JP7277271B2 - Atomization unit and non-combustion aspirator - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to atomizing units and non-combustion aspirators.
This application claims priority from Chinese Patent Application No. 201811255604.5 filed on Oct. 26, 2018, the content of which is incorporated herein by reference.

Conventionally, there has been known a non-combustion type inhaler (hereinafter simply referred to as an inhaler) that allows one to enjoy flavor by inhaling steam (for example, aerosol) atomized by heating. An inhaler of this type includes, for example, an atomizing unit containing an atomizable content (for example, an aerosol source) and a main unit on which a storage battery is mounted.
In the aspirator, a heating section provided in the atomization unit generates heat by electric power supplied from the storage battery. Thereby, the contents in the atomization unit are atomized. The user can inhale the atomized aerosol together with air through the mouthpiece.

For example, Patent Literature 1 below discloses a configuration in which an atomizing unit is detachably attached to a main unit. In the aspirator described in Patent Document 1 below, by assembling the atomizing unit to the main unit, the pin electrodes formed on the main unit and the planar electrodes formed on the atomizing unit are electrically connected. Conceivable.

Chinese Utility Model Publication No. 206482021

However, the conventional technology described above still has room for improvement in terms of ensuring the reliability of conduction between the pin electrode and the plane electrode.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION An object of the present invention is to provide an atomizing unit and a non-combustion type inhaler that can ensure reliability of conduction between a pin electrode and a plane electrode.

(1) In order to achieve the above object, an atomization unit according to an aspect of the present invention includes a container body that houses an aerosol source, a heating section that is provided in the container body and heats contents, a first plane electrode and a second plane electrode connected to the heating unit and provided on the first electrode arrangement surface of the container body, wherein the first plane electrode and the second plane electrode are At least an arc-shaped electrode is arranged around an axis extending in the normal direction of the first electrode arrangement surface, and the first electrode arrangement surface has a circular arc extending between the first plane electrode and the second plane electrode around the axis. The container body is detachably attached to a power supply unit having a second electrode arrangement surface from which a first pin electrode and a second pin electrode drawn out from the power supply part protrude, The first plane electrode and the second plane electrode are drawn out from the heating unit and are separately connected to the first pin electrode and the second pin electrode when the container body is attached to the power supply unit, The first pin electrode and the second pin electrode are located on both sides of an axis along the normal direction of the second electrode arrangement surface and are arranged along the tangential direction of the second electrode arrangement surface through the axis. An escape portion which is arranged on an imaginary straight line and which is recessed from the first electrode placement surface and extends along the entire circumference of the container body is formed in an outer peripheral portion of the first electrode placement surface, and the escape portion is formed by: When the container main body is attached to the power supply unit, it engages with the projection formed on the power supply unit in a radial direction perpendicular to the axis.

(2) In the atomizing unit according to the above aspect (1), the first plane electrode and the second plane electrode are formed in a semicircular shape on both sides of the axis, and the It is formed symmetrically with respect to a line of symmetry passing through the axis and extending in the tangential direction of the first electrode arrangement surface.

( 3 ) In the atomizing unit according to aspect ( 1 ) above, in the circumferential direction, the width of the insulating portion is narrower than the width of the first plane electrode and the second plane electrode, and the first pin It is wider than the diameter of the electrode and the second pin electrode.

( 4 ) In the atomizing unit according to aspect ( 1 ) above, the container body includes the first pin electrode and the first plane electrode in a plan view seen from the normal direction of the second plane electrode. A regulating portion is provided for regulating rotation with respect to the power supply unit in a connected state in which the second pin electrodes and the second plane electrodes are overlapped with each other.

( 5 ) In the atomization unit according to aspect ( 4 ) above, the restricting portion is recessed from the first electrode arrangement surface, and in the connected state, the restricting portion is recessed from the convex portion formed on the power supply unit. Engage in the circumferential direction.

( 6 ) In the atomizing unit according to aspect ( 4 ) or ( 5 ) above, the regulating portion may include the regulating portion with increasing distance from the first electrode arrangement surface in the normal direction of the first electrode arrangement surface. A tapered portion is formed in which the width of the portion in the circumferential direction is reduced.

( 7 ) In the atomizing unit according to any one of aspects ( 4 ) to ( 6 ) above, a plurality of the restricting portions are formed in the circumferential direction.

( 8 ) In the atomizing unit according to any one of aspects (1) to ( 7 ) above, the insulating portion protrudes from the first electrode placement surface and extends from the center of the first electrode placement surface. It extends along a second imaginary straight line along the tangential direction of the first electrode arrangement surface.

( 9 ) A non-combustion inhaler according to an aspect of the present invention comprises an atomizing unit according to any one of aspects (1) to ( 8 ) above, and a power supply unit to which the atomizing unit is detachably attached. and have.

( 10 ) In the non-combustion inhaler according to the aspect ( 9 ), the power supply unit includes the power supply unit, a first pin electrode that accommodates the power supply unit, and a first pin electrode that is drawn out from the power supply unit. a housing having a second electrode arrangement surface from which a second pin electrode protrudes, wherein the first pin electrode and the second pin electrode are arranged on a line of symmetry passing through the axis and along a tangential direction of the second electrode arrangement surface. are arranged symmetrically with respect to

( 11 ) In the non-combustion type inhaler according to the aspect ( 9 ) or ( 10 ) above, a suction port formed with a suction port for sucking the aerosol atomized by the aerosol source; and a flavor source container .

According to one aspect of the present invention, it is possible to ensure reliability of conduction between the pin electrode and the planar electrode.

It is a perspective view of an aspirator concerning an embodiment. 1 is an exploded perspective view of an aspirator according to an embodiment; FIG. FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view taken along line III-III of FIG. 1; 3 is an exploded perspective view of the power supply unit according to the embodiment; FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view taken along line VV of FIG. 1; FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a power supply unit according to an embodiment; FIG. 4 is a plan view of the power supply unit according to the embodiment viewed from the side of the holding unit in the axial direction; FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view of the holding unit according to the embodiment; FIG. It is a perspective view which shows the connection structure of the 1st connection member and 2nd connection member which concern on embodiment. FIG. 3 is a plan view of the holding unit and the cartridge according to the embodiment viewed from the power supply unit side in the axial direction; FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view along line XI-XI of FIG. 1; 2 is an exploded perspective view of the mouthpiece corresponding to line XII-XII in FIG. 1; FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view along the axial direction of the cartridge according to the embodiment; FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view of a cartridge according to an embodiment; FIG. It is the perspective view which looked at the tank which concerns on embodiment from the opening part side. It is the perspective view which looked at the heater holder which concerns on embodiment from the power supply unit side. Fig. 2 is a perspective view of the atomization container according to the embodiment, viewed from the mesh body side; It is a front view of an aspirator concerning an embodiment. It is a sectional view along the direction of an axis when removing a mouthpiece from an aspirator concerning an embodiment. FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing a state in which the cartridge according to the embodiment has run over the vertical engagement convex portion; FIG. 10 is an explanatory view showing how the mouthpiece is screwed in a state in which the cartridge according to the embodiment is mounted; It is explanatory drawing which shows a mode that the mouthpiece and cartridge which concern on embodiment rotate together. It is explanatory drawing which shows a mode that the mouthpiece which concerns on embodiment was tightened to the end. It is a top view of the power supply unit which concerns on the modification of embodiment. It is a sectional view of the aspirator concerning the 2nd modification of an embodiment.

Next, embodiments of the present invention will be described based on the drawings.
[Aspirator]
1 is a perspective view of an aspirator; FIG.
The inhaler 1 shown in FIG. 1 is a so-called non-combustion type inhaler, in which an aerosol atomized by heating is inhaled through tobacco leaves to enjoy the flavor of the tobacco leaves.

The inhaler 1 includes a body unit 10 , cartridges (atomizing unit, first unit, second unit) 11 and tobacco capsules 12 detachably attached to the body unit 10 .

<Body unit>
FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the aspirator 1. FIG.
As shown in FIG. 2 , the body unit 10 includes a power supply unit (second unit, first unit) 21 , a holding unit 22 and a mouthpiece (mouthpiece) 23 . The power supply unit 21, the holding unit 22, and the mouthpiece 23 are each formed in a cylindrical shape with the axis O as the central axis, and are arranged side by side on the axis O. As shown in FIG. In the following description, the direction along the axis O is called the axial direction (normal direction). In this case, in the axial direction, the side facing the power supply unit 21 from the mouthpiece 23 can be referred to as the anti-mouthpiece side or the first side, and the side facing the mouthpiece 23 from the power supply unit 21 can also be referred to as the suction side or the second side. can. Further, the direction intersecting the axis O in plan view seen from the axial direction may be referred to as the radial direction, and the direction rotating around the axis O may be referred to as the circumferential direction. In this specification, "direction" means two directions, and one of the "directions" is referred to as "side".

<Power supply unit>
FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view along line III-III of FIG.
As shown in FIG. 3 , the power supply unit 21 includes a housing 31 and a holder assembly 32 housed within the housing 31 .

<Holder assembly>
4 is an exploded perspective view of the power supply unit 21. FIG.
As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4 , the holder assembly 32 is configured by mounting the storage battery 33 , substrate modules (first substrate module 34 and second substrate module 35 ), etc. on a storage battery holder 36 .
The storage battery holder 36 is integrally formed of, for example, a resin material. The storage battery holder 36 has a base portion 40 . The base portion 40 is formed in a semi-cylindrical shape having the axis O as a central axis. Note that the base portion 40 may have a shape other than a semi-cylindrical shape as long as an assembly opening 40a (see FIG. 4) for receiving the storage battery 33 and the like opens radially outward.

A press-fit cylindrical portion 41 continues to the end portion of the base portion 40 on the side opposite to the holding unit 22 in the axial direction. The press-fitting tubular portion 41 is formed in a cylindrical shape having the axis O as its central axis. A connector passage hole 42 that penetrates the press-fitting tubular portion 41 in the radial direction is formed in a part of the press-fitting tubular portion 41 in the circumferential direction. An opening of the press-fitting cylindrical portion 41 located on the side opposite to the holding unit 22 in the axial direction is closed by a closing portion 43 . The closing portion 43 is formed in a circular shape with a diameter larger than that of the press-fit cylinder portion 41 .

A button opening 44 (see FIG. 3) is formed in a portion of the base portion 40 located on the holding unit 22 side in the axial direction. The button opening 44 radially penetrates a portion of the base portion 40 in the circumferential direction. The connector passage holes 42 and the button openings 44 described above are arranged at different positions, for example, by 180° in the circumferential direction. In the present embodiment, the radial direction passing through the centers of the connector passage hole 42 and the button opening 44 in the circumferential direction is defined as the front and back surface direction. In this case, the connector passage hole 42 side with respect to the axis O is the rear side, and the button opening 44 side with respect to the axis O is the front side. The positions of the connector passage hole 42 and the button opening 44 can be changed as appropriate.

In the base portion 40 , a button guide cylinder 45 extending toward the back side is formed at the opening edge of the button opening 44 . The button guide tube 45 surrounds the button opening 44 .
A partition wall 46 that partitions the base portion 40 in the axial direction is formed in a portion of the base portion 40 located on the opposite side of the holding unit 22 in the axial direction from the button opening 44 .

FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view along line VV in FIG.
As shown in FIGS. 3 to 5, the end portion of the base portion 40 located on the side of the holding unit 22 in the axial direction is connected to a stepped portion 47 . The stepped portion 47 is formed in a semi-cylindrical shape coaxially with the base portion 40 , and the radial distance from the axis O gradually decreases as the stepped portion 47 approaches the holding unit 22 in the axial direction. A connection pedestal 48 continues to the end edge of the stepped portion 47 located on the side of the holding unit 22 in the axial direction. The connection pedestal 48 is formed in a circular shape with the axis O as its central axis. A pair of electrode holders 50 and a communication port 51 are formed on the connection base 48 .

As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, the pair of electrode holding portions 50 are formed in a cylindrical shape protruding toward the holding unit 22 in the axial direction. Each electrode holding portion 50 is located on both sides of the axis O in the radial direction. In the present embodiment, the electrode holding portions 50 are arranged side by side in a radial direction perpendicular to the front and rear surface directions (hereinafter sometimes referred to as a left-right direction). Each electrode holding portion 50 extends in the axial direction and is connected to each other in the radial direction.
As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4 , the communication port 51 protrudes axially toward the holding unit 22 from a portion of the connection base 48 located on the rear side in the radial direction with respect to the axis O. As shown in FIGS.

As shown in FIG. 5, each electrode holding portion 50 holds a pin electrode 49 separately. The pin electrode 49 has a configuration in which a pin-shaped electrode main body is elastically supported in a cylindrical case. The pin electrode 49 is configured such that the electrode main body penetrates the electrode holding portion 50 in the axial direction while the cylindrical case is fitted in the electrode holding portion 50 . Of the axial end portions of the pin electrode 49 (electrode main body), the end portion located on the opposite side of the holding unit 22 in the axial direction is connected to a first substrate 60 described later through electrode wiring in the storage battery holder 36. It is

The storage battery 33 is formed in a cylindrical shape with the axis O as its axial direction. The storage battery 33 is accommodated in a portion of the base portion 40 located on the opposite side of the partition wall 46 from the holding unit 22 in the axial direction. In addition, the power supply unit mounted on the suction device 1 is not limited to a secondary battery such as the storage battery 33 as a chargeable/dischargeable power supply, and may be a supercapacitor or the like. Moreover, a primary battery may be sufficient as a power supply part.

As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the first board module 34 is arranged in a portion of the base portion 40 that is located on the holding unit 22 side in the axial direction with respect to the partition wall 46 . Specifically, the first board module 34 includes a first board 60 , a switch element 52 (see FIG. 3), and a pressure sensor 53 .
The first substrate 60 is arranged with the front and back surface direction as the thickness direction. Specifically, the first substrate 60 is fixed to the base portion 40 with screws or the like while being placed on the opening end face of the assembly opening 40a. The first substrate 60 is connected to the storage battery 33 via a first connection wiring (not shown). Note that the first substrate 60 is positioned on the axis O in the example shown in FIG.

The switch element 52 is arranged on the front surface (first main surface) of the first substrate 60 at a position overlapping the button opening 44 when viewed from the front and back surfaces. In this embodiment, the switch element 52 is surface-mounted on the first substrate 60 . However, the switch element 52 may be mounted on the first substrate 60 in a state in which the connection terminals drawn out from the switch element 52 are inserted through the through holes of the first substrate 60 .

The pressure sensor 53 is arranged on the back surface (second main surface) of the first substrate 60 on the holding unit 22 side in the axial direction with respect to the switch element 52 . That is, the pressure sensor 53 is arranged at a position that does not overlap with the switch element 52 in a plan view seen from the front and back directions. In addition, in the present embodiment, the pressure sensor 53 is arranged at a position shifted toward the holding unit 22 in the axial direction with respect to the switch element 52, but the configuration is not limited to this. That is, as long as the switch element 52 and the pressure sensor 53 are displaced in the in-plane direction of the first substrate 60, the switch element 52 and the pressure sensor 53 may be displaced on the opposite side of the holding unit 22 in the axial direction. Alternatively, they may be displaced in the left-right direction in the radial direction.

The pressure sensor 53 can employ, for example, a capacitance type sensor. That is, the pressure sensor 53 detects the behavior of the diaphragm that deforms according to pressure fluctuations as a change in capacitance. The pressure sensor 53 of the present embodiment is mounted on the first substrate 60 in a state in which the connection terminals drawn out from the pressure sensor 53 are inserted through the through holes of the first substrate 60 . However, the pressure sensor 53 may be surface-mounted on the first substrate 60 .

A sensor holder 54 is attached to the pressure sensor 53 . The sensor holder 54 is made of a resin material that is softer and more elastic than the storage battery holder 36, such as silicone resin. The sensor holder 54 includes an attachment portion 55 attached to the storage battery holder 36 and a covering portion 56 that covers the pressure sensor 53 .

The attachment portion 55 is formed in a semicircular shape. The attachment portion 55 is attached to the storage battery holder 36 while being abutted against the connection pedestal 48 described above from the side opposite to the holding unit 22 in the axial direction. A holding piece 57 (see FIG. 4) for holding the mounting portion 55 in the axial direction between the stepped portion 47 and the connecting base 48 is formed. The clamping pieces 57 protrude in the circumferential direction from both end surfaces of the arc located outside in the radial direction (left-right direction) of the stepped portion 47 .

The covering portion 56 continues from the mounting portion 55 on the side opposite to the holding unit 22 in the axial direction. The covering portion 56 is formed in a cap shape that opens on the surface side. A bottom wall portion 56a of the covering portion 56 is formed with a spacer 56b that bulges toward the surface side. The pressure sensor 53 is fitted in the covering portion 56 while being abutted against the spacer 56b. Accordingly, a radial gap is provided between the inner surface of the bottom wall portion 56 a and the pressure sensor 53 . An air replacement hole 58 is formed in the bottom wall portion 56a so as to penetrate the bottom wall portion 56a in the radial direction.

A communication passage 59 that allows communication between the communication port 51 and the covering portion 56 is formed in the mounting portion 55 described above. The communication path 59 extends axially within the mounting portion 55 . An end portion of the communication passage 59 on the side opposite to the holding unit 22 in the axial direction is open on the inner peripheral surface of the covering portion 56 . On the other hand, the end portion of the communicating passage 59 on the side of the holding unit 22 in the axial direction is open on the surface of the mounting portion 55 facing the side of the holding unit 22 in the axial direction. In addition, in this embodiment, the minimum inner diameter of the communication passage 59 is larger than the maximum inner diameter of the air replacement hole 58 . Further, in the communicating passage 59 , the inner diameter of at least the end portion on the holding unit 22 side in the axial direction is larger than the inner diameter of the communicating port 51 .

In the present embodiment, the communication port 51 and the communication path 59 are arranged at positions at least partially overlapping the pressure sensor 53 when viewed in the axial direction. However, the communication port 51 and the communication passage 59 may be arranged at positions shifted from the pressure sensor 53 when viewed in the axial direction.

As shown in FIGS. 3 to 5, the second board module 35 is arranged on the opposite side of the first board module 34 in the axial direction with the storage battery 33 interposed therebetween. That is, the board modules 34 and 35 of this embodiment are separately arranged on both sides in the axial direction with the storage battery 33 interposed therebetween. The second board module 35 has a second board 61 and a female connector 62 .
The second substrate 61 is accommodated in the above-described press-fit cylinder portion 41 with the radial direction (front and rear surface direction) as the thickness direction. As shown in FIG. 5, the second substrate 61 is fixed to the boss portion 41a with screws or the like while being placed on the boss portion 41a protruding radially inward from the press-fitting cylinder portion 41. As shown in FIG. The second substrate 61 is connected to the first substrate 60 via second connection wiring 61a. That is, the second connection wiring 61 a is routed around the storage battery 33 in the axial direction outside the storage battery holder 36 .

As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the female connector 62 is used for charging the storage battery 33, and a male connector (not shown) pulled out from an external power supply is inserted/extracted. In this embodiment, the female connector 62 employs, for example, a USB connector (Universal Serial Bus). However, the female connector 62 is not limited to a USB connector. Also, the female connector 62 does not necessarily have to be used for charging, and may be used for communication, for example.

The female connector 62 is mounted on the second substrate 61 with the opening facing the back side. The tip of the female connector 62 (the end near the opening) is inserted into the connector passage hole 42 described above. However, the female connector 62 may be retracted radially inward from the connector passage hole 42 .

(housing)
As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4 , the housing 31 has an exterior tubular portion 71 , an interposed member 72 and a connection mechanism 73 .
The outer tubular portion 71 is formed in a cylindrical shape having the axis O as a central axis. The holder assembly 32 is inserted into the outer tubular portion 71 through an opening located on the opposite side of the holding unit 22 in the axial direction. Specifically, the holder assembly 32 is assembled in the exterior tubular portion 71 in a state in which the press-fitted tubular portion 41 of the storage battery holder 36 is press-fitted into the end of the exterior tubular portion 71 located on the opposite side of the holding unit 22 . ing. As a result, the holder assembly 32 is accommodated in the exterior tubular portion 71 in a state in which the end located on the holding unit 22 side in the axial direction protrudes from the exterior tubular portion 71 . An opening portion of the exterior tubular portion 71 located on the opposite side of the holding unit 22 in the axial direction is closed by the closing portion 43 of the storage battery holder 36 .

A connector exposing hole 75 is formed in an end portion of the outer cylindrical portion 71 located on the opposite side of the holding unit 22 in the axial direction, in a portion overlapping with the above-described connector passing hole 42 and the female connector 62 when viewed from the radial direction. ing. The connector exposure hole 75 radially penetrates the outer tubular portion 71 . In the present embodiment, a configuration in which the female connector 62 opens radially has been described, but a configuration in which the female connector 62 opens in the axial direction may be employed.

A button exposure hole 76 is formed at the end portion of the outer cylindrical portion 71 on the side of the holding unit 22 in the axial direction, in a portion that overlaps with the button opening 44 described above when viewed in the radial direction. The button exposure hole 76 radially penetrates the exterior tubular portion 71 .

A button 78 is accommodated within the button exposure hole 76 and the button opening 44 . The button 78 is configured to be radially movable while being supported by the button guide tube 45 . The button 78 presses the switch element 52 as it moves radially inward. The surface of the button 78 is exposed on the outer peripheral surface of the exterior tubular portion 71 through the button exposure hole 76 . In addition, the button 78 is not limited to the one that moves in the radial direction, and may be the one that slides in the axial direction, for example. Alternatively, the aspirator 1 may be operated using a touch sensor or the like instead of the button 78 .

The interposition member 72 is formed in a cylindrical shape having the axis O as its central axis. The interposed member 72 is fitted between the holder assembly 32 and the outer tubular portion 71 from the axial holding unit 22 side. Thus, the space between the holder assembly 32 and the outer tubular portion 71 is sealed at the opening portion of the outer tubular portion 71 located on the holding unit 22 side in the axial direction.

As shown in FIG. 3, the space surrounded by the sensor holder 54 in the housing 31 constitutes a pressure fluctuation chamber S1 in which the pressure fluctuates through the communication port 51 according to the use (suction) of the aspirator 1. there is On the other hand, in the housing 31, the space other than the pressure fluctuation chamber S1 constitutes a normal pressure chamber S2 where the atmospheric pressure acts. In this embodiment, among the storage battery 33 and the board modules 34 and 35, the components other than the pressure sensor 53 are accommodated in the normal pressure chamber S2. However, as long as at least the pressure sensor 53 is accommodated in the pressure fluctuation chamber S1, components other than the pressure sensor 53 may be accommodated in the pressure fluctuation chamber S1. A liquid detection seal or the like may be provided inside the housing 31 in order to detect the entry of liquid into the housing 31 .

<Connection mechanism>
As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, the connection mechanism 73 includes a connection cap 80, a first connecting member 81, and an annular piece 82. As shown in FIGS.
The connection cap 80 is made of a resin material that is softer and more elastic than the storage battery holder 36, such as silicone resin. The connection cap 80 is attached to the above-described connection base 48 from the axial holding unit 22 side. The connection cap 80 has a base portion 91 , a flange portion 92 and a surrounding convex portion 93 .

As shown in FIG. 5, the base portion 91 is formed in a columnar shape having the axis O as its central axis. In the base portion 91 , housing recesses 95 that are recessed toward the holding unit 22 in the axial direction are formed at positions overlapping the electrode holding portions 50 in plan view. Each housing recess 95 extends in the axial direction and is connected in the radial direction. Electrode insertion holes 97 are formed in the base portion 91 at positions that overlap the housing recesses 95 in a plan view. The electrode insertion hole 97 axially penetrates the base portion 91 and communicates with the housing recess 95 .
As shown in FIG. 3, a port insertion hole 99 is formed in the base portion 91 at a position overlapping the communication port 51 in a plan view. The port insertion hole 99 axially penetrates the base portion 91 .

As shown in FIGS. 3 and 5, the electrode holding portion 50 is accommodated in each accommodation recess 95 of the connection cap 80 described above, and the communication port 51 is inserted in the port insertion hole 99 . As a result, the connection cap 80 is attached to the storage battery holder 36 while abutting against the end surface of the connection base 48 facing the holding unit 22 in the axial direction. In this state, the pin electrodes 49 protrude axially toward the holding unit 22 from the base portion 91 through the electrode insertion holes 97 . The communication port 51 protrudes from the base portion 91 through the port insertion hole 99 toward the holding unit 22 in the axial direction. That is, the surface of the connection cap 80 (base portion 91) facing the side of the holding unit 22 forms a base surface (first electrode arrangement surface) 91a on which the pin electrodes 49 protrude and the communication port 51 opens. there is

The flange portion 92 protrudes radially outward at the end portion of the base portion 91 on the opposite side to the holding unit 22 in the axial direction.

The surrounding convex portion 93 protrudes in the axial direction from the end surface of the base portion 91 facing the holding unit 22 side in the axial direction. Specifically, the surrounding convex portion 93 is formed in an annular shape extending along the outer peripheral edge of the base portion 91 . That is, the surrounding projection 93 surrounds the pin electrode 49 and the communication port 51 collectively at a position spaced radially outward from the pin electrode 49 and the communication port 51 . Note that the surrounding convex portion 93 may be positioned radially inside the outer peripheral edge of the base portion 91 as long as it surrounds the pin electrode 49 and the communication port 51 together. Moreover, the surrounding convex portion 93 is not limited to an annular shape, and may be polygonal or the like. In addition, in the present embodiment, the term "surrounding" includes not only continuously extending but also intermittently extending. That is, the surrounding convex portion 93 in the present embodiment can be changed as appropriate as long as it is configured to surround the pin electrode 49 and the communication port 51 as a whole.

The surrounding convex portion 93 is formed in a triangular shape sharpened toward the holding unit 22 side in the axial direction in a vertical cross-sectional view along the axial direction. The protrusion height of the surrounding convex portion 93 from the base portion 91 is higher than the communication port 51 and lower than the pin electrode 49 . However, the protrusion height of the surrounding protrusion 93 may be higher than that of the pin electrode 49 . Moreover, the vertical cross-sectional shape of the surrounding convex portion 93 is not limited to a triangular shape.

The first connecting member 81 includes a base tubular portion 100, vertical engagement projections (first vertical engagement projection 101a to third vertical engagement projection 101c), and horizontal engagement projections 102. there is
The base tubular portion 100 is formed in a multistage tubular shape whose diameter is gradually reduced toward the holding unit 22 side in the axial direction about the axis O. As shown in FIG. An end portion of the base tubular portion 100 located on the side opposite to the holding unit 22 in the axial direction is fitted inside the interposing member 72 . In this state, the axial end of the base tubular portion 100 on the holding unit 22 side surrounds the connection cap 80 with the flange portion 92 axially sandwiched between itself and the connection base 48 . An outer flange portion 105 projecting radially outward is formed at the axial end portion of the base tubular portion 100 on the side of the holding unit 22 .

6 is a perspective view of the power supply unit 21. FIG.
As shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, the vertical engaging projections 101a to 101c protrude from the base tubular portion 100 toward the holding unit 22 in the axial direction. A plurality of vertical engaging projections 101a to 101c are formed at intervals in the circumferential direction. In this embodiment, the vertical engaging projections 101a to 101c are evenly arranged at intervals of 120° in the circumferential direction. It should be noted that the number of vertical engaging projections 101a to 101c may be singular or plural. Also, the pitch of the vertical engaging projections 101a to 101c can be changed as appropriate. In this case, the plurality of vertical engaging projections 101a to 101c may be arranged unevenly.

FIG. 7 is a plan view of the power supply unit 21 viewed from the side of the holding unit 22 in the axial direction.
As shown in FIG. 7, in each of the vertical engaging projections 101a to 101c, the pin electrodes 49 are arranged so as not to be arranged on imaginary straight lines La to Lc connecting the center in the circumferential direction and the axis O. Longitudinal engaging projections 101a to 101c are arranged. Specifically, the pin electrode 49 is arranged at a line-symmetrical position with respect to an imaginary straight line (line of symmetry) La connecting the first longitudinal engagement convex portion 101a and the axis O. As shown in FIG. That is, the virtual straight line (first virtual straight line) T1 connecting the pin electrodes 49 and the virtual straight line La are orthogonal to each other, and the distances from the virtual straight line La to the pin electrodes 49 are equal to each other.

As shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, the edges of the vertical engaging projections 101a to 101c located on the side of the holding unit 22 in the axial direction are located on the side of the holding unit 22 in the axial direction with respect to the pin electrode 49. . The vertical engaging projections 101a to 101c are formed in a rectangular shape when viewed from the side in the radial direction. At the ends of the vertical engaging projections 101a to 101c on the side of the holding unit 22 in the axial direction, the surfaces facing radially inward are inclined so that the thickness in the radial direction gradually decreases toward the side of the holding unit 22 in the axial direction. It is considered a face. This inclined surface functions as a guide for smoothly guiding the vertical engagement projections 101a to 101c to the engagement recess 210 of the cartridge 11, which will be described later.

The lateral engagement protrusion 102 protrudes radially outward from the outer flange portion 105 . The lateral engagement convex portion 102 is formed in a rectangular shape in plan view. A plurality of lateral engaging protrusions 102 are formed at intervals in the circumferential direction. In this embodiment, the lateral engaging protrusions 102 are evenly arranged at intervals of 90° in the circumferential direction. In this embodiment, one lateral engagement projection 102 is arranged at the same position in the circumferential direction as the first vertical engagement projection 101a. Incidentally, the number of the lateral engagement projections 102 may be singular or plural. Also, the pitch of the lateral engaging protrusions 102 can be changed as appropriate. In this case, the plurality of lateral engaging protrusions 102 may be arranged unevenly.

The annular piece 82 is formed in a thin annular shape. The tubular base portion 100 described above is inserted into the annular piece 82 from the side of the holding unit 22 in the axial direction, so that the base tubular portion 100 is axially sandwiched between the intermediate member 72 and the outer flange portion 105 . As shown in FIG. 5, a flexible portion 106 is formed in a portion of the annular piece 82 in the circumferential direction. The flexible portion 106 is formed in an arch shape that bulges outward in the radial direction. The flexible portion 106 is configured to be elastically deformable in the radial direction. The flexible portion 106 is located radially inward of the radially outer end surface of the lateral engaging projection 102 .

A plurality of the bending portions 106 described above are formed at intervals in the circumferential direction. For example, the flexible portion 106 is arranged at the same position in the circumferential direction as the pair of lateral engagement protrusions 102 that face each other in the radial direction (left-right direction). However, the number of bending portions 106 can be changed as appropriate. For example, the bending portion 106 may be formed corresponding to each lateral engaging protrusion 102 or may be formed corresponding to only one lateral engaging protrusion 102 .

<Holding unit>
8 is an exploded perspective view of the holding unit 22. FIG.
As shown in FIG. 8 , the holding unit 22 is detachably attached to the main unit 10 . Specifically, the holding unit 22 includes a container holding tube 120 , a transmission tube 121 , a second connecting member 122 and a sleeve 123 .
The container holding cylinder 120 is formed in a cylindrical shape with the axis O as the central axis. An observation hole 130 is formed in the central portion of the container holding tube 120 in the axial direction. The observation hole 130 radially penetrates the container holding tube 120 . The observation hole 130 is formed in an elliptical shape with its longitudinal direction being the axial direction. A pair of observation holes 130 are formed in portions of the container holding tube 120 that face each other in the radial direction. Note that the number, position, shape, etc. of the observation holes 130 can be changed as appropriate.

A vent hole 131 is formed in a portion of the container holding tube 120 located closer to the power supply unit 21 than the observation hole 130 in the axial direction. The vent 131 radially penetrates the container holding tube 120 . The air vent 131 allows communication between the inside and the outside of the holding unit 22 . A pair of vent holes 131 are formed in portions of the container holding tube 120 that face each other in the radial direction (front and back directions). Note that the number, position, shape, and the like of the vent holes 131 can be changed as appropriate.

The transmission tube 121 is made of a material having optical transparency. The transmission cylinder 121 is inserted into the container holding cylinder 120 . Specifically, the transmission tube 121 is located closer to the mouthpiece 23 in the axial direction than the vent 131 in the container holding tube 120 and covers the observation hole 130 from the inside in the radial direction. That is, the user can visually recognize the inside of the holding unit 22 through the observation hole 130 and the transmission tube 121 . Note that the holding unit 22 may be configured without the observation hole 130 and the transmission tube 121 .

The second connecting member 122 is engaged with the above-described first connecting member 81 when the holding unit 22 is attached to the main unit 10 . Specifically, the second connecting member 122 includes a fitting tube 140 , a guide tube 141 and a locking piece 142 .

The fitting tube 140 is formed in a tubular shape having the axis O as its central axis. The fitting tube 140 is fitted to a portion of the container holding tube 120 that is positioned closer to the power supply unit 21 than the transmission tube 121 in the axial direction by press fitting or the like.

The guide tube 141 is arranged coaxially with the fitting tube 140 . The guide tube 141 extends from the fitting tube 140 toward the mouthpiece 23 in the axial direction. The guide tube 141 is formed in a tapered tube shape whose inner diameter gradually increases toward the mouthpiece 23 side in the axial direction. The outer diameter of the guide tube 141 is smaller than the outer diameter of the fitting tube 140 . A relief portion 145 is formed in the guide tube 141 at a position overlapping with the above-described air vent 131 in a side view seen from the radial direction. The relief portion 145 is formed, for example, in a U shape that opens toward the mouthpiece 23 in the axial direction. Vent 131 opens into holding unit 22 through escape 145 . It should be noted that the relief portion 145 may have any shape as long as at least a portion of the vent 131 is exposed inside the holding unit 22 . Further, when the guide tube 141 and the vent hole 131 are arranged at different positions in the axial direction, the guide tube 141 may be configured without the relief portion 145 .

FIG. 9 is a perspective view showing the connection structure of the first connecting member 81 and the second connecting member 122. As shown in FIG.
As shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, the locking piece 142 protrudes from the fitting cylinder 140 toward the power supply unit 21 in the axial direction. The locking piece 142 is formed in an L shape when viewed from the side in the radial direction. Specifically, the locking piece 142 has a vertically extending portion 150 and a horizontally extending portion 151 .
The longitudinally extending portion 150 protrudes axially toward the power supply unit 21 from the fitting tube 140 .

As shown in FIG. 9 , the laterally extending portion 151 extends in a cantilever manner from the axial end of the vertically extending portion 150 on the side of the power supply unit 21 toward one side in the circumferential direction.

FIG. 10 is a plan view of the holding unit 22 and the cartridge 11 viewed from the power supply unit 21 side in the axial direction.
As shown in FIGS. 9 and 10 , in the laterally extending portion 151 , an engagement concave portion 155 is formed at one end portion in the circumferential direction and is recessed radially outward. The engaging recess 155 is formed in a semicircular shape toward the radially outer side.

A plurality of the locking pieces 142 described above are formed at intervals in the circumferential direction. In this embodiment, the locking pieces 142 are evenly arranged at intervals of 90° in the circumferential direction. Engagement grooves 158 into which the above-described lateral engagement projections 102 are inserted are defined between the locking pieces 142 adjacent in the circumferential direction. The engagement groove 158 is formed in an L shape when viewed from the side.

As shown in FIGS. 2 and 9 , the power supply unit 21 and the holding unit 22 are detachable by connecting the locking piece 142 and the lateral engaging protrusion 102 . That is, in order to connect the power supply unit 21 and the holding unit 22, after inserting the lateral engaging projection 102 into the engaging groove 158 in the axial direction, the power supply unit 21 and the holding unit 22 are moved relative to each other around the axis O. rotate. Then, the lateral engaging projection 102 engages between the laterally extending portion 151 and the fitting tube 140 in the axial direction. Further, in the process of relative rotation of the power supply unit 21 and the holding unit 22 around the axis O, the bent portion 106 of the annular piece 82 is fitted into the engaging recess 155 . As a result, the flexible portion 106 is engaged with the engaging recess 155 in the circumferential direction. As a result, the power supply unit 21 and the holding unit 22 are assembled together while being positioned in the axial direction and the circumferential direction.

As shown in FIG. 9, in the engagement groove 158 of this embodiment, the axial width between the fitting tube 140 and the laterally extending portion 151 gradually increases from the other side toward the one side in the circumferential direction. It is formed in a tapered shape that narrows. Specifically, the end surface of the laterally extending portion 151 facing the mouthpiece 23 side in the axial direction is an inclined surface extending axially toward the power supply unit 21 side from the other side in the circumferential direction toward the one side. .
The lateral engaging projection 102 is formed in a tapered shape such that the width in the axial direction gradually narrows from one side to the other side in the circumferential direction. Specifically, the end surface of the lateral engaging protrusion 102 facing the side opposite to the holding unit 22 in the axial direction is inclined toward the mouthpiece 23 in the axial direction as it goes from one side to the other side in the circumferential direction. It is considered a face. As a result, when the power supply unit 21 and the holding unit 22 are connected, interference between the laterally extending portion 151 and the laterally engaging convex portion 102 can be suppressed, and assembling efficiency can be improved.

As shown in FIG. 8 , the sleeve 123 is fitted by press fitting or the like into a portion of the container holding tube 120 that is positioned closer to the mouthpiece 23 than the transmission tube 121 in the axial direction. The transmission tube 121 described above is axially held between the second connecting member 122 and the sleeve 123 . A female threaded portion 123 a is formed on the inner peripheral surface of the sleeve 123 .

<Mouthpiece>
FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view along line XI-XI of FIG. FIG. 12 is an exploded perspective view of the mouthpiece 23 corresponding to line XII-XII in FIG.
As shown in FIGS. 11 and 12, the mouthpiece 23 includes a mouthpiece body 160 and anti-slip members (first anti-slip member 161 and second anti-slip member 162).
The mouthpiece 23 is formed with a suction port 23a capable of accommodating the tobacco capsule 12 therein. Mouthpiece main body 160 is formed in a multistage cylindrical shape with axis O as the central axis. A male threaded portion 160a is formed at the axial end of the mouthpiece body 160 on the holding unit 22 side. The male threaded portion 160a of the mouthpiece body 160 is detachably screwed to the female threaded portion 123a of the sleeve 123 described above. Note that the mouthpiece main body 160 may be configured to be detached from the sleeve 123 by a method other than screwing (for example, fitting).

An abutting flange 165 is formed in a portion of the mouthpiece body 160 located on the opposite side of the male threaded portion 160a from the holding unit 22 in the axial direction. The abutment flange 165 is formed in an annular shape projecting radially outward. The abutment flange 165 abuts against the holding unit 22 in the axial direction when the mouthpiece 23 is attached to the holding unit 22 . The outer diameter of the abutment flange 165 gradually decreases as it is spaced apart from the holding unit 22 in the axial direction.

A partition portion 167 that partitions the inside of the mouthpiece body 160 in the axial direction is formed at the axial end of the mouthpiece body 160 on the side of the holding unit 22 . A through hole 168 that axially penetrates the partition 167 is formed at a position overlapping the axis O in the partition 167 . The through-hole 168 has, for example, an oval shape with one of the radial directions as its longitudinal direction. The planar shape of the through-hole 168 may be circular, polygonal, or the like.

The first anti-slip member 161 is integrally formed of a resin material such as silicone resin. The first anti-slip member 161 includes a ring portion 169 , a fitting protrusion 170 and a contact protrusion 171 .

The ring portion 169 is axially fitted into the mouthpiece body 160 from the holding unit 22 side. The first anti-slip member 161 is axially positioned with respect to the mouthpiece main body 160 by abutting the ring portion 169 against the partition portion 167 described above in the axial direction.

A communication hole 169 a is formed in the center of the ring portion 169 . The communication hole 169a allows the inside of the holding unit 22 and the inside of the mouthpiece body 160 to communicate with each other through the through hole 168 described above.

A pair of the fitting projections 170 are formed in the inner peripheral edge of the ring portion 169 at positions facing each other in the radial direction with the communication hole 169a interposed therebetween. The fitting protrusion 170 protrudes from the ring portion 169 in the axial direction to the side opposite to the holding unit 22 . Each of the fitting protrusions 170 is fitted to both radial ends of the through hole 168 described above. Thereby, the first anti-slip member 161 is positioned in the circumferential direction with respect to the mouthpiece body 160 . In this embodiment, a configuration in which the fitting protrusion 170 is fitted in the through hole 168 will be described, but a configuration in which the fitting protrusion 170 is fitted in a hole other than the through hole 168 may be used. good.

The contact projection 171 protrudes from the ring portion 169 toward the holding unit 22 in the axial direction. The contact protrusion 171 is formed in a circular shape centered on the axis O. As shown in FIG. In this embodiment, the contact protrusions 171 are formed in two concentric circles. Note that the first anti-slip member 161 may be configured without the contact protrusion 171 .

The second anti-slip member 162 is integrally formed of a resin material such as silicone resin. The second non-slip member 162 is fitted into the mouthpiece body 160 from the opposite side of the holding unit 22 in the axial direction. The second non-slip member 162 is axially positioned with respect to the mouthpiece body 160 by abutting against the partition portion 167 described above in the axial direction.

<Tobacco Capsule>
As shown in FIGS. 2 and 11, the tobacco capsule 12 is detachably mounted in the mouthpiece body 160 from the opposite side of the holding unit 22 in the axial direction. The tobacco capsule 12 has a capsule portion 180 and a filter portion 181 .

As shown in FIG. 11, the capsule part 180 is formed in a bottomed cylindrical shape with the axis O as the central axis. A bottom wall portion 186 of the capsule portion 180 that closes the opening on the side of the holding unit 22 in the axial direction is formed with a mesh opening that axially penetrates the bottom wall portion 186 .
The filter portion 181 is fitted into the capsule portion 180 from the opposite side of the holding unit 22 in the axial direction. Tobacco leaves are enclosed in a space defined by the capsule portion 180 and the filter portion 181 .

<Cartridge>
As shown in FIG. 2, the cartridge 11 stores a liquid aerosol source and atomizes the liquid aerosol source. The cartridge 11 is housed inside a transmission tube 121 of the holding unit 22 .

FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view along the axial direction of the cartridge 11. As shown in FIG. 14 is an exploded perspective view of the cartridge 11. FIG.
As shown in FIGS. 13 and 14, the cartridge 11 includes a bottomed cylindrical tank (container body) 191, a substantially disk-shaped gasket 192 housed in the tank 191, and a substantially disk-shaped mesh body 193. , a heating unit 194 , an atomization container (container body) 195 , and a heater holder (container body) 196 that closes the opening 191 a of the tank 191 .

FIG. 15 is a perspective view of the tank 191 viewed from the opening 191a side.
As shown in FIGS. 13 to 15, two engaging holes 198 are formed in the peripheral wall 191b of the tank 191 slightly closer to the bottom 191c than the opening 191a. The engagement hole 198 is for fixing the heater holder 196 to the tank 191 . The engaging hole 198 is formed in a rectangular shape when viewed from the radial direction so as to extend in the circumferential direction. The two engaging holes 198 are arranged opposite to each other with the axis Q of the tank 191 interposed therebetween. It should be noted that the axis Q coincides with the axis O of the main unit 10 when the cartridge 11 is accommodated in the transmission tube 121 . An axis Q is an axis common to each part constituting the cartridge 11 . In the following description, the axis Q is not limited to the axis Q of the tank 191, but will be used in the description of each part of the cartridge 11. FIG.

A guide recess 198a is formed on the inner peripheral surface of the peripheral wall 191b of the tank 191 slightly closer to the opening 191a than the engaging hole 198. As shown in FIG. The guide recess 198a is also open on the side of the opening 191a. The guide recess 198 a has a role of guiding an engagement piece 206 to be described later when the heater holder 196 is fixed to the tank 191 .

A bottom portion 191c of the tank 191 is formed with a through hole 191d penetrating through the bottom portion 191c in the center in the radial direction. An annular channel pipe 197 protruding into the tank 191 from the inner surface of the bottom portion 191c is formed integrally with the periphery of the through hole 191d. The inside of the flow pipe 197 and the through hole 191d are communicated with each other. The channel pipe 197 serves as a channel for the atomized aerosol. The flow pipe 197 extends from the bottom portion 191c to a position slightly closer to the opening portion 191a than the approximate center of the tank 191 in the axial direction.

Between the inner peripheral surface of the peripheral wall 191 b and the outer peripheral surface of the channel pipe 197 , a plurality of (three in this embodiment) ribs 199 are integrally formed across the peripheral wall 191 b and the channel pipe 197 . The ribs 199 are arranged at equal intervals in the circumferential direction so as to be radial when viewed from the axial direction. Further, the rib 199 extends from the bottom 191c of the tank 191 to a point slightly before the end (tip) of the flow pipe 197 on the side of the opening 191a. The rib 199 is for supporting the channel tube 197 .

Protrusions 201 are integrally formed on the inner peripheral surface of the peripheral wall 191b at locations where the ribs 199 are formed. The protrusion 201 extends axially along the rib 199 . The convex portion 201 is formed between the bottom portion 191 c of the tank 191 and the end (tip) of the rib 199 on the side of the opening 191 a and the tip of the flow pipe 197 . The convex portion 201 has a role of increasing the mechanical strength of the tank 191 and a role of positioning the gasket 192 .

The gasket 192 is formed such that its outer diameter is approximately the same as the inner diameter of the tank 191 . The gasket 192 positions the mesh body 193 to be described later and holds the posture of the mesh body 193 . That is, the gasket 192 supports a mesh body 193 which will be described later. An insertion hole 192 a into which the flow pipe 197 can be inserted is formed in the radial center of the gasket 192 . A gasket 192 is accommodated in the tank 191 so that the channel pipe 197 is inserted into the insertion hole 192a. One surface 192b of the gasket 192 is brought into contact with the end surface 201a of the projection 201, and positioning within the tank 191 is performed. The outer peripheral surface of the gasket 192 is in contact with the inner peripheral surface of the tank 191 while the gasket 192 is positioned. Also, the insertion hole 192 a of the gasket 192 is in contact with the outer peripheral surface of the flow pipe 197 .

A plurality of openings 192c (four in this embodiment) are formed in most of the area between the insertion hole 192a and the outer peripheral surface of the gasket 192 . The opening 192c is formed in an arc shape when viewed from the axial direction. Each opening 192c is arranged at regular intervals in the circumferential direction. Both sides of the tank 191 with the gasket 192 interposed therebetween are communicated with each other through the opening 192c. A mesh body 193 is arranged on the other surface 192d of the gasket 192 opposite to the one surface 192b.

The mesh body 193 is a member that is porous and has liquid absorption properties. The mesh body 193 is made of, for example, a cotton-based fiber material. The mesh body 193 is also formed in substantially the same shape as the gasket 192 . That is, the mesh body 193 is formed so that the outer diameter is substantially the same as the inner diameter of the tank 191 . An insertion hole 193 a into which the channel pipe 197 can be inserted is formed in the radial center of the mesh body 193 . The channel pipe 197 is inserted into the insertion hole 193a, and the position of the mesh body 193 is determined by overlapping one face 193b of the mesh body 193 with the other face 192d of the gasket 192. As shown in FIG. The outer peripheral surface of the mesh body 193 is in contact with the inner peripheral surface of the tank 191 . Also, the insertion hole 193 a of the mesh body 193 is in contact with the outer peripheral surface of the flow channel tube 197 .

The interior of the tank 191 is partitioned by the mesh body 193 into a liquid storage chamber 202 on the side of the bottom 191c and an opening chamber 203 on the side of the opening 191a. A liquid aerosol source is stored in the liquid storage chamber 202 . The open chamber 203 serves as a chamber for atomizing the aerosol source sucked up by the mesh body 193 .
One surface 193 b of the mesh body 193 and the other surface 193 c on the opposite side are exposed to the open chamber 203 . A heating portion 194 is provided so as to be connected to the other surface 193 c of the mesh body 193 exposed in the open chamber 203 .

Heater 194 is for atomizing a liquid aerosol source. The heating part 194 is housed in the open chamber 203 . The heating unit 194 includes a substantially U-shaped wick 204 and a heating wire 205 for heating the wick 204 . The wick 204 is a substantially cylindrical member that is porous and has liquid absorption properties. Such a wick 204 is bent and deformed into a substantially U shape.
More specifically, the wick 204 includes two axially extending portions 204a extending in the axial direction and a radially extending portion 204c connecting one ends of the two axially extending portions 204a via a bent portion 204b. , is composed of The mesh body 193 is connected to the other end of the axially extending portion 204a. As a result, the aerosol source absorbed by the mesh body 193 is sucked up by the wick 204 .

The heating wire 205 includes a heating wire main body 205a spirally formed so as to surround the radially extending portion 204c of the wick 204, and a heating wire main body 205a extending axially toward the heater holder 196 from both ends of the heating wire main body 205a. and two terminal portions 205b extending from the terminal 205b. When the wick 204 is heated by the heating wire 205, the aerosol source absorbed by the wick 204 is atomized. The ends of the two terminal portions 205b are folded back toward the mesh body 193 side. The two terminal portions 205b are connected to the heater holder 196. As shown in FIG.

FIG. 16 is a perspective view of the heater holder 196 viewed from the power supply unit 21 side (the first side in the axial direction).
As shown in FIGS. 13 and 16, the heater holder 196 is formed in a substantially bottomed cylindrical shape. The opening 191a of the tank 191 is closed by directing the opening 196a of the heater holder 196 toward the tank 191 side.

A peripheral wall 196 b of the heater holder 196 is formed to have substantially the same outer diameter as the peripheral wall 191 b of the tank 191 . A fitting portion 196d whose diameter is reduced via a stepped surface 196c is formed on the outer peripheral surface of the peripheral wall 196b between the approximate center in the axial direction and the opening 196a. The fitting portion 196 d is fitted to the inner peripheral surface of the peripheral wall 191 b of the tank 191 . Further, the edge of the peripheral wall 191b of the tank 191 on the side of the opening 191a abuts against the step surface 196c of the peripheral wall 196b. Thereby, the axial positioning of the heater holder 196 with respect to the tank 191 is performed.

Two engaging pieces 206 are integrally formed at positions corresponding to the two engaging holes 198 of the tank 191 at the end of the fitting portion 196d on the side of the opening 196a. The two engaging pieces 206 protrude toward the corresponding engaging holes 198 . That is, the two engaging pieces 206 are arranged to face each other on both sides of the axis Q of the heater holder 196 .
The engaging piece 206 is engaged with the engaging hole 198 of the tank 191 to integrate the tank 191 and the heater holder 196 . The engaging piece 206 is formed to be elastically deformable in the radial direction. An engaging claw 207 that can be inserted into the engaging hole 198 of the tank 191 is formed at the tip of the engaging piece 206 so as to protrude radially outward.

The engaging claw 207 is formed to have a substantially triangular cross-sectional shape on a plane along the axial direction and the radial direction. In other words, the engaging claw 207 has an inclined surface 207a such that the surface on the distal end side inclines toward the base end side (fitting portion 196d side) as it goes radially outward. On the other hand, the flat surface 207b on the base end side of the engaging claw 207 is perpendicular to the axial direction.

A peripheral wall 196b of the heater holder 196 is formed with a concave portion 208 axially aligned with the engaging claw 207 on the outer peripheral surface avoiding the fitting portion 196d. The concave portion 208 is open on the radially outer side and on the side of the stepped surface 196c. A first intake hole 209 is formed in the concave portion 208 so as to pass through the peripheral wall 196b in the thickness direction. The inside and outside of the peripheral wall 196b communicate with each other through the first intake hole 209 .

Furthermore, three engaging recesses (limiting portions) 210 are formed on the peripheral wall 196b of the heater holder 196 on the bottom portion 196e side. The three engaging recesses 210 are arranged at regular intervals in the circumferential direction (at intervals of 120° in the circumferential direction) so as to avoid the positions where the recesses 208 are formed. The engaging recess 210 is formed so that the radially outer side and the bottom 196e are open. A tapered chamfered portion (tapered portion) 210a is formed on the side of the bottom portion 196e of the engaging recess 210 so that the circumferential width of the engaging recess 210 gradually widens toward the bottom portion 196e.
The vertical engaging protrusions (protrusions) 101a to 101c of the first connecting member 81 are inserted into the three engaging recesses 210 formed in this way, respectively. As a result, the heater holder 196 (cartridge 11) and the first connecting member 81 are connected, and the heater holder 196 (cartridge 11) and the first connecting member 81 are positioned in the circumferential direction.

A substantially plate-shaped connection wall 211 is integrally formed on the bottom portion 196e of the heater holder 196 so as to stand along the axial direction from the inner surface. The connecting wall 211 extends along the radial direction passing through the axis Q of the heater holder 196, and both ends in the radial longitudinal direction are connected to the inner surface of the peripheral wall 196b. The connection wall 211 partitions the interior of the heater holder 196 into two chambers.
Further, two slits 212 are formed in the bottom portion 196e of the heater holder 196. As shown in FIG. The two slits 212 are arranged along both sides of the connection wall 211 in the plate thickness direction.

Electrodes 213 and 214 are provided on both sides of the connection wall 211 in the thickness direction, respectively. The electrodes 213 and 214 are composed of lead-out electrode portions 213a and 214a provided on the connection wall 211, and connection electrode portions ( a first planar electrode and a second planar electrode) 213b, 214b. Two end portions 205b of the heating wire 205 constituting the heating portion 194 are separately connected to the lead electrode portions 213a and 214a.

The connection electrode portions 213b and 214b are formed in a substantially semicircular shape on both sides in the radial direction with an insulating portion 215, which will be described later, interposed therebetween. Specifically, the two connection electrode portions 213b and 214b are arranged such that straight sides 213c and 214c facing each other in the radial direction when viewed from the axial direction. In addition, the two connection electrode portions 213b and 214b are formed by arc-shaped sides 213d and 214d, which are arc-shaped when viewed in the axial direction. An end portion of the connection wall 211 is interposed between the sides 213c and 214c of the two connection electrode portions 213b and 214b. With the heater holder 196 (cartridge 11) and the first connecting member 81 connected to each of the connection electrode portions 213b and 214b, the tips of the pin electrodes 49 (electrode bodies) held by the respective electrode holding portions 50 come into contact. be done. That is, the bottom portion 196e of the heater holder 196 functions as an electrode arrangement surface (second electrode arrangement surface) axially facing the above-described base surface 91a when the cartridge 11 is attached to the main unit 10 .

Here, each of the connection electrode portions 213b and 214b corresponds to the rotation of the pin electrode 49 (the first pin electrode 49a and the second pin electrode 49b) when the power supply unit 21 and the cartridge 11 are relatively rotated around the axis O (axis Q). It is formed at least on the trajectory. That is, each of the connection electrode portions 213b and 214b has a first imaginary circumference C1 centered on the axis O and passing through the first pin electrode 49a, and a second imaginary circumference C2 centered on the axis O and passing through the second pin electrode 49b. It is formed in a region that includes both. In this embodiment, since the pin electrodes 49a and 49b are arranged line-symmetrically, the virtual circumferences C1 and C2 are the same.

In addition, the end portion of the connection wall 211 interposed between the sides 213c and 214c of the two connection electrode portions 213b and 214b extends along the radial direction passing through the axis Q of the heater holder 196. For example, it can be said that the connection wall 211 is provided on the virtual straight line T1 in a predetermined direction among the virtual straight lines T1 connecting the two pin electrodes 49 . This predetermined direction coincides with an imaginary straight line T2 passing through the circumferential center of one of the three engaging recesses 210 formed in the heater holder 196 and the axis Q of the heater holder 196. . The connection wall 211 is formed so that the width in the lateral direction (the circumferential direction around the axis Q) is slightly larger than the axial diameter of each pin electrode 49 .

The end portions of the connection walls 211 arranged in this way function as insulating portions 215 that partition the connection electrode portions 213b and 214b in the circumferential direction. The heater holder 196 (cartridge 11) and the first connecting member 81 are connected by arranging the insulating portion 215 on an imaginary straight line T2 passing through the circumferential center of one engaging recess 210 and the axis Q of the heater holder 196. In this state, the tip of each pin electrode 49 is securely brought into contact with the two connection electrode portions 213b and 214b separately. In other words, two pin electrodes 49 do not come into contact with one of the two connection electrode portions 213b and 214b at the same time. Thus, each of the connection electrode portions 213b and 214b of the present embodiment includes the virtual circles C1 and C2 on both sides in the radial direction with the virtual straight line T2 (the insulating portion 215) interposed therebetween, and the virtual circle C1 , C2 in a semicircular shape extending radially outward (circular sides 213d and 214d) and radially inward (sides 213c and 214c).

In addition, recesses 213e and 214e that are recessed inward in the radial direction are formed in the circular arc sides 213d and 214d of the two connection electrode portions 213b and 214b at substantially the center in the circumferential direction. In the bottom portion 196e of the heater holder 196, of the portions corresponding to the recessed portions 213e and 214e of the connection electrode portions 213b and 214b, a portion corresponding to one of the recessed portions 213e has a second air intake hole 216 penetrating in the thickness direction of the bottom portion 196e. is formed. Through the second intake hole 216, the inside and outside of the bottom portion 196e are communicated.

In addition, recesses 196f having the same shape as the connection electrode portions 213b and 214b when viewed from the axial direction are formed at locations corresponding to the connection electrode portions 213b and 214b in the bottom portion 196e. The connection electrode portions 213b and 214b are accommodated in the recess 196f. By forming the concave portion 196f, the surfaces of the connection electrode portions 213b and 214b and the surface of the bottom portion 196e where the connection electrode portions 213b and 214b are not arranged are located on the same plane. Part of the atomization container 195 is accommodated so as to be fitted to the inner peripheral surface of the peripheral wall 196 b of the heater holder 196 .

As shown in FIG. 11, when the cartridge 11 is mounted in the holding unit 22, the outer peripheral portion of the bottom portion 196e abuts on the surrounding projection portion 93 in the axial direction. As a result, the space surrounded by the bottom portion 196e and the connection cap 80 (the base surface 91a and the surrounding convex portion 93) forms a buffer space S3 that allows the inside of the communication port 51 and the second intake hole 216 to communicate with each other. In the example of FIG. 11, the communication port 51 and the second air intake hole 216 are axially separated from each other and circumferentially offset from each other. Note that the communication port 51 and the second air intake hole 216 may be arranged at positions shifted from each other in the radial direction.

The communication port 51 of the present embodiment communicates with the inside of the channel pipe 197 through the buffer space S3, the second intake hole 216, and the like. A portion of the bottom portion (second surface) 196e with which the surrounding convex portion 93 abuts is formed as a flat surface perpendicular to the axial direction. The portion of the bottom portion 196e with which the surrounding convex portion 93 abuts may be a convex surface, a concave surface, an inclined surface, or the like.

In this embodiment, the cartridge 11 is pressed by the mouthpiece 23 so that the surrounding convex portion 93 is in close contact with the bottom portion 196e in an elastically deformed state. However, the surrounding convex portion 93 and the bottom portion 196e do not necessarily have to be in close contact with each other, and may be separated from each other. That is, as long as negative pressure can be generated in the pressure fluctuation chamber S1 through the communication port 51 during suction, a minute gap may be formed between the surrounding convex portion 93 and the bottom portion 196e.

FIG. 17 is a perspective view of the atomization container 195 as seen from the mesh body 193 side (second side in the axial direction).
The atomization container 195 shown in FIGS. 13, 14, 17, etc. is made of a member having elasticity, for example, a resin material such as silicone resin. The atomization container 195 is provided between the other surface 193c of the mesh body 193 and the vicinity of the bottom portion 196e of the heater holder 196 in the axial direction. That is, the atomization container 195 is formed in a substantially cylindrical shape so as to surround the heating portion 194, and includes a cylindrical portion 217 fitted to the inner peripheral surface of the peripheral wall 191b of the tank 191, and an inner wall of the peripheral wall 196b of the heater holder 196. A substantially block-shaped fitting portion 218 fitted to the peripheral surface is integrally formed.

A stepped surface 217a is formed in most of the center in the radial direction at the end of the cylindrical portion 217 on the side of the mesh body 193 . By forming the stepped surface 217a, the outer peripheral portion of the cylindrical portion 217 is formed with a ring-shaped protruding portion 219 protruding toward the mesh body 193 side. The end of the projecting portion 219 abuts against the other surface 193 c of the mesh body 193 . The outer diameter of the projecting portion 219 is approximately the same as or slightly smaller than the inner diameter of the peripheral wall 191 b of the tank 191 .

A housing recess 220 is formed in most of the stepped surface 217 a so as to correspond to the shape of the heating portion 194 . The storage recess 220 serves as an atomization chamber M in which the aerosol atomized by the heating unit 194 is stored. The atomization chamber M communicates with the flow pipe 197 of the tank 191 .
A seat surface 221 on which the bent portion 204b of the wick 204 constituting the heating portion 194 is placed is formed in the storage recess portion 220 . A concave portion 221 a is formed on the radially inner surface of the seat surface 221 to avoid interference with the terminal portion 205 b of the heating wire 205 constituting the heating portion 194 .

A sealing portion 222 is formed on the outer peripheral surface of the cylindrical portion 217 near the fitting portion 218 . The seal portion 222 protrudes radially outward along the entire circumference except for a notch portion 222a, which will be described later. The seal portion 222 has a role of ensuring sealing performance between the cylindrical portion 217 and the peripheral wall 191 b of the tank 191 and also has a role of preventing the atomization container 195 from coming off the tank 191 .
The outer diameter of the seal portion 222 is slightly larger than the inner diameter of the peripheral wall 191 b of the tank 191 . Therefore, when the atomization container 195 is accommodated in the tank 191, the seal portion 222 is radially compressed. As a result, the sealing performance of the seal portion 222 is ensured, and the frictional resistance of the seal portion 222 prevents the atomization container 195 from coming off the tank 191 .

In addition, two notch portions 222a are formed in the seal portion 222. As shown in FIG. The two cutouts 222a are arranged opposite to each other with the axis Q of the tank 191 interposed therebetween. The notch portion 222a allows communication between the outside air and a liquid pool portion 223, which will be described later.

A liquid pool portion 223 is formed on the outer peripheral surface of the cylindrical portion 217 from the tip of the projecting portion 219 to the seal portion 222 . When the mesh body 193 and the wick 204 are saturated, the aerosol source of the liquid stored in the liquid storage chamber 202 of the tank 191 leaks from the liquid pool 223 along the inner peripheral surface of the peripheral wall 191b of the tank 191. In some cases, it is a site for temporarily storing this leaked aerosol source.

The liquid pool portion 223 is formed so that the gap between the outer peripheral surface of the cylindrical portion 217 and the peripheral wall 191b of the tank 191 gradually narrows from the sealing portion 222 toward the tip of the protruding portion 219. It is a concave portion formed obliquely. In other words, the liquid pool portion 223 is a concave portion in which the gap between the outer peripheral surface of the cylindrical portion 217 and the peripheral wall 191b of the tank 191 gradually widens toward the opening portion 191a of the tank 191 . Since the liquid pool portion 223 is formed in this way, a narrow portion 279 is formed near the projecting portion 219 of the cylindrical portion 217 so that the projecting portion 219 and the peripheral wall 191b of the tank 191 form a minute gap.
Here, the end of the projecting portion 219 of the tubular portion 217 is in contact with the other surface 193 c of the mesh body 193 . Further, the mesh body 193 has an outer peripheral surface in contact with the inner peripheral surface of the tank 191 . Therefore, the narrow portion 279 formed between the projecting portion 219 of the tubular portion 217 and the peripheral wall 191b of the tank 191 is covered (closed) by the outer peripheral portion of the mesh body 193 .

Furthermore, a concave portion 224 is formed on the outer peripheral surface of the cylindrical portion 217 at a position corresponding to the engaging piece 206 on the heater holder 196 side of the seal portion 222 to receive the engaging piece 206 . By inserting the engagement piece 206 into the recess 224, the atomization container 195 and the heater holder 196 are positioned in the circumferential direction. Further, the bottom surface 224 a of the concave portion 224 of the tubular portion 217 abuts against the radially inner inner surface of the engaging piece 206 .

The fitting portion 218 of the atomization container 195 is formed in a substantially cylindrical shape that can be fitted to the inner peripheral surface of the peripheral wall 196 b of the heater holder 196 . That is, the fitting portion 218 has an outer diameter smaller than that of the cylindrical portion 217 via the stepped portion 217b. The fitting portion 218 is formed with a slit 225 into which the connection wall 211 of the heater holder 196 can be inserted. The fitting portion 218 is formed with a heating wire slit (not shown) that communicates with the slit 225 and into which the end portion 205b of the heating wire 205 can be inserted. By inserting the terminal portion 205b of the heating wire 205 into the heating wire slit, the terminal portion 205b is held in the atomization container 195 . Also, lead electrode portions 213a and 214a provided on the connection wall 211 and the terminal portion 205b of the heating wire 205 are connected.

Also, the fitting portion 218 is formed with air passages 226 at locations corresponding to the first air intake hole 209 and the second air intake hole 216 of the heater holder 196 . Furthermore, the fitting portion 218 is formed with a slit 218 a that communicates the slit 225 and the air passage 226 with the atomization chamber M (accommodating recess 220 ) of the cylindrical portion 217 . Via this slit 218a, the air passage 226 and the atomization chamber M (storage recess 220) of the atomization container 195 are communicated with each other. Thereby, the atomization chamber M (accommodating recess 220) of the atomization container 195 and the first air intake hole 209 and the second air intake hole 216 of the heater holder 196 are communicated with each other through the air passage 226 and the slit 218a.

<Assembly structure of the entire aspirator>
FIG. 18 is a front view of the suction device 1. FIG.
As shown in FIG. 18, the body unit 10 of the inhaler 1 includes a connecting portion 300 that connects the power supply unit 21, the holding unit 22, and the mouthpiece 23 in the axial direction along which the axis O (central axis) extends. . The connecting portion 300 has a first rotating connecting portion 301 connecting the power supply unit 21 and the holding unit 22 and a second rotating connecting portion 302 connecting the holding unit 22 and the mouthpiece 23 .

In the following description, among the circumferential directions around the axis O, in a plan view from the mouthpiece 23 side to the power supply unit 21 side along the axis O, the direction of clockwise rotation of the axis O is the rotation direction M1. , the direction of counterclockwise rotation around the axis O is referred to as a rotational direction M2.

The first rotary connection portion 301 connects and disconnects the power supply unit 21 and the holding unit 22 by relative rotation of the power supply unit 21 and the holding unit 22 about the axis O. As shown in FIG. When the power supply unit 21 is used as a reference, when the holding unit 22 is rotated in the rotation direction M1 with respect to the power supply unit 21, the power supply unit 21 and the holding unit 22 are connected. Further, when the holding unit 22 is rotated in the rotation direction M2 with respect to the power supply unit 21, the connection between the power supply unit 21 and the holding unit 22 is released.

The first rotary connection part 301 includes a rotary connection mechanism 310 formed by the first connection member 81 and the second connection member 122 shown in FIG. 9 described above, and the annular piece 82 and the second connection member 122 shown in FIGS. is provided with a lock mechanism 311 by Specifically, as shown in FIG. 9, the rotary connection mechanism 310 has the lateral engaging projection 102 provided on the first connecting member 81 of the power supply unit 21 attached to the second connecting member 122 of the holding unit 22 . After the holding unit 22 is axially inserted into the engagement groove 158 , the lateral engagement protrusion 102 is engaged with the engagement piece 142 by rotating the holding unit 22 in the rotation direction M 1 (see FIG. 18 ) with respect to the power supply unit 21 . to connect the power supply unit 21 and the holding unit 22 .

The lock mechanism 311 restricts the rotation of the holding unit 22 in the rotation direction M2 in which the connection by the rotation connection mechanism 310 is released. Specifically, as shown in FIGS. 9 and 10, the lock mechanism 311 is provided on an annular piece 82 attached to the power supply unit 21, and includes a flexible portion 106 protruding radially outward and a holding unit 22. and a tip end portion 142 a that is provided on the second connecting member 122 of the locking piece 142 and protrudes radially inward relative to the bottom portion of the engaging recess 155 . A distal end portion 142a of the locking piece 142 is positioned on a movement path of the flexible portion 106 around the axis O. As shown in FIG.

During connection in the rotary connection mechanism 310 (when the holding unit 22 is rotated in the rotational direction M1 with respect to the power supply unit 21), the flexible portion 106 and the distal end portion 142a of the locking piece 142 come into contact with each other, and the flexible portion 106 is moved. It overcomes the tip portion 142a while being elastically deformed radially inward. After getting over the tip portion 142 a , the flexible portion 106 is restored and deformed outward in the radial direction, and engages with the engaging concave portion 155 . When the flexible portion 106 engages with the engaging recess 155, the flexible portion 106 faces and locks the distal end portion 142a of the locking piece 142 in the rotational direction M1. This makes it impossible to release the connection between the power supply unit 21 and the holding unit 22 without applying a certain amount of force.

According to the first rotary connection part 301, even if the power supply unit 21 and the holding unit 22 are separable as in the present embodiment, the power supply unit by the rotary connection mechanism 310 can be separated in order to improve manufacturing efficiency. 21 and the holding unit 22, and the reliability (connection strength) of the connection state between the power supply unit 21 and the holding unit 22 by the lock mechanism 311 can be improved. Further, since locking by the locking mechanism 311 is performed at the same time as the connection by the rotary connection mechanism 310, the usability of assembly can be improved.

In the lock mechanism 311 , as shown in FIG. 10 , the flexible portion 106 that is elastically deformable is arranged radially inside the locking piece 142 that is thicker and has higher rigidity than the annular piece 82 . Therefore, when the power supply unit 21 and the holding unit 22 are connected, the flexible portion 106 is covered and protected from the outside by the locking piece 142 . Therefore, even if there is a drop or a collision, there are fewer cases where the flexible portion 106 is damaged. This ensures strength against repeated use of the assembly and improves the reliability of the lock.

The locking piece 142 with which the flexible portion 106 is locked forms an engagement groove 158 with which the lateral engagement protrusion 102 of the rotary connection mechanism 310 engages, as shown in FIG. In this way, the locking piece 142 forms part of the rotary connection mechanism 310 (engagement groove 158) and forms part of the locking mechanism 311 (tip portion 142a (convex portion)). The reliability of the connection state (connection strength) can be improved relatively easily.

As shown in FIG. 18, the second rotary connection portion 302 connects and disconnects the holding unit 22 and the mouthpiece 23 by relative rotation of the holding unit 22 and the mouthpiece 23 about the axis O. As shown in FIG. When the holding unit 22 is used as a reference, the holding unit 22 and the mouthpiece 23 are connected when the mouthpiece 23 is rotated in the rotation direction M1 with respect to the holding unit 22 . Further, when the mouthpiece 23 is rotated in the rotation direction M2 with respect to the holding unit 22, the connection between the holding unit 22 and the mouthpiece 23 is released.

The second rotary connection portion 302 includes a male threaded portion 160a provided on the mouthpiece 23 and a female threaded portion 123a provided on the holding unit 22, as shown in FIG. Specifically, the second rotation connecting portion 302 rotates the male threaded portion 160a provided on the mouthpiece 23 with respect to the female threaded portion 123a provided on the holding unit 22 in the rotation direction M1, thereby rotating the holding unit 22 and Connect the mouthpiece 23 . Further, by rotating the male threaded portion 160a provided on the mouthpiece 23 with respect to the female threaded portion 123a provided on the holding unit 22 in the rotation direction M2, the connection between the holding unit 22 and the mouthpiece 23 is released.

As shown in FIG. 18 , the rotation direction M1 is the connecting direction of the holding unit 22 to the power supply unit 21 and also the connecting direction of the mouthpiece 23 to the holding unit 22 . Further, the rotation direction M2 is the disconnection direction of the holding unit 22 from the power supply unit 21 and the disconnection direction of the mouthpiece 23 from the holding unit 22 . In this way, in the first rotary connection portion 301 and the second rotary connection portion 302, the rotational directions of connection and disconnection about the axis O are the same. Therefore, it is possible to give the user a sense of unity in the unit assembly work and improve the convenience (usability).

The frequency of disconnecting the mouthpiece 23 and the holding unit 22 for replacement of the cartridge 11 is higher than the frequency of disconnecting the power supply unit 21 and the holding unit 22 . In this embodiment, the connection between the power supply unit 21 and the holding unit 22 is released by applying a first torque 301T around the axis O at the first rotary connection portion 301, and at the second rotary connection portion 302 , the connection between the holding unit 22 and the mouthpiece 23 is released by applying a second torque 302T smaller than the first torque 301T. This prevents the holding unit 22 and the power supply unit 21 from rotating together when the mouthpiece 23 is removed from the holding unit 22 .

The first torque 301T is the peak value of the torque value when the holding unit 22 rotates in the rotation direction M2 with respect to the power supply unit 21, and is It depends on the spring coefficient, etc. The second torque 302T is the peak value of the torque value when the mouthpiece 23 rotates in the rotation direction M2 with respect to the holding unit 22, and is the static friction force between the male threaded portion 160a and the female threaded portion 123a shown in FIG. depends on The first torque 301T is preferably 1.5 times or more the second torque 302T, for example.

Since the first rotary connection portion 301 and the second rotary connection portion 302 have different connection structures, it is easy to adjust the magnitude relationship between the first torque 301T and the second torque 302T. For example, if the material of the flexible portion 106 (annular piece 82) forming the locking mechanism 311 of the first rotary connection portion 301 is selected and the thickness is adjusted, the spring coefficient against radial elastic deformation of the flexible portion 106 is changed. It is possible to easily adjust the magnitude of the first torque 301T with respect to the second torque 302T.

FIG. 19 is a cross-sectional view along the axial direction when the mouthpiece 23 is removed from the suction device 1. FIG.
As shown in FIG. 19 , in the suction device 1 , the cartridge 11 can be attached and detached in the axial direction by removing the mouthpiece 23 from the main unit 10 . A part from which the mouthpiece 23 is removed from the main body unit 10 is called a cartridge housing part 320 . That is, the cartridge housing section 320 includes the holding unit 22 and the power supply unit 21 .

The cartridge housing portion 320 forms a bottomed cylindrical cartridge housing space 321 . A peripheral wall of the cartridge housing portion 320 forming the cartridge housing space 321 is formed by the holding unit 22 . Also, the bottom of the cartridge housing portion 320 forming the cartridge housing space 321 is formed by the power supply unit 21 . That is, the peripheral wall (holding unit 22) of the cartridge housing portion 320 is detachable from the bottom portion (power supply unit 21) of the cartridge housing portion 320. As shown in FIG.

At the bottom of the cartridge accommodating portion 320, the vertical engagement protrusion 101 (the vertical engagement protrusions 101a to 101c are denoted by reference numeral 101 in FIG. 19 and subsequent figures) provided on the first connecting member 81 is a shaft. set up in the direction The vertical engagement projection 101 is arranged to be axially insertable into the engagement recess 210 provided in the cartridge 11 . That is, the vertical engagement projection 101 and the engagement recess 210 are arranged on the same radius centering on the axis O. As shown in FIG. The longitudinal engagement projection 101 and the engagement recess 210 form a first rotation restricting portion 330 that restricts relative rotation of the cartridge 11 about the axis O with respect to the cartridge accommodating portion 320 (cartridge accommodating space 321).

In the first rotation restricting portion 330, when the cartridge 11 and the cartridge accommodating portion 320 are relatively rotated around the axis O, the vertical engagement projection 101 provided on the same radius is inserted into the engagement recess 210, and the cartridge is rotated. Rotation control around the axis O of 11 is performed. Thereby, the cartridge 11 is positioned in the circumferential direction, and electrical continuity between the connection electrode portions 213b and 214b (see FIG. 10) of the bottom portion 196e of the cartridge 11 and the pin electrodes 49 of the power supply unit 21 is ensured.

The first rotation restricting portion 330, together with the mouthpiece 23, functions as a positioning mechanism 340 that positions the cartridge 11 with respect to the cartridge accommodating portion 320 in conjunction with the screwing of the mouthpiece 23 to the cartridge accommodating portion 320 (holding unit 22). forming. According to this positioning mechanism 340 , the cartridge 11 can be positioned at the same time as the mouthpiece 23 is screwed into the cartridge housing portion 320 . Therefore, positioning of the detachable cartridge 11 with respect to the cartridge accommodating portion 320 is facilitated, and the complexity of assembly is eliminated. Also, it is not necessary to turn the cartridge 11 directly by hand.

Specifically, the mouthpiece 23 includes the above-described first non-slip member (cartridge contact portion) 161 that rotates the cartridge 11 around the axis O with respect to the cartridge housing portion 320 . The first non-slip member 161 is attached to the mouthpiece body 160 and comes into contact with the cartridge 11 while the mouthpiece body 160 is being connected to the holding unit 22 . When the first non-slip member 161 comes into contact with the cartridge 11, the cartridge 11 begins to rotate together with the mouthpiece 23, and when the circumferential positions of the engagement recess 210 and the vertical engagement protrusion 101 are aligned, the cartridge 11 is released. Positioning of the cartridge 11 in the circumferential direction is performed by the vertical engaging projection 101 being inserted into the engaging recess 210 by falling toward the bottom side of the cartridge accommodating portion 320 due to gravity.

Further, as the mouthpiece 23 is screwed in, the first non-slip member 161 is axially compressed between the cartridge 11 supported by the power supply unit 21 (longitudinal engaging projection 101, etc.) and the mouthpiece main body 160. be done. The first non-slip member 161 presses the cartridge 11 toward the power supply unit 21 while the mouthpiece 23 is screwed to the holding unit 22, as shown in FIG. As a result, the cartridge 11 is positioned in the axial direction.

Since the first non-slip member 161 is made of silicone resin as described above, it develops a frictional force that rotates the cartridge 11 in the circumferential direction and a pressing force that presses the cartridge 11 in the axial direction. Cheap. In addition, as shown in FIG. 19, the first non-slip member 161 has a contact projection 171 formed on a facing surface 161a that faces the cartridge 11. As shown in FIG. Since the contact protrusion 171 prevents the contact of the first non-slip member 161 with the cartridge 11 from being a planar contact, the contact pressure increases, and frictional force in the circumferential direction and pressing force in the axial direction are more likely to occur.

Further, as shown in FIG. 11, the contact projection 171 is crushed in the axial direction, so that the through hole 191d of the cartridge 11 and the communication hole 169a of the first non-slip member 161 are airtightly sealed. , the flow paths of the cartridge 11 and the mouthpiece 23 are communicated, and the aerosol generated in the cartridge 11 can be sucked through the mouthpiece 23 . Since the contact projection 171 is formed in a double annular shape (see FIG. 12), a highly airtight double seal can be formed.

The mouthpiece 23 includes a second rotation restricting portion 350 that restricts relative rotation of the first non-slip member 161 with respect to the mouthpiece body 160, as shown in FIG. The second rotation restricting portion 350 includes a fitting protrusion 170 (see FIG. 12) provided on the first non-slip member 161, a long through hole 168 (see FIG. 12) provided on the mouthpiece main body 160, formed by A pair of fitting protrusions 170 extend in the axial direction toward the mouthpiece main body 160 and are fitted to both longitudinal ends of the through hole 168 .

According to the second rotation regulating part 350, even if the condensed aerosol accumulates between the mouthpiece main body 160 and the first anti-slip member 161, the first anti-slip member 161 does not rotate with respect to the mouthpiece main body 160 ( slippage) can be prevented. Therefore, it is possible to reliably position the cartridge 11 in the circumferential direction. Also, the through hole 168 may be formed as an elongated hole and integrated with the suction port 23a.

[Action]
<How to assemble the aspirator>
Next, a method for assembling the suction device 1 described above will be described.
As shown in FIG. 2 , in assembling the suction device 1 of the present embodiment, first, the holding unit 22 is assembled to the power supply unit 21 . Specifically, after inserting the lateral engaging projection 102 into the engaging groove 158 in the axial direction, the power supply unit 21 and the holding unit 22 are rotated about the axis O relative to each other. Then, the power supply unit 21 and the holding unit 22 are assembled to each other while being positioned in the axial direction and the circumferential direction at the first rotary connection portion 301 described above. When removing the power supply unit 21 and the holding unit 22, the operation described above is reversed.

Subsequently, the cartridge 11 is inserted into the holding unit 22 . Specifically, the cartridge 11 is inserted into the holding unit 22 with the connection electrode portions 213b and 214b of the cartridge 11 directed toward the holding unit 22 in the axial direction. When the longitudinal engagement projections 101a to 101c of the power supply unit 21 and the engagement recesses 210 of the cartridge 11 are aligned in the circumferential direction, the engagement recesses 210 to which the respective longitudinal engagement projections 101a to 101c correspond. inserted within. A chamfered portion 210a is formed in the engaging recess 210, while inclined surfaces are formed at the tips of the vertical engaging protrusions 101a to 101c. For this reason, the vertical engagement protrusions 101a to 101c are smoothly inserted into the engagement recesses 210. As shown in FIG. As a result, the cartridge 11 is positioned in the circumferential direction and the axial direction with respect to the power supply unit 21, and the cartridge 11 is attached to the power supply unit 21 at the correct position.

That is, one of the pin electrodes 49 of the power supply unit 21 is connected to one of the connection electrode portions 213b and 214b of the cartridge 11 and one of the connection electrode portions 213b and 214b. Further, the other pin electrode 49 and the other connection electrode portion 213b, 214b of the connection electrode portions 213b, 214b in the cartridge 11 are connected. Power from the power supply unit 21 can be supplied to the heating wire 205 of the heating unit 194 through these connection electrode portions 213b and 214b (electrodes 213 and 214). Furthermore, the buffer space S3 is defined by the cartridge 11 and the connection cap 80 when the bottom portion 196e of the cartridge 11 abuts against the surrounding convex portion 93. As shown in FIG.

Next, the mouthpiece 23 is assembled to the holding unit 22 by the above-described second rotary connection portion 302 . Specifically, the male threaded portion 160 a of the mouthpiece body 160 is screwed into the female threaded portion 123 a of the sleeve 123 . Then, the first non-slip member 161 of the mouthpiece 23 comes into contact with the bottom portion 191c of the cartridge 11 . In this state, when the mouthpiece 23 is further tightened, the first anti-slip member 161 is elastically deformed, so that the cartridge 11 is held in the holding unit 22 while being pressed axially toward the power supply unit 21 side. be done. The cartridge 11 is restrained from moving in the circumferential direction with respect to the power supply unit 21 by the vertical engaging projections 101a to 101c. Therefore, the cartridge 11 does not rotate together with the mouthpiece 23 depending on the frictional force acting between the first non-slip member 161 and the cartridge 11 .

Next, the tobacco capsule 12 is inserted into the mouthpiece 23 . Specifically, the tobacco capsule 12 is fitted into the mouthpiece body 160 with the mesh opening facing the mouthpiece 23 .
As described above, the assembly of the aspirator 1 is completed.

By the way, when inserting the cartridge 11 described above, depending on the orientation of the cartridge 11 in the circumferential direction, the circumferential positions of the vertical engagement projections 101a to 101c of the power supply unit 21 and the engagement recess 210 of the cartridge 11 may be different. may not match. In this case, the bottom portion 196e of the cartridge 11 rides on the vertical engaging projections 101a to 101c (hereinafter simply referred to as "running state").

FIG. 20 is an explanatory diagram showing a state in which the cartridge 11 has run over the vertical engagement protrusion 101. As shown in FIG.
As shown in FIG. 20, in the state where the cartridge 11 rides on, the axial movement of the cartridge 11 with respect to the power supply unit 21 toward the power supply unit 21 is restricted. Therefore, the pin electrode 49 and the connection electrode portions 213b and 214b are spaced apart in the axial direction, and electrical continuity between the power supply unit 21 and the cartridge 11 is not ensured. Even if the pin electrode 49 and the connection electrode portions 213b and 214b are in contact with each other in the riding state, there is a possibility that the pin electrode 49 and the connection electrode portions 213b and 214b are not arranged at desired circumferential positions.

FIG. 21 is an explanatory view showing how the mouthpiece 23 is screwed in the state where the cartridge 11 has been lifted.
As shown in FIG. 21 , when the mouthpiece 23 is turned while the cartridge 11 is still on top of the cartridge 11 and screwed into the holding unit 22 , the first anti-slip portion is formed at least before screwing is completed, as shown in FIG. 22 to be described later. A member 161 contacts the cartridge 11 . Specifically, as shown in FIG. 21, the first non-slip member 161 is not in contact with the cartridge 11 at the moment when the male threaded portion 160a of the mouthpiece 23 contacts the female threaded portion 123a of the holding unit 22. 2, the male threaded portion 160a is screwed into the female threaded portion 123a, and the first anti-slip member 161 comes into contact with the cartridge 11 after half to one or two turns.

FIG. 22 is an explanatory diagram showing how the mouthpiece 23 and the cartridge 11 rotate together.
As shown in FIG. 22, when the screwing operation of the mouthpiece 23 is continued while the first non-slip member 161 is in contact with the cartridge 11, the friction acting between the first non-slip member 161 and the cartridge 11 is increased. The force causes the mouthpiece 23 and the cartridge 11 to rotate together. That is, by the screwing operation of the mouthpiece 23, the cartridge 11 is rotated in the circumferential direction (tightening direction (rotational direction M1)) while being pressed axially toward the power supply unit 21 side.

After that, when the circumferential positions of the connection electrode portions 213b and 214b of the cartridge 11 and the vertical engagement projections 101a to 101c of the power supply unit 21 are aligned, the engagement recesses 210 corresponding to the vertical engagement projections 101a to 101c are aligned. enter inside. That is, by allowing the cartridge 11 to move in the axial direction with respect to the power supply unit 21, the cartridge 11 is assembled at the proper position. As a result, the pin electrodes 49 and the connection electrode portions 213b and 214b come into contact with each other while the circumferential movement of the cartridge 11 with respect to the power supply unit 21 is restricted.

FIG. 23 is an explanatory diagram showing how the mouthpiece 23 is tightened to the end.
As shown in FIG. 23, when the axial movement of the cartridge 11 is allowed by positioning the longitudinal engagement projection 101 and the engagement recess 210 in the circumferential direction, further screwing of the mouthpiece 23 becomes possible. When the mouthpiece 23 is tightened to the end, the connection electrode portions 213b and 214b are pressed against the pin electrode 49, and the first non-slip member 161 is formed between the cartridge 11 supported by the power supply unit 21 and the mouthpiece main body 160. It is axially compressed and the cartridge 11 is axially positioned. Thus, by screwing the mouthpiece 23, positioning of the cartridge 11 in the circumferential and axial directions and electrical continuity between the cartridge 11 and the power supply unit 21 are achieved. In addition, the gap between the cartridge 11 and the mouthpiece 23 is sealed by compressing the contact projection 171 of the first non-slip member 161 in the axial direction.
Further, when the cartridge 11 is assembled at the proper position in this manner, the surrounding convex portion 93 of the connection cap 80 is brought into contact with the cartridge 11 . Therefore, a buffer space S3 surrounded by the surrounding projection 93 (see FIG. 3) is formed between the bottom portion 196e of the heater holder 196 of the cartridge 11 and the connection cap 80. As shown in FIG.

<How to assemble the cartridge>
Next, a method for assembling the cartridge 11 described above will be described.
First, the liquid storage chamber 202 of the tank 191 is filled with a liquid aerosol source, and then the gasket 192 and the mesh body 193 are inserted from the opening 191a of the tank 191 in this order. At this time, one surface 192b of the gasket 192 is brought into contact with the end surface 201a of the convex portion 201 of the tank 191 . Also, one surface 193b of the mesh body 193 is overlaid on the other surface 192d of the gasket 192 . As a result, the inside of the tank 191 is properly partitioned into the liquid storage chamber 202 and the opening chamber 203 by the mesh body 193 . The mesh body 193 itself is soft, but the gasket 192 maintains its posture and positions it.

Also, the heating unit 194 and the atomization container 195 are assembled to the heater holder 196 in parallel with the above process. Specifically, first, the heating unit 194 is assembled in the housing recess 220 of the atomization container 195 . Subsequently, the fitting portion 218 side of the atomization container 195 is directed toward the opening 196 a of the heater holder 196 and the atomization container 195 is inserted into the heater holder 196 . Then, the fitting portion 218 is fitted to the inner peripheral surface of the peripheral wall 196 b of the heater holder 196 . At this time, the direction of the connection wall 211 of the heater holder 196 and the slit 225 of the fitting portion 218 are aligned, and the connection wall 211 is inserted into the slit 225 .

Subsequently, the heater holder 196 is attached to the opening 191 a of the tank 191 . Specifically, the heater holder 196 is inserted into the opening 191 a of the tank 191 so that the engaging piece 206 side of the heater holder 196 faces the opening 191 a of the tank 191 . At this time, the positions of the engagement hole 198 and the guide recess 198a formed in the peripheral wall 191b of the tank 191 and the engagement piece 206 of the heater holder 196 are also aligned.
When the heater holder 196 is inserted into the opening 191a of the tank 191 in this state, first, the inclined surface 207a formed on the engaging claw 207 of the engaging piece 206 is brought into contact with the peripheral wall 191b of the tank 191. . The inclined surface 207a allows the engaging claw 207 to smoothly contact the guide recess 198a of the tank 191. As shown in FIG.

After that, when the heater holder 196 is further pushed into the tank 191, the engaging claws 207 are accommodated in the guide concave portions 198a. Then, the engagement piece 206 is pressed radially inward by the guide recess 198a and elastically deformed. At this time, the inclined surface 207 a of the engaging claw 207 smoothly elastically deforms the engaging piece 206 radially inward. Here, since the two engaging pieces 206 are arranged opposite to each other with the axis Q interposed therebetween, when the heater holder 196 is viewed as a whole, the radially inward force applied to the two engaging pieces 206 is less likely to be biased. For this reason, the force when elastically deforming the engaging piece 206 is balanced, and the heater holder 196 can be easily inserted into the opening 191 a of the tank 191 . In addition, the bottom surface 224 a of the concave portion 224 of the atomization container 195 is in contact with the radially inner inner surface of the engaging piece 206 . Therefore, when the engaging piece 206 is elastically deformed radially inward, the recessed portion 224 of the atomization container 195 is slightly deformed radially inward.

After that, when the heater holder 196 is pushed further, the engaging claw 207 moves along the guide recess 198a. After that, the engaging claw 207 rides over the end of the guide recess 198a (the end of the tank 191 on the side of the engaging hole 198), and the restoring force of the engaging piece 206 and the restoring force of the recess 224 of the atomization container 195 are applied. Thus, the engaging claw 207 is inserted into the engaging hole 198 of the tank 191 . Thereby, the heater holder 196 is fixed to the tank 191, and the assembly of the cartridge 11 is completed.

Here, when the heater holder 196 is fixed to the tank 191 , the radial outer surface of the engaging piece 206 is covered by the peripheral wall 191 b of the tank 191 . Also, if one of the two engaging claws 207 is to be disengaged and the tank 191 or the heater holder 196 is tilted so that the engaging claw 207 is pulled out of the engaging hole 198, the other engaging claw will be disengaged. 207 is pressed radially outward. Therefore, once engaged, it is difficult to release the engaging hole 198 and the engaging piece 206 .

<How to use the aspirator>
When using the aspirator 1 described above, the user presses the button 78 . At this time, for example, by pressing the button 78 a plurality of times (for example, five times), the switch element 52 outputs a startup preparation signal to the controller mounted on the first board module 34 .

Subsequently, the user inhales while holding the mouthpiece 23 or the tobacco capsule 12 in his/her mouth. Then, the air inside the holding unit 22 is sucked, and the pressure inside the holding unit 22 becomes negative. When the inside of the holding unit 22 becomes negative pressure, the air inside the pressure fluctuation chamber S1 is also sucked through the inside of the atomization container 195 (inside the atomization chamber M) of the cartridge 11, the buffer space S3, and the communication port 51. The inside of the variable chamber S1 also becomes negative pressure. Specifically, the air in the pressure fluctuation chamber S1 flows into the buffer space S3 through the communication port 51 and then into the heater holder 196 through the second intake hole 216 . The air that has flowed into the heater holder 196 passes through the air passage 226 and the atomization container 195, passes through the flow tube 197, and then passes through the mouthpiece 23 and enters the mouth of the user. When the pressure sensor 53 detects that the pressure in the pressure fluctuation chamber S1 has become less than, for example, a predetermined value, it outputs a start signal to the control section.

Upon receiving the activation signal, the control section energizes the heating section 194 of the cartridge 11 . It should be noted that new air is introduced into the holding unit 22 through the air vent 131 by the negative pressure inside the holding unit 22 . Further, new air is introduced into the atomization chamber M of the cartridge 11 (open chamber 203 of the tank 191) through the first air intake hole 209 formed in the heater holder 196 of the cartridge 11 and the air passage 226 of the atomization container 195. be done.

When the heating part 194 is energized, the heating wire 205 generates heat. Then, the liquid aerosol source impregnated in the wick 204 through the mesh body 193 is heated and atomized. The atomization chamber M is filled with the atomized aerosol. Then, the atomized aerosol is sucked up to the mouthpiece 23 side through the flow pipe 197 of the tank 191 together with the new air introduced into the atomization chamber M. After that, the atomized aerosol-air mixture gas enters the user's mouth through the tobacco capsule 12 . This allows the user to enjoy the flavor of tobacco.

<Action of Cartridge>
By the way, in the cartridge 11 , the liquid aerosol source stored in the liquid storage chamber 202 of the tank 191 is absorbed by the mesh body 193 and further absorbed by the wick 204 . When the mesh body 193 and the wick 204 are saturated (exceeding the liquid holding capacity), a liquid aerosol source flows along the inner peripheral surface between the outer peripheral part of the mesh body 193 and the inner peripheral surface of the peripheral wall 191b of the tank 191. may leak out to the heater holder 196 side.

Here, the atomization container 195 located on the heater holder 196 side of the mesh body 193 has a liquid reservoir 223 formed on the outer peripheral surface thereof. Therefore, the liquid aerosol source is prevented from accumulating in the liquid accumulating portion 223 and leaking to the heater holder 196 side.
Specifically, in this embodiment, the capacity (space volume) of the liquid reservoir 223 is approximately 53.4 mm 3 . Then, the remaining amount of liquid in the liquid storage chamber 202 of the tank 191 is set to 1/3, and the head space volume expansion rate (the volume expansion rate of the air in the remaining 2/3 of the space in the liquid storage chamber 202) is 6%. , the air expansion in the liquid containing chamber 202 of the tank 191 pushes out the liquid aerosol source of about 100 mm 3 from the liquid containing chamber 202 . About 20 to 30 mm 3 of the extruded liquid aerosol source can be held by the mesh body 193 or the wick 204 . Of the approximately 100 mm 3 of the liquid aerosol source, the remaining 70 to 80 mm 3 of the aerosol source is accumulated in the liquid reservoir 223 .

Here, the liquid pool portion 223 is formed such that the gap between the outer peripheral surface of the cylinder portion 217 and the peripheral wall 191b of the tank 191 gradually narrows from the seal portion 222 toward the tip of the projecting portion 219 . That is, in the vicinity of the projecting portion 219 of the cylindrical portion 217, a narrow portion 279 is formed in which the gap between the projecting portion 219 and the peripheral wall 191b of the tank 191 is narrowed. Therefore, of the liquid aerosol source pushed out from the liquid storage chamber 202 of the tank 191, the remaining aerosol source after the mesh body 193 and the wick 204 are saturated is easily sucked up by the narrow portion 279, and the narrow portion 279 is actively narrowed. It flows through the portion 279 to the liquid pool portion 223 .

That is, the liquid aerosol source stored in the liquid storage chamber 202 of the tank 191 is first absorbed by the mesh body 193 and then absorbed by the wick 204 . After the mesh body 193 and the wick 204 are saturated, the liquid aerosol source is sucked into the narrow portion 279 and accumulated in the liquid pool portion 223 .

On the other hand, when the saturated state of the mesh body 193 is eliminated, the liquid aerosol source stored in the liquid reservoir 223 is sucked up through the narrow portion 279 (between the projecting portion 219 and the peripheral wall 191b of the tank 191). The liquid aerosol source is then absorbed by the mesh body 193 . That is, the liquid aerosol source stored in the liquid reservoir 223 is returned to the liquid storage chamber 202 of the tank 191 via the narrow portion 279 . At this time, since the narrow portion 279 is covered (closed) by the outer peripheral portion of the mesh body 193 , the capillary force of the mesh body 193 also acts to efficiently fill the liquid storage chamber 202 of the tank 191 with the liquid. The aerosol source is refluxed.

In addition, since two cutouts 222a are formed in the sealing portion 222 of the cylindrical portion 217, the liquid pooling portion 223 and the outside air flow through the cutouts 222a of the sealing portion 222 and the engaging hole of the tank 191. 198 and the engaging pieces 206 (engaging claws 207) of the heater holder 196 are communicated with each other through a gap. As another example, the liquid pool 223 and the outside air may communicate with each other through the notch 222 a of the seal 222 and the first air intake hole 209 of the heater holder 196 . Therefore, no pressure difference occurs between the inside and outside of the liquid pool portion 223 . As a result, the liquid aerosol source is prevented from flowing out unintentionally from the liquid reservoir 223 to the outside, and the liquid aerosol source is returned to the liquid storage chamber 202 of the tank 191 more efficiently.

[effect]
Thus, in the present embodiment, each of the connection electrode portions 213b and 214b has a first imaginary circumference C1 centered on the axis O and passing through the first pin electrode 49a and centered on the axis O and passing through the second pin electrode 49b. The connection electrode portions 213b and 214b are arranged on a virtual straight line T1 (virtual straight line T2) in a predetermined direction of the virtual straight line T1 formed in the region including both of the second virtual circumferences C2 and connecting the pin electrodes 49 in the circumferential direction. It was set as the structure provided with the insulating part 215 partitioned by.
According to this configuration, two pin electrodes 49 are prevented from contacting one connection electrode portion 213b, 214b, and one pin electrode 49 is prevented from being disposed across two connection electrode portions 213b, 214b. In addition, the area of the connection electrode portions 213b and 214b can be secured. As a result, short circuits between the connection electrode portions 213b and 214b and the pin electrode 49 can be suppressed, and reliability of conduction between the connection electrode portions 213b and 214b and the pin electrode 49 can be ensured.

In this embodiment, the width of the insulating portion 215 (connecting wall 211 ) in the circumferential direction around the axis Q is larger than the shaft diameter (diameter) of each pin electrode 49 .
According to this configuration, even if the pin electrode 49 is arranged on the insulating portion 215, it is possible to prevent the pin electrode 49 from being arranged across the two connection electrode portions 213b and 214b. As a result, short circuits between the connection electrode portions 213b and 214b and the pin electrode 49 can be reliably suppressed.

In this embodiment, the connection electrode portions 213b and 214b are formed in a semicircular shape on both sides in the radial direction with the imaginary straight line T2 interposed therebetween.
According to this configuration, each of the connection electrode portions 213b and 214b is radially larger than the area including both the imaginary circumferences C1 and C2. As a result, dimensional variations of the pin electrodes 49 and the connection electrode portions 213b and 214b, particularly in the radial direction, can be absorbed, so reliability of electrical connection between the connection electrode portions 213b and 214b and the pin electrodes 49 can be ensured.

In this embodiment, one pin electrode 49 and one connection electrode portion 213b, 214b and another pin electrode 49 and another connection electrode portion 213b, 214b overlap each other in plan view, and the power supply unit 21 is The cartridge 11 (heater holder 196) is formed with an engagement recess 210 for restricting the rotation of the cartridge 11. As shown in FIG.
According to this configuration, rotation of the cartridge 11 with respect to the power supply unit 21 is restricted, and electrical continuity between the connection electrode portions 213b and 214b and the pin electrodes 49 can be stably maintained.

In this embodiment, the engaging recess 210 is recessed from the bottom 196e of the heater holder 196. As shown in FIG.
According to this configuration, the power supply unit 21 can and the cartridge 11 can move toward each other in the axial direction. Thereby, the pin electrode 49 and the connection electrode portions 213b and 214b can be reliably connected to each other.

In the present embodiment, a taper-shaped chamfered portion 210a is formed on the side of the bottom portion 196e of the engaging recess portion 210 so that the circumferential width of the engaging recess portion 210 gradually decreases as the distance from the bottom portion 196e increases.
According to this configuration, it becomes easier to guide the longitudinal engagement projection 101 into the engagement recess 210 . This facilitates the mounting operation of the cartridge 11 to the power supply unit 21 .

In this embodiment, a plurality of engaging recesses 210 are formed in the circumferential direction.
According to this configuration, in the process of rotating the cartridge 11 with respect to the power supply unit 21 in a state where the cartridge 11 rides on the vertical engagement projection 101, the circumferential positions of the engagement recess 210 and the vertical engagement projection 101 match each other. It is possible to reduce the rotation angle of the cartridge 11 up to the point where the This facilitates the mounting operation of the cartridge 11 to the power supply unit 21 .

Since the aspirator 1 of the present embodiment includes the cartridge 11 and the power supply unit 21 described above, the aspirator 1 with excellent conduction reliability can be provided.

In the present embodiment, by arranging the pin electrodes 49 at positions symmetrical with respect to the virtual straight line La, the power supply unit 21 can be easily manufactured.

(First modification)
Next, the 1st modification of embodiment mentioned above is demonstrated. FIG. 24 is a plan view of a power supply unit 21 according to a modification of the embodiment. This modification differs from the above-described embodiment in that pin electrodes 500 a and 500 b are formed on the cartridge 11 and connection electrode portions 501 a and 501 b are formed on the power supply unit 21 . In addition, in the following description, the same code|symbol may be attached|subjected about the structure corresponding to embodiment mentioned above, and description may be abbreviate|omitted.
As shown in FIG. 24, in the suction device 1 of this modified example, the cartridge 11 is provided with a pair of pin electrodes 500a and 500b. The pin electrodes 500a and 500b protrude in the axial direction from, for example, the bottom portion (first electrode arrangement surface) 196e of the heater holder 196 shown in FIG. The pin electrodes 500a and 500b are arranged on both sides of the axis Q in the radial direction and on the imaginary straight line T1 passing through the axis Q and along the tangential direction of the bottom portion 196e, following the embodiment described above.

The connection electrode portions 501a and 501b are formed on the base surface (second electrode arrangement surface) 91a of the connection cap 80, for example. The connection electrode portions 501a and 501b are formed at least on the locus of rotation of the pin electrodes 500a and 500b when the power supply unit 21 and the cartridge 11 are relatively rotated around the axis O (axis Q), following the embodiment described above. . That is, each of the connection electrode portions 501a and 501b has a first virtual circumference C1 centered on the axis Q and passing through the first pin electrode 500a, and a second virtual circumference C2 centered on the axis Q and passing through the second pin electrode 500b. It is formed in a region that includes both.

In this modification, the connection electrode portions 501a and 501b are formed in a semicircular shape on both sides with the axis O interposed therebetween. A portion of the base surface 91a located on an imaginary straight line T2 that passes through the axis O and extends in the radial direction constitutes an insulating portion 502 that partitions the connection electrode portions 501a and 501b in the circumferential direction.

Also in this modified example, it is possible to obtain the same effects as those of the above-described embodiment.

(Second modification)
Next, the 2nd modification of embodiment mentioned above is demonstrated. FIG. 25 is a cross-sectional view of an aspirator 1 according to a second modified example of the embodiment. This modified example differs from the above-described embodiment in that the insulating portion 510 protrudes from the bottom portion 196e.
In the suction device 1 shown in FIG. 25, the insulating portion 510 protrudes from the bottom portion 196e of the cartridge 11 toward the power supply unit 21 side in the axial direction. The insulating portion 510 extends along the above-described second imaginary straight line T2 (see FIG. 10) by the same radial length as the sides 213c and 214c of the connection electrode portions 213b and 214b. Note that the insulating portion 510 may be arranged at least at a portion that intersects the virtual circles C1 and C2 described above in the radial direction.

It is preferable that the amount of protrusion of the insulating portion 510 in the axial direction from the bottom portion 196 e is positioned at least closer to the power supply unit 21 than the pin electrode 49 when the cartridge 11 is attached to the main unit 10 . Furthermore, it is preferable that the amount of projection of the insulating portion 510 is set to a length that does not come into contact with the base surface 91 a when the cartridge 11 is attached to the main unit 10 . In this embodiment, when the cartridge 11 is not mounted, the amount of protrusion of the pin electrodes 49 in the axial direction from the base surface 91a is larger than the amount of protrusion of the insulating portion 510 from the bottom portion 196e.

In the peripheral wall 196b of the heater holder 196, the end portion located on the side of the bottom portion 196e forms a relief portion 514 having a smaller outer diameter than the end portion located on the side opposite to the bottom portion 196e. Specifically, the relief portion 514 is recessed in the axial direction from the outer peripheral edge of the bottom portion 196e and is open radially outward. The relief portion 514 is formed along the entire circumference of the peripheral wall 196b. The distance between the radially outwardly facing surface of the escape portion 514 and the axis Q is shorter than the distance between the inner peripheral surface of the vertical engaging projection 101 and the axis O described above. That is, when the cartridge 11 is attached to the main body unit 10 , the relief portion 514 accommodates the longitudinal engagement protrusion 101 while avoiding interference with the longitudinal engagement protrusion 101 in the circumferential direction. As a result, the cartridge 11 is stably held in the main unit 10 by engaging the vertical engagement protrusion 101 and the cartridge 11 in the radial direction. However, in this modified example, the configuration may be such that the vertical engaging convex portion 101 is not provided.

According to this configuration, when the cartridge 11 is attached to the main body unit 10, even if the insulating portion 510 abuts the pin electrode 49 in the axial direction, the cartridge 11 will be displaced by the screwing operation of the mouthpiece 23 described above. and the mouthpiece 23 rotate together. As a result, the insulating portion 510 and the pin electrode 49 are out of alignment in the circumferential direction, allowing axial movement of the cartridge 11 with respect to the main unit 10, and the connection electrode portions 213b and 214b are guided to the corresponding pin electrodes 49, respectively. be done.
On the other hand, when the connection electrode portions 213b and 214b are in contact with the corresponding pin electrodes 49, and the cartridge 11 and the mouthpiece 23 rotate together with the screwing operation of the mouthpiece 23, the insulating portion 510 will It contacts the electrode 49 in the circumferential direction. This restricts the rotation of the cartridge 11 with respect to the power supply unit 21 .

As described above, in this modification, it is possible to prevent the cartridge 11 from being attached to the main unit 10 while the pin electrode 49 and the insulating portion 510 are in contact with each other in the axial direction. As a result, reliability of conduction between the pin electrode 49 and the connection electrode portions 213b and 214b can be ensured. In this modified example, even if the circumferential width of the insulating portion 510 is narrower than the axial diameter of the pin electrode 49, the pin electrode 49 is arranged across the two connection electrode portions 213b and 214b. can be suppressed.

(Other modifications)
Although preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the present invention is not limited to these embodiments. Additions, omissions, substitutions, and other changes in configuration are possible without departing from the scope of the present invention. The present invention is not limited by the foregoing description, but only by the appended claims.
For example, in the above-described embodiment, the inhaler 1 in which the tobacco capsule 12 is configured to be detachable has been described as an example of an aerosol generating device that generates an aerosol without combustion. Not limited. As another example of the aerosol generating device, it may be configured without the tobacco capsule 12 like an electronic cigarette. In this case, a flavored aerosol source is housed in the cartridge 11, and the flavored aerosol is generated by the aerosol generator.
In the above-described embodiment, the case where the main unit 10 is divided into the power supply unit 21, the holding unit 22, and the mouthpiece 23 has been described, but the configuration is not limited to this. For example, the power supply unit 21 and the holding unit 22 may be integrally formed, or the holding unit 22 and the mouthpiece 23 may be integrally formed.
Although the configuration in which the holding unit 22 is formed in a tubular shape surrounding the periphery of the cartridge 11 has been described in the above-described embodiment, the configuration is not limited to this configuration. The holding unit 22 may have any configuration as long as it can hold the cartridge 11 . In the present specification, attachment and detachment between the cartridge 11 and the main unit 10 (power supply unit 21) is not limited to accommodating the cartridge 11 in the holding unit 22 and holding it with the mouthpiece 23. and connection electrode portions 213b and 214b for connection and disconnection.

In the above-described embodiment, the configuration in which the power supply unit 21 and the holding unit 22 are coaxially arranged and formed in a cylindrical shape has been described, but the configuration is not limited to this configuration. The power supply unit 21 and the holding unit 22 may have different shapes.
Although the configuration in which the storage battery 33 and the board modules 34 and 35 are mounted on the storage battery holder 36 has been described in the above-described embodiment, the configuration is not limited to this configuration. The storage battery 33 and the board modules 34 and 35 may be mounted directly inside the housing 31 .
In the above-described embodiment, the configuration in which the button 78 (switch element 52) for outputting the startup preparation signal is mounted has been described. There may be.

In the above-described embodiment, the configuration in which the pin electrodes 49 are arranged in positions symmetrical with respect to the virtual straight line La has been described, but the configuration is not limited to this configuration. That is, the pin electrodes 49 extend along the in-plane direction (tangential direction) of the base surface 91a, and if the imaginary straight line T1 connecting the two pin electrodes 49 passes through the axis O, may differ from each other. In this case, the connection electrode portions 213b and 214b are divided into a first imaginary circle C1 centered on the axis O and passing through the first pin electrode 49a and a second imaginary circle C2 centered on the axis O and passing through the second pin electrode 49b. It suffices if they are at least arranged in an arc shape in a region that includes both. Therefore, each pin electrode 49 is not limited to a semicircular shape, and may be rectangular or oval. Further, each pin electrode 49 may have an irregular shape.

In the above-described embodiment, the configuration in which the axis O passes through the center of the base surface 91a has been described, but the configuration is not limited to this configuration. The axis O may be arranged off the center of the base surface 91a. Further, in the above-described embodiment, the configuration in which the entire power supply unit 21 and the cartridge 11 are coaxially arranged has been described, but the configuration is not limited to this configuration. As long as the first electrode arrangement surface and the second electrode arrangement surface are arranged to face each other, for example, the storage battery 33 of the power supply unit 21 and the cartridge 11 may be arranged so that their axes are parallel to each other.

In the above-described embodiment, the configuration in which the first substrate 60 is arranged with the thickness direction aligned with the radial direction has been described, but the configuration is not limited to this configuration. The first substrate 60 may be arranged, for example, with the thickness direction aligned with the axial direction.
In the above-described embodiment, the pressure sensor 53 was described as an example of the sensor mounted on the first substrate 60, but various sensors other than the pressure sensor 53 may be mounted.
In the above-described embodiment, the configuration in which the inside of the housing 31 is divided into the pressure fluctuation chamber S1 and the normal pressure chamber S2 has been described, but the pressure fluctuation chamber S1 and the normal pressure chamber S2 may not be divided.

Some or all of the above-described embodiments can also be described as the following additional remarks, but are not limited to the following.

(Appendix 1)
a container body containing an aerosol source;
a heating unit provided in the container body for heating the contents;
A first planar electrode and a second planar electrode connected to the heating unit and provided on the first electrode arrangement surface of the container body,
The first planar electrode and the second planar electrode are arranged at least in an arc shape centering on an axis extending in a normal direction of the first electrode arrangement surface,
The atomization unit, wherein the first electrode arrangement surface is provided with an insulating portion that partitions the first plane electrode and the second plane electrode in a circumferential direction around the axis.

(Appendix 2)
The first planar electrode and the second planar electrode are formed in a semicircular shape on both sides of the axis, and are arranged on a symmetrical line passing through the axis and extending in a tangential direction to the first electrode arrangement surface. Atomization unit formed line-symmetrically with respect to.

(Appendix 3)
A cylindrical container configured to be attachable to and detachable from a power supply unit having a first electrode arrangement surface from which a first pin electrode and a second pin electrode drawn out from a power supply section protrude, and containing an atomizable content. the main body;
a heating unit provided in the container body for heating the contents;
The first pin electrodes and the a first plane electrode and a second plane electrode separately connected to the second pin electrode;
the first pin electrode and the second pin electrode are arranged line-symmetrically with respect to a line of symmetry passing through the center of the first electrode arrangement surface and along a tangential direction of the first electrode arrangement surface;
The center of the second electrode arrangement surface is arranged on an axis passing through the center of the first electrode arrangement surface and extending in a normal direction to the first electrode arrangement surface when the container body is attached to the power supply unit,
The first planar electrode and the second planar electrode are formed in a semicircular shape on both sides of the axis,
On a second imaginary straight line passing through the center of the second electrode arrangement surface and along the tangential direction of the second electrode arrangement surface, the first plane electrode and the second plane electrode are partitioned in the circumferential direction around the axis. Atomization unit provided with an insulating part that

(Appendix 4)
an atomization unit having a container body containing an aerosol source and a heating unit for heating the contents;
a power supply unit that houses a power supply and to which the atomization unit is detachably attached;
Of the atomizing unit and the power supply unit, the first unit has a first electrode arrangement surface from which the first pin electrode and the second pin electrode protrude,
Among the atomizing unit and the power supply unit, the second unit has a first plane electrode and a second plane to which the first pin electrode and the second pin electrode are separately connected when the second unit is attached to the first unit. Having a second electrode arrangement surface on which electrodes are formed,
The first pin electrode and the second pin electrode are arranged on both sides of an axis extending in a direction normal to the first electrode arrangement surface and extending along the direction tangential to the first electrode arrangement surface through the axis. placed on a virtual straight line,
The first plane electrode and the second plane electrode have both a first imaginary circumference centered on the axis and passing through the first pin electrode and a second imaginary circumference centered on the axis and passing through the second pin electrode. arranged at least in an arc over a region containing
On a second imaginary straight line passing through the center of the second electrode arrangement surface and along the tangential direction of the second electrode arrangement surface, the first plane electrode and the second plane electrode are partitioned in the circumferential direction around the axis. A non-combustible aspirator provided with insulation that

In addition, it is possible to appropriately replace the constituent elements in the above-described embodiment with well-known constituent elements without departing from the spirit of the present invention, and the modifications described above may be combined as appropriate.

According to the atomizing unit of the non-combustion type inhaler, it is possible to ensure the reliability of the conduction between the pin electrode and the plane electrode.

Claims (11)

a container body containing an aerosol source;
a heating unit provided in the container body for heating the contents;
A first planar electrode and a second planar electrode connected to the heating unit and provided on the first electrode arrangement surface of the container body,
The first planar electrode and the second planar electrode are arranged at least in an arc shape centering on an axis extending in a normal direction of the first electrode arrangement surface,
The first electrode arrangement surface is provided with an insulating portion that partitions the first planar electrode and the second planar electrode in a circumferential direction about the axis ,
The container main body is configured to be detachable from a power supply unit having a second electrode arrangement surface from which a first pin electrode and a second pin electrode drawn out from a power supply section protrude,
The first plane electrode and the second plane electrode are pulled out from the heating unit and are separately connected to the first pin electrode and the second pin electrode when the container body is attached to the power supply unit,
The first pin electrode and the second pin electrode are arranged on both sides with respect to an axis line along the normal direction of the second electrode arrangement surface and are arranged along the tangential direction of the second electrode arrangement surface through the axis line. 1 placed on a virtual straight line,
A relief portion recessed from the first electrode placement surface and extending along the entire circumference of the container body is formed on the outer peripheral portion of the first electrode placement surface,
The relief portion engages with a protrusion formed on the power supply unit in a radial direction orthogonal to the axis when the container main body is attached to the power supply unit. The first planar electrode and the second planar electrode are formed in a semicircular shape on both sides of the axis, and are arranged on a symmetrical line passing through the axis and extending in a tangential direction to the first electrode arrangement surface. 2. The atomizing unit according to claim 1, which is formed axisymmetrically. 2. The width of the insulating portion in the circumferential direction is narrower than the width of the first plane electrode and the second plane electrode and wider than the diameter of the first pin electrode and the second pin electrode. atomization unit. In the container body, the first pin electrodes and the first plane electrodes, and the second pin electrodes and the second plane electrodes overlap each other in a plan view seen from the normal direction of the second plane electrodes. 2. The atomization unit according to claim 1 , further comprising a restriction portion that restricts rotation with respect to said power supply unit in a connected state. 5. The atomization unit according to claim 4 , wherein the restricting portion is recessed from the first electrode arrangement surface and engages in the circumferential direction with a convex portion formed on the power supply unit in the connected state. 5. The restricting portion is formed with a tapered portion in which the width of the restricting portion in the circumferential direction decreases as the distance from the first electrode disposing surface increases in the normal direction of the first electrode disposing surface. Atomization unit according to claim 5 . The atomization unit according to any one of claims 4 to 6 , wherein a plurality of said restricting portions are formed in said circumferential direction. The insulating portion protrudes from the first electrode placement surface and extends along a second imaginary straight line that passes through the center of the first electrode placement surface and extends along a tangential direction to the first electrode placement surface. Atomization unit according to any one of claims 1 to 7 . an atomization unit according to any one of claims 1 to 8 ;
and a power supply unit to which the atomization unit is detachably attached. The power supply unit
the power supply unit;
a housing that accommodates the power supply unit and has a second electrode arrangement surface from which a first pin electrode and a second pin electrode drawn out from the power supply unit protrude;
10. The non-combustion type suction according to claim 9 , wherein the first pin electrode and the second pin electrode are arranged symmetrically with respect to a line of symmetry passing through the axis and extending in a tangential direction of the second electrode arrangement surface. vessel. a suction port formed with a suction port for sucking the aerosol atomized by the aerosol source;
A non-combustion inhaler according to claim 9 or 10 , comprising a flavor source container attached to the mouthpiece.

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