EP3935974A1 - Inhalation device cartridge and inhalation device equipped with same - Google Patents
Inhalation device cartridge and inhalation device equipped with same Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- EP3935974A1 EP3935974A1 EP19918853.3A EP19918853A EP3935974A1 EP 3935974 A1 EP3935974 A1 EP 3935974A1 EP 19918853 A EP19918853 A EP 19918853A EP 3935974 A1 EP3935974 A1 EP 3935974A1
- Authority
- EP
- European Patent Office
- Prior art keywords
- liquid
- inhalation device
- transporting member
- liquid transporting
- gas introducing
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Withdrawn
Links
- 239000007788 liquid Substances 0.000 claims abstract description 282
- 238000000889 atomisation Methods 0.000 claims description 14
- 238000011144 upstream manufacturing Methods 0.000 claims description 7
- 238000010438 heat treatment Methods 0.000 claims description 5
- 230000003247 decreasing effect Effects 0.000 claims description 3
- 239000000443 aerosol Substances 0.000 description 35
- 230000002093 peripheral effect Effects 0.000 description 13
- 239000000463 material Substances 0.000 description 9
- 230000032258 transport Effects 0.000 description 7
- 239000000796 flavoring agent Substances 0.000 description 6
- 235000019634 flavors Nutrition 0.000 description 6
- SNICXCGAKADSCV-JTQLQIEISA-N (-)-Nicotine Chemical compound CN1CCC[C@H]1C1=CC=CN=C1 SNICXCGAKADSCV-JTQLQIEISA-N 0.000 description 3
- 229920000742 Cotton Polymers 0.000 description 3
- DNIAPMSPPWPWGF-UHFFFAOYSA-N Propylene glycol Chemical compound CC(O)CO DNIAPMSPPWPWGF-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 3
- 229960002715 nicotine Drugs 0.000 description 3
- SNICXCGAKADSCV-UHFFFAOYSA-N nicotine Natural products CN1CCCC1C1=CC=CN=C1 SNICXCGAKADSCV-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 3
- PEDCQBHIVMGVHV-UHFFFAOYSA-N Glycerine Chemical compound OCC(O)CO PEDCQBHIVMGVHV-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 2
- 230000000694 effects Effects 0.000 description 2
- 239000002657 fibrous material Substances 0.000 description 2
- 230000002829 reductive effect Effects 0.000 description 2
- 230000000717 retained effect Effects 0.000 description 2
- IUVHCGNIAAHSSR-UHFFFAOYSA-N C(C1)CC2=C1CCC#C2 Chemical compound C(C1)CC2=C1CCC#C2 IUVHCGNIAAHSSR-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 241000208125 Nicotiana Species 0.000 description 1
- 235000002637 Nicotiana tabacum Nutrition 0.000 description 1
- 239000000470 constituent Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000012530 fluid Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000003365 glass fiber Substances 0.000 description 1
- 235000011187 glycerol Nutrition 0.000 description 1
- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000036961 partial effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000002441 reversible effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000003466 welding Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000004804 winding Methods 0.000 description 1
Images
Classifications
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A24—TOBACCO; CIGARS; CIGARETTES; SIMULATED SMOKING DEVICES; SMOKERS' REQUISITES
- A24F—SMOKERS' REQUISITES; MATCH BOXES; SIMULATED SMOKING DEVICES
- A24F40/00—Electrically operated smoking devices; Component parts thereof; Manufacture thereof; Maintenance or testing thereof; Charging means specially adapted therefor
- A24F40/40—Constructional details, e.g. connection of cartridges and battery parts
- A24F40/42—Cartridges or containers for inhalable precursors
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A24—TOBACCO; CIGARS; CIGARETTES; SIMULATED SMOKING DEVICES; SMOKERS' REQUISITES
- A24F—SMOKERS' REQUISITES; MATCH BOXES; SIMULATED SMOKING DEVICES
- A24F40/00—Electrically operated smoking devices; Component parts thereof; Manufacture thereof; Maintenance or testing thereof; Charging means specially adapted therefor
- A24F40/40—Constructional details, e.g. connection of cartridges and battery parts
- A24F40/44—Wicks
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A24—TOBACCO; CIGARS; CIGARETTES; SIMULATED SMOKING DEVICES; SMOKERS' REQUISITES
- A24F—SMOKERS' REQUISITES; MATCH BOXES; SIMULATED SMOKING DEVICES
- A24F40/00—Electrically operated smoking devices; Component parts thereof; Manufacture thereof; Maintenance or testing thereof; Charging means specially adapted therefor
- A24F40/40—Constructional details, e.g. connection of cartridges and battery parts
- A24F40/48—Fluid transfer means, e.g. pumps
- A24F40/485—Valves; Apertures
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A24—TOBACCO; CIGARS; CIGARETTES; SIMULATED SMOKING DEVICES; SMOKERS' REQUISITES
- A24F—SMOKERS' REQUISITES; MATCH BOXES; SIMULATED SMOKING DEVICES
- A24F40/00—Electrically operated smoking devices; Component parts thereof; Manufacture thereof; Maintenance or testing thereof; Charging means specially adapted therefor
- A24F40/10—Devices using liquid inhalable precursors
Definitions
- the invention relates to inhalation device cartridges and inhalation devices equipped with same.
- Flavor inhalation devices for inhaling flavors without material burning have been conventionally known.
- flavor inhalation devices are, for example, liquid heating-type inhalation devices.
- the liquid heating-type inhalation devices supply users' mouths with aerosol that is generated by atomizing a flavor-containing aerosol producing material, such as nicotine, or allow aerosol that is generated by atomizing a non-flavor-containing aerosol producing material, such as nicotine, to pass through a flavor source (for example, a tobacco source) and then supply the aerosol to users' mouths.
- a flavor source for example, a tobacco source
- Some liquid heating-type inhalation devices comprise a tank or a reservoir that stores liquid for generating aerosol, and a heater that atomizes the liquid.
- Some of such inhalation devices include an atomizer assembly that is formed by winding a coilshaped heater around a wick that is fluidly connected to a tank (see Patent Literature 1, for example).
- An object of the invention is to provide an inhalation device cartridge and an inhalation device which have novel structures.
- This inhalation device cartridge comprises a liquid storage portion configured to store liquid, an atomizing portion configured to atomize the liquid, a liquid transporting member configured to transport the liquid stored in the liquid storage portion toward the atomizing portion, and a gas introducing passage configured to introduce gas into the liquid storage portion.
- the liquid transporting member includes a first surface and a second surface which intersect with each other.
- the gas introducing passage includes a first portion extending along the first surface of the liquid transporting member and a second portion communicating with the first portion and extending along the second surface.
- Another embodiment of the invention provides an inhalation device equipped with the above-mentioned inhalation device cartridge.
- Fig. 1 is a perspective view of an entire inhalation device according to the present embodiment.
- the inhalation device 10 includes a mouthpiece 11, a cartridge 20 (which is an example of an inhalation device cartridge), and a battery portion 12.
- the cartridge 20 atomizes a liquid containing an aerosol producing material, such as glycerin and propylene glycol, and supplies the atomized aerosol to the mouthpiece 11.
- the aerosol producing material may contain, for example, nicotine or the like.
- the battery portion 12 supplies electric power to the cartridge 20.
- the mouthpiece 11 guides the aerosol generated in the cartridge 20 to a user's mouth. After the inhalation device 10 is used for a predetermined period of time, the mouthpiece 11 and the cartridge 20 can be replaced.
- the battery portion 12, however, can be used more than once. It is possible to replace only the cartridge 20 without replacing the mouthpiece 11.
- the present embodiment is discussed on the premise that the inhalation device 10 is provided with the cartridge 20 that is replaceable. However, the inhalation device 10 does not have to be thus configured and may be a single-use product fabricated by integrating a component that will be explained below as the cartridge 20 with the battery portion 12. The present embodiment is further discussed on the premise that the inhalation device 10 is provided with the mouthpiece 11. The inhalation device 10, however, does not have to be configured that way. Although, according to the present embodiment, the cartridge 20 and the mouthpiece 11 are configured as separate members, the cartridge 20 and the mouthpiece 11 may be formed integrally.
- Figs. 2 and 3 are perspective views of the cartridge 20.
- Fig. 4 is a sectional view of the cartridge 20 shown in Fig 3 taken along an X-axis.
- Fig. 5 is a sectional view of the cartridge 20 shown in Fig. 3 taken along a Y-axis.
- Fig. 6 is a sectional view selectively showing a cartridge body of the cartridge shown in Fig. 5 taken along a VI - VI line as viewed in an arrow direction.
- Fig. 7 is a sectional enlarged perspective view of a distal end side of the cartridge 20 shown in Fig. 4 .
- the cartridge 20 includes a proximal end 21 and a distal end 22.
- the proximal end 21 is an end portion located close to the mouthpiece 11 shown in Fig. 1 , that is, closer to the user's mouth than the distal end 22 while the inhalation device 10 is being used by the user.
- the distal end 22 is an end portion located close to the battery portion 12, that is, farther from the user's mouth than the proximal end 21 while the inhalation device 10 is being used by the user.
- a direction connecting the proximal end 21 and the distal end 22, that is, a longitudinal direction of the cartridge 20 is referred to as a Z-axis direction.
- a Z-axis direction One of two directions intersecting with the Z-axis direction, which is a direction in which a pair of electrodes 82 mentioned later is arranged (horizontal direction on Fig. 4 ), is referred to as an X-axis direction.
- the other of the two directions, which is a direction intersecting with both the Z- and Y-axis directions (horizontal direction on Fig. 5 ) is referred to as a Y-axis direction.
- the cartridge 20 is provided with a substantially cylindrical cartridge body 30, a proximal end-side end wall 40, a liquid transporting member 60, an atomization unit 80, and a distal end-side end portion 90.
- the proximal end-side end wall 40 is a ring-like member with a center hole functioning as an aerosol outlet 41.
- the distal end-side end portion 90 is a cap-like member including an end wall 90a and a circumferential wall 90b.
- the cartridge 20 is further provided with a second retaining member 50 located on a proximal end 21 side of the liquid transporting member 60 and a first retaining member 70 located on a distal end 22 side of the liquid transporting member 60.
- the liquid transporting member 60 is therefore retained inside the cartridge 20 in a position held between the second retaining member 50 and the first retaining member 70.
- the second retaining member 50 is disposed on the proximal end 21 side of the liquid transporting member 60
- the first retaining member 70 is disposed on the distal end 22 side of the liquid transporting member 60.
- the first retaining member 70 may be disposed on the proximal end 21 side of the liquid transporting member 60
- the second retaining member 50 may be disposed on the distal end 22 side of the liquid transporting member 60.
- the second retaining member 50 and the first retaining member 70 may be disposed in a width direction so as to hold the liquid transporting member 60 therebetween.
- the width direction here means a direction intersecting with the longitudinal direction of the cartridge 20 (Z-axis direction).
- the cartridge body 30 includes a cylindrical side wall 31 and an inside wall 32 provided inside the cartridge body 30 and having an L-shaped longitudinal section. Inside the cartridge body 30, the inside wall 32 forms a liquid storage portion 33 that stores the liquid containing an aerosol producing material, and an aerosol channel 34 through which aerosol generated by the atomization unit 80 passes.
- the inside wall 32 includes a plate-like first wall portion 32a extending in the Z-axis direction and a second wall portion 32b extending from a proximal end 21-side end portion of the first wall portion 32a in the Y-axis direction.
- One main surfaces 35a of the first wall portion 32a and a distal end 22-side main surface of the second wall portion 32b form the liquid storage portion 33 in consort with a circumferentially partial portion of an inner peripheral surface of the side wall 31.
- the other main surface 35b of the first wall portion 32a forms the aerosol channel 34 in consort with a remaining circumferential portion of the inner peripheral surface of the side wall 31.
- the aerosol channel 34 and the liquid storage portion 33 are adjacently disposed in the Y-axis direction, and the aerosol channel 34 and the liquid storage portion 33 are separated from each other by the first wall portion 32a and the second wall portion 32b.
- the cartridge 20 according to the present embodiment may be an open tank that can be replenished with the liquid stored in the liquid storage portion 33 or a closed tank that cannot be replenished with the liquid stored in the liquid storage portion 33.
- the liquid stored in the liquid storage portion 33 may be infiltrated in fibrous material.
- the proximal end-side end wall 40 is connected to a proximal end 21-side end portion of the side wall 31.
- the aerosol outlet 41 communicating with the aerosol channel 34.
- the aerosol generated by the atomization unit 80 passes through the aerosol channel 34 to be discharged outside the cartridge 20 from the aerosol outlet 41. If the inhalation device 10 is provided with the mouthpiece 11 as shown in Fig. 1 , the aerosol discharged from the aerosol outlet 41 reaches the inside of the user's mouth through the mouthpiece 11. If the inhalation device 10 is not provided with the mouthpiece 11, the aerosol discharged from the aerosol outlet 41 directly reaches the inside of the user's mouth.
- the second retaining member 50 includes a proximal end 21-side circumferential wall 50a that is fitted onto the inside of the side wall 31 and the inside wall 32, and a distal end 22-side circumferential wall 50b that is surrounded by a circumferential wall 90b of a distal end-side end portion 90 and abuts on an end wall 90a of the distal end-side end portion 90.
- the second retaining member 50 has a liquid supply hole 51 for supplying the liquid stored in the liquid storage portion 33 to the liquid transporting member 60.
- the second retaining member 50 is disposed on a distal end 22 side of the liquid storage portion 33.
- the liquid supply hole 51 has a substantially rectangular shape.
- the liquid transporting member 60 is disposed on the distal end 22 side of the liquid storage portion 33 and of the second retaining member 50 so as to cover the liquid supply hole 51.
- a heater (atomizing portion) mentioned later is placed in a distal end 22-side surface of the liquid transporting member 60.
- the liquid transporting member 60 transports the liquid of the liquid storage portion 33 toward the heater (atomizing portion).
- the liquid storage portion 33, the liquid transporting member 60, and the heater (atomizing portion) are arranged in the longitudinal direction of the cartridge 20 (Z-axis direction on the drawings), and the liquid transporting member 60 also transports the liquid in the longitudinal direction of the cartridge 20 (Z-axis direction on the drawings).
- the arrangement direction of the liquid storage portion 33, the liquid transporting member 60, and the heater (atomizing portion) and the liquid transporting direction of the liquid transporting member 60 may be either parallel or intersect with the longitudinal direction of the cartridge 20 (Z-axis direction on the drawings).
- the liquid transporting member 60 may be formed of any porous member that is configured to transport a liquid containing an aerosol producing material toward the heater.
- the liquid transporting member 60 comes into tight contact with the heater and therefore is preferably formed of a flexible fibrous material, such as cotton and glass fiber.
- the liquid transporting member 60 may be formed of a plurality of porous members, for example, by forming cotton layers.
- the liquid transporting member 60 according to the present embodiment is a band-like cotton that is curved so that a center portion thereof protrudes toward the distal end 22 side.
- the first retaining member 70 is disposed on the distal end 22 side of the liquid transporting member 60 and has an outer peripheral surface that is fit onto the inside of the distal end 22-side circumferential wall 50b of the second retaining member 50.
- the first retaining member 70 opens to expose a part of the liquid transporting member 60 toward the distal end 22.
- the liquid transporting member 60 is retained by the second retaining member 50 and the first retaining member 70.
- the atomization unit 80 includes a heater (atomizing portion) 81, a pair of electrodes 82, and an electrode retaining member 83.
- the electrodes 82 in a pair are arranged in a direction intersecting with the longitudinal direction of the cartridge 20 (Z-axis direction).
- the electrodes 82 are arranged in the X-axis direction on the figure.
- the heater 81 is configured to heat and atomize the liquid transported by the liquid transporting member 60.
- the heater 81 according to the present embodiment is a linear heater (elongated heating element).
- the heater 81 may have a meshor plate-like shape.
- the heater 81 further may be a meander-shaped heater having an elongated shape as a whole which includes a plurality of curved portions arranged in a continuous manner or a plurality of straight and curved portions arranged in a continuous manner.
- An ultrasonic transducer instead of the heater, may be utilized to atomize the liquid.
- the heater 81 is disposed in the distal end 22-side surface of the liquid transporting member 60.
- a chamber 84 is formed between the distal end 22-side surface of the liquid transporting member 60 and the electrode retaining member 83.
- the chamber 84 is a space for the heater 81 to atomize the liquid.
- the chamber 84 is in communication with the aerosol channel 34 shown in Fig. 5 .
- the heater 81 is provided in such a position as to overlap with the liquid supply hole 51 as viewed in the liquid transporting direction of the liquid transporting member 60 (Z-axis direction on the drawings). This makes it possible to preferentially supply the liquid to the vicinity of the heater 81 using the liquid transporting member 60 and thus improve an atomization efficiency. More preferably, the liquid supply hole 51 is provided over an area having a length equal to or greater than the entire length of the heater 81 in the X-axis direction (longitudinal direction) as viewed in the liquid transporting direction of the liquid transporting member 60 (Z-axis direction on the drawings). The entire length of the heater 81 thus extends over a portion of the liquid transporting member 60 which is sufficiently supplied with the liquid. This further improves the atomization efficiency.
- the liquid transporting member 60 covers the liquid supply hole 51 with a proximal end 21-side surface thereof to seal the liquid storage portion 33 and supplies the liquid to the heater 81 through the distal end 22-side surface thereof.
- the present embodiment is so configured that the liquid transporting member 60 functions to seal the liquid storage portion 33 and further functions to supply the liquid to the heater 81. This reduces the number of peripheral components of the liquid transporting member 60 and simplifies a peripheral structure of the liquid transporting member 60 and therefore that of the atomization unit 80.
- the electrodes 82 in a pair are electrically and mechanically connected by spot welding or the like to respective ends of the heater 81.
- the electrodes 82 in a pair are positioned by the first retaining member 70 to fasten the heater 81 on the distal end 22-side surface of the liquid transporting member 60.
- the electrode retaining member 83 retains the pair of electrodes 82.
- the electrode retaining member 83 is configured to engage with a distal end 22-side end portion of the first retaining member 70.
- the electrodes 82 in a pair are configured to be connected to battery terminals, not shown, of the battery portion 12 when the cartridge 20 and the battery portion 12 of Fig. 1 are assembled together. This enables the battery portion 12 to supply electric power to the heater 81 through the pair of electrodes 82.
- the distal end-side end portion 90 includes the circumferential wall 90b that is connected to a distal end 22-side end portion of the side wall 31.
- Formed in the distal end-side end portion 90 is an air inlet 91 communicating with the chamber 84.
- the air inlet 91 communicating with the chamber 84.
- the air flows from the air inlet 91 into the chamber 84 as shown by an arrow in Fig. 5 .
- the air then flows through the aerosol channel 34 while absorbing the aerosol generated in the chamber 84 by the heater 81 to reach the aerosol outlet 41.
- the liquid transporting member 60 is disposed on the second retaining member 50.
- the liquid transporting member 60 is fastened after the first retaining member 70 is placed on the liquid transporting member 60.
- the second retaining member 50, the liquid transporting member 60, and the first retaining member 70 that are integrated together are inserted into the cartridge body 30 in which the liquid is stored.
- the atomization unit 80 is disposed on the first retaining member 70, and the distal end-side end portion 90 is attached to a distal end 22 side of the cartridge body 30 to fasten the atomization unit 80.
- the proximal end-side end wall 40 is attached to a proximal end 21 side of the cartridge body 30.
- the liquid of the liquid transporting member 60 is evaporated by the generation of aerosol.
- the liquid in the liquid storage portion 33 is therefore transferred to the liquid transporting member 60, which reduces the liquid in the liquid storage portion 33.
- the air enters the liquid storage portion 33, and gas-liquid exchange takes place.
- a gas introducing passage is formed.
- the gas introducing passage is for introducing air into the liquid storage portion 33 and carrying out the gas-liquid exchange. The gas introducing passage will be discussed below with reference to Figs. 8 to 13 .
- Fig. 8 is a perspective view showing a gas introducing passage 100 formed in the cartridge 20 together with the liquid transporting member 60.
- the liquid transporting member 60 includes a distal end 22-side main surface 61, an opposite surface 62 to the main surface 61, and side surfaces 63, 64 connecting the main surface 61 and the opposite surface 62.
- the main surface 61 and the side surfaces 63 of the liquid transporting member 60 respectively form a first surface and second surfaces which intersect with each other.
- the side surfaces 63 are flat surfaces orthogonal to the Y-axis direction.
- the side surfaces 64 are curved surfaces disposed adjacently to the side surfaces 63 between the main surface 61 and the opposite surface 62.
- the main surface 61 of the liquid transporting member 60 faces the distal end 22 side of the cartridge 20.
- the main surface 61 of the liquid transporting member 60 may face the proximal end 21 side of the cartridge 20 or may be opposite to an inner circumferential surface of the cartridge body 30.
- a groove in any shape may be formed at least in one of the surfaces of the liquid transporting member 60. At least a part of the gas introducing passage 100 may extend along an interior space of the groove.
- the gas introducing passage 100 includes a first portion 101, second portions 102, and third portions 103.
- the first portion 101 extends in the Y-axis direction along the main surface 61 (first surface) of the liquid transporting member 60.
- the second portions 102 are in communication with the first portion 101, separated in the X-axis direction and an opposite direction to the X-axis direction, and extend along the respective side surfaces 63 (second surfaces) of the liquid transporting member 60.
- the third portions 103 bend from the respective second portions 102, extend in an opposite direction to the Z-axis direction, and come into communication with the liquid storage portion 33.
- the second portions 102 are separated into two channels in the side surfaces 63 (second surfaces).
- the second portions 102 may be a single channel or may be separated into three or more channels.
- the first portion 101 may be a single channel or may be separated into two, three or more channels.
- the third portions 103 may be a single channel or may be separated into two, three or more channels.
- the gas introducing passage 100 is increased in channel resistance. This restrains the liquid from flowing in a reverse direction within the gas introducing passage 100 and thus restrains the liquid in the liquid storage portion 33 from flowing backward through the gas introducing passage 100 to leak to the chamber 84 side.
- channel resistance is proportional to fluid density, so that resistance acting on a gas that flows forward through a channel is much smaller than resistance acting on a liquid that flows backward through the same channel.
- the increase of channel resistance of the gas introducing passage 100 therefore does not make any substantial effect on the air flow in a forward direction of the gas introducing passage 100, that is, the gas-liquid exchange.
- the gas introducing passage 100 may include not only the channel formed in one of the side surfaces 63 but also a channel formed in the side surface 63 of the liquid transporting member 60 which faces in an opposite direction to the Y-axis direction of the liquid transporting member 60.
- the gas introducing channel 100 may include a channel formed in the curved side surface 64 of the liquid transporting member 60.
- Fig. 9 is a perspective view selectively showing the liquid transporting member 60 and the first retaining member 70 of the cartridge 20.
- Fig. 10 is a perspective view selectively showing the first retaining member 70 of the cartridge 20.
- the first retaining member 70 includes a bottom portion (first bottom portion) 71, a groove portion 72, an abutting portion 73, and a guide portion 74.
- the bottom portion 71 faces the main surface 61 of the liquid transporting member 60.
- the groove portion 72 is formed in the bottom portion 71.
- the abutting portion 73 abuts on the inside of the second retaining member 50.
- the guide portion 74 determines an attachment position of the pair of electrodes 82.
- the first portion 101 includes an interior space of the groove portion 72 of the first retaining member 70.
- the groove portion 72 is provided with an open end portion 72a at an upstream side of the first portion 101 in the gas introducing passage 100.
- the open end portion 72a of the groove portion 72 functions as an air inlet.
- the present embodiment is so configured that the first retaining member 70 that is a single member functions to retain the liquid transporting member 60 and further functions to form a part of the gas introducing passage 100. This reduces the number of peripheral components of the liquid transporting member 60 and simplifies a peripheral structure of the liquid transporting member 60. As shown in Fig.
- the groove portion 72 is formed into a tapered groove that is gradually decreased in size toward a downstream side of the first portion 101 in the gas introducing passage 100. This accelerates the entry of air into the first portion 101 through the groove portion 72.
- the groove portion 72 may be a straight groove having uniform depth.
- the groove portion 72 is terminated before reaching a downstream end 101a of the first portion 101 in the gas introducing passage 100.
- the first retaining member 70 is therefore in contact with the main surface 61 (first surface) of the liquid transporting member 60 in the vicinity of the downstream end 101a of the first portion 101.
- the gas introducing passage 100 is increased in channel resistance in the vicinity of the downstream end 101a, which prevents a backward flow of the liquid from the liquid storage portion 33.
- Fig. 11 is a perspective view selectively showing the second retaining member 50 and the liquid transporting member 60 of the cartridge 20.
- Figs. 12 and 13 are perspective views selectively showing the second retaining member 50 of the cartridge 20.
- the second retaining member 50 includes the circumferential wall 50a, the circumferential wall 50b, a bottom portion (second bottom portion) 52, the liquid supply hole 51, wall portions 53, through-holes 54, ribs 55, and a communicating portion 56.
- the bottom portion 52 faces the opposite surface 62 of the liquid transporting portion 60.
- the circumferential wall 50a is fitted in the inside of the side wall 31 and the inside wall 32.
- the circumferential wall 50b is surrounded by the circumferential wall 90b of the distal end-side end portion 90 and abuts on the end wall 90a of the distal end-side end portion 90.
- the liquid supply hole 51 is formed in the bottom portion 52.
- the wall portions 53 face the respective side surfaces 63 (second surfaces) of the liquid transporting member 60.
- the through-holes 54 are formed in one of the wall portions 53 and communicate with the liquid storage portion 33.
- the ribs 55 are fit into grooves formed in an inner circumferential surface of the side wall 31 and of the inside wall 32.
- the communicating portion 56 connects the chamber 84 and the aerosol channel 34.
- the through-holes 54 connect a distal end 22-side space of the second retaining member 50 and an interior space of the liquid storage portion 33.
- a gap may be provided between each of the wall portion 53 of the second retaining member 50 and each of the side surfaces 63 (second surfaces) of the liquid transporting member 60.
- Each of the second portions 102 of the gas introducing passage 100 is formed between the corresponding wall portion 53 of the second retaining portion 50 and the corresponding side surface 63 (second surface) of the liquid transporting member 60. Since the present embodiment thus provides the second retaining member 50 as a single member with the function of retaining the liquid transporting member 60 and the function of forming a part of the gas introducing passage 100, the number of the peripheral components of the liquid transporting member 60 is reduced, and the peripheral structure of the liquid transporting member 60 is simplified. As described above, the liquid supply hole 51 for supplying the liquid stored in the liquid storage portion 33 toward the liquid transporting member 60 is formed in the bottom portion 52 of the second retaining member 50. The second retaining member 50 as a single member therefore further functions to supply the liquid to the liquid transporting member 60, which simplifies the peripheral structure of the liquid transporting member 60.
- the third portions 103 of the gas introducing passage 100 are in communication with the respective second portions 102 and extend through the through-holes 54 to communicate with the liquid storage portion 33. More specifically, the third portions 103 of the gas introducing passage 100 bend from the respective second portions 102. Since the present embodiment thus provides the second retaining member 50 as a single member with the function of retaining the liquid transporting member 60 and the function of forming a part of the gas introducing passage 100, the number of the peripheral components of the liquid transporting member 60 is reduced, and the peripheral structure of the liquid transporting member 60 is simplified. Furthermore, since the third portions 103 bend from the respective second portions 102, the gas introducing passage 100 is increased in conduit resistance. This makes it possible to prevent the backward flow of the liquid from the liquid storage portion 33 and therefore restrain a liquid leakage through the gas introducing passage 100.
- upstream ends 103a of the third portions 103 in the gas introducing passage 100 are provided at different positions from the downstream end 101a of the first portion 101 as viewed in the liquid transporting direction of the liquid transporting member 60 (namely, the Z-axis direction).
- This increases the entire length of the gas introducing passage 100 and thus increases the conduit resistance of the gas introducing passage 100 as a whole. Consequently, it is possible to prevent the backward flow of the liquid from the liquid storage portion 33 and restrain the liquid leakage through the gas introducing passage 100.
- the second retaining member 50 as a single member supplies the liquid to the liquid transporting member 60 and at the same time forms a part of the gas introducing passage 100. This simplifies the peripheral structure of the liquid transporting member 60.
- the cartridge 20 thus configured comprises the liquid storage portion 33 configured to store liquid, the heater 81 configured to atomize liquid, the liquid transporting member 60 configured to transport the liquid stored in the liquid storage portion 33 toward the heater 81, and the gas introducing passage 100 configured to introduce gas into the liquid storage portion 33.
- the liquid transporting member 60 includes the main surface 61 and the side surfaces 63 which intersect with each other.
- the gas introducing passage 100 includes the first portion 101 extending along the main surface 61 of the liquid transporting member 60, and the second portions 102 communicating with the first portion 101 and extending along the side surfaces 63.
- the gas introducing passage 100 is therefore increased in conduit resistance. It is then possible to restrain the liquid stored in the liquid storage portion from flowing backward in the gas introducing passage 100 for gas-liquid exchange to leak to the atomization chamber side.
- a first mode provides an inhalation device cartridge comprising a liquid storage portion configured to store liquid, an atomizing portion configured to atomize the liquid, a liquid transporting member configured to transport the liquid stored in the liquid storage portion toward the atomizing portion, and a gas introducing passage configured to introduce gas into the liquid storage portion.
- the liquid transporting member includes a first surface and a second surface intersecting with each other.
- the gas introducing passage includes a first portion extending along the first surface of the liquid transporting member, and a second portion communicating with the first portion and extending along the second surface.
- the atomizing portion is disposed in the first surface of the liquid transporting member.
- the inhalation device cartridge further comprises a first retaining member including a first bottom portion that faces the first surface of the liquid transporting member and a groove portion that is formed in the first bottom portion, the first retaining member retaining the liquid transporting member.
- the first portion of the liquid transporting member includes an interior space of the groove portion.
- the groove portion includes an open end portion at an upstream side of the first portion in the gas introducing passage.
- the groove portion has a depth that is gradually decreased toward a downstream side of the first portion in the gas introducing passage.
- the groove portion is terminated before reaching a downstream end of the first portion in the gas introducing passage.
- the inhalation device cartridge further includes a second retaining member including a wall portion that faces the second surface of the liquid transporting member, the second retaining member retaining the liquid transporting member.
- the second portion is formed between the wall portion and the second surface.
- the second retaining member includes a second bottom portion facing an opposite surface to the first surface in the liquid transporting member, and a liquid supply hole that is formed in the second bottom portion and supplies the liquid stored in the liquid storage portion toward the liquid transporting member.
- the atomizing portion is provided in such a position as to overlap with the liquid supply hole as viewed in a liquid transporting direction of the liquid transporting member.
- the atomizing portion includes a heating element having an elongated shape, and the liquid supply hole is provided over an area with a length equal to or greater than an entire longitudinal length of the heating element as viewed in the liquid transporting direction of the liquid transporting member.
- the second retaining member includes a through-hole communicating with inside of the liquid storage portion, and the gas introducing passage includes a third portion communicating with the second portion and extending through the through-hole.
- the third portion of the gas introducing passage bends from the second portion.
- the third portion of the gas introducing passage includes an upstream end that is provided at a different position from the downstream end of the first portion as viewed in the liquid transporting direction of the liquid transporting member.
- the liquid supply hole and the through-hole are separate holes.
- a 15th mode provides an inhalation device comprising the inhalation device cartridge according to any one of the first to 14th modes.
- An inhalation device comprising a liquid storage portion configured to store liquid, an atomizing portion configured to atomize the liquid, a liquid transporting member configured to transport the liquid stored in the liquid storage portion toward the atomizing portion, and a gas introducing passage configured to introduce gas into the liquid storage portion.
- the liquid transporting member includes a first surface and a second surface intersecting with each other.
- the gas introducing passage includes a first portion extending along the first surface of the liquid transporting member, and a second portion communicating with the first portion and extending along the second surface.
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Abstract
Description
- The invention relates to inhalation device cartridges and inhalation devices equipped with same.
- Flavor inhalation devices for inhaling flavors without material burning have been conventionally known. Known as such flavor inhalation devices are, for example, liquid heating-type inhalation devices. The liquid heating-type inhalation devices supply users' mouths with aerosol that is generated by atomizing a flavor-containing aerosol producing material, such as nicotine, or allow aerosol that is generated by atomizing a non-flavor-containing aerosol producing material, such as nicotine, to pass through a flavor source (for example, a tobacco source) and then supply the aerosol to users' mouths.
- Some liquid heating-type inhalation devices comprise a tank or a reservoir that stores liquid for generating aerosol, and a heater that atomizes the liquid. Some of such inhalation devices include an atomizer assembly that is formed by winding a coilshaped heater around a wick that is fluidly connected to a tank (see Patent Literature 1, for example).
- PTL 1:
U.S. Patent No. 8,528,569 - An object of the invention is to provide an inhalation device cartridge and an inhalation device which have novel structures.
- One embodiment of the invention provides an inhalation device cartridge. This inhalation device cartridge comprises a liquid storage portion configured to store liquid, an atomizing portion configured to atomize the liquid, a liquid transporting member configured to transport the liquid stored in the liquid storage portion toward the atomizing portion, and a gas introducing passage configured to introduce gas into the liquid storage portion. The liquid transporting member includes a first surface and a second surface which intersect with each other. The gas introducing passage includes a first portion extending along the first surface of the liquid transporting member and a second portion communicating with the first portion and extending along the second surface.
- Another embodiment of the invention provides an inhalation device equipped with the above-mentioned inhalation device cartridge.
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Fig. 1 is a perspective view of an entire inhalation device according to the present embodiment. -
Fig. 2 is a perspective view of a cartridge. -
Fig. 3 is a perspective view of the cartridge. -
Fig. 4 is a sectional view of the cartridge shown inFig 3 taken along an X-axis. -
Fig. 5 is a sectional view of the cartridge shown inFig. 3 taken along a Y-axis. -
Fig. 6 is a sectional view selectively showing a cartridge body of the cartridge shown inFig. 5 taken along a VI - VI line as viewed in an arrow direction. -
Fig. 7 is a sectional enlarged perspective view of a distal end side of the cartridge shown inFig. 4 . -
Fig. 8 is a perspective view showing a gas introducing passage formed in the cartridge together with a liquid transporting member. -
Fig. 9 is a perspective view selectively showing the liquid transporting member and a first retaining member of the cartridge. -
Fig. 10 is a perspective view selectively showing the first retaining member of the cartridge. -
Fig. 11 is a perspective view selectively showing a second retaining member and the liquid transporting member of the cartridge. -
Fig. 12 is a perspective view selectively showing the second retaining member of the cartridge. -
Fig. 13 is a perspective view selectively showing the second retaining member of the cartridge. - Embodiments of the invention will be discussed below with reference to the attached drawings. In the drawings discussed below, similar or corresponding constituent elements are provided with the same reference signs, and overlapping explanations will be omitted.
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Fig. 1 is a perspective view of an entire inhalation device according to the present embodiment. As illustrated inFig. 1 , theinhalation device 10 includes amouthpiece 11, a cartridge 20 (which is an example of an inhalation device cartridge), and abattery portion 12. Thecartridge 20 atomizes a liquid containing an aerosol producing material, such as glycerin and propylene glycol, and supplies the atomized aerosol to themouthpiece 11. The aerosol producing material may contain, for example, nicotine or the like. - The
battery portion 12 supplies electric power to thecartridge 20. Themouthpiece 11 guides the aerosol generated in thecartridge 20 to a user's mouth. After theinhalation device 10 is used for a predetermined period of time, themouthpiece 11 and thecartridge 20 can be replaced. Thebattery portion 12, however, can be used more than once. It is possible to replace only thecartridge 20 without replacing themouthpiece 11. - The present embodiment is discussed on the premise that the
inhalation device 10 is provided with thecartridge 20 that is replaceable. However, theinhalation device 10 does not have to be thus configured and may be a single-use product fabricated by integrating a component that will be explained below as thecartridge 20 with thebattery portion 12. The present embodiment is further discussed on the premise that theinhalation device 10 is provided with themouthpiece 11. Theinhalation device 10, however, does not have to be configured that way. Although, according to the present embodiment, thecartridge 20 and themouthpiece 11 are configured as separate members, thecartridge 20 and themouthpiece 11 may be formed integrally. - The
cartridge 20 illustrated inFig. 1 will be now discussed.Figs. 2 and3 are perspective views of thecartridge 20.Fig. 4 is a sectional view of thecartridge 20 shown inFig 3 taken along an X-axis.Fig. 5 is a sectional view of thecartridge 20 shown inFig. 3 taken along a Y-axis.Fig. 6 is a sectional view selectively showing a cartridge body of the cartridge shown inFig. 5 taken along a VI - VI line as viewed in an arrow direction.Fig. 7 is a sectional enlarged perspective view of a distal end side of thecartridge 20 shown inFig. 4 . - In
Figs. 2 to 5 , thecartridge 20 includes aproximal end 21 and adistal end 22. Theproximal end 21 is an end portion located close to themouthpiece 11 shown inFig. 1 , that is, closer to the user's mouth than thedistal end 22 while theinhalation device 10 is being used by the user. Thedistal end 22 is an end portion located close to thebattery portion 12, that is, farther from the user's mouth than theproximal end 21 while theinhalation device 10 is being used by the user. - According to the present embodiment, for the sake of convenience, a direction connecting the
proximal end 21 and thedistal end 22, that is, a longitudinal direction of the cartridge 20 (vertical direction onFigs. 2 to 5 ) is referred to as a Z-axis direction. One of two directions intersecting with the Z-axis direction, which is a direction in which a pair ofelectrodes 82 mentioned later is arranged (horizontal direction onFig. 4 ), is referred to as an X-axis direction. The other of the two directions, which is a direction intersecting with both the Z- and Y-axis directions (horizontal direction onFig. 5 ) is referred to as a Y-axis direction. - The
cartridge 20 is provided with a substantiallycylindrical cartridge body 30, a proximal end-side end wall 40, aliquid transporting member 60, anatomization unit 80, and a distal end-side end portion 90. The proximal end-side end wall 40 is a ring-like member with a center hole functioning as anaerosol outlet 41. The distal end-side end portion 90 is a cap-like member including anend wall 90a and acircumferential wall 90b. Thecartridge 20 is further provided with a second retainingmember 50 located on aproximal end 21 side of theliquid transporting member 60 and a first retainingmember 70 located on adistal end 22 side of theliquid transporting member 60. Theliquid transporting member 60 is therefore retained inside thecartridge 20 in a position held between the second retainingmember 50 and the first retainingmember 70. According to the present embodiment, the second retainingmember 50 is disposed on theproximal end 21 side of theliquid transporting member 60, and the first retainingmember 70 is disposed on thedistal end 22 side of theliquid transporting member 60. However, this is not the only configuration of the first and second retainingmembers member 70 may be disposed on theproximal end 21 side of theliquid transporting member 60, and the second retainingmember 50 may be disposed on thedistal end 22 side of theliquid transporting member 60. Also, the second retainingmember 50 and the first retainingmember 70 may be disposed in a width direction so as to hold theliquid transporting member 60 therebetween. The width direction here means a direction intersecting with the longitudinal direction of the cartridge 20 (Z-axis direction). - As shown in
Figs. 5 and6 , thecartridge body 30 includes acylindrical side wall 31 and aninside wall 32 provided inside thecartridge body 30 and having an L-shaped longitudinal section. Inside thecartridge body 30, theinside wall 32 forms aliquid storage portion 33 that stores the liquid containing an aerosol producing material, and anaerosol channel 34 through which aerosol generated by theatomization unit 80 passes. - More specifically, the
inside wall 32 includes a plate-likefirst wall portion 32a extending in the Z-axis direction and asecond wall portion 32b extending from a proximal end 21-side end portion of thefirst wall portion 32a in the Y-axis direction. Onemain surfaces 35a of thefirst wall portion 32a and a distal end 22-side main surface of thesecond wall portion 32b form theliquid storage portion 33 in consort with a circumferentially partial portion of an inner peripheral surface of theside wall 31. The othermain surface 35b of thefirst wall portion 32a forms theaerosol channel 34 in consort with a remaining circumferential portion of the inner peripheral surface of theside wall 31. In other words, inside thecartridge body 30, theaerosol channel 34 and theliquid storage portion 33 are adjacently disposed in the Y-axis direction, and theaerosol channel 34 and theliquid storage portion 33 are separated from each other by thefirst wall portion 32a and thesecond wall portion 32b. - The
cartridge 20 according to the present embodiment may be an open tank that can be replenished with the liquid stored in theliquid storage portion 33 or a closed tank that cannot be replenished with the liquid stored in theliquid storage portion 33. The liquid stored in theliquid storage portion 33 may be infiltrated in fibrous material. - As shown in
Figs. 2 and5 , the proximal end-side end wall 40 is connected to a proximal end 21-side end portion of theside wall 31. Formed in the proximal end-side end wall 40 is theaerosol outlet 41 communicating with theaerosol channel 34. The aerosol generated by theatomization unit 80 passes through theaerosol channel 34 to be discharged outside thecartridge 20 from theaerosol outlet 41. If theinhalation device 10 is provided with themouthpiece 11 as shown inFig. 1 , the aerosol discharged from theaerosol outlet 41 reaches the inside of the user's mouth through themouthpiece 11. If theinhalation device 10 is not provided with themouthpiece 11, the aerosol discharged from theaerosol outlet 41 directly reaches the inside of the user's mouth. - As shown in
Figs. 5 and7 , the second retainingmember 50 includes a proximal end 21-sidecircumferential wall 50a that is fitted onto the inside of theside wall 31 and theinside wall 32, and a distal end 22-sidecircumferential wall 50b that is surrounded by acircumferential wall 90b of a distal end-side end portion 90 and abuts on anend wall 90a of the distal end-side end portion 90. The second retainingmember 50 has aliquid supply hole 51 for supplying the liquid stored in theliquid storage portion 33 to theliquid transporting member 60. The second retainingmember 50 is disposed on adistal end 22 side of theliquid storage portion 33. Theliquid supply hole 51 has a substantially rectangular shape. Long sides of theliquid supply hole 51 extend in the X-axis direction, and short sides in the Y-axis direction. Aproximal end 21 side of the second retainingmember 50 is fitted onto the inside theside wall 31 and theinside wall 32, whereby the liquid stored in theliquid storage portion 33 passes only through theliquid supply hole 51. - As shown in
Figs. 5 and7 , theliquid transporting member 60 is disposed on thedistal end 22 side of theliquid storage portion 33 and of the second retainingmember 50 so as to cover theliquid supply hole 51. A heater (atomizing portion) mentioned later is placed in a distal end 22-side surface of theliquid transporting member 60. Theliquid transporting member 60 transports the liquid of theliquid storage portion 33 toward the heater (atomizing portion). According to the present embodiment, therefore, theliquid storage portion 33, theliquid transporting member 60, and the heater (atomizing portion) are arranged in the longitudinal direction of the cartridge 20 (Z-axis direction on the drawings), and theliquid transporting member 60 also transports the liquid in the longitudinal direction of the cartridge 20 (Z-axis direction on the drawings). In the present embodiment, the arrangement direction of theliquid storage portion 33, theliquid transporting member 60, and the heater (atomizing portion) and the liquid transporting direction of theliquid transporting member 60 may be either parallel or intersect with the longitudinal direction of the cartridge 20 (Z-axis direction on the drawings). Theliquid transporting member 60 may be formed of any porous member that is configured to transport a liquid containing an aerosol producing material toward the heater. Theliquid transporting member 60 comes into tight contact with the heater and therefore is preferably formed of a flexible fibrous material, such as cotton and glass fiber. Theliquid transporting member 60 may be formed of a plurality of porous members, for example, by forming cotton layers. Theliquid transporting member 60 according to the present embodiment is a band-like cotton that is curved so that a center portion thereof protrudes toward thedistal end 22 side. - As shown in
Figs. 5 and7 , the first retainingmember 70 is disposed on thedistal end 22 side of theliquid transporting member 60 and has an outer peripheral surface that is fit onto the inside of the distal end 22-sidecircumferential wall 50b of the second retainingmember 50. The first retainingmember 70 opens to expose a part of theliquid transporting member 60 toward thedistal end 22. Theliquid transporting member 60 is retained by the second retainingmember 50 and the first retainingmember 70. - As shown in
Fig. 7 , theatomization unit 80 includes a heater (atomizing portion) 81, a pair ofelectrodes 82, and anelectrode retaining member 83. Theelectrodes 82 in a pair are arranged in a direction intersecting with the longitudinal direction of the cartridge 20 (Z-axis direction). For example, theelectrodes 82 are arranged in the X-axis direction on the figure. Theheater 81 is configured to heat and atomize the liquid transported by theliquid transporting member 60. Theheater 81 according to the present embodiment is a linear heater (elongated heating element). Theheater 81, however, may have a meshor plate-like shape. Theheater 81 further may be a meander-shaped heater having an elongated shape as a whole which includes a plurality of curved portions arranged in a continuous manner or a plurality of straight and curved portions arranged in a continuous manner. An ultrasonic transducer, instead of the heater, may be utilized to atomize the liquid. - The
heater 81 is disposed in the distal end 22-side surface of theliquid transporting member 60. Achamber 84 is formed between the distal end 22-side surface of theliquid transporting member 60 and theelectrode retaining member 83. Thechamber 84 is a space for theheater 81 to atomize the liquid. Thechamber 84 is in communication with theaerosol channel 34 shown inFig. 5 . - The
heater 81 is provided in such a position as to overlap with theliquid supply hole 51 as viewed in the liquid transporting direction of the liquid transporting member 60 (Z-axis direction on the drawings). This makes it possible to preferentially supply the liquid to the vicinity of theheater 81 using theliquid transporting member 60 and thus improve an atomization efficiency. More preferably, theliquid supply hole 51 is provided over an area having a length equal to or greater than the entire length of theheater 81 in the X-axis direction (longitudinal direction) as viewed in the liquid transporting direction of the liquid transporting member 60 (Z-axis direction on the drawings). The entire length of theheater 81 thus extends over a portion of theliquid transporting member 60 which is sufficiently supplied with the liquid. This further improves the atomization efficiency. - As described above, the
liquid transporting member 60 covers theliquid supply hole 51 with a proximal end 21-side surface thereof to seal theliquid storage portion 33 and supplies the liquid to theheater 81 through the distal end 22-side surface thereof. In this manner, the present embodiment is so configured that theliquid transporting member 60 functions to seal theliquid storage portion 33 and further functions to supply the liquid to theheater 81. This reduces the number of peripheral components of theliquid transporting member 60 and simplifies a peripheral structure of theliquid transporting member 60 and therefore that of theatomization unit 80. - The
electrodes 82 in a pair are electrically and mechanically connected by spot welding or the like to respective ends of theheater 81. Theelectrodes 82 in a pair are positioned by the first retainingmember 70 to fasten theheater 81 on the distal end 22-side surface of theliquid transporting member 60. Theelectrode retaining member 83 retains the pair ofelectrodes 82. Theelectrode retaining member 83 is configured to engage with a distal end 22-side end portion of the first retainingmember 70. Theelectrodes 82 in a pair are configured to be connected to battery terminals, not shown, of thebattery portion 12 when thecartridge 20 and thebattery portion 12 ofFig. 1 are assembled together. This enables thebattery portion 12 to supply electric power to theheater 81 through the pair ofelectrodes 82. - As shown in
Figs. 3 and7 , the distal end-side end portion 90 includes thecircumferential wall 90b that is connected to a distal end 22-side end portion of theside wall 31. Formed in the distal end-side end portion 90 is anair inlet 91 communicating with thechamber 84. When the user inhales air from themouthpiece 11, the air flows from theair inlet 91 into thechamber 84 as shown by an arrow inFig. 5 . The air then flows through theaerosol channel 34 while absorbing the aerosol generated in thechamber 84 by theheater 81 to reach theaerosol outlet 41. - The following is an example of an assembly procedure of the
cartridge 20. First, theliquid transporting member 60 is disposed on the second retainingmember 50. Theliquid transporting member 60 is fastened after the first retainingmember 70 is placed on theliquid transporting member 60. The second retainingmember 50, theliquid transporting member 60, and the first retainingmember 70 that are integrated together are inserted into thecartridge body 30 in which the liquid is stored. Next, theatomization unit 80 is disposed on the first retainingmember 70, and the distal end-side end portion 90 is attached to adistal end 22 side of thecartridge body 30 to fasten theatomization unit 80. The proximal end-side end wall 40 is attached to aproximal end 21 side of thecartridge body 30. - In the
cartridge 20 thus assembled, the liquid of theliquid transporting member 60 is evaporated by the generation of aerosol. The liquid in theliquid storage portion 33 is therefore transferred to theliquid transporting member 60, which reduces the liquid in theliquid storage portion 33. When the liquid in theliquid storage portion 33 is transferred to theliquid transporting member 60, the air enters theliquid storage portion 33, and gas-liquid exchange takes place. In thecartridge 20 according to the present embodiment, a gas introducing passage is formed. The gas introducing passage is for introducing air into theliquid storage portion 33 and carrying out the gas-liquid exchange. The gas introducing passage will be discussed below with reference toFigs. 8 to 13 . -
Fig. 8 is a perspective view showing agas introducing passage 100 formed in thecartridge 20 together with theliquid transporting member 60. InFig. 8 , theliquid transporting member 60 includes a distal end 22-sidemain surface 61, anopposite surface 62 to themain surface 61, and side surfaces 63, 64 connecting themain surface 61 and theopposite surface 62. According to the present embodiment, themain surface 61 and the side surfaces 63 of theliquid transporting member 60 respectively form a first surface and second surfaces which intersect with each other. In an example shown inFig. 8 , the side surfaces 63 are flat surfaces orthogonal to the Y-axis direction. The side surfaces 64 are curved surfaces disposed adjacently to the side surfaces 63 between themain surface 61 and theopposite surface 62. According to the present embodiment, themain surface 61 of theliquid transporting member 60 faces thedistal end 22 side of thecartridge 20. Instead, however, themain surface 61 of theliquid transporting member 60 may face theproximal end 21 side of thecartridge 20 or may be opposite to an inner circumferential surface of thecartridge body 30. A groove in any shape may be formed at least in one of the surfaces of theliquid transporting member 60. At least a part of thegas introducing passage 100 may extend along an interior space of the groove. - The
gas introducing passage 100 includes afirst portion 101,second portions 102, andthird portions 103. Thefirst portion 101 extends in the Y-axis direction along the main surface 61 (first surface) of theliquid transporting member 60. Thesecond portions 102 are in communication with thefirst portion 101, separated in the X-axis direction and an opposite direction to the X-axis direction, and extend along the respective side surfaces 63 (second surfaces) of theliquid transporting member 60. Thethird portions 103 bend from the respectivesecond portions 102, extend in an opposite direction to the Z-axis direction, and come into communication with theliquid storage portion 33. In the example shown inFig. 8 , thesecond portions 102 are separated into two channels in the side surfaces 63 (second surfaces). However, thesecond portions 102 may be a single channel or may be separated into three or more channels. Likewise, thefirst portion 101 may be a single channel or may be separated into two, three or more channels. Furthermore, thethird portions 103 may be a single channel or may be separated into two, three or more channels. - Since the
first portion 101 and thesecond portions 102 communicating with each other extend in the intersecting first and second surfaces, and thesecond portions 102 and thethird portions 103 bend as described above, thegas introducing passage 100 is increased in channel resistance. This restrains the liquid from flowing in a reverse direction within thegas introducing passage 100 and thus restrains the liquid in theliquid storage portion 33 from flowing backward through thegas introducing passage 100 to leak to thechamber 84 side. In general, channel resistance is proportional to fluid density, so that resistance acting on a gas that flows forward through a channel is much smaller than resistance acting on a liquid that flows backward through the same channel. The increase of channel resistance of thegas introducing passage 100 therefore does not make any substantial effect on the air flow in a forward direction of thegas introducing passage 100, that is, the gas-liquid exchange. Thegas introducing passage 100 may include not only the channel formed in one of the side surfaces 63 but also a channel formed in theside surface 63 of theliquid transporting member 60 which faces in an opposite direction to the Y-axis direction of theliquid transporting member 60. Thegas introducing channel 100 may include a channel formed in thecurved side surface 64 of theliquid transporting member 60. - The following discussion explains the
first portion 101, thesecond portions 102, and thethird portions 103 in detail.Fig. 9 is a perspective view selectively showing theliquid transporting member 60 and the first retainingmember 70 of thecartridge 20.Fig. 10 is a perspective view selectively showing the first retainingmember 70 of thecartridge 20. InFigs. 9 and10 , the first retainingmember 70 includes a bottom portion (first bottom portion) 71, agroove portion 72, an abuttingportion 73, and aguide portion 74. Thebottom portion 71 faces themain surface 61 of theliquid transporting member 60. Thegroove portion 72 is formed in thebottom portion 71. The abuttingportion 73 abuts on the inside of the second retainingmember 50. Theguide portion 74 determines an attachment position of the pair ofelectrodes 82. - The
first portion 101 includes an interior space of thegroove portion 72 of the first retainingmember 70. Thegroove portion 72 is provided with anopen end portion 72a at an upstream side of thefirst portion 101 in thegas introducing passage 100. Theopen end portion 72a of thegroove portion 72 functions as an air inlet. As described above, the present embodiment is so configured that the first retainingmember 70 that is a single member functions to retain theliquid transporting member 60 and further functions to form a part of thegas introducing passage 100. This reduces the number of peripheral components of theliquid transporting member 60 and simplifies a peripheral structure of theliquid transporting member 60. As shown inFig. 10 , thegroove portion 72 is formed into a tapered groove that is gradually decreased in size toward a downstream side of thefirst portion 101 in thegas introducing passage 100. This accelerates the entry of air into thefirst portion 101 through thegroove portion 72. Thegroove portion 72 may be a straight groove having uniform depth. Thegroove portion 72 is terminated before reaching adownstream end 101a of thefirst portion 101 in thegas introducing passage 100. The first retainingmember 70 is therefore in contact with the main surface 61 (first surface) of theliquid transporting member 60 in the vicinity of thedownstream end 101a of thefirst portion 101. Thegas introducing passage 100 is increased in channel resistance in the vicinity of thedownstream end 101a, which prevents a backward flow of the liquid from theliquid storage portion 33. -
Fig. 11 is a perspective view selectively showing the second retainingmember 50 and theliquid transporting member 60 of thecartridge 20.Figs. 12 and13 are perspective views selectively showing the second retainingmember 50 of thecartridge 20. InFigs. 11 to 13 , the second retainingmember 50 includes thecircumferential wall 50a, thecircumferential wall 50b, a bottom portion (second bottom portion) 52, theliquid supply hole 51,wall portions 53, through-holes 54,ribs 55, and a communicatingportion 56. - The
bottom portion 52 faces theopposite surface 62 of theliquid transporting portion 60. Thecircumferential wall 50a is fitted in the inside of theside wall 31 and theinside wall 32. Thecircumferential wall 50b is surrounded by thecircumferential wall 90b of the distal end-side end portion 90 and abuts on theend wall 90a of the distal end-side end portion 90. Theliquid supply hole 51 is formed in thebottom portion 52. Thewall portions 53 face the respective side surfaces 63 (second surfaces) of theliquid transporting member 60. The through-holes 54 are formed in one of thewall portions 53 and communicate with theliquid storage portion 33. Theribs 55 are fit into grooves formed in an inner circumferential surface of theside wall 31 and of theinside wall 32. The communicatingportion 56 connects thechamber 84 and theaerosol channel 34. The through-holes 54 connect a distal end 22-side space of the second retainingmember 50 and an interior space of theliquid storage portion 33. A gap may be provided between each of thewall portion 53 of the second retainingmember 50 and each of the side surfaces 63 (second surfaces) of theliquid transporting member 60. - Each of the
second portions 102 of thegas introducing passage 100 is formed between thecorresponding wall portion 53 of the second retainingportion 50 and the corresponding side surface 63 (second surface) of theliquid transporting member 60. Since the present embodiment thus provides the second retainingmember 50 as a single member with the function of retaining theliquid transporting member 60 and the function of forming a part of thegas introducing passage 100, the number of the peripheral components of theliquid transporting member 60 is reduced, and the peripheral structure of theliquid transporting member 60 is simplified. As described above, theliquid supply hole 51 for supplying the liquid stored in theliquid storage portion 33 toward theliquid transporting member 60 is formed in thebottom portion 52 of the second retainingmember 50. The second retainingmember 50 as a single member therefore further functions to supply the liquid to theliquid transporting member 60, which simplifies the peripheral structure of theliquid transporting member 60. - The
third portions 103 of thegas introducing passage 100 are in communication with the respectivesecond portions 102 and extend through the through-holes 54 to communicate with theliquid storage portion 33. More specifically, thethird portions 103 of thegas introducing passage 100 bend from the respectivesecond portions 102. Since the present embodiment thus provides the second retainingmember 50 as a single member with the function of retaining theliquid transporting member 60 and the function of forming a part of thegas introducing passage 100, the number of the peripheral components of theliquid transporting member 60 is reduced, and the peripheral structure of theliquid transporting member 60 is simplified. Furthermore, since thethird portions 103 bend from the respectivesecond portions 102, thegas introducing passage 100 is increased in conduit resistance. This makes it possible to prevent the backward flow of the liquid from theliquid storage portion 33 and therefore restrain a liquid leakage through thegas introducing passage 100. - As shown in
Figs. 11 and12 , upstream ends 103a of thethird portions 103 in thegas introducing passage 100 are provided at different positions from thedownstream end 101a of thefirst portion 101 as viewed in the liquid transporting direction of the liquid transporting member 60 (namely, the Z-axis direction). This increases the entire length of thegas introducing passage 100 and thus increases the conduit resistance of thegas introducing passage 100 as a whole. Consequently, it is possible to prevent the backward flow of the liquid from theliquid storage portion 33 and restrain the liquid leakage through thegas introducing passage 100. Since theliquid supply hole 51 and the through-holes 54 are separate holes in the second retainingmember 50, the second retainingmember 50 as a single member supplies the liquid to theliquid transporting member 60 and at the same time forms a part of thegas introducing passage 100. This simplifies the peripheral structure of theliquid transporting member 60. - In the
cartridge 20 where thegas introducing passage 100 configured as above is formed, negative pressure is created in theliquid storage portion 33 by decrease of the liquid stored in theliquid storage portion 33. As a result, the air introduced into thecartridge 20 from theair inlet 91 or another opening passes through thefirst portion 101, thesecond portions 102, and thethird portions 103 of thegas introducing passage 100 to be introduced into theliquid storage portion 33. The gas-liquid exchange accordingly takes place. - The
cartridge 20 thus configured comprises theliquid storage portion 33 configured to store liquid, theheater 81 configured to atomize liquid, theliquid transporting member 60 configured to transport the liquid stored in theliquid storage portion 33 toward theheater 81, and thegas introducing passage 100 configured to introduce gas into theliquid storage portion 33. Theliquid transporting member 60 includes themain surface 61 and the side surfaces 63 which intersect with each other. Thegas introducing passage 100 includes thefirst portion 101 extending along themain surface 61 of theliquid transporting member 60, and thesecond portions 102 communicating with thefirst portion 101 and extending along the side surfaces 63. Thegas introducing passage 100 is therefore increased in conduit resistance. It is then possible to restrain the liquid stored in the liquid storage portion from flowing backward in thegas introducing passage 100 for gas-liquid exchange to leak to the atomization chamber side. - The embodiments according to the invention have been discussed. The invention, however, does not necessarily have to be made in accordance with the above-described embodiments. The invention may be modified in various ways in a scope of the technical ideas discussed in the claims, specification and drawings. Any shape and material that provide the operation and advantageous effects of the invention fall in the scope of technical ideas of the invention even if no direct reference is made to such a shape and material in the description, claims and drawings.
- Several modes disclosed in the present application will be described below.
- A first mode provides an inhalation device cartridge comprising a liquid storage portion configured to store liquid, an atomizing portion configured to atomize the liquid, a liquid transporting member configured to transport the liquid stored in the liquid storage portion toward the atomizing portion, and a gas introducing passage configured to introduce gas into the liquid storage portion. The liquid transporting member includes a first surface and a second surface intersecting with each other. The gas introducing passage includes a first portion extending along the first surface of the liquid transporting member, and a second portion communicating with the first portion and extending along the second surface.
- According to a second mode, in the inhalation device cartridge of the first mode, the atomizing portion is disposed in the first surface of the liquid transporting member.
- According to a third mode, in the inhalation device cartridge of the first or second mode, the inhalation device cartridge further comprises a first retaining member including a first bottom portion that faces the first surface of the liquid transporting member and a groove portion that is formed in the first bottom portion, the first retaining member retaining the liquid transporting member. The first portion of the liquid transporting member includes an interior space of the groove portion.
- According to a fourth mode, in the inhalation device cartridge of the third mode, the groove portion includes an open end portion at an upstream side of the first portion in the gas introducing passage.
- According to a fifth mode, in the inhalation device cartridge of the third or fourth mode, the groove portion has a depth that is gradually decreased toward a downstream side of the first portion in the gas introducing passage.
- According to a sixth mode, in the inhalation device cartridge of any one of the third to fifth modes, the groove portion is terminated before reaching a downstream end of the first portion in the gas introducing passage.
- According to a seventh mode, in the inhalation device cartridge of any one of the first to sixth modes, the inhalation device cartridge further includes a second retaining member including a wall portion that faces the second surface of the liquid transporting member, the second retaining member retaining the liquid transporting member. The second portion is formed between the wall portion and the second surface.
- According to an eighth mode, in the inhalation device cartridge of the seventh mode, the second retaining member includes a second bottom portion facing an opposite surface to the first surface in the liquid transporting member, and a liquid supply hole that is formed in the second bottom portion and supplies the liquid stored in the liquid storage portion toward the liquid transporting member.
- According to a ninth mode, in the inhalation device cartridge of the eighth mode, the atomizing portion is provided in such a position as to overlap with the liquid supply hole as viewed in a liquid transporting direction of the liquid transporting member.
- According to a 10th mode, in the inhalation device cartridge of the ninth mode, the atomizing portion includes a heating element having an elongated shape, and the liquid supply hole is provided over an area with a length equal to or greater than an entire longitudinal length of the heating element as viewed in the liquid transporting direction of the liquid transporting member.
- According to an 11th mode, in the inhalation device cartridge of any one of the seventh to 10th modes, the second retaining member includes a through-hole communicating with inside of the liquid storage portion, and the gas introducing passage includes a third portion communicating with the second portion and extending through the through-hole.
- According to a 12th mode, in the inhalation device cartridge of the 11th mode, the third portion of the gas introducing passage bends from the second portion.
- According to a 13th mode, in the inhalation device cartridge of the 11th or 12th mode, the third portion of the gas introducing passage includes an upstream end that is provided at a different position from the downstream end of the first portion as viewed in the liquid transporting direction of the liquid transporting member.
- According to a 14th mode, in the inhalation device cartridge of any one of the 11th to 13th modes, the liquid supply hole and the through-hole are separate holes.
- A 15th mode provides an inhalation device comprising the inhalation device cartridge according to any one of the first to 14th modes.
- An inhalation device according to a 16th mode, comprising a liquid storage portion configured to store liquid, an atomizing portion configured to atomize the liquid, a liquid transporting member configured to transport the liquid stored in the liquid storage portion toward the atomizing portion, and a gas introducing passage configured to introduce gas into the liquid storage portion. The liquid transporting member includes a first surface and a second surface intersecting with each other. The gas introducing passage includes a first portion extending along the first surface of the liquid transporting member, and a second portion communicating with the first portion and extending along the second surface.
-
- 10:
- Inhalation device
- 11:
- Mouthpiece
- 12:
- Battery
- 20:
- Cartridge
- 21:
- Proximal end
- 22:
- Distal end
- 30:
- Cartridge body
- 31:
- Side wall
- 32:
- Inside wall
- 32a:
- First wall portion
- 32b:
- Second wall portion
- 33:
- Liquid storage portion
- 34:
- Aerosol channel
- 35a:
- Main surface
- 35b:
- Main surface
- 40:
- Proximal end-side end wall
- 41:
- Aerosol outlet
- 50:
- Second retaining member
- 50a:
- Circumferential wall
- 50b:
- Circumferential wall
- 51:
- Liquid supply hole
- 52:
- Bottom portion
- 53:
- Wall portion
- 54:
- Through-hole
- 55:
- Rib
- 56:
- Communicating portion
- 60:
- Liquid transporting member
- 61:
- Main surface (First surface)
- 62:
- Opposite surface
- 63:
- Side surface (Second surface)
- 64:
- Side surface
- 70:
- First retaining member
- 71:
- Bottom portion
- 72:
- Groove portion
- 72a:
- Open end portion
- 73:
- Abutting portion
- 74:
- Guide portion
- 80:
- Atomization unit
- 81:
- Heater
- 82:
- Electrode
- 83:
- Electrode retaining member
- 84:
- Chamber
- 90:
- Distal end-side end portion
- 90a:
- End wall
- 90b:
- Circumferential wall
- 91:
- Air inlet
- 100:
- Gas introducing passage
- 101:
- First portion
- 101a:
- Downstream end
- 102:
- Second portion
- 103:
- Third portion
- 103a:
- Upstream end
Claims (16)
- An inhalation device cartridge comprising:a liquid storage portion configured to store liquid;an atomization unit configured to atomize the liquid;a liquid transporting member configured to transport the liquid stored in the liquid storage portion toward the atomization unit; anda gas introducing passage configured to introduce gas into the liquid storage portion,the liquid transporting member including a first surface and a second surface intersecting with each other, andthe gas introducing passage including a first portion extending along the first surface of the liquid transporting member, and a second portion communicating with the first portion and extending along the second surface.
- The inhalation device cartridge according to Claim 1,
wherein the atomization unit is disposed in the first surface of the liquid transporting member. - The inhalation device cartridge according to Claim 1 or 2, further comprising:a first retaining member including a first bottom portion that faces the first surface of the liquid transporting member and a groove portion that is formed in the first bottom portion, the first retaining member retaining the liquid transporting member,wherein the first portion of the gas introducing passage includes an interior space of the groove portion.
- The inhalation device cartridge according to Claim 3,
wherein the groove portion includes an open end portion at an upstream side of the first portion in the gas introducing passage. - The inhalation device cartridge according to Claim 3 or 4,
wherein the groove portion has a depth that is gradually decreased toward a downstream side of the first portion in the gas introducing passage. - The inhalation device cartridge according to any one of Claims 3 to 5,
wherein the groove portion is terminated before reaching a downstream end of the first portion in the gas introducing passage. - The inhalation device cartridge according to any one of Claims 1 to 6, further comprising:a second retaining member including a wall portion that faces the second surface of the liquid transporting member, the second retaining member retaining the liquid transporting member, andwherein the second portion of the gas introducing passage is formed between the wall portion and the second surface.
- The inhalation device cartridge according to Claim 7,
wherein the second retaining member includes a second bottom portion facing an opposite surface to the first surface in the liquid transporting member, and a liquid supply hole that is formed in the second bottom portion and supplies the liquid stored in the liquid storage portion toward the liquid transporting member. - The inhalation device cartridge according to Claim 8,
wherein the atomizing portion is provided in such a position as to overlap with the liquid supply hole as viewed in a liquid transporting direction of the liquid transporting member. - The inhalation device cartridge according to Claim 9,wherein the atomizing portion includes a heating element having an elongated shape, andwherein the liquid supply hole is provided over an area with a length equal to or greater than an entire longitudinal length of the heating element as viewed in the liquid transporting direction of the liquid transporting member.
- The inhalation device cartridge according to any one of Claims 7 to 10,wherein the second retaining member includes a through-hole communicating with inside of the liquid storage portion,
andwherein the gas introducing passage includes a third portion communicating with the second portion and extending through the through-hole. - The inhalation device cartridge according to Claim 11,
wherein the third portion of the gas introducing passage bends from the second portion. - The inhalation device cartridge according to Claim 11 or 12,
wherein the third portion of the gas introducing passage includes an upstream end that is provided at a different position from the downstream end of the first portion as viewed in the liquid transporting direction of the liquid transporting member. - The inhalation device cartridge according to any one of Claims 11 to 13,
wherein the liquid supply hole and the through-hole are separate holes. - An inhalation device comprising the inhalation device cartridge according to any one of Claims 1 to 14.
- An inhalation device comprising:a liquid storage portion configured to store liquid;an atomizing portion configured to atomize the liquid;a liquid transporting member configured to transport the liquid stored in the liquid storage portion toward the atomizing portion, anda gas introducing passage configured to introduce gas into the liquid storage portion,the liquid transporting member including a first surface and a second surface intersecting with each other, andthe gas introducing passage including a first portion extending along the first surface of the liquid transporting member, and a second portion communicating with the first portion and extending along the second surface.
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
PCT/JP2019/009303 WO2020183520A1 (en) | 2019-03-08 | 2019-03-08 | Inhalation device cartridge and inhalation device equipped with same |
Publications (2)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
EP3935974A1 true EP3935974A1 (en) | 2022-01-12 |
EP3935974A4 EP3935974A4 (en) | 2022-10-12 |
Family
ID=72426078
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
EP19918853.3A Withdrawn EP3935974A4 (en) | 2019-03-08 | 2019-03-08 | Inhalation device cartridge and inhalation device equipped with same |
Country Status (4)
Country | Link |
---|---|
EP (1) | EP3935974A4 (en) |
JP (1) | JP7256864B2 (en) |
TW (1) | TW202033115A (en) |
WO (1) | WO2020183520A1 (en) |
Families Citing this family (1)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
CN216961539U (en) * | 2021-12-31 | 2022-07-15 | 比亚迪精密制造有限公司 | A cigarette bullet and electron cigarette for electron cigarette |
Family Cites Families (8)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US8528569B1 (en) | 2011-06-28 | 2013-09-10 | Kyle D. Newton | Electronic cigarette with liquid reservoir |
KR101293859B1 (en) * | 2012-03-02 | 2013-08-07 | 박선순 | Electronic cigarette atomizer structure including liquid supply pipe and crucible |
GB2533135B (en) | 2014-12-11 | 2020-11-11 | Nicoventures Holdings Ltd | Aerosol provision systems |
EP3127441B1 (en) * | 2015-08-06 | 2018-12-05 | Fontem Holdings 1 B.V. | Electronic smoking device with a glass capillary tube |
US10334882B2 (en) | 2016-04-13 | 2019-07-02 | Md&C Creative Masion Sa | Electronic cigarette |
US10653185B2 (en) | 2016-11-29 | 2020-05-19 | Altria Client Services Llc | Aerosol-generating system and method of dispensing liquid aerosol-forming substrate with pumped air |
GB201703284D0 (en) * | 2017-03-01 | 2017-04-12 | Nicoventures Holdings Ltd | Vapour provision device with liquid capture |
WO2018177826A1 (en) * | 2017-03-29 | 2018-10-04 | Jt International S.A. | Apparatus, system and method for generating an aerosol |
-
2019
- 2019-03-08 WO PCT/JP2019/009303 patent/WO2020183520A1/en active Application Filing
- 2019-03-08 EP EP19918853.3A patent/EP3935974A4/en not_active Withdrawn
- 2019-03-08 JP JP2021504610A patent/JP7256864B2/en active Active
- 2019-03-29 TW TW108111268A patent/TW202033115A/en unknown
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
TW202033115A (en) | 2020-09-16 |
JP7256864B2 (en) | 2023-04-12 |
EP3935974A4 (en) | 2022-10-12 |
WO2020183520A1 (en) | 2020-09-17 |
JPWO2020183520A1 (en) | 2020-09-17 |
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