JP7382745B2 - Aerosol generator cartridge - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to an aerosol generation device and a non-combustion type inhaler.
This application claims priority based on Chinese Patent Application No. 201811255596.4 filed on October 26, 2018, the contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference.

BACKGROUND ART Non-combustion type inhalers (hereinafter simply referred to as inhalers) have been known that enjoy flavor by inhaling vapor (for example, aerosol) that has been atomized by heating. Some suction devices of this type include, for example, an atomization unit containing atomizable contents (for example, an aerosol source) and a power supply unit equipped with a storage battery.
In the suction device, a heating section provided in the atomization unit generates heat using electric power supplied from the storage battery. Thereby, the contents within the atomization unit are atomized. The user can inhale the atomized aerosol together with air through the mouthpiece of the atomization unit.

For example, Patent Document 1 listed below discloses a configuration in which an atomization unit is detachably attached to a power supply unit by a rotational connection mechanism. In this configuration, by removing the atomization unit from the power supply unit, the bottomed cylindrical cartridge housing part of the atomization unit is exposed, and the cartridge containing the aerosol source can be taken out from the cartridge housing part. It has become.

China Utility Model Publication No. 204670389

By the way, since the cartridge makes electrical contact with the power supply unit, it is necessary to position (phase) the cartridge with respect to the cartridge accommodating section during assembly. In the above-mentioned conventional technology, for example, when replacing a cartridge, it is necessary to insert a new cartridge into the cartridge accommodating section, position it, and attach the atomization unit to the power supply unit while maintaining this state. , assembly was complicated. Furthermore, when attaching the atomization unit to the power supply unit, there is a possibility that the cartridge may be misaligned.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION An object of the present invention is to provide a cartridge for an aerosol generating device that can simplify positioning and assembly of the cartridge in a cartridge accommodating part.

(1) In order to achieve the above object, an aerosol generation device according to one aspect of the present invention includes a cartridge that accommodates an aerosol source, a bottomed cylindrical cartridge accommodating portion that accommodates the cartridge, and a cartridge accommodating portion that accommodates the cartridge. A suction port is formed with a suction port for sucking aerosol atomized by the aerosol source, and the cartridge is inserted into the cartridge storage section in conjunction with the suction port being screwed onto the cartridge storage section. and a positioning mechanism for positioning against.

According to this aspect, the cartridge can be positioned with respect to the cartridge accommodating part at the same time as the suction part is screwed into the cartridge accommodating part. Therefore, positioning of the cartridge with respect to the cartridge accommodating portion is facilitated, and the complexity of assembly is eliminated. Moreover, there is no need to turn the cartridge directly by hand.

(2) In the aerosol generation device according to the aspect (1) above, the positioning mechanism is provided in either the cartridge or the cartridge accommodating part, and the central axis of the cartridge accommodating part extends toward the other. an engagement protrusion protruding in the axial direction; and an engagement groove provided on the other of the cartridge and the cartridge accommodating part into which the engagement protrusion can be inserted in the axial direction, the engagement protrusion The engagement grooves may be formed on the same radius around the central axis.
According to this aspect, when the cartridge is rotated relative to the cartridge accommodating part around the central axis, the engaging protrusions provided on the same radius are inserted into the engaging groove, so that the positioning of the cartridge in the circumferential direction is facilitated. It is done.

(3) In the aerosol generation device according to the aspect (1) or (2) above, the suction port has a cartridge abutting part that comes into contact with the cartridge in the middle of being screwed into the cartridge accommodating part. Good too.
According to this aspect, the suction port is in a screwed state (positioned state in the radial direction) with respect to the cartridge accommodating portion, and it is possible to suppress misalignment in the radial direction of the cartridge that rotates together with the suction port.

(4) In the aerosol generation device according to the aspect (3) above, the cartridge abutting portion moves the cartridge toward the bottom of the cartridge accommodating portion in a state where the suction port is screwed onto the cartridge accommodating portion. It is also possible to press it.
According to this aspect, the cartridge can be positioned in the axial direction by pressing the cartridge abutting portion.

(5) In the aerosol generating device according to the aspect (3) or (4) above, the cartridge contact portion may be formed of an elastic resin material.
According to this aspect, the elastic deformation of the cartridge contact portion facilitates generating a frictional force that rotates the cartridge in the circumferential direction, and also facilitates generating a pressing force that presses the cartridge in the axial direction.

(6) In the aerosol generating device according to aspects (3) to (5) above, an annular protrusion may be formed on the opposing surface of the cartridge abutting portion that faces the cartridge.
According to this aspect, the contact of the cartridge abutting portion with the cartridge is no longer a planar contact due to the annular protrusion, so the contact pressure increases, and the frictional force in the circumferential direction and the pressing force in the axial direction are more likely to occur.

(7) In the aerosol generating device according to the aspects (1) to (6) above, the peripheral wall of the cartridge accommodating portion may be removable from the bottom of the cartridge accommodating portion.
According to this aspect, maintenance of the positioning mechanism provided at the bottom of the cartridge accommodating portion is facilitated.

(8) A non-combustion type inhaler according to one aspect of the present invention includes the aerosol generation device according to the aspects (1) to (7) above, and a flavor source container attached to the suction part of the aerosol generation device. , is provided.
According to this aspect, flavor can be added to the aerosol passing through the suction port.

According to one aspect of the present invention, positioning and assembly of the cartridge with respect to the cartridge accommodating portion can be simplified.

It is a perspective view of the suction device concerning an embodiment. FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the suction device according to the embodiment. 2 is a sectional view taken along line III-III in FIG. 1. FIG. FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the power supply unit according to the embodiment. 2 is a cross-sectional view taken along line VV in FIG. 1. FIG. FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a power supply unit according to an embodiment. FIG. 2 is a plan view of the power supply unit according to the embodiment viewed from the holding unit side in the axial direction. FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of the holding unit according to the embodiment. It is a perspective view showing the connection structure of the 1st connection member and the 2nd connection member concerning an embodiment. FIG. 2 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. 2 is a sectional view taken along the line XI-XI in FIG. 1. FIG. FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the mouthpiece taken along line XII-XII in FIG. 1. FIG. FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view along the axial direction of the cartridge according to the embodiment. FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of a cartridge according to an embodiment. FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the tank according to the embodiment viewed from the opening side. FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the heater holder according to the embodiment, viewed from the power supply unit side. It is a perspective view of the atomization container concerning an embodiment seen from the mesh body side. It is a front view of the suction device concerning an embodiment. FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view along the axial direction when the mouthpiece is removed from the inhaler according to the embodiment. FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram showing a state in which the cartridge according to the embodiment rides on the vertical engagement convex portion. FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram showing how the mouthpiece is screwed on when the cartridge according to the embodiment is in a riding state. It is an explanatory view showing how a mouthpiece and a cartridge according to an embodiment rotate together. FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram showing a state in which the mouthpiece according to the embodiment has been tightened to the end.

Next, embodiments of the present invention will be described based on the drawings.
[Suction device]
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the suction device.
The suction device 1 shown in FIG. 1 is a so-called non-combustion type suction device, and is used to enjoy the flavor of tobacco leaves by sucking aerosol atomized by heating through tobacco leaves.

The inhaler 1 includes a main unit 10, a cartridge (also referred to as an atomization unit) 11, and a tobacco capsule 12, which are detachably attached to the main unit 10.

<Main unit>
FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the suction device 1.
As shown in FIG. 2, the main unit 10 includes a power supply unit 21, a holding unit 22, and a 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. In the following description, the direction along the axis O will be referred to as the axial direction (normal direction). In this case, in the axial direction, the side that goes from the mouthpiece 23 to the power supply unit 21 can also be called the anti-suction side or the first side, and the side that goes from the power supply unit 21 to the mouthpiece 23 can also be called the suction side or the second side. can. Further, in a plan view viewed from the axial direction, the direction intersecting the axis O is sometimes called the radial direction, and the direction going around the axis O is sometimes called the circumferential direction. In this specification, "direction" means two directions, and when one of the "directions" is indicated, it is written as "side".

<Power supply unit>
FIG. 3 is a sectional view taken along line III-III in 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>
FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view of the power supply unit 21.
As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the holder assembly 32 is configured by mounting a storage battery 33, board modules (a first board module 34 and a second board 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 includes a base portion 40. The base portion 40 is formed in a semi-cylindrical shape with the axis O as the central axis. Note that the base portion 40 may have a shape other than a semi-cylindrical shape as long as the assembly opening 40a (see FIG. 4) for receiving the storage battery 33 and the like opens radially outward.

In the base portion 40, a press-fit cylinder portion 41 is connected to an end portion of the base portion 40 on the opposite side from the holding unit 22 in the axial direction. The press-fit cylindrical portion 41 is formed in a cylindrical shape with the axis O as the central axis. A connector passage hole 42 that penetrates the press-fit cylinder part 41 in the radial direction is formed in a part of the press-fit cylinder part 41 in the circumferential direction. An opening of the press-fit cylinder portion 41 located on the opposite side of 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 larger diameter than the press-fitting cylinder portion 41 .

A button opening 44 (see FIG. 3) is formed in a portion of the base portion 40 that is 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 hole 42 and button opening 44 described above are arranged, for example, at positions 180 degrees apart in the circumferential direction. In this 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 back side, and the button opening 44 side with respect to the axis O is the front side. Note that 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 tube 45 is formed at the opening edge of the button opening 44 and extends toward the back side. The button guide tube 45 surrounds the button opening 44.
In the base portion 40, a partition wall 46 that partitions the base portion 40 in the axial direction is formed in a portion 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 taken along line VV in FIG.
As shown in FIGS. 3 to 5, a stepped portion 47 is continuous to the end portion of the base portion 40 located on the holding unit 22 side in the axial direction. The stepped portion 47 is formed in a semi-cylindrical shape coaxially with the base portion 40, and its radial distance from the axis O gradually decreases as it approaches the holding unit 22 in the axial direction. A connecting pedestal 48 is connected to the edge of the stepped portion 47 located on the holding unit 22 side in the axial direction. The connection pedestal 48 is formed into a circular shape with the axis O as the central axis. A pair of electrode holding parts 50 and a communication port 51 are formed in the connection pedestal 48 .

As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, the pair of electrode holding parts 50 are formed in a cylindrical shape that protrudes toward the holding unit 22 in the axial direction. Each electrode holding part 50 is located on both sides of the axis O in the radial direction. In this embodiment, the electrode holding parts 50 are arranged in a radial direction in a direction perpendicular to the above-mentioned front and back directions (hereinafter sometimes referred to as the left-right direction). In addition, each electrode holding part 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 toward the holding unit 22 side in the axial direction from a portion of the connection base 48 located on the back side in the radial direction with respect to the axis O.

As shown in FIG. 5, each electrode holding portion 50 holds a pin electrode 49 separately. The pin electrode 49 has a pin-shaped electrode body that is elastically supported within a cylindrical case. The pin electrode 49 is configured such that the cylindrical case is fitted into the electrode holding part 50 and the electrode main body passes through the electrode holding part 50 in the axial direction. Of both ends of the pin electrode 49 (electrode body) in the axial direction, the end located on the opposite side of the holding unit 22 in the axial direction is connected to a first substrate 60, which will be described later, through electrode wiring in the storage battery holder 36. has been done.

The storage battery 33 is formed in a cylindrical shape with the axis O as its axial direction. The storage battery 33 is housed in a portion of the base portion 40 located on the opposite side of the holding unit 22 in the axial direction with respect to the partition wall 46 . Note that the power supply unit mounted on the suction device 1 is not limited to a secondary battery such as the storage battery 33, but may be a supercapacitor or the like as a chargeable/dischargeable power supply. Further, the power supply section may be a primary battery.

As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the first substrate module 34 is disposed 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 substrate module 34 includes a first substrate 60, a switch element 52 (see FIG. 3), and a pressure sensor 53.
The first substrate 60 is arranged with the front and back surfaces 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 surface 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 in the example shown in FIG. 3, the first substrate 60 is located on the axis O.

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 directions. 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 with the connection terminal drawn out from the switch element 52 inserted into a through hole 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 with respect to the switch element 52 in the axial direction. 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. Note that in this 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 present invention is not limited to this configuration. That is, if the switch element 52 and the pressure sensor 53 are disposed at positions shifted in the in-plane direction of the first substrate 60, even if they are disposed at positions shifted in the axial direction on the opposite side from the holding unit 22. Alternatively, they may be disposed shifted in the left-right direction in the radial direction.

The pressure sensor 53 may be of a capacitance type, for example. That is, the pressure sensor 53 detects the behavior of the diaphragm that deforms in response to pressure fluctuations as a change in capacitance. The pressure sensor 53 of this embodiment is mounted on the first substrate 60 with the connection terminal drawn out from the pressure sensor 53 inserted into the through hole 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 part 55 attached to the storage battery holder 36 and a covering part 56 that covers the pressure sensor 53.

The attachment portion 55 is formed in a semicircular shape. The attachment portion 55 is assembled to the storage battery holder 36 in a state in which it abuts the connection base 48 described above from the side opposite to the holding unit 22 in the axial direction. Note that a clamping piece 57 (see FIG. 4) that clamps the mounting part 55 in the axial direction between the step part 47 and the connecting base 48 is formed. The clamping pieces 57 protrude in the circumferential direction from both end surfaces of a circular arc located on the outside in the radial direction (left-right direction) of the stepped portion 47 .

The covering portion 56 extends from the mounting portion 55 on the side opposite to the holding unit 22 in the axial direction. The covering portion 56 is formed into a cap shape that is open toward the front side. The 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 into the covering portion 56 in a state where it is butted against the spacer 56b. Thereby, a radial gap is provided between the inner surface of the bottom wall portion 56a and the pressure sensor 53. Note that an air exchange hole 58 is formed in the bottom wall portion 56a, passing through the bottom wall portion 56a in the radial direction.

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

In this embodiment, the communication port 51 and the communication path 59 are arranged at a position where at least a portion thereof overlaps with the pressure sensor 53 when viewed from the axial direction. However, the communication port 51 and the communication path 59 may be arranged at positions shifted from the pressure sensor 53 when viewed from 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 in between. 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 in between. The second board module 35 includes a second board 61 and a female connector 62.
The second substrate 61 is housed in the press-fit cylinder portion 41 described above with the radial direction (front and back surface direction) as the thickness direction. As shown in FIG. 5, the second board 61 is placed on the boss portion 41a that protrudes radially inward from the press-fit cylinder portion 41, and is fixed to the boss portion 41a with screws or the like. The second substrate 61 is connected to the first substrate 60 via a second connection wiring 61a. That is, the second connection wiring 61a is routed in the axial direction around the storage battery 33 on the outside of the storage battery holder 36.

As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the female connector 62 is used to charge the storage battery 33, and a male connector (not shown) pulled out from an external power source is inserted and removed. In this embodiment, the female connector 62 is, for example, a USB connector (Universal Serial Bus). However, the female connector 62 is not limited to a USB connector. Further, the female connector 62 does not necessarily need 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 toward the back side. A distal end portion (an end portion closer to the opening) of the female connector 62 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 includes an exterior cylinder portion 71, an intervening member 72, and a connection mechanism 73.
The exterior cylinder portion 71 is formed into a cylindrical shape with the axis O as the central axis. The holder assembly 32 is inserted into the exterior cylinder 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 into the outer cylindrical part 71 with the press-fitted cylindrical part 41 of the storage battery holder 36 being press-fitted into the end of the outer cylindrical part 71 located on the opposite side of the holding unit 22. ing. As a result, the holder assembly 32 is accommodated in the exterior cylinder part 71 with the end located on the holding unit 22 side in the axial direction protruding from the exterior cylinder part 71. Note that an opening located on the opposite side of the holding unit 22 in the axial direction of the exterior cylinder portion 71 is closed by a closing portion 43 of the storage battery holder 36 .

A connector exposure hole 75 is formed in the end of the exterior cylindrical portion 71 located on the opposite side from the holding unit 22 in the axial direction, in a portion overlapping with the connector passage hole 42 and the female connector 62 described above when viewed from the radial direction. ing. The connector exposure hole 75 passes through the outer cylindrical portion 71 in the radial direction. In this embodiment, a configuration in which the female connector 62 opens in the radial direction has been described, but a configuration in which the female connector 62 opens in the axial direction may also be used.

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

A button 78 is housed within the button exposure hole 76 and the button opening 44 . The button 78 is configured to be movable in the radial direction while being supported by the button guide tube 45. The button 78 presses the switch element 52 as it moves inward in the radial direction. The surface of the button 78 is exposed on the outer circumferential surface of the outer cylindrical portion 71 through the button exposure hole 76. Note that the button 78 is not limited to one that moves in the radial direction, but may be one that slides in the axial direction, for example. Further, the suction device 1 may be operated using a touch sensor or the like instead of the button 78.

The interposed member 72 is formed into a cylindrical shape with the axis O as the central axis. The intervening member 72 is fitted between the holder assembly 32 and the exterior cylindrical portion 71 from the holding unit 22 side in the axial direction. Thereby, the space between the holder assembly 32 and the exterior cylinder part 71 is sealed at the opening of the exterior cylinder part 71 located on the holding unit 22 side in the axial direction.

As shown in FIG. 3, in the housing 31, the space surrounded by the sensor holder 54 constitutes a pressure fluctuation chamber S1 in which the pressure fluctuates through the communication port 51 described above according to the use (suction) of the suction device 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 on which atmospheric pressure acts. In this embodiment, the storage battery 33 and the board modules 34, 35 except for 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 variation chamber S1, components other than the pressure sensor 53 may be accommodated in the pressure variation chamber S1. Note that 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 connection member 81, and an annular piece 82.
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-mentioned connection base 48 from the holding unit 22 side in the axial direction. 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 cylindrical shape with the axis O as the central axis. Accommodating recesses 95 that are recessed toward the holding unit 22 in the axial direction are formed in the base portion 91 at positions overlapping each electrode holding portion 50 in a plan view. Each accommodation recess 95 extends in the axial direction and is continuous in the radial direction. In the base portion 91, an electrode insertion hole 97 is formed at a position overlapping each accommodation recess 95 in plan view. The electrode insertion hole 97 passes through the base portion 91 in the axial direction and communicates with the accommodation 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 plan view. The port insertion hole 99 passes through the base portion 91 in the axial direction.

As shown in FIGS. 3 and 5, in the connection cap 80 described above, the electrode holding portion 50 is accommodated in each accommodation recess 95, and the communication port 51 is inserted into the port insertion hole 99. Thereby, the connection cap 80 is assembled to the storage battery holder 36 in a state where it is butted against the end surface of the connection base 48 facing the holding unit 22 side in the axial direction. In this state, the pin electrode 49 projects from the base portion 91 toward the holding unit 22 in the axial direction through the electrode insertion hole 97 . The communication port 51 projects from the base portion 91 toward the holding unit 22 in the axial direction through the port insertion hole 99 . That is, the surface of the connection cap 80 (base portion 91) facing the holding unit 22 constitutes a base surface 91a from which the pin electrode 49 protrudes and from which the communication port 51 opens.

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

The surrounding convex portion 93 protrudes in the axial direction from the end face 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 convex portion 93 collectively surrounds the pin electrode 49 and the communication port 51 at a position radially outwardly away from the pin electrode 49 and the communication port 51 . Note that the surrounding convex portion 93 may be located on the inside in the radial direction with respect to the outer peripheral edge of the base portion 91 as long as it is configured to surround the pin electrode 49 and the communication port 51 all at once. Further, the surrounding convex portion 93 is not limited to an annular shape, but may be a polygonal shape or the like. Furthermore, in the present embodiment, the term "surrounding" is not limited to one that extends continuously, but also includes one that extends intermittently. That is, the surrounding convex portion 93 in this embodiment can be modified as appropriate as long as it surrounds the pin electrode 49 and the communication port 51 as a whole.

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

The first connecting member 81 includes a base cylindrical portion 100, a vertical engagement convex portion (first vertical engagement convex portion 101a to third vertical engagement convex portion 101c), and a horizontal engagement convex portion 102. There is.
The base cylindrical portion 100 is formed into a multi-stage cylindrical shape whose diameter gradually decreases toward the holding unit 22 side in the axial direction with the axis O as the center. An end portion of the base cylindrical portion 100 located on the opposite side from the holding unit 22 in the axial direction is fitted inside the interposed member 72 . In this state, the end of the base cylinder part 100 on the holding unit 22 side in the axial direction surrounds the connection cap 80 with the flange part 92 sandwiched between it and the connection pedestal 48 in the axial direction. An outer flange portion 105 that projects outward in the radial direction is formed at the end of the base cylinder portion 100 on the side of the holding unit 22 in the axial direction.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the power supply unit 21.
As shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, the vertical engagement convex portions 101a to 101c protrude from the base cylinder portion 100 toward the holding unit 22 in the axial direction. A plurality of vertical engagement protrusions 101a to 101c are formed at intervals in the circumferential direction. In this embodiment, the vertical engagement convex portions 101a to 101c are evenly spaced at intervals of 120° in the circumferential direction. Note that the vertical engagement protrusions 101a to 101c may be singular or plural. Further, the pitch of the vertical engagement convex portions 101a to 101c can be changed as appropriate. In this case, the plurality of vertical engagement protrusions 101a to 101c may be arranged unevenly.

FIG. 7 is a plan view of the power supply unit 21 viewed from the holding unit 22 side in the axial direction.
As shown in FIG. 7, in each of the vertical engagement convex portions 101a to 101c, each of the pin electrodes 49 is arranged so that the pin electrodes 49 are not arranged on the virtual straight lines La to Lc connecting the center in the circumferential direction and the axis O. Vertical engagement convex portions 101a to 101c are arranged. Specifically, the pin electrode 49 is arranged at a position that is symmetrical with respect to the virtual straight line La connecting the first vertical engagement convex portion 101a and the axis O. That is, the virtual straight line T1 and the virtual straight line La that connect the pin electrodes 49 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 engagement convex portions 101a to 101c located on the holding unit 22 side in the axial direction are located on the holding unit 22 side in the axial direction rather than the pin electrode 49. . The vertical engagement convex portions 101a to 101c are formed in a rectangular shape when viewed from the side in the radial direction. At the ends of the vertical engagement protrusions 101a to 101c on the holding unit 22 side in the axial direction, the surfaces facing inward in the radial direction are inclined so that the thickness in the radial direction becomes gradually thinner toward the holding unit 22 side in the axial direction. It is said to be a face. This inclined surface functions as a guide for smoothly guiding the vertical engagement protrusions 101a to 101c into the engagement recesses 210 of the cartridge 11, which will be described later.

The lateral engagement convex portion 102 projects radially outward from the outer flange portion 105. The lateral engagement convex portion 102 is formed into a rectangular shape in plan view. A plurality of lateral engagement convex portions 102 are formed at intervals in the circumferential direction. In this embodiment, the lateral engagement convex portions 102 are evenly spaced at 90° intervals in the circumferential direction. In this embodiment, one horizontal engagement convex portion 102 is arranged at the same position in the circumferential direction as the first vertical engagement convex portion 101a. Note that the horizontal engagement convex portion 102 may be singular or plural. Further, the pitch of the lateral engagement convex portions 102 can be changed as appropriate. In this case, the plurality of lateral engagement protrusions 102 may be unevenly arranged.

The annular piece 82 is formed into a thin annular shape. The base cylinder portion 100 described above is inserted into the annular piece 82 from the holding unit 22 side in the axial direction, so that it is held between the intervening member 72 and the outer flange portion 105 in the axial direction. 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 from the radially outer end surface of the lateral engagement convex portion 102 .

A plurality of the above-described flexible portions 106 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 a pair of lateral engagement protrusions 102 that face each other in the radial direction (left and right direction) among the lateral engagement protrusions 102 . However, the number of flexible portions 106 can be changed as appropriate. For example, the flexible portion 106 may be formed corresponding to each horizontal engagement convex portion 102, or may be formed corresponding to only one horizontal engagement convex portion 102.

<Holding unit>
FIG. 8 is an exploded perspective view of the holding unit 22.
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 into a cylindrical shape with the axis O as the central axis. An observation hole 130 is formed in the center of the container holding tube 120 in the axial direction. The observation hole 130 penetrates the container holding tube 120 in the radial direction. The observation hole 130 is formed in an elliptical shape whose longitudinal direction is the axial direction. A pair of observation holes 130 are formed in portions of the container holding cylinder 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 cylinder 120 located closer to the power supply unit 21 in the axial direction than the observation hole 130 . The vent 131 penetrates the container holding cylinder 120 in the radial direction. The vent 131 communicates the inside and outside of the holding unit 22. A pair of vent holes 131 are formed in portions of the container holding cylinder 120 that face each other in the radial direction (front and back directions). Note that the number, position, shape, etc. of the vents 131 can be changed as appropriate.

The transmission tube 121 is made of a material that transmits light. The transmission tube 121 is inserted into the container holding tube 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 check 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 or the transmission tube 121.

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

The fitting cylinder 140 is formed into a cylindrical shape with the axis O as the central axis. The fitting tube 140 is fitted into a portion of the container holding tube 120 located closer to the power supply unit 21 in the axial direction than the transmission tube 121 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 into 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-mentioned vent hole 131 in a side view viewed 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. The vent 131 opens into the holding unit 22 through the relief portion 145. Note that the shape of the relief portion 145 may be such that at least a portion of the vent 131 is exposed inside the holding unit 22. Further, when the guide tube 141 and the vent 131 are arranged at different positions in the axial direction, the guide tube 141 may be configured without the escape part 145.

FIG. 9 is a perspective view showing a connection structure between the first connecting member 81 and the second connecting member 122.
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 vertically extending portion 150 projects from the fitting tube 140 toward the power supply unit 21 in the axial direction.

As shown in FIG. 9, the horizontally extending portion 151 extends in a cantilevered manner from the end of the vertically extending portion 150 on the power supply unit 21 side in the axial direction 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 horizontally extending portion 151, an engagement recess 155 that is recessed toward the outside in the radial direction is formed at one end in the circumferential direction. The engagement recess 155 is formed in a semicircular shape toward the outside in the radial direction.

A plurality of the locking pieces 142 described above are formed at intervals in the circumferential direction. In this embodiment, each locking piece 142 is equally arranged at 90° intervals in the circumferential direction. An engagement groove 158 into which the above-mentioned horizontal engagement convex portion 102 is inserted is defined between the circumferentially adjacent locking pieces 142 . 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 can be attached and detached by connecting the locking piece 142 and the horizontal engagement protrusion 102. That is, in order to connect the power supply unit 21 and the holding unit 22, after inserting the lateral engagement protrusion 102 into the engagement 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 engagement convex portion 102 engages between the lateral extension 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 flexible portion 106 of the annular piece 82 fits into the engagement recess 155. As a result, the flexible portion 106 engages with the engagement recess 155 in the circumferential direction. As a result, 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.

As shown in FIG. 9, in the engagement groove 158 of this embodiment, the width in the axial direction between the fitting tube 140 and the laterally extending portion 151 gradually increases from the other side to the one side in the circumferential direction. It is formed in a tapered shape. Specifically, the end surface of the horizontally extending portion 151 facing the mouthpiece 23 side in the axial direction is an inclined surface that extends toward the power supply unit 21 side in the axial direction from the other side in the circumferential direction to the one side. .
The lateral engagement convex portion 102 is formed in a tapered shape whose 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 engagement convex portion 102 facing away from the holding unit 22 in the axial direction has an inclination that extends toward the mouthpiece 23 in the axial direction from one side in the circumferential direction to the other side. It is said to be a face. Thereby, 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 ease of assembly can be improved.

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

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

In the mouthpiece main body 160, an abutting flange 165 is formed in a portion located on the opposite side of the holding unit 22 in the axial direction with respect to the male threaded portion 160a. The abutment flange 165 is formed in an annular shape that projects outward in the radial direction. 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 . Note that the outer diameter of the abutment flange 165 gradually decreases as it moves away 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 end of the mouthpiece body 160 on the side of the holding unit 22 in the axial direction. A through hole 168 is formed in the partition portion 167 at a position overlapping with the axis O, passing through the partition portion 167 in the axial direction. The through hole 168 has, for example, an oval shape with one radial direction being the longitudinal direction. Note that the plan view shape of the through hole 168 may be a perfect circle, a polygon, or the like.

The first anti-slip member 161 is integrally formed of a resin material such as silicone resin, for example. The first anti-slip member 161 includes a ring portion 169, a fitting projection 170, and an abutment projection 171.

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

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

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

The contact projection 171 projects 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. In this embodiment, the contact protrusions 171 are formed in two concentric lines. Note that the first anti-slip member 161 may be configured without the abutting protrusion 171.

The second anti-slip member 162 is integrally formed of a resin material such as silicone resin, for example. The second anti-slip member 162 is fitted into the mouthpiece body 160 from the side opposite to the holding unit 22 in the axial direction. Note that the second anti-slip member 162 is positioned in the axial direction 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 removably attached to the mouthpiece body 160 from the side opposite to the holding unit 22 in the axial direction. The tobacco capsule 12 includes a capsule portion 180 and a filter portion 181.

As shown in FIG. 11, the capsule portion 180 is formed into a bottomed cylindrical shape with the axis O as the central axis. In the capsule portion 180, a mesh opening is formed in the bottom wall portion 186 that closes the opening on the holding unit 22 side in the axial direction, passing through the bottom wall portion 186 in the axial direction.
The filter portion 181 is fitted into the capsule portion 180 from the side opposite to the holding unit 22 in the axial direction. Tobacco leaves are enclosed in a space defined by the capsule section 180 and the filter section 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 in a transparent tube 121 of the holding unit 22.

FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view of the cartridge 11 along the axial direction. FIG. 14 is an exploded perspective view of the cartridge 11.
As shown in FIGS. 13 and 14, the cartridge 11 includes a cylindrical tank 191 with a bottom, a substantially disc-shaped gasket (also referred to as a support member) 192 housed in the tank 191, and a substantially disc-shaped mesh. The tank 191 includes a body (also referred to as a partition plate) 193, a heating section 194, an atomization container (also referred to as a container) 195, and a heater holder 196 that closes an opening 191a 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 engagement 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 engagement hole 198 is formed in a rectangular shape when viewed from the radial direction so as to be elongated in the circumferential direction. The two engagement holes 198 are arranged oppositely on both sides of the tank 191 with the axis Q interposed therebetween. Note that when the cartridge 11 is housed in the transmission tube 121, the axis Q coincides with the axis O of the main unit 10. The axis Q is an axis common to each part of the cartridge 11. In the following, the axis Q is not limited to the axis Q of the tank 191, but will be used in the description of each part constituting the cartridge 11.

Further, a guide recess 198a is formed in the peripheral wall 191b of the tank 191 on the inner peripheral surface slightly closer to the opening 191a from the engagement hole 198. The guide recess 198a is also open on the opening 191a side. The guide recess 198a has a role of guiding an engagement piece 206, which will be described later, when fixing the heater holder 196 to the tank 191.

A through hole 191d is formed in the bottom portion 191c of the tank 191 at the center in the radial direction, passing through the bottom portion 191c. An annular flow pipe (also referred to as a flow path) 197 that protrudes into the tank 191 from the inner surface of the bottom portion 191c is integrally formed around the periphery of the through hole 191d. The inside of the flow path pipe 197 and the through hole 191d are communicated with each other. The flow path pipe 197 becomes a flow path for atomized aerosol. The flow pipe 197 extends from the bottom 191c to a position slightly closer to the opening 191a than the approximate center of the tank 191 in the axial direction.

A plurality of (three in this embodiment) ribs 199 are integrally formed between the inner circumferential surface of the peripheral wall 191b and the outer circumferential surface of the flow path pipe 197, and extend over the peripheral wall 191b and the flow path tube 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 in front of the end (tip) of the flow path pipe 197 on the opening 191a side. The ribs 199 are for supporting the flow pipe 197.

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

Gasket 192 is formed so that its outer diameter is approximately the same as the inner diameter of tank 191. The gasket 192 positions the mesh body 193, which will be described later, and maintains the posture of the mesh body 193. In other words, the gasket 192 supports a mesh body 193, which will be described later. An insertion hole 192a into which a flow pipe 197 can be inserted is formed in the radial center of the gasket 192. A gasket 192 is housed in the tank 191 so that the flow path pipe 197 is inserted into the insertion hole 192a. Further, one surface 192b of the gasket 192 is brought into contact with the end surface 201a of the convex portion 201, and the gasket 192 is positioned within the tank 191. With the gasket 192 positioned, the outer peripheral surface of the gasket 192 is in contact with the inner peripheral surface of the tank 191. Further, the insertion hole 192a of the gasket 192 is in contact with the outer peripheral surface of the flow path pipe 197.

A plurality of openings 192c (four in this embodiment) are formed in most of the space 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. The openings 192c are arranged at equal intervals in the circumferential direction. Inside the tank 191, both sides of the gasket 192 are communicated via an opening 192c. A mesh body 193 is disposed on the other surface 192d of the gasket 192 opposite to the one surface 192b.

The mesh body 193 is a porous member having liquid absorbing properties. The mesh body 193 is made of, for example, 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 its outer diameter is approximately the same as the inner diameter of the tank 191. An insertion hole 193a into which a channel pipe 197 can be inserted is formed in the radial center of the mesh body 193. The flow path pipe 197 is inserted into the insertion hole 193a, and the position of the mesh body 193 is determined by overlapping one surface 193b of the mesh body 193 with the other surface 192d of the gasket 192. The outer peripheral surface of the mesh body 193 is in contact with the inner peripheral surface of the tank 191. Further, the insertion hole 193a of the mesh body 193 is in contact with the outer circumferential surface of the flow path pipe 197.

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

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

The heating wire 205 includes a heating wire main body 205a formed in a spiral shape so as to surround the radially extending portion 204c of the wick 204, and a heating wire main body 205a extending along the axial direction from both ends of the heating wire main body 205a toward the heater holder 196 side. It has two terminal parts 205b extending from the top. When the wick 204 is heated by the heating wire 205, the aerosol source absorbed by the wick 204 is atomized. The tips of the two terminal portions 205b are folded back toward the mesh body 193 side. The two terminal parts 205b are connected to the heater holder 196.

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

The circumferential wall 196b of the heater holder 196 is formed so that its outer diameter is approximately the same as the outer diameter of the circumferential wall 191b of the tank 191. A fitting portion 196d whose diameter is reduced via a step surface 196c is formed on the outer peripheral surface of the peripheral wall 196b from approximately the center in the axial direction to the opening 196a. This fitting portion 196d is fitted into the inner peripheral surface of the peripheral wall 191b of the tank 191. Further, the end of the peripheral wall 191b of the tank 191 on the opening 191a side is brought into contact with the stepped surface 196c of the peripheral wall 196b. Thereby, the heater holder 196 is positioned with respect to the tank 191 in the axial direction.

Furthermore, two engaging pieces 206 are integrally molded at the end of the fitting portion 196d on the opening 196a side at positions corresponding to the two engaging holes 198 of the tank 191. The two engagement pieces 206 protrude toward the corresponding engagement holes 198. That is, the two engaging pieces 206 are arranged oppositely on both sides with the axis Q of the heater holder 196 interposed therebetween.
The engagement piece 206 is engaged with the engagement hole 198 of the tank 191 to integrate the tank 191 and the heater holder 196. The engagement piece 206 is formed to be elastically deformable in the radial direction. At the tip of the engagement piece 206, an engagement claw 207 that can be inserted into the engagement hole 198 of the tank 191 is formed to protrude outward in the radial direction.

The engaging claw 207 is formed so that the cross-sectional shape of the plane along the axial direction and the radial direction is approximately triangular. That is, the engaging claw 207 has an inclined surface 207a such that the distal end surface thereof is inclined toward the proximal end (towards the fitting portion 196d) 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.

Furthermore, a recess 208 is formed in the peripheral wall 196b of the heater holder 196 on the outer peripheral surface, avoiding the fitting portion 196d, and is aligned with the engaging claw 207 in the axial direction. The recess 208 is open on the outside in the radial direction and on the step surface 196c side. A first intake hole 209 is formed in the recess 208 and extends through the peripheral wall 196b in the thickness direction. The inside and outside of the peripheral wall 196b are communicated through the first intake hole 209.

Further, three engagement recesses 210 are formed in the peripheral wall 196b of the heater holder 196 on the bottom 196e side. The three engagement recesses 210 are arranged at equal intervals in the circumferential direction (120° intervals in the circumferential direction) and so as to avoid the formation position of the recess 208. The engagement recess 210 is formed so that the radially outer side and the bottom portion 196e are open. A tapered flattened portion 210a is formed on the bottom 196e side of the engagement recess 210, and the width of the engagement recess 210 in the circumferential direction gradually increases toward the bottom 196e.
The vertical engagement protrusions (protrusions) 101a to 101c of the first connecting member 81 are respectively inserted into the three engagement recesses 210 formed in this manner. Thereby, 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 and extends from the inner surface in the axial direction. Further, 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 inside of the heater holder 196 is divided into two rooms by such a connecting wall 211.
Furthermore, two slits 212 are formed in the bottom 196e of the heater holder 196. The two slits 212 are arranged along both sides of the connection wall 211 in the 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 formed by connecting electrode portions 213a and 214a provided on the connection wall 211, and connection electrode portions (bending and extending from the extraction electrode portions 213a and 214a to the outer surface of the bottom portion 196e through corresponding slits 212, respectively). (a first plane electrode and a second plane electrode) 213b, 214b. Two end portions 205b of a heating wire 205 constituting the heating portion 194 are separately connected to each extraction electrode portion 213a, 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, sandwiched therebetween. Specifically, the two connection electrode portions 213b and 214b are arranged such that their linear sides 213c and 214c are opposed in the radial direction when viewed from the axial direction. In addition, the two connection electrode parts 213b and 214b have arcuate sides 213d and 214d that are arcuate when viewed from the axial direction and constitute outer peripheral parts. The end of the connection wall 211 is interposed between one side 213c, 214c of the two connection electrode parts 213b, 214b. The tip of the pin electrode 49 (electrode main body) held in each electrode holding part 50 comes into contact with each connection electrode part 213b, 214b with the heater holder 196 (cartridge 11) and first connection member 81 connected. be done. That is, the bottom portion 196e of the heater holder 196 functions as an electrode placement surface that faces the base surface 91a described above in the axial direction when the cartridge 11 is attached to the main body unit 10.

Here, each connection electrode part 213b, 214b is connected 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 rotate relative to each other around the axis O (axis Q). At least formed on the trajectory. That is, each connection electrode part 213b, 214b has a first virtual circumference C1 centered on the axis O and passing through the first pin electrode 49a, and a second virtual circumference C2 centered on the axis O and passing through the second pin electrode 49b. It is formed in an area that includes both. In this embodiment, since the pin electrodes 49a and 49b are arranged line-symmetrically, the virtual circumferences C1 and C2 match.

Moreover, since the end of the connection wall 211 interposed between the sides 213c and 214c of the two connection electrode parts 213b and 214b extends along the radial direction passing through the axis Q of the heater holder 196, in other words, 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 orientation coincides with an imaginary straight line T2 passing through the circumferential center of one of the three engagement 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 its width in the transverse direction (circumferential direction around the axis Q) is slightly larger than the axial diameter of each pin electrode 49 .

The end portion of the connection wall 211 arranged in this manner functions as an insulating portion 215 that partitions the connection electrode portions 213b, 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 the virtual straight line T2 passing through the circumferential center of one engagement recess 210 and the axis Q of the heater holder 196. In this state, the tip of each pin electrode 49 reliably contacts the two connection electrode portions 213b and 214b separately. That is, the two pin electrodes 49 do not come into contact with one of the two connection electrode parts 213b and 214b at the same time. In this way, each of the connection electrode parts 213b and 214b of this embodiment includes virtual circumferences C1 and C2 on both sides in the radial direction with the virtual straight line T2 (insulating part 215) in between, and the virtual circumference C1 , C2, and is formed in a semicircular shape extending radially outward (circular sides 213d, 214d) and inward (one side 213c, 214c).

Furthermore, concave portions 213e and 214e that are recessed inward in the radial direction are formed in the arcuate sides 213d and 214d of the two connection electrode portions 213b and 214b at approximately the center in the circumferential direction. In the bottom part 196e of the heater holder 196, a second intake hole 216 penetrating in the thickness direction of the bottom part 196e is located at a part corresponding to one of the recesses 213e and 214e of the connection electrode parts 213b and 214b. is formed. The inside and outside of the bottom portion 196e are communicated through the second intake hole 216.

Furthermore, a recess 196f having the same shape as the connecting electrode portions 213b, 214b when viewed from the axial direction is formed in the bottom portion 196e at a location corresponding to the connecting electrode portions 213b, 214b. Connection electrode portions 213b and 214b are housed in this recessed portion 196f. By forming the recessed 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. A portion of the atomization container 195 is housed so as to fit into the inner peripheral surface of the peripheral wall 196b of the heater holder 196.

As shown in FIG. 11, when the cartridge 11 is installed in the holding unit 22, the outer peripheral portion of the bottom portion 196e abuts the above-mentioned surrounding convex portion 93 in the axial direction. As a result, the space surrounded by the bottom portion 196e and the connecting cap 80 (the base surface 91a and the surrounding convex portion 93) forms a buffer space S3 that allows communication between the inside of the communication port 51 and the second intake hole 216. In the example of FIG. 11, the communication port 51 and the second intake hole 216 are spaced apart in the axial direction and are arranged at positions shifted from each other in the circumferential direction. Note that the communication port 51 and the second intake hole 216 may be arranged at positions shifted from each other in the radial direction.

The communication port 51 of this embodiment communicates with the flow path pipe 197 through the buffer space S3, the second intake hole 216, and the like. Note that the portion of the bottom (second surface) 196e that the surrounding convex portion 93 comes into contact with is formed into a flat surface perpendicular to the axial direction. The portion of the bottom portion 196e that the surrounding convex portion 93 comes into contact with may be a convex surface, a concave surface, an inclined surface, or the like.

In this embodiment, the surrounding convex portion 93 is in close contact with the bottom portion 196e in an elastically deformed state due to the cartridge 11 being pressed by the mouthpiece 23. However, the surrounding convex portion 93 and the bottom portion 196e do not necessarily need to be in close contact with each other, and may be spaced apart. 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 viewed from the mesh body 193 side (second side in the axial direction).
The atomizing container 195 shown in FIGS. 13, 14, 17, etc. is made of an elastic member, 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 196e of the heater holder 196 in the axial direction. That is, the atomizing container 195 is formed into a substantially cylindrical shape so as to surround the heating part 194, and includes a cylindrical part 217 that fits into the inner peripheral surface of the peripheral wall 191b of the tank 191, and an inner peripheral wall 196b of the heater holder 196. A substantially block-shaped fitting portion 218 that fits on the peripheral surface is integrally molded.

At the end of the cylindrical portion 217 on the side of the mesh body 193, a step surface 217a is formed in most of the radial center. By forming the stepped surface 217a, a ring-shaped protrusion 219 is formed in which the outer peripheral portion of the cylinder portion 217 protrudes toward the mesh body 193 side. An end of this protrusion 219 is brought into contact with the other surface 193c of the mesh body 193. The outer diameter of the protrusion 219 is approximately the same as or slightly smaller than the inner diameter of the peripheral wall 191b of the tank 191.

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

A seal portion 222 is formed on the outer peripheral surface of the cylindrical portion 217 near the fitting portion 218 . The seal portion 222 is formed to protrude outward in the radial direction over the entire circumference except for a notch portion 222a which will be described later. The seal portion 222 has the role of ensuring sealing between the cylindrical portion 217 and the peripheral wall 191b of the tank 191, and also has the role of suppressing the atomization container 195 from coming off from the tank 191.
The outer diameter of the seal portion 222 is slightly larger than the inner diameter of the peripheral wall 191b of the tank 191. Therefore, when the atomization container 195 is housed in the tank 191, the seal portion 222 is compressed in the radial direction. Thereby, the sealing performance of the seal portion 222 is ensured, and the atomization container 195 is prevented from coming off from the tank 191 due to the frictional resistance of the seal portion 222.

Moreover, two notches 222a are formed in the seal portion 222. The two notches 222a are arranged oppositely on both sides with the axis Q of the tank 191 interposed therebetween. The cutout portion 222a allows communication between the outside air and a liquid reservoir portion 223, which will be described later.

A liquid reservoir portion 223 is formed on the outer peripheral surface of the cylindrical portion 217 from the tip of the protruding portion 219 to the seal portion 222 . When the mesh body 193 and the wick 204 are saturated, the liquid aerosol source stored in the liquid storage chamber 202 of the tank 191 leaks out along the inner peripheral surface of the peripheral wall 191b of the tank 191. This is the site where this leaked aerosol source is temporarily stored.

The liquid reservoir portion 223 is configured such that the gap between the outer circumferential surface of the cylindrical portion 217 and the peripheral wall 191b of the tank 191 gradually narrows as the entire outer circumferential surface of the cylindrical portion 217 goes from the seal portion 222 toward the tip of the protruding portion 219. This is a recess formed diagonally. In other words, the liquid reservoir portion 223 is a recessed 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 as it goes toward the opening 191a of the tank 191.
Since the liquid reservoir portion 223 is formed in this manner, a narrow portion 279 is formed near the protrusion 219 of the cylindrical portion 217, with a minute gap between the protrusion 219 and the peripheral wall 191b of the tank 191.
Here, the end of the protruding portion 219 of the cylindrical portion 217 is in contact with the other surface 193c of the mesh body 193. Further, the outer peripheral surface of the mesh body 193 is in contact with the inner peripheral surface of the tank 191. Therefore, the narrow portion 279 formed between the protruding portion 219 of the cylindrical portion 217 and the peripheral wall 191b of the tank 191 is covered (closed) by the outer peripheral portion of the mesh body 193.

Further, a recess 224 for receiving the engagement piece 206 is formed on the outer circumferential surface of the cylindrical portion 217 at a position corresponding to the engagement piece 206 on the side closer to the heater holder 196 than the seal portion 222 . 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. Furthermore, the bottom surface 224a of the recess 224 in the cylindrical portion 217 is brought into contact with the radially inner inner surface of the engagement piece 206.

The fitting portion 218 of the atomization container 195 is formed into a substantially cylindrical shape that can fit into the inner peripheral surface of the peripheral wall 196b of the heater holder 196. That is, the outer diameter of the fitting portion 218 is smaller than the outer diameter of the cylindrical portion 217 via the stepped portion 217b. A slit 225 is formed in the fitting portion 218 into which the connecting wall 211 of the heater holder 196 can be inserted. Further, 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 end portion 205b of the heating wire 205 into the heating wire slit, the end portion 205b is held in the atomization container 195. Moreover, the extraction electrode parts 213a and 214a provided on the connection wall 211 and the terminal part 205b of the heating wire 205 are connected.

Furthermore, a ventilation passage 226 is formed in the fitting portion 218 at a location corresponding to the first intake hole 209 and the second intake hole 216 of the heater holder 196 . Furthermore, a slit 218a is formed in the fitting part 218, which communicates the slit 225 and the ventilation path 226 with the atomization chamber M (accommodation recess 220) of the cylinder part 217. The ventilation path 226 and the atomization chamber M (accommodation recess 220) of the atomization container 195 are communicated via this slit 218a. Thereby, the atomization chamber M (accommodation recess 220) of the atomization container 195 is communicated with the first intake hole 209 and the second intake hole 216 of the heater holder 196 via the ventilation path 226 and the slit 218a.

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

In the following description, in the circumferential direction 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 around the axis O is referred to as the rotation direction M1. , the direction of rotation around the axis O in a counterclockwise direction is referred to as a rotation direction M2.

The first rotational connection section 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 around the axis O. When the power supply unit 21 is used as a reference, when the holding unit 22 is rotated in the rotational 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 rotational 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 rotational connection part 301 includes a rotational 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. 9 and 10 described above. A locking mechanism 311 is provided. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 9, the rotational connection mechanism 310 connects the horizontal engagement protrusion 102 provided on the first connection member 81 of the power supply unit 21 to the second connection member 122 of the holding unit 22. After inserting the holding unit 22 into the engaging groove 158 in the axial direction, the horizontal engaging protrusion 102 is locked to the locking piece 142 by rotating the holding unit 22 in the rotational direction M1 (see FIG. 18) with respect to the power supply unit 21. to connect the power supply unit 21 and the holding unit 22.

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

During connection in the rotational connection mechanism 310 (when rotating the holding unit 22 in the rotational direction M1 with respect to the power supply unit 21), the flexible portion 106 and the tip portion 142a of the locking piece 142 come into contact, and the flexible portion 106 It gets over the tip portion 142a while being elastically deformed inward in the radial direction. After the flexible portion 106 passes over the tip portion 142a, the flexible portion 106 is restored and deformed toward the outside in the radial direction, and engages with the engagement recess 155. When the flexible portion 106 engages with the engagement recess 155, the flexible portion 106 faces and locks the distal end portion 142a of the locking piece 142 in the rotation direction M1. This makes it impossible to disconnect the power supply unit 21 and the holding unit 22 without applying a certain amount of force.

According to the first rotational connection part 301, even in the case where the power supply unit 21 and the holding unit 22 can be separated as in this embodiment in order to improve manufacturing efficiency, the power supply unit by the rotational connection mechanism 310 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 locking mechanism 311 can be improved. Moreover, since the locking mechanism 311 locks at the same time as the rotation connecting mechanism 310 connects, the convenience of assembly (usability) can be improved.

In the locking mechanism 311, as shown in FIG. 10, a flexible portion 106 that is elastically deformed is arranged radially inside a 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 for repeated assembly and improves the reliability of the lock.

As shown in FIG. 9, the locking piece 142 to which the flexible portion 106 locks forms an engagement groove 158 in which the horizontal engagement convex portion 102 of the rotational connection mechanism 310 engages. In this way, the locking piece 142 forms a part of the rotational connection mechanism 310 (the engagement groove 158) and also forms a part of the locking mechanism 311 (the tip part 142a (convex part)). The reliability of the connection state (connection strength) can be improved relatively easily.

As shown in FIG. 18, the second rotational connection section 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. When the holding unit 22 is used as a reference, when the mouthpiece 23 is rotated in the rotation direction M1 with respect to the holding unit 22, the holding unit 22 and the mouthpiece 23 are connected. 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.

As shown in FIG. 11 described above, the second rotational 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. Specifically, the second rotational connection part 302 rotates the male threaded part 160a provided on the mouthpiece 23 in the rotational direction M1 with respect to the female threaded part 123a provided on the holding unit 22, thereby connecting the holding unit 22 and Connect the mouthpiece 23. Further, the connection between the holding unit 22 and the mouthpiece 23 is released by rotating the male threaded portion 160a provided on the mouthpiece 23 in the rotational direction M2 with respect to the female threaded portion 123a provided on the holding unit 22.

As shown in FIG. 18, the rotation direction M1 is the direction in which the holding unit 22 is connected to the power supply unit 21, and is also the direction in which the mouthpiece 23 is connected to the holding unit 22. Further, the rotation direction M2 is a direction in which the holding unit 22 is disconnected from the power supply unit 21, and is also a direction in which the mouthpiece 23 is disconnected from the holding unit 22. In this way, in the first rotational connection part 301 and the second rotational connection part 302, the rotational directions of connection and disconnection around 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 convenience (usability).

The frequency of disconnecting the mouthpiece 23 and the holding unit 22 for reasons such as replacing the cartridge 11 is higher than the frequency of disconnecting the power supply unit 21 and the holding unit 22. In this embodiment, a first torque 301T is applied around the axis O to release the connection between the power supply unit 21 and the holding unit 22 at the first rotational connection part 301, and at the second rotational connection part 302, the connection between the power supply unit 21 and the holding unit 22 is released. , 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. Thereby, when the mouthpiece 23 is removed from the holding unit 22, it is possible to prevent the holding unit 22 and the power supply unit 21 from rotating together.

The first torque 301T is the peak value of the torque value when the holding unit 22 rotates in the rotational direction M2 with respect to the power supply unit 21, and is the peak value of the torque value when the holding unit 22 rotates in the rotational direction M2 with respect to the power supply unit 21, and is a torque value corresponding to the elastic deformation in the radial direction of the flexible portion 106 shown in FIGS. 9 and 10. Depends on 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. Note that the first torque 301T is preferably 1.5 times or more greater than the second torque 302T, for example.

Since the first rotational connection part 301 and the second rotational connection part 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 rotational connection portion 301 is selected or the thickness is adjusted, the spring coefficient for elastic deformation of the flexible portion 106 in the radial direction is changed. The magnitude of the first torque 301T relative to the second torque 302T can be easily adjusted.

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

The cartridge accommodating portion 320 forms a cartridge accommodating space 321 having a cylindrical shape with a bottom. A peripheral wall of the cartridge accommodating portion 320 that forms the cartridge accommodating space 321 is formed by the holding unit 22 . Further, the bottom of the cartridge accommodating section 320 that forms the cartridge accommodating space 321 is formed by the power supply unit 21 . That is, the peripheral wall (holding unit 22) of the cartridge accommodating part 320 is removable from the bottom of the cartridge accommodating part 320 (power supply unit 21).

At the bottom of the cartridge accommodating portion 320, a vertical engagement protrusion 101 (vertical engagement protrusions 101a to 101c are denoted by 101 from FIG. 19 onwards) provided on the first connecting member 81 is attached to the shaft. It is erected in the direction. The vertical engagement convex portion 101 is arranged to be inserted into an engagement recess 210 provided in the cartridge 11 in the axial direction. That is, the vertical engagement protrusion 101 and the engagement recess 210 are arranged on the same radius centered on the axis O. The vertical engagement convex portion 101 and the engagement recess 210 form a first rotation restriction portion 330 that restricts the relative rotation of the cartridge 11 about the axis O with respect to the cartridge storage portion 320 (cartridge storage space 321).

In the first rotation regulating section 330, when the cartridge 11 and the cartridge accommodating section 320 are rotated relative to each other around the axis O, the vertical engagement protrusion 101 provided on the same radius is inserted into the engagement recess 210, and the cartridge Rotation around the axis O of 11 is restricted. As a result, the cartridge 11 is positioned in the circumferential direction, and electrical continuity between the connection electrode portions 213b and 214b (see FIG. 10) on the bottom portion 196e of the cartridge 11 and the pin electrode 49 of the power supply unit 21 is ensured.

The first rotation regulating part 330 includes a positioning mechanism 340 that positions the cartridge 11 with respect to the cartridge accommodating part 320 in conjunction with the mouthpiece 23 when the mouthpiece 23 is screwed into the cartridge accommodating part 320 (holding unit 22). is forming. According to this positioning mechanism 340, the cartridge 11 can be positioned simultaneously with the screwing of the mouthpiece 23 into the cartridge accommodating portion 320. Therefore, positioning of the removable cartridge 11 with respect to the cartridge accommodating portion 320 becomes easy, and the complexity of assembly is eliminated. Further, there is no need to rotate the cartridge 11 directly by hand.

Specifically, the mouthpiece 23 includes the above-described first anti-slip member (cartridge abutting portion) 161 that rotates the cartridge 11 around the axis O with respect to the cartridge accommodating portion 320. The first anti-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 anti-slip member 161 comes into contact with the cartridge 11, the cartridge 11 begins to rotate together with the mouthpiece 23, and when the engagement recess 210 and the vertical engagement protrusion 101 are aligned in the circumferential direction, the cartridge 11 is rotated. The cartridge 11 is positioned in the circumferential direction by falling down due to gravity toward the bottom side of the cartridge accommodating portion 320 and inserting the vertical engagement protrusion 101 into the engagement recess 210 .

Further, as the mouthpiece 23 is screwed in, the first anti-slip member 161 is compressed in the axial direction between the cartridge 11 supported by the power supply unit 21 (vertical engagement protrusion 101 etc.) and the mouthpiece body 160. be done. As shown in FIG. 11, the first anti-slip member 161 presses the cartridge 11 toward the power supply unit 21 with the mouthpiece 23 screwed onto the holding unit 22. Thereby, the cartridge 11 is positioned in the axial direction.

Since the first anti-slip member 161 is made of silicone resin as described above, it exerts 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. Further, as shown in FIG. 19, the first anti-slip member 161 has an abutting protrusion 171 formed on a facing surface 161a facing the cartridge 11. As shown in FIG. Due to the contact protrusion 171, the contact of the first anti-slip member 161 with the cartridge 11 is no longer a planar contact, so the contact pressure increases, and the frictional force in the circumferential direction and the 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, thereby airtightly sealing the space between the through hole 191d of the cartridge 11 and the communication hole 169a of the first anti-slip member 161. , the flow path between the cartridge 11 and the mouthpiece 23 is communicated with each other, and the aerosol generated in the cartridge 11 can be sucked through the mouthpiece 23. Since the contact protrusion 171 is formed in a double ring shape (see FIG. 12), it is possible to form a highly airtight double seal.

As shown in FIG. 19, the mouthpiece 23 includes a second rotation regulating portion 350 that regulates the relative rotation of the first anti-slip member 161 with respect to the mouthpiece body 160. The second rotation regulating portion 350 includes a fitting protrusion 170 (see FIG. 12) provided on the first anti-slip member 161, an elongated through hole 168 (see FIG. 12) provided on the mouthpiece body 160, is formed by. The fitting protrusions 170 extend as a pair in the axial direction toward the mouthpiece body 160 and fit into both longitudinal ends of the through hole 168 .

According to the second rotation regulating section 350, even if condensed aerosol accumulates between the mouthpiece body 160 and the first anti-slip member 161, the first anti-slip member 161 rotates idly with respect to the mouthpiece body 160 ( (slip) can be prevented. Therefore, the cartridge 11 can be reliably positioned in the circumferential direction. Further, the through hole 168 may be formed into a long hole and may be integrated with the suction port 23a.

[Effect]
<How to assemble the suction device>
Next, a method of assembling the above-described suction device 1 will be explained.
As shown in FIG. 2, in assembling the suction device 1 of this embodiment, the holding unit 22 is first assembled to the power supply unit 21. Specifically, after the horizontal engagement convex portion 102 is inserted into the engagement groove 158 in the axial direction, the power supply unit 21 and the holding unit 22 are rotated relative to each other around the axis O. Then, the power supply unit 21 and the holding unit 22 are assembled to each other in the above-described first rotational connection portion 301, with the positions being determined in the axial direction and the circumferential direction. Note that 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 parts 213b and 214b of the cartridge 11 facing toward the holding unit 22 in the axial direction. When the circumferential positions of the vertical engagement protrusions 101a to 101c of the power supply unit 21 and the engagement recesses 210 of the cartridge 11 match, each vertical engagement protrusion 101a to 101c corresponds to the engagement recess 210. inserted within. A flattened portion 210a is formed in the engagement recess 210, while an inclined surface is formed at the tips of the vertical engagement convex portions 101a to 101c. Therefore, the vertical engagement projections 101a to 101c are smoothly inserted into the engagement recess 210. Thereby, the cartridge 11 is positioned relative to the power supply unit 21 in the circumferential direction and the axial direction, and the cartridge 11 is assembled to the power supply unit 21 at a proper position.

That is, one of the pin electrodes 49 of the power supply unit 21 is connected to one of the connection electrode parts 213b, 214b of the connection electrode parts 213b, 214b of the cartridge 11. Further, the other pin electrode 49 and the other of the connection electrode parts 213b and 214b in the cartridge 11 are connected. Electric power from the power supply unit 21 can be applied to the heating wire 205 of the heating section 194 via these connection electrode sections 213b and 214b (electrodes 213 and 214). Further, since the bottom portion 196e of the cartridge 11 comes into contact with the surrounding convex portion 93, a buffer space S3 is defined by the cartridge 11 and the connection cap 80.

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

Next, the tobacco capsule 12 is inserted into the mouthpiece 23. Specifically, the tobacco capsule 12 is fitted into the mouthpiece main body 160 with the mesh opening facing the mouthpiece 23.
Through the above steps, the assembly of the suction device 1 is completed.

By the way, when inserting the cartridge 11 described above, depending on the circumferential direction of the cartridge 11, the circumferential position of the vertical engagement protrusions 101a to 101c of the power supply unit 21 and the engagement recess 210 of the cartridge 11 may vary. They may not match. In this case, the bottom portion 196e of the cartridge 11 is in a state in which it rides on the vertical engagement convex portions 101a to 101c (hereinafter simply referred to as the "riding state").

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

FIG. 21 is an explanatory diagram showing how the mouthpiece 23 is screwed on when the cartridge 11 is in a mounted state.
As shown in FIG. 21, when the mouthpiece 23 is turned and screwed onto the holding unit 22 while the cartridge 11 remains on top of the cartridge 11, as shown in FIG. A member 161 abuts against the cartridge 11 . Specifically, as shown in FIG. 21, at the moment when the male threaded portion 160a of the mouthpiece 23 is engaged with the female threaded portion 123a of the holding unit 22, the first anti-slip member 161 is not in contact with the cartridge 11; As shown in FIG. 2, the male threaded portion 160a is screwed into the female threaded portion 123a, and after one or two turns from half a turn, the first anti-slip member 161 comes into contact with the cartridge 11.

FIG. 22 is an explanatory diagram showing how the mouthpiece 23 and the cartridge 11 rotate together.
As shown in FIG. 22, if the screwing operation of the mouthpiece 23 is continued with the first anti-slip member 161 in contact with the cartridge 11, friction will be generated between the first anti-slip member 161 and the cartridge 11. The force causes the mouthpiece 23 and cartridge 11 to rotate together. That is, by screwing the mouthpiece 23, the cartridge 11 is rotated in the circumferential direction (tightening direction (rotation direction M1)) while being pressed against the power supply unit 21 side in the axial direction.

Thereafter, when the circumferential positions of the connection electrode parts 213b, 214b of the cartridge 11 and the vertical engagement protrusions 101a to 101c of the power supply unit 21 match, the vertical engagement protrusions 101a to 101c correspond to the engagement recesses 210. go 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 in the correct position. As a result, the pin electrode 49 and the connection electrode parts 213b and 214b come into contact with each other while the movement of the cartridge 11 in the circumferential direction 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 cartridge 11 is allowed to move in the axial direction due to the positioning of the vertical engagement protrusion 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 connecting electrode parts 213b and 214b are pressed against the pin electrode 49, and the first anti-slip member 161 is held between the cartridge 11 supported by the power supply unit 21 and the mouthpiece main body 160. The cartridge 11 is axially compressed and positioned in the axial direction. In this way, by screwing the mouthpiece 23, the cartridge 11 is positioned in the circumferential direction and the axial direction, and furthermore, the cartridge 11 and the power supply unit 21 are electrically connected. In addition, the abutment protrusion 171 of the first anti-slip member 161 is compressed in the axial direction, thereby sealing the gap between the cartridge 11 and the mouthpiece 23.
Further, when the cartridge 11 is assembled in the proper position in this manner, the surrounding convex portion 93 of the connection cap 80 comes into contact with the cartridge 11. Therefore, a buffer space S3 (see FIG. 3) surrounded by the surrounding convex portion 93 is formed between the bottom portion 196e of the heater holder 196 of the cartridge 11 and the connection cap 80.

<How to assemble the cartridge>
Next, a method for assembling the cartridge 11 described above will be explained.
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 in this order from the opening 191a of the tank 191. 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. Further, one surface 193b of the mesh body 193 is superimposed on the other surface 192d of the gasket 192. As a result, the inside of the tank 191 is correctly partitioned into a liquid storage chamber 202 and an open chamber 203 by the mesh body 193. Although the mesh body 193 itself is soft, its posture is maintained and positioning is performed by the gasket 192.

Further, in parallel with the above steps, the heating section 194 and the atomizing container 195 are assembled to the heater holder 196. Specifically, first, the heating unit 194 is assembled into the storage recess 220 of the atomization container 195. Next, the atomizing container 195 is inserted into the heater holder 196 with the fitting portion 218 side of the atomizing container 195 facing the opening 196a of the heater holder 196. Then, the fitting portion 218 is fitted into the inner peripheral surface of the peripheral wall 196b of the heater holder 196. At this time, the connecting wall 211 of the heater holder 196 and the slit 225 of the fitting part 218 are aligned, and the connecting wall 211 is inserted into the slit 225.

Subsequently, the heater holder 196 is assembled into the opening 191a of the tank 191. Specifically, the heater holder 196 is inserted into the opening 191a of the tank 191 so that the engagement piece 206 side of the heater holder 196 faces the opening 191a of the tank 191. At this time, the engagement hole 198 and guide recess 198a formed in the peripheral wall 191b of the tank 191 are also aligned with the engagement piece 206 of the heater holder 196.
When the heater holder 196 is inserted into the opening 191a of the tank 191 in this state, the inclined surface 207a formed on the engagement claw 207 of the engagement piece 206 comes into contact with the peripheral wall 191b of the tank 191. . This inclined surface 207a allows the engagement claw 207 to smoothly abut against the guide recess 198a of the tank 191.

After this, when the heater holder 196 is further pushed into the tank 191, the engagement claw 207 fits into the guide recess 198a. Then, the engagement piece 206 is pressed radially inward by the guide recess 198a and is elastically deformed. At this time, the engaging piece 206 is smoothly elastically deformed inward in the radial direction by the inclined surface 207a of the engaging claw 207. Here, since the two engaging pieces 206 are arranged to face each other on both sides with the axis Q in between, when looking at the heater holder 196 as a whole, the force applied to the two engaging pieces 206 is less likely to be biased inward in the radial direction. Therefore, the force when elastically deforming the engagement piece 206 is balanced, and the heater holder 196 can be easily inserted into the opening 191a of the tank 191. Furthermore, the bottom surface 224a of the recess 224 of the atomization container 195 is in contact with the radially inner inner surface of the engagement piece 206. Therefore, when the engagement piece 206 elastically deforms inward in the radial direction, the recess 224 of the atomization container 195 deforms slightly inward in the radial direction.

After this, when the heater holder 196 is further pushed in, the engagement claw 207 moves along the guide recess 198a. After this, the engagement claw 207 rides on the terminal end of the guide recess 198a (the end on the engagement hole 198 side of the tank 191), and furthermore, the restoring force of the engagement piece 206 and the restoring force of the recess 224 of the atomization container 195 As a result, the engagement claw 207 is inserted into the engagement 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 radially outer surface of the engagement piece 206 is covered by the peripheral wall 191b of the tank 191. Furthermore, if an attempt is made to disengage one of the two engaging claws 207, for example by tilting the tank 191 or the heater holder 196 so that the engaging claw 207 comes out of the engaging hole 198, the other engaging claw 207 will be pressed radially outward. Therefore, once engaged, the engagement hole 198 and the engagement piece 206 are difficult to disengage.

<How to use the suction device>
When using the above-described suction device 1, the user presses the button 78. At this time, for example, by pressing the button 78 multiple times (for example, five times), a start preparation signal is output from the switch element 52 to the control unit mounted on the first board module 34.

Next, 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 inside of the holding unit 22 becomes negative pressure. When the inside of the holding unit 22 becomes negative pressure, the air inside the pressure fluctuation chamber S1 is also sucked through the atomization container 195 (inside the atomization chamber M) of the cartridge 11, the buffer space S3, and the communication port 51, thereby reducing the pressure. The pressure inside the variable chamber S1 also becomes negative. Specifically, the air in the pressure fluctuation chamber S1 flows into the buffer space S3 through the communication port 51, and then flows 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 pipe 197, and then enters the user's mouth through the mouthpiece 23. When the pressure sensor 53 detects that the pressure in the pressure fluctuation chamber S1 has become less than a predetermined value, for example, it outputs an activation signal to the control section.

The control section that has received the activation signal energizes the heating section 194 of the cartridge 11 . Note that by creating a negative pressure inside the holding unit 22, new air is introduced into the holding unit 22 through the vent 131. Furthermore, new air is introduced into the atomization chamber M of the cartridge 11 (the open chamber 203 of the tank 191) through the first intake hole 209 formed in the heater holder 196 of the cartridge 11 and the ventilation path 226 of the atomization container 195. be done.

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

<Cartridge action>
By the way, in the cartridge 11 , a 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 is generated between the outer circumference of the mesh body 193 and the inner circumferential surface of the peripheral wall 191b of the tank 191 along the inner circumferential surface. There is a possibility that the liquid may leak 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 its outer peripheral surface. Therefore, the liquid aerosol source is prevented from accumulating in the liquid reservoir 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 volumetric expansion rate of the head space (the volumetric expansion rate of air in the remaining 2/3 space in the liquid storage chamber 202) is set to 6%. Assuming that, the expansion of the air in the liquid storage chamber 202 of the tank 191 pushes out about 100 mm 3 of the liquid aerosol source from the liquid storage chamber 202 . Of this extruded liquid aerosol source, about 20 to 30 mm 3 of the aerosol source can be held by the mesh body 193 and 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 accumulates in the liquid reservoir 223 .

Here, the liquid reservoir portion 223 is formed such that the gap between the outer peripheral surface of the cylindrical portion 217 and the peripheral wall 191b of the tank 191 gradually narrows as it goes from the seal portion 222 toward the tip of the protruding portion 219. That is, near the protrusion 219 of the cylindrical portion 217, a narrow portion 279 is formed in which the gap between the protrusion 219 and the peripheral wall 191b of the tank 191 is narrowed. Therefore, among the liquid aerosol sources pushed out from the liquid storage chamber 202 of the tank 191, the remaining aerosol sources after the mesh body 193 and the wick 204 are saturated are easily sucked up by the narrow portions 279, and the narrow portions 279 actively The liquid flows through part 279 to liquid reservoir part 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 up into the narrow portion 279 and collected in the liquid reservoir portion 223 .

On the other hand, when the saturated state of the mesh body 193 is eliminated, the aerosol source of the liquid stored in the liquid reservoir 223 is sucked up through the narrow portion 279 (between the protruding portion 219 and the peripheral wall 191b of the tank 191). This 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 circumferential 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. The aerosol source is refluxed.

Furthermore, since two notches 222a are formed in the seal portion 222 of the cylindrical portion 217, the liquid pool portion 223 and the outside air can be connected to the notch portion 222a of the seal portion 222 and the engagement hole of the tank 191. 198 and an engaging piece 206 (engaging claw 207) of the heater holder 196 through a gap therebetween. As another example, the liquid reservoir portion 223 and the outside air may be communicated through the notch portion 222a of the seal portion 222 and the first intake hole 209 of the heater holder 196. Therefore, a pressure difference does not occur between the inside and outside of the liquid reservoir 223. As a result, while preventing the liquid aerosol source from unintentionally flowing out from the liquid reservoir 223, the liquid aerosol source is returned to the liquid storage chamber 202 of the tank 191 more efficiently.

[effect]
In this way, in this embodiment, the cartridge 11 that accommodates the aerosol source, the bottomed cylindrical cartridge accommodating section 320 that accommodates the cartridge 11, and the cartridge accommodating section 320 that is screwed onto the cartridge accommodating section 320, and the aerosol source that is atomized aerosol. It has a mouthpiece 23 in which a suction port 23a is formed for sucking the liquid, and a positioning mechanism 340 that positions the cartridge 11 with respect to the cartridge accommodating part 320 in conjunction with the screwing of the mouthpiece 23 to the cartridge accommodating part 320. .
According to this configuration, the cartridge 11 can be positioned with respect to the cartridge accommodating part 320 at the same time as the mouthpiece 23 is screwed into the cartridge accommodating part 320. Therefore, positioning of the cartridge 11 with respect to the cartridge accommodating portion 320 becomes easy, and the complexity of assembly is eliminated. Further, there is no need to rotate the cartridge 11 directly by hand.

Further, in the present embodiment, the positioning mechanism 340 is provided in the cartridge accommodating part 320 (one side), and is a vertical part protruding in the axial direction in which the axis O (center axis) of the cartridge accommodating part 320 extends toward the cartridge 11 (the other side). It includes an engagement protrusion 101 (engagement protrusion) and an engagement recess 210 (engagement groove) provided in the cartridge 11 into which the vertical engagement protrusion 101 can be inserted in the axial direction. The portion 101 and the engagement recess 210 are formed on the same radius around the axis O.
According to this configuration, when the cartridge 11 is rotated relative to the cartridge accommodating portion 320 around the axis O, the vertical engagement protrusions 101 provided on the same radius are inserted into the engagement recesses 210, so that the cartridge 11 Positioning in the circumferential direction is performed.
In the positioning mechanism 340, the vertical engagement protrusion 101 may be provided on the cartridge 11, and the engagement recess 210 may be provided on the cartridge accommodating portion 320.

Furthermore, in this embodiment, the mouthpiece 23 includes a first anti-slip member 161 (cartridge contact portion) that comes into contact with the cartridge 11 while being screwed onto the cartridge accommodating portion 320 .
According to this configuration, the mouthpiece 23 is screwed to the cartridge accommodating portion 320 (positioned state in the radial direction), and the cartridge 11 rotating together with the mouthpiece 23 is prevented from shifting in the radial direction. I can do it.
Note that the first anti-slip member 161 may not be attached to the mouthpiece 23 as a separate member, and the mouthpiece body 160 may form the cartridge contact portion.

Further, in the present embodiment, the first anti-slip member 161 is configured to press the cartridge 11 toward the bottom of the cartridge accommodating portion 320 (power supply unit 21) with the mouthpiece 23 screwed onto the cartridge accommodating portion 320. There is.
According to this configuration, the cartridge 11 can be positioned in the axial direction by pressing with the first anti-slip member 161.

Further, in this embodiment, the first anti-slip member 161 is made of silicone resin (elastic resin material).
According to this configuration, the elastic deformation of the first anti-slip member 161 makes it easy to generate a frictional force that rotates the cartridge 11 in the circumferential direction, and also makes it easy to generate a pressing force that presses the cartridge 11 in the axial direction. Furthermore, the first anti-slip member 161 can be easily assembled to the mouthpiece main body 160. As shown in FIG. 12, the opening on the holding unit 22 side of the mouthpiece body 160 has a smaller diameter than the ring portion 169 of the first anti-slip member 161, and the ring portion 169 is elastically deformed to open the opening. When the ring portion 169 is passed through the reduced diameter portion, the ring portion 169 is deformed to restore its shape and is fitted into the mouthpiece body 160. This prevents the first anti-slip member 161 from falling with respect to the mouthpiece body 160.
Note that the first anti-slip member 161 may be made of an elastic resin material other than silicone resin, such as rubber or elastomer.

Further, in the present embodiment, an abutting protrusion 171 (annular protrusion) is formed on the opposing surface 161a of the first anti-slip member 161 that faces the cartridge 11.
According to this configuration, the contact protrusion 171 causes the contact of the first anti-slip member 161 with the cartridge 11 to be no longer a planar contact, so that the contact pressure increases, and the frictional force in the circumferential direction and the pressing force in the axial direction are more developed. It becomes easier.
Note that the surface of the contact surface of the cartridge 11 that contacts the first anti-slip member 161 may be roughened to make it easier to generate frictional force in the circumferential direction. For example, the contact surface of the cartridge 11 may be embossed to provide unevenness.

Further, in the present embodiment, the peripheral wall (holding unit 22) of the cartridge accommodating portion 320 is removable from the bottom portion (power supply unit 21) of the cartridge accommodating portion 320.
According to this configuration, maintenance of the vertical engagement convex portion 101 of the positioning mechanism 340 provided at the bottom (power supply unit 21) of the cartridge accommodating portion 320, the pin electrode 49, etc. is facilitated.

Moreover, in this embodiment, the tobacco capsule 12 (flavor source container) attached to the mouthpiece 23 is provided.
According to this configuration, flavor can be added to the aerosol passing through the suction port 23a.

<Other variations>
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 to the configuration are possible without departing from the spirit of the present invention. The invention is not limited by the above description, but only by the scope of the claims appended hereto.

For example, in the embodiment described above, the inhaler 1 in which the tobacco capsule 12 is removably configured was used as an example of an aerosol generating device that generates aerosol without combustion. Not limited. As another example of the aerosol generation device, it may have a configuration that does not include the tobacco capsule 12 like an electronic cigarette. In this case, a flavor-containing aerosol source is housed in the cartridge 11, and the flavor-containing aerosol is generated by the aerosol generating device.
That is, in the embodiment described above, an apparatus that does not include the tobacco capsule 12 but includes the main body unit 10 and the cartridge 11 may be referred to as an aerosol generating apparatus. Furthermore, a device that does not include the tobacco capsule 12 and the cartridge 11 but includes only the main unit 10 may be referred to as the main unit of the aerosol generating device.

In the embodiment described above, a case has been described in which the main body unit 10 has a divided configuration including the power supply unit 21, the holding unit 22, and the mouthpiece 23, but the present invention is not limited to this configuration. For example, the power supply unit 21 and the holding unit 22 may be formed integrally, or the holding unit 22 and the mouthpiece 23 may be formed integrally. Furthermore, at least one of the power supply unit 21, the holding unit 22, and the mouthpiece 23 may be further divisible into a plurality of units.

In the embodiment described above, the holding unit 22 is formed in a cylindrical shape surrounding the cartridge 11, but the present invention is not limited to this structure. The holding unit 22 may have any configuration as long as it can hold the cartridge 11. Note that in this specification, the attachment and detachment of the cartridge 11 and the main body unit 10 (power supply unit 21) is not limited to the case where the cartridge 11 is housed in the holding unit 22 and held by the mouthpiece 23; It also includes one in which the connection electrode portions 213b and 214b are connected and disconnected.

In the embodiment described above, a 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.
In the embodiment described above, 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, but the present invention is not limited to this configuration. The storage battery 33 and the board modules 34 and 35 may be directly mounted within the housing 31.
In the above-mentioned embodiment, a configuration in which the button 78 (switch element 52) for outputting the activation preparation signal is installed has been described, but a configuration in which the button 78 is not provided (a configuration in which activation is performed by detection by the pressure sensor 53) is described. There may be.

Part or all of the embodiments described above may be described as in the following supplementary notes, but the embodiments are not limited to the following.

(Additional note 1)
a cartridge containing an aerosol source;
a bottomed cylindrical cartridge accommodating portion that accommodates the cartridge;
a flow path forming unit that is screwed onto the cartridge accommodating portion and forms a flow path for aerosol atomized by the aerosol source;
An aerosol generation device, comprising: a positioning mechanism that positions the cartridge with respect to the cartridge accommodating part in conjunction with screwing of the flow path forming unit to the cartridge accommodating part.

(Additional note 2)
a cylindrical tank,
A cartridge for an aerosol generating device, comprising: an engagement groove provided at one end of the tank in the axial direction and recessed toward the other end in the axial direction at a position spaced apart from the center of the tank in the radial direction.

(Additional note 3)
a suction port formed with a suction port for sucking aerosol;
a bottomed cylindrical cartridge accommodating portion having a top opening provided with a female screw portion into which the suction port is screwed;
A main body unit of an aerosol generating device, comprising: an engagement protrusion provided at a bottom of the cartridge accommodating part and protruding toward the top opening at a position spaced apart in a radial direction from the center of the cartridge accommodating part.

In addition, the components in the embodiments described above can be replaced with known components as appropriate without departing from the spirit of the present invention, and the modifications described above may be combined as appropriate.

[Industrial applicability]
The present invention relates to an aerosol generation device and a non-combustion type inhaler, and can simplify the positioning and assembly of a cartridge with respect to a cartridge accommodating part.

Claims (2)

a cylindrical tank,
an engagement groove provided at one end of the tank in the axial direction and recessed toward the other end in the axial direction at a position spaced apart from the center of the tank in the radial direction;
The engagement grooves are open to the radially outer side of the tank and to the one end side of the tank in the axial direction, and are formed in plurality at intervals in the circumferential direction of the tank,
A flat part is formed at one end in the axial direction of the tank, between the engagement grooves adjacent in the circumferential direction of the tank, the width of the tank in the circumferential direction is larger than the opening width of the engagement groove. and
A cartridge for an aerosol generating device , wherein a first plane electrode and a second plane electrode are provided radially inward from the engagement groove . The cartridge for an aerosol generation device according to claim 1, wherein the engaging groove portion is formed with a tapered portion in which the width in the circumferential direction gradually increases toward the one end portion in the axial direction.

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