JP7413537B2 - Main unit of aerosol generation device, aerosol generation device, and non-combustion type suction device - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a main body unit of an aerosol generation device, an aerosol generation device, and a non-combustion type inhaler.

BACKGROUND ART Non-combustion inhalers that suck in aerosol and enjoy its flavor have been known for some time. This type of non-combustion inhaler includes, for example, a cartridge that accommodates an aerosol source, a main unit of an aerosol generating device that accommodates the cartridge in a removable manner, and a flavoring device that imparts flavor to the aerosol atomized by the main unit. There are some that are equipped with a source container.

For example, Patent Document 1 listed below discloses a device in which an exterior case (frame) of a main unit (power component) is provided with a cartridge accommodating portion (slot) for accommodating a cartridge (tank).

US Patent No. 10251425

In the above-mentioned conventional technology, there is room for improvement in the assembly (integrability) of the component parts.

The present invention is aimed at facilitating assembly.

In order to achieve the above object, a main body unit of an aerosol generation device according to an aspect of the present invention includes a cartridge housing part that houses a cartridge, an exterior case that surrounds at least a part of the outside of the cartridge housing part, and an exterior case that encloses at least a part of the outside of the cartridge housing part. a holder housed in a case; the holder is integrally formed with a main plate that holds at least one of the components provided inside the outer case; and a receiving portion for receiving the end portion.
According to this aspect, since both the internal parts of the outer case and the cartridge accommodating portion are assembled into the holder, assembly becomes easy.

In the main body unit of the aerosol generating device, the receiving portion may have an insertion hole for inserting the protruding electrode into the cartridge accommodating portion.
According to this aspect, the protruding electrode can be easily arranged inside the cartridge accommodating section.

In the main body unit of the aerosol generating device, the receiving portion may be formed in a bottomed cylindrical shape extending in parallel along the longitudinal direction of the main plate at an end in the lateral direction of the main plate. .
According to this aspect, since the main plate and the cartridge accommodating portion are arranged in parallel in the longitudinal direction, the overall length of the main body unit can be shortened.

In the main body unit of the aerosol generating device, the holder extends from an end of the main plate in a direction intersecting the plate surface of the main plate, and is one of at least one of the parts provided along the outer surface of the outer case. It may also have a sub-plate that holds one.
According to this aspect, the rigidity of the holder can be increased.

In the main body unit of the aerosol generating device, the sub-plate may extend in a direction perpendicular to a plate surface of the main plate.
According to this aspect, the cross section of the holder becomes L-shaped (or T-shaped), and the rigidity of the holder can be increased.

In the main body unit of the aerosol generating device, the sub-plate may extend on both sides in a direction perpendicular to a plate surface of the main plate.
According to this aspect, the cross section of the holder becomes T-shaped, and the rigidity of the holder can be increased.

In the main body unit of the aerosol generation device, the holder includes, as the sub-plates, a first sub-plate provided at a first end side of an end of the main plate; and a second sub-plate provided on a second end side adjacent to the end side, and the first sub-plate and the second sub-plate may be connected to each other.
According to this aspect, since the first sub-plate and the second sub-plate are connected, the rigidity of the holder can be increased.

In the main body unit of the aerosol generating device, the first sub-plate and the second sub-plate may be connected at an obtuse angle.
According to this aspect, even if the exterior case has a rounded corner or an oblique corner, parts can be easily placed in the corner.

In the main body unit of the aerosol generating device, a display device may be held on the sub-plate.
According to this aspect, space can be saved by holding the display device on the sub-plate.

In the main body unit of the aerosol generating device, an input device may be held on the sub-plate.
According to this aspect, space can be saved by allowing the sub-plate to hold the input device.

In the main body unit of the aerosol generation device, the main plate has a first plate surface that holds a first component, and a second plate surface that holds a second component different from the first component on the opposite side of the first plate surface. It may have two plate surfaces.
According to this aspect, the parts are held on the front and back sides of the main plate, so space can be saved.

In the main body unit of the aerosol generating device, one of the first component and the second component is a power source, and the other of the first component and the second component is electrically connected to the power source. It may also be an electronic component.
According to this aspect, by holding the power source and electronic components separately on the front and back sides of the main plate, it is possible to both increase the capacity of the power source and secure installation space for the electronic components.

An aerosol generation device according to one aspect of the present invention includes the main unit described above and a cartridge that accommodates an aerosol source and is removably inserted into the cartridge accommodating portion of the main unit.
According to this aspect, since the holder includes a main body unit in which various parts are assembled, the productivity of the apparatus can be improved.

A non-combustion type inhaler according to one aspect of the present invention includes the aerosol generating device described above and a flavor source container attached to the mouthpiece of the aerosol generating device.
According to this aspect, flavor can be added to the aerosol.

The main body unit of the aerosol generation device according to one aspect of the present invention includes: a solid aerosol source housing part that houses a solid aerosol source; an exterior case that surrounds at least a part of the outside of the solid aerosol source housing part; a holder housed in the solid aerosol source accommodating portion, the holder comprising a main plate holding at least one of the components provided inside the outer case; and a main plate integrally formed with the main plate; and a receiving portion for receiving the end portion.
According to this aspect, since the internal parts of the outer case and the solid aerosol source housing section are assembled into the holder, assembly becomes easy.

According to one aspect of the present invention, assembly can be facilitated.

FIG. 2 is a left perspective view of an aspirator according to one embodiment. FIG. 2 is a right perspective view of an aspirator according to one embodiment. It is a front view of the suction device concerning one embodiment. FIG. 2 is a plan view of an aspirator according to one embodiment. FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the suction device according to one embodiment, viewed from the bottom side. FIG. 5 is a sectional view taken along the line AA shown in FIG. 4. FIG. FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of a main body unit according to an embodiment. FIG. 3 is a front view showing a state in which the first case is removed from the main body unit according to one embodiment. FIG. 3 is a rear view showing a state in which the second case is removed from the main unit according to one embodiment. It is a perspective view of the 1st board side of the holder concerning one embodiment. FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the second plate surface side of the holder according to one embodiment. FIG. 4 is a sectional view taken along the line BB shown in FIG. 3; FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing a vibrator mounting structure according to an embodiment. FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing a display cover mounting structure according to an embodiment. FIG. 2 is a plan view of a holder according to one embodiment. 16 is a sectional view taken along the line CC shown in FIG. 15. FIG. FIG. 3 is a front view of a cartridge accommodating section according to an embodiment. FIG. 3 is a right side view of a cartridge accommodating section according to an embodiment. FIG. 3 is a left side view of a cartridge accommodating section according to one embodiment. 19 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line DD shown in FIG. 18. FIG. It is a right view of the mouthpiece part concerning one embodiment. 22 is a sectional view taken along arrow EE shown in FIG. 21. FIG. FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a main board according to an embodiment. FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing a state in which a salient electrode cover is removed from a salient electrode of a main board according to an embodiment. 10 is a sectional view taken along arrow FF shown in FIG. 9. FIG. FIG. 3 is a view of the cover member according to one embodiment viewed from the outside in the radial direction. FIG. 3 is a view of the cover member according to one embodiment viewed from the inside in the radial direction. FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a cover member according to one embodiment. 4 is a sectional view taken along line GG shown in FIG. 3. FIG. FIG. 3 is a view of the sensor holder according to one embodiment viewed from the outside in the radial direction. FIG. 2 is a view of the sensor holder according to one embodiment viewed from the inside in the radial direction. FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a sensor holder according to one embodiment. FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing a method of assembling the main body unit according to one embodiment. FIG. 3 is a rear view showing the inner configuration of the first case according to one embodiment. FIG. 3 is a front view showing the inner configuration of a second case according to an embodiment. FIG. 3 is a front view of the main body unit with the mouthpiece removed according to the embodiment. FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram showing how a cartridge is accommodated in a cartridge accommodating section according to an embodiment. FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram showing how the mouthpiece is attached to the cartridge accommodating part according to one embodiment. It is a perspective view showing a modification of the mouthpiece connection part concerning one embodiment. FIG. 7 is a perspective view showing a modification of the cartridge accommodating section according to one embodiment. 40 is a sectional view taken along the line HH shown in FIG. 39. FIG.

EMBODIMENT OF THE INVENTION Hereinafter, a non-combustion type suction device (hereinafter simply referred to as a suction device) according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described based on the drawings.

[Suction device]
FIG. 1 is a left perspective view of an aspirator 1 according to one embodiment. FIG. 2 is a right perspective view of the suction device 1 according to one embodiment. FIG. 3 is a front view of the suction device 1 according to one embodiment. FIG. 4 is a plan view of the suction device 1 according to one embodiment. FIG. 5 is an exploded perspective view of the suction device 1 according to one embodiment, viewed from the bottom side.
The inhaler 1 is a so-called non-combustion inhaler, and obtains flavor by inhaling aerosol atomized by heating through a flavor source.

As shown in FIG. 5, the inhaler 1 includes a main body unit 2, a cartridge 3 (also referred to as an atomization unit), and a flavor source container 4. The cartridge 3 is removably housed in a cartridge accommodating portion 10 of the main unit 2 . The flavor source container 4 is detachably attached to the mouthpiece 11 (also referred to as a mouthpiece) of the main unit 2.

The main unit 2 includes an exterior case 12. The exterior case 12 is formed into a flat, rounded box shape as a whole. The exterior case 12 has a pair of main surface portions 12A and a peripheral wall portion 12B. Here, "a pair" of main surface parts 12A means that one main surface part (first main surface part 12A1) and the other main surface part (second main surface part 12A2) are arranged facing each other, It is not limited to the meaning that the first main surface portion 12A1 and the second main surface portion 12A2 match even the detailed shapes.

When the exterior case 12 is assumed to be a hexahedron surrounded by six squares, the pair of main surface portions 12A are portions that form a pair of opposing surfaces (in this embodiment, the surfaces with the widest area) of the hexahedron. say. Further, the peripheral wall portion 12B refers to a portion forming the remaining four sides of the hexahedron excluding the pair of main surface portions 12A. The peripheral wall portion 12B is also referred to as a portion that connects the peripheral edges of the pair of main surface portions 12A that are arranged to face each other.

As shown in FIG. 1, the exterior case 12 includes a main body case 13 and a display cover 14. The main body case 13 is formed by combining a first case 13A and a second case 13B. The first case 13A includes a first main surface portion 12A1 and a first peripheral wall portion 12B1 provided at the periphery of the first main surface portion 12A1. Further, the second case 13B includes a second main surface portion 12A2 and a second peripheral wall portion 12B2 provided at the periphery of the second main surface portion 12A2.

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

The four corner portions 12C are arranged on the diagonal line of the first corner portion 12C1 where the input device 15 (push button) is placed, the second corner portion 12C2 where the cartridge accommodating portion 10 is placed, and the first corner portion 12C1. The fourth corner portion 12C4 is arranged diagonally from the second corner portion 12C2.

As shown in FIG. 3, a raised portion 12D, which will be described later, is formed on the peripheral wall portion 12B between the first corner portion 12C1 and the second corner portion 12C2. On the other hand, a flat surface is formed between the third corner part 12C3 and the fourth corner part 12C4 of the peripheral wall part 12B. In other words, the peripheral wall portion 12B on the opposite side to the raised portion 12D is flat. Note that the raised portion 12D refers to a surface portion of the main body case 13 that is relatively high with respect to the display cover 14, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2.

The peripheral wall portion 12B has an outer surface 12b1 that is continuous with the pair of main surface portions 12A, and a recessed portion 12b2 that is depressed relative to the outer surface 12b1. A portion of the outer surface 12b1 forms a raised portion 12D. The recessed portion 12b2 is formed by the display cover 14. The display cover 14 is formed with a through hole 14a in which the input device 15 is placed. In other words, the input device 15 is placed in the recess 12b2. The input device 15 may be placed at a position below the outer surface 12b1. In other words, at least a portion of the input device 15 may be disposed at a position below the outer surface 12b1. Preferably, all of the input devices 15 are arranged below the outer surface 12b1. In other words, the contact detection portion (button surface) of the input device 15 is preferably placed at a position that does not reach the outer surface 12b1.

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

An air inlet 18 for introducing outside air into the exterior case 12 is formed in the gap between the cover member 17 and the opening 13a. Further, on the inside of the main body case 13, an air hole 19 is formed in the cover member 17 to allow fluid communication between the air inlet 18 and the inside of the cartridge accommodating portion 10 (see FIG. 29 described later).

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

In the following description, of the pair of main surface parts 12A (first main surface part 12A1, second main surface part 12A2) described above, the side where the first main surface part 12A1 is arranged is the front side, and the side where the second main surface part 12A2 is arranged. The side that is exposed is called the rear side. Further, in a plan view shown in FIG. 4, the side where the input device 15 is arranged is called the left side, and the side where the cartridge accommodating part 10 and the window part 16 are arranged is called the right side.

The cartridge accommodating portion 10 has a cartridge insertion/extraction opening 10a that protrudes from the outer case 12, as shown in FIG. That is, a portion of the cartridge accommodating portion 10 including the cartridge insertion/extraction opening 10 a protrudes from the outer case 12 . The side from which the cartridge accommodating part 10 protrudes is called the upper side, and the side opposite to the side from which the cartridge accommodating part 10 protrudes is called the lower side.

Further, in the drawings, an XYZ orthogonal coordinate system is set, and the positional relationship of each member may be explained with reference to this XYZ orthogonal coordinate system. The X-axis direction is the front-back direction (also called the thickness direction) of the suction device 1, the Y-axis direction is the left-right direction (also called the width direction) of the suction device 1, and the Z-axis direction is the top and bottom direction of the suction device 1. direction (also called height direction).

Furthermore, the positional relationship of each member may be explained based on the main axis O of the cartridge accommodating portion 10. The main axis O is a central axis of the cartridge accommodating portion 10 passing through the center of the cartridge insertion/extraction opening 10a. The direction in which the main axis O extends is called the main axis direction (the above-mentioned Z-axis direction), the direction perpendicular to the main axis O is called the radial direction, and the direction in which the main axis O goes around the main axis O is called the circumferential direction.

<Cartridge>
The cartridge 3 stores a liquid aerosol source and atomizes the liquid aerosol source. As shown in FIG. 5, the cartridge 3 is formed in a cylindrical shape and is accommodated inside the cartridge accommodating portion 10 through the cartridge insertion/extraction port 10a described above.

FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view taken along arrow AA shown in FIG.
As shown in FIG. 6, the cartridge 3 includes a tank 21, a gasket 22, a mesh body 23, an atomization container 24, a heating section 25, and a heater holder 26. Tank 21 stores an aerosol source. The tank 21 has translucency and allows the remaining amount of liquid in the aerosol source to be confirmed.

Here, "translucent" refers to the property of a material that allows light to pass through, and refers to the property of a material that has an extremely high transmittance, allowing the other side to be seen through the material, and the property of allowing light to pass through, similar to "transparent". However, because the transmitted light is diffused or the transmittance is low, unlike "transparent", it includes a state in which the shape on the other side cannot be clearly recognized through the material. In other words, even frosted glass, milky white plastic, and the like have translucency.

The tank 21 is formed into a capped cylinder shape. A through hole 21b is formed in the top wall 21a of the tank 21. A flow pipe 21c (also referred to as an inner peripheral wall) connected to the through hole 21b is vertically provided on the top wall 21a. The flow path pipe 21c becomes a flow path for atomized aerosol. The flow pipe 21c is connected to the outer peripheral wall 21d of the tank 21 via a plurality of ribs 21e. The ribs 21e are arranged at equal intervals in the circumferential direction so as to be radial when viewed from the main axis direction (see FIG. 29 described later).

As shown in FIG. 6, the outer peripheral wall 21d of the tank 21 extends below the lower end (-Z side) of the flow pipe 21c. Two engagement holes 21f are formed near the lower end of the outer peripheral wall 21d. The two engagement holes 21f are for fixing the heater holder 26 to the tank 21. The two engagement holes 21f are arranged opposite to each other on both sides of the outer peripheral wall 21d with the main axis O in between. Note that when the cartridge 3 is housed in the cartridge accommodating part 10, the central axis of the cartridge 3 coincides with the main axis O of the cartridge accommodating part 10.

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

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

The atomization container 24 is made of an elastic member, such as a resin material such as silicone resin. The atomization container 24 is formed into a cylindrical shape with a bottom. The upper opening edge of the peripheral wall 24a of the atomization container 24 is in contact with the outer peripheral edge of the mesh body 23 in the main axis direction. That is, the mesh body 23 is sandwiched between the gasket 22 and the atomization container 24. A fitting portion 24b that fits into the inner surface of the outer circumferential wall 21d of the tank 21 is formed on the outer surface of the circumferential wall 24a of the atomization container 24.

An atomization chamber 24c is formed inside the peripheral wall 24a of the atomization container 24. The atomization chamber 24c communicates with the flow pipe 21c of the tank 21. An opening 24e is formed in the bottom wall 24d of the atomization container 24. A heating section 25 is arranged in the atomization chamber 24c.
The heating unit 25 is for atomizing the liquid aerosol source. The heating section 25 includes a wick 25a connected to the mesh body 23 and a heating wire 25b that heats the wick 25a.

The wick 25a is a porous, liquid-absorbing, substantially cylindrical member. The wick 25a is curved and deformed into a substantially U-shape. More specifically, the wick 25a has two main axis extending parts extending in the main axis direction and a radial extending part connecting the two main axis extending parts. The two main axis direction extension parts are arranged to overlap in the X-axis direction (front-back direction in FIG. 6), and are each connected to the mesh body 23. Thereby, the aerosol source absorbed by the mesh body 23 is sucked up into the wick 25a.

The heating wire 25b is spirally wound around the radially extending portion of the wick 25a. Both ends of the heating wire 25b extend toward the heater holder 26 along the main axis direction. Both ends of the heating wire 25b are electrically connected to two flat electrodes 26h provided on the lower surface of the bottom wall 26d of the heater holder 26, respectively. When the heating wire 25b is energized via the two planar electrodes 26h, the wick 25a is heated. When the wick 25a is heated, the aerosol source absorbed by the wick 25a is atomized.

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

The lower side of the peripheral wall 26a of the heater holder 26 is exposed from the tank 21. The lower side of this peripheral wall 26a has approximately the same outer diameter as the outer peripheral wall 21d of the tank 21. Furthermore, two intake holes 26c that penetrate in the radial direction are formed on the lower side of the peripheral wall 26a. The two intake holes 26c are arranged to face each other on both sides of the peripheral wall 26a with the main axis O in between. The two intake holes 26c communicate the outside of the cartridge 3 (the inside of the cartridge accommodating section 10) with the atomization chamber 24c. Although the bottom wall 26d of the heater holder 26 is also formed with an intake hole 26e penetrating in the direction of the main axis, it may be omitted. The intake hole 26e also allows communication between the outside of the cartridge 3 (the inside of the cartridge accommodating section 10) and the atomization chamber 24c.

A plate-shaped separation wall 26f stands on the bottom wall 26d of the heater holder 26 in the main axis direction. Further, the separation wall 26f extends in the radial direction, and both ends thereof are connected to the inner surface of the peripheral wall 26a. Two slits 26g penetrating in the main axis direction are formed in the bottom wall 26d. The two slits 26g are arranged with a separation wall 26f in between. The bent portions of the two flat electrodes 26h are inserted into the two slits 26g. The separating wall 26f prevents a short circuit between the two planar electrodes 26h and both ends of the heating wire 25b connected to the two planar electrodes 26h.

Returning to FIG. 5, three engagement grooves 26i are formed in the bottom wall 26d of the heater holder 26. The three engagement grooves 26i are arranged at equal intervals in the circumferential direction (120° intervals in the circumferential direction). The engagement groove portion 26i is formed so as to be open on the outside in the radial direction and the lower side in the main axis direction. The engagement groove portion 26i is formed in an isosceles trapezoid shape when viewed from the radial direction, and has tapered legs (slopes) whose width in the circumferential direction gradually increases toward the lower side in the main axis direction. Note that the number of engagement grooves 25i may be two or more and is not limited to three. For example, there may be six engaging grooves 25i.

<Flavor source container>
The flavor source container 4 contains a flavor source and adds flavor to the aerosol atomized by the cartridge 3. As the raw material pieces constituting the flavor source, it is possible to use shredded tobacco or a molded article formed from tobacco raw material into granules. Further, the flavor source may be composed of plants other than tobacco (eg, mint, Chinese herbal medicine, herbs, etc.). Further, the flavor source may be provided with a flavoring agent such as menthol. Furthermore, the flavor source may be a plant-derived carrier (such as cellulose) or another carrier (including an inorganic carrier) carrying a flavoring agent. The flavor source container 4 is attached to the mouthpiece 11 of the main unit 2.

As shown in FIG. 6, the flavor source container 4 includes a bottomed cylindrical container body 27 and a filter 28 that covers the opening of the container body 27. The peripheral wall 27a of the container body 27 is inserted inside the peripheral wall 11a1 of the mouthpiece 11. The upper side of the peripheral wall 27a of the container body 27 is exposed from the peripheral wall 11a1 of the mouthpiece 11. The upper side of this peripheral wall 27a has approximately the same outer diameter as the peripheral wall 11a1 of the suction port 11. A step 27b is formed on the outer surface of the peripheral wall 27a. The step 27b comes into contact with the upper opening edge of the peripheral wall 11a1 of the suction port 11.

A flavor source storage chamber 27c is formed inside the peripheral wall 27a of the container body 27. A plurality of fine holes 27e are formed in the bottom wall 27d of the container body 27, penetrating in the main axis direction.
Filter 28 is made of, for example, nonwoven fabric. The filter 28 is arranged inside the peripheral wall 27a of the container body 27. The opening of the container body 27 is closed by the filter 28, and a flavor source storage chamber 27c is formed inside the flavor source container 4. The flavor source storage chamber 27c accommodates the flavor source described above.

<Main unit>
FIG. 7 is an exploded perspective view of the main unit 2 according to one embodiment. FIG. 8 is a front view showing a state in which the first case 13A is removed from the main unit 2 according to one embodiment. FIG. 9 is a rear view showing a state in which the second case 13B is removed from the main unit 2 according to one embodiment.
As shown in FIG. 7, the main unit 2 includes a holder 30, a main board 31, and a sub board 32, in addition to the cartridge accommodating part 10, the suction part 11, the outer case 12, and the input device 15 described above. , a display device 33, a sensor 34, a sensor holder 35, a vibrator 36, and a power source 37.

The power source 37 is formed into a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape whose longitudinal direction is the Z-axis direction. The power source 37 is electrically connected to the main board 31 on which the charging terminal 20 is provided via wiring. The power source 37 is a storage battery (secondary battery) and can be charged via the charging terminal 20. Note that the power source 37 is not limited to a rechargeable and dischargeable secondary battery, but may be a super capacitor or the like. Further, the power source 37 may be a primary battery. Note that if the power source 37 is a primary battery, the charging terminal 20 is not necessary.

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

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

The sub-plate 42 includes a first sub-plate 42A that holds the display device 33 and a second sub-plate 42B that holds the input device 15. The display device 33 is an organic EL display, a liquid crystal display, or the like. The display device 33 is arranged below the display cover 14 (-Z side). The display cover 14 has translucency and allows the display surface of the display device 33 to be confirmed. The display device 33 includes a display device main body 33a, a display device holder 33b, and a cushion material 33c.

The display device holder 33b supports the display device main body 33a and holds the first sub-plate 42A in a longitudinal direction (X-axis direction). Furthermore, the display device holder 33b is bonded to the display device main body 33a via an adhesive sheet 45. The cushioning material 33c is a frame-shaped sponge body surrounding the display surface of the display device main body 33a, and is arranged between the display cover 14 and the display device main body 33a.

Input device 15 is a push button. The input device 15 includes a switch button 15a, a switch board 15b, and a switch holder 15c. The switch board 15b is held by the second sub-plate 42B. The switch button 15a is arranged on the switch board 15b. The switch button 15a is assembled to the display cover 14 side via a switch holder 15c (see FIG. 14, which will be described later). Note that the input device may be a touch panel. In other words, the input device 15 may be any contact detection unit.

Furthermore, the holder 30 has a receiving portion 43 that receives the end of the cartridge accommodating portion 10 . The receiving portion 43 is formed in a bottomed cylindrical shape extending parallel to the longitudinal direction (Z-axis direction) of the main plate 41 at the end of the main plate 41 in the lateral direction (Y-axis direction).
A cover member 17 is adhered to the circumferential surface of the cartridge accommodating portion 10 via an adhesive sheet 47. Furthermore, a sensor holder 35 is bonded to the circumferential surface of the cartridge accommodating portion 10 via an adhesive sheet 48.

The sensor holder 35 holds the sensor 34. The sensor 34 is a so-called puff sensor that detects the user's suction. Examples of the sensor 34 include a pressure sensor that detects pressure, an airflow sensor that detects air flow, and a temperature sensor that detects temperature.
The main board 31 includes the above-mentioned charging terminal 20 and a protruding electrode that is inserted into the inside of the cartridge accommodating part 10 (more specifically, the internal space formed by the cartridge accommodating part 10 and the receiving part 43) via the receiving part 43. 50 are provided. Note that the vibrator 36 is not held on the main board 31 or the sub-board 32, but is held on the first case 13A side (see FIG. 13, which will be described later).

The components of the main body unit 2 except the first case 13A, the second case 13B, and the vibrator 36 are assembled around the holder 30. The holder 30 has two through holes 30a that penetrate in the front-rear direction (X-axis direction). Two screws 40 are inserted into the two through holes 30a. Two screws 40 fix the holder 30 to the first case 13A. That is, the holder 30 is screwed to the first case 13A side (see FIG. 9).

<Holder>
FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the first plate surface 41a side of the holder 30 according to one embodiment. FIG. 11 is a perspective view of the second plate surface 41b side of the holder 30 according to one embodiment.
As shown in FIGS. 10 and 11, the holder 30 includes, in addition to the above-mentioned main plate 41, sub-plate 42, and receiving part 43, a first rib 42C, a second rib 42D, and a case fitting part 42E. It is equipped with.

Like the sub-plate 42, the first rib 42C and the second rib 42D are arranged in a direction (main direction) intersecting from the end of the main plate 41 to the plate surface (first plate surface 41a, second plate surface 41b) of the main plate 41. In the embodiment, it extends in the thickness direction (X-axis direction) of the main plate 41. The first rib 42C and the second rib 42D extend parallel to the longitudinal direction (Z-axis direction) of the main plate 41 and are arranged to face each other in the lateral direction (Y-axis direction) of the main plate 41. Note that the sub-plate 42 is common to the first rib 42C and the second rib 42D in the sense of a "main plate intersection" extending from the end of the main plate 41 in a direction intersecting the plate surface of the main plate 41. However, it is different from the first rib 42C and the second rib 42D in that it holds parts such as the input device 15 and the display device 33.

As shown in FIG. 10, a plurality of substrate support pieces 41d are formed on the main plate 41 along the periphery of the first plate surface 41a. The board support piece 41d supports the periphery of the main board 31 (see FIG. 7) and forms a space between it and the first plate surface 41a. Thereby, the holder 30 can hold the main board 31 with electronic components attached to both sides.

A first rib 42C (not shown, but the same applies to the second rib 42D) surrounding the first plate surface 41a has a clamping piece 42a that clamps the main board 31 supported by the board support piece 41d in the thickness direction (X-axis direction). It is formed. Also, a substrate support piece 41d is formed near the second rib 42D in the same arrangement as the first rib 42C. Note that the bottom wall 43b of the receiving portion 43 is also formed with a board support piece 43e that supports the main board 31 and a clamping piece 43f that sandwiches the main board 31 in the thickness direction (X-axis direction).

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

FIG. 12 is a sectional view taken along the line BB shown in FIG. 3. FIG. 12 shows a cross section passing through the two engaging claws 41f and the tray 44.
As shown in FIG. 12, the two engaging claws 41f engage with the upper (+Z side) and lower (−Z side) peripheral edges of the tray 44 in the longitudinal direction. Note that the right (+Y side) and left (-Y side) peripheral edges of the tray 44 in the transverse direction that are not engaged with the two engaging claws 41f rest on the first plate surface 41a.

The tray 44 is recessed toward the -X side with respect to the first plate surface 41a of the main plate 41 in order to escape from the thickness of the vibrator 36 in the X-axis direction. The sub-board 32 is placed in the recessed portion of the tray 44 . The sub-board 32 is electrically connected to a connection terminal (not shown) of the vibrator 36. Furthermore, an opening 32b is formed in the sub-board 32 to avoid interference with the eccentric weight 36a of the vibrator 36. Note that, as shown in FIG. 12, there is no need for the sub-board 32 and the vibrator 36 to be in contact with each other, and it is sufficient that only the connection terminal (not shown) of the vibrator 36 is electrically connected to the sub-board 32.

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

FIG. 13 is a perspective view showing the mounting structure of the vibrator 36 according to one embodiment.
As shown in FIG. 13, a mounting portion 13D for mounting the vibrator 36 is formed in the first case 13A. The attachment portion 13D is formed on a facing surface 13a1 of the first main surface portion 12A1 of the first case 13A, which faces the second main surface portion 12A2. The opposing surface 13a1 is an inner wall surface facing inside (-X side) of the outer case 12.

The mounting portion 13D includes a mounting wall 13d1 surrounding the main body portion (motor portion) of the vibrator 36, and a cutout portion 13d2, which is a part of the mounting wall 13d1 and through which the rotation shaft of the vibrator 36 passes. The mounting wall 13d1 surrounds the main body of the vibrator 36 on both sides in the Y-axis direction and on both sides in the Z-axis direction. The notch 13d2 is formed in the -Z side wall of the mounting wall 13d1. The eccentric weight 36a is arranged outside the mounting wall 13d1.

The main body of the vibrator 36 fits inside the mounting wall 13d1. Note that an adhesive sheet or adhesive may be interposed between the main body of the vibrator 36 and the first case 13A. Note that in order to easily transmit the vibrations of the vibrator 36 to the first case 13A, part or all of the main body of the vibrator 36 may be brought into direct contact with the first case 13A.

Returning to FIG. 10, the sub-plate 42 extends in a direction (X-axis direction) perpendicular to the plate surfaces (first plate surface 41a, second plate surface 41b) of the main plate 41. The sub-plate 42 of this embodiment extends on both sides (+X side and −X side) in a direction perpendicular to the plate surface of the main plate 41 (see FIG. 12). Thereby, the cross section of the holder 30 becomes T-shaped, and the rigidity of the holder 30 can be increased.

As shown in FIG. 10, the sub-plate 42 is adjacent to the first sub-plate 42A provided on the first end side 41h1 of the end of the main plate 41, and the first sub-plate 42A provided on the first end side 41h1 of the end of the main plate 41. It has a second sub-plate 42B provided on the second end side 41h2. The first end side 41h1 extends parallel to the XY plane at the upper (+Z side) end of the main plate 41 in the longitudinal direction.

The second end side 41h2 is inclined at approximately 45° around the Z axis with respect to the XY plane from the left end (-Y side) of the first end side 41h1. The left end (-Y side) of the second end side 41h2 is located lower in the longitudinal direction (-Z side) of the main plate 41 than the right (+Y side) end of the second end side 41h2. ing. The second end side 41h2 can also be said to be a notch that extends diagonally so as not to interfere with the rounded first corner portion 12C1 shown in FIG.

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

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

As shown in FIG. 11, a positioning convex portion 42a1 is formed on the first sub-plate 42A. The positioning convex portion 42a1 is a protrusion that positions the above-mentioned frame-shaped display device holder 33b (see FIG. 7). As shown in FIG. 12, the positioning convex portion 42a1 forms the same plane (XY plane) as the display device holder 33b. This makes it easier to attach the adhesive sheet 45 to which the display device main body 33a is attached.

Moreover, as shown in FIG. 11, a sub-plate extension part 42a2 is formed in the first sub-plate 42A. The sub-plate extension part 42a2 is arranged at the end of the first sub-plate 42A opposite to the end connected to the second sub-plate 42B. The sub-plate extending portion 42a2 extends further to the +Y side than the second rib 42D. As shown in FIG. 8, the engagement claw 14b1 of the display cover 14 engages with the sub-plate extension 42a2.

As shown in FIG. 11, a wiring groove 42b1 and a substrate holding piece 42b2 are formed in the second sub-plate 42B. The board holding pieces 42b2 are four L-shaped protrusions that hold the four corners of the above-mentioned switch board 15b (see FIG. 7). The wiring groove 42b1 is a groove through which the wiring connecting the switch board 15b and the main board 31 is passed. The wiring groove 42b1 is formed to cross the area surrounded by the four substrate holding pieces 42b2.

Further, a sub-plate extension portion 42b3 is also formed on the second sub-plate 42B. The sub-plate extension portion 42b3 is arranged at the end of the second sub-plate 42B opposite to the end connected to the first sub-plate 42A. The sub-plate extending portion 42b3 extends further toward the −Y side than the first rib 42C. As shown in FIG. 8, another engaging claw 14b2 of the display cover 14 engages with this sub-plate extending portion 42b3.

FIG. 14 is a perspective view showing the mounting structure of the display cover 14 according to one embodiment.
As shown in FIG. 14, the display cover 14 has a curved shape that is convex on the upper side (+Z side). At the right (+Y side) end of the display cover 14, the above-mentioned engagement claw 14b1 is arranged. The above-mentioned engaging claw 14b2 is arranged at the left (-Y side) end of the display cover 14, which is opposite to the engaging claw 14b1.

The engagement claw 14b1 engages with the sub-plate extension 42a2 of the first sub-plate 42A. Further, the engaging claw 14b2 engages with the sub-plate extension portion 42b3 of the second sub-plate 42B. As shown in FIG. 8, the assembled display cover 14 is engaged with the holder 30 so as to span the first sub-plate 42A and the second sub-plate 42B from end to end.

As shown in FIG. 14, the display cover 14 is formed with a through hole 14a in which a switch button 15a of the input device 15 is arranged. The switch button 15a has a base portion 15a1 that comes into contact with the switch board 15b, and a cylindrical button portion 15a2 that protrudes from the base portion 15a1. The button portion 15a2 is placed through the through hole 14a.

The button portion 15a2 is made of, for example, a hard resin material. An elastic body (such as a spring) (not shown) is provided inside the button part 15a2, and when the button part 15a2 is released, it returns to its original position. Note that the button portion 15a2 may be an elastic body that can be elastically deformed by pressing. In that case, a rigid body (such as a column that assists in pushing the switch board 15b) that can be displaced by pressure may be included inside the elastic body. An insertion hole 15a3 is formed in the circumferential surface of the button portion 15a2. The insertion hole 15a3 is formed at the base portion of the button portion 15a2 (near the connection portion of the button portion 15a2 with the base portion 15a1).

The switch holder 15c is formed in an annular shape that can be fitted onto the button portion 15a2. The switch holder 15c is made of a flexible material that can be deformed in response to pressing the button portion 15a2. Note that the switch holder 15c may be made of an elastically deformable material. An inner projection piece 15c1 that can be inserted into the insertion hole 15a3 of the button portion 15a2 is formed on the inner diameter side of the switch holder 15c. Furthermore, two outer diameter protrusions 15c2 that protrude on both sides in the X-axis direction are formed on the outer diameter side of the switch holder 15c. The inner diameter protrusion piece 15c1 and the two outer diameter protrusion pieces 15c2 are out of phase by 90 degrees around the central axis of the switch holder 15c. The switch holder 15c covers the base portion 15a1 of the switch button 15a. Therefore, the base portion 15a1 can be made invisible from the display cover 14 side.

Side walls 14c are vertically provided on both sides of the display cover 14 in the X-axis direction near the through hole 14a. The side wall 14c is formed with two insertion holes 14c1 into which the two outer diameter protrusions 15c2 of the switch holder 15c can be inserted. The switch holder 15c and the switch button 15a, that is, the components other than the switch board 15b of the input device 15 are assembled on the display cover 14 side. When the display cover 14 with the switch holder 15c and the switch button 15a assembled thereon engages with the holder 30, the switch button 15a is placed on the switch board 15b, and the input device 15 is assembled.

Returning to FIG. 11, the first rib 42C of the holder 30 extends in the longitudinal direction (Z-axis direction) along the -Y side end of the main plate 41. The upper end (+Z side) of the first rib 42C in the longitudinal direction is connected to the second sub-plate 42B. By connecting the first rib 42C, which has a T-shaped cross section together with the main plate 41, to the second sub-plate 42B, the rigidity of the holder 30 can be further increased. A case fitting portion 42E is provided in a protruding manner on the side surface of the first rib 42C facing away from the main plate 41 (-Y side).

A first fitting hole 42e1 and a second fitting hole 42e2 are formed in the case fitting portion 42E. The first fitting hole 42e1 and the second fitting hole 42e2 are open on the −Y side. The first fitting hole 42e1 is arranged on the +X side of the case fitting part 42E. The first case 13A described above is fitted into the first fitting hole 42e1. The second fitting hole 42e2 is arranged on the −X side of the case fitting portion 42E. The second case 13B described above is fitted into the second fitting hole 42e2.

Two case fitting parts 42E are formed spaced apart in the longitudinal direction of the first rib 42C. One set of a first fitting hole 42e1 and a second fitting hole 42e2 are formed in the case fitting portion 42E disposed on the lower side (-Z side) of the first rib 42C in the longitudinal direction. A plurality of first fitting holes 42e1 and second fitting holes 42e2 are formed in plural sets spaced apart in the longitudinal direction in the case fitting part 42E arranged on the upper side (+Z side) of the first rib 42C in the longitudinal direction. . Note that a through hole 30a for screwing the holder 30 is formed in the case fitting portion 42E disposed on the +Z side.

A sandwiched piece 42e3 that linearly partitions the first fitting hole 42e1 and the second fitting hole 42e2 is provided in a protruding manner on the case fitting portion 42E disposed on the +Z side. The pinched piece 42e3 is sandwiched between the first circumferential wall portion 12B1 of the first case 13A and the second circumferential wall portion 12B2 of the second case 13B. Note that the held piece 42e3 is not exposed on the outer surface 12b1 of the peripheral wall portion 12B of the outer case 12, as shown in FIG. That is, a step is formed inside the first peripheral wall part 12B1 and the second peripheral wall part 12B2 to sandwich the clamped piece 42e3.

As shown in FIG. 11, the second rib 42D of the holder 30 extends in the longitudinal direction (Z-axis direction) along the +Y side end of the main plate 41. As shown in FIG. The upper end (+Z side) of the second rib 42D in the longitudinal direction is connected to the first sub-plate 42A. By connecting the second rib 42D, which has a T-shaped cross section together with the main plate 41, to the first sub-plate 42A, the rigidity of the holder 30 can be further increased.

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

A stepped notch 42d is formed in the second rib 42D. The notch 42d includes a first notch 42d1 and a second notch 42d2. The first notch 42d1 is formed from the +X side end of the second rib 42D to the -X side end to the front of the main plate 41. The second notch 42d2 is arranged on the −Z side of the first notch 42d1. The second notch 42d2 is formed from the +X side end of the second rib 42D to the -X side end to the back side of the main plate 41 (a position beyond the second plate surface 41b). (See Figure 11).

The first notch 42d1 is formed to avoid interference with the optical path of a light source 52 (see FIG. 29, described later) provided on the main board 31, which will be described later. The light source 52 is, for example, an LED light. As shown in FIG. 29, the second notch 42d2 is formed to avoid interference with the sensor holder 35 attached to the cartridge accommodating portion 10 and the sensor 34 held by the sensor holder 35.

FIG. 15 is a plan view of the holder 30 according to one embodiment. FIG. 16 is a sectional view taken along the line CC shown in FIG. 15.
As shown in FIG. 15, the receiving portion 43 of the holder 30 is formed into a cylindrical shape with a bottom. Two insertion holes 43c are formed in the bottom wall 43b of the receiving part 43 for arranging two protruding electrodes 50 (see FIG. 7) inside the cartridge accommodating part 10.

The two insertion holes 43c are spaced apart from each other in the Y-axis direction with the main axis O in between. The two insertion holes 43c penetrate the bottom wall 43b in the main axis direction (Z-axis direction). As shown in FIG. 10, an annular wall 43d is provided protruding from the lower surface side (-Z side) of the bottom wall 43b. The annular wall 43d surrounds the two insertion holes 43c. The annular wall 43d is formed in the shape of a long hole, in which both ends of two parallel lines extending in the Y-axis direction are connected by an arc when viewed from the bottom.

As shown in FIG. 16, a step 43g (an annular receiving surface) is formed on the inner side of the peripheral wall 43a of the receiving portion 43. The step 43g contacts the cartridge accommodating portion 10 in the main axis direction (Z-axis direction). The circumferential wall 43a below the step 43g (-Z side) is smaller in diameter than above the step 43g (+Z side). As shown in FIG. 15, the peripheral wall 43a below the step 43g has an inner diameter D1. The inner diameter D1 corresponds to the inner diameter of the cartridge accommodating portion 10.

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

As shown in FIG. 16, the engagement protrusion 43h has a curved shape that protrudes upward in the main axis direction (+Z side). That is, the width of the engaging protrusion 43h in the circumferential direction becomes smaller toward the upper side in the main axis direction. The engagement protrusion 43h may have an isosceles trapezoid shape similar to the engagement groove 26i, or an isosceles triangle, as long as the width in the circumferential direction becomes smaller toward the upper side in the main axis direction. . Further, the engaging protrusion 43h may have an asymmetrical shape such as a right triangle. For example, when the engagement protrusion 43h is a right triangle, the side facing the rotation direction of the mouthpiece 11 when connecting the mouthpiece 11 to the cartridge accommodating part 10 is preferably the right-angled side. This makes it difficult for the cartridge accommodating part 10 to get over the engagement protrusion 43h when connecting the mouthpiece 11 to the cartridge accommodating part 10.

As shown in FIG. 15, the outer diameter D2 of the cartridge 3 accommodated inside the cartridge accommodating portion 10 is smaller than the inner diameter D1 of the cartridge accommodating portion 10. As shown in FIG. The gap created between the inner diameter D1 of the cartridge accommodating part 10 (that is, the inner diameter D1 below the step 43g of the receiving part 43) and the outer diameter D2 of the cartridge 3 is 2.6% of the inner diameter D1 of the cartridge accommodating part 10. The bigger the better. This increases the clearance between the cartridge accommodating portion 10 and the cartridge 3, making it easier to guide the engagement protrusion 43h into the engagement groove 26i when setting the cartridge 3, which will be described later. The gap created between the cartridge accommodating part 10 and the cartridge 3 here is calculated from the difference between the inner diameter D1 of the cartridge accommodating part 10 and the outer diameter D2 of the cartridge 3. For example, when the inner diameter D1 is 11.8 mm and the outer diameter D2 is 11.5 mm, the gap is 0.3 mm. This gap corresponds to 2.54% of the inner diameter D1, and in this case is excluded from the above conditions.

More preferably, the gap created between the inner diameter D1 of the cartridge accommodating part 10 and the outer diameter D2 of the cartridge 3 is larger than 7.0% of the inner diameter D1 of the cartridge accommodating part 10. Thereby, the clearance between the cartridge accommodating portion 10 and the cartridge 3 becomes larger, and it becomes easier to guide the engagement protrusion 43h into the engagement groove 26i when setting the cartridge 3, which will be described later. For example, when the inner diameter D1 is 12.4 mm and the outer diameter D2 is 11.5 mm, the gap is 0.9 mm. This gap corresponds to 7.26% of the inner diameter D1, and in this case, the above conditions are met.

The radial dimension D3 of the engaging protrusion 43h is preferably larger than the gap generated between the cartridge accommodating portion 10 and the cartridge 3. In addition, when the above two conditions are defined by the radial dimension D3 of the engagement protrusion 43h, it becomes as follows. The engagement protrusion 43h extends from the inner circumferential wall of the cartridge accommodating section 10 (that is, the inner circumferential wall of the circumferential wall 43a below the step 43g) toward the inside of the cartridge accommodating section 10 in the radial direction. It is preferable that the length D3 extends by more than 2.6% of the length D3. More preferably, the engaging protrusion 43h has a dimension D3 larger than 7.0% of the inner diameter D1 of the cartridge accommodating part 10 from the inner circumferential wall of the cartridge accommodating part 10 toward the inside of the cartridge accommodating part 10 in the radial direction. It would be good if it extended.

As shown in FIG. 15, an engaging protrusion 43i is formed on the step 43g of the receiving portion 43 to position the cartridge accommodating portion 10 in the circumferential direction. One engagement protrusion 43i is formed on the inner wall surface on the front side (+X side) of the peripheral wall 43a of the receiving part 43. The engagement protrusion 43i does not protrude inward in the radial direction than the step 43g of the receiving portion 43, and is formed to have the same degree of protrusion as the peripheral wall 43a below the step 43g. As shown in FIG. 16, the engagement protrusion 43i, like the engagement protrusion 43h, has a curved shape that protrudes upward in the main axis direction (+Z side). That is, the width of the engaging protrusion 43i in the circumferential direction becomes smaller toward the upper side in the main axis direction.

<Cartridge housing section>
FIG. 17 is a front view of the cartridge accommodating section 10 according to one embodiment. FIG. 18 is a right side view of the cartridge accommodating section 10 according to one embodiment. FIG. 19 is a left side view of the cartridge accommodating section 10 according to one embodiment. FIG. 20 is a sectional view taken along the line DD shown in FIG. 18.
As shown in FIG. 17, the cartridge accommodating portion 10 is a cylindrical member and extends in the main axis direction (Z-axis direction). The cartridge accommodating portion 10 is formed from a cylindrical member made of metal, whereas the outer case 12, holder 30, and the like are made of resin.

A cartridge insertion/extraction opening 10a is formed at the upper (+Z side) end of the cartridge accommodating portion 10 in the main axis direction. On the other hand, an engagement groove 10b that engages with the above-mentioned engagement protrusion 43i is formed at the lower (-Z side) end of the cartridge accommodating portion 10 in the main axis direction. One engagement groove portion 10b is formed on the front side (+X side) of the lower end portion of the cartridge accommodating portion 10.

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

As shown in FIG. 18, the through hole 10c is a long hole extending in the main axis direction (Z-axis direction). A rectangular groove 10c1 is formed at the -X side edge of the through hole 10c. The rectangular groove 10c1 makes the shape of the through hole 10c asymmetrical in the X-axis direction in order to prevent incorrect assembly of the cover member 17 to the cartridge accommodating portion 10. The two air communication holes 10e are arranged to sandwich the through hole 10c in the X-axis direction. The air communication hole 10e is formed larger than the air hole 19, as shown in FIG. 29, which will be described later. Thereby, it is possible to prevent the air hole 19 and the air communication hole 10e from communicating with each other and to prevent a positional shift that would result in a narrowing of the flow path area. In other words, the air holes 19 are less likely to be blocked when the main body unit 2 is assembled.

As shown in FIG. 19, another through hole 10d is formed on the left side (−Y side) of the circumferential surface of the cartridge accommodating portion 10. A cartridge accommodating section side protrusion 35D, which will be described later, provided on the sensor holder 35 (see FIG. 7) is inserted into the through hole 10d (see FIG. 29, which will be described later). The through hole 10d is a long hole extending in the main axis direction (Z-axis direction). The through hole 10d is arranged on the diagonally left front side (+X side) of the cartridge accommodating part 10, and as shown in FIG. There is no point-symmetrical positional relationship.

As shown in FIG. 20, in the cartridge accommodating portion 10, an insert ring 10A is press-fitted above the through-holes 10c and 10d in the main axis direction (+Z side). The insert ring 10A is a cylindrical member made of resin. The insert ring 10A is formed with a suction port connecting portion 10B for connecting the suction port 11 (see FIG. 5) to the cartridge insertion/extraction port 10a. Note that a recess 10f is formed on the inner wall surface of the cartridge accommodating portion 10 on the upper side in the main axis direction (+Z side) so that the inner diameter does not become smaller due to the internal fitting of the insert ring 10A.

Two suction ports 10B are formed at equal intervals (180°) in the circumferential direction of the insert ring 10A. The suction port connection portion 10B is a groove (notch) formed in the insert ring 10A. The mouthpiece connection part 10B has a first groove part 10b1, a second groove part 10b2, and a third groove part 10b3. The width of the first groove portion 10b1 in the circumferential direction increases toward the upper side (+Z side) in the main axis direction. The second groove portion 10b2 extends downward in the main axis direction (-Z side) with a constant width from the lower end of the first groove portion 10b1. The third groove portion 10b3 is bent at 90° in the circumferential direction from the lower end of the second groove portion 10b2, and extends approximately 1/4 around the insert ring 10A with a constant width.

<Suction part>
FIG. 21 is a right side view of the mouthpiece 11 according to one embodiment. FIG. 22 is a sectional view taken along the line EE shown in FIG. 21.
As shown in FIG. 21, the suction port 11 has a protrusion 11b1 that engages with the suction port connection portion 10B of the cartridge accommodating portion 10 described above. The mouthpiece 11 includes a mouthpiece main body 11A made of resin, and a metal cylinder 11B in which two protrusions 11b1 are formed, as shown in FIG.

The mouthpiece main body 11A is formed into a cylindrical shape with a bottom, as shown in FIG. The flavor source container 4 (see FIG. 6) described above is inserted inside the peripheral wall 11a1 of the mouthpiece main body 11A. An annular flange portion 11a2 extending radially outward is provided on the outer surface of the peripheral wall 11a1. As shown in FIG. 6, the flange portion 11a2 contacts the upper opening edge of the cartridge accommodating portion 10 (the opening edge of the cartridge insertion/extraction port 10a) in the main axis direction (Z-axis direction).

A through hole 11a4 penetrating in the main axis direction is formed in the bottom wall 11a3 of the mouthpiece main body 11A. A cartridge contact portion 60 is fitted into the through hole 11a4 (see FIG. 6). The cartridge contact portion 60 is, for example, an elastic body made of a resin material such as silicone resin. The cartridge contact portion 60 includes a first ring portion 60a, a cylindrical portion 60b, and a second ring portion 60c.

The first ring portion 60a is arranged above the bottom wall 11a3 of the mouthpiece main body 11A in the main axis direction (+Z side). The first ring portion 60a has a larger outer diameter than the through hole 11a4, and extends to the inner wall surface of the peripheral wall 11a1 of the mouthpiece main body 11A. The first ring portion 60a contacts the bottom wall 27d of the flavor source container 4 inside the peripheral wall 11a1. The surface of the first ring portion 60a facing the bottom wall 27d of the flavor source container 4 may be a flat surface, or a groove may be formed in accordance with the shape of the legs of the bottom wall 27d. The first ring portion 60a serves as a circumferential slip prevention member for the flavor source container 4 and a sealing chamber for the fine hole 27e of the flavor source container 4. Note that the first ring portion 60a does not have to come into contact with the bottom wall 27d of the flavor source container 4. In that case, a seal portion that prevents introduction of outside air can be formed at the contact portion between the flavor source container 4 and the mouthpiece 11 at the step 27b. The cylindrical portion 60b is inserted through the through hole 11a4 of the bottom wall 11a3. The cylindrical portion 60b connects the inner diameter side of the first ring portion 60a and the inner diameter side of the second ring portion 60c in the main axis direction.

The second ring portion 60c is arranged below the bottom wall 11a3 of the mouthpiece main body 11A in the main axis direction (−Z side). The second ring portion 60c has a larger outer diameter than the through hole 11a4 and extends to the inner wall surface of the cylindrical body 11B. An annular protrusion 61 that protrudes downward in the main axis direction toward the cartridge 3 is formed on the second ring portion 60c. Due to the annular protrusion 61, the contact of the second ring portion 60c with the cartridge 3 is no longer a planar contact, and the contact pressure against the cartridge 3 increases, making it easier to generate a frictional force in the circumferential direction and a pressing force in the main axis direction, which will be described later.

A communication hole 62 is formed at the center of the first ring part 60a, the cylindrical part 60b, and the second ring part 60c. The communication hole 62 allows the through hole 21b of the tank 21 of the cartridge 3 described above to communicate with the fine hole 27e of the flavor source container 4. The annular projection 61 of the second ring portion 60c is formed in a double annular shape. This annular protrusion 61 comes into contact with the top wall 21a of the tank 21 around the through hole 21b of the cartridge 3, thereby forming a highly airtight double seal.

Returning to FIG. 22, the cylindrical body 11B is press-fitted onto the peripheral wall 11a1 below the flange portion 11a2 of the mouthpiece main body 11A. Two protrusions 11b1 are arranged at equal intervals (180°) in the circumferential direction on the circumferential surface of the cylindrical body 11B. The cylinder 11B extends lower in the main axis direction (-Z side) than the peripheral wall 11a1 of the mouthpiece main body 11A. The above-mentioned second ring portion 60c is arranged in the space below the bottom wall 11a3 surrounded by the cylinder 11B. Note that, as shown in FIG. 6, the inner diameter of the cylindrical body 11B is larger than the outer diameter of the cartridge 3. As a result, even if the suction part 11 is strongly pushed toward the cartridge 3 and the second ring part 60c is elastically deformed so as to be crushed in the direction of the main axis in a state as shown in FIG. It is designed not to interfere with 3.

<Main board>
FIG. 23 is a perspective view of the main board 31 according to one embodiment. FIG. 24 is a perspective view showing a state in which the salient electrode cover 51 is removed from the salient electrode 50 of the main board 31 according to one embodiment.
As shown in FIG. 23, the main board 31 has a plate shape extending along the YZ plane, and has a first plate surface 31a facing the front side (+X side) and a first plate surface 31a facing the rear side (-X side). It has two plate surfaces 31b. The second plate surface 31b of the main board 31 includes a protruding electrode 50 that is inserted into the cartridge housing chamber, which is the internal space formed by the cartridge housing section 10 and the receiving section 43, and a projecting electrode 50 that illuminates the inside of the cartridge housing section 10. A light source 52 is arranged. Note that the protruding electrode 50 may reach the inside of the cartridge accommodating section 10 in the cartridge accommodating chamber, or may only reach the inside of the receiving section 43. Further, when the receiving portion 43 has a flat plate shape, the protruding electrode 50 can easily reach the inside of the cartridge accommodating portion 10.

Here, the "main board" refers to the largest board among the boards housed inside the exterior case 12. The main board 31 is larger than the sub-board 32 described above, the switch board 15b of the input device 15, and the like. Note that if only one board is housed inside the exterior case 12, that board is the "main board." Furthermore, when two boards of the same size are housed inside the exterior case 12, the board provided with an electronically controlled calculation section such as a CPU or a microcomputer is defined as the "main board".

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

The first portion 31A is a portion that overlaps the main plate 41 of the holder 30 shown in FIG. The first portion 31A is held on the main plate 41 by a substrate support piece 41d and a clamping piece 42a. The first portion 31A extends along the main plate 41 in the main axis direction. That is, the first portion 31A extends parallel to the cartridge accommodating portion 10. The light source 52 is arranged on the cartridge accommodating portion 10 side (+Y side) of the first portion 31A (see FIG. 23).

The second portion 31B is a portion extending from above the main plate 41 of the holder 30 shown in FIG. 10 toward the receiving portion 43 side (+Y side). The second portion 31B is held by the substrate support piece 43e and the clamping piece 43f of the bottom wall 43b of the receiving portion 43. The second portion 31B is arranged to face the receiving portion 43 (that is, the end of the cartridge accommodating portion 10) in the main axis direction (Z-axis direction). In other words, the second portion 31B is arranged side by side with the receiving portion 43 in the main axis direction. The protruding electrode 50 is arranged on the side (+Z side) of the second portion 31B that faces the receiving portion 43 (see FIG. 23).

As shown in FIG. 24, the protruding electrode 50 is supported by a pedestal portion 50A provided on the second plate surface 31b of the main board 31. As shown in FIG. The pedestal portion 50A supports the protruding electrode 50 so as to be parallel to the plate surface (the first plate surface 31a, the second plate surface 31b, that is, the YZ plane) of the main board 31. That is, the two terminals, + and -, of the protruding electrode 50 supported by the pedestal portion 50A extend in parallel along the YZ plane.

The main board 31 is provided with a protruding electrode cover 51 that covers a portion where the protruding electrode 50 is provided. The portion where the protruding electrode 50 is provided includes a pedestal portion 50A. Specifically, the portion where the protruding electrode 50 is provided includes the pedestal portion 50A, the root portion of the protruding electrode 50, and the peripheral area of the pedestal portion 50A on the second plate surface 31b. The protruding electrode cover 51 is formed into a substantially box shape with an open side facing the second plate surface 31b. The protruding electrode cover 51 has a cover end wall 51a disposed on the −X side of the pedestal portion 50A, and a cover peripheral wall 51b surrounding the four sides of the pedestal portion 50A on both sides in the Y-axis direction and both sides in the Z-axis direction. .

Two through holes 51c through which the protruding electrodes 50 are disposed are formed in the +Z side wall portion of the cover peripheral wall 51b. Note that the tip portion of the protruding electrode 50 is biased toward the +Z side by a spring member (not shown) housed in the base portion of the protruding electrode 50, and is freely displaceable in the Z-axis direction. That is, the protruding electrode 50 extends toward the cartridge 3, and is displaced in the -Z direction when the cartridge 3 is inserted. Even in this state, the protruding electrode 50 is biased in the +Z direction, so that the contact with the cartridge 3 can be ensured. The inner wall surface of the through hole 51c is in close contact with a portion that does not restrict the displacement of the tip portion of the protruding electrode 50, for example, the outer periphery of the root portion of the protruding electrode 50 in this embodiment.

FIG. 25 is a sectional view taken along arrow FF shown in FIG.
As shown in FIG. 25, the protruding electrode cover 51 is in contact with the receiving part 43 of the holder 30 in which the insertion hole 43c is formed. The protruding electrode 50 is inserted into the insertion hole 43c. The +Z side wall portion of the cover peripheral wall 51b of the protruding electrode cover 51 is in contact with the annular wall 43d of the bottom wall 43b of the receiving portion 43 in the main axis direction. The protruding electrode cover 51 is made of silicone resin. The +Z side wall portion of the cover peripheral wall 51b is elastically deformed due to contact with the annular wall 43d.

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

As shown in FIG. 25, the annular wall 43d extends toward the −Z side from the substrate contact portion 43j. The elastic deformation of the protruding electrode cover 51 by the annular wall 43d is limited to a certain amount by the contact between the board contact portion 43j and the main board 31. In other words, the contact pressure between the annular wall 43d and the protruding electrode cover 51 can be controlled by the substrate contact portion 43j. Therefore, the sealing performance between the annular wall 43d and the ejected electrode cover 51 can be ensured without excessively pressing the ejected electrode cover 51 against the annular wall 43d.

The protruding electrode cover 51 is provided on the main board 31 together with the protruding electrode 50. That is, the protruding electrode cover 51 is not held by any structure other than the main board 31 (for example, the exterior case 12, etc.). Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 25, the protruding electrode cover 51 is assembled into the exterior case 12 in a non-contact manner. Thereby, it is possible to prevent the protruding electrode cover 51 from coming into contact with the exterior case 12 and being deformed or displaced, thereby preventing the sheath properties from being impaired.

<Cover member>
FIG. 26 is a diagram of the cover member 17 according to one embodiment viewed from the outside in the radial direction. FIG. 27 is a diagram of the cover member 17 according to one embodiment viewed from the inside in the radial direction. FIG. 28 is a perspective view of the cover member 17 according to one embodiment.
As shown in FIG. 26, the cover member 17 includes a main body case side protrusion 17A on the radially outer side, that is, on the right side (+Y side) facing the main body case 13. The main case side protrusion 17A is inserted into the opening 13a of the main case 13, as shown in FIG. The cover member 17 is translucent, and the remaining amount of liquid in the aerosol source of the cartridge 3 accommodated in the cartridge accommodating portion 10 can be confirmed through the main body case side protrusion 17A.

Like the opening 13a of the main body case 13, the main body case side protrusion 17A is formed in the shape of a long hole extending in the main axis direction (Z-axis direction). The main body case side protrusion 17A is slightly smaller than the opening 13a. An air inlet 18 is formed in the gap between the main case side protrusion 17A and the opening 13a. Note that a part of the main case side protrusion 17A may be in contact with the inner wall surface of the opening 13a. The air inlet 18 is an entrance of an intake flow path that takes outside air into the exterior case 12 by suction from the user.

The air inlet 18 is formed in an annular shape along the opening edge of the opening 13a of the main body case 13 (also referred to as the periphery of the main body case side protrusion 17A). The size of the air inlet 18 is preferably such that it cannot be completely blocked by the user's finger. For example, the dimension of the air inlet 18 in the main axis direction (Z-axis direction) may be greater than or equal to the width between the first fingers of an average adult's thumb (for example, 2.0 cm or more). Further, the distance in the X-axis direction between the two slits extending parallel to the main axis direction of the air inlet 18 may be greater than or equal to the width between the first fingers of the average adult's thumb.
Note that the air inlet 18 may have only one or two slits extending parallel to the main axis direction, as long as the air inlet 18 is large enough not to be blocked by the user's fingers. That is, the air inlet 18 may be formed in the shape of a slit along the opening edge of the opening 13a of the main body case 13.

As shown in FIG. 28, the cover member 17 has a plate portion 17B that supports the main case side protrusion 17A. The plate portion 17B is arranged so as to overlap the inside of the main body case 13. The plate portion 17B is interposed between the main body case 13 and the cartridge accommodating portion 10. The cartridge accommodating part 10 side (-Y side) of the plate part 17B is curved along the circumferential surface of the cartridge accommodating part 10. Further, the main body case 13 side (+Y side) of the plate portion 17B is curved along the inner wall surface of the peripheral wall portion 12B (see FIG. 2). The cartridge accommodating portion 10 side (−Y side) and the main body case 13 side (+Y side) of the plate portion 17B have different curved shapes (curvatures, etc.).

Further, the upper side (+Z) of the plate portion 17B in the main axis direction on the main body case 13 side is curved along the inner wall surface of the second corner portion 12C2 of the peripheral wall portion 12B. In other words, the thickness of the plate portion 17B decreases toward the upper side (+Z) in the main axis direction. The above-described air hole 19, air groove 70, and case fitting hole 17b1 are formed in the plate portion 17B. Two air holes 19 are formed sandwiching the main body case side protrusion 17A in the X-axis direction.

FIG. 29 is a sectional view taken along the line GG shown in FIG. 3.
As shown in FIG. 29, the air hole 19 is arranged at a location where the cover member 17 and the main body case 13 overlap. That is, the air hole 19 is arranged inside the main body case 13 and is covered by the main body case 13. Therefore, the air holes 19 cannot be visually recognized from the outside of the main body case 13. Further, the air hole 19 cannot be directly blocked with a finger unless the main body case 13 is removed.

Air hole 19 provides fluid communication between air inlet 18 and the interior of cartridge housing 10 . The air hole 19 is a main flow path of an intake flow path that takes outside air into the interior of the exterior case 12 . The air hole 19 of this embodiment communicates with the air communication hole 10e formed in the cartridge accommodating part 10, and provides fluid communication between the air inlet 18 and the inside of the cartridge accommodating part 10 over a short distance. Note that when the air communication hole 10e is not formed, the air taken into the exterior case 12 from the air hole 19 flows into the inside of the cartridge accommodating part 10 through every gap in the cartridge accommodating part 10.

Returning to FIG. 26, two sets of case fitting holes 17b1 are formed in the plate portion 17B, two above and below the air hole 19, sandwiching the main case side protrusion 17A in the X-axis direction. The main body case 13 is fitted into a total of four case fitting holes 17b1. Specifically, fitting claws 13E (see FIG. 34 described later) of the first case 13A are fitted into two case fitting holes 17b1 arranged on the +X side of the main case side protrusion 17A. Further, fitting claws 13I (see FIG. 35 described later) of the second case 13B are fitted into two case fitting holes 17b1 arranged on the −X side of the main case side protrusion 17A.

The air groove 70 forms a space connecting the air inlet 18 and the air hole 19. As shown in FIG. 28, the air groove 70 has an annular groove portion 71 and two stepped groove portions 72. The annular groove portion 71 is formed in an annular shape around the main body case side protrusion 17A on the plate portion 17B. The annular groove portion 71 is recessed toward the −Y side from the outer surface of the plate portion 17B on the main body case 13 side (+Y). The width of the annular groove 71 is preferably larger than the width of the air inlet 18 (distance from the inner circumferential edge to the outer circumferential edge), as shown in FIG.

The two stepped grooves 72 are formed at the +X side edge and the -X side edge of the annular groove 71. The stepped groove portion 72 has a lower bottom surface than the annular groove portion 71. In other words, the step groove portion 72 is recessed toward the −Y side with respect to the annular groove portion 71. Air holes 19 are formed in the bottom surface of this stepped groove portion 72 . The bottom surface of the stepped groove portion 72 is formed to be wider than the opening area of the air hole 19.

As shown in FIG. 27, the cover member 17 has a cartridge accommodating part side protrusion 17C on the cartridge accommodating part 10 side (-Y side) of the plate part 17B. The cartridge accommodating part side protrusion 17C is inserted into a through hole 10c (see FIG. 18) formed in the circumferential surface of the cartridge accommodating part 10. Like the through hole 10c of the cartridge accommodating part 10, the cartridge accommodating part side protrusion 17C is formed in the shape of a long hole extending in the main axis direction (Z-axis direction).

Further, as shown in FIG. 27, the cover member 17 has a cover positioning protrusion 17D on the cartridge accommodating section 10 side (-Y side) of the plate section 17B. The cover positioning projection 17D is arranged on the -X side of the cartridge accommodating section side projection 17C. The cover positioning projection 17D is a rectangular projection extending in the X-axis direction. The cover positioning protrusion 17D is inserted into the rectangular groove 10c1 of the cartridge accommodating portion 10 shown in FIG. Thereby, it is possible to prevent mistakes in assembling the cover member 17 to the cartridge accommodating portion 10.

<Sensor holder>
FIG. 30 is a diagram of the sensor holder 35 according to one embodiment viewed from the outside in the radial direction. FIG. 31 is a diagram of the sensor holder 35 according to one embodiment viewed from the inside in the radial direction. FIG. 32 is a perspective view of the sensor holder 35 according to one embodiment.
As shown in FIG. 32, the sensor holder 35 has a curved plate portion 35A shaped along the circumferential surface of the cartridge accommodating portion 10. As shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 29, the curved plate portion 35A is in airtight contact with the circumferential surface of the cartridge accommodating portion 10 via the adhesive sheet 48. The curved plate portion 35A is arranged in a narrow gap between the cartridge accommodating portion 10 and the holder 30.

The sensor holder 35 is provided with a holder-side protrusion 35B that protrudes toward the holder 30, as shown in FIG. 29, on the outer surface of the curved plate portion 35A on the side opposite to the cartridge accommodating portion 10. The holder-side protrusion 35B is formed into a cylindrical shape. A sensor 34 is held inside the holder-side protrusion 35B. The holder-side protrusion 35B (and the sensor 34) is arranged to be inserted into the second notch 42d2 of the second rib 42D of the holder 30.

An air flow path 80 that connects the inside of the cartridge accommodating portion 10 and the sensor 34 is formed in the holder side protrusion 35B. The air flow path 80 extends in the radial direction from the sensor 34 to the inner wall surface of the curved plate portion 35A. A holding portion 35C that holds the sensor 34 is provided on the cartridge accommodating portion 10 side of the air flow path 80. As shown in FIG. 31, the holding portions 35C are arranged as a pair on the inner wall surface of the air flow path 80 to face each other in the radial inner side than the sensor 34. As shown in FIG. Since the sensor 34 comes into contact with the holding portion 35C, the sensor 34 is prevented from falling into the cartridge accommodating portion 10.

The sensor 34 has a detecting section on the cartridge accommodating section 10 side. The detection unit detects, for example, the behavior of the diaphragm that deforms in response to pressure fluctuations as a change in capacitance. The detection section is covered with a waterproof and breathable member 81. The waterproof and breathable member 81 is made of a material that is both waterproof and breathable. The material of the waterproof and breathable member 81 is formed with numerous micropores that are large enough to prevent water droplets from passing through but allow air to pass through. This waterproof and breathable member 81 partitions a space between the inside of the cartridge accommodating section 10 and the sensor 34. In other words, the waterproof breathable member 81 does not allow liquid to pass from the inside of the cartridge accommodating portion 10 to the sensor 34, but only allows air to pass therethrough.

As shown in FIG. 32, a cartridge accommodating part side protrusion 35D that protrudes toward the cartridge accommodating part 10 side is provided on the inner wall surface of the curved plate part 35A on the cartridge accommodating part 10 side. As shown in FIG. 31, the cartridge accommodating portion side protrusion 35D is formed into a substantially C-shape when viewed from the inside in the radial direction. The cartridge accommodating part side protrusion 35D is inserted into a through hole 10d (see FIG. 19) formed in the circumferential surface of the cartridge accommodating part 10.

The sensor holder 35 is translucent and also serves as a light guiding member that guides the light from the light source 52 shown in FIG. 6 into the cartridge accommodating portion 10. This sensor holder 35 is made of polycarbonate resin, for example. The polycarbonate resin provides the sensor holder 35 that holds the sensor 34 with appropriate hardness and good translucency so that it can also serve as a light guide member. The light transmittance of the sensor holder 35 is preferably one having a lower transmittance than transparent so that the transmitted light is diffused.

The sensor holder 35 is interposed between the light source 52 and the cartridge accommodating portion 10, as shown in FIG. The light source 52 is arranged above the sensor 34 (+Z side) in the main axis direction (Z-axis direction) of the cartridge accommodating section 10 so as not to overlap the sensor 34. The light source 52 is arranged on the side opposite to the cartridge insertion/extraction opening 10a in the main axis direction of the cartridge accommodating portion 10. Note that "the side opposite to the cartridge insertion/extraction opening" refers to an area within a range of L/2 from the end opposite to the cartridge insertion/extraction opening 10a, where L is the dimension of the cartridge accommodating portion 10 in the main axis direction. .

The light source 52 is arranged to at least partially overlap the window section 16. That is, the window portion 16 and the light source 52 are arranged to overlap when viewed from the Y-axis direction. Note that a tank 21 for the cartridge 3 is arranged between the window portion 16 and the light source 52. The light source 52 illuminates at least the lower half of the liquid storage chamber 21g inside the tank 21. In addition, between the window part 16 and the light source 52, there are a cover member 17, a through hole 10c of the cartridge accommodating part 10, a tank 21, a through hole 10d of the cartridge accommodating part 10, a sensor holder 35, and a second rib 42D of the holder 30. A first notch 42d1 is arranged.

<How to assemble the main unit>
FIG. 33 is a perspective view showing a method of assembling the main body unit 2 according to one embodiment. FIG. 34 is a rear view showing the inner configuration of the first case 13A according to one embodiment. FIG. 35 is a front view showing the inner configuration of the second case 13B according to one embodiment.
As shown in FIG. 33, in the main unit 2, the holder unit 100, in which various components are assembled around the holder 30, is screwed to the first case 13A to which the vibrator 36 is attached. It is assembled by combining it with the second case 13B and finally performing a welding process. Ultrasonic welding is suitable for this welding.

The holder unit 100 includes the first case 13A, the second case 13B, and the components of the main body unit 2 except the vibrator 36. Specifically, the holder unit 100 includes a holder 30, a cartridge accommodating section 10, a mouthpiece 11, a display cover 14, an input device 15, a main board 31, a sub-board 32, a display device 33, and a sensor. 34, a sensor holder 35, and a power source 37. Note that the mouthpiece 11 may be removed from the cartridge accommodating section 10 when the main body unit 2 is assembled.

As shown in FIG. 34, the first main surface portion 12A1 of the first case 13A has a mounting portion 13D for the vibrator 36 described above and two screws to which the holder 30 is screwed, on the opposing surface 13a1 facing the second case 13B. A boss portion 13C, a plurality of case side protrusions 13G that come into contact with the first rib 42C and the second rib 42D of the holder 30, and a groove portion 13H that comes into contact with the receiving portion 43 of the holder 30 are formed.

Screw holes are formed in the two boss portions 13C. Two screws 40 (see FIG. 33) passing through two through holes 30a of the holder 30 are screwed into the two boss portions 13C. The case-side protrusion 13G is in contact with the first rib 42C, and as shown in FIG. 34, it is arranged on the −Y side of the mounting portion 13D on the opposing surface 13a1, and points in the main axis direction (Z-axis direction). There is.

The case-side protrusions 13G that come into contact with the second rib 42D are arranged on the +Y side of the mounting portion 13D on the opposing surface 13b1, and are scattered in the main axis direction (Z-axis direction). Note that the case-side protrusion 13G1 disposed at the lower (−Z side) end in the main axis direction is bent in an L-shape in correspondence with the branch portion 42D1 of the second rib 42D. The groove portion 13H is recessed along the circumferential surface of the receiving portion 43 toward the +X side.

The inner wall surface of the first circumferential wall portion 12B1 of the first case 13A is provided with fitting claws 13E provided on both left and right sides and a fitting claw 13F provided on the lower side. The two fitting claws 13E provided on the +Y side of the first peripheral wall portion 12B1 are fitted into the case fitting holes 17b1 (see FIGS. 26 and 28) of the cover member 17 described above.

Furthermore, the three fitting claws 13E provided on the −Y side of the first peripheral wall portion 12B1 fit into the first fitting holes 42e1 (see FIGS. 11 and 29) of the holder 30 described above. Furthermore, the two fitting claws 13F provided on the −Z side of the first peripheral wall portion 12B1 are fitted into a claw receiving portion 13K (see FIG. 35) of the second case 13B, which will be described later.

As shown in FIG. 35, the second main surface 12A2 of the second case 13B has a plurality of cases on the opposing surface 13b1 facing the first case 13A, which abuts the first rib 42C and the second rib 42D of the holder 30. A side protrusion 13J and a groove 13L that abuts on the receiving portion 43 of the holder 30 are formed.

The case-side protrusions 13J that come into contact with the first ribs 42C are scattered in the main axis direction (Z-axis direction) on the -Y side of the opposing surface 13b1. The case-side protrusion 13J that abuts the second rib 42D extends linearly in the main axis direction (Z-axis direction) at approximately the center of the opposing surface 13b1 in the Y-axis direction. The groove portion 13L is recessed along the circumferential surface of the receiving portion 43 toward the −X side.

The inner wall surface of the second peripheral wall portion 12B2 of the second case 13B is provided with fitting claws 13I provided on both left and right sides and a claw receiving portion 13K provided on the lower side. The two fitting claws 13I provided on the +Y side of the second peripheral wall portion 12B2 are fitted into the case fitting holes 17b1 (see FIGS. 26 and 28) of the cover member 17 described above.

Further, the three fitting claws 13I provided on the −Y side of the second peripheral wall portion 12B2 are fitted into the second fitting holes 42e2 (see FIGS. 11 and 29) of the holder 30 described above. Further, the above-described fitting claws 13F (see FIG. 34) of the first case 13A are fitted into the two claw receiving portions 13K provided on the −Z side of the second peripheral wall portion 12B2.

The main body unit 2 includes a first connecting portion 91 that connects the first peripheral wall portion 12B1 of the first case 13A and the second peripheral wall portion 12B2 of the second case 13B, and one of the first main surface portion 12A1 and the second main surface portion 12A2. A second connecting portion 92 connects the holder 30 to one of the opposing surfaces 13a1 and 13b1, and a third connecting portion 92 connects the holder 30 to the other opposing surface 13a1 and 13b1 of the first main surface portion 12A1 and the second main surface portion 12A2. It has a connecting part 93.

The first connecting portion 91 includes a claw fitting between the above-described fitting claw 13F of the first case 13A (see FIG. 34) and the claw receiving portion 13K of the second case 13B (see FIG. 35). In this way, the connection method of the first connection portion 91 includes claw fitting.

The second connecting portion 92 is screwed to the boss portion 13C (see FIG. 34) provided on the opposing surface 13a1 (one opposing surface) of the first main surface portion 12A1 of the first case 13A (see FIG. 34). ). In this way, the connection method of the second connection portion 92 includes screwing.

The third connecting portion 93 is connected to the case side protrusion 13J (see FIG. 35) provided on the opposing surface 13b1 (the other opposing surface) of the second main surface portion 12A2 of the second case 13B described above, and the holder 30. This includes welding to the first rib 42C and the second rib 42D (see FIG. 29). In this way, the connection method of the third connection portion 93 includes welding. Note that the peripheral surface of the receiving portion 43 is also welded to the groove portion 13L (see FIG. 35) of the second case 13B.

Furthermore, in this embodiment, the first rib 42C and the second rib 42D are also welded ( (see Figure 29). In this way, the connection method of the second connection portion 92 also includes welding. Note that the peripheral surface of the receiving portion 43 is also welded to the groove portion 13H (see FIG. 34) of the first case 13A.

Furthermore, in this embodiment, the fitting claw 13E (see FIG. 34) provided on the −Y side of the first peripheral wall portion 12B1 of the first case 13A is connected to the first fitting hole 42e1 (see FIG. 34) provided in the holder 30. 11)). In this way, the connection method of the second connection portion 92 also includes claw fitting.

Furthermore, in this embodiment, the fitting claw 13E (see FIG. 35) provided on the −Y side of the second peripheral wall portion 12B2 of the second case 13B is connected to the second fitting hole 42e2 (see FIG. 35) provided in the holder 30. 11)). In this way, the connection method of the third connection portion 93 also includes claw fitting.

That is, the connection method of the first connection portion 91 is one type of claw fitting. There are three types of connection methods for the second connection portion 92: claw fitting, screwing, and welding. There are two types of connection methods for the third connection portion 93: claw fitting and welding. Therefore, the first connection part 91, the second connection part 92, and the third connection part 93 have different numbers of connection methods.

In this way, by making sure that the number of connection methods for the three connection parts (first connection part 91, second connection part 92, and third connection part 93) of the main unit 2 is not the same, disassembly by the user is made difficult. become. Note that even if the number of connection methods of the three connection parts is the same, if the types of connection methods are different, disassembly by the user can be made difficult. For example, the first connection part 91 has only one type of connection method: claw fitting, the second connection part 92 has only one type of connection method: screw fastening, and the third connection part 93 has only one type of connection method: welding. It doesn't matter if there is.

Furthermore, even if the number and type of connection methods for two of the three connections are the same, if the number or type of connection methods for the remaining connection is different, it will be difficult for the user to disassemble the connection. can do. In other words, it is sufficient that at least one of the three connection parts has a different number of connection methods. Moreover, at least one of the three connection parts may include a connection method of a different type.

Furthermore, the main body unit 2 of the present embodiment includes a fourth connecting portion 94 that connects the first peripheral wall portion 12B1 of the first case 13A and the second peripheral wall portion 12B2 of the second case 13B via the cover member 17. have The fourth connecting portion 94 includes a case fitting hole 17b1 (see FIG. 26) provided in the cover member 17 described above, and a fitting claw 13E ( (see FIG. 34) and a fitting claw 13E (see FIG. 35) provided on the +Y side of the second peripheral wall portion 12B2 of the second case 13B. In this way, the connection method of the fourth connection portion 94 includes claw fitting.

<Exterior of main unit>
FIG. 36 is a front view of the main body unit 2 with the mouthpiece 11 removed according to one embodiment.
As shown in FIG. 36, the main unit 2 includes a cartridge accommodating portion 10 having a cartridge insertion/extraction opening 10a protruding from the outer case 12. As shown in FIG. That is, a portion of the cartridge accommodating portion 10 including the cartridge insertion/extraction opening 10a protrudes from the outer case 12, making it easy to visually recognize the location where the cartridge 3 is inserted/extracted.

A portion of the cartridge accommodating portion 10 protruding from the exterior case 12 includes a suction port connection portion 10B (see FIGS. 6 and 20) for connecting the suction port 11 to the cartridge insertion/extraction port 10a. That is, at least a portion of the mouthpiece connection portion 10B protrudes from the exterior case 12. This makes it easier to visually recognize the first groove portion 10b1 of the suction port connection portion 10B from the cartridge insertion/extraction port 10a.

The exterior case 12 is provided with a raised portion 12D on the upper side (+Z side) in the main axis direction. The cartridge accommodating portion 10 projects upward in the main axis direction from the deformation transition portion 12D1 of the raised portion 12D. The deformation transition portion 12D1 is a portion from the second corner portion 12C2 to the top P of the raised portion 12D. The deformation transition portion 12D1 can also be said to be a portion where the dimension of the exterior case 12 in the Z-axis direction increases from the second corner portion 12C2 to the top P of the raised portion 12D. Further, the deformation transition portion 12D1 can also be said to be a portion oblique to the main axis direction. Note that the deformation transition portion 12D1 is not limited to a curved surface as shown in FIG. 36, but may be a sloped surface.

The deformation transition portion 12D1 forms a portion of the cartridge accommodating portion 10 that is largely exposed from the outer case 12 (+Y side) and a portion that is slightly exposed (−Y side). Visibility of the cartridge accommodating part 10 can be ensured in the largely exposed portion of the cartridge accommodating part 10. In the small exposed portion of the cartridge accommodating portion 10, an area for protecting the cartridge accommodating portion 10 can be secured by the outer case 12. Further, since the contact length between the edge of the outer case 12 and the circumferential surface of the cartridge accommodating portion 10 becomes longer, it becomes easier to ensure connection strength when the two are bonded together.

As shown in FIG. 36, the cartridge insertion/extraction opening 10a is disposed at a position below the top P of the raised portion 12D in the main axis direction (Z-axis direction) in which the cartridge accommodating portion 10 extends. That is, the cartridge insertion/extraction opening 10a is lowered in the main axis direction (-Z side) with respect to the top P of the raised portion 12D. For example, when the main body unit 2 is turned upside down and falls, the raised portion 12D comes into contact with the ground or the like before the cartridge insertion/extraction opening 10a, and protects the cartridge insertion/extraction opening 10a.

The raised portion 12D has a deformed transitional portion 12D2 on the opposite side (-Y side) across the top P from the deformed transitional portion 12D1, in which the input device 15 is disposed. The input device 15 is disposed at a position below the top P of the raised portion 12D in the main axis direction (Z-axis direction) in which the cartridge accommodating portion 10 extends. For example, when the main body unit 2 is turned upside down and falls, the raised portion 12D comes into contact with the ground or the like before the input device 15, and prevents the input device 15 from malfunctioning.

The input device 15 is arranged at an acute angle with respect to the main axis O of the cartridge accommodating portion 10 passing through the center of the cartridge insertion/extraction opening 10a. Specifically, the angle θ at which the main axis O intersects with the diagonal line O1 connecting the first corner portion 12C1 (input device 15) and the third corner portion 12C3 is less than 90°. According to this configuration, the user can easily place a finger on the input device 15 while holding the mouthpiece 11 attached to the cartridge insertion/extraction port 10a in his/her mouth.

The main body unit 2 includes a movement restriction member (cover member 17, sensor holder 35) that restricts the movement of the cartridge accommodating part 10, as a measure against pulling out of the cartridge accommodating part 10 that partially protrudes from the outer case 12. The movement restriction member restricts movement of the cartridge accommodating portion 10 at least in the direction of extraction from the outer case 12 . Here, the "extracting direction" means one direction toward the upper side (+Z side) among the main axis directions (Z-axis directions).

As shown in FIG. 6, the exterior case 12 includes a main case 13 in which an opening 13a is formed. The cover member 17 (movement limiting member) has a main case side protrusion 17A inserted into the opening 13a. The main body case side protrusion 17A locks onto the outer case 12 at least in the extraction direction and limits movement of the cartridge accommodating portion 10.

Further, the cover member 17 has a cartridge accommodating part side protrusion 17C that is inserted into the through hole 10c of the cartridge accommodating part 10. Even if the adhesion of the cover member 17 to the circumferential surface of the cartridge accommodating part 10 is peeled off by the user pulling it out, the cartridge accommodating part side protrusion 17C will be caught in the cartridge accommodating part 10 and will not be able to accommodate the cartridge from the outer case 12. This prevents the part 10 from being pulled out.

Further, the cover member 17 has a plate portion 17B interposed between the cartridge accommodating portion 10 and the outer case 12. The thickness of the plate portion 17B decreases toward the direction in which the cartridge accommodating portion 10 is removed (see FIG. 28). The plate portion 17B is formed in a wedge space between the cartridge accommodating portion 10 and the outer case 12 (more specifically, the rounded inner wall surface of the second corner portion 12C2 of the outer case 12 gradually approaches the circumferential surface of the cartridge accommodating portion 10). (space adjacent to). In other words, the plate portion 17B acts as a wedge and prevents the cartridge accommodating portion 10 from being pulled out from the outer case 12.

As shown in FIG. 29, in the holder 30 fixed to the exterior case 12, a second notch 42d2 is formed in the second rib 42D. The sensor holder 35 (movement limiting member) has a holder-side protrusion 35B inserted into the second notch 42d2. The holder-side protrusion 35B locks onto the holder 30 at least in the extraction direction and limits movement of the cartridge accommodating portion 10.

Further, the sensor holder 35 has a cartridge accommodating part side protrusion 35D that is inserted into the through hole 10d of the cartridge accommodating part 10. Even if the adhesion of the sensor holder 35 to the circumferential surface of the cartridge accommodating part 10 is peeled off due to the user pulling it out, the cartridge accommodating part side protrusion 35D will be caught in the cartridge accommodating part 10 and will not be able to accommodate the cartridge from the outer case 12. This prevents the part 10 from being pulled out.

<How to assemble the suction device>
FIG. 37 is an explanatory diagram showing how the cartridge 3 is accommodated in the cartridge accommodating section 10 according to an embodiment. FIG. 38 is an explanatory diagram showing how the mouthpiece 11 is attached to the cartridge accommodating section 10 according to an embodiment.
As shown in FIG. 37, when assembling the suction device 1, the cartridge 3 is accommodated in the cartridge accommodating portion 10 of the main unit 2. As shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 5, the cartridge 3 is inserted through the cartridge insertion/extraction opening 10a of the cartridge accommodating portion 10 protruding from the outer case 12 with the flat electrode 26h facing the main body unit 2 side.

Since the cartridge 3 is shorter than the cartridge accommodating portion 10, it falls freely when inserted. At this time, there is nothing around the cartridge 3 that obstructs the movement of the cartridge 3 in the rotational direction, and the cartridge 3 is also falling with a certain force, so that the engagement protrusion 43h of the positioning mechanism 90 and Even if the circumferential position of the cartridge 3 and the engagement groove 26i does not match, the cartridge 3 may bounce and rotate due to collision with the engagement protrusion 43h, or the cartridge 3 may bounce and rotate due to the collision with the engagement protrusion 43h. As the cartridge 3 slides down along the engagement protrusion 43h, the engagement protrusion 43h enters the engagement groove 26i.

Here, in this embodiment, the gap created between the inner diameter D1 of the cartridge accommodating part 10 and the outer diameter D2 of the cartridge 3 is larger than 2.6% of the inner diameter of the cartridge accommodating part 10. Therefore, the clearance between the cartridge accommodating portion 10 and the cartridge 3 is large, and the engagement protrusion 43h can be easily guided into the engagement groove 26i. That is, when the cartridge 3 is inserted, even if the circumferential positions of the engagement protrusion 43h and the engagement groove 26i do not match, the cartridge 3 can be assembled in the correct position. As a result, the flat electrode 26h of the cartridge 3 comes into contact with the protruding electrode 50.

Note that when inserting the cartridge 3 described above, the cartridge 3 may not be assembled in the correct position. In this case, the cartridge 3 is in a state where it rides on the engagement protrusion 43h (hereinafter simply referred to as a "ride-on state"). When the cartridge 3 is in the riding state, movement of the cartridge 3 downward in the main axis direction (-Z side) is restricted. Therefore, the flat electrode 26h and the protruding electrode 50 are spaced apart in the main axis direction, and electrical continuity between the cartridge 3 and the main unit 2 is not ensured.

If the mouthpiece 11 is attached to the cartridge accommodating portion 10 while the cartridge 3 remains in the mounted state, the cartridge abutting portion 60 comes into contact with the cartridge 3 before the attachment of the mouthpiece 11 is completed. Specifically, while the protruding portion 11b1 of the suction port 11 passes through the first groove portion 10b1 or the second groove portion 10b2 of the suction port connection portion 10B, the cartridge contact portion 60 contacts the cartridge 3. Then, the cartridge contact portion 60 is compressed in the main axis direction, and the cartridge 3 is pressed against the engagement protrusion 43h. Since the engagement protrusion 43h has a curved shape, it can be engaged with the tip of the engagement protrusion 43h even if the center of the engagement protrusion 43h and the center of the engagement groove 26i do not coincide with each other in the circumferential direction. When the engaging groove portion 26i is engaged, the cartridge 3 slides obliquely along the curved surface of the engaging protrusion 43h, and the cartridge 3 is assembled in the proper position.

Furthermore, if the cartridge 3 is still in a riding state even after the cartridge 3 is pressed, as shown in FIG. . Then, while the projection 11b1 passes through the third groove 10b3 of the suction port connection part 10B, the cartridge 3 rotates together. The cartridge 3 is rotated by the frictional force generated between the cartridge 3 and the cartridge abutting portion 60 . As the cartridge 3 rotates, when the tip (apex) of the engagement protrusion 43h faces the engagement groove 26i, the cartridge 3 slides down along the curved surface of the engagement protrusion 43h, and the engagement protrusion 43h moves into the engagement groove. Enter 26i. As described above, in this embodiment, the cartridge 3 can be assembled in the correct position in three stages: free fall of the cartridge 3, pressing of the cartridge 3, and rotation of the cartridge 3.

When the mouthpiece 11 is rotated to the end and the mouthpiece 11 is attached to the cartridge accommodating part 10, the cartridge abutment part 60 is compressed in the main axis direction, the flat electrode 26h is pressed against the protruding electrode 50, and the cartridge 3 is positioned. In this manner, by attaching the suction port 11, the cartridge 3 is positioned, and furthermore, the cartridge 3 and the main body unit 2 are electrically connected. In addition, the annular protrusion 61 of the cartridge contact portion 60 is compressed in the main axis direction, thereby sealing the gap between the cartridge 3 and the suction port 11.
Through the above steps, the assembly of the suction device 1 is completed. Note that as shown in FIGS. 37 and 38, the flavor source container 4 may be inserted into the mouthpiece 11 in advance, but if this is not the case, after the mouthpiece 11 is attached to the cartridge accommodating part 10, the flavor source container 4 may be inserted into the mouthpiece 11. By inserting the flavor source container 4 into the inhaler 1, assembly of the inhaler 1 is completed.

<How to use the suction device>
When using the above-described suction device 1, the user first presses down the input device 15 shown in FIG. At this time, for example, the main unit 2 may be programmed to be activated by pressing the input device 15 multiple times.

Next, the user sucks the mouthpiece 11 or the flavor source container 4 while holding it in his/her mouth. Then, the air inside the cartridge accommodating section 10 flows, and the sensor 34 shown in FIG. 29 detects the puff. When the sensor 34 detects the puff, the heating wire 25b of the cartridge 3 shown in FIG. 6 is energized, and the heating wire 25b generates heat. When the heating wire 25b generates heat, the liquid aerosol source impregnated in the wick 25a is heated and atomized. The atomized aerosol is sucked up together with the air (outside air) taken in by suction.

Air (outside air) is taken in from the air inlet 18 in the gap between the main body case 13 and the cover member 17, as shown in FIG. Air taken in from the air inlet 18 flows into the cartridge accommodating portion 10 through the annular groove portion 71 of the air groove 70, the stepped groove portion 72, the air hole 19, and the air communication hole 10e. The air that has flowed into the cartridge accommodating portion 10 flows into the atomization chamber 24c through the intake hole 26c and the opening 24e of the cartridge 3, as shown in FIG.

The atomized aerosol fills the atomization chamber 24c, and along with the air that has flowed into the atomization chamber 24c, passes through the flow path pipe 21c, the through hole 21b, and the communication hole 62 of the cartridge contact portion 60 to the suction port. It is sucked up to the part 11 side. Thereafter, the atomized gas mixture of aerosol and air enters the user's mouth through the flavor source container 4 attached to the mouthpiece 11. This allows the user to enjoy the flavor.

<Modified example>
In this embodiment, the following modifications may be adopted. In addition, in the following description, the same code|symbol is attached|subjected about the same or equivalent structure as the above-mentioned embodiment, and the description is simplified or abbreviate|omitted.

FIG. 39 is a perspective view showing a modification of the mouthpiece connection part 10B according to one embodiment. FIG. 40 is a perspective view showing a modification of the cartridge accommodating section 10 according to one embodiment. FIG. 41 is a sectional view taken along the line HH shown in FIG. 39.
The mouthpiece connection portion 10B shown in FIG. 39 has a fitting hole 10b4 in addition to the first groove portion 10b1, second groove portion 10b2, and third groove portion 10b3 described above.

The fitting hole 10b4 is arranged on an extension line of the third groove portion 10b3. The fitting hole 10b4 and the third groove portion 10b3 are formed apart from each other. That is, a portion 10A1 of the insert ring 10A is interposed between the fitting hole 10b4 and the third groove portion 10b3. When attached to the mouthpiece connection part 10B, the protruding part 11b1 of the mouthpiece 11 passes over the part 10A1 of the insert ring 10A from the end of the third groove part 10b3 and fits into the fitting hole 10b4. Thereby, the mouthpiece 11 is held by the mouthpiece connection part 10B.

As shown in FIG. 40, the cartridge accommodating portion 10 is formed with an escape groove 10g for allowing the insert ring 10A to escape radially outward due to elastic deformation when the protrusion 11b1 climbs over the part 10A1 of the insert ring 10A. ing. The relief groove 10g is recessed radially outward from the recess 10f in which the insert ring 10A is arranged. Two escape grooves 10g are provided corresponding to the two suction port connections 10B provided on the insert ring 10A. The two relief grooves 10g are arranged opposite to each other on both sides of the inner wall surface of the cartridge accommodating portion 10 in the radial direction.

A positioning protrusion 10h is formed in the relief groove 10g. A positioning groove 10C of an insert ring 10A shown in FIG. 39 engages with the positioning projection 10h. The positioning groove portion 10C has a tapered slope 10C1 whose width in the circumferential direction gradually increases toward the lower side (-Z side) in the main axis direction. By engaging the positioning groove 10C with the positioning protrusion 10h shown in FIG. 40, the fitting hole 10b4 of the insert ring 10A can be aligned with the relief groove 10g.

As shown in FIG. 41, the protrusion 11b1 of the suction port 11 is fitted into the fitting hole 10b4 with the insert ring 10A bent radially outward. Thereby, the mouthpiece 11 can be held on the mouthpiece connection part 10B without wobbling. The gap S1 between the insert ring 10A and the cartridge accommodating portion 10 due to the escape groove 10g should be large enough to allow the projection 11b1 of the mouthpiece 11 to get over the part 10A1 of the insert ring 10A. In order to hold the suction part 11 in the suction connection part 10B without wobbling, a gap S2 is provided between the insert ring 10A in an unflexed state and the cylindrical body 11B of the suction part 11, as shown by the two-dot chain line in FIG. is preferably smaller than the protrusion amount T1 of the protrusion portion 11b1 with respect to the cylindrical body 11B.
Note that the gap S1 is larger than the difference T2 between the protrusion amount T1 and the gap S2. Moreover, the gap S1 is larger than the deflection amount T3 of the insert ring 10A in a state where the protrusion 11b1 is held.

[Effect]
The main body unit 2 of the present embodiment described above includes an exterior case 12 and a holder 30 provided inside the exterior case 12, and the holder 30 includes at least some of the components provided inside the exterior case 12. a main plate 41 that holds a It has a sub-plate 42 that holds at least one of the provided components (input device 15, display device 33).
According to this configuration, the components provided inside the exterior case 12 and the components provided along the outer surface of the exterior case 12 are held in one holder 30. Further, the holder 30 includes a main plate 41 and a sub-plate 42 extending in a direction intersecting the main plate 41, which makes it possible to increase the rigidity of the holder 30 and save space inside the device.

Further, in this embodiment, the sub-plate 42 extends in at least one side of the main plate 41 in a direction perpendicular to the plate surface.
According to this configuration, the cross section of the holder 30 becomes at least L-shaped, and the rigidity of the holder 30 can be increased.

Furthermore, in this embodiment, the sub-plates 42 extend on both sides in a direction perpendicular to the plate surface of the main plate 41.
According to this configuration, the cross section of the holder 30 becomes T-shaped, and the rigidity of the holder 30 can be increased.

In the present embodiment, the holder 30 includes a first sub-plate 42A provided at the first end side 41h1 of the end of the main plate 41 as the sub-plate 42, and a first sub-plate 42A provided at the first end of the end of the main plate 41. The first sub-plate 42A and the second sub-plate 42B are connected to each other.
According to this configuration, since the first sub-plate 42A and the second sub-plate 42B are connected, the rigidity of the holder 30 can be increased.

Further, in this embodiment, the first sub-plate 42A and the second sub-plate 42B are connected at an obtuse angle.
According to this configuration, even if the exterior case 12 has a rounded corner portion 12C or an oblique corner portion 12C, parts can be easily placed in the corner portion 12C.

Further, in this embodiment, the display device 33 is held on the sub-plate 42.
According to this configuration, space can be saved by holding the display device 33 on the sub-plate 42.

Furthermore, in this embodiment, the display device 33 is an organic EL display or a liquid crystal display.
According to this configuration, an organic EL display or a liquid crystal display can be installed in a small space.

Further, in this embodiment, the input device 15 is held on the sub-plate 42.
According to this configuration, space can be saved by holding the input device 15 on the sub-plate 42.

Further, in this embodiment, the input device 15 is a push button.
According to this configuration, the push button can be installed in a space-saving manner. Further, since the holder 30 has high rigidity, the holder 30 can bear the load applied to the push button.

In addition, in the present embodiment, the main plate 41 has a first plate surface 41a that holds the first components (main board 31, sub-board 32), and a side opposite to the first board surface 41a, which is different from the first component. It has a second plate surface 41b that holds a second component (power supply 37).
According to this configuration, parts are held on the front and back sides of the main plate 41, so space can be saved.

Further, in the present embodiment, one of the first component and the second component (second component) is the power source 37, and the other of the first component and the second component (first component) is the power source 37. These are first electronic components (main board 31, sub board 32) that are electrically connected.
According to this configuration, by holding the power source 37 and electronic components separately on the front and back sides of the main plate 41, it is possible to increase the capacity of the power source 37 and secure installation space for the electronic components.

Further, in this embodiment, the cartridge accommodating portion 10 is provided, which is at least partially covered by the outer case 12.
According to this configuration, the cartridge accommodating section 10 can be protected by the outer case 12.

Further, in this embodiment, the holder 30 is formed integrally with the main plate 41 and has a receiving portion 43 for receiving the end portion of the cartridge accommodating portion 10 .
According to this configuration, the cartridge accommodating portion 10 is further assembled to the holder 30, so that the assembly becomes easy.

Further, in this embodiment, the receiving portion 43 is formed with an insertion hole 43c for inserting the protruding electrode 50 into the inside of the cartridge accommodating portion 10.
According to this configuration, the protruding electrode 50 can be easily arranged inside the cartridge accommodating section 10.

The aerosol generating device of this embodiment includes the main unit 2 described above, and a cartridge 3 that accommodates an aerosol source and is inserted into and removably into the cartridge accommodating portion 10 of the main unit 2.
According to this configuration, since the main body unit 2 is provided in which parts are assembled in a space-saving manner, the device as a whole can be downsized.

The inhaler 1 of this embodiment includes the aerosol generating device described above and the flavor source container 4 attached to the mouthpiece 11 of the aerosol generating device.
According to this configuration, flavor can be added to the aerosol.

Further, in this embodiment, the following effects can also be obtained.

The main body unit 2 of the present embodiment described above includes an exterior case 12 having a peripheral wall 12B that connects a pair of main surfaces 12A, and an input device 15 disposed on the peripheral wall 12B. , has an outer surface 12b1 continuous to the pair of main surface portions 12A, and a recess 12b2 recessed with respect to the outer surface 12b1, and the input device 15 is disposed in the recess 12b2.
According to this configuration, since the input device 15 is disposed in the recess 12b2 of the peripheral wall portion 12B, it becomes difficult to unintentionally touch the input device 15, and malfunction of the input device 15 can be prevented.

Further, in this embodiment, the input device 15 is disposed at a corner portion 12C of the outer case 12 in the peripheral wall portion 12B.
According to this configuration, it becomes easier to operate the input device 15.

Further, in this embodiment, the holder 30 is provided inside the exterior case 12, and the holder 30 has a sub-plate 42 (second sub-plate 42B) facing the corner portion 12C. , an input device 15 is held.
According to this configuration, it becomes easy to arrange the input device 15 at the corner portion 12C.

Further, in this embodiment, the holder 30 includes a main plate 41 that holds at least a part of the components provided inside the exterior case 12, and the sub-plate 42 extends from the end of the main plate 41 to the main plate 41. It extends in a direction that intersects the plate surface.
According to this configuration, since the main plate 41 and the sub-plate 42 are connected in a crossing manner, the rigidity of the holder 30 can be increased.

Further, in this embodiment, the sub-plate 42 extends in at least one side of the main plate 41 in a direction perpendicular to the plate surface.
According to this configuration, the cross section of the holder 30 becomes at least L-shaped, and the rigidity of the holder 30 can be increased.

Furthermore, in this embodiment, the sub-plates 42 extend on both sides in a direction perpendicular to the plate surface of the main plate 41.
According to this configuration, the cross section of the holder 30 becomes T-shaped, and the rigidity of the holder 30 can be increased.

In the present embodiment, the holder 30 includes a first sub-plate 42A provided at the first end side 41h1 of the end of the main plate 41 as the sub-plate 42, and a first sub-plate 42A provided at the first end of the end of the main plate 41. The first sub-plate 42A and the second sub-plate 42B are connected to each other.
According to this configuration, since the first sub-plate 42A and the second sub-plate 42B are connected, the rigidity of the holder 30 can be increased.

Further, in this embodiment, the first sub-plate 42A and the second sub-plate 42B are connected at an obtuse angle.
According to this configuration, even if the exterior case 12 has a rounded corner portion 12C or an oblique corner portion 12C, the input device 15 can be easily placed in the corner portion 12C.

Further, in this embodiment, the input device 15 is a push button.
According to this configuration, erroneous operation of the push button can be prevented.

Further, in this embodiment, the cartridge accommodating portion 10 is provided, which is at least partially covered by the outer case 12.
According to this configuration, the cartridge accommodating section 10 can be protected by the outer case 12.

Further, in the present embodiment, the cartridge accommodating portion 10 is disposed at a second corner portion 12C2 of the peripheral wall portion 12B that is closest to the first corner portion 12C1 of the outer case 12 where the input device 15 is disposed. There is.
According to this configuration, since the cartridge accommodating portion 10 and the input device 15 are arranged close to each other, operability can be improved.

Further, in this embodiment, the cartridge accommodating portion 10 has a cartridge insertion/extraction port 10a to which the suction port 11 can be attached, and the input device 15 is connected to the main axis O of the cartridge accommodating portion 10 passing through the center of the cartridge insertion/extraction port 10a. On the other hand, they are placed facing at an acute angle.
According to this configuration, the user can easily operate the input device 15 while holding the mouthpiece 11 in his/her mouth.

The aerosol generating device of this embodiment includes the main unit 2 described above, and a cartridge 3 that accommodates an aerosol source and is inserted into and removably into the cartridge accommodating portion 10 of the main unit 2.
According to this configuration, since the main body unit 2 that can prevent malfunction of the input device 15 is provided, the safety of the apparatus can be improved.

The inhaler 1 of this embodiment includes the aerosol generating device described above and the flavor source container 4 attached to the mouthpiece 11 of the aerosol generating device.
According to this configuration, flavor can be added to the aerosol.

Further, in this embodiment, the following effects can also be obtained.

The main body unit 2 of the present embodiment described above includes a cartridge accommodating section 10 that accommodates the cartridge 3, an exterior case 12 that surrounds at least a portion of the outside of the cartridge accommodating section 10, and a holder 30 that is accommodated in the exterior case 12. The holder 30 includes a main plate 41 that holds at least one of the components provided inside the outer case 12, and a receiving part 43 that is integrally formed with the main plate 41 and receives the end of the cartridge accommodating part 10. and has.
According to this configuration, both the internal parts of the outer case 12 and the cartridge accommodating portion 10 are assembled into the holder 30, so that the assembly becomes easy.

Further, in this embodiment, the receiving portion 43 is formed with an insertion hole 43c for inserting the protruding electrode 50 into the inside of the cartridge accommodating portion 10.
According to this configuration, the protruding electrode 50 can be easily arranged inside the cartridge accommodating section 10.

In the present embodiment, the receiving portion 43 is a bottomed cylinder extending in parallel along the longitudinal direction (Z-axis direction) of the main plate 41 at the end of the main plate 41 in the transverse direction (Y-axis direction). It is formed in the shape of
According to this configuration, the main plate 41 and the cartridge accommodating portion 10 are arranged parallel to each other in the longitudinal direction, so that the overall length of the main body unit 2 can be shortened.

Furthermore, in the present embodiment, the holder 30 extends from the end of the main plate 41 in a direction intersecting the plate surface of the main plate 41 and supports at least one of the components provided along the outer surface of the exterior case 12. It has a sub-plate 42 for holding.
According to this configuration, the rigidity of the holder 30 can be increased.

Further, in this embodiment, the sub-plate 42 extends in at least one side of the main plate 41 in a direction perpendicular to the plate surface.
According to this configuration, the cross section of the holder 30 becomes at least L-shaped, and the rigidity of the holder 30 can be increased.

Furthermore, in this embodiment, the sub-plates 42 extend on both sides in a direction perpendicular to the plate surface of the main plate 41.
According to this configuration, the cross section of the holder 30 becomes T-shaped, and the rigidity of the holder 30 can be increased.

In the present embodiment, the holder 30 includes a first sub-plate 42A provided at the first end side 41h1 of the end of the main plate 41 as the sub-plate 42, and a first sub-plate 42A provided at the first end of the end of the main plate 41. The first sub-plate 42A and the second sub-plate 42B are connected to each other.
According to this configuration, since the first sub-plate 42A and the second sub-plate 42B are connected, the rigidity of the holder 30 can be increased.

Further, in this embodiment, the first sub-plate 42A and the second sub-plate 42B are connected at an obtuse angle.
According to this configuration, even if the exterior case 12 has a rounded corner portion 12C or an oblique corner portion 12C, parts can be easily placed in the corner portion 12C.

Further, in this embodiment, the display device 33 is held on the sub-plate 42.
According to this configuration, space can be saved by holding the display device 33 on the sub-plate 42.

Further, in this embodiment, the input device 15 is held on the sub-plate 42.
According to this configuration, space can be saved by holding the input device 15 on the sub-plate 42.

In the present embodiment, the main plate 41 includes a first plate surface 41a that holds a first component, and a second plate that holds a second component different from the first component on the opposite side of the first plate surface 41a. It has a surface 41b.
According to this configuration, parts are held on the front and back sides of the main plate 41, so space can be saved.

Further, in the present embodiment, one of the first component and the second component is the power source 37, and the other of the first component and the second component is an electronic component electrically connected to the power source 37. .
According to this configuration, by holding the power source 37 and electronic components separately on the front and back sides of the main plate 41, it is possible to increase the capacity of the power source 37 and secure installation space for the electronic components.

The aerosol generating device of this embodiment includes the main unit 2 described above, and a cartridge 3 that accommodates an aerosol source and is inserted into and removably into the cartridge accommodating portion 10 of the main unit 2.
According to this configuration, since the holder 30 includes the main body unit 2 in which various parts are assembled, the productivity of the apparatus can be improved.

The inhaler 1 of this embodiment includes the aerosol generating device described above and the flavor source container 4 attached to the mouthpiece 11 of the aerosol generating device.
According to this configuration, flavor can be added to the aerosol.

Further, in this embodiment, the following effects can also be obtained.

The main unit 2 of the present embodiment described above includes a cartridge accommodating section 10 that accommodates the cartridge 3 and an exterior case 12 that encloses at least a portion of the outside of the cartridge accommodating section 10. The exterior case 12 has a window section 16. The main body case 13 is provided with a light source 52 that illuminates the inside of the cartridge accommodating part 10 from a place other than the window part 16.
According to this configuration, the remaining amount of liquid can be confirmed even without a through window that takes in outside light.
Note that the "window" includes a mere opening 13a without the cover member 17.

Further, in this embodiment, a light guide member is provided between the light source 52 and the cartridge accommodating section 10.
According to this configuration, the inside of the cartridge accommodating section 10 can be brightly illuminated.

Further, in this embodiment, a sensor 34 that detects the user's suction and a sensor holder 35 that holds the sensor 34 are provided, and the sensor holder 35 also serves as a light guide member.
According to this configuration, since the sensor holder 35 also serves as a light guide member, the number of parts can be reduced and space can be saved.

Further, in the present embodiment, the cartridge accommodating portion 10 has the cartridge insertion/extraction port 10a, and the light source 52 is located on the side opposite to the cartridge insertion/extraction port 10a in the main axis direction of the cartridge accommodating portion 10 passing through the center of the cartridge insertion/extraction port 10a. It is located in
According to this configuration, the bottom of the cartridge accommodating portion 10 (the side opposite to the cartridge insertion/extraction port) can be illuminated, making it easier to check the remaining amount of liquid.

Further, in the present embodiment, the light source 52 is arranged to overlap at least a portion of the window portion 16.
According to this configuration, since the light source 52 and the window portion 16 at least partially overlap, it becomes easier to check the remaining amount of liquid.

Further, in this embodiment, the window portion 16 is formed of an opening 13a provided in the main body case 13 and a cover member 17 that covers the opening 13a.
According to this configuration, the cover member 17 can prevent foreign matter from entering the inside of the cartridge accommodating section 10.

Further, in the present embodiment, the cartridge accommodating portion 10 is a cylindrical member having a through hole 10c formed on the circumferential surface, and the cover member 17 has a cartridge accommodating portion side protrusion 17C that is inserted into the through hole 10c. .
According to this configuration, misalignment between the cartridge accommodating portion 10 and the cover member 17 (window portion 16) can be prevented.

Further, in this embodiment, the cover member 17 has a main case side protrusion 17A that is inserted into the opening 13a of the main case 13.
According to this configuration, the cover member 17 serves to prevent the cartridge accommodating portion 10 from coming off from the main body case 13.

The aerosol generating device of this embodiment includes the main unit 2 described above, and a cartridge 3 that accommodates an aerosol source and is inserted into and removably into the cartridge accommodating portion 10 of the main unit 2.
According to this configuration, since the main body unit 2 that can illuminate the inside of the cartridge accommodating section 10 is provided, the remaining amount of liquid can be easily confirmed.

The inhaler 1 of this embodiment includes the aerosol generating device described above and the flavor source container 4 attached to the mouthpiece 11 of the aerosol generating device.
According to this configuration, flavor can be added to the aerosol.

Further, in this embodiment, the following effects can also be obtained.

The main body unit 2 of the present embodiment described above includes a cartridge accommodating section 10 that accommodates the cartridge 3, and an exterior case 12 that surrounds at least a portion of the outside of the cartridge accommodating section 10, and the exterior case 12 has an opening 13a. An air inlet 18 is formed in the gap between the cover member 17 and the opening 13a, and the cover member 17 and the main case 13 are provided with a An air hole 19 is formed where the air inlet 18 and the inside of the cartridge accommodating portion 10 are in fluid communication with each other.
According to this configuration, it is possible to prevent the air holes 19 from being blocked by fingers and making puffing (suction) difficult.
Note that the cover member 17 may be arranged on the outside of the main body case 13 and may overlap. In this case, air holes 19 are formed on the main body case 13 side.

Further, in this embodiment, the air inlet 18 is formed in an annular shape along the opening edge of the opening 13a of the main body case 13.
According to this configuration, the entire air inlet 18 is difficult to be blocked by a finger, and even if a part of the air inlet 18 is blocked by a finger, puffing is possible.

Further, in this embodiment, the air inlet 18 is formed in a slit shape along the opening edge of the opening 13a of the main body case 13.
According to this configuration, the entire air inlet 18 is difficult to be blocked by a finger, and even if a part of the air inlet 18 is blocked by a finger, puffing is possible.

Further, in this embodiment, an air groove 70 is formed in at least one of the main body case 13 and the cover member 17 to connect between the air inlet 18 and the air hole 19.
According to this configuration, the fluid resistance between the air inlet 18 and the air hole 19 can be lowered, and puffing can be facilitated.

In the present embodiment, the cover member 17 supports the main case side protrusion 17A inserted into the opening 13a of the main case 13 and the main case side protrusion 17A, and also has a plate portion that overlaps inside the main case 13. 17B, and the air groove 70 has an annular groove portion 71 formed in an annular shape around the main body case side protrusion 17A in the plate portion 17B.
According to this configuration, air can be guided to the air hole 19 from the entire circumference of the main body case side protrusion 17A. Further, the main body case side protrusion 17A can prevent misalignment between the main body case 13 and the cover member 17.

Further, in this embodiment, the air groove 70 is connected to the annular groove 71 and has a step groove 72 having a lower bottom surface than the annular groove 71, and the air hole 19 is formed in the step groove 72.
According to this configuration, since the air hole 19 is formed in the stepped groove portion 72, the space relative to the main body case 13 can be made wider than the annular groove portion 71, and air can easily enter the air hole 19.

Further, in this embodiment, the cartridge accommodating portion 10 is a cylindrical member, and an air communication hole 10e that penetrates the circumferential surface of the cylindrical member and communicates with the air hole 19 is formed.
According to this configuration, air can be taken directly into the cartridge accommodating portion 10 from the air hole 19 through the air communication hole 10e, making it possible to shorten the intake flow path and facilitate puffing.

Further, in the present embodiment, a through hole 10c is formed on the circumferential surface of the cartridge accommodating portion 10 at a position different from the air communication hole 10e, and the cover member 17 is provided on the side of the cartridge accommodating portion inserted into the through hole 10c. It has a protrusion 17C.
According to this configuration, misalignment between the cartridge accommodating portion 10 and the cover member 17 can be prevented.

Further, in this embodiment, the cover member 17 has translucency.
According to this configuration, the amount of liquid remaining inside the cartridge accommodating portion 10 can be checked through the cover member 17 (window portion 16).

The aerosol generating device of this embodiment includes the main unit 2 described above, and a cartridge 3 that accommodates an aerosol source and is inserted into and removably into the cartridge accommodating portion 10 of the main unit 2.
According to this configuration, since the main body unit 2 is provided that can prevent the air holes 19 from being blocked by fingers, it is possible to prevent puffing (suction) from becoming difficult.

The inhaler 1 of this embodiment includes the aerosol generating device described above and the flavor source container 4 attached to the mouthpiece 11 of the aerosol generating device.
According to this configuration, flavor can be added to the aerosol.

Further, in this embodiment, the following effects can also be obtained.

The main body unit 2 of the present embodiment described above includes a cartridge accommodating section 10 that accommodates the cartridge 3, an exterior case 12 that surrounds at least a portion of the outside of the cartridge accommodating section 10, and an exterior case that is arranged around the cartridge accommodating section 10. A movement restricting member (cover member 17, sensor holder 35) that locks onto the case 12 and restricts the movement of the cartridge accommodating portion 10 at least in the extraction direction from the outer case 12 is provided.
According to this configuration, the cartridge accommodating part 10 can be prevented from being pulled out from the outer case 12 by using the members arranged around the cartridge accommodating part 10. Since the cartridge accommodating portion 10 does not require a fixing device such as a screw, it can be miniaturized.

Further, in this embodiment, the exterior case 12 includes a main case 13 in which an opening 13a is formed, and the movement limiting member has a main case side protrusion 17A inserted into the opening 13a.
According to this configuration, the main case side protrusion 17A of the movement restricting member is inserted into the opening 13a formed in the main case 13, thereby preventing the cartridge accommodating portion 10 from being pulled out from the outer case 12.

Further, in this embodiment, a cover member 17 that has translucency and covers the opening 13a is provided as a movement restricting member.
According to this configuration, since the movement restricting member also serves as the cover member 17 (window portion 16) for checking the remaining amount of liquid, etc., the number of parts can be reduced and space can be saved.

Further, in the present embodiment, the cartridge accommodating portion 10 is a cylindrical member having a through hole 10c formed on the circumferential surface, and the movement limiting member has a cartridge accommodating portion side protrusion 17C that is inserted into the through hole 10c. .
According to this configuration, the cartridge accommodating part side protrusion 17C of the movement restricting member is inserted into the through hole 10c formed in the cartridge accommodating part 10, thereby preventing the cartridge accommodating part 10 from being pulled out from the outer case 12. can.

Further, in this embodiment, the holder 30 is fixed to the exterior case 12, and the holder 30 is formed with a notch 42d, and the movement limiting member is a holder-side protrusion that is engaged with the notch 42d. It has 35B.
According to this configuration, the holder-side protrusion 35B of the movement limiting member is inserted into the notch 42d formed in the holder 30, thereby preventing the cartridge accommodating portion 10 from being pulled out from the exterior case 12.

Moreover, in this embodiment, the sensor 34 that detects the user's suction and the sensor holder 35 that holds the sensor 34 are provided, and the sensor holder 35 is provided as a movement restricting member.
According to this configuration, the movement limiting member also serves as the sensor holder 35 that holds the sensor 34 that detects the user's suction, so the number of parts can be reduced and space can be saved.

Further, in the present embodiment, the movement restricting member has a plate portion 17B interposed between the cartridge accommodating portion 10 and the outer case 12, and the plate portion 17B increases as the cartridge accommodating portion 10 is removed. , the thickness is decreasing.
According to this configuration, the plate portion 17B of the movement restricting member acts as a wedge, and can prevent the cartridge accommodating portion 10 from being pulled out from the outer case 12.

Further, in this embodiment, the outer case 12 side is provided with a receiving part 43 that receives the end of the cartridge accommodating part 10 on the side opposite to the extraction direction. An engaging protrusion 43i is provided on one side and protrudes toward the other, and an engaging protrusion 43i is provided on the other end of the cartridge accommodating portion 10 and the receiving portion 43, and when the engaging protrusion 43i is inserted, the cartridge accommodating portion 10, and an engagement groove 10b that restricts the rotation of 10.
According to this configuration, positioning of the cartridge accommodating portion 10 in the circumferential direction with respect to the outer case 12 is facilitated.

The aerosol generating device of this embodiment includes the main unit 2 described above, and a cartridge 3 that accommodates an aerosol source and is inserted into and removably into the cartridge accommodating portion 10 of the main unit 2.
According to this configuration, since the main body unit 2 is provided that can prevent the cartridge accommodating portion 10 from being removed from the outer case 12 without requiring a fixing device such as a screw, the entire device can be downsized.

The inhaler 1 of this embodiment includes the aerosol generating device described above and the flavor source container 4 attached to the mouthpiece 11 of the aerosol generating device.
According to this configuration, flavor can be added to the aerosol.

Further, in this embodiment, the following effects can also be obtained.

The main unit 2 of the present embodiment described above is housed in a cartridge accommodating section 10 that accommodates a cartridge, an exterior case 12 that surrounds at least a portion of the outside of the cartridge accommodating section 10, and is housed in the exterior case 12, and detects suction by a user. The sensor holder 35 is housed in the outer case 12 and holds the sensor 34. It is in airtight contact with the surrounding surface.
According to this configuration, since the sensor holder 35 can be arranged along the circumferential surface of the cartridge accommodating section 10, the sensor 34 and the sensor holder 35 can be incorporated in a space-saving manner. This eliminates the need to separately provide the air flow path 80 of the sensor 34 other than the sensor holder 35, and the air flow path 80 itself can be short.

Further, in the present embodiment, the cartridge accommodating portion 10 is a cylindrical member having a through hole 10d formed on its circumferential surface, and the sensor holder 35 has a cartridge accommodating portion side protrusion 35D that is inserted into the through hole 10d. .
According to this configuration, misalignment between the cartridge accommodating portion 10 and the sensor holder 35 can be prevented.

Further, in the present embodiment, the sensor holder 35 has a holder-side protrusion 35B (a protrusion on the side opposite to the cartridge accommodating part) on the side opposite to the cartridge accommodating part 10, and the holder-side protrusion 35B has a connection between the inside of the cartridge accommodating part 10 and the holder-side protrusion 35B. An air flow path 80 is formed to connect with the sensor 34.
According to this configuration, the air flow path 80 up to the sensor 34 can be shortened.

Further, in this embodiment, the sensor holder 35 has a holding portion 35C that holds the sensor 34 in the air flow path 80.
According to this configuration, the sensor 34 can be held in the air flow path 80 and the air flow path 80 can be shortened.

Further, in this embodiment, the sensor holder 35 is airtightly adhered to the circumferential surface of the cartridge accommodating portion 10 via an adhesive member (adhesive sheet 48).
According to this configuration, the close contact between the sensor holder 35 and the cartridge accommodating portion 10 is enhanced.

Further, in this embodiment, the sensor holder 35 has a curved plate portion 35A that is curved along the circumferential surface of the cartridge accommodating portion 10.
According to this configuration, the sensor holder 35 can be easily placed in a narrow gap around the cartridge accommodating section 10.

Further, in this embodiment, a light source 52 that illuminates the inside of the cartridge accommodating section 10 is provided, and the sensor holder 35 also serves as a light guide member that guides the light from the light source 52 into the inside of the cartridge accommodating section 10 .
According to this configuration, since the sensor holder 35 also serves as a light guide member, the number of parts can be reduced and space can be saved.

Furthermore, in this embodiment, the sensor holder 35 is made of polycarbonate resin.
According to this configuration, appropriate hardness and good light guiding performance can be added to the sensor holder 35 which also serves as a light guiding member.

Further, in this embodiment, a waterproof and breathable member 81 is provided that partitions a space between the inside of the cartridge accommodating portion 10 and the sensor 34 .
According to this configuration, it is possible to take measures against liquid leakage to the sensor 34.

The aerosol generating device of this embodiment includes the main unit 2 described above, and a cartridge 3 that accommodates an aerosol source and is inserted into and removably into the cartridge accommodating portion 10 of the main unit 2.
According to this configuration, since the main body unit 2 is provided in which the sensor 34 and the sensor holder 35 can be incorporated in a space-saving manner, the device can be downsized.

The inhaler 1 of this embodiment includes the aerosol generating device described above and the flavor source container 4 attached to the mouthpiece 11 of the aerosol generating device.
According to this configuration, flavor can be added to the aerosol.

Further, in this embodiment, the following effects can also be obtained.

The main body unit 2 of the present embodiment described above includes a cartridge accommodating section 10 that accommodates a cartridge, an exterior case 12 that surrounds at least a portion of the outside of the cartridge accommodating section 10, and a main board 31 that is accommodated in the exterior case 12. A protruding electrode 50 is provided on the main board 31 to be inserted into a cartridge accommodating chamber formed inside the cartridge accommodating section 10.
According to this configuration, since the protruding electrode 50 is directly attached to the main board 31, there is no need to separately prepare a sub-board for the protruding electrode 50, and space inside the exterior case 12 can be saved.

Further, in this embodiment, the main board 31 includes a protruding electrode cover 51 that covers a portion where the protruding electrode 50 is provided.
According to this configuration, the connection portion between the main board 31 and the protruding electrode 50 can be protected.

Further, in this embodiment, the portion where the protruding electrode 50 is provided includes a pedestal portion 50A that is disposed on the main board 31 and supports the protruding electrode 50.
According to this configuration, the protruding electrode cover 51 can protect the protruding electrode 50 including the pedestal portion 50A.

Furthermore, in this embodiment, the protruding electrode cover 51 is in contact with the holder 30 that holds the cartridge accommodating portion 10 and has an insertion hole 43c into which the protruding electrode 50 is inserted.
According to this configuration, unexpected liquid leakage from the cartridge accommodating portion 10 can be prevented by the protruding electrode cover 51 and the holder 30 coming into contact with each other.

Further, in this embodiment, the protruding electrode cover 51 is formed with a through hole 51c through which the protruding electrode 50 is disposed.
According to this configuration, the parts other than the places where the protruding electrode 50 needs to pass are covered by the protruding electrode cover 51, so that unexpected liquid leakage from the cartridge accommodating part 10 can be prevented.

Further, in this embodiment, the protruding electrode cover 51 is provided on the main board 31 together with the protruding electrode 50.
According to this configuration, since the protruding electrode 50 and the protruding electrode cover 51 are assembled to the main board 31, assembly of the main body unit 2 is facilitated.

Furthermore, in this embodiment, the protruding electrode cover 51 is incorporated into the exterior case 12 in a non-contact manner.
According to this configuration, when the exterior case 12 is attached, the protruding electrode cover 51 can be prevented from coming into contact with the exterior case 12 and being deformed or displaced.

Further, in this embodiment, the protruding electrode cover 51 is made of silicone resin.
According to this configuration, the adhesion of the protruding electrode cover 51 can be improved, and liquid leakage can be more reliably prevented.

Further, in this embodiment, the protruding electrode 50 extends parallel to the plate surface of the main board 31.
According to this configuration, the thickness of the main body unit 2 can be made thinner than the configuration in which the protruding electrodes 50 extend perpendicularly to the plate surface of the main board 31, and space can be saved.

Further, in the present embodiment, the main board 31 includes a first portion 31A extending along the cartridge accommodating portion 10, and a second portion 31A extending in a direction intersecting the first portion 31A and facing the end of the cartridge accommodating portion 10. A portion 31B, and a protruding electrode 50 is provided in the second portion 31B.
According to this configuration, since the first portion 31A of the main board 31 is arranged along the cartridge accommodating portion 10, the overall length of the main body unit 2 can be shortened, and the second portion 31B is extended from the first portion 31A. By directly attaching the electrode 50, it becomes easier to arrange the protruding electrode 50 at the end of the cartridge accommodating portion 10.

The aerosol generating device of this embodiment includes the main unit 2 described above, and a cartridge 3 that accommodates an aerosol source and is inserted into and removably into the cartridge accommodating portion 10 of the main unit 2.
According to this configuration, since the main body unit 2 is provided in which parts are assembled in a space-saving manner, the device as a whole can be downsized.

The inhaler 1 of this embodiment includes the aerosol generating device described above and the flavor source container 4 attached to the mouthpiece 11 of the aerosol generating device.
According to this configuration, flavor can be added to the aerosol.

Further, in this embodiment, the following effects can also be obtained.

The main body unit 2 of the present embodiment described above includes an exterior case 12 having a first main surface portion 12A1 and a second main surface portion 12A2 opposite to the first main surface portion 12A1, and housing components ( holder 30), and the exterior case 12 includes a first case 13A having a first main surface portion 12A1 and a first peripheral wall portion 12B1 provided at the periphery of the first main surface portion 12A1, and a second main surface portion. 12A2 and a second peripheral wall part 12B2 provided at the periphery of the second main surface part 12A2, and a first connection connecting the first peripheral wall part 12B1 and the second peripheral wall part 12B2. 91, a second connecting portion 92 that connects the accommodated component to the opposing surface 13a1 of either the first main surface portion 12A1 or the second main surface portion 12A2, and the other of the first main surface portion 12A1 or the second main surface portion 12A2. It has a third connection part 93 that connects the same housing component to the opposing surface 13b1.
According to this configuration, since the first main surface portion 12A1 and the second main surface portion 12A2 are connected inside the exterior case 12, disassembly by the user can be prevented. Furthermore, since the first main surface portion 12A1 and the second main surface portion 12A2 are connected inside the exterior case 12, strong connection between the first peripheral wall portion 12B1 and the second peripheral wall portion 12B2 outside the exterior case 12 is not required. , the thicknesses of the first peripheral wall portion 12B1 and the second peripheral wall portion 12B2 can be reduced.
Note that the "accommodated component" is not limited to the holder 30, and may be any component that is at least partially accommodated in the exterior case 12.

Furthermore, in the present embodiment, the connection method of the first connection portion 91 includes claw fitting.
According to this configuration, since the outside of the outer case 12 is connected by claw fitting, the outer case 12 can be temporarily fastened, etc., and the subsequent assembly process is facilitated. Further, if the claw fitting is used, the exterior case 12 can be assembled easily and repeatedly (reversibly) without using any tools.

Further, in the present embodiment, the connection method for at least one of the second connection portion 92 and the third connection portion 93 includes welding.
According to this configuration, since the inside of the exterior case 12 is permanently (irreversibly) connected by welding, disassembly by the user can be prevented. Even if the outer case 12 is disassembled, it will be difficult for the user to reassemble it because the connection is irreversible.

Moreover, in this embodiment, the other connection method of the second connection part 92 and the third connection part 93 includes screwing.
According to this configuration, the housing components are repeatedly (reversibly) attached to the exterior case 12 with screws, so assembly is facilitated.

Further, in the present embodiment, at least one of the first connecting portion 91, the second connecting portion 92, and the third connecting portion 93 has a different number of connection methods.
According to this configuration, since the connection methods of the three connection parts of the exterior case 12 are not the same, it becomes difficult for the user to disassemble the case. Further, even if the outer case 12 is disassembled, the connection methods of the three connecting parts of the outer case 12 are not the same, making it difficult for the user to reassemble it.

Furthermore, in this embodiment, the housing components include a holder 30 that holds at least a portion of the components provided inside the exterior case 12.
According to this configuration, the first main surface portion 12A1 and the second main surface portion 12A2 can be connected inside the outer case 12 using the holder 30, so that space inside the outer case 12 can be saved.

Further, in the present embodiment, the holder 30 includes a main plate 41, a main plate intersection portion (first rib 42C, second rib 42D, receiving portion 43) extending in a direction intersecting the plate surface of the main plate 41, has.
According to this configuration, the first main surface portion 12A1 and the second main surface portion 12A2 can be connected via the main plate intersection portion while increasing the rigidity of the holder 30 without impairing the component holding function of the holder 30.

Further, in the present embodiment, the main plate intersection portion may extend to at least one side of the main plate 41 in a direction perpendicular to the plate surface.
According to this configuration, the cross section of the holder 30 becomes at least L-shaped, and the rigidity of the holder 30 can be increased.

Further, in the present embodiment, case side protrusions 13G and 13J to which the main plate intersection portion is connected are formed on the opposing surfaces 13a1 and 13b1 of at least one of the first main surface portion 12A1 and the second main surface portion 12A2. has been done.
According to this configuration, the main plate intersection does not have to extend long to the opposing surfaces 13a1 and 13b1 of either the first main surface 12A1 or the second main surface 12A2, so deformation of the main plate intersection is suppressed. can do.

The aerosol generating device of this embodiment includes the main unit 2 described above, and a cartridge 3 that accommodates an aerosol source and is inserted into and removably into the cartridge accommodating portion 10 of the main unit 2.
According to this configuration, the main body unit 2 that can be prevented from being disassembled by the user is provided, so that the safety of the device as a whole can be improved.

The inhaler 1 of this embodiment includes the aerosol generating device described above and the flavor source container 4 attached to the mouthpiece 11 of the aerosol generating device.
According to this configuration, flavor can be added to the aerosol.

Further, in this embodiment, the following effects can also be obtained.

The main body unit 2 of the present embodiment described above includes a cartridge accommodating portion 10 that accommodates the cartridge 3, and the cartridge accommodating portion 10 has a cartridge insertion/extraction opening 10a protruding from the outer case 12 of the main body unit 2.
According to this configuration, it is easy to visually confirm the place where the cartridge is inserted and removed, so it is easy to understand the top and bottom, and it becomes easy to insert and remove the cartridge.

Further, in the present embodiment, the cartridge accommodating portion 10 has a suction port connection portion 10B for connecting the suction port portion 11 to the cartridge insertion/extraction port 10a, and at least a portion of the suction port connection portion 10B protrudes from the outer case 12. ing.
According to this configuration, the location where the mouthpiece 11 is connected is easily visible, and therefore the mouthpiece 11 can be easily connected to the cartridge accommodating part 10.

Further, in this embodiment, the outer case 12 has a raised portion 12D, and the cartridge accommodating portion 10 protrudes from the deformation transition portion 12D1 of the raised portion 12D.
According to this configuration, the cartridge accommodating portion 10 is formed with a large portion exposed from the outer case 12 and a small exposed portion. While ensuring visibility in the largely exposed portion of the cartridge accommodating portion 10, an area for protecting the cartridge accommodating portion 10 can be secured in the small exposed portion. Further, since the contact length between the edge of the outer case 12 and the circumferential surface of the cartridge accommodating portion 10 becomes longer, it becomes easier to ensure connection strength when bonding the two.

Further, in the present embodiment, the cartridge insertion/extraction opening 10a is arranged at a position below the top P of the raised portion 12D in the main axis direction in which the cartridge accommodating portion 10 extends.
According to this configuration, in the event of a fall or collision, the protruding portion 12D of the outer case 12 comes into contact with the outside before the cartridge insertion/extraction port 10a, thereby preventing deformation of the cartridge insertion/extraction port 10a.

Further, in the present embodiment, the input device 15 is disposed at the deformation transition portion 12D2 on the opposite side to the deformation transition portion 12D1 of the raised portion 12D from which the cartridge accommodating portion 10 protrudes. It is disposed at a position below the top P of the raised portion 12D in the extending main axis direction.
According to this configuration, in the event of a fall, collision, etc., the raised portion 12D of the exterior case 12 comes into contact with the outside before the input device 15, and malfunction of the input device 15 can be prevented.

Further, in the present embodiment, the input device 15 is arranged at an acute angle with respect to the main axis O of the cartridge accommodating portion 10 passing through the center of the cartridge insertion/extraction opening 10a.
According to this configuration, the user can easily operate the input device 15 while holding the mouthpiece 11 in his/her mouth.

The present embodiment also includes a holder 30 housed in the exterior case 12, and the holder 30 includes a main plate 41 that holds at least one of the components provided inside the exterior case 12; It has a receiving part 43 which is integrally formed and receives the end of the cartridge accommodating part 10.
According to this configuration, both the internal parts of the outer case 12 and the cartridge accommodating portion 10 are assembled into the holder 30, so that the assembly becomes easy.

Further, in this embodiment, the receiving portion 43 is formed with an insertion hole 43c for inserting the protruding electrode 50 into the inside of the cartridge accommodating portion 10.
According to this configuration, the protruding electrode 50 can be easily arranged inside the cartridge accommodating section 10.

Further, in this embodiment, the receiving portion 43 is formed in a bottomed cylindrical shape extending parallel to the longitudinal direction of the main plate 41 at the end of the main plate 41 in the lateral direction.
According to this configuration, the main plate 41 and the cartridge accommodating portion 10 are arranged parallel to each other in the longitudinal direction, so that the overall length of the main body unit 2 can be shortened.

Furthermore, in the present embodiment, the holder 30 extends from the end of the main plate 41 in a direction intersecting the plate surface of the main plate 41 and supports at least one of the components provided along the outer surface of the exterior case 12. It has a sub-plate 42 for holding.
According to this configuration, the rigidity of the holder 30 can be increased and space can be saved.

The aerosol generating device of this embodiment includes the main unit 2 described above, and a cartridge 3 that accommodates an aerosol source and is inserted into and removably into the cartridge accommodating portion 10 of the main unit 2.
According to this configuration, since the main body unit 2 is provided in which the place where the cartridge is inserted and removed is easily recognized, it is easy to use.

The inhaler 1 of this embodiment includes the aerosol generating device described above and the flavor source container 4 attached to the mouthpiece 11 of the aerosol generating device.
According to this configuration, flavor can be added to the aerosol.

Further, in this embodiment, the following effects can also be obtained.

The aerosol generation device of the present embodiment described above includes a cylindrical cartridge 3 that accommodates an aerosol source, a cylindrical cartridge accommodating section 10 that accommodates the cartridge 3, and a positioning device that positions the cartridge 3 with respect to the cartridge accommodating section 10. The positioning mechanism 90 is provided in either the cartridge 3 or the cartridge accommodating part 10 (cartridge accommodating part 10), and the main axis O of the cartridge accommodating part 10 is directed toward the other (cartridge 3). An engagement protrusion 43h that protrudes in the extending main axis direction and whose width in the circumferential direction around the main axis O becomes smaller toward the other side is provided on the other of the cartridge 3 and the cartridge accommodating part 10, and the engagement protrusion 43h It includes an engagement groove portion 26i that can be inserted in the main axis direction.
With this configuration, the position of the cartridge 3 can be determined smoothly.
Note that the engagement protrusion 43h may be provided on the cartridge 3 side, and the engagement groove 26i may be provided on the cartridge accommodating portion 10 side.

Furthermore, in this embodiment, the gap created between the inner diameter of the cartridge accommodating portion 10 and the outer diameter of the cartridge 3 is larger than 2.6% of the inner diameter of the cartridge accommodating portion 10 .
According to this configuration, the clearance between the cartridge accommodating portion 10 and the cartridge 3 is increased, and the engagement protrusion 43h can be easily guided into the engagement groove 26i.

Furthermore, in the present embodiment, the gap created between the inner diameter of the cartridge accommodating portion 10 and the outer diameter of the cartridge is larger than 7.0% of the inner diameter of the cartridge accommodating portion 10 .
According to this configuration, the clearance between the cartridge accommodating portion 10 and the cartridge 3 becomes larger, and it becomes easier to guide the engagement protrusion 43h into the engagement groove 26i.

Furthermore, in this embodiment, a plurality of engagement protrusions 43h and engagement grooves 26i are formed on the same radius around the main axis O.
According to this configuration, the engagement protrusion 43h is inserted into the engagement groove 26i by relative rotation about the main axis O between the engagement protrusion 43h and the engagement groove 26i.

The present embodiment also includes a suction port 11 that engages with the cartridge accommodating portion 10 and is formed with a suction port that sucks aerosol atomized by the aerosol source.
According to this configuration, aerosol can be sucked from the cartridge accommodating portion 10 in which the cartridge 3 is accommodated.

Further, in the present embodiment, the suction mouth portion 11 has a cartridge contact portion 60 that comes into contact with the cartridge 3 while engaging the cartridge accommodating portion 10 .
According to this configuration, it is possible to suppress displacement of the cartridge 3 while the mouthpiece 11 is engaged with the cartridge accommodating part 10.

Further, in the present embodiment, the cartridge contact portion 60 presses the cartridge 3 in the main axis direction with the mouthpiece 11 engaged with the cartridge accommodating portion 10 .
According to this configuration, the cartridge 3 can be positioned in the main axis direction by pressing the cartridge abutting portion 60.

Further, in this embodiment, the cartridge contact portion 60 is made of an elastic resin material.
According to this configuration, the elastic deformation of the cartridge contact portion 60 makes it easy to generate a frictional force that rotates the cartridge 3 in the circumferential direction, and also makes it easy to generate a pressing force that presses the cartridge 3 in the main axis direction.

Further, in this embodiment, an annular protrusion 61 is formed on the opposing surface of the cartridge abutting portion 60 that faces the cartridge 3 .
According to this configuration, the contact of the cartridge contact portion 60 with the cartridge 3 is no longer a planar contact due to the annular protrusion 61, so that the contact pressure increases, and the frictional force in the circumferential direction and the pressing force in the main axis direction are more likely to occur. .

The present embodiment also includes a holder 30 having a receiving portion 43 that removably receives an end portion of the cartridge accommodating portion 10.
According to this configuration, the cartridge accommodating section 10 can be attached to and detached from the receiving section 43, making assembly and maintenance easier.

The inhaler 1 of this embodiment includes the aerosol generating device described above and the flavor source container 4 attached to the mouthpiece 11 of the aerosol generating device.
According to this configuration, flavor can be added to the aerosol.

<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 claims appended hereto.

For example, in the embodiment described above, as an example of an aerosol generating device that generates aerosol without combustion, the inhaler 1 in which the flavor source container 4 is configured to be detachable has been described as an example, but only this configuration can be used. Not limited to. As another example of the aerosol generation device, it may have a configuration that does not include the flavor source container 4 like an electronic cigarette (a configuration that includes only a mouthpiece that does not contain a flavor source). In this case, a flavor-containing aerosol source is housed in the cartridge 3, 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 flavor source container 4 but includes the main body unit 2 and the cartridge 3 may be referred to as an aerosol generating apparatus. Furthermore, a device that does not include the flavor source container 4 and the cartridge 3 but includes only the main unit 2 may be referred to as the main unit of the aerosol generation device.
Note that the aerosol source is not limited to liquid, and may be solid. In other words, the main unit of the aerosol generation device includes a solid aerosol source housing section that houses a solid aerosol source, an exterior case that surrounds at least a portion of the outside of the solid aerosol source housing section, and a holder that is housed in the exterior case. , the holder includes a main plate that holds at least one of the components provided inside the outer case, and a receiver that is integrally formed with the main plate and that receives an end of the solid aerosol source housing section. It is also possible to have a part and a part.

In the embodiment described above, a case has been described in which the main body unit 2 is separable from the mouthpiece 11, but the structure is not limited to this. For example, the power source 37 and the like may be unitized and separable from the main unit 2. Further, the mouthpiece 11 and the flavor source container 4 may be integrated into a unit.

In the embodiment described above, the cartridge accommodating portion 10 is formed in a cylindrical shape surrounding the cartridge 3, but the present invention is not limited to this configuration. The cartridge accommodating section 10 may have any configuration as long as it can hold the cartridge 3. In other words, the cartridge accommodating portion 10 is not limited to a cylindrical shape, and may have a triangular cylindrical shape, a square cylindrical shape, another polygonal cylindrical shape, or an irregular shape other than a polygonal cylindrical shape.

In the above-described embodiment, the configuration in which the exterior case 12 is formed into a rounded flat box shape as a whole is described, but the present invention is not limited to this configuration. The shape of the exterior case 12 may be a rectangular parallelepiped, another polyhedron, or a solid other than a polyhedron.

In the above-mentioned embodiment, the configuration in which the main unit 2 is activated by pressing the input device 15 has been described. You can.

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)
exterior case,
A holder provided inside the exterior case,
The holder is
a first plate surface that holds the first component;
A main body unit of an aerosol generation device, comprising: a second plate surface that holds a second component different from the first component on a side opposite to the first plate surface.

(Additional note 2)
an exterior case having a peripheral wall connecting between the pair of main walls;
an input device disposed on the peripheral wall,
The peripheral wall portion is
an outer surface portion that is flush with the outer surface of the pair of main wall portions;
a recessed portion recessed relative to the outer surface portion;
A main unit of an aerosol generation device, wherein the input device is arranged in the recess.

(Additional note 3)
a cartridge accommodating section that accommodates the cartridge;
a window provided in at least a portion of the cartridge accommodating portion;
an exterior case in which at least a portion of the window portion is exposed and is provided so as to surround at least a portion of the cartridge accommodating portion;
a light source provided inside the outer case and illuminating the cartridge;
A main unit of an aerosol generation device comprising:

(Additional note 4)
a cartridge accommodating section that accommodates the cartridge;
an outer case surrounding at least a portion of the outside of the cartridge accommodating section;
A slit-shaped air inlet is formed on the outer surface of the exterior case,
The air inlet is a main body unit of an aerosol generating device, and the air inlet communicates with the inside of the cartridge accommodating portion via a meandering air flow path.

(Appendix 5)
a cartridge accommodating section that accommodates the cartridge;
an exterior case that surrounds at least a portion of the outside of the cartridge accommodating portion and has an opening formed therein;
a fitting member fitted into the opening;
an air inlet is formed in a gap between the fitting member and the opening;
A main body unit of an aerosol generating device, wherein an air hole is formed at a location where the fitting member and the outer case overlap to communicate the air inlet with the inside of the cartridge accommodating portion.

(Appendix 6)
a cartridge accommodating section that accommodates the cartridge;
an exterior case that surrounds at least a portion of the outside of the cartridge accommodating section;
a fitting member fitted into the exterior case,
The fitting member has a protrusion projecting toward the cartridge accommodating portion,
The cartridge accommodating section is a main unit of an aerosol generating device, and the cartridge accommodating section has an engaging section that engages with the protruding section.

(Appendix 7)
exterior case,
a cartridge accommodating portion at least partially surrounded by the outer case;
a holder housed inside the outer case;
A main body unit of an aerosol generating device, comprising: a movement limiting member that locks onto the holder and limits movement of the cartridge accommodating portion at least in a direction of extraction from the outer case.

(Appendix 8)
a cartridge accommodating section that accommodates the cartridge;
an exterior case that surrounds at least a portion of the outside of the cartridge accommodating section;
a sensor that is housed in the outer case and detects a user's suction;
a sensor holder housed in the exterior case and holding the sensor;
The sensor holder is a main body unit of an aerosol generating device, wherein the sensor holder is curved along the circumferential surface of the cartridge accommodating section and is in close contact with the circumferential surface of the cartridge accommodating section.

(Appendix 9)
a cartridge accommodating portion for accommodating the cartridge and having a cartridge insertion/extraction opening for inserting and extracting the cartridge;
An exterior case that accommodates the parts;
A main body unit of an aerosol generating device, wherein a part of the cartridge accommodating portion including the cartridge insertion/extraction port protrudes from the outer case.

(Appendix 10)
a cylindrical cartridge accommodating portion for accommodating the cartridge;
an engaging protrusion that positions the cartridge with respect to the cartridge accommodating portion,
The engaging protrusion extends in a radial direction of the cartridge accommodating portion from an inner circumferential wall of the cartridge accommodating portion toward the inside of the cartridge accommodating portion with a dimension larger than 2.6% of the inner diameter of the cartridge accommodating portion. The main unit of the aerosol generation device.

(Appendix 11)
a cylindrical cartridge accommodating portion for accommodating the cartridge;
an engaging protrusion that positions the cartridge with respect to the cartridge accommodating portion,
The engaging protrusion extends in a radial direction of the cartridge accommodating portion from an inner circumferential wall of the cartridge accommodating portion toward the inside of the cartridge accommodating portion with a dimension larger than 7.0% of the inner diameter of the cartridge accommodating portion. The main unit of the aerosol generation device.

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.

The present invention relates to a main body unit of an aerosol generating device, an aerosol generating device, and a non-combustion type inhaler, and can facilitate assembly.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1... Suction device, 2... Main unit, 3... Cartridge, 4... Flavor source container, 10... Cartridge accommodating part, 10a... Cartridge insertion/extraction port, 10A... Insert ring, 10A1... Part, 10b... Engagement groove part, 10B... Suction mouth connection part, 10b1...First groove, 10b2...Second groove, 10b3...Third groove, 10b4...Fitting hole, 10c...Through hole, 10C...Groove, 10c1...Rectangular groove, 10C1...Slope, 10d...Through hole , 10e...Air communication hole, 10g...Groove, 10h...Protrusion, 11...Sucking part, 11A...Sucking part main body, 11a1...Surrounding wall, 11a2...Flange part, 11a3...Bottom wall, 11a4...Through hole, 11B...Cylinder body, 11b1...Protrusion, 12...Exterior case, 12A...Main surface part, 12A1...First main surface part, 12A2...Second main surface part, 12B...Peripheral wall part, 12b1...Outer surface, 12B1...First peripheral wall part, 12b2...Recessed part, 12B2...Second peripheral wall part, 12C...Corner part, 12C1...First corner part, 12C2...Second corner part, 12C3...Third corner part, 12C4...Fourth corner part, 12D...Elevated part, 12D1...Deformation transition part , 12D2...Deformation transition portion, 13...Main case, 13a...Opening, 13A...First case, 13a1...Opposing surface, 13b...Opening, 13B...Second case, 13b1...Opposing surface, 13C...Boss portion, 13D ... Mounting part, 13d1... Mounting wall, 13d2... Notch, 13E... Fitting claw, 13F... Fitting claw, 13G... Case side protrusion, 13G1... Case side protrusion, 13H... Groove, 13I... Fitting claw, 13J...Case side protrusion, 13K...Claw receiver, 13L...Groove, 14...Display cover, 14a...Through hole, 14b1...Engagement claw, 14b2...Engagement claw, 14c...Side wall, 14c1...Insertion hole, 15... Input device, 15a...Switch button, 15a1...Base part, 15a2...Button part, 15a3...Insertion hole, 15b...Switch board, 15c...Switch holder, 15c1...Inner diameter side protrusion piece, 15c2...Outer diameter side protrusion piece, 16... Window section, 17...Cover member, 17A...Main case side protrusion, 17B...Plate part, 17b1...Case fitting hole, 17C...Cartridge accommodating part side protrusion, 17D...Protrusion, 18...Air inlet, 19...Air hole, 20 ...Charging terminal, 21...Tank, 21a...Top wall, 21b...Through hole, 21c...Flow path pipe, 21d...Outer peripheral wall, 21e...Rib, 21f...Engagement hole, 21g...Liquid storage chamber, 22...Gasket, 22a ... opening, 23... mesh body, 24... atomization container, 24a... peripheral wall, 24b... fitting part, 24c... atomization chamber, 24d... bottom wall, 24e... opening, 25... heating section, 25a... wick, 25b...Heating wire, 25i...Engaging groove, 26...Heater holder, 26a...Peripheral wall, 26b...Engaging piece, 26c...Intake hole, 26d...Bottom wall, 26e...Intake hole, 26f...Isolation wall, 26g...Slit, 26h... Planar electrode, 26i... Engagement groove, 27... Container body, 27a... Peripheral wall, 27b... Step, 27c... Flavor source storage chamber, 27d... Bottom wall, 27e... Fine hole, 28... Filter, 30... Holder, 30a ...Through hole, 31... Main board, 31a... First plate surface, 31A... First part, 31b... Second plate surface, 31B... Second part, 32... Sub board, 32a... Adhesive sheet, 32b... Opening, 32c...Connection terminal, 33...Display device, 33a...Display device main body, 33b...Display device holder, 33c...Cushion material, 34...Sensor, 35...Sensor holder, 35A...Curved plate portion, 35B...Holder side protrusion, 35C... Holding portion, 35D... Cartridge accommodating part side projection, 36... Vibrator, 36a... Eccentric weight, 37... Power source, 41... Main plate, 41a... First plate surface, 41b... Second plate surface, 41c... Opening, 41d... Board support piece, 41f... engaging claw, 41h1... first edge, 41h2... second edge, 42... sub-plate, 42a... clamping piece, 42A... first sub-plate, 42a1... convex part, 42a2... sub-plate Extension part, 42B...Second sub-plate, 42b1...Wiring groove, 42b2...Substrate holding piece, 42b3...Sub-plate extension part, 42C...First rib, 42d...Notch part, 42D...Second rib, 42d1...First 1 notch, 42D1... branching part, 42d2... second notch, 42E... case fitting part, 42e1... first fitting hole, 42e2... second fitting hole, 42e3... clamped piece, 43... receiving part, 43a... Peripheral wall, 43b... Bottom wall, 43c... Insertion hole, 43d... Annular wall, 43e... Board support piece, 43f... Clamping piece, 43g... Step, 43h... Engaging protrusion, 43i... Engaging protrusion, 43j... Substrate contact part, 44...Tray, 45...Abbreviation, 45...Adhesive sheet, 46...Adhesive sheet, 47...Adhesive sheet, 48...Adhesive sheet, 50...Protruding electrode, 50A...Pedestal part, 51...Protruding electrode cover, 51a ...Cover end wall, 51b...Cover circumferential wall, 51c...Through hole, 52...Light source, 60...Cartridge contact part, 60a...First ring part, 60b...Cylindrical part, 60c...Second ring part, 61...Annular projection, 62...Communication hole, 70...Air groove, 71...Annular groove, 72...Step groove, 80...Air flow path, 81...Waterproof and breathable member, 90...Mechanism, 91...First connection part, 92...Second connection part , 93...Third connection part, 94...Fourth connection part, 100...Holder unit, D1...Inner diameter, D2...Outer diameter, D3...Dimensions, DD...Arrow view, O...Main axis, O1...Diagonal line, P... Top, S1...Gap, S2...Gap, T1...Protrusion amount, T2...Difference, T3...Deflection amount, θ...Angle

Claims (15)

a cartridge accommodating section that accommodates the cartridge;
an exterior case that surrounds at least a portion of the outside of the cartridge accommodating section;
a holder housed in the exterior case,
The holder is
a main plate that holds at least a board among the components provided inside the exterior case;
A main body unit of an aerosol generating device, comprising: a receiving part that is integrally formed with the main plate and receives an end of the cartridge accommodating part. 2. The main unit of the aerosol generating device according to claim 1, wherein the receiving portion has an insertion hole for inserting a protruding electrode into the cartridge accommodating portion. The aerosol generation device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the receiving portion is formed in a bottomed cylindrical shape extending in parallel along the longitudinal direction of the main plate at an end in the lateral direction of the main plate. main unit. The holder has a sub-plate extending from an end of the main plate in a direction intersecting a plate surface of the main plate and holding at least one of the parts provided along the outer surface of the outer case. A main unit of the aerosol generation device according to any one of Items 1 to 3. The main unit of the aerosol generation device according to claim 4, wherein the sub-plate extends in a direction perpendicular to a plate surface of the main plate. The main unit of the aerosol generation device according to claim 5, wherein the sub-plate extends on both sides in a direction perpendicular to a plate surface of the main plate. The holder, as the sub-plate,
a first sub-plate provided on a first end side of the end of the main plate;
a second sub-plate provided on a second end side adjacent to the first end side of the end portion of the main plate;
The main unit of the aerosol generation device according to any one of claims 4 to 6, wherein the first sub-plate and the second sub-plate are connected to each other. The main unit of the aerosol generation device according to claim 7, wherein the first sub-plate and the second sub-plate are connected at an obtuse angle. The main unit of the aerosol generation device according to any one of claims 4 to 8, wherein the sub-plate holds a display device. The main unit of the aerosol generation device according to any one of claims 4 to 9, wherein the sub-plate holds an input device. The main plate is
a first plate surface that holds the first component;
The main body unit of the aerosol generation device according to any one of claims 1 to 10, further comprising a second plate surface that holds a second component different from the first component on the opposite side of the first plate surface. . Either one of the first component and the second component is a power source,
The main unit of the aerosol generation device according to claim 11, wherein the other of the first component and the second component is an electronic component including the substrate electrically connected to the power source. The main unit according to any one of claims 1 to 12,
An aerosol generation device, comprising: a cartridge that accommodates an aerosol source and is removably inserted into the cartridge accommodating portion of the main unit. The aerosol generation device according to claim 13;
A non-combustion type inhaler, comprising: a flavor source container attached to the mouthpiece of the aerosol generating device. a solid aerosol source housing containing a solid aerosol source;
an outer case surrounding at least a portion of the outside of the solid aerosol source housing section;
a holder housed in the exterior case,
The holder is
a main plate that holds at least a board among the components provided inside the exterior case;
A main body unit of an aerosol generation device, comprising: a receiving part that is integrally formed with the main plate and receives an end of the solid aerosol source accommodating part.

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