CN115666290A

CN115666290A - Main body unit of aerosol-generating device, and non-combustion type suction device

Info

Publication number: CN115666290A
Application number: CN202080101190.XA
Authority: CN
Inventors: 春山俊司; 横沟猛
Original assignee: Japan Tobacco Inc
Current assignee: Japan Tobacco Inc
Priority date: 2020-07-09
Filing date: 2020-07-09
Publication date: 2023-01-31
Also published as: JP7441950B2; JPWO2022009362A1; EP4179886A1; WO2022009362A1

Abstract

The main unit of the aerosol-generating device according to one aspect of the present invention includes a cartridge accommodating portion that accommodates a cartridge, and the cartridge accommodating portion includes a cartridge insertion/removal opening that protrudes from an outer case of the main unit.

Description

Main unit of aerosol-generating device, and non-combustion type suction device

Technical Field

The present invention relates to a main unit of an aerosol-generating device, and a non-combustion extractor.

Background

Conventionally, a non-combustion type inhaler that absorbs aerosol and tastes flavor has been known. As such a non-combustion type suction device, for example, there is a non-combustion type suction device including: a cartridge housing an aerosol source; a main body unit of an aerosol generating device that houses a cartridge in an insertable and removable manner; and a fragrance source container for imparting fragrance to the aerosol atomized by the main body unit.

For example, patent document 1 listed below discloses a cartridge storage section (socket) for storing a cartridge (can body) in an outer case (frame) of a main unit (power module).

Documents of the prior art

Patent literature

Patent document 1: specification of U.S. Pat. No. 10251425

Disclosure of Invention

Problems to be solved by the invention

In the above-described conventional technique, the cartridge insertion/removal opening of the cartridge accommodating portion is formed flush with the outer surface of the outer case (see fig. 4 of patent document 1). Therefore, it is difficult to intuitively grasp the portion where the cartridge is inserted and removed, and there is room for improvement in usability.

The invention aims to improve usability.

Means for solving the problems

In order to achieve the above object, a main unit of an aerosol-generating device according to an aspect of the present invention includes a cartridge accommodating portion that accommodates a cartridge, and the cartridge accommodating portion includes a cartridge insertion opening that protrudes from an outer case of the main unit.

According to this aspect, since the position where the cartridge is inserted and removed can be easily visually confirmed, the vertical direction of the cartridge can be easily known, and insertion and removal of the cartridge can be easily performed.

In the above-described main unit of the aerosol-generating device, the cartridge storage portion may include a connection portion for connecting the mouthpiece to the cartridge insertion/extraction port, and at least a part of the connection portion may protrude from the outer case.

According to this aspect, since the portion connected to the mouthpiece portion is easily visually recognized, the connection of the mouthpiece portion to the cartridge accommodating portion becomes easy.

In the above-described main unit of an aerosol-generating device, the outer case may have a bulge portion, and the cartridge accommodating portion may protrude from a deformation transition portion of the bulge portion.

According to this aspect, the cartridge accommodating portion is formed with a large exposed portion and a small exposed portion from the outer case. The large exposed portion of the cartridge accommodating portion can ensure visibility, and the small exposed portion can ensure an area for protecting the cartridge accommodating portion. Further, since the contact length between the edge of the outer case and the peripheral surface of the cartridge accommodating portion is long, the connection strength can be easily secured when the two are bonded.

In the above-described main unit of the aerosol-generating device, the cartridge insertion/removal opening may be disposed at a position below a top of the bulge portion in a main axis direction in which the cartridge accommodating portion extends.

According to this aspect, when the cigarette pack falls or collides, the bulge portion of the outer case comes into contact with the outside prior to the cartridge insertion/extraction opening, and the deformation of the cartridge insertion/extraction opening can be prevented.

In the above-described main unit of the aerosol-generating device, an input device may be disposed at a deformation transition portion on an opposite side of the bulge portion from the deformation transition portion, the bulge portion protruding from the cartridge accommodating portion, and the input device may be disposed at a position below a top of the bulge portion in a main axis direction in which the cartridge accommodating portion extends.

According to this aspect, when the input device falls or collides, the protruding portion of the outer case comes into contact with the outside prior to the input device, and thus malfunction of the input device can be prevented.

In the above-described main unit of the aerosol-generating device, the input device may be disposed in an acute angle direction with respect to a major axis of the cartridge accommodating portion passing through a center of the cartridge insertion/extraction opening.

According to this aspect, the user can easily operate the input device while holding the mouthpiece portion.

In the above aerosol-generating device, the body unit may include a holder accommodated in the outer case, the holder including: a main plate that holds at least one of components provided inside the outer case; and a receiving portion that is formed integrally with the main plate and receives an end portion of the cartridge accommodating portion.

According to this aspect, since both the internal member of the outer case and the cartridge housing portion are assembled to the holder, the assembly is facilitated.

In the above-described main unit of the aerosol-generating device, the receiving portion may be formed with an insertion hole for inserting the projecting electrode into the cartridge housing portion.

According to this aspect, the protruding electrode can be easily disposed inside the cartridge accommodating portion.

In the above-described main unit of the aerosol-generating device, the receiving portion may be formed in a bottomed tubular shape extending in parallel in a longitudinal direction of the main plate at an end portion in a short side direction of the main plate.

According to this aspect, the main plate and the cartridge accommodating portion are arranged in parallel in the longitudinal direction, and therefore the overall length of the main unit can be shortened.

In the above-described main unit of the aerosol-generating device, the holder may include a sub-plate extending from an end of the main plate in a direction intersecting the plate surface of the main plate and holding at least one of the members provided along the outer surface of the outer case.

According to this aspect, the rigidity of the holder can be improved and the space can be saved.

An aerosol-generating device according to an aspect of the present invention includes: the body unit described above; and a cartridge which houses an aerosol source and is insertable into the cartridge housing section of the main unit in an insertable manner.

According to this aspect, since the main body unit is provided in which the portion where the cartridge is inserted and removed can be easily visually confirmed, the cartridge is easy to use.

A non-combustion type suction device according to one aspect of the present invention includes: the aerosol-generating device of the preceding description; and a flavor source container attached to a mouthpiece portion of the aerosol-generating device.

According to this aspect, a fragrance can be added to the aerosol.

Effects of the invention

According to an aspect of the present invention, improvement in usability can be achieved.

Drawings

Fig. 1 is a left side perspective view of an extractor of an embodiment.

Figure 2 is a right side perspective view of an embodiment of an extractor.

Figure 3 is a front view of an embodiment of an extractor.

Fig. 4 is a top view of an embodiment of a pickup.

Fig. 5 is an exploded perspective view of the extractor of the embodiment as viewed from the bottom surface side.

Fig. 6 isbase:Sub>A sectional view taken along linebase:Sub>A-base:Sub>A as shown in fig. 4.

Fig. 7 is an exploded perspective view of a main unit of an embodiment.

Fig. 8 is a front view showing a state where the first casing is removed from the main unit according to the embodiment.

Fig. 9 is a rear view showing a state where the second casing is removed from the main unit according to the embodiment.

Fig. 10 is a perspective view of the holder according to the embodiment on the first plate surface side.

Fig. 11 is a perspective view of the second plate surface side of the holder according to the embodiment.

Fig. 12 is a sectional view taken along line B-B of fig. 3.

Fig. 13 is a perspective view showing an oscillator mounting structure according to an embodiment.

Fig. 14 is a perspective view showing an attachment structure of a display cover according to an embodiment.

FIG. 15 is a top view of an embodiment retainer.

Fig. 16 is a cross-sectional view taken along line C-C as shown in fig. 15.

Fig. 17 is a front view of a cartridge receiving portion according to an embodiment.

Figure 18 is a right side view of a cartridge receiving portion of an embodiment.

Figure 19 is a left side view of a cartridge receiving portion of an embodiment.

Fig. 20 is a sectional view taken in a direction D-D as shown in fig. 18.

FIG. 21 is a right side view of a mouthpiece portion of an embodiment.

Fig. 22 is a sectional view taken along line E-E of fig. 21.

Fig. 23 is a perspective view of a main substrate according to an embodiment.

Fig. 24 is a perspective view showing a state where a protruding electrode cover is removed from a protruding electrode of a main substrate according to an embodiment.

Fig. 25 is a sectional view F-F shown in fig. 9.

Fig. 26 is a view of the cover member of the embodiment as viewed from the radially outer side.

Fig. 27 is a view of the cover member of the embodiment as viewed from the radially inner side.

Fig. 28 is a perspective view of a cover member of an embodiment.

Fig. 29 is a sectional view taken along line G-G as shown in fig. 3.

Fig. 30 is a view of the sensor holder according to the embodiment as viewed from the radially outer side.

Fig. 31 is a view of the sensor holder according to the embodiment as viewed from the radially inner side.

FIG. 32 is a perspective view of a sensor holder of an embodiment.

Fig. 33 is a perspective view showing an assembly method of a main unit according to an embodiment.

Fig. 34 is a rear view showing the configuration of the inside of the first casing according to the embodiment.

Fig. 35 is a front view showing the structure of the inside of the second casing according to the embodiment.

Fig. 36 is a front view of the main unit with the mouthpiece section of the embodiment removed.

Fig. 37 is an explanatory view showing a state in which a cartridge is housed in the cartridge housing portion according to the embodiment.

Fig. 38 is an explanatory view showing a state in which a mouthpiece is attached to a cartridge housing section according to an embodiment.

Fig. 39 is a perspective view showing a modified example of the suction port connecting portion according to the embodiment.

Fig. 40 is a perspective view showing a modification of the cartridge accommodating portion according to the embodiment.

Fig. 41 is a sectional view taken along line H-H in fig. 39.

Detailed Description

Hereinafter, a non-combustion type extractor (hereinafter, simply referred to as an extractor) according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

[ suction device ]

Fig. 1 is a left side perspective view of an extractor 1 of an embodiment. Fig. 2 is a right side perspective view of the extractor 1 of an embodiment. Fig. 3 is a front view of the extractor 1 of an embodiment. Fig. 4 is a plan view of the extractor 1 of an embodiment. Fig. 5 is an exploded perspective view of the extractor 1 according to the embodiment as viewed from the bottom surface side.

The extractor 1 is a so-called non-combustion extractor, which extracts aerosol atomized by heating by means of a fragrance source, thereby obtaining fragrance.

As shown in fig. 5, the extractor 1 includes a main body unit 2, a cartridge 3 (also referred to as an atomizing unit), and a flavor source container 4. The cartridge 3 is accommodated in the cartridge accommodating portion 10 of the main unit 2 so as to be insertable and removable. The flavor source container 4 is detachably attached to a mouthpiece 11 (also referred to as a mouthpiece) of the main unit 2.

The main unit 2 includes an outer case 12. The outer case 12 is formed in a flat box shape with rounded corners as a whole. The outer case 12 has a pair of main surface portions 12A and a peripheral wall portion 12B. Here, the "pair" of main surfaces 12A means that one main surface (first main surface 12A 1) and the other main surface (second main surface 12A 2) are disposed to face each other, and is not limited to the meaning that the shapes of the first main surface 12A1 and the second main surface 12A2 are identical to each other in fine parts.

The pair of main surfaces 12A are portions that form a pair of surfaces (surfaces having the largest area in the present embodiment) facing each other in a hexahedron surrounded by six quadrangles when the outer case 12 is simulated. The peripheral wall portion 12B is a portion that forms the remaining 4 surfaces of the hexahedron excluding the pair of main surface portions 12A. The peripheral wall portion 12B is also referred to as a portion connecting peripheral edges of the pair of main surface portions 12A disposed to face each other.

As shown in fig. 1, the outer case 12 includes a main body case 13 and a display cover 14. The main body case 13 is formed by combining a first case 13A and a second case 13B. The first case 13A has a first main surface portion 12A1 and a first peripheral wall portion 12B1 provided on the peripheral edge of the first main surface portion 12 A1. The second case 13B has a second main surface portion 12A2 and a second peripheral wall portion 12B2 provided on the peripheral edge of the second main surface portion 12 A2.

The first peripheral wall portion 12B1 of the first housing 13A, the second peripheral wall portion 12B2 of the second housing 13B, and the display cover 14 form a peripheral wall portion 12B. The peripheral wall portion 12B is formed with a joint surface between the first peripheral wall portion 12B1 of the first housing 13A and the second peripheral wall portion 12B2 of the second housing 13B. Four corner portions 12C (corner portions) are formed in the peripheral wall portion 12B.

The four corner portions 12C have a first corner portion 12C1 on which an input device 15 (button) is disposed, a second corner portion 12C2 on which the cartridge accommodating portion 10 is disposed, a third corner portion 12C3 disposed on a diagonal of the first corner portion 12C1, and a fourth corner portion 12C4 disposed on a diagonal of the second corner portion 12C2.

As shown in fig. 3, a bulge 12D, which will be described later, is formed in the peripheral wall portion 12B between the first corner portion 12C1 and the second corner portion 12C2. On the other hand, a flat surface is formed between the third corner portion 12C3 and the fourth corner portion 12C4 of the peripheral wall portion 12B. That is, the peripheral wall portion 12B on the opposite side to the raised portion 12D is flat. As shown in fig. 1 and 2, the raised portion 12D is a surface portion of the main body case 13 that is relatively higher than the display cover 14.

The peripheral wall portion 12B has an outer surface 12B1 continuous with the pair of main surface portions 12A and a recessed portion 12B2 recessed with respect to the outer surface 12B1. A part of the outer surface 12b1 forms a ridge 12D. The recess 12b2 is formed by the display cover 14. The display cover 14 is formed with a through hole 14a in which the input device 15 is disposed. That is, the input device 15 is disposed in the concave portion 12b2. The input device 15 may be disposed at a position lower than the outer surface 12b1. That is, at least a part of the input device 15 may be disposed at a position below the outer surface 12b1. Preferably, the input devices 15 are all disposed at positions below the outer surface 12b1. In other words, it is preferable that the touch sensing portion (button surface) of the input device 15 is disposed at a position not reaching the outer surface 12b1.

As shown in fig. 2, a window portion 16 is provided between the second corner portion 12C2 and the third corner portion 12C3 of the peripheral wall portion 12B. The remaining amount of liquid in the aerosol source of the cartridge 3 housed in the cartridge housing section 10 can be confirmed from the window section 16. The window 16 is formed by an opening 13a provided in the main body case 13 and a cover member 17 covering the opening 13a.

An air intake port 18 for taking in outside air into the outer case 12 is formed in a gap between the cover member 17 and the opening 13a. Further, an air hole 19 (see fig. 29 described later) for fluidly connecting the air intake port 18 to the interior of the cartridge housing portion 10 is formed in the cover member 17 inside the main body housing 13.

As shown in fig. 5, a charging terminal 20 is provided between the third corner portion 12C3 and the fourth corner portion 12C4 of the peripheral wall portion 12B. An opening 13b for exposing the charging terminal 20 is formed in the main body case 13. The opening 13b is formed in the main body case 13 on the first case 13A side.

In the following description, of the pair of main surface portions 12A (the first main surface portion 12A1 and the second main surface portion 12A 2), the side on which the first main surface portion 12A1 is disposed is referred to as the front side, and the side on which the second main surface portion 12A2 is disposed is referred to as the rear side. In the plan view shown in fig. 4, the side on which the input device 15 is disposed is referred to as the left side, and the side on which the cartridge housing section 10 and the window section 16 are disposed is referred to as the right side.

As shown in fig. 3, the cartridge accommodating section 10 has a cartridge insertion opening 10a protruding from the outer case 12. That is, a part of the cartridge housing portion 10 including the cartridge insertion/removal opening 10a protrudes from the outer case 12. The side from which the cartridge housing portion 10 protrudes is referred to as the upper side, and the side opposite to the side from which the cartridge housing portion 10 protrudes is referred to as the lower side.

In the drawings, an XYZ rectangular coordinate system may be set, and the positional relationship of each member will be described with reference to the XYZ rectangular coordinate system. The X-axis direction is the front-back direction (also referred to as the thickness direction) of the suction tool 1, the Y-axis direction is the left-right direction (also referred to as the width direction) of the suction tool 1, and the Z-axis direction is the up-down direction (also referred to as the height direction) of the suction tool 1.

The positional relationship of the respective members may be described with reference to the main axis O of the cartridge housing portion 10. The main shaft O is a central axis of the cartridge accommodating portion 10 passing through the center of the cartridge insertion/extraction opening 10a. The direction in which the main axis O extends is referred to as a main axis direction (the Z-axis direction described above), the direction orthogonal to the main axis O is referred to as a radial direction, and the direction around the main axis O is referred to as a circumferential direction.

< cigarette cartridge >

The cartridge 3 stores and atomizes an aerosol source of liquid. As shown in fig. 5, the cartridge 3 is formed in a cylindrical shape and is accommodated in the cartridge accommodating portion 10 from the cartridge insertion/extraction opening 10a.

As shown in fig. 6, the cartridge 3 includes a can 21, a gasket 22, a mesh body 23, an atomizing container 24, a heating portion 25, and a heater holder 26. The canister 21 stores an aerosol source. The can body 21 has a light-transmitting property, and the remaining amount of liquid in the aerosol source can be checked.

Here, "light-transmitting" refers to a state in which, among properties of a substance through which light passes, the substance has extremely high transmittance and the opposite side is visible through the substance, "transparent", and the substance has the same property of transmitting light as "transparent", but the transmitted light is diffused or has low transmittance, and therefore, unlike "transparent", the shape or the like of the opposite side cannot be clearly recognized through the material thereof. That is, even ground glass, milky white plastic, or the like has light transmittance.

The can body 21 is formed in a cylindrical shape having a top. A through hole 21b is formed in a ceiling wall 21a of the can body 21. A flow passage pipe 21c (also referred to as an inner peripheral wall) connected to the through hole 21b is vertically provided in the ceiling wall 21 a. The flow path pipe 21c serves as a flow path for the atomized aerosol. The flow passage tube 21c is connected to the plurality of ribs 21e via the outer peripheral wall 21d of the can body 21. The ribs 21e are arranged at equal intervals in the circumferential direction so as to form a radial shape when viewed from the main axis direction (see fig. 29 described later).

As shown in fig. 6, the outer peripheral wall 21d of the can body 21 extends downward (-Z side) from the lower end of the flow path pipe 21c. Two engagement holes 21f are formed near the lower end of the outer peripheral wall 21 d. The two engagement holes 21f are used to fix the heater holder 26 to the can 21. The two engagement holes 21f are disposed opposite to each other on both sides of the outer peripheral wall 21d with the spindle O interposed therebetween. In a state where the cartridge 3 is accommodated in the cartridge accommodating portion 10, the central axis of the cartridge 3 coincides with the main axis O of the cartridge accommodating portion 10.

The gasket 22 is an annular plate member that covers the bottom of an annular space (liquid storage chamber 21 g) formed between the outer peripheral wall 21d of the can body 21 and the flow path pipe 21c. The gasket 22 positions the mesh body 23 and maintains the posture of the mesh body 23. The gasket 22 has a plurality of openings 22a. The openings 22a are arranged at equal intervals in the circumferential direction. The mesh body 23 is in contact with the liquid storage chamber 21g through the opening 22a of the gasket 22 and is wetted.

The mesh body 23 is a porous member having liquid absorption properties. The mesh body 23 is formed of, for example, a cotton fiber material, a glass fiber, or the like. The mesh body 23 is also formed into a substantially ring shape as the gasket 22. That is, the flow path pipe 21c can be inserted into the radial center of the mesh body 23. The opening 22a of the gasket 22 is closed by the mesh 23, and a liquid storage chamber 21g is formed inside the can body 21. An aerosol source of liquid is stored in the liquid storage chamber 21g.

The atomizing container 24 is formed of a member having elasticity, for example, a resin material such as silicone resin. The atomizing chamber 24 is formed in a bottomed cylindrical shape. The upper end opening edge of the peripheral wall 24a of the atomizing chamber 24 is in contact with the outer peripheral edge of the mesh body 23 in the main axis direction. That is, the mesh body 23 is sandwiched between the gasket 22 and the atomizing container 24. A fitting portion 24b that fits into the inner surface of the outer peripheral wall 21d of the can body 21 is formed on the outer surface of the peripheral wall 24a of the atomizing container 24.

An atomizing chamber 24c is formed inside the peripheral wall 24a of the atomizing container 24. The atomization chamber 24c communicates with the flow passage 21c of the tank 21. An opening 24e is formed in the bottom wall 24d of the atomizing chamber 24. The atomizing chamber 24c is provided with a heating portion 25.

The heated portion 25 is used to atomize an aerosol source of the liquid. The heating unit 25 includes a tube core 25a connected to the mesh body 23 and a heating wire 25b for heating the tube core 25 a.

The core 25a is a porous substantially columnar member having liquid absorption properties. The die 25a is bent and deformed into a substantially U-shape. In more detail, the die 25a has two major axis direction extending protrusions extending in the major axis direction and a radially extending protrusion connecting the two major axis direction extending protrusions to each other. The two main-axis direction extending projections are arranged to overlap in the X-axis direction (the front-rear direction in fig. 6), and are connected to the mesh body 23. Thereby, the aerosol source absorbed by the web 23 is drawn onto the wick 25 a.

The heating wire 25b is wound in a spiral shape around the radially extending protruding portion of the tube core 25 a. Both ends of the heating wire 25b extend in the main axis direction toward the heater holder 26. Both ends of the heating wire 25b are electrically connected to two planar electrodes 26h provided on the lower surface of the bottom wall 26d of the heater holder 26. When the heating wire 25b is energized through the two planar electrodes 26h, the core 25a is heated. If the wick 25a is heated, the aerosol source absorbed by the wick 25a is atomized.

The heater holder 26 is formed in a bottomed cylindrical shape. The peripheral wall 26a of the heater holder 26 is inserted outside the peripheral wall 24a of the atomizing container 24 and inside the outer peripheral wall 21d of the can body 21. The upper end opening edge of the peripheral wall 26a abuts against the fitting portion 24b of the atomizing container 24 in the main axis direction. Two engaging pieces 26b that engage with the two engaging holes 21f of the outer peripheral wall 21d of the can body 21 are formed at the upper end of the peripheral wall 26 a. A gasket 22, a mesh body 23, and an atomizing container 24 are sequentially assembled in the main axis direction between the can body 21 and the heater holder 26.

The lower side of the peripheral wall 26a of the heater holder 26 is exposed from the can body 21. The lower side of the peripheral wall 26a has substantially the same outer diameter as the outer peripheral wall 21d of the can body 21. Further, two intake holes 26c penetrating in the radial direction are formed below the peripheral wall 26 a. The two intake ports 26c are disposed opposite to each other on both sides of the peripheral wall 26a with the main shaft O interposed therebetween. The two intake holes 26c communicate the outside of the cartridge 3 (inside the cartridge housing portion 10) with the atomizing chamber 24c. Further, the air intake holes 26e penetrating in the main axis direction may not be formed in the bottom wall 26d of the heater holder 26. The intake hole 26e also communicates the outside of the cartridge 3 (inside the cartridge housing portion 10) with the atomizing chamber 24c.

A plate-like partition wall 26f is provided upright on the bottom wall 26d of the heater holder 26 in the main shaft direction. Further, the partition wall 26f extends in the radial direction, and both ends thereof are connected to the inner surface of the peripheral wall 26 a. The bottom wall 26d is formed with two slits 26g penetrating in the main axis direction. The two slits 26g are disposed with a partition wall 26f interposed therebetween. The bent portions of the two planar electrodes 26h are inserted into the two slits 26g. The partition wall 26f prevents the two planar electrodes 26h and both end portions of the heating wire 25b connected to the two planar electrodes 26h from being short-circuited.

Returning to fig. 5, the bottom wall 26d of the heater holder 26 is formed with a plurality of engaging groove portions 26i. The three engagement groove portions 26i are arranged at equal intervals in the circumferential direction (at intervals of 120 ° in the circumferential direction). The engagement groove 26i is formed so as to open radially outward and toward the main shaft direction lower side. The engagement groove portion 26i is formed in an isosceles trapezoid shape when viewed from the radial direction, and has tapered legs (inclined surfaces) whose circumferential width gradually increases toward the lower side in the main shaft direction. The number of the engagement groove portions 25i is not limited to three, as long as it is two or more. For example, six engagement groove portions 25i may be provided.

< container for fragrance source >

The flavor source container 4 contains a flavor source and adds flavor to the aerosol atomized by the cartridge 3. As the raw material sheet constituting the flavor source, a molded body formed by granulating cut tobacco or tobacco raw material can be used. The flavor source may be made of plants other than tobacco (e.g., mint, chinese medicine, vanilla, etc.). Further, a flavor such as menthol may be added to the flavor source. The fragrance source may be a fragrance source obtained by supporting a fragrance on a carrier derived from a plant (e.g., cellulose) or another carrier (including an inorganic carrier). The fragrance source container 4 is attached to the mouthpiece 11 of the main unit 2.

As shown in fig. 6, the flavor source container 4 includes a bottomed cylindrical container main body 27 and a filter 28 covering an opening of the container main body 27. The peripheral wall 27a of the container main body 27 is inserted inside the peripheral wall 11a1 of the suction port 11. The upper side of the peripheral wall 27a of the container main body 27 is exposed from the peripheral wall 11a1 of the suction port 11. The upper side of the peripheral wall 27a has substantially the same outer diameter as the peripheral wall 11a1 of the suction port 11. A step 27b that abuts the upper end opening edge of the peripheral wall 11a1 of the mouthpiece section 11 is formed on the outer surface of the peripheral wall 27 a.

An aroma source storage chamber 27c is formed inside the peripheral wall 27a of the container main body 27. A plurality of fine holes 27e penetrating in the main axis direction are formed in the bottom wall 27d of the container main body 27.

The filter 28 is formed of, for example, nonwoven fabric. The filter 28 is disposed inside the peripheral wall 27a of the container main body 27. The opening of the container body 27 is closed by the filter 28, and a flavor source storage chamber 27c is formed inside the flavor source container 4. The fragrance source storage chamber 27c stores the above-described fragrance source.

< body cell >

Fig. 7 is an exploded perspective view of the main unit 2 of one embodiment. Fig. 8 is a front view showing a state where the first casing 13A is removed from the main unit 2 according to the embodiment. Fig. 9 is a rear view showing a state where the second casing 13B is removed from the main unit 2 according to the embodiment.

As shown in fig. 7, the main unit 2 includes a holder 30, a main board 31, a sub board 32, a display device 33, a sensor 34, a sensor holder 35, an oscillator 36, and a power supply 37, in addition to the cartridge housing portion 10, the mouthpiece portion 11, the outer case 12, and the input device 15.

The power source 37 is formed in a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape having a longitudinal direction in the Z-axis direction. The power supply 37 is electrically connected to the main substrate 31 provided with the charging terminal 20 via a wiring. The power source 37 is a battery (secondary battery) and can be charged via the charging terminal 20. The power source 37 is not limited to a rechargeable secondary battery, and may be a super capacitor or the like. Alternatively, power source 37 may be a primary battery. In addition, in the case where the power source 37 is a primary battery, the charging terminal 20 is not necessary.

The holder 30 has a main plate 41 and a sub-plate 42. The main plate 41 has a first plate surface 41a facing the + X side and a second plate surface 41b facing the opposite side (the-X side). The main plate 41 is formed in a substantially elongated plate shape having a longitudinal direction in the Z-axis direction, a short-side direction in the Y-axis direction, and a thickness direction in the X-axis direction. The sub-plate 42 extends from an end of the main plate 41 in a direction intersecting the plate surfaces (the first plate surface 41a and the second plate surface 41 b) of the main plate 41 (in the present embodiment, the thickness direction (X-axis direction) of the main plate 41).

The main board 31 and the sub board 32 are held on the first board surface 41a side of the main board 41. An opening 41c is formed on the upper (+ Z side) side in the longitudinal direction of the main plate 41. The tray 44 is engaged with the opening 41c. The sub-board 32 is bonded to the tray 44 via the adhesive sheet 32a, and is held by the main board 41 via the tray 44. On the other hand, the power supply 37 is held on the second plate surface 41b side (X side) of the main plate 41. The power supply 37 is held to the main board 41 via the adhesive sheet 46.

The sub-plate 42 has a first sub-plate 42A holding the display device 33 and a second sub-plate 42B holding the input device 15. The display device 33 is an organic EL display, a liquid crystal display, or the like. The display device 33 is disposed on the lower side (-Z side) of the display cover 14. The display cover 14 has light transmittance, and can confirm the display surface of the display device 33. The display device 33 has a display device main body 33a, a display device holder 33b, and a buffer material 33c.

The display device holder 33b supports the display device main body 33a, and holds the first sub-plate 42A so as to sandwich it in the front-rear direction (X-axis direction). In addition, the display device holder 33b is bonded to the display device main body 33a via the adhesive sheet 45. The buffer material 33c is a frame-shaped sponge surrounding the display surface of the display device main body 33a, and is disposed between the display cover 14 and the display device main body 33 a.

The input device 15 is a button. The input device 15 has a switch button 15a, a switch substrate 15b, and a switch holder 15c. The switch base plate 15B is held by the second sub-plate 42B. The switch knob 15a is disposed on the switch board 15 b. The switch button 15a is assembled to the display cover 14 side via a switch holder 15c (see fig. 14 described later). In addition, the input device may be a touch panel. That is, the input device 15 may be a contact sensing portion.

The holder 30 has a receiving portion 43 that receives an end of the cartridge housing portion 10. The receiving portion 43 is formed in a bottomed cylindrical shape extending in parallel in the longitudinal direction (Z-axis direction) of the main plate 41 at an end portion in the short-side direction (Y-axis direction) of the main plate 41.

The cover member 17 is bonded to the peripheral surface of the cartridge housing portion 10 via a bonding sheet 47. The sensor holder 35 is bonded to the peripheral surface of the cartridge housing portion 10 via a bonding sheet 48.

The sensor holder 35 holds the sensor 34. The sensor 34 is a so-called puff sensor that senses the puff of the user. Examples of the sensor 34 include a pressure sensor for detecting pressure, an airflow sensor for sensing the flow of air, and a temperature sensor for sensing temperature.

The main substrate 31 is provided with the charge terminal 20 described above and a protruding electrode 50 inserted into the cartridge housing portion 10 (specifically, an internal space formed by the cartridge housing portion 10 and the receiving portion 43) via the receiving portion 43. The oscillator 36 is not held by the main board 31 or the sub board 32, but held by the first case 13A (see fig. 13 described later).

The constituent components of the main unit 2 other than the first housing 13A, the second housing 13B, and the oscillator 36 are assembled centering on the holder 30. The holder 30 has two through holes 30a penetrating in the front-rear direction (X-axis direction). Two screws 40 are inserted into the two through holes 30a. Two screws 40 fix the holder 30 to the first housing 13A. That is, the holder 30 is screwed to the first housing 13A (see fig. 9).

< holder >

Fig. 10 is a perspective view of the holder 30 according to the embodiment on the first plate surface 41a side. Fig. 11 is a perspective view of the holder 30 according to the embodiment on the second plate surface 41b side.

As shown in fig. 10 and 11, the holder 30 includes a first rib 42C, a second rib 42D, and a housing fitting portion 42E in addition to the main plate 41, the sub plate 42, and the receiving portion 43.

The first rib 42C and the second rib 42D extend from the end of the main plate 41 in a direction intersecting the plate surfaces (the first plate surface 41a and the second plate surface 41 b) of the main plate 41 (in the present embodiment, in the thickness direction (X-axis direction) of the main plate 41) similarly to the sub plate 42. The first rib 42C and the second rib 42D extend parallel to the longitudinal direction (Z-axis direction) of the main plate 41, and are disposed facing each other in the short-side direction (Y-axis direction) of the main plate 41. The sub-plate 42 is the same as the first rib 42C and the second rib 42D in the meaning of the "main plate intersecting portion" extending from the end portion of the main plate 41 in the direction intersecting the plate surface of the main plate 41, but is different from the first rib 42C and the second rib 42D in the point of holding the components such as the input device 15 and the display device 33.

As shown in fig. 10, the main plate 41 is provided with a plurality of substrate support pieces 41d along the periphery of the first plate surface 41 a. The substrate support piece 41d supports the peripheral edge of the main substrate 31 (see fig. 7) and forms a space with the first plate surface 41 a. Thus, the holder 30 can hold the main substrate 31 having the electronic components mounted on both surfaces thereof.

A clamping piece 42a that clamps the main substrate 31 supported by the substrate support piece 41D in the thickness direction (X-axis direction) is formed on the first rib 42C (although not shown, the same applies to the second rib 42D) surrounding the first plate surface 41 a. Further, in the vicinity of the second rib 42D, a substrate support piece 41D is also formed in the same arrangement as the first rib 42C. Further, a substrate support piece 43e for supporting the main substrate 31 and a clamping piece 43f for clamping the main substrate 31 in the thickness direction (X-axis direction) are also formed on the bottom wall 43b of the receiving portion 43.

Two engaging claws 41f for engaging the tray 44 with an opening 41c (see fig. 7) of the main plate 41 are formed on the upper side (+ Z side) in the longitudinal direction of the first plate surface 41 a. The two engagement claws 41f are arranged to face each other in the longitudinal direction (Z-axis direction) of the main plate 41 at the peripheral edge of the opening 41c. The tray 44 is formed in a rectangular shape extending in the Z-axis direction when viewed from the X-axis direction.

Fig. 12 is a sectional view taken along line B-B of fig. 3. Fig. 12 shows a cross section through the two engagement claws 41f and the tray 44.

As shown in fig. 12, the two engagement claws 41f are engaged with the peripheral edges of the tray 44 on the upper (+ Z side) and lower (-Z side) in the longitudinal direction. The peripheral edge portions on the right side (+ Y side) and the left side (-Y side) in the short direction of the tray 44 that are not engaged with the two engaging claws 41f are placed on the first plate surface 41 a.

The tray 44 is recessed toward the-X side with respect to the first plate surface 41a of the main plate 41 so as to avoid the thickness of the oscillator 36 in the X-axis direction. The sub board 32 is disposed in a recessed portion of the tray 44. The sub board 32 is electrically connected to a connection terminal, not shown, of the oscillator 36. Further, the sub board 32 is formed with an opening 32b that avoids interference with the eccentric weight 36a of the oscillator 36. As shown in fig. 12, the sub-board 32 does not need to be in contact with the oscillator 36, and only a connection terminal, not shown, of the oscillator 36 may be electrically connected to the sub-board 32.

The main board 31 extends in the Z-axis direction so as to overlap a part of the sub board 32 (tray 44) in the X-axis direction. That is, a part of the main board 31 and a part of the sub board 32 are arranged to overlap in the Z-axis direction. A connection terminal 32c is provided at a portion where the main board 31 and the sub board 32 overlap each other. The connection terminal 32c electrically connects the main substrate 31 and the sub-substrate 32.

Fig. 13 is a perspective view showing an attachment structure of the oscillator 36 according to an embodiment.

As shown in fig. 13, a mounting portion 13D for mounting the oscillator 36 is formed in the first housing 13A. The mounting portion 13D is formed on the facing surface 13A1 facing the second main surface 12A2 in the first main surface 12A1 of the first case 13A. The facing surface 13a1 is an inner wall surface facing the inside (the (-X side) of the outer case 12.

The mounting portion 13D includes a mounting wall 13D1 surrounding a main body portion (motor portion) of the oscillator 36, and a cutout portion 13D2 formed by cutting out a part of the mounting wall 13D1 and allowing the rotation shaft of the oscillator 36 to pass therethrough. The mounting wall 13d1 surrounds the main body of the oscillator 36 on both sides in the Y-axis direction and both sides in the Z-axis direction. The notch 13d2 is formed in a wall portion on the-Z side of the mounting wall 13d 1. The eccentric weight 36a is disposed outside the mounting wall 13d 1.

The main body of the oscillator 36 is fitted inside the mounting wall 13d 1. Further, an adhesive sheet or an adhesive may be interposed between the main body of the oscillator 36 and the first housing 13A. In order to facilitate transmission of the vibration of oscillator 36 to first housing 13A, a part or all of the main body of oscillator 36 may be in direct contact with first housing 13A.

Returning to fig. 10, the sub-plate 42 extends in a direction (X-axis direction) orthogonal to the plate surfaces (the first plate surface 41a and the second plate surface 41 b) of the main plate 41. The sub-plate 42 of the present embodiment extends to both sides (+ X side and-X side) in a direction orthogonal to the plate surface of the main plate 41 (see fig. 12). This makes the cross section of the holder 30T-shaped, and improves the rigidity of the holder 30.

As shown in fig. 10, the sub-plate 42 includes a first sub-plate 42A provided on a first end edge 41h1 of the end portion of the main plate 41, and a second sub-plate 42B provided on a second end edge 41h2 adjacent to the first end edge 41h1 of the end portion of the main plate 41. The end of the first end edge 41h1 on the upper side (+ Z side) in the longitudinal direction of the main plate 41 extends in parallel with respect to the X-Y plane.

The second end edge 41h2 is inclined by substantially 45 ° about the Z axis with respect to the X-Y plane from the left side (-Y side) end of the first end edge 41h 1. The left side (-Y side) end of the second end 41h2 is located lower than the right side (+ Y side) end of the second end 41h2 in the longitudinal direction (-Z side) of the main plate 41. The second end edge 41h2 may be said to be a notch portion extending obliquely so as not to interfere with the rounded first corner portion 12C1 shown in fig. 1.

As shown in fig. 11, the first sub-plate 42A provided on the first end edge 41h1 and the second sub-plate 42B provided on the second end edge 41h2 are connected to each other. By connecting the first sub-plate 42A and the second sub-plate 42B having a T-shaped cross section to each other, the rigidity of the holder 30 can be further improved. The first sub-plate 42A and the second sub-plate 42B are connected at an obtuse angle. Thereby, the second sub-plate 42B can be inclined so as to face the rounded first corner portion 12C1, and the input device 15 can be held.

In addition, the angle formed by the first sub-plate 42A and the second sub-plate 42B is the angle formed by the first end edge 41h1 and the second end edge 41h2 in the main plate 41. That is, the first sub-plate 42A and the second sub-plate 42B are connected at an obtuse angle of substantially 135 °. The first sub-plate 42A and the second sub-plate 42B are not limited to the configuration in which they are connected at approximately 135 ° as long as they are connected within a range greater than 90 ° and smaller than 180 °.

As shown in fig. 11, a positioning projection 42A1 is formed on the first sub-plate 42A. The positioning convex portion 42a1 is a protrusion portion for positioning the frame-shaped display device holder 33b (see fig. 7). As shown in fig. 12, the positioning projection 42a1 and the display device holder 33b form the same plane (X-Y plane). This makes it easy to attach the adhesive sheet 45 that adheres to the display device main body 33 a.

As shown in fig. 11, a sub-plate extending projection 42A2 is formed on the first sub-plate 42A. The sub-plate extending projection 42A2 is disposed at an end portion of the first sub-plate 42A opposite to an end portion connected to the second sub-plate 42B. The sub-panel extending projection 42a2 extends to the + Y side than the second rib 42D. As shown in fig. 8, the engaging claws 14b1 of the display cover 14 are engaged with the sub-plate extending projections 42a2.

As shown in fig. 11, the second sub-plate 42B is formed with a wiring groove 42B1 and a substrate holding piece 42B2. The substrate holding pieces 42b2 are four L-shaped projections that hold the four corners of the switch substrate 15b (see fig. 7). The wiring groove 42b1 is a groove through which wiring for connecting the switch board 15b and the main board 31 passes. The wiring groove 42b1 is formed to cross the region surrounded by the four substrate holding pieces 42b2.

In addition, a sub-plate extending protrusion 42B3 is also formed in the second sub-plate 42B. The sub-plate extending projection 42B3 is disposed at an end portion of the second sub-plate 42B opposite to the end portion connected to the first sub-plate 42A. The sub-panel extending projection 42b3 extends further to the-Y side than the first rib 42C. As shown in fig. 8, the other engaging claw 14b2 of the display cover 14 is engaged with the sub-plate extending projection 42b3.

Fig. 14 is a perspective view showing an attachment structure of the display cover 14 according to the embodiment.

As shown in fig. 14, the display cover 14 has a curved shape convex toward the upper side (+ Z side). The engagement claw 14b1 is disposed at the right side (+ Y side) end of the display cover 14. The engagement claw 14b2 is disposed at the end portion on the left side (-Y side) of the display cover 14 opposite to the engagement claw 14b1.

The engagement claw 14b1 is engaged with the sub-plate extending projection 42A2 of the first sub-plate 42A. The engagement claw 14B2 is engaged with the sub-plate extending projection 42B3 of the second sub-plate 42B. As shown in fig. 8, the display cover 14 in the assembled state is engaged with the holder 30 in a state where the display cover extends from the end portion to the end portion of the first sub-plate 42A and the second sub-plate 42B.

As shown in fig. 14, the display cover 14 is formed with a through hole 14a in which the switch button 15a of the input device 15 is disposed. The switch button 15a includes a base portion 15a1 abutting against the switch substrate 15b and a columnar button portion 15a2 protruding from the base portion 15a1. The button portion 15a2 is disposed to be inserted through the through hole 14a.

The button portion 15a2 is formed of, for example, a hard resin material. An elastic body (spring or the like) not shown is provided inside the button portion 15a2, and when the button portion 15a2 is released, the original position is returned. The button portion 15a2 may be an elastic body that can be elastically deformed by being pressed. In this case, a rigid body (a column for assisting the press-fitting of the switch board 15 b) which can be displaced by the press-fitting may be included in the elastic body. An insertion hole 15a3 is formed in the peripheral surface of the button portion 15a2. The insertion hole 15a3 is formed in the root of the push button portion 15a2 (in the vicinity of a connection portion of the push button portion 15a2 with the base portion 15a 1).

The switch holder 15c is formed in a ring shape that can be fitted to the button portion 15a2. The switch holder 15c is formed of a flexible material that can be deformed by pushing the button portion 15a2. The switch holder 15c may be formed of an elastically deformable material. An inner diameter side protrusion piece 15c1 that can be inserted into the insertion hole 15a3 of the push button portion 15a2 is formed on the inner diameter side of the switch holder 15c. Further, two outer diameter side protruding pieces 15c2 protruding to both sides in the X axis direction are formed on the outer diameter side of the switch holder 15c. The inner diameter side projection piece 15c1 and the two outer diameter side projection pieces 15c2 are shifted by 90 ° about the center axis of the switch holder 15c. The switch holder 15c covers the base portion 15a1 of the switch knob 15 a. Therefore, the base portion 15a1 can be prevented from being seen from the display cover 14 side.

Side walls 14c are provided perpendicularly on both sides in the X-axis direction in the vicinity of the through hole 14a of the display cover 14. The side wall 14c is formed with two insertion holes 14c1 into which the two outer diameter side protruding pieces 15c2 of the switch holder 15c can be inserted. The switch holder 15c and the switch button 15a, in other words, the constituent parts of the input device 15 other than the switch substrate 15b are assembled on the display cover 14 side. When the display cover 14 in which the switch holder 15c and the switch knob 15a are assembled is engaged with the holder 30, the switch knob 15a is placed on the switch board 15b, and the input device 15 is assembled.

Returning to fig. 11, the first rib 42C of the holder 30 extends in the longitudinal direction (Z-axis direction) along the-Y-side end of the main plate 41. The second sub-plate 42B is connected to an end portion on the upper side (+ Z side) in the longitudinal direction of the first rib 42C. The first rib 42C having a T-shaped cross section is connected to the second sub-plate 42B together with the main plate 41, whereby the rigidity of the holder 30 can be further improved. A housing fitting portion 42E is provided to protrude from a side surface of the first rib 42C facing the opposite side (Y side) to the main plate 41.

The housing fitting portion 42E is formed with a first fitting hole 42E1 and a second fitting hole 42E2. The first fitting hole 42e1 and the second fitting hole 42e2 are open to the-Y side. The first fitting hole 42E1 is disposed on the + X side of the case fitting portion 42E. The first housing 13A is engaged with the first engagement hole 42e1 by a click. The second fitting hole 42E2 is disposed on the-X side of the case fitting portion 42E. The second housing 13B is fitted to the second fitting hole 42e2 by a click.

The housing fitting portion 42E is formed in two parts separated in the longitudinal direction of the first rib 42C. The case fitting portion 42E disposed on the lower side (the (-Z side) in the longitudinal direction of the first rib 42C is formed with 1 set of the first fitting hole 42E1 and the second fitting hole 42E2. A plurality of sets of first fitting holes 42E1 and second fitting holes 42E2 are formed in the case fitting portion 42E disposed on the upper side (+ Z side) in the longitudinal direction of the first rib 42C so as to be separated from each other in the longitudinal direction. Further, a through hole 30a for screwing the holder 30 is formed in the case fitting portion 42E disposed on the + Z side.

A held piece 42E3 linearly partitioning the first fitting hole 42E1 and the second fitting hole 42E2 is provided to protrude from the case fitting portion 42E disposed on the + Z side. The clamped piece 42e3 is sandwiched between the first peripheral wall portion 12B1 of the first housing 13A and the second peripheral wall portion 12B2 of the second housing 13B. As shown in fig. 1, the clamped piece 42e3 is not exposed to the outer surface 12B1 of the peripheral wall portion 12B of the outer case 12. That is, a step is formed inside the first peripheral wall portion 12B1 and the second peripheral wall portion 12B2 so as to sandwich the clamped piece 42e3.

As shown in fig. 11, the second rib 42D of the holder 30 extends in the longitudinal direction (Z-axis direction) along the end portion of the + Y side of the main plate 41. The end portion on the upper side (+ Z side) in the longitudinal direction of the second rib 42D is connected to the first sub-plate 42A. The second rib 42D having a T-shaped cross section is connected to the first sub-plate 42A together with the main plate 41, whereby the rigidity of the retainer 30 can be further improved.

The second rib 42D has a branch portion 42D1 bent in an L shape toward the side opposite to the main plate 41 (+ Y side). The branch portion 42D1 is connected to the peripheral wall 43a of the receiving portion 43. This can improve the rigidity of the connection portion between the main plate 41 and the receiving portion 43. As shown in fig. 10, a through hole 30a for screwing the holder 30 is formed in a connecting portion between the main plate 41 and the receiving portion 43.

The second rib 42D is formed with a stepped notch portion 42D. The cutout 42d has a first cutout 42d1 and a second cutout 42d2. The first notch 42D1 is formed from the end of the second rib 42D on the + X side toward the end on the-X side to the front of the main plate 41. The second cutout portion 42d2 is disposed on the-Z side of the first cutout portion 42d1. The second notch 42D2 is formed from the end of the second rib 42D on the + X side toward the end on the-X side to the back side of the main plate 41 (a position beyond the second plate surface 41 b) (see fig. 11).

The first notch 42d1 is formed to avoid interference with an optical path of a light source 52 (see fig. 29) provided on the main substrate 31. The light source 52 is, for example, an LED lamp or the like. As shown in fig. 29, the second cutout portion 42d2 is formed to avoid interference with the sensor holder 35 attached to the cartridge housing portion 10 and the sensor 34 held by the sensor holder 35.

Fig. 15 is a top view of one embodiment retainer 30. Fig. 16 is a cross-sectional view taken along line C-C as shown in fig. 15.

As shown in fig. 15, the receiving portion 43 of the holder 30 is formed in a bottomed cylindrical shape. Two insertion holes 43c for arranging two protruding electrodes 50 (see fig. 7) inside the cartridge housing portion 10 are formed in the bottom wall 43b of the receiving portion 43.

The two insertion holes 43c are arranged to be separated in the Y axis direction with the main axis O interposed therebetween. The two insertion holes 43c penetrate the bottom wall 43b in the main axis direction (Z axis direction). As shown in fig. 10, an annular wall 43d is provided so as to protrude from the lower surface side (-Z side) of the bottom wall 43b. The annular wall 43d surrounds the two insertion holes 43c. The annular wall 43d is formed in an elongated hole shape connecting both ends of 2 parallel lines extending in the Y-axis direction in an arc when viewed from above.

As shown in fig. 16, a step 43g (annular receiving surface) that abuts the cartridge housing portion 10 in the main axis direction (Z axis direction) is formed inside the peripheral wall 43a of the receiving portion 43. The peripheral wall 43a on the lower side (-Z side) of the step 43g is narrower than the upper side (+ Z side) of the step 43 g. As shown in fig. 15, the peripheral wall 43a below the step 43g has an inner diameter D1. The inner diameter D1 corresponds to the inner diameter of the cartridge housing portion 10.

An engagement projection 43h that engages with the engagement groove portion 26i (see fig. 5) of the cartridge 3 is formed on the upper surface side (+ Z side) of the bottom wall 43b of the receiving portion 43. The engagement groove portion 26i and the engagement projection portion 43h constitute a positioning mechanism 90 that positions the cartridge 3 in the circumferential direction and the radial direction. Three engaging protrusions 43h are formed at equal intervals in the circumferential direction (at intervals of 120 ° in the circumferential direction). The number of the engaging projections 43h is not limited to the same number as the number of the engaging groove portions 26i. The number of the engaging projections 43h may be equal to or less than the number of the engaging groove portions 26i.

As shown in fig. 16, the engaging projection 43h has a curved surface shape projecting toward the upper side (+ Z side) in the main axis direction. That is, the width of the engagement projection 43h in the circumferential direction becomes smaller toward the upper side in the main shaft direction. The engagement projection 43h may have the same isosceles trapezoid shape or isosceles triangle shape as the engagement groove portion 26i, as long as the width in the circumferential direction is smaller toward the upper side in the main shaft direction. The engaging projection 43h may have an asymmetrical shape such as a right triangle. For example, when the engaging projection 43h is a right triangle, the side facing the rotational direction of the mouthpiece 11 is preferably a right angle side when the mouthpiece 11 is connected to the cartridge housing section 10. Thus, when the mouthpiece section 11 is connected to the cartridge housing section 10, the cartridge housing section 10 is less likely to pass over the engagement projection 43h.

As shown in fig. 15, the outer diameter D2 of the cartridge 3 housed in the cartridge housing portion 10 is smaller than the inner diameter D1 of the cartridge housing portion 10. The clearance formed between the inner diameter D1 of the cartridge accommodating portion 10 (in other words, the inner diameter D1 on the lower side from the step 43g of the receiving portion 43) and the outer diameter D2 of the cartridge 3 is preferably greater than 2.6% of the inner diameter D1 of the cartridge accommodating portion 10. This increases the gap between the cartridge housing portion 10 and the cartridge 3, and facilitates the insertion of the engagement projection 43h into the engagement groove portion 26i when the cartridge 3 described later is installed. The gap between the cartridge housing portion 10 and the cartridge 3 is calculated from the difference between the inner diameter D1 of the cartridge housing portion 10 and the outer diameter D2 of the cartridge 3. For example, when the inner diameter D1 is 11.8mm and the outer diameter D2 is 11.5mm, the clearance is 0.3mm. This clearance corresponds to 2.54% of the inner diameter D1, and this case is excluded from the above conditions.

More preferably, the clearance formed between the inner diameter D1 of the cartridge housing portion 10 and the outer diameter D2 of the cartridge 3 is greater than 7.0% of the inner diameter D1 of the cartridge housing portion 10. This makes the gap between the cartridge accommodating portion 10 and the cartridge 3 larger, and the engagement protrusion 43h is more easily drawn into the engagement groove portion 26i when the cartridge 3 described later is installed. For example, in the case where the inner diameter D1 is 12.4mm and the outer diameter D2 is 11.5mm, the clearance is 0.9mm. This clearance corresponds to 7.26% of the inner diameter D1, and in this case, the above condition is satisfied.

The dimension D3 in the radial direction of the engagement projection 43h is preferably larger than the gap generated between the cartridge accommodating portion 10 and the cartridge 3. The above two conditions are defined by the dimension D3 in the radial direction of the engaging projection 43h as follows. The engaging projection 43h preferably extends from the inner peripheral wall of the cartridge housing portion 10 (in other words, the inner peripheral wall of the peripheral wall 43a on the lower side than the step 43 g) toward the inside of the cartridge housing portion 10 in the radial direction by a dimension D3 larger than 2.6% of the inner diameter D1 of the cartridge housing portion 10. More preferably, the engaging projection 43h extends radially from the inner peripheral wall of the cartridge housing portion 10 toward the inside of the cartridge housing portion 10 by a dimension D3 that is greater than 7.0% of the inner diameter D1 of the cartridge housing portion 10.

As shown in fig. 15, an engagement projection 43i for positioning the cartridge accommodating portion 10 in the circumferential direction is formed on the step 43g of the receiving portion 43. One engagement projection 43i is formed on the inner wall surface of the front side (+ X side) of the peripheral wall 43a of the receiving portion 43. The engaging projection 43i is formed to project inward in the radial direction not more than the step 43g of the receiving portion 43, but to the same extent as the lower peripheral wall 43a of the step 43 g. As shown in fig. 16, the engagement projection 43i has a curved surface shape protruding upward in the main shaft direction (+ Z side) similarly to the engagement projection 43h. That is, the width of the engagement projection 43i in the circumferential direction decreases toward the upper side in the main shaft direction.

< receiving part of cartridge >

Fig. 17 is a front view of the cartridge housing portion 10 according to the embodiment. Fig. 18 is a right side view of the cartridge housing portion 10 according to the embodiment. Fig. 19 is a left side view of the cartridge receiving portion 10 according to the embodiment. Fig. 20 is a sectional view taken in a direction D-D as shown in fig. 18.

As shown in fig. 17, the cartridge housing portion 10 is a cylindrical tubular member and extends in the main axis direction (Z axis direction). The outer case 12, the holder 30, and the like are made of resin, and the cartridge housing portion 10 is formed of a metal cylindrical member.

A cartridge insertion opening 10a is formed at an upper end (+ Z side) in the main shaft direction of the cartridge accommodating portion 10. On the other hand, an engagement groove portion 10b that engages with the engagement projection 43i is formed at the end portion on the lower side (the (-Z side) in the main axis direction of the cartridge housing portion 10. The engagement groove portion 10b is formed in one piece on the front side (+ X side) of the lower end portion of the cartridge housing portion 10.

As shown in fig. 18, a through hole 10c and two air communication holes 10e are formed on the right side (+ Y side) of the peripheral surface of the cartridge housing portion 10. A cartridge housing portion-side projection 17C (see fig. 29) provided on the cover member 17 (see fig. 7) is inserted into the through hole 10C. The two air communication holes 10e communicate with two air holes 19 provided in the cover member 17 (see fig. 29 described later).

As shown in fig. 18, the through-hole 10c is a long hole extending in the main axis direction (Z-axis direction). A rectangular groove 10c1 is formed at the-X-side end edge of the through hole 10c. The rectangular groove 10c1 makes the shape of the through hole 10c asymmetrical in the X-axis direction in order to prevent an erroneous assembly of the cover member 17 to the cartridge housing portion 10. The two air communication holes 10e are disposed in the X-axis direction with a through hole 10c interposed therebetween. The air communication hole 10e is formed larger than the air hole 19 as shown in fig. 29 described later. This prevents the air holes 19 and the air communication holes 10e from being displaced so that the flow path area is narrowed. That is, the air holes 19 are difficult to close when the main body unit 2 is assembled.

As shown in fig. 19, another through hole 10d is formed on the left side (-Y side) of the peripheral surface of the cartridge housing portion 10. A cartridge receiving portion side projection 35D (see fig. 29) provided in the sensor holder 35 (see fig. 7) is inserted into the through hole 10D. The through hole 10d is a long hole extending in the main axis direction (Z axis direction). The through hole 10d is disposed on the left oblique front side (+ X side) of the cartridge housing portion 10, and as shown in fig. 29 described later, there is no point-symmetric positional relationship with respect to the through hole 10c on the right side (+ Y side) about the main axis O.

As shown in fig. 20, the insertion ring 10A is press-fitted into the cartridge housing portion 10 on the upper side (+ Z side) in the main axis direction of the through hole 10c and the through hole 10d. The insert ring 10A is a resin cylindrical member. The insert ring 10A is formed with a mouthpiece connecting portion 10B for connecting the mouthpiece portion 11 (see fig. 5) to the cartridge insertion/extraction port 10A. Further, a recess 10f is formed in the inner wall surface on the upper side (on the + Z side) in the main shaft direction of the cartridge housing portion 10 so that the inner diameter is not reduced by fitting of the fitting ring 10A.

Two suction port connecting portions 10B are formed at equal intervals (180 °) in the circumferential direction of the insert ring 10A. The suction port connecting portion 10B is a groove (notch) formed in the insert ring 10A. The suction port connecting portion 10B includes a first groove 10B1, a second groove 10B2, and a third groove 10B3. The first groove portion 10b1 has a circumferential width that increases toward the spindle direction upper side (+ Z side). The second groove portion 10b2 extends downward in the main axis direction (toward the negative Z side) from the lower end of the first groove portion 10b1 with a constant width. The third groove portion 10b3 is bent 90 ° in the circumferential direction from the lower end of the second groove portion 10b2, and surrounds the insert ring 10A by approximately 1/4 turn with a certain width.

< mouthpiece part >

Fig. 21 is a right side view of the mouthpiece portion 11 of an embodiment. Fig. 22 is a sectional view taken along line E-E of fig. 21.

As shown in fig. 21, the mouthpiece section 11 has a projection 11B1 that engages with the mouthpiece connecting section 10B of the cartridge housing section 10. The mouthpiece 11 includes a mouthpiece main body 11A made of resin and a metal cylinder 11B having two protrusions 11B1 formed therein as shown in fig. 22.

As shown in fig. 22, the mouthpiece main body 11A is formed in a bottomed cylindrical shape. The flavor source container 4 (see fig. 6) is inserted into the inner side of the peripheral wall 11A1 of the mouthpiece main body 11A. A flange portion 11a2 extending outward in the radial direction is annularly provided on the outer surface of the peripheral wall 11a1. As shown in fig. 6, the flange portion 11a2 abuts on an upper end opening edge of the cartridge housing portion 10 (an opening edge of the cartridge insertion/removal opening 10 a) in the main axis direction (Z axis direction).

A through hole 11A4 penetrating in the main shaft direction is formed in the bottom wall 11A3 of the mouthpiece main body 11A. The cartridge contact portion 60 (see fig. 6) is fitted into the through hole 11a4. The cartridge abutting portion 60 is an elastic body formed of a resin material such as silicone resin, for example. The cartridge abutting portion 60 includes a first ring portion 60a, a cylindrical portion 60b, and a second ring portion 60c.

The first ring portion 60a is disposed on the upper side (+ Z side) in the main shaft direction of the bottom wall 11A3 of the nozzle portion body 11A. The first ring portion 60a has an outer diameter larger than the through hole 11A4 and extends to the inner wall surface of the peripheral wall 11A1 of the mouthpiece main body 11A. The first loop portion 60a abuts against the bottom wall 27d of the fragrance source container 4 inside the peripheral wall 11a1. The side of the first loop portion 60a facing the bottom wall 27d of the flavor source container 4 may be a flat surface, or a groove may be formed in a leg shape corresponding to the bottom wall 27 d. The first ring portion 60a serves as a circumferential anti-slip member for the fragrance source container 4 and a sealed chamber for the minute hole 27e of the fragrance source container 4. In addition, the first loop portion 60a may not abut against the bottom wall 27d of the fragrance source container 4. In this case, a seal portion that prevents introduction of outside air can be formed at the contact portion of the fragrance source container 4 and the mouthpiece portion 11 in the step 27b. The cylindrical portion 60b is disposed to be inserted through the through hole 11a4 of the bottom wall 11a 3. The cylindrical portion 60b connects the inner diameter side of the first ring portion 60a and the inner diameter side of the second ring portion 60c in the main shaft direction.

The second ring portion 60c is disposed on the lower side (on the minus Z side) in the main shaft direction of the bottom wall 11A3 of the mouthpiece main body 11A. The through hole 11a4 of the second ring portion 60c having a large outer diameter extends to the inner wall surface of the cylindrical body 11B. An annular protrusion 61 protruding downward in the main shaft direction toward the cartridge 3 is formed on the second ring portion 60c. The annular projection 61 prevents the second ring portion 60c from coming into contact with the cartridge 3 in a flat surface, and increases the contact pressure with respect to the cartridge 3, thereby facilitating the development of a frictional force in the circumferential direction and a pressing force in the main axis direction, which will be described later.

A communication hole 62 is formed in the center of the first ring 60a, the cylindrical portion 60b, and the second ring 60c. The communication hole 62 communicates the through hole 21b of the can body 21 of the cartridge 3 with the minute hole 27e of the flavor source container 4. The annular projection 61 of the second annular portion 60c is formed in a double ring shape. The annular projection 61 is in contact with the ceiling wall 21a of the can body 21 around the through hole 21b of the cartridge 3, and thus a double seal with high airtightness can be formed.

Returning to fig. 22, the cylindrical body 11B is press-fitted to the peripheral wall 11A1 of the mouthpiece main body 11A below the flange 11A2. Two protrusions 11B1 are arranged on the circumferential surface of the cylindrical body 11B at equal intervals (180 °) in the circumferential direction. The cylindrical body 11B extends downward in the main shaft direction (toward the negative Z side) than the peripheral wall 11A1 of the mouthpiece main body 11A. The second ring portion 60c is disposed in a space below the bottom wall 11a3 surrounded by the cylindrical body 11B. As shown in fig. 6, the inner diameter of the cylindrical body 11B is larger than the outer diameter of the cartridge 3. Thus, even if the mouthpiece 11 is strongly pushed toward the cartridge 3 in a state shown in fig. 37 described later, the second ring portion 60c is elastically deformed so as to be crushed in the main shaft direction, and the cylindrical body 11B does not interfere with the cartridge 3.

< main substrate >

Fig. 23 is a perspective view of the main substrate 31 of the embodiment. Fig. 24 is a perspective view showing a state where a projected electrode cover 51 is removed from the projected electrode 50 of the main substrate 31 according to an embodiment.

As shown in fig. 23, the primary base plate 31 has a plate shape extending along the Y-Z plane, and has a first plate surface 31a facing the front side (+ X side) and a second plate surface 31b facing the rear side (-X side). The second plate surface 31b of the main substrate 31 is provided with: a protruding electrode 50 inserted into the cartridge accommodating chamber, which is an internal space formed by the cartridge accommodating portion 10 and the receiving portion 43; and a light source 52 for illuminating the interior of the cartridge housing 10. The protruding electrode 50 may reach the inside of the cartridge housing portion 10 in the cartridge housing chamber, or may reach only the inside of the receiving portion 43. In addition, when the receiving portion 43 has a flat plate shape, the protruding electrode 50 can easily reach the inside of the cartridge housing portion 10.

Here, the "main substrate" refers to the largest substrate among the substrates housed inside the outer case 12. The main board 31 is larger than the sub board 32 and the switch board 15b of the input device 15. In addition, when only one substrate is accommodated in the outer case 12, the substrate is a "main substrate". In the case where two boards having the same size are housed inside the outer case 12, the board provided with an electronic control arithmetic unit such as a CPU or a microcomputer is referred to as a "main board".

The primary base plate 31 has a first portion 31A extending in the major axis direction (Z axis direction) and a second portion 31B extending in a direction intersecting the first portion 31A. The second portion 31B extends in the Y-axis direction orthogonal to the direction in which the first portion 31A extends. That is, the main substrate 31 is formed in an L shape when viewed from the X-axis direction. The second portion 31B does not necessarily need to be bent at a right angle to the first portion 31A as long as it can extend to the lower side (-Z side) of the receiving portion 43 shown in fig. 10. That is, the shape of the main board 31 is not limited to the L shape.

The first portion 31A is a portion overlapping with the main plate 41 of the holder 30 shown in fig. 10. The first portion 31A is held by the substrate support piece 41d and the holding piece 42a on the main plate 41. The first portion 31A extends in the main axis direction along the main plate 41. That is, the first portion 31A extends parallel to the cartridge housing portion 10. The light source 52 is disposed on the cartridge housing portion 10 side (+ Y side) of the first portion 31A (see fig. 23).

The second portion 31B is a portion extending and protruding from the main plate 41 of the holder 30 shown in fig. 10 toward the receiving portion 43 side (+ Y side). The second portion 31B is held by the substrate support piece 43e and the holding piece 43f of the bottom wall 43B of the receiving portion 43. The second portion 31B is disposed to face the receiving portion 43 (i.e., the end of the cartridge accommodating section 10) in the main axis direction (Z axis direction). In other words, the second portion 31B and the receiving portion 43 are arranged in the main axis direction. The protruding electrode 50 is disposed on the side (+ Z side) of the second portion 31B facing the receiving portion 43 (see fig. 23).

As shown in fig. 24, the bump electrode 50 is supported by a pedestal portion 50A provided on the second plate surface 31b of the main substrate 31. The mount 50A supports the bump electrode 50 in parallel with the plate surface (the first plate surface 31a, the second plate surface 31b, in other words, the Y-Z plane) of the main substrate 31. That is, the two terminals of + and-of the bump electrode 50 supported by the pedestal portion 50A extend in parallel along the Y-Z plane.

The main substrate 31 is provided with a bump electrode cover 51 covering a portion where the bump electrode 50 is provided. The portion where the bump electrode 50 is provided includes a pedestal portion 50A. Specifically, the portion where the bump electrode 50 is provided includes the pedestal portion 50A, the root of the bump electrode 50, and the peripheral region of the pedestal portion 50A in the second plate surface 31b. The protruding electrode cover 51 is formed in a substantially box shape with an opening on the side facing the second plate surface 31b. The bump electrode cover 51 has a cover end wall 51a disposed on the-X side of the pedestal portion 50A and a cover peripheral wall 51b surrounding both sides of the pedestal portion 50A in the Y-axis direction and both sides in the Z-axis direction.

Two through holes 51c through which the bump electrodes 50 are arranged are formed in the wall portion on the + Z side of the cover peripheral wall 51b. The tip portion of the protruding electrode 50 is biased to the + Z side by a spring member, not shown, housed in the root portion of the protruding electrode 50, and is displaceable in the Z-axis direction. That is, the protruding electrode 50 extends toward the cartridge 3 and is displaced in the-Z direction when the cartridge 3 is inserted. In this state, the projecting electrode 50 is biased in the + Z direction, and therefore can reliably contact the cartridge 3. The inner wall surface of the through hole 51c is in close contact with a portion that does not restrict the displacement of the tip portion of the projected electrode 50, for example, the outer periphery of the root portion of the projected electrode 50 in the present embodiment.

Fig. 25 is a sectional view F-F in the view shown in fig. 9.

As shown in fig. 25, the protruding electrode cover 51 abuts against the receiving portion 43 of the holder 30 in which the insertion hole 43c is formed. The projecting electrode 50 is inserted into the insertion hole 43c. The wall portion on the + Z side of the cover peripheral wall 51b of the protruding electrode cover 51 abuts on the annular wall 43d of the bottom wall 43b of the receiving portion 43 in the main shaft direction. The protruding electrode cover 51 is formed of silicone resin. The wall portion on the + Z side of the cover peripheral wall 51b is elastically deformed by contact with the annular wall 43d.

The bottom wall 43b of the receiving portion 43 is provided with a substrate contact portion 43j. The substrate contact portion 43j is disposed on the + X side of the annular wall 43d. The board contact portion 43j is provided to protrude from the bottom wall 43b of the receiving portion 43 toward the-Z side, and contacts the main board 31 in the main axis direction. As shown in fig. 10, the substrate contact portion 43j is disposed between the substrate support piece 43e and the clamping piece 43f provided on the bottom wall 43b, and extends linearly in the Y-axis direction.

As shown in fig. 25, the annular wall 43d extends to the-Z side than the substrate contact portion 43j. The elastic deformation of the protruding electrode cover 51 by the annular wall 43d is limited to a certain amount by the abutment of the substrate abutment portion 43j with the main substrate 31. That is, the contact pressure between the annular wall 43d and the protruding electrode cover 51 can be controlled by the substrate contact portion 43j. Therefore, the protruding electrode cover 51 is not pressed excessively against the annular wall 43d, and the sealing property between the annular wall 43d and the protruding electrode cover 51 can be ensured.

The bump electrode cover 51 is provided on the main substrate 31 together with the bump electrode 50. That is, the protruding electrode cover 51 is not held by a structure (for example, the outer case 12) other than the main board 31. As shown in fig. 25, the protruding electrode cover 51 is assembled to the outer case 12 in a non-contact state. This can prevent the projected electrode cover 51 from being deformed or displaced by contact with the outer case 12, thereby preventing the casing (casing) performance from being impaired.

< cover means >

Fig. 26 is a view of the cover member 17 according to the embodiment as viewed from the radially outer side. Fig. 27 is a view of the cover member 17 of the embodiment as viewed from the radially inner side. Fig. 28 is a perspective view of the cover member 17 according to an embodiment.

As shown in fig. 26, the cover member 17 includes a main body housing side projection 17A on the radially outer side, that is, toward the right side (+ Y side) of the main body housing 13. The main body case side projection 17A is inserted into the opening 13a of the main body case 13 as shown in fig. 2. The cover member 17 has optical transparency, and the remaining amount of liquid in the aerosol source of the cartridge 3 accommodated in the cartridge accommodating portion 10 can be confirmed by the body case side projection 17A.

The main body case side projection 17A is formed in an elongated hole shape extending in the main axis direction (Z axis direction) similarly to the opening 13a of the main body case 13. The main body case side projection 17A is slightly smaller than the opening 13a. An air intake port 18 is formed in a gap between the main body case side projection 17A and the opening 13a. Further, a part of the main body case side projection 17A may be in contact with the inner wall surface of the opening 13a. The air intake port 18 is an inlet of an intake air flow path for taking outside air into the interior of the outer case 12 by suction of a user.

The air intake port 18 is formed annularly along an opening edge of the opening 13a of the main body case 13 (also referred to as a peripheral edge of the main body case side projection 17A). The size of the air inlet 18 is preferably such that it is not completely blocked by the user's fingers. For example, the dimension of the air intake port 18 in the principal axis direction (Z axis direction) is preferably equal to or larger than the first knuckle width (e.g., equal to or larger than 2.0 cm) of the average thumb of a typical adult. The interval in the X axis direction of the 2 slits extending parallel to the main axis direction of the air intake port 18 may be equal to or greater than the first knuckle width of the average thumb of a typical adult.

The air inlet 1 may be 1 or 2 slits extending parallel to the major axis direction, as long as it is not blocked by the user's fingers. That is, the air intake port 18 may be formed in a slit shape along the opening edge of the opening 13a of the main body case 13.

As shown in fig. 28, the cover member 17 has a plate portion 17B that supports the main body housing side projection 17A. The plate portion 17B is disposed to overlap the inside of the main body case 13. The plate portion 17B is interposed between the main body case 13 and the cartridge housing portion 10. The side of the plate portion 17B closer to the cartridge accommodating portion 10 (the-Y side) is curved along the circumferential surface of the cartridge accommodating portion 10. The main body case 13 side (+ Y side) of the plate portion 17B is bent along the inner wall surface of the peripheral wall portion 12B (see fig. 2). The bend shape (curvature, etc.) of the plate portion 17B on the cartridge housing portion 10 side (-Y side) is different from that on the main body case 13 side (+ Y side).

Further, the main-axis-direction upper side (+ Z) of the plate portion 17B on the main body case 13 side is bent along the inner wall surface of the second corner portion 12C2 of the peripheral wall portion 12B. That is, the plate portion 17B decreases in thickness toward the upper side (+ Z) in the main shaft direction. The plate portion 17B is formed with the air hole 19, the air groove 70, and the case fitting hole 17B1. Two air holes 19 are formed in the X-axis direction with the main body case side protrusion 17A interposed therebetween.

Fig. 29 is a sectional view taken along line G-G of fig. 3.

As shown in fig. 29, the air holes 19 are disposed at a portion where the cover member 17 overlaps the main body case 13. That is, the air hole 19 is disposed inside the main body case 13 and covered by the main body case 13. Therefore, the air hole 19 cannot be visually recognized from the outside of the main body case 13. Further, the air hole 19 cannot be directly closed with a finger unless the main body case 13 is removed.

The air hole 19 fluidly communicates the air inlet 18 with the interior of the cartridge receptacle 10. The air hole 19 is a main flow path of an intake flow path for taking outside air into the outer case 12. The air hole 19 of the present embodiment communicates with the air communication hole 10e formed in the cartridge housing portion 10, and the air intake port 18 fluidly communicates with the inside of the cartridge housing portion 10 at a short distance. When the air communication hole 10e is not formed, the air taken into the outer case 12 from the air hole 19 flows into the cartridge housing portion 10 through all gaps of the cartridge housing portion 10.

Returning to fig. 26, the case fitting holes 17B1 are formed in two on the upper side and the lower side of the air hole 19 in the

plate portion

17B, and 2 sets are formed in the X-axis direction with the main body case side protrusion 17A interposed therebetween. The main body case 13 is click-fitted in a total of four case fitting holes 17b1. Specifically, the fitting claws 13E of the first housing 13A are fitted to the two housing fitting holes 17b1 disposed on the + X side of the main housing-side projection 17A (see fig. 34 described later). The fitting claws 13I of the second housing 13B are fitted into the two housing fitting holes 17B1 disposed on the-X side of the main housing-side projection 17A (see fig. 35 described later).

The air slots 70 form a space connecting the air inlet 18 and the air holes 19. As shown in fig. 28, the air groove 70 includes an annular groove portion 71 and two stepped groove portions 72. The annular groove portion 71 is formed annularly around the main body case side projection 17A in the plate portion 17B. The annular groove portion 71 is recessed toward the-Y side from the outer surface of the main body case 13 side (+ Y) of the plate portion 17B. As shown in fig. 29, the width of the annular groove portion 71 is preferably larger than the width of the air intake port 18 (the distance from the inner periphery to the outer periphery).

The two stepped groove portions 72 are formed at the + X side end edge and the-X side end edge of the annular groove portion 71. The stepped groove portion 72 has a lower bottom surface than the annular groove portion 71. That is, the stepped groove portion 72 is recessed toward the-Y side from the annular groove portion 71. An air hole 19 is formed in the bottom surface of the stepped groove portion 72. The bottom surface of the stepped groove portion 72 is formed larger than the opening area of the air hole 19.

As shown in fig. 27, the cover member 17 has a cartridge housing portion side projection 17C on the cartridge housing portion 10 side (-Y side) of the plate portion 17B. The cartridge housing portion-side projection 17C is inserted into a through hole 10C (see fig. 18) formed in the peripheral surface of the cartridge housing portion 10. The cartridge housing portion-side projection 17C is formed in an elongated hole shape extending in the main axis direction (Z axis direction) similarly to the through hole 10C of the cartridge housing portion 10.

As shown in fig. 27, the cover member 17 has a cover positioning projection 17D on the cartridge housing portion 10 side (-Y side) of the plate portion 17B. The hood positioning projection 17D is disposed on the-X side of the cartridge accommodating portion side projection 17C. The hood positioning projection 17D is a rectangular projection extending in the X-axis direction. The hood positioning projection 17D is inserted into the rectangular groove 10c1 of the cartridge housing portion 10 shown in fig. 18. This can prevent an error in assembling the cover member 17 to the cartridge housing portion 10.

< sensor holder >

Fig. 30 is a view of the sensor holder 35 according to an embodiment as viewed from the radially outer side. Fig. 31 is a view of the sensor holder 35 according to the embodiment as viewed from the radially inner side. Fig. 32 is a perspective view of a sensor holder 35 according to an embodiment.

As shown in fig. 32, the sensor holder 35 has a curved plate portion 35A that is shaped to follow the peripheral surface of the cartridge housing portion 10. As shown in fig. 29, the curved plate portion 35A is in airtight contact with the peripheral surface of the cartridge housing portion 10 via an adhesive sheet 48. The curved plate portion 35A is disposed in a narrow gap between the cartridge housing portion 10 and the holder 30.

As shown in fig. 29, the sensor holder 35 is provided with a holder-side protrusion 35B protruding toward the holder 30 on the outer surface of the curved plate portion 35A on the side opposite to the cartridge housing portion 10. The holder-side protrusion 35B is formed in a cylindrical shape. The sensor 34 is held inside the holder-side projection 35B. The holder-side projection 35B (and the sensor 34) is disposed to be inserted into the second notch portion 42D2 of the second rib 42D of the holder 30.

An air flow path 80 connecting the inside of the cartridge housing portion 10 and the sensor 34 is formed in the holder-side protrusion 35B. The air flow path 80 extends from the sensor 34 to the inner wall surface of the curved plate portion 35A in the radial direction. A holding portion 35C for holding the sensor 34 is provided on the cartridge housing portion 10 side of the air flow path 80. As shown in fig. 31, the holding portions 35C are arranged in a pair on the inner wall surface of the air flow passage 80 radially inward of the sensor 34. The sensor 34 abuts on the holding portion 35C, thereby preventing the sensor 34 from dropping into the cartridge housing portion 10.

The cartridge housing portion 10 side of the sensor 34 serves as a detection portion. The detection unit detects, for example, an operation of the diaphragm that deforms in accordance with a pressure variation as a change in the electrostatic capacitance. The detection section is covered with a waterproof and breathable member 81. The waterproof and breathable member 81 is formed of a material having both waterproof and breathable properties. The material of the waterproof and breathable member 81 has numerous fine pores having a size that allows air to pass therethrough, although water droplets do not pass therethrough. The waterproof and breathable member 81 partitions a space between the sensor 34 and the inside of the cartridge housing portion 10. That is, the waterproof and air-permeable member 81 does not pass liquid from the inside of the cartridge housing section 10 to the sensor 34, but passes only air.

As shown in fig. 32, a cartridge housing portion-side protrusion 35D that protrudes toward the cartridge housing portion 10 is provided on the inner wall surface of the curved plate portion 35A on the cartridge housing portion 10 side. The cartridge housing portion-side projection 35D is formed in a substantially C-shape as viewed from the radially inner side as shown in fig. 31. The cartridge housing portion-side projection 35D is inserted into a through hole 10D (see fig. 19) formed in the peripheral surface of the cartridge housing portion 10.

The sensor holder 35 has translucency and also serves as a light guide member for guiding the light of the light source 52 shown in fig. 6 into the cartridge accommodating portion 10. The sensor holder 35 is formed of, for example, polycarbonate resin. The polycarbonate resin is added with appropriate hardness to the sensor holder 35 holding the sensor 34 and has good light transmittance for serving as a light guide member. As the light transmittance of the sensor holder 35, light transmittance such as light diffusion of transmitted light and transmittance lower than transparency is preferable.

As shown in fig. 6, the sensor holder 35 is interposed between the light source 52 and the cartridge housing portion 10. The light source 52 is disposed above (+ Z side) the sensor 34 in the main axis direction (Z axis direction) of the cartridge housing portion 10 so as not to overlap the sensor 34. The light source 52 is disposed on the opposite side of the cartridge insertion opening 10a in the main axis direction of the cartridge housing portion 10. The phrase "the side opposite to the cartridge insertion/extraction opening" refers to an area within a range of L/2 from the end opposite to the cartridge insertion/extraction opening 10a when the dimension of the cartridge housing portion 10 in the main axis direction is L.

The light source 52 is disposed at least partially overlapping the window 16. That is, the window portion 16 is disposed to overlap the light source 52 when viewed from the Y-axis direction. Further, the can body 21 of the cartridge 3 is disposed between the window portion 16 and the light source 52. The light source 52 illuminates at least the lower half of the liquid containing chamber 21g inside the tank 21. Further, the cover member 17, the through hole 10c of the cartridge housing portion 10, the can 21, the through hole 10D of the cartridge housing portion 10, the sensor holder 35, and the first cutout portion 42D1 of the second rib 42D of the holder 30 are disposed between the window portion 16 and the light source 52.

< method for assembling body Unit >

Fig. 33 is a perspective view showing an assembly method of the main unit 2 according to an embodiment. Fig. 34 is a rear view showing the configuration of the inside of the first housing 13A according to the embodiment. Fig. 35 is a front view showing the inner structure of the second housing 13B according to the embodiment.

As shown in fig. 33, the main body unit 2 is assembled by screwing a holder unit 100, in which various components are assembled around a holder 30, to a first housing 13A to which an oscillator 36 is attached, then combining the first housing 13A and a second housing 13B, and finally performing a welding process. Among the welding, ultrasonic welding is preferable.

The holder unit 100 includes the components of the main unit 2 other than the first housing 13A, the second housing 13B, and the oscillator 36. Specifically, the holder unit 100 includes a holder 30, a cartridge housing portion 10, a mouthpiece portion 11, a display cover 14, an input device 15, a main substrate 31, a sub-substrate 32, a display device 33, a sensor 34, a sensor holder 35, and a power supply 37. Further, the mouthpiece 11 may be removed from the cartridge housing section 10 when the main unit 2 is assembled.

As shown in fig. 34, the mounting portion 13D of the oscillator 36, two boss portions 13C for screwing the holder 30, a plurality of case-side projecting portions 13G in contact with the first rib 42C and the second rib 42D of the holder 30, and a groove portion 13H in contact with the receiving portion 43 of the holder 30 are formed on the facing surface 13A1 of the first main surface portion 12A1 of the first case 13A, which faces the second case 13B.

Threaded holes are formed in the two boss portions 13C. The two boss portions 13C are screwed with 2 screws 40 (see fig. 33) passing through the two through holes 30a of the holder 30. The case-side projecting portion 13G abuts on the first rib 42C, and as shown in fig. 34, is disposed on the-Y side of the mounting portion 13D on the facing surface 13a1, and is dispersed in the main axis direction (Z axis direction).

The case-side projecting portions 13G abutting on the second ribs 42D are disposed on the + Y side of the mounting portion 13D on the facing surface 13b1, and are dispersed in the main axis direction (Z axis direction). Further, the case-side protrusion 13G1 disposed at the end on the lower side in the main shaft direction (on the (-Z side) is bent in an L shape corresponding to the branch portion 42D1 of the second rib 42D. The groove portion 13H is recessed toward the + X side along the circumferential surface of the receiving portion 43.

Fitting claws 13E provided on both left and right sides and a fitting claw 13F provided on the lower side are provided on the inner wall surface of the first peripheral wall portion 12B1 of the first housing 13A. The two fitting claws 13E provided on the + Y side of the first peripheral wall portion 12B1 are fitted to the claws of the housing fitting hole 17B1 (see fig. 26 and 28) of the cover member 17.

Further, three fitting claws 13E provided on the-Y side of the first peripheral wall portion 12B1 are fitted to the claws of the first fitting hole 42E1 (see fig. 11 and 29) of the holder 30. The two fitting claws 13F provided on the-Z side of the first peripheral wall portion 12B1 are engaged with claw receiving portions 13K (see fig. 35) of the second housing 13B described later.

As shown in fig. 35, the second main surface 12A2 of the second case 13B has a plurality of case-side projecting portions 13J that contact the first ribs 42C and the second ribs 42D of the holder 30 and a groove portion 13L that contacts the receiving portion 43 of the holder 30 formed on the facing surface 13B1 facing the first case 13A.

The case-side protrusions 13J abutting the first ribs 42C are distributed in the main axis direction (Z-axis direction) on the-Y side of the facing surface 13b 1. The case-side projecting portion 13J abutting on the second rib 42D extends linearly in the main axis direction (Z axis direction) at a substantially central portion in the Y axis direction of the facing surface 13b 1. The groove portion 13L is recessed toward the-X side along the peripheral surface of the receiving portion 43.

Fitting claws 13I provided on both left and right sides and a claw receiving portion 13K provided on the lower side are provided on the inner wall surface of the second peripheral wall portion 12B2 of the second housing 13B. The two fitting claws 13I provided on the + Y side of the second peripheral wall portion 12B2 are fitted to the claws of the housing fitting hole 17B1 (see fig. 26 and 28) of the cover member 17.

Further, three fitting claws 13I provided on the-Y side of the second peripheral wall portion 12B2 are fitted to the claws of the second fitting hole 42e2 (see fig. 11 and 29) of the holder 30. Further, the two claw receiving portions 13K provided on the-Z side of the second peripheral wall portion 12B2 are engaged with the engagement claws 13F (see fig. 34) of the first housing 13A.

The body unit 2 includes a first connection portion 91 that connects the first peripheral wall portion 12B1 of the first case 13A and the second peripheral wall portion 12B2 of the second case 13B, a second connection portion 92 that connects the holder 30 to the facing surfaces 13A1, 13B1 of either the first main surface portion 12A1 or the second main surface portion 12A2, and a third connection portion 93 that connects the holder 30 to the other facing surfaces 13A1, 13B1 of the first main surface portion 12A1 and the second main surface portion 12 A2.

The first connection portion 91 includes the engagement claw of the engagement claw 13F (see fig. 34) of the first housing 13A and the claw of the claw receiving portion 13K (see fig. 35) of the second housing 13B. In this way, the connection mode of the first connection portion 91 includes claw fitting.

The second connection portion 92 includes screw fastening of the holder 30 to a boss portion 13C (see fig. 34) provided on the facing surface 13A1 (one facing surface) of the first main surface portion 12A1 of the first housing 13A (see fig. 33). As such, the connection of the second connection portion 92 includes a threaded fastening.

The third connection portion 93 includes fusion bonding of the case-side projecting portion 13J (see fig. 35) provided on the facing surface 13B1 (the other facing surface) of the second main surface portion 12A2 of the second case 13B to the first rib 42C and the second rib 42D provided on the holder 30 (see fig. 29). In this way, the connection mode of the third connection portion 93 includes welding. The circumferential surface of the receiving portion 43 is also welded to the groove portion 13L of the second housing 13B (see fig. 35).

In the present embodiment, the first rib 42C and the second rib 42D are also welded to the case-side protrusion 13G provided on the facing surface 13A1 (one facing surface) of the first main surface portion 12A1 of the first case 13A (see fig. 29). In this way, the connection mode of the second connection portion 92 also includes welding. The circumferential surface of the receiving portion 43 is also welded to the groove portion 13H of the first housing 13A (see fig. 34).

In the present embodiment, the engagement claw 13E (see fig. 34) provided on the-Y side of the first peripheral wall portion 12B1 of the first housing 13A is engaged with the claw provided in the first engagement hole 42E1 (see fig. 11) of the holder 30. In this manner, the connection method of the second connection portion 92 also includes claw fitting.

In the present embodiment, the engagement claw 13E (see fig. 35) provided on the-Y side of the second peripheral wall portion 12B2 of the second housing 13B is engaged with the second engagement hole 42E2 (see fig. 11) provided in the holder 30. In this manner, the connection method of the third connection portion 93 also includes click fitting.

That is, the connection mode of the first connection portion 91 is 1 type of click fitting. The second connection portion 92 is connected by 3 types of fitting by a claw, screwing, and welding. The third connection portion 93 is connected by two methods, i.e., fitting by a click and welding. Therefore, the number of connection modes of the first connection portion 91, the second connection portion 92, and the third connection portion 93 is different.

In this way, the number of connection modes of the three connection portions (the first connection portion 91, the second connection portion 92, and the third connection portion 93) of the main unit 2 is different, so that the user is difficult to disassemble. In addition, even if the number of connection modes of the three connection parts is the same, the user can be prevented from disassembling the connection parts if the connection modes are different. For example, the first connection portion 91 may be connected by a click fit, the second connection portion 92 may be connected by a screw fastening, and the third connection portion 93 may be connected by a fusion welding.

In addition, even if the number and the type of the connection modes of two of the three connection parts are the same, it is possible to make it difficult for the user to disassemble the connector as long as the number and the type of the connection modes of the remaining one connection part are different. That is, the number of connection modes of at least one of the three connection portions may be different. In addition, at least one of the three connection portions may include a connection portion having a different connection type.

The main unit 2 of the present embodiment further includes a fourth connecting portion 94 that connects the first peripheral wall portion 12B1 of the first housing 13A and the second peripheral wall portion 12B2 of the second housing 13B via the cover member 17. The fourth connecting portion 94 includes a housing fitting hole 17B1 (see fig. 26) provided in the cover member 17 described above, and a claw fitting of a fitting claw 13E (see fig. 34) provided on the + Y side of the first peripheral wall portion 12B1 of the first housing 13A and a fitting claw 13E (see fig. 35) provided on the + Y side of the second peripheral wall portion 12B2 of the second housing 13B. In this manner, the connection mode of the fourth connection portion 94 includes claw fitting.

< appearance of body Unit >

Fig. 36 is a front view of the main unit 2 with the mouthpiece 11 of the embodiment removed.

As shown in fig. 36, the main unit 2 includes a cartridge housing portion 10 having a cartridge insertion/extraction opening 10a protruding from the outer case 12. That is, a part of the cartridge housing portion 10 including the cartridge insertion/removal opening 10a protrudes from the outer case 12, and the portion where the cartridge 3 is inserted/removed is easily visually recognized.

A part of the cartridge housing portion 10 protruding from the outer case 12 includes a mouthpiece connecting portion 10B (see fig. 6 and 20) for connecting the mouthpiece 11 to the cartridge insertion/extraction opening 10a. That is, at least a part of the suction port connecting portion 10B protrudes from the outer case 12. Thus, the first groove portions 10B1 and the like of the mouthpiece connecting portion 10B are easily visually recognized from the cartridge insertion and extraction port 10a.

The outer case 12 is provided with a ridge portion 12D on the upper side in the main shaft direction (+ Z side). The cartridge accommodating portion 10 protrudes upward in the main axis direction from the deformation transition portion 12D1 of the bulge portion 12D. The deformation transition portion 12D1 is a portion from the second corner portion 12C2 to the top P of the rising portion 12D. The deformation transition portion 12D1 may be said to be a portion where the dimension of the outer case 12 in the Z-axis direction increases from the second corner portion 12C2 to the top P of the bulge portion 12D. The deformed transition portion 12D1 may be a portion inclined with respect to the main axis direction. The deformed transition portion 12D1 is not limited to the curved surface shown in fig. 36, and may be an inclined surface.

The deformation transition portion 12D1 forms a portion (on the + Y side) largely exposed from the outer case 12 and a portion (on the-Y side) largely exposed from the outer case 12 in the cartridge housing portion 10. The large exposed portion of the cartridge housing portion 10 ensures visibility of the cartridge housing portion 10. In the small exposed portion of the cartridge housing portion 10, the outer case 12 can secure an area for protecting the cartridge housing portion 10. Further, since the contact length between the edge of the outer case 12 and the peripheral surface of the cartridge housing portion 10 is long, it is easy to secure the connection strength when the two are bonded.

As shown in fig. 36, the cartridge insertion/removal opening 10a is disposed at a position below the top P of the bulge portion 12D in the main axis direction (Z axis direction) in which the cartridge housing portion 10 extends. That is, the cartridge insertion opening 10a is lowered toward the lower side in the main axis direction (the minus Z side) with respect to the top P of the raised portion 12D. The raised portion 12D is in contact with the ground or the like prior to the cartridge insertion opening 10a when the main unit 2 falls upside down, for example, and protects the cartridge insertion opening 10a.

The ridge portion 12D has a deformed transition portion 12D2 where the input device 15 is arranged on the side opposite to the deformed transition portion 12D1 across the apex portion P (Y side). The input device 15 is disposed at a position below the apex P of the bulge portion 12D in the main axis direction (Z axis direction) in which the cartridge housing portion 10 extends. The raised portion 12D is in contact with the ground or the like prior to the input device 15 when the main unit 2 falls upside down, for example, to prevent malfunction of the input device 15.

The input device 15 is disposed in an acute angle direction with respect to a main axis O of the cartridge housing portion 10 passing through the center of the cartridge insertion/extraction opening 10a. In detail, an angle θ at which the major axis O intersects a diagonal line O1 connecting the first corner portion 12C1 (input device 15) and the third corner portion 12C3 is smaller than 90 °. With this configuration, the user can easily put his finger on the input device 15 while holding the mouthpiece section 11 attached to the cartridge insertion/extraction port 10a.

The main unit 2 includes a movement regulating member (the cover member 17 and the sensor holder 35) for regulating the movement of the cartridge housing portion 10 as a measure for taking out the cartridge housing portion 10 partially protruding from the outer case 12. The movement restricting member restricts at least movement of the cartridge accommodating section 10 in the direction of removal from the outer case 12. Here, the "extraction direction" means one direction toward the upper side (+ Z side) in the main axis direction (Z axis direction).

As shown in fig. 6, the outer case 12 has a main body case 13 formed with an opening 13a. The cover member 17 (movement restricting member) has a main body case side projection 17A inserted into the opening 13a. The body case side projection 17A is locked to the outer case 12 at least in the pull-out direction, and regulates the movement of the cartridge housing portion 10.

The cover member 17 has a cartridge housing portion-side projection 17C inserted into the through hole 10C of the cartridge housing portion 10. The cartridge housing portion-side projection 17C is engaged with the cartridge housing portion 10 even when the cover member 17 is peeled off from the peripheral surface of the cartridge housing portion 10 by the user's removal, and prevents the cartridge housing portion 10 from being pulled out of the outer case 12.

The cover member 17 has a plate portion 17B interposed between the cartridge housing portion 10 and the outer case 12. The plate portion 17B decreases in thickness in the direction of drawing out the cartridge accommodating portion 10 (see fig. 28). The plate portion 17B is inserted into a wedge-shaped space between the cartridge accommodating portion 10 and the outer case 12 (specifically, a space in which the rounded inner wall surface of the second corner portion 12C2 of the outer case 12 gradually approaches the circumferential surface of the cartridge accommodating portion 10). That is, the plate portion 17B serves as a wedge to prevent the cartridge housing portion 10 from being pulled out of the outer case 12.

As shown in fig. 29, a second notch 42D2 is formed in the second rib 42D of the holder 30 fixed to the outer case 12. The sensor holder 35 (movement restricting member) has a holder-side projection 35B inserted into the second cutout portion 42d2. The holder-side projection 35B is locked to the holder 30 at least in the pull-out direction, and regulates the movement of the cartridge accommodating section 10.

The sensor holder 35 has a cartridge housing portion-side projection 35D inserted into the through hole 10D of the cartridge housing portion 10. The cartridge housing portion-side projection 35D is engaged with the cartridge housing portion 10 even when the sensor holder 35 is detached from the peripheral surface of the cartridge housing portion 10 by the user's pulling, and prevents the cartridge housing portion 10 from being pulled out of the outer case 12.

< method for assembling suction device >

Fig. 37 is an explanatory diagram showing a state in which the cartridge 3 is housed in the cartridge housing portion 10 according to the embodiment. Fig. 38 is an explanatory view showing a state in which the mouthpiece section 11 is attached to the cartridge housing section 10 according to the embodiment.

As shown in fig. 37, when the extractor 1 is assembled, the cartridge 3 is housed in the cartridge housing portion 10 of the main unit 2. As shown in fig. 5, the cartridge 3 is inserted from the cartridge insertion/extraction opening 10a of the cartridge housing portion 10 protruding from the outer case 12 in a state where the planar electrode 26h faces the main unit 2 side.

The cartridge 3 is shorter than the cartridge housing portion 10 and therefore falls freely during insertion. At this time, since there is no member that hinders the movement of the cartridge 3 in the rotational direction around the cartridge 3 and the cartridge 3 falls with a corresponding amount of momentum, even when the circumferential positions of the engagement projection 43h of the positioning mechanism 90 and the engagement groove portion 26i of the cartridge 3 do not coincide, the cartridge 3 can be ejected and rotated by the collision with the engagement projection 43h or the cartridge 3 slides down along the curved surface of the engagement projection 43h, so that the engagement projection 43h enters the engagement groove portion 26i.

Here, in the present embodiment, the gap generated between the inner diameter D1 of the cartridge housing portion 10 and the outer diameter D2 of the cartridge 3 is larger than 2.6% of the inner diameter of the cartridge housing portion 10. Therefore, the gap between the cartridge housing portion 10 and the cartridge 3 is large, and the engaging projection 43h is easily drawn into the engaging groove portion 26i. That is, when the cartridge 3 is inserted, the cartridge 3 is assembled at a regular position even if the circumferential positions of the engagement projection 43h and the engagement groove portion 26i do not coincide. Thereby, the planar electrode 26h of the cartridge 3 contacts the protruding electrode 50.

When the cartridge 3 is inserted, the cartridge 3 may not be mounted at a proper position. In this case, the cartridge 3 is in a state of climbing up the engagement projection 43h (hereinafter, simply referred to as "climbing up state"). In the ascent state of the cartridge 3, the movement of the cartridge 3 on the lower side in the main axis direction (the (-Z side) is restricted. Therefore, the planar electrode 26h and the protruding electrode 50 are separated in the main axis direction, and the cartridge 3 and the main unit 2 cannot be electrically connected.

When the mouthpiece portion 11 is attached to the cartridge accommodating portion 10 in the state where the cartridge 3 is lifted up, the cartridge abutting portion 60 abuts against the cartridge 3 before the attachment of the mouthpiece portion 11 is completed. Specifically, the cartridge abutting portion 60 abuts against the cartridge 3 while the protrusion 11B1 of the mouthpiece 11 passes through the first groove 10B1 or the second groove 10B2 of the mouthpiece connecting portion 10B. Then, the cartridge abutting portion 60 is compressed in the main shaft direction, and the cartridge 3 is pressed against the engaging projection 43h. Since the engaging projection 43h has a curved surface shape, even if the circumferential positions of the center of the engaging projection 43h and the center of the engaging groove portion 26i do not coincide, the cartridge 3 slides down obliquely along the curved surface of the engaging projection 43h as long as the engaging groove portion 26i is engaged with the tip of the engaging projection 43h, and the cartridge 3 is assembled at a regular position.

When the cartridge 3 is pressed and the cartridge 3 is still in the lifted state, the mouthpiece 11 is rotated with the cartridge abutting portion 60 abutting against the cartridge 3 as shown in fig. 38. Then, while the protrusion 11B1 passes through the third groove 10B3 of the mouthpiece connecting part 10B, the cartridge 3 rotates together. The cartridge 3 rotates by a frictional force generated between the cartridge abutting portion 60. When the tip (apex) of the engaging projection 43h faces the engaging groove portion 26i by the rotation of the cartridge 3, the cartridge 3 slides down along the curved surface of the engaging projection 43h, and the engaging projection 43h enters the engaging groove portion 26i. As described above, in the present embodiment, the cartridge 3 can be assembled in a regular position in three stages, i.e., free fall of the cartridge 3, pressing of the cartridge 3, and rotation of the cartridge 3.

When the mouthpiece 11 is rotated to the end and the mouthpiece 11 is attached to the cartridge accommodating section 10, the cartridge abutting section 60 is compressed in the main axis direction, the planar electrode 26h is pressed against the protruding electrode 50, and the cartridge 3 is positioned. In this way, the cartridge 3 is positioned and the cartridge 3 and the main unit 2 are electrically conducted by attaching the mouthpiece 11. In addition, the annular projection 61 of the cartridge abutting portion 60 is compressed in the main axis direction, and the gap between the cartridge 3 and the mouthpiece portion 11 is sealed.

By the above, the assembling of the extractor 1 is completed. As shown in fig. 37 and 38, the flavor source container 4 may be inserted into the mouthpiece portion 11 in advance, but in a case where this is not the case, the assembly of the inhaler 1 may be completed by attaching the mouthpiece portion 11 to the cartridge housing portion 10 and then inserting the flavor source container 4 into the mouthpiece portion 11.

< method of using suction device >

In using the suction unit 1 described above, the user first presses the input device 15 shown in fig. 1. At this time, for example, it is also possible to program the main unit 2 to be activated by pressing the input device 15a plurality of times.

Then, the user sucks the fragrance while holding the suction port portion 11 or the fragrance source container 4. Then, the air inside the cartridge housing portion 10 flows, and the sensor 34 shown in fig. 29 senses the suction. When the sensor 34 senses suction, the heating wire 25b of the cartridge 3 shown in fig. 6 is energized, and the heating wire 25b generates heat. When the heating wire 25b generates heat, the aerosol source of the liquid immersed in the wick 25a is heated and atomized. The atomized aerosol is sucked up together with air (outside air) taken in by suction.

As shown in fig. 29, air (outside air) is taken in from the air inlet 18 of the gap between the main body case 13 and the cover member 17. The air taken in from the air intake port 18 flows into the cartridge housing portion 10 through the annular groove portion 71, the stepped groove portion 72, the air hole 19, and the air communication hole 10e of the air groove 70. As shown in fig. 6, the air flowing into the cartridge accommodating portion 10 flows into the atomizing chamber 24c through the air intake hole 26c and the opening 24e of the cartridge 3.

The atomized aerosol fills the atomizing chamber 24c, and is sucked into the mouthpiece 11 side through the flow path tube 21c, the through hole 21b, and the communication hole 62 of the cartridge abutting portion 60 together with the air flowing into the atomizing chamber 24c. Then, the mixed gas of the atomized aerosol and air passes through the flavor source container 4 attached to the mouthpiece 11 and enters the mouth of the user. This enables the user to taste the fragrance.

< modification example >

In the present embodiment, the following modifications can be adopted. In the following description, the same reference numerals are given to the same or equivalent components as those in the above-described embodiment, and the description thereof will be omitted or simplified.

Fig. 39 is a perspective view showing a modification of the suction port connecting portion 10B according to the embodiment. Fig. 40 is a perspective view showing a modification of the cartridge housing portion 10 according to the embodiment. Fig. 41 is a sectional view taken along line H-H in fig. 39.

The suction port connecting portion 10B shown in fig. 39 has a fitting hole 10B4 in addition to the first groove portion 10B1, the second groove portion 10B2, and the third groove portion 10B3 described above.

The fitting hole 10b4 is disposed on an extension line of the third groove 10b3. The fitting hole 10b4 is formed separately from the third groove 10b3. That is, a part 10A1 of the fitting ring 10A is interposed between the fitting hole 10b4 and the third groove 10b3. When the projection 11B1 of the mouthpiece section 11 is attached to the mouthpiece connecting section 10B, it goes over a part 10A1 of the fitting ring 10A from the end of the third groove section 10B3 and fits into the fitting hole 10B4. Thereby, the suction port portion 11 is held by the suction port connecting portion 10B.

As shown in fig. 40, the cartridge housing portion 10 is formed with a relief groove 10g for relieving the insert ring 10A radially outward by elastic deformation when the projection 11b1 passes over the portion 10A1 of the insert ring 10A. The escape groove 10g is recessed radially outward from the recess 10f in which the insert ring 10A is disposed. Two escape grooves 10g are provided corresponding to the two suction port connection portions 10B provided in the insert ring 10A. The two escape grooves 10g are disposed to face each other on both sides in the radial direction of the inner wall surface of the cartridge accommodating section 10.

The escape groove 10g is formed with a positioning projection 10h. The positioning groove portion 10C of the insert ring 10A shown in fig. 39 is engaged with the positioning projection 10h. The positioning groove portion 10C has a tapered inclined surface 10C1 whose circumferential width gradually increases toward the lower side (Z side) in the main shaft direction. The positioning groove portion 10C is engaged with the positioning projection 10h shown in fig. 40, and the fitting hole 10b4 of the fitting ring 10A and the escape groove 10g can be aligned.

As shown in fig. 41, the projection 11b1 of the suction port portion 11 is fitted into the fitting hole 10b4 in a state where the fitting ring 10A is bent radially outward. This allows the mouthpiece section 11 to be held by the mouthpiece connecting section 10B without rattling. The clearance S1 between the insertion ring 10A and the cartridge housing portion 10 formed by the escape groove 10g may be of a size such that the projection 11b1 of the mouthpiece portion 11 can pass over a part 10A1 of the insertion ring 10A. In order to hold the suction port 11 in the suction port connecting portion 10B without rattling, it is preferable that a clearance S2 between the fitting ring 10A and the cylindrical body 11B of the suction port 11 in an undeflected state shown by a two-dot chain line in fig. 41 is smaller than a projecting amount T1 of the projecting portion 11B1 with respect to the cylindrical body 11B.

The gap S1 is larger than a difference T2 between the projection amount T1 and the gap S2. The gap S1 is larger than the deflection T3 of the insert ring 10A in the state of holding the protrusion 11b1.

[ Effect ]

The main unit 2 of the present embodiment described above includes the outer case 12 and the holder 30 provided inside the outer case 12, and the holder 30 includes: a main plate 41 that holds at least a part of components provided inside the outer case 12; and a sub-board 42 extending from an end of the main board 41 in a direction intersecting the board surfaces (the first board surface 41a and the second board surface 41 b) of the main board 41 and holding at least one of the components (the input device 15 and the display device 33) provided along the outer surface of the outer case 12.

According to this configuration, the members provided inside the outer case 12 and the members provided along the outer surface of the outer case 12 are held by one holder 30. Further, the holder 30 includes the main plate 41 and the sub-plate 42 extending in the direction intersecting the main plate 41, and thus the rigidity of the holder 30 can be improved and the space inside the apparatus can be saved.

In the present embodiment, the sub-plate 42 extends at least in one side in a direction perpendicular to the plate surface of the main plate 41.

According to this configuration, the cross section of the holder 30 is at least L-shaped, and the rigidity of the holder 30 can be improved.

In the present embodiment, the sub-plate 42 extends on both sides in a direction perpendicular to the plate surface of the main plate 41.

With this configuration, the holder 30 has a T-shaped cross section, and the rigidity of the holder 30 can be improved.

In the present embodiment, the holder 30 includes, as the sub-plate 42, a first sub-plate 42A provided on a first end side 41h1 of an end portion of the main plate 41 and a second sub-plate 42B provided on a second end side 41h2 of the end portion of the main plate 41 adjacent to the first end side 41h1, and the first sub-plate 42A and the second sub-plate 42B are connected to each other.

According to this configuration, since the first sub-plate 42A and the second sub-plate 42B are connected, the rigidity of the holder 30 can be improved.

In the present embodiment, the first sub-plate 42A and the second sub-plate 42B are connected at an obtuse angle.

According to this configuration, even when the outer case 12 has the rounded corner portion 12C and the inclined corner portion 12C, it is easy to dispose components at the corner portion 12C.

In addition, in this embodiment, the display device 33 is held in the sub-plate 42.

According to this configuration, by holding the display device 33 to the sub-plate 42, space can be saved.

In addition, in this embodiment, the display device 33 is an organic EL display or a liquid crystal display.

According to this configuration, the organic EL display or the liquid crystal display can be provided in a space-saving manner.

In the present embodiment, the input device 15 is held on the sub-board 42.

According to this configuration, the input device 15 is held by the sub-plate 42, whereby space can be saved.

In addition, in the present embodiment, the input device 15 is a button.

According to this configuration, the buttons can be installed in a space-saving manner. In addition, since the holder 30 has high rigidity, the holder 30 can bear a load applied to the button.

In the present embodiment, the main board 41 includes a first board surface 41a that holds first components (the main board 31 and the sub board 32) and a second board surface 41b that holds second components (the power source 37) different from the first components on the side opposite to the first board surface 41 a.

According to this configuration, since the components are held on the front and back surfaces of the main board 41, space can be saved.

In the present embodiment, one of the first component and the second component (the second component) is the power supply 37, and the other of the first component and the second component (the first component) is the first electronic component (the main board 31 and the sub board 32) electrically connected to the power supply 37.

With this configuration, by holding the power supply 37 and the electronic components on the front surface and the back surface of the motherboard 41, it is possible to increase the capacity of the power supply 37 and secure the installation space for the electronic components.

In the present embodiment, the cartridge accommodating section 10 is provided, at least a part of which is covered with the outer case 12.

According to this configuration, the cartridge housing portion 10 can be protected by the outer case 12.

In the present embodiment, the holder 30 has a receiving portion 43 formed integrally with the main plate 41 and receiving an end portion of the cartridge housing portion 10.

According to this configuration, the cartridge housing section 10 is further assembled to the holder 30, so that the assembly is easy.

In the present embodiment, the receiving portion 43 is formed with an insertion hole 43c for inserting the protruding electrode 50 into the cartridge housing portion 10.

With this configuration, the protruding electrode 50 can be easily disposed inside the cartridge housing portion 10.

The aerosol-generating device of the present embodiment includes the above-described main unit 2 and the cartridge 3 that houses the aerosol source and is insertable into the cartridge housing portion 10 of the main unit 2 in an insertable manner.

According to this configuration, since the main unit 2 in which components are assembled is provided in a space-saving manner, the entire apparatus can be downsized.

The inhaler 1 of the present embodiment includes the aerosol-generating device described above and the flavor source container 4 attached to the mouthpiece 11 of the aerosol-generating device.

According to this configuration, a flavor can be added to the aerosol.

In addition, the following operational effects can be obtained in the present embodiment.

The main body unit 2 of the present embodiment described above includes: an outer case 12 having a peripheral wall portion 12B connecting the pair of main surface portions 12A; and an input device 15 disposed on the peripheral wall portion 12B, the peripheral wall portion 12B having an outer surface 12B1 continuous with the pair of main surface portions 12A and a recessed portion 12B2 recessed with respect to the outer surface 12B1, the input device 15 being disposed on the recessed portion 12B2.

According to this configuration, since the input device 15 is disposed in the recess 12B2 of the peripheral wall portion 12B, it is difficult to accidentally touch the input device 15, and it is possible to prevent malfunction of the input device 15.

In the present embodiment, the input device 15 is disposed at the corner portion 12C of the outer case 12 in the peripheral wall portion 12B.

With this configuration, the input device 15 is easily operated.

In the present embodiment, the holder 30 provided inside the outer case 12 is provided, and the holder 30 has the sub-plate 42 (second sub-plate 42B) facing the corner portion 12C, and the input device 15 is held by the sub-plate 42.

With this configuration, the input device 15 can be easily disposed at the corner portion 12C.

In the present embodiment, the holder 30 includes the main plate 41 that holds at least a part of the components provided inside the outer case 12, and the sub-plate 42 extends from an end of the main plate 41 in a direction intersecting the plate surface of the main plate 41.

With this configuration, the main plate 41 and the sub-plate 42 are connected to intersect with each other, and therefore the rigidity of the holder 30 can be improved.

With this configuration, the cross section of the holder 30 is T-shaped, and the rigidity of the holder 30 can be improved.

In the present embodiment, the holder 30 includes, as the sub-plate 42, a first sub-plate 42A provided on a first end side 41h1 of an end portion of the main plate 41 and a second sub-plate 42B provided on a second end side 41h2 adjacent to the first end side 41h1 of the end portion of the main plate 41, and the first sub-plate 42A and the second sub-plate 42B are connected to each other.

According to this configuration, even when the outer case 12 has a corner portion 12C with a rounded corner and an inclined corner portion 12C, the input device 15 can be easily disposed in the corner portion 12C.

In addition, in the present embodiment, the input device 15 is a button.

According to this configuration, a malfunction of the button can be prevented.

In the present embodiment, the cartridge housing portion 10 is provided, at least a part of which is covered with the outer case 12.

In the present embodiment, the cartridge housing portion 10 is disposed at a second corner portion 12C2 of the peripheral wall portion 12B, which is closest to the first corner portion 12C1 of the outer case 12 at which the input device 15 is disposed.

With this configuration, the cartridge housing section 10 is disposed close to the input device 15, and thus operability can be improved.

In the present embodiment, the cartridge housing portion 10 has a cartridge insertion/extraction opening 10a to which the mouthpiece portion 11 can be attached, and the input device 15 is disposed in an acute angle direction with respect to a main axis O of the cartridge housing portion 10 passing through the center of the cartridge insertion/extraction opening 10a.

According to this configuration, the user can easily operate the input device 15 while holding the suction port portion 11.

The aerosol-generating device of the present embodiment includes the main unit 2 described above and the cartridge 3 that accommodates the aerosol source and is insertable into the cartridge accommodating portion 10 of the main unit 2 in an insertable manner.

According to this configuration, since the main unit 2 capable of preventing malfunction of the input device 15 is provided, the safety of the apparatus can be improved.

According to this configuration, a fragrance can be added to the aerosol.

The main unit 2 of the present embodiment described above includes the cartridge accommodating portion 10 that accommodates the cartridge 3, the outer case 12 that surrounds at least a part of the outside of the cartridge accommodating portion 10, and the holder 30 accommodated in the outer case 12, and the holder 30 includes the main plate 41 that holds at least one of the components provided inside the outer case 12, and the receiving portion 43 that is formed integrally with the main plate 41 and receives the end portion of the cartridge accommodating portion 10.

According to this configuration, since both the components inside the outer case 12 and the cartridge housing portion 10 are assembled to the holder 30, the assembly is easy.

In the present embodiment, the receiving portion 43 is formed with an insertion hole 43c for inserting the projecting electrode 50 into the cartridge housing portion 10.

In the present embodiment, the receiving portion 43 is formed in a bottomed cylindrical shape extending in parallel in the longitudinal direction (Z-axis direction) of the main plate 41 at the end portion of the main plate 41 in the short-side direction (Y-axis direction).

According to this configuration, the main plate 41 and the cartridge housing portion 10 are arranged in parallel in the longitudinal direction, and therefore the overall length of the main unit 2 can be shortened.

In the present embodiment, the holder 30 includes the sub-plate 42 extending from the end of the main plate 41 in the direction intersecting the plate surface of the main plate 41 and holding at least one of the members provided along the outer surface of the outer case 12.

With this configuration, the rigidity of the holder 30 can be improved.

In the present embodiment, the retainer 30 includes, as the sub-plate 42, a first sub-plate 42A provided at a first end edge 41h1 of an end portion of the main plate 41 and a second sub-plate 42B provided at a second end edge 41h2 adjacent to the first end edge 41h1 of the end portion of the main plate 41, and the first sub-plate 42A and the second sub-plate 42B are connected to each other.

In addition, in this embodiment mode, the display device 33 is held in the sub-plate 42.

In the present embodiment, the input device 15 is held on the sub-board 42.

In the present embodiment, the main plate 41 has a first plate surface 41a for holding a first member and a second plate surface 41b for holding a second member different from the first member on the side opposite to the first plate surface 41 a.

With this configuration, the components are held on the front and back surfaces of the main board 41, and thus space can be saved.

In the present embodiment, one of the first member and the second member is the power supply 37, and the other of the first member and the second member is an electronic component electrically connected to the power supply 37.

According to this configuration, since the main unit 2 in which various components are assembled to the holder 30 is provided, the productivity of the apparatus can be improved.

According to this configuration, a flavor can be added to the aerosol.

The main unit 2 of the present embodiment described above includes the cartridge accommodating portion 10 that accommodates the cartridge 3 and the outer case 12 that surrounds at least a part of the outside of the cartridge accommodating portion 10, and the outer case 12 includes the main body case 13 provided with the window portion 16 and includes the light source 52 that illuminates the inside of the cartridge accommodating portion 10 from a portion other than the window portion 16.

According to this configuration, the remaining amount of liquid can be checked even if there is no through window through which external light is taken in.

The "window portion" includes a simple opening 13a without the cover member 17.

In the present embodiment, the light guide member is provided between the light source 52 and the cartridge accommodating section 10.

With this configuration, the inside of the cartridge housing portion 10 can be brightly illuminated.

In the present embodiment, the sensor 34 that senses the suction of the user and the sensor holder 35 that holds the sensor 34 are provided, and the sensor holder 35 also serves as the light guide member.

According to this configuration, since the sensor holder 35 also serves as the light guide member, the number of components can be reduced, and space saving can be achieved.

In the present embodiment, the cartridge housing portion 10 has a cartridge insertion/extraction opening 10a, and the light source 52 is disposed on the opposite side of the cartridge insertion/extraction opening 10a in the main axis direction of the cartridge housing portion 10 passing through the center of the cartridge insertion/extraction opening 10a.

With this configuration, the bottom of the cartridge housing portion 10 (the side opposite to the cartridge insertion/removal opening) can be illuminated, and the remaining amount of liquid can be easily checked.

In the present embodiment, the light source 52 is disposed so as to overlap at least a part of the window 16.

According to this configuration, since the light source 52 and the window 16 overlap at least partially, the remaining amount of liquid can be easily checked.

In the present embodiment, the window 16 is formed by the opening 13a provided in the main body case 13 and the cover member 17 covering the opening 13a.

With this configuration, the cover member 17 can prevent foreign matter from entering the cartridge housing section 10.

In the present embodiment, the cartridge housing portion 10 is a tubular member having a through hole 10C formed in the peripheral surface thereof, and the cover member 17 has a cartridge housing portion side projection 17C inserted into the through hole 10C.

With this configuration, the cartridge housing section 10 and the cover member 17 (window section 16) can be prevented from being displaced.

In the present embodiment, the cover member 17 has a main body case side projection 17A inserted into the opening 13a of the main body case 13.

According to this configuration, the cover member 17 serves as a detachment prevention member for the cartridge housing portion 10 with respect to the main body housing 13.

According to this configuration, since the main unit 2 capable of illuminating the inside of the cartridge housing portion 10 is provided, the remaining amount of liquid can be easily checked.

According to this configuration, a fragrance can be added to the aerosol.

The main unit 2 of the present embodiment described above includes the cartridge housing portion 10 that houses the cartridge 3 and the outer case 12 that surrounds at least a part of the outside of the cartridge housing portion 10, the outer case 12 includes the main body case 13 having the opening 13a and the cover member 17 provided in the opening 13a, the cover member 17 and the opening 13a have the air inlet port 18 formed in the gap therebetween, and the cover member 17 and the main body case 13 have the air hole 19 formed therein that fluidly communicates the air inlet port 18 with the inside of the cartridge housing portion 10.

With this configuration, the air hole 19 can be prevented from being blocked by a finger and being difficult to suck (suck).

The cover member 17 may be disposed outside the main body housing 13 and may overlap therewith. In this case, an air hole 19 is formed on the main body case 13 side.

In the present embodiment, the air intake port 18 is formed in a ring shape along the opening edge of the opening 13a of the main body case 13.

With this configuration, it is difficult to seal the entire air intake port 18 with the fingers, and suction can be performed even if a part of the air intake port 18 is sealed with the fingers.

In the present embodiment, the air intake port 18 is formed in a slit shape along the opening edge of the opening 13a of the main body case 13.

With this configuration, it is difficult to close the entire air inlet port 18 with fingers, and suction can be performed even if a part of the air inlet port 18 is closed with fingers.

In the present embodiment, an air groove 70 that connects the air intake port 18 and the air hole 19 is formed in at least one of the main body case 13 and the cover member 17.

With this configuration, the fluid resistance between the air intake port 18 and the air hole 19 can be reduced, and suction can be facilitated.

In the present embodiment, the cover member 17 includes the main body case side projection 17A inserted into the opening 13a of the main body case 13 and the plate portion 17B supporting the main body case side projection 17A and overlapping the inside of the main body case 13, and the air groove 70 includes the annular groove portion 71 formed in the plate portion 17B in an annular shape around the main body case side projection 17A.

With this configuration, air can be guided to the air hole 19 from the entire circumference of the main body case side protrusion 17A. Further, the main body housing side projection 17A can prevent the main body housing 13 and the cover member 17 from being displaced.

In the present embodiment, the air groove 70 has a stepped groove portion 72 that is continuous with the annular groove portion 71 and has a lower bottom surface than the annular groove portion 71, and the air hole 19 is formed in the stepped groove portion 72.

According to this configuration, since the air hole 19 is formed in the stepped groove portion 72, the space for the main body case 13 can be enlarged as compared with the annular groove portion 71, and air can easily enter the air hole 19.

In the present embodiment, the cartridge housing portion 10 is a cylindrical member, and an air communication hole 10e that penetrates the circumferential surface of the cylindrical member and communicates with the air hole 19 is formed.

With this configuration, air can be directly taken into the cartridge housing portion 10 from the air hole 19 via the air communication hole 10e, and the intake flow path can be shortened to facilitate suction.

In the present embodiment, a through hole 10C is formed in the peripheral surface of the cartridge housing portion 10 at a position different from the air communication hole 10e, and the cover member 17 has a cartridge housing portion side projection 17C inserted into the through hole 10C.

With this configuration, the cartridge housing portion 10 and the cover member 17 can be prevented from being positionally displaced.

In the present embodiment, the cover member 17 has light transmittance.

With this configuration, the remaining amount of liquid in the cartridge housing portion 10 can be checked through the cover member 17 (window portion 16).

According to this configuration, since the main body unit 2 capable of preventing the air holes 19 from being closed by fingers is provided, difficulty in suction (suction) can be prevented.

According to this configuration, a flavor can be added to the aerosol.

The main unit 2 of the present embodiment described above includes: a cartridge housing section 10 for housing the cartridge 3; an outer case 12 surrounding at least a part of the outside of the cartridge housing portion 10; and a movement restricting member (cover member 17, sensor holder 35) disposed around the cartridge housing portion 10, locked to the outer case 12, and restricting at least movement of the cartridge housing portion 10 in a direction of removal from the outer case 12.

According to this configuration, the cartridge housing portion 10 can be prevented from being pulled out of the outer case 12 by the member disposed around the cartridge housing portion 10. Since the cartridge housing portion 10 does not require a fixing tool such as a screw, the size can be reduced.

In the present embodiment, the outer case 12 has the main body case 13 having the opening 13a formed therein, and the movement restricting member has the main body case side protrusion 17A inserted into the opening 13a.

According to this configuration, the cartridge housing portion 10 can be prevented from being pulled out from the outer case 12 by inserting the body case side protrusion 17A of the movement restricting member into the opening 13a formed in the body case 13.

In the present embodiment, the movement restricting member includes a cover member 17 having translucency and covering the opening 13a.

According to this configuration, the movement restricting member also serves as the cover member 17 (window 16) for checking the remaining amount of liquid or the like, so that the number of components can be reduced and space saving can be achieved.

In the present embodiment, the cartridge housing portion 10 is a cylindrical member having a through hole 10C formed in the peripheral surface thereof, and the movement restricting member has a cartridge housing portion side projection 17C inserted into the through hole 10C.

According to this configuration, the cartridge housing portion side projection 17C of the movement restricting member is inserted into the through hole 10C formed in the cartridge housing portion 10, thereby preventing the cartridge housing portion 10 from being pulled out of the outer case 12.

In the present embodiment, the holder 30 fixed to the outer case 12 is provided, the cutout 42d is formed in the holder 30, and the movement restricting member includes the holder-side protrusion 35B locked in the cutout 42d.

According to this configuration, the holder-side projection 35B of the movement restricting member is inserted into the notch 42d formed in the holder 30, thereby preventing the cartridge housing portion 10 from being pulled out of the outer case 12.

In the present embodiment, the sensor 34 for sensing the suction of the user and the sensor holder 35 for holding the sensor 34 are provided, and the sensor holder 35 is provided as the movement restriction member.

According to this configuration, the movement restricting member also serves as the sensor holder 35 for holding the sensor 34 for sensing the suction of the user, so that the number of components can be reduced, and space saving can be achieved.

In the present embodiment, the movement restricting member includes the plate portion 17B interposed between the cartridge housing portion 10 and the outer case 12, and the plate portion 17B is reduced in thickness as it goes in the direction of drawing out the cartridge housing portion 10.

According to this configuration, the plate portion 17B of the movement restricting member serves as a wedge to prevent the cartridge housing portion 10 from being pulled out of the outer case 12.

In the present embodiment, the receiving portion 43 that receives the end portion of the cartridge accommodating portion 10 on the opposite side to the drawing direction is provided on the outer case 12 side, and includes: an engaging projection 43i provided on one of the end of the cartridge housing portion 10 and the receiving portion 43 and projecting toward the other; and an engagement groove portion 10b provided at the other of the end of the cartridge housing portion 10 and the receiving portion 43, and configured to restrict rotation of the cartridge housing portion 10 by inserting the engagement projection portion 43i.

With this configuration, the cartridge housing portion 10 can be easily positioned in the circumferential direction with respect to the outer case 12.

According to this configuration, since the main unit 2 capable of preventing the cartridge accommodating section 10 from being pulled out from the outer case 12 without using a fixing tool such as a screw is provided, the entire device can be downsized.

According to this configuration, a fragrance can be added to the aerosol.

The main unit 2 of the present embodiment described above includes: a cartridge housing section 10 for housing a cartridge; an outer case 12 surrounding at least a part of the outside of the cartridge housing portion 10; a sensor 34 housed in the outer case 12 and sensing the suction of the user; and a sensor holder 35 that is housed in the outer case 12 and holds the sensor 34, wherein the sensor holder 35 has a shape that follows the circumferential surface of the cartridge housing portion 10 and is in airtight contact with the circumferential surface of the cartridge housing portion 10.

According to this configuration, since the sensor holder 35 is disposed along the circumferential surface of the cartridge housing portion 10, the sensor 34 and the sensor holder 35 can be assembled in a space-saving manner. This eliminates the need to provide the air flow path 80 of the sensor 34 separately from the sensor holder 35, and the air flow path 80 itself can be short.

In the present embodiment, the cartridge housing portion 10 is a tubular member having a through hole 10D formed in the peripheral surface thereof, and the sensor holder 35 has a cartridge housing portion side projection 35D inserted into the through hole 10D.

With this configuration, the cartridge housing section 10 and the sensor holder 35 can be prevented from being positionally displaced.

In the present embodiment, the sensor holder 35 has a holder-side projection 35B (anti-cartridge housing-side projection) on the side opposite to the cartridge housing portion 10, and an air flow path 80 is formed in the holder-side projection 35B to connect the inside of the cartridge housing portion 10 and the sensor 34.

With this configuration, the air flow path 80 to the sensor 34 can be shortened.

In the present embodiment, the sensor holder 35 includes a holding portion 35C that holds the sensor 34 in the air flow path 80.

With this configuration, the sensor 34 can be held in the air flow path 80, and the air flow path 80 can be shortened.

In the present embodiment, the sensor holder 35 is airtightly bonded to the circumferential surface of the cartridge housing section 10 via a bonding member (bonding sheet 48).

With this configuration, the sensor holder 35 is more closely attached to the cartridge housing portion 10.

In the present embodiment, the sensor holder 35 has a curved plate portion 35A that is curved along the circumferential surface of the cartridge housing portion 10.

With this configuration, the sensor holder 35 can be easily disposed in a narrow gap around the cartridge housing section 10.

In the present embodiment, the light source 52 that illuminates the inside of the cartridge housing portion 10 is provided, and the sensor holder 35 also serves as a light guide member that guides the light of the light source 52 to the inside of the cartridge housing portion 10.

In the present embodiment, the sensor holder 35 is formed of a polycarbonate resin.

With this configuration, the sensor holder 35 also serving as the light guide member can be provided with appropriate hardness and good light guiding properties.

In the present embodiment, a waterproof and air-permeable member 81 is provided to partition the space between the sensor 34 and the inside of the cartridge housing section 10.

With this configuration, leakage of liquid to the sensor 34 can be dealt with.

According to this configuration, since the main unit 2 is provided in which the sensor 34 and the sensor holder 35 can be assembled in a space-saving manner, the device can be downsized.

The inhaler 1 of the present embodiment includes the aerosol-generating device described above and a flavor source container 4 attached to a mouthpiece 11 of the aerosol-generating device.

According to this configuration, a flavor can be added to the aerosol.

The main unit 2 of the present embodiment described above includes: a cartridge housing section 10 for housing a cartridge; an outer case 12 surrounding at least a part of the outside of the cartridge housing portion 10; and a main substrate 31 housed in the outer case 12, wherein the main substrate 31 is provided with a protruding electrode 50 inserted into a cartridge housing chamber formed inside the cartridge housing portion 10.

According to this configuration, since the protruding electrode 50 is directly attached to the main substrate 31, it is not necessary to separately prepare a sub-substrate for the protruding electrode 50, and the space inside the outer case 12 can be saved.

In the present embodiment, the main substrate 31 has a bump electrode cover 51 that covers a portion where the bump electrode 50 is provided.

With this configuration, the connection portion between the main substrate 31 and the bump electrode 50 can be protected.

In the present embodiment, the portion where the bump electrode 50 is provided includes a pedestal portion 50A that is disposed on the main substrate 31 and supports the bump electrode 50.

With this configuration, the protruding electrode cover 51 can protect the pedestal portion 50A supporting the protruding electrode 50, including the pedestal portion.

In the present embodiment, the protruding electrode cover 51 is in contact with the holder 30 that holds the cartridge housing section 10 and has the insertion hole 43c into which the protruding electrode 50 is inserted.

According to this configuration, the protruding electrode cover 51 abuts against the holder 30, and thus accidental leakage of liquid from the cartridge housing section 10 can be prevented.

In the present embodiment, the protruding electrode cover 51 is formed with a through hole 51c through which the protruding electrode 50 is arranged.

According to this configuration, since the protruding electrode cover 51 needs to cover the portion other than the protruding electrode 50, accidental leakage of liquid from the cartridge housing section 10 can be prevented.

In the present embodiment, the bump electrode cover 51 is provided on the main substrate 31 together with the bump electrodes 50.

According to this configuration, since the bump electrode 50 and the bump electrode cover 51 are assembled to the main substrate 31, the assembly of the main unit 2 is facilitated.

In the present embodiment, the protruding electrode cover 51 is assembled to the outer case 12 in a non-contact state.

With this configuration, the protruding electrode cover 51 can be prevented from being deformed or displaced by coming into contact with the outer case 12 when the outer case 12 is mounted.

In the present embodiment, the bump electrode cover 51 is made of silicone resin.

With this configuration, the adhesion of the protruding electrode cover 51 can be improved, and liquid leakage can be more reliably prevented.

In the present embodiment, the bump electrodes 50 extend parallel to the plate surface of the main substrate 31.

With this configuration, the thickness of the main unit 2 can be reduced and space can be saved, compared to a configuration in which the bump electrodes 50 extend perpendicularly to the plate surface of the main substrate 31.

In the present embodiment, the main substrate 31 includes a first portion 31A extending along the cartridge housing portion 10 and a second portion 31B extending in a direction intersecting the first portion 31A and facing an end of the cartridge housing portion 10, and the protruding electrode 50 is provided in the second portion 31B.

According to this configuration, since the first portion 31A of the main substrate 31 is disposed along the cartridge housing portion 10, the overall length of the main body unit 2 can be shortened, and the protruding electrode 50 can be easily disposed at the end of the cartridge housing portion 10 by directly attaching the protruding electrode 50 while extending the second portion 31B from the first portion 31A.

According to this configuration, since the main body unit 2 in which components can be assembled in a space-saving manner is provided, the entire apparatus can be downsized.

According to this configuration, a flavor can be added to the aerosol.

The main unit 2 of the present embodiment described above includes: an outer case 12 having a first main surface portion 12A1 and a second main surface portion 12A2 facing the first main surface portion 12 A1; and a housing member (holder 30) housed in the outer case 12, the outer case 12 including: a first case 13A having a first main surface portion 12A1 and a first peripheral wall portion 12B1 provided on a peripheral edge of the first main surface portion 12 A1; and a second case 13B having a second main surface portion 12A2 and a second peripheral wall portion 12B2 provided at a peripheral edge of the second main surface portion 12A2, the body unit 2 including: a first connection portion 91 that connects the first peripheral wall portion 12B1 and the second peripheral wall portion 12B 2; a second connecting portion 92 connecting the accommodating member to the facing surface 13A1 of either the first main surface portion 12A1 or the second main surface portion 12A2; and a third connecting portion 93 connecting the same housing member to the other facing surface 13b1 of the first main surface portion 12A1 and the second main surface portion 12 A2.

According to this configuration, since the first main surface portion 12A1 and the second main surface portion 12A2 are connected to each other inside the outer case 12, the user can be prevented from disassembling. Further, since the first main surface portion 12A1 and the second main surface portion 12A2 are connected inside the outer case 12, strong connection at the first peripheral wall portion 12B1 and the second peripheral wall portion 12B2 outside the outer case 12 is not necessary, and the thickness of the first peripheral wall portion 12B1 and the second peripheral wall portion 12B2 can be reduced.

The "accommodating member" is not limited to the holder 30, and may be any member that is at least partially accommodated in the outer case 12.

In the present embodiment, the connection mode of the first connection portion 91 includes click fitting.

According to this configuration, since the outer sides of the outer case 12 are fitted and connected by the claws, the outer case 12 can be temporarily fixed, and the subsequent assembly process becomes easy. Further, if the claws are engaged with each other, the outer case 12 can be repeatedly (reversibly) and easily assembled without using a tool.

In the present embodiment, the connection method of at least one of the second connection portion 92 and the third connection portion 93 includes welding.

According to this configuration, the inside of the outer case 12 is permanently (irreversibly) connected by welding, and therefore, the user can be prevented from disassembling. Even if the outer case 12 is disassembled, since the connection is irreversible, it is difficult for the user to assemble again.

In the present embodiment, the connection method of the other of the second connection portion 92 and the third connection portion 93 includes screw fastening.

According to this configuration, the housing member is repeatedly (reversibly) attached to the outer case 12 by screwing, and therefore assembly is facilitated.

In the present embodiment, the number of connection modes of at least one of the first connection portion 91, the second connection portion 92, and the third connection portion 93 is different.

According to this configuration, the three connection portions of the outer case 12 are connected in different manners, and therefore, the user is not easily disassembled. Even if the outer case 12 is disassembled, the three connection portions of the outer case 12 are connected in different manners, and thus it is difficult for the user to assemble the outer case again.

In the present embodiment, the housing member includes a holder 30 that holds at least a part of the member provided inside the outer case 12.

According to this configuration, the first main surface portion 12A1 and the second main surface portion 12A2 can be connected to each other inside the outer case 12 by the holder 30, and therefore, the space inside the outer case 12 can be saved.

In the present embodiment, the holder 30 includes the main plate 41 and a main plate intersecting portion (the first rib 42C, the second rib 42D, and the receiving portion 43) extending in a direction intersecting the plate surface of the main plate 41.

With this configuration, the rigidity of the holder 30 can be increased without hindering the component holding function of the holder 30, and the first main surface portion 12A1 and the second main surface portion 12A2 can be connected via the main plate intersecting portion.

In the present embodiment, the main plate intersecting portion may extend at least in one side in a direction orthogonal to the plate surface of the main plate 41.

In the present embodiment, case-

side projecting portions

13G and 13J to which the main plate intersecting portion is connected are formed on the facing surfaces 13A1 and 13b1 of at least one of the first main surface portion 12A1 and the second main surface portion 12 A2.

According to this configuration, the plate crossing portion does not extend as long as the facing surfaces 13A1 and 13b1 of either the first main surface portion 12A1 or the second main surface portion 12A2, and therefore deformation of the plate crossing portion can be suppressed.

According to this configuration, since the main unit 2 capable of preventing the user from disassembling is provided, safety of the entire apparatus can be improved.

According to this configuration, a flavor can be added to the aerosol.

The main unit 2 of the present embodiment described above includes the cartridge housing portion 10 that houses the cartridge 3, and the cartridge housing portion 10 has the cartridge insertion opening 10a that protrudes from the outer case 12 of the main unit 2.

According to this configuration, since the position where the cartridge is inserted and removed can be easily visually confirmed, the upper and lower positions can be easily known, and insertion and removal of the cartridge can be easily performed.

In the present embodiment, the cartridge housing portion 10 includes a suction port connecting portion 10B for connecting the suction port portion 11 to the cartridge insertion/extraction port 10a, and at least a part of the suction port connecting portion 10B protrudes from the outer case 12.

According to this configuration, since the portion connecting the mouthpiece section 11 is easily visible, the connection of the mouthpiece section 11 to the cartridge housing section 10 is facilitated.

In the present embodiment, the outer case 12 has a bulge portion 12D, and the cartridge housing portion 10 protrudes from a deformation transition portion 12D1 of the bulge portion 12D.

According to this configuration, the cartridge housing portion 10 is formed with a large exposed portion and a small exposed portion from the outer case 12. The large exposed portion of the cartridge accommodating portion 10 can ensure visibility, and the small exposed portion can ensure an area for protecting the cartridge accommodating portion 10. Further, since the contact length between the edge of the outer case 12 and the peripheral surface of the cartridge housing portion 10 is long, it is easy to secure the connection strength when the two are bonded.

In the present embodiment, the cartridge insertion/removal opening 10a is disposed at a position below the apex P of the bulge portion 12D in the main axis direction in which the cartridge housing portion 10 extends.

According to this configuration, when the cartridge is dropped or collided, the bulge portion 12D of the outer case 12 comes into contact with the outside prior to the cartridge insertion/extraction opening 10a, and deformation of the cartridge insertion/extraction opening 10a can be prevented.

In the present embodiment, the input device 15 is disposed at the deformation transition portion 12D2 of the bulge portion 12D protruding from the cartridge housing portion 10 on the opposite side of the deformation transition portion 12D1, and the input device 15 is disposed at a position not more than the apex P of the bulge portion 12D in the main axis direction in which the cartridge housing portion 10 extends.

According to this configuration, when the input device 15 falls or collides, the protruding portion 12D of the outer case 12 comes into contact with the outside prior to the input device 15, and thus malfunction of the input device 15 can be prevented.

In the present embodiment, the input device 15 is disposed in an acute angle direction with respect to the main axis O of the cartridge housing portion 10 passing through the center of the cartridge insertion/removal opening 10a.

In the present embodiment, the holder 30 is housed in the outer case 12, and the holder 30 includes: a main board 41 that holds at least one of the components provided inside the outer case 12; and a receiving portion 43 formed integrally with the main plate 41 and receiving an end portion of the cartridge accommodating portion 10.

With this configuration, the protruding electrode 50 can be easily disposed inside the cartridge housing section 10.

In the present embodiment, the receiving portion 43 is formed in a bottomed cylindrical shape extending in parallel in the longitudinal direction of the main plate 41 at the end portion of the main plate 41 in the short side direction.

With this configuration, the rigidity of the holder 30 can be increased, and space can be saved.

According to this configuration, since the main unit 2 is provided with a portion where the cartridge is inserted and removed, it is easy to use.

According to this configuration, a flavor can be added to the aerosol.

The aerosol-generating device of the present embodiment described above includes: a cylindrical cartridge 3 for housing an aerosol source; a cylindrical cartridge accommodating section 10 for accommodating the cartridge 3; and a positioning mechanism 90 that positions the cartridge 3 with respect to the cartridge housing section 10, the positioning mechanism 90 including: an engaging projection 43h provided on either one of the cartridge 3 and the cartridge housing portion 10 (the cartridge housing portion 10), projecting toward the other cartridge (the cartridge 3) in a main axis direction in which a main axis O of the cartridge housing portion 10 extends, and having a width in a circumferential direction around the main axis O that decreases toward the other cartridge; and an engagement groove portion 26i provided on the other of the cartridge 3 and the cartridge housing portion 10, and into which the engagement projection 43h is insertable in the main shaft direction, the engagement groove portion 26i.

With this configuration, the cartridge 3 is smoothly positioned.

The engagement projection 43h may be provided on the cartridge 3 side, and the engagement groove portion 26i may be provided on the cartridge housing portion 10 side.

In the present embodiment, the gap formed between the inner diameter of the cartridge housing portion 10 and the outer diameter of the cartridge 3 is greater than 2.6% of the inner diameter of the cartridge housing portion 10.

With this configuration, the gap between the cartridge housing portion 10 and the cartridge 3 is increased, and the engaging projection 43h is easily drawn into the engaging groove portion 26i.

In the present embodiment, the gap formed between the inner diameter of the cartridge housing portion 10 and the outer diameter of the cartridge is greater than 7.0% of the inner diameter of the cartridge housing portion 10.

With this configuration, the gap between the cartridge accommodating section 10 and the cartridge 3 becomes larger, and the engaging protrusion 43h is easily drawn in by the engaging groove section 26i.

In the present embodiment, a plurality of engaging protrusions 43h and engaging groove portions 26i are formed on the same radius around the main axis O.

According to this configuration, the engagement protrusion 43h is inserted into the engagement groove portion 26i by the relative rotation of the engagement protrusion 43h and the engagement groove portion 26i around the main axis O.

In the present embodiment, the aerosol source atomizing device includes a mouthpiece 11 that engages with the cartridge accommodating section 10 and has a suction port formed therein for sucking the aerosol atomized from the aerosol source.

With this configuration, the aerosol can be sucked from the cartridge accommodating portion 10 in which the cartridge 3 is accommodated.

In the present embodiment, the mouthpiece 11 has a cartridge abutting portion 60 that abuts against the cartridge 3 in the middle of being engaged with the cartridge housing portion 10.

According to this configuration, the positional displacement of the cartridge 3 can be suppressed while the mouthpiece 11 is engaged with the cartridge housing portion 10.

In the present embodiment, the cartridge abutting portion 60 presses the cartridge 3 in the main axis direction in a state where the mouthpiece 11 is engaged with the cartridge accommodating portion 10.

With this configuration, the cartridge 3 can be positioned in the main axis direction by pressing the cartridge abutting portion 60.

In the present embodiment, the cartridge abutting portion 60 is formed of an elastic resin material.

According to this configuration, the frictional force that rotates the cartridge 3 in the circumferential direction is easily exhibited by the elastic deformation of the cartridge abutting portion 60, and the pressing force that presses the cartridge 3 in the main axis direction is easily exhibited.

In the present embodiment, an annular projection 61 is formed on the surface of the cartridge contact portion 60 facing the cartridge 3.

According to this configuration, since the cartridge abutting portion 60 is not in planar contact with the cartridge 3 due to the annular protrusion 61, the contact pressure increases, and the frictional force in the circumferential direction and the pressing force in the main axis direction are more likely to be exhibited.

In the present embodiment, the holder 30 is provided, and the holder 30 has a receiving portion 43 that detachably receives an end portion of the cartridge accommodating portion 10.

With this configuration, the cartridge housing section 10 can be attached to and detached from the receiving section 43, and assembly, maintenance, and the like are facilitated.

According to this configuration, a fragrance can be added to the aerosol.

< other modification examples >

Although the preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the present invention is not limited to these embodiments. Addition, omission, replacement, and other changes in configuration may be made within the scope not departing from the spirit of the present invention. The invention is not limited by the foregoing description, but is only limited by the appended claims.

For example, in the above-described embodiment, the suction unit 1 having the flavor source container 4 detachably configured is described as an example of the aerosol generating device that generates aerosol without involving combustion, but the present invention is not limited to this configuration. As another example of the aerosol-generating device, a configuration without the flavor source container 4 (a configuration only with a mouthpiece not housing a flavor source) such as an electronic cigarette may be employed. In this case, an aerosol source containing a fragrance is housed in the cartridge 3, and an aerosol containing a fragrance is generated by the aerosol-generating device.

That is, in the above-described embodiment, a device that does not include the flavor source container 4 but includes the main unit 2 and the cartridge 3 may be referred to as an aerosol-generating device. A device that does not include the flavor source container 4 and the cartridge 3 but includes only the main unit 2 may be referred to as a main unit of the aerosol-generating device.

Further, the aerosol source is not limited to a liquid, and may be a solid. That is, the main unit of the aerosol-generating device may include: a solid aerosol source housing section for housing a solid aerosol source; an outer case that surrounds at least a part of an outside of the solid aerosol source housing section; and a holder accommodated in the outer case, the holder including: a main board that holds at least one of components provided inside the outer case; and a receiving section formed integrally with the main plate and receiving an end of the solid aerosol source housing section.

In the above-described embodiment, the case where the main body unit 2 is separable from the suction port 11 has been described, but the present invention is not limited to this configuration. For example, the power source 37 and the like may be unitized and may be separable from the main unit 2. The mouthpiece 11 and the flavor source container 4 may be unitized as an integral unit.

In the above-described embodiment, the cartridge accommodating section 10 is formed in a tubular shape surrounding the periphery of the cartridge 3, but the present invention is not limited to this configuration. The cartridge housing section 10 may be configured to hold the cartridge 3. That is, the cartridge housing portion 10 is not limited to a cylindrical shape, and may be a triangular cylinder shape, a square cylinder shape, another polygonal cylinder shape, or a special-shaped shape other than a polygonal cylinder shape.

In the above-described embodiment, the configuration in which the entire outer case 12 is formed in a flat box shape with rounded corners has been described, but the present invention is not limited to this configuration. The shape of the outer case 12 may be a cube, other polyhedron, or a solid other than polyhedron.

In the above-described embodiment, the configuration in which the main unit 2 is activated by the pressing of the input device 15 has been described, but the configuration may be such that the main unit 2 is activated only by the suction sensing of the sensor 34 without the input device 15.

Some or all of the above embodiments may be described as in the following description, but are not limited to the following.

(attached note 1)

A main unit of an aerosol-generating device includes:

an outer case; and

a holder provided inside the outer case,

the holder has:

a first plate surface that holds a first member;

a second plate surface holding a second member different from the first member on a side opposite to the first plate surface.

(attached note 2)

A main unit of an aerosol-generating device includes:

an outer case having a peripheral wall portion connecting the pair of main wall portions; and

an input device disposed on the peripheral wall portion,

the peripheral wall portion has:

an outer surface portion that is flush with outer surfaces of the pair of main wall portions; and

a recess that is recessed relative to the outer surface portion,

the input device is disposed in the recess.

(attached note 3)

A main unit of an aerosol-generating device includes:

a cartridge accommodating section for accommodating a cartridge;

a window portion provided in at least a part of the cartridge accommodating portion;

an outer case that exposes at least a part of the window portion and surrounds at least a part of the cartridge accommodating portion; and

and a light source which is provided inside the outer case and illuminates the cartridge.

(attached note 4)

A main unit of an aerosol-generating device includes:

a cartridge accommodating section for accommodating a cartridge; and

an outer case surrounding at least a part of the outside of the cartridge housing portion,

a slit-shaped air inlet is formed on the outer surface of the outer case,

the air inlet port communicates with the inside of the cartridge housing portion via a meandering air flow path.

(attached note 5)

A main unit of an aerosol-generating device includes:

a cartridge accommodating section for accommodating a cartridge;

an outer case that surrounds at least a part of an outer side of the cartridge accommodating section and has an opening formed therein; and

an insertion member to be inserted into the opening portion,

an air intake port is formed in a gap between the insert member and the opening,

an air hole for communicating the air intake port with the inside of the cartridge housing portion is formed in a portion where the insertion member overlaps the outer case.

(incidentally 6)

A main unit of an aerosol-generating device includes:

a cartridge accommodating section for accommodating a cartridge;

an outer case that surrounds at least a part of an outer side of the cartridge accommodating section; and

an insertion member to be inserted into the outer case,

the insertion member has a projection projecting toward the cartridge housing portion,

the cartridge receiving portion has an engaging portion that engages with the protruding portion.

(attached note 7)

A main unit of an aerosol-generating device includes:

an outer case;

a cartridge housing portion at least a part of which is surrounded by the outer case;

a holder housed inside the outer case; and

and a movement restricting member that is locked to the holder and restricts movement of the cartridge accommodating portion in at least a direction in which the cartridge accommodating portion is pulled out from the outer case.

(incidentally 8)

A main unit of an aerosol-generating device includes:

a cartridge accommodating section for accommodating a cartridge;

an outer case that surrounds at least a part of an outer side of the cartridge accommodating section;

a sensor which is housed in the outer case and senses the suction of a user;

a sensor holder which is accommodated in the outer case and holds the sensor,

the sensor holder is bent along the circumferential surface of the cartridge accommodating portion and is in close contact with the circumferential surface of the cartridge accommodating portion.

(attached note 9)

A main unit of an aerosol-generating device includes:

a cartridge accommodating section which is formed with a cartridge insertion/extraction opening through which the cartridge is inserted/extracted and accommodates the cartridge; and

an outer casing for accommodating the components,

a part of the cartridge housing portion including the cartridge insertion and extraction port protrudes from the outer case.

(attached note 10)

A body unit for an aerosol-generating device, having:

a tubular cartridge accommodating section for accommodating a cartridge; and

an engaging projection for positioning the cartridge with respect to the cartridge accommodating portion,

the engagement projection extends from the inner peripheral wall of the cartridge accommodating portion toward the inside of the cartridge accommodating portion in the radial direction of the cartridge accommodating portion by a dimension larger than 2.6% of the inner diameter of the cartridge accommodating portion.

(attached note 11)

A body unit of an aerosol-generating device having:

a tubular cartridge accommodating section for accommodating a cartridge; and

an engagement projection for positioning the cartridge with respect to the cartridge accommodating section,

the engaging projection extends from the inner peripheral wall of the cartridge accommodating portion toward the inside of the cartridge accommodating portion in the radial direction of the cartridge accommodating portion by a dimension larger than 7.0% of the inner diameter of the cartridge accommodating portion.

In addition, the components in the above-described embodiments may be appropriately replaced with known components without departing from the scope of the present invention, and the above-described modifications may be appropriately combined.

Industrial applicability of the invention

The invention relates to a main body unit of an aerosol generating device, an aerosol generating device and a non-combustion type suction device, which can improve usability.

Description of the reference numerals

<xnotran> 1 … ,2 … ,3 … ,4 … ,10 … ,10a … ,10A … ,10A1 … ,10b … ,10B … ,10b1 … ,10b2 … ,10b3 … ,10b4 … ,10c … ,10C … ,10c1 … ,10C1 … ,10d … ,10e … ,10g … ,10h … ,11 … ,11A … ,11a1 … ,11a2 … ,11a3 … ,11a4 … ,11B … ,11b1 … ,12 … ,12A … ,12A1 … ,12A2 … ,12B … ,12b1 … ,12B1 … ,12b2 … ,12B2 … ,12C … ,12C1 … ,12C2 … ,12C3 … ,12C4 … ,12D … ,12D1 … ,12D2 … ,13 … ,13a … ,13A … ,13a1 … ,13b … ,13B … ,13b1 … ,13C … ,13D … ,13d1 … ,13d2 … ,13E … ,13F … ,13G … ,13G1 … ,13H … ,13I … ,13J … ,13K … ,13L … ,14 … ,14a … ,14b1 … ,14b2 … ,14c … ,14c1 … ,15 … ,15a … ,15a1 … ,15a2 … ,15a3 … ,15b … , </xnotran> 15C 8230, a switch holder 15C1 8230, an inner diameter side protrusion piece 15C2 8230, an outer diameter side protrusion piece 16 8230, a window 17 8230, a cover member 17A 8230, a main body case side protrusion 17B 8230, a plate 17B1 8230, a case fitting hole 17C 8230, a smoke bomb receiving portion side protrusion 17D 8230, a protrusion 18 8230, an air inlet 19 8230, an air hole 20 8230, a charging terminal 21 823030, a tank body 21A 823030303030, a top wall 21B wall, a through hole 21C 8230, a flow path tube 21D 8230, an outer peripheral wall 21e, a wall 21e 8230, a rib 8230, and a cover member, 21f 8230, 21g 8230, liquid chamber 22 8230, gasket 22a 8230, opening 23 8230, net 24 8230, atomizing container 24a 8230, peripheral wall 24B 8230, embedding part 24C 8230, atomizing chamber 24D 8230, bottom wall 24e 8230, opening 25 8230, heating part 25A 8230, core 25B 8230, heating wire 25i 8230, clamping groove part 26 v 8230, heater holder 26a 8230, peripheral wall 26B 8230, clamping sheet 26C 8230, air inlet 26D 8230, bottom wall 8230, 26e 8230, air inlet 828230, air inlet 8282823026 e, 26f 8230, 26g 8230, 26h 8230, 26i 8230, 27A 8230, 27B 8230, 27C 8230, 27D 8230, 27e 8230, 28, 8230, filter tip 30 8230, holding piece 30a 8230, through hole 31 8230, main substrate 31A 8230, 31A 8230first, 31A 823030, 31A 8230, second substrate 31B 8230, 32a 8230adhesive sheet, 32B (8230), an opening portion 32C (8230), a connection terminal 33 (8230), a display device 33a (8230), a display device body 33B (8230), a display device holder 33C (8230), a buffer material 34 (8230), a sensor 35 (8230), a sensor holder 35A (8230), a bent plate portion 35B (8230), a holder side protrusion 35C (8230), a holder portion 35D (823030), a smoke and bullet receiving portion side protrusion 36 (8230), an oscillator 36a (823030), an eccentric weight 37 (8282308230), a power source 41 (8230), a main plate 41A (8230), a first plate surface 41B (8230), a second plate surface, <xnotran> 41c … ,41d … ,41f … ,41h1 … ,41h2 … ,42 … ,42a … ,42A … ,42a1 … ,42a2 … ,42B … ,42b1 … ,42b2 … ,42b3 … ,42C … ,42d … ,42D … ,42d1 … ,42D1 … ,42d2 … ,42E … ,42e1 … ,42e2 … ,42e3 … ,43 … ,43a … ,43b … ,43c … ,43d … ,43e … ,43f … ,43g … ,43h … ,43i … ,43j … ,44 … ,45 … ,45 … ,46 … ,47 … ,48 … ,50 … ,50A … ,51 … ,51a … ,51b … ,51c … ,52 … ,60 … ,60a … ,60b … ,60c … ,61 … ,62 … ,70 … ,71 … ,72 … ,80 … ,81 … ,90 … ,91 … ,92 … ,93 … ,94 … ,100 … , D1 … , D2 … , D3 … , D-D … , O … , O1 … , P … , S1 … , S2 … , T1 … , T2 … , T3 … , θ … . </xnotran>

Claims

1. A main unit of an aerosol-generating device is characterized by comprising a cartridge accommodating section for accommodating a cartridge,

the cartridge accommodating section has a cartridge insertion opening protruding from the outer case of the main unit.

2. A body unit for an aerosol-generating device according to claim 1,

the cartridge accommodating part is provided with a connecting part for connecting the suction port part with the cartridge inserting and extracting port,

at least a part of the connecting portion protrudes from the outer case.

3. A body unit for an aerosol-generating device according to claim 1 or 2,

the outer case has a raised portion formed thereon,

the cartridge receptacle protrudes from the deformation transition portion of the bulge.

4. A body unit for an aerosol-generating device according to claim 3,

the cartridge insertion/removal opening is disposed at a position below the top of the bulge portion in the main axis direction in which the cartridge accommodation portion extends.

5. A body unit for an aerosol-generating device according to claim 3 or 4,

an input device is arranged at a deformation transition part on the opposite side of the bulge part protruding from the cartridge accommodating part and the deformation transition part,

the input device is disposed at a position below the top of the bulge portion in the main axis direction in which the cartridge accommodating portion extends.

6. A body unit for an aerosol-generating device according to claim 5,

the input device is disposed in an acute angle direction with respect to a main axis of the cartridge accommodating section passing through the center of the cartridge insertion/extraction opening.

7. A body unit of an aerosol-generating device according to any of claims 1 to 6,

a holder accommodated in the outer case,

the holder has:

a main plate that holds at least one of components provided inside the outer case; and

a receiving portion formed integrally with the main plate and receiving an end portion of the cartridge accommodating portion.

8. A body unit for an aerosol-generating device according to claim 7,

the receiving portion is formed with an insertion hole for inserting the protruding electrode into the cartridge housing portion.

9. A body unit for an aerosol-generating device according to claim 7 or 8,

the receiving portion is formed in a bottomed tubular shape extending in parallel in a longitudinal direction of the main plate at an end portion in a short side direction of the main plate.

10. A body unit for an aerosol-generating device according to any of claims 7 to 9,

the holder includes a sub-plate extending from an end of the main plate in a direction intersecting the plate surface of the main plate, and holding at least one of the members provided along the outer surface of the outer case.

11. An aerosol-generating device comprising:

a body unit according to any one of claims 1 to 10; and

and a cartridge which accommodates an aerosol source and is insertable into the cartridge accommodating section of the main unit in a removable manner.

12. A non-combustion type suction device is characterized by comprising:

an aerosol-generating device according to claim 11; and

and a flavor source container attached to a mouthpiece portion of the aerosol-generating device.