or close to the heating element 13 (heating portion 13A), or the entire range in which the inner side surface of the cover member 15 and the outer side surface of the liquid holding member 12 are in contact.

As shown in fig. 2 and 3B, the covering member 15 can cover the outer side surface of the liquid holding member 12 even in a range where the inner side surface of the liquid holding member 12 is not in contact with or close to the heating element 13 (heating portion 13A).

For example, in the entire heating body 13 (heating part 13A, first end part 13B)₁And a second end portion 13B₂) In the case where the liquid holding member 12 is provided on the outer side of (a), the covering member 15 may cover the outer side surface of the liquid holding member 12 along the entire length of the outer side surface of the liquid holding member 12 in the predetermined direction a in a range where the inner side surface of the covering member 15 and the outer side surface of the liquid holding member 12 are in contact with each other, or may cover the outer side surface of the liquid holding member 12 in the circumferential direction around the predetermined direction a as an axisThe entire outer side surface of the holding member 12 covers the outer side surface of the liquid holding member 12.

In the embodiment, the cover member 15 preferably presses the outer side surface of the liquid holding member 12 in the orthogonal direction B in the inner direction, thereby bringing the inner side surface of the liquid holding member 12 into contact with or close to the heating element 13 with a stress to such an extent that the heating element 13 is not deformed. In the orthogonal direction B, the thickness of the liquid holding member 12 in a state covered with the covering member 15 is preferably smaller than the thickness of the liquid holding member 12 in a state not covered with the covering member 15.

Further, from the viewpoint of applying stress to such an extent that the heat generating element 13 is not deformed, it is preferable that the cover member 15 covers the outer side surface of the liquid holding member 12 and is provided with the first end portion 13B even in a range where the inner side surface of the liquid holding member 12 is not in contact with or close to the heat generating element 13 (heating portion 13A)₁In the range of (1), a cylindrical member 14 is provided inside the covering member 15₁At the second end portion 13B₂In the range of (1), the cylindrical member 14 is provided inside the covering member 15₂。

The cap 16 is a member that closes off a supply port for supplying the reservoir 11 with an aerosol source. In the embodiment, the supply port is provided at an end portion (hereinafter referred to as a downstream end) of the reservoir 11 on the downstream side of the air flow path. In other words, the supply port is provided on the opposite side of the connection portion 111C to the power supply (i.e., the nozzle-side opening 111O side) with reference to the reservoir 11. The supply port is opened in a predetermined direction (downstream side of the predetermined direction a in fig. 2) in which the aerosol atomized by the heating element 13 is directed toward the nozzle-side opening 111O, and the cover 16 is disposed so as to close the supply port from the nozzle-side opening 111O. The connecting portion 111C, the reservoir 11, the cover 16, and the nozzle-side opening 111O are arranged in this order in a predetermined direction (a downstream side in the predetermined direction a in fig. 2) of the direction in which the aerosol atomized by the heating element 13 is directed toward the nozzle-side opening 111O. The connecting portion 111C, the reservoir 11, the cover 16, and the nozzle-side opening 111O are linearly arranged. Preferably, the cap 16 is secured to the aspirator housing 110X and/or the barrel member 14₁. From storage through the lid 16In the operation of separating the vessel 11 (here, the operation toward the downstream), at least one of the heating element 13 and the power supply member is damaged.

Here, the power supply member may be any member that electrically connects the heating element 13 and the power supply. The power supply means is, for example, a lead wire (not shown in fig. 2) connecting the cylindrical member 14, the flange 17, the cylindrical member 14, or the flange 17 to a power supply. The wiring of the lead is not particularly limited, but the lead may be connected to a power supply through the inside of the atomizing unit housing 111X, for example.

The flange 17 is made of a conductive member, and is connected to the lead wire. For example, the flange 17 has: flange 17 for connecting a wire extending from a first pole of a power supply₁And a flange 17 for connecting a wire extending from a second pole of the power supply₂. Flange 17₁Is fixed to the tubular member 14₁ Flange 17₂Is fixed to the tubular member 14₂. Flange 17₁May also be secured to the cover 16. As described above, the lead wire connected to the flange 17 and the flange 17 may be an example of the power supply unit. The power supply unit includes: the first power supply part (for example, the flange 17)₂And a flange 17₂A lead wire connected) including a portion extending from the heating element 13 toward the side of the connection portion 111C with the power supply; second power supply portion (e.g. with flange 17)₁And a flange 17₁Connected lead wire) including a portion extending from the heat-generating body 13 toward the opposite side of the connection portion 111C (i.e., the nozzle-side opening 111O side). In such an example, the act of separating the lid 16 from the reservoir 11 (here, the downstream act) would result in, for example, a second power supply (e.g., with the flange 17)₁And a flange 17₁Connected wires) are broken.

Here, "damage" refers to the phenomenon that the function of each member is reduced. In the embodiment, it should be noted that the "damage" includes deformation of the heating element 13, contact failure between the cylindrical member 14 and the heating element 13, and the flange 17₁Fall-off of the wire from the flange 17₁And peeling off the lead, breaking the lead, and the like.

In the embodiment, when the direction in which the lid 16 is separated from the reservoir 11 is set as the separation direction, the power supply means is provided on the separation direction side of at least a part of the lid 16. The power supply unit may be disposed inside the cover 16. The power supply component may be fixed to the cover 16.

For example, since the cap 16 is fixed to the tubular member 14₁Therefore, the heating element 13 is deformed and the cylindrical member 14 and the heating element 13 are brought into poor contact with each other with the separation of the cover 16. Or, due to the flange 17₁Since the cover 16 is provided on the downstream end surface, the flange 17 comes off, the lead is peeled off from the flange 17, and the lead is broken with the separation of the cover 16. Alternatively, at the flange 17₁Is fixed to the tubular member 14₁And the lid 16, the deformation of the heating element 13, the contact failure between the cylindrical member 14 and the heating element 13, and the like occur as the lid 16 is separated.

In the embodiment, the heating element 13 is more easily broken than the power supply members such as the cylindrical member 14, the flange 17, and the lead wire. The lead wire is more easily broken than the cylindrical member 14 and the flange 17.

The aerosol source is liquid such as glycerol or propylene glycol. The aerosol source is held by a porous body made of a material such as a resin mesh, for example, as described above. The porous body may be formed of a non-tobacco material or a tobacco material. Furthermore, the aerosol source may contain flavour ingredients (nicotine ingredients etc.). Alternatively, the aerosol source may not contain a fragrance component.

The electrical accessory unit 112 has an electrical accessory unit housing 112X that constitutes a portion of the aspirator housing 110X. In an embodiment, the electrical accessory unit 112 has an inlet 112A. As shown in fig. 2, the air flowing from the inlet 112A is introduced into the atomizing unit 111 (heating element 13). The electric accessory unit 112 has a power supply for driving the flavor inhaler 100 and a control circuit for controlling the flavor inhaler 100. The power supply and control circuit are housed in the electrical accessory unit case 112X. The electrical component unit housing 112X has a cylindrical shape (for example, a cylindrical shape) extending in the predetermined direction a. The power source is, for example, a lithium ion battery. The control circuit is constituted by a CPU and a memory, for example.

The cartridge 130 can be connected to the inhaler body 110 constituting the flavor inhaler 100. The cartridge 130 is disposed downstream of the atomizer unit 111 on an air flow path that communicates from the inlet 112A to the outlet 130O (mouthpiece end). In other words, the cartridge 130 is not necessarily provided at a position closer to the nozzle end side than the atomizing unit 111 in physical space, and may be provided downstream of the atomizing unit 111 on an air flow path that guides the aerosol generated from the atomizing unit 111 to the nozzle end side.

For example, the cartridge 130 has a cartridge housing 131, a flavor source 132, a mesh 133A, and a filter 133B.

The cartridge case 131 has a cylindrical shape (for example, a cylindrical shape) extending in the predetermined direction a. The cartridge housing 131 houses a flavor source 132. Here, the cartridge case 131 is configured to be inserted into the inhaler case 110X along the predetermined direction a.

The fragrance source 132 is disposed downstream of the atomizing unit 111 in the air flow path. The fragrance source 132 imparts a fragrance component to the aerosol generated from the aerosol source. In other words, the fragrance imparted to the aerosol by the fragrance source 132 is carried to the mouthpiece end.

In the embodiment, the flavor source 132 is constituted by a raw material sheet that imparts a flavor component to the aerosol generated from the atomizing unit 111. The size of the raw material sheet is preferably 0.2mm to 1.2 mm. Further, the size of the raw material sheet is preferably 0.2mm to 0.7 mm. The smaller the size of the raw material sheet constituting the fragrance source 132, the larger the specific surface area, and therefore, the fragrance component is easily released from the raw material sheet constituting the fragrance source 132. Therefore, when a desired amount of flavor component is added to the aerosol, the amount of the raw material sheet can be suppressed. As the material sheet constituting the flavor source 132, tobacco shreds or tobacco is used, and a tobacco material is molded into a granular molded body. However, the flavor source 132 may be a formed body formed by forming a tobacco material into a sheet shape. The material sheet constituting the flavor source 132 may be constituted by a plant other than tobacco (e.g., mint, vanilla, etc.). The flavor source 132 may be provided with a flavor such as menthol.

Here, the raw material sheet constituting the flavor source 132 is obtained by screening according to JIS Z8815 using, for example, a stainless steel screen according to JIS Z8801. For example, a stainless steel sieve having a mesh opening of 0.71mm is used, and the raw material sheet is sieved by a dry method and a mechanical shaking method for 20 minutes to obtain a raw material sheet passing through the stainless steel sieve having a mesh opening of 0.71 mm. Next, the raw material sheet was screened by a dry type and mechanical shaking method for 20 minutes using a stainless steel screen having a mesh opening of 0.212m m, and the raw material sheet having passed through the stainless steel screen having a mesh opening of 0.212mm was removed. That is, the raw material sheet constituting the flavor source 132 is a raw material sheet that passes through a stainless steel sieve (mesh size 0.71mm) having a predetermined upper limit and does not pass through a stainless steel sieve (mesh size 0.212mm) having a predetermined lower limit. Therefore, in the embodiment, the lower limit of the size of the raw material pieces constituting the flavor source 132 is defined by the mesh size of the stainless steel sieve having a predetermined lower limit. The upper limit of the size of the raw material pieces constituting the flavor source 132 is defined by the mesh size of the stainless steel sieve having a predetermined upper limit.

In an embodiment, the flavor source 132 is a tobacco source having an alkaline pH. The pH of the tobacco source is preferably greater than 7, more preferably 8 or greater. Thereby, the flavor component generated from the tobacco source can be efficiently output by the aerosol. Thus, when a desired amount of flavor component is added to the aerosol, the amount of the tobacco source can be suppressed. On the other hand, the pH of the tobacco source is preferably 14 or less, and more preferably 10 or less. This can suppress damage (corrosion or the like) to the flavor inhaler 100 (for example, the cartridge 130 or the inhaler body 110).

It should be noted that the flavor component generated from the flavor source 132 is delivered by the aerosol without heating the flavor source 132 itself.

The mesh 133A is positioned to close the opening of the cartridge housing 131 upstream of the flavor source 132 and the filter 133B is positioned to close the opening of the cartridge housing 131 downstream of the flavor source 132. The mesh 133A has a density such that the raw material sheet constituting the fragrance source 132 does not pass therethrough. The density of the mesh openings 133A is, for example, 0.077mm to 0.198 mm. The filter 133B is made of a substance having air permeability. The filter 133B is preferably, for example, an acetate filter. The plugs 133B have a porosity to the extent that the raw material pieces constituting the flavor source 132 do not pass through.

(mode of Using non-Combustion type flavor aspirator)

Hereinafter, a use mode of the non-combustion flavor inhaler of the embodiment will be described. When the scent suction apparatus 100 detects a suction operation of the user, it starts to supply a power supply output to the heating element 13. As the supply of the power supply output to the heating element 13 is started, the atomization of the aerosol source held by the liquid holding member 12 is started. On the other hand, when the fragrance aspirator 100 no longer detects the suction operation of the user, the supply of the power output to the heating element 13 is stopped. The atomization of the aerosol source held by the liquid holding member 12 is stopped along with the stop of the supply of the power supply output to the heating element 13.

(method of manufacturing atomizing unit)

Hereinafter, a method of manufacturing the atomizing unit of the embodiment will be described. Fig. 4 and 5 are diagrams for explaining a method of manufacturing the atomizing unit 111 according to the embodiment.

As shown in fig. 4 a, the base member 300 has an axis X extending in a predetermined direction a, and the heating element 13 is disposed along a spiral groove or protrusion formed in a side surface of the base member 300 (step a). In an embodiment, the base member 300 is a jig including a portion having a cylindrical shape.

As described above, the heating element 13 is made of a wire material, and the process shown in fig. 4(a) is: the non-coiled wire material is wound along the spiral-shaped grooves or projections formed on the side surface of the base member 300, and is formed into a coiled wire material.

Next, as shown in FIG. 4(B), the flange 17 is fixed₂Of the cylindrical member 14₂A cylindrical member 14 is arranged on the outer side surface of the heating element 13 by sliding along a predetermined direction A₂And the tubular member 14 is made₁A cylindrical member 14 is arranged on the outer side surface of the heating element 13 by sliding along a predetermined direction A₁(step E). In such an example, the cylindrical member 14 is provided to expose the heating portion 13A of the heating element 13₁And a cylindrical member 14₂Are arranged in a state of being separated from each other.

Next, as shown in fig. 4(C), a case cover 111X constituting a part of the atomizing unit case 111X is made₁Is slid in the prescribed direction a and,thereby, the case cover 111X is made₁And a flange 17₂And (4) contacting. Next, the liquid holding member 12 is arranged so as to contact or come close to at least a part (the heating portion 13A) of the heating element 13 by sliding the liquid holding member 12 in the predetermined direction a (step C). Case cover 111X₁Is fixed to the tubular member 14₂And a flange 17₂。

The step of disposing the liquid holding member 12 so as to be in contact with or in proximity to the heating section 13A of the heating element 13 may be a step of disposing the liquid holding member 12 so that the liquid holding member 12 is in contact with or in proximity to the heating section 13A of the heating element 13 by disposing the covering member 15 as shown in fig. 4(D) to be described later. Further, the step of disposing the liquid holding member 12 may be a step of disposing the liquid holding member 12 while pressing the liquid holding member 12 against the outer side surface of the heating portion 13A. The step of disposing the liquid holding members 12 may be a step of disposing the liquid holding members 12 so as to contact the entire outer side surfaces of the heating portion 13A. The step of disposing the liquid holding member 12 is a step of disposing the liquid holding member 12 outside the heating element 13 when the heating element 13 is disposed on the outer side surface of the base member 300 (jig).

Next, as shown in fig. 4(D), the covering member 15 is slid in the predetermined direction a, whereby the covering member 15 is disposed on the outer side surface of the liquid holding member 12. The heating section 13A of the heating element 13 is brought into good contact with or close to the liquid holding member 12 by the arrangement of the cover member 15.

Next, as shown in fig. 5(a), a housing cylinder 111X constituting a part of the atomizing unit housing 111X is inserted into the housing cylinder 111X₂Fixed to the case cover 111X₁. Then, the case cover 111X is used₁ Shell cylinder 111X₂And a space formed by the cylindrical member 14. Preferably, a part of the reservoir 11 is also arranged outside the covering member 15. The reservoir 11 may be disposed in the housing cylinder 111X₂Fixed to the case cover 111X₁Before proceeding.

Here, it is preferable that the cylindrical member 14 is disposed on the outer side surface of the heating element 13, and then the heating element 13 is fixed to the cylindrical member 14. The fixing step of the heating element 13 and the cylindrical member 14 may be performed after the step shown in fig. 4(B) and before the step shown in fig. 5 (B). The fixing step of the heating element 13 and the cylindrical member 14 is preferably performed before the step shown in fig. 5(a), and more preferably before the step shown in fig. 4 (C). This makes it possible to fix the heating element 13 and the tubular member 14 without an extra member on the outer side surface of the tubular member 14, and thus, the heating element 13 and the tubular member 14 can be easily fixed.

Next, as shown in fig. 5(B), the downstream end of the reservoir 11 is blocked by the cap 16 after the reservoir 11 is filled with the aerosol source. The cover 16 is fixed to the housing cylinder 111X₂. Further, it should be noted that the upstream end of the reservoir 11 is covered with the case cover 111X₁And (6) plugging. Then, a flange 17 is disposed on the downstream end face of the cover 16₁. Flange 17₁And a cylindrical member 14₁And (4) fixing.

Then, as shown in fig. 5C, the base member 300 (jig) is rotated about the axis X as a rotation axis, and the entire heating element 13 is separated from the groove or the protrusion of the base member 300 (step B). Here, it should be noted that the cylindrical member 14 is fixed to the atomizing unit housing 111X (housing cover 111X) via the cover 16, the flange 17, or the like₁And a housing cylinder 111X₂). Therefore, the step shown in fig. 5(C) is performed after the cylindrical member 14 is fixed to the atomizing unit case 111X and/or after the cylindrical member 14 is fixed to the heating element 13. Here, a space used as an air flow path is formed inside the heating element 13 by the step shown in fig. 5(C), and an aerosol introduction port (cylindrical member 14) for causing the aerosol atomized by the heating element 13 to flow inside the heating element 13 is formed by the separation of the heating element 13 in the step shown in fig. 5(C)₁And a cylindrical member 14₂Interval (d) of the first step. Since the aerosol introduction port starts communicating with the inside of the heating element 13 by separating the heating element 13 from the base member 300, the step shown in fig. 5(C) is left as a step of forming the aerosol introduction port.

Further, the step shown in fig. 5(C) is a step of forming at least a part of the air flow path inside the heating element 13 by separating the heating element 13. Specifically, the step shown in fig. 5(C) is: the whole heating element 13 is separated from the base member 300 (jig), and at least a part of the air flow path is formed inside the heating element 13 by the separation of the heating element 13. In such an example, it is preferable to perform a step of arranging a flow passage forming member forming at least a part of the air flow passage (step G) before the step shown in fig. 5 (C). The flow passage forming member may be, for example, the cylindrical member 14 described above. Therefore, the step of disposing the flow path forming member may be considered as the step shown in fig. 4 (B).

In the embodiment, from the viewpoint of electrical connection between the cylindrical member 14 and the heating element 13, the depth of the groove of the base member 300 or the height of the protrusion of the base member 300 is preferably equal to or less than the diameter of the wire forming the heating element 13. On the other hand, from the viewpoint of holding the heating element 13 of the base member 300, the depth of the groove of the base member 300 or the height of the protrusion of the base member 300 is preferably half or more of the diameter of the wire forming the heating element 13.

(action and Effect)

In the embodiment, at least a part of the outer side surface of the liquid holding member 12 in the orthogonal direction B is covered with the covering member 15. With such a configuration, it is possible to suppress the aerosol source from being excessively supplied to the liquid holding member 12 (excessive supply). By suppressing the over-supply, the risk of liquid leakage is reduced. In addition, by suppressing the excessive supply, the heat loss of the heating atomization is suppressed, and the decrease in the atomization efficiency is suppressed.

Here, the covering member 15 is formed of a member that is impermeable to liquid. Thereby, the oversupply of the aerosol source is suppressed. The cover member 15 is preferably formed of a member having a lower thermal conductivity than that of the aerosol source or the liquid holding member 12. With this configuration, heat loss due to heating atomization is suppressed. The covering member 15 is preferably formed of a member that presses the liquid holding member 12 in the inward direction. With this configuration, the liquid holding member 12 can be brought into good contact with or close to the heating element 13.

In the embodiment, it is preferable that the covering member 15 covers the outer side surface of the liquid holding member 12 over the entire length of the outer side surface of the liquid holding member 12 along the predetermined direction a in a range where the inner side surface of the liquid holding member 12 is in contact with or close to the heating element 13 (heating portion 13A). With this configuration, the excessive supply can be further suppressed.

In the embodiment, it is preferable that the covering member 15 covers the outer side surface of the liquid holding member 12 over the entire circumference of the outer side surface of the liquid holding member 12 along the predetermined direction a in the circumferential direction with the predetermined direction a as an axis in a range where the inner side surface of the liquid holding member 12 is in contact with or close to the heating element 13 (heating portion 13A). With this configuration, the excessive supply can be further suppressed.

In the embodiment, the covering member 15 preferably uniformly covers the outer side surface of the liquid holding member 12. With this configuration, the aerosol source can be uniformly supplied to the heating element 13 (heating section 13A), and the atomization efficiency can be improved. For example, the covering member 15 may cover the outer side surface of the liquid holding member 12 without having an opening. This can more effectively suppress the over-supply. Alternatively, the covering member 15 may have 10 or more openings arranged at equal intervals. By adjusting the number or size of 10 or more openings arranged at equal intervals, not only the oversupply described above is suppressed, but also the supply amount of the aerosol source can be adjusted to an arbitrary amount, and the aerosol source can be easily and uniformly supplied, and the atomization efficiency is improved. Alternatively, the cover member 15 may have a plurality of openings arranged at equal intervals, and the area (covered area) of the outer side surface of the liquid holding member 12 covered by the cover member 15 may be 60% or more of the area of the outer side surface of the liquid holding member 12. With this configuration, the supply amount of the aerosol source can be suppressed more effectively.

In the embodiment, the thickness of the liquid holding member 12 in the state covered with the covering member 15 is preferably smaller than the thickness of the liquid holding member 12 in the state not covered with the covering member 15, in other words, a structure in which the liquid holding member 12 is compressed by the covering member 15 is preferable. With such a configuration, the liquid holding member 12 is compressed, thereby suppressing the excessive amount of the aerosol source from being held by the liquid holding member 12.

In the embodiment, at least a part of the reservoir 11 is preferably disposed outside the covering member 15 in the orthogonal direction B. According to such a configuration, the space outside the cover member 15 is allocated to the reservoir 11 to increase the capacity of the reservoir 11 (i.e., the amount of aerosol source storable by the reservoir 11), and the cover member 15 can suppress the oversupply.

In the embodiment, the cylindrical member 14 constitutes a barrier member having an outer side surface located between the outer side surface of the heating element 13 and the inner side surface of the cover member 15 in the orthogonal direction B. The outer side surface of the cylindrical member 14 is preferably disposed at a position facing a part of the inner side surface of the liquid holding member 12. Further, the outer side surface of the cylindrical member 14 is preferably provided at a position facing a part of the inner side surface of the covering member 15. With this configuration, the deformation of the heating element 13 due to the stress in the inward direction of the liquid holding member 12 covered with the covering member 15 is suppressed. Further, when the cylindrical member 14 constitutes the air flow path and has a predetermined strength (for example, a strength capable of receiving a stress in the orthogonal direction B when the covering member 15 presses the outer side surface of the cylindrical member 14 in the inward direction), the deformation of the heating element 13 and the deformation of the air flow path due to the stress of the covering member 15 are suppressed. That is, in the form where the inside of the cylindrical member 14 is the air flow path, the cylindrical member 14 functions as a blocking member in order to suppress deformation of the heating element 13 and deformation of the air flow path due to stress of the covering member 15.

In the embodiment, the cylindrical member 14 forming at least a part of the air flow path is made of a conductive material and has a first contact point and a first end portion 13B₁Contacting cylindrical parts 14₁And a second end portion 13B at the second contact point₂Contacting cylindrical parts 14₂. Therefore, the number of parts required for forming the air flow path and the electrical contact can be reduced.

In an embodiment, a cap 16 is provided that closes off a supply port for supplying an aerosol source to the reservoir 11. The operation of separating the lid 16 from the container 11 (here, the operation toward the downstream) may damage at least one of the heating element 13 and the power supply member. Therefore, the use of the fragrance aspirator 100 by refilling the reservoir 11 with the aerosol source can be effectively suppressed. Further, since the cap 16 is made to close the supply port provided on the opposite side of the connection portion 111C to the power supply with respect to the reservoir, the use of the fragrance aspirator 100 by the refilling of the aerosol source is effectively suppressed.

In an embodiment, the power supply means comprises: first power supply portion (e.g., flange 17)₂And with the flange 17₂A lead wire connected) including a portion extending from the heating element 13 toward the side of the connection portion 111C with the power supply; second power supply part (e.g. flange 17)₁And with the flange 17₁Connected lead wire) including a portion extending from the heating element 13 toward the opposite side of the connection portion 111C (i.e., the nozzle-side opening 111O side). Therefore, the second power supply portion is easily broken by the operation of separating the lid 16 from the reservoir 11 (the operation toward the downstream in this case).

In the embodiment, the coil constituting the heat generating body 13 includes: a heating section 13A configured by a wire rod between a first contact and a second contact disposed closest to each other on the wire rod; first end portion 13B₁A wire rod formed of a wire rod outside one side of the heating portion 13A; second end portion 13B₂And is formed of a wire on the other outer side of the heating portion 13A. At least a part of the inner side surface of the liquid holding member 12 is in contact with or close to the heating portion 13A. That is, the end portion (the first end portion 13B in the embodiment) having a high possibility of poor quality is not provided₁And a second end portion 13B₂) Since the heating portion is a portion having a good quality (the heating portion 13A in the embodiment) other than the end of the wire rod constituting the heating element 13 (coil), the uniformity of the amount of aerosol generated can be improved without depending on the method for producing the heating element 13.

In the embodiment, since only the central portion of the heating element 13 (coil) is used as the heating portion 13A, the liquid holding member 12 can be easily disposed over the entire central portion used as the heating member 13A, and the atomizing unit 111 with less energy loss can be easily configured.

In the embodiment, the cylindrical member 14 is made of a conductive material and is provided between the first contact point and the first end portion 13B₁Contacting cylindrical parts 14₁And a second end portion 13B at a second contact point₂Contacting cylindrical parts 14₂. Tubular member 14₁And a cylindrical member 14₂Is disposed on the side surface (outer side surface in the embodiment) of the heating element 13. The side surface of the heating element 13 means: when the coil constituting the heating element 13 is considered to be a cylindrical member, the side surfaces of the heating element 13 are the outer circumferential surface and the inner circumferential surface of the coil. Therefore, the side surface of the heating element 13 is actually constituted by the side surface of the wire rod forming the coil. With the above configuration, the contact with the cylindrical member 14 occurs on the side surface of the heating element 13, whereby the electrical connection on the surface can be performed, and the stable electrical connection can be realized. In addition, when the side surface of the heating element 13 is electrically connected to the cylindrical member 14 with fixation, the heating element 13 can be fixed to the side surface, and can be firmly fixed to the cylindrical member 14. In addition, fixation such as welding can be easily performed.

Further, in the embodiment, since the cylindrical member 14 has a surface, electrical connection between the surfaces can be realized, stable electrical connection can be performed, and the heating element 13 can be stably fixed to the cylindrical member 14. In addition, fixation such as welding can be easily performed.

In the embodiment, the tubular member 14₁Arranged in the orthogonal direction B between the liquid holding member 12 and the first end portion 13B₁A cylindrical member 14₂Arranged in the orthogonal direction B between the liquid holding member 12 and the second end portion 13B₂In the meantime. Therefore, the heating element 13 is composed of the tubular member 14₁And a cylindrical member 14₂The support can suppress deformation of the heating element 13 even if the inside of the heating element 13 is hollow.

In the embodiment, the base member 300 (jig) has an axis X extending in the predetermined direction a, and the method of manufacturing the atomizing unit 111 includes: the heating element 13 is disposed so that the heating element 13 is along a spiral groove or protrusion formed on a side surface of the base member 300 (jig), and the base member 300 is rotated about the axis X as a rotation axis to separate the entire heating element 13 from the groove or protrusion of the base member 300. That is, since the heating element 13 is supported by the base member 300 in the manufacturing process of the atomizing unit 111, the deformation of the heating element 13 in the manufacturing process of the atomizing unit 111 can be suppressed, and the atomizing unit 111 having the high-quality heating element 13 can be manufactured.

In the embodiment, after the liquid holding member 12 is brought into contact with or close to the heating portion 13A of the heating element 13, the base member 300 (jig) is rotated about the axis X as a rotation axis, and the entire heating element 13 is separated from the groove or protrusion of the base member 300. The deformation of the heating element 13 can be suppressed by the step of disposing the liquid holding member 12 so as to contact or come close to the heating section 13A of the heating element 13 (particularly, the step of bringing the heating section 13A into contact or come close to the liquid holding member 12), and the atomizing unit 111 having the heating element 13 of high quality can be manufactured.

In the embodiment, the cylindrical member 14 is disposed on the outer side surface of the heating element 13 in the orthogonal direction before the base member 300 (jig) is rotated about the axis X as a rotation axis to separate the entire heating element 13 from the groove or the protrusion of the base member 300. In other words, in the manufacturing process of the atomizing unit 111, the heating element 13 is always supported by the base member 300 or the cylindrical member 14. Therefore, the deformation of the heating element 13 in the manufacturing process of the atomizing unit 111 can be always suppressed, and the atomizing unit 111 having the high-quality heating element 13 can be manufactured.

The step of disposing the liquid holding member 12 may be a step of disposing the liquid holding member 12 while the liquid holding member 12 presses the outer side surface of the heating portion 13A. The step of disposing the liquid holding members 12 may be a step of disposing the liquid holding members 12 so as to contact the entire outer side surfaces of the heating portion 13A. In these examples, since the liquid holding member 12 is disposed before the heat generating element 13 is separated from the base member 300, deformation of the heat generating element 13 can be suppressed in the step of disposing the liquid holding member 12, and the atomizing unit 111 having the heat generating element 13 of high quality can be manufactured.

Further, at least a part of the air flow path can be formed inside the heating element 13 by separating the heating element 13. This suppresses the entry of foreign matter into the air flow path before the heat-generating body 13 is separated from the base member 300.

In the embodiment, after the tubular member 14 is fixed to the atomizing unit case 111X and/or after the heating element 13 is fixed to the tubular member 14, the base member 300 (jig) is rotated about the axis X as a rotation axis, and the entire heating element 13 is separated from the groove or the protrusion of the base member 300. Therefore, deformation of the heating element 13 due to rotation of the base member 300 can be suppressed, and the atomizing unit 111 having the high-quality heating element 13 can be manufactured.

[ modification example 1]

A modified example 1 of the embodiment will be described below. Hereinafter, differences from the embodiments will be mainly described.

In modification 1, a modification of the step of disposing the liquid holding member 12 so as to be in contact with or close to the heating section 13A of the heating element 13 (step shown in fig. 4C) will be described. Fig. 6 is a diagram for explaining a modification of the procedure shown in fig. 4 (C). Note that modification 1 is different from the embodiment in that: the step of rotating the base member 300 (jig) about the axis X as a rotation axis to separate the entire heating element 13 from the groove or projection of the base member 300 is performed in the middle of the step shown in fig. 4C.

Specifically, as shown in fig. 6(a), a sliding member 400 having a cylindrical shape is slid in a predetermined direction a, whereby the sliding member 400 is disposed on the outer side surfaces of the heating element 13 and the tubular member 14. That is, the sliding member 400 is slid along the outer side surfaces of the heating element 13 and the cylindrical member 14 in the orthogonal direction B (step C1).

Next, as shown in fig. 6B, the base member 300 (jig) is rotated about the axis X as a rotation axis, and the entire heating element 13 is separated from the groove or the projection of the base member 300 (step B). Here, it should be noted that the cylindrical member 14 is fixed to the atomizing unit housing 111X (housing cover 111X) via the flange 17 or the like₁)。

Next, as shown in fig. 6C, the liquid holding member 12 is slid along the outer side surface of the sliding member 400 in the orthogonal direction B (step C2). Here, since the heat generating element 13 is covered with the sliding member 400, even if the liquid holding member 12 is disposed in a state where the entire heat generating element 13 is separated from the base member 300 (jig), deformation of the heat generating element 13 due to the disposition of the liquid holding member 12 can be suppressed.

Next, as shown in fig. 6(D), the sliding member 400 is removed by sliding the sliding member 400 in the predetermined direction a. That is, the sliding member 400 is removed from between the liquid holding member 12 and the heating element 13 by sliding (step C3). Accordingly, it should be noted that the liquid holding member 12 is disposed so as to contact or come close to the heating portion 13A of the heating element 13.

In such an example, the sliding member 400 is preferably configured to be more easily slid in the predetermined direction a than the liquid holding member 12. For example, the sliding member 400 is configured to: the frictional force (dynamic frictional force and/or static frictional force) acting between the inner side surface of the sliding member 400 and the outer side surface of the tubular member 14 is made smaller than the frictional force between the inner side surface of the liquid holding member 12 and the outer side surface of the tubular member 14. With this structure, the liquid holding member 12 can be more easily slidably disposed using the sliding member 400 than in the case where the liquid holding member 12 is disposed separately. In such an example, the rigidity of the sliding member 400 is preferably higher than the rigidity of the liquid holding member 12. With this configuration, it is less likely that the sliding member 400 will slide on the tubular member 14 using the sliding member 400 than in the case where the liquid holding member 12 is disposed separately₁And a cylindrical member 14₂The liquid holding member 12 is easily arranged because the liquid holding member is caught by the slit of the pipe.

In the example shown in fig. 6, the sliding member 400 is slid along the outer side surface of the tubular member 14, and then the liquid holding member 12 is slid along the outer side surface of the sliding member 400, but the modification 1 is not limited thereto. Specifically, the sliding member 400 may be slid along the outer side surface of the tubular member 14 in a state where the sliding member 400 is inserted into the liquid holding member 12 after the sliding member 400 is inserted into the liquid holding member 12.

In the example shown in fig. 6, the sliding member 400 is removed by sliding after the heat generating element 13 is separated from the groove or the protrusion of the base member 300, but the modification 1 is not limited to this. Specifically, the step of removing the sliding member 400 by sliding may be performed before the step of separating the heating element 13 from the groove or the protrusion of the base member 300.

In modification 1, the depth of the groove of the base member 300 or the height of the protrusion of the base member 300 is preferably equal to or less than the diameter of the wire forming the heating element 13 and equal to or more than half the diameter of the wire, as in the embodiment.

In modification 1, the step of separating the heating element 13 from the groove or the protrusion of the base member 300 is preferably performed after fixing the cylindrical member 14 to the atomizing unit case 111X and/or after fixing the heating element 13 to the cylindrical member 14, as in the embodiment.

(action and Effect)

In modification 1, the heat-generating body 13 is separated from the groove or the protrusion of the base member 300 before the liquid holding member 12 is disposed so as to contact or come close to the heating portion 13A of the heat-generating body 13. In this way, the base member 300 can be separated as soon as possible before the assembly of the components such as the liquid holding member 12, and the base member 300 can be used for the manufacture of the next semi-finished product in a short time, and the productivity of the atomizing unit 111 can be improved.

In addition to obtaining the above-described effects, by using the sliding member 400, in the step of disposing the liquid holding member 12 so as to contact or come close to the heating portion 13A of the heating element 13 (for example, the step of sliding the liquid holding member 12), the deformation of the heating element 13 can be suppressed, and the atomizing unit 111 having the high-quality heating element 13 can be manufactured. Further, the liquid holding member 12 can be easily disposed on the outer side surfaces of the heating element 13 and the cylindrical member 14.

[ modification 2]

A modified example 2 of the embodiment will be described below. Hereinafter, differences from the embodiments will be mainly described.

In an embodiment, the base member 300 is a jig having a cylindrical shape. In contrast, in modification 2, the base member 300 is, for example, the tubular member 14 (tubular member 14)₁And a cylindrical member 14₂). Fig. 7 is a diagram for explaining a method of manufacturing the atomizing unit 111 according to modification 2. Note that, in fig. 7, the atomizing unit housing 111X, the cover 16, the flange 17, and the like are omitted.

Specifically, as shown in fig. 7 a, the cylindrical member 14 has an axis X extending in a predetermined direction a, the heating element 13 is disposed so that the heating element 13 is along a spiral groove or protrusion formed on the inner side surface of the cylindrical member 14, and the cylindrical member 14 and the heating element 13 are electrically connected (step a and step D). Here, the cylindrical member 14 is disposed outside the heating element 13.

In modification 2, the tubular member 14₁And a cylindrical member 14₂Are continuous in a predetermined direction A. In other words, step A is carried out across the tubular member 14₁And a cylindrical member 14₂And disposing the heating element 13 on both sides.

Here, it should be noted that the tubular member 14 (tubular member 14) in the orthogonal direction B₁And a cylindrical member 14₂) The liquid holding member 12 is disposed on the outer side surface.

Next, in fig. 7(B), the cylindrical member 14 is rotated about the axis X as a rotation axis₁And a cylindrical member 14₂At least one of them is rotated to separate the heating element 13 from the groove or the projection (step B). Namely, step B is: maintaining the heating element 13 across the tubular member 14₁And a cylindrical member 14₂Both of them are arranged, and the cylindrical member 14 is simultaneously rotated₁And a cylindrical member 14₂Are separated from each other.

In modification 2, the tubular member 14 is made of₁And a cylindrical member 14₂Separated from each other, the heating portion 13A of the heating element 13 is exposed to the liquid holding member 12. Further, the liquid holding member 12 is disposed so as to contact or come close to the heating section 13A of the heating element 13 (step C or step C4). Here, since the first shape is obtained by the step shown in FIG. 7(B)Cylindrical member 14₁And a cylindrical member 14₂Therefore, the step shown in FIG. 7B is to form an aerosol introduction port (cylindrical member 14) for passing the aerosol atomized by the heating element 13 to the inside of the heating element 13 by separating the heating element 13₁And a cylindrical member 14₂The interval therebetween).

Here, if the heating element 13 is to be fixed to the cylindrical member 14, such a fixing step may be performed after the step shown in fig. 7 (B). Alternatively, the tubular member 14 may be provided₁And a cylindrical member 14₂After one conductive member is fixed to the heating body 13, the other conductive member is separated from the one conductive member. The step of electrically connecting the cylindrical member 14 and the heating element 13 (step D) can be regarded as such a fixing step.

In addition, the cylindrical member 14 is used₁And a cylindrical member 14₂In a state before being separated from each other (i.e., the state shown in fig. 7 (a)), the cylindrical member 14₁And a cylindrical member 14₂Or may be connected by screwing.

(action and Effect)

In modification 2, the heating element 13 is disposed along a spiral groove or protrusion formed on the inner side surface of the tubular member 14, and the tubular member 14 is rotated about the axis X as a rotation axis₁And a cylindrical member 14₂At least one of them is rotated to separate the heating element 13 from the groove or the projection. That is, in the manufacturing process of the atomizing unit 111, the heat generating body 13 is received by the cylindrical member 14₁And a cylindrical member 14₂Therefore, deformation of the heating element 13 can be suppressed, and the atomizing unit 111 having the high-quality heating element 13 can be manufactured.

In modification 2, since the tubular member 14 is used as the base member 300, an additional jig for forming the heating element 13 as in the embodiment is not required, and the manufacturing process of the atomizing unit 111 can be simplified.

[ modification 3]

A modified example 3 of the embodiment will be described below. Hereinafter, differences from modified example 2 will be mainly described.

In modification 2, the heating element 13 is disposed so as to follow a spiral groove or protrusion formed on the inner side surface of the cylindrical member 14. In contrast, in modification 3, the heating element 13 is disposed so as to follow the spiral groove or protrusion formed on the outer side surface of the cylindrical member 14.

Specifically, as shown in fig. 8 a, the cylindrical member 14 has an axis X extending in a predetermined direction a, the heating element 13 is disposed along a spiral groove or protrusion formed on the outer side surface of the cylindrical member 14, and the cylindrical member 14 and the heating element 13 are electrically connected (step a and step D). Here, the cylindrical member 14 is disposed inside the heating element 13.

Next, in fig. 8(B), the cylindrical member 14 is rotated about the axis X as a rotation axis₁And a cylindrical member 14₂At least one of them is rotated to separate the heating element 13 from the groove or the projection (step B). Here, the tubular member 14 is formed for the first time by the process shown in fig. 8(B)₁And a cylindrical member 14₂Therefore, in the step shown in FIG. 8B, an aerosol introduction port (cylindrical member 14) for passing the aerosol atomized by the heating element 13 to the inside of the heating element 13 is formed by separating the heating element 13₁And a cylindrical member 14₂The interval therebetween).

(action and Effect)

In modification 3, as in modification 2, the atomizing unit 111 having the high-quality heating element 13 can be manufactured, and the manufacturing process of the atomizing unit 111 can be simplified.

[ modification 4]

A modified example 4 of the embodiment will be described below. Hereinafter, differences from the embodiments will be mainly described.

In the embodiment, the tubular member 14₁Inner diameter of and cylindrical member 14₂Have the same inner diameter. In contrast, in modification 4, as shown in fig. 9, the tubular member 14₁Inner diameter and outer diameter ratio of the tubular member 14₂Has a large inner diameter and a large outer diameter. Note that, in fig. 9, the atomizing unit housing 111X, the cover 16, the flange 17, and the like are omitted.

In such an example, as shown in fig. 9, the heat-generating body 13 has a heating section 13A and a first end section 13B₁But without the second end portion 13B₂. First end portion 13B₁Outer side surface of (2) and the tubular member 14₁Are in contact with each other. In other words, the tubular member 14₁Is disposed outside the heating element 13. On the other hand, in the tubular member 14₂To the outside side or end face of which a wire is drawn upstream from the heating portion 13A. Here, the lead wire is made of the same member (e.g., nichrome wire) as the heating element 13. The lead wire may be a member directly extending the wire forming the heating element 13. Tubular member 14₂The outer side or end face and the conductive line constitute a second contact CP 2. The lead wire is fixed to the tubular member 14 by welding or soldering₁The outer side of (a).

Note that, although the lead wire is expanded for convenience of illustration in fig. 9, it should be noted that, in practice, the lead wire is disposed between the liquid holding member 12 and the tubular member 14.

(action and Effect)

In modification 4, the tubular member 14 provided on the downstream side₁Is provided in the upstream side of the outer diameter ratio of the tubular member 14₂Is larger. Therefore, the covering member 15 and the cylindrical member 14 are combined₂The distance between the covering member 15 and the tubular member 14 is compared₁The distance (c) is small, and the excessive supply of the aerosol source to the liquid holding member 12 can be suppressed on the downstream side.

In modification 4, the tubular member 14₁Arranged in the perpendicular direction B between the liquid holding member 12 and the first end portion 13B₁In the meantime. Therefore, since the cylindrical member 14 passes₁The heating element 13 is supported so that deformation of the heating element 13 can be suppressed even if the inside of the heating element 13 is hollow.

[ modification 5]

A modified example 3 of the embodiment will be described below. Hereinafter, differences from the embodiments will be mainly described.

In the embodiment, the tubular member 14₁Inner diameter of and cylindrical member 14₂Have the same inner diameter. In contrast, in modification 4, as shown in fig. 10, the tubular member 14₁Inner diameter and outer diameter ratio of the tubular member 14₂Are larger. Note that, in fig. 10, the atomizing unit housing 111X, the cover 16, the flange 17, and the like are omitted.

In such an example, as shown in FIG. 10, the heat-generating body 13 has a heating section 13A, a first end section 13B₁And a second end portion 13B₂. However, the second end portion 13B₂Has an outer diameter larger than that of the first end portion 13B₁Has a small outer diameter. First end portion 13B₁Outer side surface of (2) and the tubular member 14₁Are in contact with each other. Likewise, the second end portion 13B₂Outer side surface of (2) and the tubular member 14₂Are in contact with each other. In other words, the tubular member 14₁And a cylindrical member 14₂Is disposed outside the heating element 13.

(action and Effect)

In modification 5, the tubular member 14 provided on the downstream side₁Is arranged upstream of the cylindrical member 14₂Has a large outer diameter. Therefore, the same as modification 4, and the covering member 15 and the cylindrical member 14₂The distance between the covering member 15 and the tubular member 14 is compared₁The distance therebetween is small, and the excessive supply of the aerosol source to the liquid holding member 12 can be suppressed on the downstream side.

In modification 5, the tubular member 14₁Arranged in the orthogonal direction B between the liquid holding member 12 and the first end portion 13B₁A cylindrical member 14₂Arranged in the orthogonal direction B between the liquid holding member 12 and the second end portion 13B₂In the meantime. Therefore, since the cylindrical member 14 passes₁The heating element 13 is supported, and even if the inside of the heating element 13 is hollow, the deformation of the heating element 13 can be suppressed.

[ modification 6]

A modified example 6 of the embodiment will be described below. Hereinafter, the differences of the embodiments will be mainly described.

In the embodiment, the tubular member 14₁Inner diameter and cylindrical member of14₂Have the same inner diameter. In contrast, in modification 6, as shown in fig. 11, the tubular member 14₁Inner diameter and outer diameter ratio of the tubular member 14₂Has a large inner diameter and a large outer diameter. Note that, in fig. 11, the atomizing unit housing 111X, the cover 16, the flange 17, and the like are omitted.

In such an example, as shown in FIG. 11, the heat-generating body 13 has a heating section 13A and a second end section 13B₂But without the first end portion 13B₁. Second end portion 13B₂Inner side surface of (2) and the tubular member 14₂Are in contact with each other. In other words, the tubular member 14₂Is disposed inside the heating element 13. On the other hand, in the tubular member 14₁To the outside side or end face of which a wire is drawn downstream from the heating portion 13A. Tubular member 14₁The outer side or end face and the conductive line constitute a first contact CP 1.

Note that, although the lead wire is expanded for convenience of illustration in fig. 11, the lead wire is actually disposed between the liquid holding member 12 and the tubular member 14.

(action and Effect)

In modification 6, the tubular member 14 provided on the downstream side₁Is provided in the upstream side of the outer diameter ratio of the tubular member 14₂Has a large outer diameter. Therefore, the same as modifications 4 and 5, and the covering member 15 and the tubular member 14₂The distance between the covering member 15 and the tubular member 14 is compared₁The distance (c) is small, and the excessive supply of the aerosol source to the liquid holding member 12 can be suppressed on the downstream side.

In modification 6, the tubular member 14₂Arranged in the orthogonal direction B between the liquid holding member 12 and the first end portion 13B₂In the meantime. Therefore, since the cylindrical member 14 passes₂The heating element 13 is supported, and even if the inside of the heating element 13 is hollow, the deformation of the heating element 13 can be suppressed.

[ modification example ]

A modified example 7 of the embodiment will be described below. Hereinafter, the differences of the embodiments will be mainly described.

In modification 7, a method for manufacturing the atomizing unit 111 shown in modification 4 (fig. 9) will be described. However, since the atomizing unit housing 111X, the cover member 15, the cover 16, and the flange 17 are attached in substantially the same manner as in the embodiment, the attachment method thereof is omitted. In modification 7, the base member 300 (jig) having the axis X extending in the predetermined direction includes: a first support portion 310 having a first outer diameter, a second support portion 320 having a second outer diameter smaller than the first outer diameter, a base portion 330, and a step portion 340. Tubular member 14₁Corresponding to the first outer diameter, the tubular member 14₂Corresponds to the second outer diameter. The base portion 330 is a member for supporting the first support portion 310, and is configured to connect the tubular member 14₁A first locking part for locking, and a step part 340 which is a boundary part of the first support part 310 and the second support part 320 and constitutes the tubular member 14₂A second locking portion for locking.

In modification 7, the tubular member 14₁The inner diameter of (A) corresponds to the first outer diameter means that the tubular member 14 is cylindrical₁Has the following size relationship with the outer diameter of the first support portion 310: making the cylindrical member 14₁Is slidable along the heating element 13 disposed on the outer side surface of the first support part 310, and the heating element 13 and the tubular member 14 disposed on the first support part 310 are made to slide along₁Are in contact with each other. On the other hand, the tubular member 14₂The inner diameter of (A) corresponds to the second outer diameter, and means that the tubular member 14 is₂Has the following size relationship with the outer diameter of the second supporting portion 320: tubular member 14₂Is slidable along the outer side surface of the second support portion 320, and is provided in the tubular member 14₂Not to make the cylindrical member 14 in a state of being arranged on the outer side surface of the second supporting portion 320 (e.g., in a manufacturing step)₂Is offset from the central axis of the second support portion 320.

As shown in fig. 12a, the heating element 13 is disposed along a spiral groove or protrusion formed on the outer side surface of the first support portion 310 (step a).

Next, as shown in FIG. 12(B), the cartridge is put into placeForm part 14₁Sliding along axis X to tubular member 14₁The position locked by the base part 330, thereby, the tubular member 14 is arranged along the outer side surface of the first supporting part 310₁(step E1 and step E3). In the step shown in FIG. 12(B), the tubular member 14 is disposed from the second support portion 320 side having a small outer diameter toward the first support portion 310 side having a large outer diameter₁The step (2). It should be noted here that the tubular member 14 is disposed in a predetermined direction along the axis X₁Is shorter than the full length of the first support portion 310.

Next, as shown in FIG. 12(C), the tubular member 14 is made₂Sliding along axis X to tubular member 14₂The position locked by the base part 340, thereby, the tubular member 14 is arranged along the outer side surface of the second supporting part 320₂(step E2 and step E4). In the step shown in FIG. 12C, the tubular member 14 is disposed from the second support portion 320 side having a small outer diameter toward the first support portion 310 side having a large outer diameter₂The step (2). It should be noted that the cylindrical member 14 is locked to the step portion 340₂. Thereby, the cylindrical member 14₁And a cylindrical member 14₂Are arranged in a state of being separated from each other.

Next, as shown in fig. 12(D), the lead wire drawn upstream from the heating portion 13A is connected to the tubular member 14₂The outer side surface of the first contact point CP 2. For example, the lead wire is fixed to the tubular member 14 by welding or soldering₂The outer side of (a). The second contact CP2 may be formed in the tubular member 14₂The end face of the lead frame is connected with a lead.

Next, the liquid holding member 12 is slid along the axis X, whereby the liquid holding member 12 is disposed on the outer side surfaces of the heating element 13 and the cylindrical member 14. That is, the liquid holding member 12 is disposed so as to contact or come close to the heating section 13A of the heating element 13 (step C). Here, the step of disposing the liquid holding member 12 so as to contact or come close to the heating section 13A of the heating element 13 is: the liquid holding member 12 is disposed from the second support portion 320 side having a small outer diameter toward the first support portion 310 side having a large outer diameter.

Next, in fig. 12E, the base member 300 (jig) is rotated about the axis X as a rotation axis, and the entire heating element 13 is separated from the groove or the protrusion of the base member 300 (step B). The aerosol inlet and the air flow channel are formed by the step shown in fig. 12(E), which is similar to the embodiment.

Although not shown in fig. 12, the cylindrical member 14 is preferably fixed to the atomizing unit housing 111X (housing cover 111X) via the cover 16, the flange 17, or the like, as in the embodiment₁And a housing cylinder 111X₂). That is, the step shown in fig. 12(E) is preferably performed after the cylindrical member 14 is fixed to the atomizing unit housing 111X.

Note that, although the lead wire is expanded for convenience of illustration in fig. 12, the lead wire is actually disposed between the liquid holding member 12 and the tubular member 14.

(action and Effect)

In modification 7, the lead wire drawn upstream from the heating portion 13A is connected to the tubular member 14₂The outer side surface or end surface of the second contact point CP 2. Therefore, the second contact CP2 can be easily formed.

In modification 7, the tubular member 14 is locked by the base portion 330₁And the cylindrical member 14 is locked by the step part 340₂. Thus, the cylindrical member 14₁And a cylindrical member 14₂Is easy to position and the cylindrical member 14 is easy to be positioned₁And a cylindrical member 14₂Separated from each other by a distance corresponding to the heating portion 13A.

In modification 7, the tubular member 14 is provided₁ Tubular member 14₂And the liquid holding member 12 is slid from the second support portion 320 side having the small outer diameter toward the first support portion 310 side having the large outer diameter. Therefore, these members are easily slid.

[ modification example 8]

A modified example 8 of the embodiment will be described below. Hereinafter, the differences from modified example 7 will be mainly described.

In modification 8, a method for manufacturing the atomizing unit 111 shown in modification 5 (fig. 10) will be described. However, since the atomizing unit housing 111X, the cover member 15, the cover 16, and the flange 17 are attached in substantially the same manner as in the embodiment, these attachment methods are omitted. In modification 8, the same base member 300 (jig) as in modification 7 was used.

In modification 8, the tubular member 14₁The inner diameter of (A) corresponds to the first outer diameter means that the tubular member 14 is cylindrical₁Has the following size relationship with the outer diameter of the first support portion 310: tubular member 14₁Is slidable along the heating element 13 disposed on the outer side surface of the first support portion 310, and the heating element 13 disposed on the first support portion 310 and the tubular member 14 are made to slide along₁Are in contact with each other. Also, the cylindrical member 14₂The inner diameter of (A) corresponds to the second outer diameter, and means that the tubular member 14 is₂Has the following size relationship with the outer diameter of the second supporting portion 320: tubular member 14₂The heating element 13 and the cylindrical member 14 arranged in the second support part 320 are slidable along the heating element 13 arranged in the outer side surface of the second support part 320₂Are in contact with each other.

As shown in fig. 13a, the heating elements 13 are arranged so as to follow spiral grooves or projections formed on the outer side surfaces of the first support portion 310 and the second support portion 320 (step a).

Next, as shown in FIG. 13(B), the tubular member 14 is made₁Sliding along axis X to tubular member 14₁The position locked by the base part 330, thereby, the tubular member 14 is arranged along the outer side surface of the first supporting part 310₁(step E1 and step E3).

Next, as shown in FIG. 13(C), the tubular member 14 is made₂Sliding along axis X to tubular member 14₂The position of the stepped part 340 is locked, thereby the cylindrical member 14 is arranged along the outer side surface of the second supporting part 320₂(step E2 and step E4). Next, the liquid holding member 12 is slid along the axis X, whereby the liquid holding member 12 is disposed on the outer side surfaces of the heating element 13 and the cylindrical member 14.

Next, in fig. 13D, the base member 300 (jig) is rotated about the axis X as a rotation axis, and the entire heating element 13 is separated from the groove or the protrusion of the base member 300 (step B). The aerosol inlet port and the air flow channel are formed by the step shown in fig. 13(D), which is the same as the embodiment.

(action and Effect)

In modification 8, the tubular member 14 is locked by the base portion 330₁The cylindrical member 14 is locked by the step part 340₂. Thus, the cylindrical member 14₁And a cylindrical member 14₂The positioning of the cylindrical member 14 becomes easy₁And a cylindrical member 14₂Are easily separated from each other by a distance corresponding to the heating portion 13A.

In modification 8, the tubular member 14 is made₁ Tubular member 14₂And the liquid holding member 12 is slid from the second support portion 320 side having the small outer diameter toward the first support portion 310 side having the large outer diameter. Therefore, the member is easily slid.

[ modification 9]

A modified example 9 of the embodiment will be described below. Hereinafter, the differences from modified example 7 will be mainly described.

In modification 9, a method for manufacturing the atomizing unit 111 shown in modification 6 (fig. 11) will be described. However, since the atomizing unit housing 111X, the cover member 15, the cover 16, and the flange 17 are attached in substantially the same manner as in the embodiment, these attachment methods are omitted. In modification 9, the same base member 300 (jig) as in modification 7 is used.

In modification 9, the tubular member 14₁The inner diameter of (A) corresponds to the first outer diameter means that the tubular member 14 is cylindrical₁Has the following size relationship with the outer diameter of the first support portion 310: tubular member 14₁Is slidable along the outer side surface of the first support portion 310, and is mounted on the tubular member 14₁The cylindrical member 14 is not disposed on the outer side surface of the first support portion 310 (e.g., in the manufacturing process)₁Is offset from the central axis of the first support section 310. Also, the cylindrical member 14₂The inner diameter of (A) corresponds to the second outer diameter, and means that the tubular member 14 is₂Inner diameter ofHas the following size relationship with the outer diameter of the second support portion 320: tubular member 14₂Is slidable along an outer side surface of the second support portion 320, and is provided in the tubular member 14₂The cylindrical member 14 is not disposed on the outer side surface of the second support portion 320 (e.g., in the manufacturing process)₂Is offset from the central axis of the second support portion 320.

As shown in FIG. 14(A), the tubular member 14 is made to be cylindrical₁Sliding along axis X to tubular member 14₁The position locked by the base part 330, thereby, the tubular member 14 is arranged along the outer side surface of the first supporting part 310₁(step E1 and step E3).

Next, as shown in FIG. 14(B), the tubular member 14 is made₂Sliding along axis X to tubular member 14₂The position of the stepped part 340 is locked, thereby the cylindrical member 14 is arranged along the outer side surface of the second supporting part 320₂(step E2 and step E4).

Here, it is preferable that the tubular member 14 is used₂After sliding along the outer side surface of the second supporting portion 320, the tubular member 14₂Does not have a step with the outer side of the first support part 310. In other words, the tubular member 14₂Is preferably equal to the outer diameter of the first support portion 310.

Next, as shown in FIG. 14(C), the first support portion 310 is provided on the outer side surface and the tubular member 14₂The heating element 13 is disposed on the outer side surface (step A). Here, a spiral groove or protrusion is provided on an outer side surface of the first support portion 310. In addition, it is preferable that the cylindrical member 14 is provided₂Is also provided with a spiral-shaped groove or protrusion. Preferably, formed in the tubular member 14₂The spiral groove or protrusion of the outer side surface of (b) is continuous with the spiral groove or protrusion formed on the outer side surface of the first support part 310. Step A is to form a part along the outer side surface of the first supporting portion 310 and the tubular member 14₂The heating element 13 is disposed in a spiral groove or a protrusion on the outer side surface.

Next, as shown in FIG. 14(D), the process is carried outThe lead wire drawn out downstream from the heating section 13A is connected to the cylindrical member 14₁The outer side surface of the first contact point CP 1. For example, the lead wire is fixed to the tubular member 14 by welding or soldering₁The outer side of (a). The first contact CP1 may be formed in the tubular member 14₁The end face of the lead frame is connected with a lead.

Next, the liquid holding member 12 is slid along the axis X, whereby the liquid holding member 12 is disposed on the outer side surfaces of the heating element 13 and the cylindrical member 14. That is, the liquid holding member 12 is disposed so as to contact or come close to the heating section 13A of the heating element 13 (step C).

Next, in fig. 14E, the base member 300 (jig) is rotated about the axis X as a rotation axis, and the entire heating element 13 is separated from the groove or the protrusion of the base member 300 (step B). The aerosol inlet port and the air flow channel are formed by the step shown in fig. 14(E), which is the same as the embodiment.

Note that, although the lead wire is expanded for convenience of illustration in fig. 14, the lead wire is actually disposed between the liquid holding member 12 and the tubular member 14.

(action and Effect)

In modification 9, the lead wire drawn out downstream from the heating section 13A is connected to the tubular member 14₁The outer side surface or end surface of the first contact point CP 1. Therefore, the first contact CP1 can be easily formed.

In modification 9, the tubular member 14 is locked by the base portion 330₁And the cylindrical member 14 is locked by the step part 340₂. Thus, the cylindrical member 14₁And a cylindrical member 14₂The positioning of the cylindrical member 14 becomes easy₁And a cylindrical member 14₂Are easily separated from each other by a distance corresponding to the heating portion 13A.

In modification 9, the tubular member 14 is provided₁The cylindrical member 142 and the liquid holding member 12 slide from the second support portion 320 side having a small outer diameter toward the first support portion 310 side having a large outer diameter. Therefore, these members are easily slid.

In modification 9, it is preferable toAlong the outer side surface of the first support part 310 and the tubular member 14₂The heating element 13 is disposed in a spiral groove or a protrusion on the outer side surface. With such a configuration, the cylindrical member 14 is provided₂Is less likely to form a step between the outer side surface of the first support part 310, and the heat generating body 13 is easily arranged. In addition, since the heating element 13 (the second end portion 13B)₂) Is disposed on the tubular member 14₂So that the tubular member 14 can be easily fixed₂And the heating element 13 (second end portion 13B)₂)。

[ modification example 10]

A modified example 10 of the embodiment will be described below. Hereinafter, the difference from the embodiment will be mainly described.

In an embodiment, the flange 17₁Is disposed on the downstream end surface of the cover 16. In contrast, as shown in fig. 15, in modification 10, flange 17 is not provided on purpose₁Instead, a lead wire 18 extending from the first pole of the power supply is connected to the tubular member 14₁The inner side of (a). The lead wire 18 may be led out to the tubular member 14 through the inside of the atomizing unit housing 111X₁。

In modification 10, the wire 18 is provided downstream of the cap 16 in the direction of separating the cap 16 from the reservoir 11 (i.e., the separating direction). In other words, when the cover 16 is to be separated from the reservoir 11, the wire 18 snaps over the cover 16. Therefore, since the lead wire 18 is pulled by the cover 16, the lead wire 18 is pulled from the cylindrical member 14₁Stripping of the lead wire 18, or breaking of the cylindrical member 14₁Pulling by the lead wire 18 causes deformation of the heating element 13.

The cap 16 is fixed or fitted to the tubular member 14₁. Therefore, when the cap 16 is to be detached from the reservoir 11, the cylindrical member 14₁The pulling causes the deformation of the heating element 13.

(action and Effect)

In modification 10, the lead wire 18 is provided downstream of the cap 16 in the direction of separating the cap 16 from the reservoir 11 (i.e., the separating direction). Therefore, when the cap 16 is detached from the reservoir 11, the heating element 13 or the power supply member is damaged, and therefore, the use of the flavor inhaler 100 by refilling the reservoir 11 with the aerosol source can be effectively suppressed.

[ modification 11]

A modified example 11 of the embodiment will be described below. Hereinafter, the differences from the embodiments will be mainly described.

In an embodiment, the flange 17₁Is disposed on the downstream end surface of the cover 16. In contrast, in modification 11, as shown in fig. 16, flange 17₁Is disposed on the upstream end face of the cover 16. Here, at the flange 17₁ A lead 18 is connected extending from a first pole of the power supply. The lead wire 18 may be guided to the flange 17 through the inside of the cover 16₁。

(action and Effect)

In modification 11, the lead wire 18 is disposed through the inside of the cover 16, as in modification 10. Therefore, when the cap 16 is to be separated from the reservoir 11, the heating element 13 or the power supply member is broken, and therefore, the use of the flavor inhaler 100 by refilling the aerosol source in the reservoir 11 can be effectively suppressed.

[ modification example 12]

A modified example 12 of the embodiment will be described below. Hereinafter, the differences from the embodiments will be mainly described. In modification 12, it should be noted that the configuration of the flavor inhaler 100 is the same as that of the embodiment except for the atomizing unit 111.

In the embodiment, the inlet 112A is provided in the electrical component unit case 112X, the liquid holding member 12 is disposed on the outer side surface of the cylindrical member 14, and the cylindrical member 14 forms an air flow path. In contrast, in modification 12, the inlet 112A is provided in the atomizing unit housing 111X, the liquid holding member 12 is disposed inside the cylindrical member 14, and an air flow path is formed outside the cylindrical member 14.

Specifically, as shown in fig. 17, the atomizing unit 111 includes a reservoir 11, a liquid holding member 12, a heating element 13, and a cylindrical member 14. The reservoir 11, the liquid holding member 12, the heating element 13, and the tubular member 14 are housed in an atomizing unit case 111X having an inlet 112A. The liquid holding member 12 has an insertion portion inserted into the tubular member 14 and an exposed portion exposed from the tubular member 14. The insert part is in contact with the aerosol source stored in the reservoir 11. The exposed portion bulges in the orthogonal direction B compared to the inserted portion.

The heating element 13 is disposed across the outer side surface of the tubular member 14 and the outer side surface of the exposed portion of the liquid holding member 12. The heating element 13 is disposed in contact with or close to the exposed portion of the liquid holding member 12.

In modification 12, the air introduced from the inlet 112A is guided downstream through the outer side surfaces of the exposed portions of the tubular member 14 and the liquid holding member 12, and the aerosol atomized by the heating element 13 is sent downstream. In modification 12, the cylindrical member 14 is not made of a conductive member, and the heating element 13 is connected to a power supply via a power supply member such as a lead.

[ modification example 13]

A modified example 13 of the embodiment will be described below. Hereinafter, the differences from the embodiments will be mainly described.

In modification 13, a method for manufacturing the atomizing unit 111 described in modification 12 will be described. Fig. 18 is a diagram for explaining a method of manufacturing the atomizing unit 111 according to modification 13. Note that in fig. 18, the atomizing unit housing 111X, the cover 16, the flange 17, and the like are omitted.

Specifically, as shown in fig. 18 a, the cylindrical member 14 has an axis X extending in a predetermined direction a, and the heating element 13 is disposed along a spiral groove or protrusion formed on the outer side surface of the cylindrical member 14 (step a). Further, the cylindrical member 14 and the heating element 13 are electrically connected (step D). Here, it should be noted that the liquid holding member 12 is disposed inside the cylindrical member 14 in the orthogonal direction B.

Next, in fig. 18B, the cylindrical member 14 is rotated about the axis X as a rotation axis, and a part of the heating element 13 is separated from the groove or the protrusion of the cylindrical member 14 (step B).

In modification 13, since the suppression of the bulging of the liquid holding member 12 in the outer direction is released by separating a part of the heating element 13 from the groove or the projection of the cylindrical member 14, the liquid holding member 12 is disposed so as to contact or come close to the heating element 13 (step C).

That is, the step shown in fig. 18(B) is: the rotation of the cylindrical member 14 separates a part of the heating element 13 from the cylindrical member 14, and separates a part of the liquid holding member 12 disposed inside the cylindrical member 14 from the cylindrical member 14, and the swelling of the part of the liquid holding member 12 brings the part of the liquid holding member 12 into contact with or close to a part of the heating element 13 (steps B and C). In an example in which a part of the liquid holding member 12 is brought into contact with or close to a part of the heating element 13, the step shown in fig. 18(B) is a step in which the liquid holding member 12 is arranged while the liquid holding member 12 presses the inner side surface of a part of the heating element 13 (heating section 13A). The step shown in fig. 18B is a step of disposing the liquid holding member 12 so as to be in contact with the entire inner side surface of a part of the heating element 13 (heating section 13A).

Here, when a part of the heating element 13 is separated from the groove or the projection of the cylindrical member 14, it should be noted that at least the liquid holding member 12 is preferably fixed so that the liquid holding member 12 does not move in the predetermined direction a with the rotation of the cylindrical member 14. The object to which the liquid holding member 12 is fixed may be moved without accompanying the rotation of the cylindrical member 14.

In the example of fixing the heating element 13 to the cylindrical member 14, such fixing step is performed after separating a part of the heating element 13 from the groove or the protrusion of the cylindrical member 14.

In modification 13, a part of the heating element 13 is separated from the groove or the projection of the cylindrical member 14 in a state where the liquid holding member 12 is disposed inside the cylindrical member 14, but the liquid holding member 12 may be disposed so as to be in contact with or close to the heating element 13 after a part of the heating element 13 is separated from the groove or the projection of the cylindrical member 14. For example, in a state where a part of the heating element 13 is separated from the groove or the projection of the cylindrical member 14, the exposed part of the liquid holding member 12 can be brought into contact with or close to the heating element 13 by pressing the liquid holding member 12 against the cylindrical member 14 from the side where the heating element 13 is not provided toward the side where the heating element 13 is provided.

[ modification 14]

A modified example 14 of the embodiment will be described below. Hereinafter, the differences from the embodiments will be mainly described.

In the embodiment, the jig (i.e., the base member 300) having a cylindrical shape is not included in the atomizing unit 111, i.e., is not a structure of the atomizing unit 111. However, in modification 14, the base member 300 is included in the atomizing unit 111 as a structure of the atomizing unit 111.

That is, in modification 14, as shown in fig. 19, the atomizing unit 111 includes at least: a base member 300 having an axis extending in a predetermined direction a, a heating element 13 disposed along a spiral groove or protrusion formed on a side surface of the base member 300, a liquid holding member 12 disposed so as to contact or come close to at least a part of the heating element 13 and holding an aerosol source, and an atomizing unit case 111X accommodating the heating element 13 and the liquid holding member 12. At least a part of the base member 300 is preferably exposed from the atomizing unit housing 111X. However, the atomizing unit 111 may include other structures (for example, the reservoir 11, the cylindrical member 14, the cover member 15, the cover 16, the flange 17, and the like) as in the embodiment.

The method of manufacturing the atomizing unit 111 according to modification 14 includes a step of accommodating the heating element 13 and the liquid holding member 12 in the atomizing unit case 111X with a part of the base member 300 exposed from the atomizing unit case 111X (step F), instead of a step of rotating the base member 300 about the axis X as a rotation axis to separate the heating element 13 from the groove or the protrusion (step B). The step of separating the heating element 13 from the groove or the protrusion is performed, for example, when the user who obtains the atomizing unit 111 uses the atomizing unit 111.

In fig. 19, the base member 300 is given as an example of a jig as in the embodiment (for example, fig. 4 and 5). However, modification 14 is not limited to the example shown in fig. 19. As shown in fig. 7(a) of modification 2 or fig. 8(a) of modification 3, the base member 300 may be the tubular member 14 (tubular member 14)₁And a cylindrical member 14₂). In such an example, the cylindrical member 14 is rotated about the axis X as a rotation axis, and the heating element 13 is separated from the groove or the protrusion, whereby the liquid holding member 12 is disposed so as to contact or come close to at least a part of the heating element 13. In the atomizing unit 111 having such a structure, a part of the cylindrical member 14 is preferably exposed from the atomizing unit housing 111X.

(action and Effect)

In modification 14, since the base member 300 is separated from the heating element 13 when the user uses the atomizing unit 111, the heating element 13 is kept held by the base member 300 until the user uses the atomizing unit 111. Therefore, until the user uses the atomizing unit 111, deformation of the heat-generating body 13 is suppressed. In addition, since the base member 300 functions as a cap, leakage of the aerosol source is suppressed until the user uses the atomizing unit 111. In addition, before and after the use of the atomizing unit 111 can be clearly grasped.

In modification 14, a part of the base member 300 is preferably exposed from the atomizing unit housing 111X. With such a configuration, the heating element 13 can be easily separated from the groove or the protrusion by the rotation of the base member 300 before the use of the atomizing unit 111.

In modification 14, the step of housing the heating element 13 and the liquid holding member 12 in the atomizing unit case 111X is preferably performed in a state where a part of the base member 300 is exposed from the atomizing unit case 111X. In this way, the heating element 13 is easily separated from the groove or the protrusion by the rotation of the base member 300 before the use of the atomizing unit 111.

[ modification example 15]

A modified example 15 of the embodiment will be described below. Hereinafter, the differences from the embodiments will be mainly described.

In the embodiment, the reservoir 11 is disposed outside the liquid holding member 12 in the orthogonal direction B. In contrast, in modification 15, the reservoir 11 is arranged in the predetermined direction a with the liquid holding member 12 and the heating element 13.

Specifically, as shown in fig. 20, the atomizing unit 111 has a support member 21 in addition to the structure shown in fig. 2. As described above, the reservoir 11 is arranged in the predetermined direction a with the liquid holding member 12 and the heating element 13. The support member 21 supports the liquid holding member 12 and supports the heating element 13.

In modification 15, the first end portion 13B₁And the power supply member 13C is covered with a conductive member having a resistivity lower than that of the wire constituting the heating portion 13A, and the second end portion 13B₂And the power supply member 13D is covered with a conductive member having a lower resistivity than the wire rod constituting the heating portion 13A. On the other hand, the heating portion 13A is not covered with a conductive member having a lower resistivity than the wire rod constituting the heating portion 13A, but the wire rod is exposed. With this configuration, a portion of the wire material constituting the heating element 13 (coil) having a good quality other than the end portion can be used as the heating portion 13A. Further, the first end portion 13B₁A second end portion 13B₂The power supply means 13C and the power supply means 13D are preferably formed by coating the same wire material as the wire material constituting the heating portion 13A with a conductive member having a lower resistivity than the wire material. With such a structure, the first end portion 13B with good quality is integrally manufactured₁A second end portion 13B₂The power supply means 13C, the power supply means 13D, and the heating section 13A become easy. Further, for example, in the case where the wire is made of a nickel-chromium alloy, a metal having a lower resistivity than a nickel-chromium alloy, such as copper, tin, or silver, may be used as the conductive member.

Further, as shown in fig. 20, the atomizing unit 111 has a liquid amount adjusting member 19. As shown in fig. 21, the liquid amount adjusting member 19 has an opening 19A and an opening 19B, and the liquid amount adjusting member 19 is, for example, a member having a disk shape. The opening 19A is an opening for forming an air flow path, and is an opening for communicating the inside of the cylindrical member 14 with the inside of the heating element 13. The opening 19B is an opening for supplying an aerosol source from the reservoir 11 to the liquid holding member 12, and is an opening for communicating the reservoir 11 and the liquid holding member 12.

In a variant 15, the reservoir 11 may be a cavity for storing an aerosol source. In such an example, the aerosol source stored in the reservoir 11 is supplied to the liquid holding member 12 through the opening 19B of the liquid amount adjusting member 19. The aerosol source supplied to the liquid holding member 12 spreads into the liquid holding member 12 by the capillary phenomenon, thereby moving to a position in contact with or close to the heating portion 13A. Thereby, the aerosol source is atomized by the heating portion 13A. Therefore, the liquid holding member 12 can be considered as a member that moves the aerosol source from the reservoir 11 to the liquid holding member 12 by the capillary phenomenon.

In modification 15, the first end portion 13B₁And the power supply member 13C is covered with a conductive member having a resistivity lower than that of the wire constituting the heating portion 13A, and the second end portion 13B₂And the power supply member 13D is covered with a conductive member having a lower resistivity than the wire rod constituting the heating portion 13A. However, modification 15 is not limited to this. May be the first end portion 13B₁And the power supply member 13C is constituted by a conductive member having a lower resistivity than the heating portion 13A. Likewise, the second end portion 13B may be provided₂And the power supply member 13D is constituted by a conductive member having a lower resistivity than the heating portion 13A.

[ modification 16]

A modified example 16 of the embodiment will be described below. Hereinafter, differences from the embodiments will be mainly described.

In modification 16, a method for manufacturing the atomizing unit 111 described in modification 15 will be described. Fig. 22 is a diagram for explaining a method of manufacturing the atomizing unit 111 according to modification 16.

As shown in fig. 22 a, the base member 300 has an axis X extending in a predetermined direction a, and the heating element 13 is disposed along a spiral groove or protrusion formed in a side surface of the base member 300 (jig) (step a). Next, the liquid holding member 12 is disposed so as to contact or come close to at least a part of the heating element 13 (step C). Here, the liquid holding member 12 may be disposed in a state where the support member 21 is assembled, or the support member 21 may be disposed after the liquid holding member 21 is disposed.

As shown in fig. 22B, after the steps (step a and step C) shown in fig. 22 a, the base member 300 (jig) is rotated about the axis X as a rotation axis, and the entire heating element 13 is separated from the groove or protrusion of the base member 300 (step B). Further, the reservoir 11, the cylindrical member 14, the cover 16, the liquid amount adjusting member 19, and the atomizing unit housing 111X are arranged.

In modification 16, as in the embodiment, it is also preferable to perform a step of disposing a member (flow passage forming member) forming at least a part of the air flow passage before separating the heating element 13 from the base member 300 (step G). In modification 16, it should be noted that at least the liquid holding member 12 corresponds to a flow passage forming member. Specifically, the step shown in fig. 22 a (i.e., the step of disposing the flow path forming member) includes a step of disposing the flow path forming member (the liquid holding member 12) along the base member 300. This can suppress deformation of the liquid holding member 12 in the manufacturing process of the atomizing unit 111.

In modification 16, the heating element 13 may be separated from the base member 300 after the reservoir 11, the cylindrical member 14, the cover 16, the liquid amount adjusting member 19, and the atomizing unit housing 111X are disposed. In such an example, it should be noted that the tubular member 14 corresponds to a flow path forming member in addition to the liquid holding member 12.

[ other embodiments ]

The present invention has been described in terms of the above-described embodiments, but it should not be construed that the invention is limited by the discussion and drawings that form a part of this disclosure. Various alternative embodiments, examples, and techniques of use will be apparent to those skilled in the art from this disclosure.

In the embodiment, the reservoir 11 is disposed outside the liquid holding member 12 in the orthogonal direction B. However, the embodiment is not limited thereto. The reservoir 11 may be in contact with the liquid holding member 12, and may not be arranged outside the liquid holding member 12 in the orthogonal direction B. Further, in a state where the reservoir 11 is not arranged outside the liquid holding member 12 in the orthogonal direction B, the cover member 15 can suppress the aerosol source that accidentally leaks from the reservoir 11 before the fragrance aspirator 100 is used or during the use of the fragrance aspirator 100 from being supplied from the outer peripheral surface of the liquid holding member 12 to the liquid holding member 12.

In the embodiment, the liquid holding member 12 has a cylindrical shape. However, the embodiment is not limited thereto. The liquid holding member 12 may have a string-like shape.

In the embodiment, the liquid holding member 12, the covering member 15, and the like have a cylindrical shape, and are arranged outside the heating element 13 by sliding in the predetermined direction a. However, the embodiment is not limited thereto. The liquid holding member 12, the covering member 15, and other members have a sheet-like shape and can be wound around the heating element 13.

In an embodiment, a supply port for supplying an aerosol source to the reservoir 11 is provided at the downstream end of the reservoir 11, and a cap 16 closes the downstream end of the reservoir 11. However, the embodiment is not limited thereto. The supply port may also be provided at the upstream end of the reservoir 11 and the cap 16 may close off the upstream end of the reservoir 11.

In the embodiment, the heating element 13 is formed of a wire rod having a spiral shape, and is a coil having a shape extending along the predetermined direction a, and the inside of the heating element 13 is hollow. However, the embodiment is not limited thereto. The inside of the heating element 13 may be solid. For example, as described in modification 12 and modification 13, the liquid holding member 12 may be provided inside the heating element 13.

In the embodiment, the heating element 13 is formed of a wire rod having a spiral shape. However, the embodiment is not limited thereto. The heating element 13 may be formed of a conductive member having another shape.

In the embodiment, an example is given in which the tubular member 14 forming at least a part of the air flow path is made of a conductive member. However, the embodiment is not limited thereto. The cylindrical member 14 may be formed of a member other than a conductive member.

In the embodiment, as a member for connecting the power source and the tubular member 14, a lead wire 18 is provided. However, the embodiment is not limited thereto. For example, the means for connecting the power source to the tubular member 14 may be an electrical path, or may be a part of the casing of the flavor inhaler 100.

Modifications 4 to 6, 7 to 9Tubular member 14₁Outer diameter ratio of the tubular member 14₂Has a large outer diameter. However, the embodiment is not limited thereto. For example, in modifications 4, 5, 7, and 8, the tubular member 14₁May be formed in the same manner as the cylindrical member 14₂Are equal in outer diameter. For example, in the tubular member 14₁Inner diameter ratio of the tubular member 14₂Has a larger inner diameter, and the cylindrical member 14₁And the cylindrical member 14₂In the case where the outer diameters of the cylindrical member 14 are equal, it should be noted that₂Is larger than the thickness of the cylindrical member 14₁Is greater.

Although not specifically mentioned in the embodiment, the fixing method of the respective members may be bonding or welding.

Although not particularly mentioned in the embodiment, the liquid holding member 12 is configured of, for example, a sponge-like elastic member, and the sliding member 400 or the cylindrical member 14 that compresses the liquid holding member 12 is removed to expand the liquid holding member 12 so as to contact or come close to the heating element 13.

Claims

1. A method of manufacturing an atomizing unit, comprising:

a step (A) of disposing a resistance heating element along a spiral groove or a protrusion formed on a side surface of a base member having an axis extending in a predetermined direction;

a step B of rotating the base member with the shaft as a rotation axis to separate at least a part of the resistance heating element from the groove or the projection;

a step C of disposing a liquid holding member for holding an aerosol source so as to contact or come close to at least a part of the resistance heating element;

the base part is a clamp and is provided with a clamping groove,

the step B is as follows: separating all the resistance heating elements from the clamp, and forming at least one part of an air flow path inside the resistance heating elements by utilizing the separation of the resistance heating elements;

the step B is preceded by a step G of disposing a flow path forming member that forms at least a part of the air flow path.

2. A method of manufacturing an atomizing unit according to claim 1,

said step C is performed after said step a and before said step B.

3. A method of manufacturing an atomizing unit according to claim 1,

the resistance heating body includes a heating portion that heats the aerosol source,

the step C is as follows: the liquid holding member is disposed while being pressed against an inner side surface or an outer side surface of the heating portion.

4. A method of manufacturing an atomizing unit according to claim 1,

the step C is as follows: the liquid holding member is disposed so as to contact the entire circumference of the inner side surface or the outer side surface of the heating portion.

5. A method of manufacturing an atomizing unit according to claim 1,

the step B is as follows: and forming an aerosol introduction port by utilizing the separation of the resistance heating element, wherein the aerosol introduction port enables the aerosol atomized by the resistance heating element to pass through the inner side of the resistance heating element.

6. A method of manufacturing an atomizing unit according to claim 1,

the step B is as follows: at least a part of the air flow path is formed inside the resistance heating element by the separation of the resistance heating element.

7. A method of manufacturing an atomizing unit according to claim 1,

the step C is as follows: when the resistance heating element is disposed on the outer side surface of the base member, the liquid holding member is disposed outside the resistance heating element.

8. A method of manufacturing an atomizing unit according to claim 1,

the step G includes a step of disposing the flow path forming member along an outer side surface of the jig.

9. A method of manufacturing an atomizing unit according to claim 1,

step E is provided before the step B, and the step E is as follows: a cylindrical member having a cylindrical shape and forming at least a part of an air flow path is disposed on an outer side surface or an inner side surface of the resistance heating element in a direction orthogonal to the predetermined direction.

10. The method of manufacturing an atomizing unit according to claim 9,

the step B is performed after the cylindrical member is fixed to the housing of the atomizing unit and/or after the resistance heating element is fixed to the cylindrical member.

11. The method of manufacturing an atomizing unit according to claim 9,

the tubular member is composed of a first tubular member and a second tubular member,

the step E is a step of disposing the first tubular member and the second tubular member in a state of being separated from each other.

12. The method of manufacturing an atomizing unit according to claim 11,

a part or the whole of the first cylindrical member is composed of a conductive member,

the second cylindrical member is partially or entirely composed of a conductive member.

13. The method of manufacturing an atomizing unit according to claim 11,

the jig includes a first engaging portion for engaging the first tubular member and a second engaging portion for engaging the second tubular member,

the step E comprises the following steps:

a step E1 of disposing the first tubular member at a position where the first tubular member is locked by the first locking portion;

step E2 is a step of disposing the second tubular member at a position where the second tubular member is locked by the second locking portion.

14. The method of manufacturing an atomizing unit according to claim 11,

the clamp includes a first support portion having a first outer diameter and a second support portion having a second outer diameter smaller than the first outer diameter,

the first cylindrical member has an inner diameter corresponding to the first outer diameter,

the second cylindrical member has an inner diameter corresponding to the second outer diameter,

the step E comprises the following steps:

a step E3 of disposing the first tubular member on an outer side surface of the first support portion in the orthogonal direction;

step E4 is to dispose the second tubular member on an outer side surface of the second support portion in the orthogonal direction.

15. The method of manufacturing an atomizing unit according to claim 11,

the step E is a step of sliding the first cylindrical member from the second support portion side toward the first support portion side,

the step E is a step of sliding the second tubular member from the second support portion side toward the first support portion side.

16. The method of manufacturing an atomizing unit according to claim 13,

the step E1 is a step of sliding the first cylindrical member from the second support portion side toward the first support portion side,

the step E2 is a step of sliding the second cylindrical member from the second support portion side toward the first support portion side.

17. The method of manufacturing an atomizing unit according to claim 14,

the step E3 is a step of sliding the first cylindrical member from the second support portion side toward the first support portion side,

the step E4 is a step of sliding the second cylindrical member from the second support portion side toward the first support portion side.

18. The method of manufacturing an atomizing unit according to claim 11,

the step C is a step of sliding the liquid holding member from the second support portion side toward the first support portion side.

19. The method of manufacturing an atomizing unit according to claim 11,

the groove or the protrusion is provided at a side of the first support portion,

the step a is a step of disposing the resistance heating element on an outer side surface of the first support portion and an outer side surface of the second cylindrical member.

20. A method of manufacturing an atomizing unit according to claim 1,

the step C comprises the following steps:

a step C1 of sliding the sliding member along an outer side surface of the resistance heating element in a direction orthogonal to the predetermined direction;

a step C2 of disposing the liquid holding member along an outer side surface of the sliding member in the orthogonal direction;

and a step C3 of removing the sliding member from between the liquid holding member and the resistance heating element by sliding after the steps C1 and C2.

21. A method of manufacturing an atomizing unit according to claim 1,

the base member is a cylindrical member having a cylindrical shape that forms at least a part of the air flow path.

22. The method of manufacturing an atomizing unit according to claim 21,

the cylindrical member is composed of a conductive member,

the manufacturing method includes a step D of electrically connecting the cylindrical member and the resistance heating element.

23. The method of manufacturing an atomizing unit according to claim 21,

the step A is as follows: the resistance heating element is disposed across both the first cylindrical member and the second cylindrical member,

the step B is as follows: the first tubular member and the second tubular member are separated from each other while maintaining the state in which the resistance heating element is arranged across both the first tubular member and the second tubular member.