JPWO2020084799A1 - Non-combustion aspirator power supply unit, atomization unit and non-combustion aspirator - Google Patents

Abstract

The power supply unit of the non-combustion type suction device according to one aspect of the present invention includes a housing to which the atomization unit can be connected, and a pressure sensor housed in the housing and detecting a pressure change in the housing. A communication port for communicating the inside and outside of the housing is opened on the first surface of the housing with which the atomization unit faces when the atomization unit is connected. On the first surface, at a position away from the communication port in the in-plane direction of the first surface, a surrounding convex portion is formed so as to project from the first surface and surround the communication port. The surrounding convex portion forms a buffer space for communicating between the communication port and the flow path together with the first surface and the atomizing unit when the atomizing unit is connected to the housing.

Description

The present invention relates to a power supply unit, an atomization unit and a non-combustion type suction device of a non-combustion type suction device.
The present application claims priority based on Chinese Patent Application No. 20111255597.9 filed on October 26, 2018, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

Conventionally, a non-combustion type aspirator (hereinafter, simply referred to as an aspirator) that tastes a flavor by sucking vapor (for example, aerosol) atomized by heating has been known. Some aspirators of this type include, for example, an atomizing unit that houses an atomizable content (eg, an aerosol source) and a power supply unit that is equipped with a storage battery.
In the suction device, the heating unit provided in the atomization unit generates heat by the electric power supplied from the storage battery. As a result, the contents in the atomization unit are atomized. The user can suck the atomized aerosol together with the air through the mouthpiece.

For example, Patent Document 1 below discloses a configuration in which an atomization unit is detachably attached to a power supply unit. In the suction device described in Patent Document 1 below, the atomization unit and the power supply unit communicate with each other in a state where the ports are butted against each other. According to this configuration, the inside of the power supply unit becomes negative pressure by sucking the suction device through the suction port. The negative pressure in the power supply unit is detected by the pressure sensor built in the power supply unit. As a result, it is considered that the user can suck the aerosol by generating heat in the heating part.

China Utility Model Announcement No. 206482021

However, in the above-mentioned prior art, the ports of the atomization unit and the main body unit are directly butted against each other. Therefore, for example, when the aerosol condenses, it may enter the power supply unit through the port.

An object of the present invention is to provide a power supply unit, an atomization unit and a non-combustion type suction device of a non-combustion type suction device capable of protecting the power supply unit from condensed aerosol.

(1) In order to achieve the above object, the power supply unit of the non-combustible aspirator according to one aspect of the present invention is a mist in which an aerosol source is housed and a flow path through which atomized aerosol flows is formed. A housing to which the atomizing unit can be connected is provided, and a communication port for communicating the inside and outside of the housing is opened on the first surface of the housing to which the atomizing unit faces when the atomizing unit is connected. On one surface, at a position away from the communication port in the in-plane direction of the first surface, a surrounding convex portion is formed so as to project from the first surface and surround the communication port, and the surrounding convex portion is formed. When the atomizing unit is connected to the housing, a buffer space for communicating between the communication port and the flow path is formed together with the first surface and the atomizing unit.

According to this aspect, since the buffer space is easily formed between the communication port and the flow path, the trouble of butting the ports with each other is eliminated, and the convenience of the user can be improved. This makes it possible to prevent, for example, once atomized, the condensed aerosol from flowing directly into the communication port through the flow path. This protects the power supply unit from the condensed aerosol.

(2) In the power supply unit of the non-combustible suction device according to the aspect (1), a pressure sensor for detecting a pressure change in the housing is housed in the housing, and the communication port is the first. The surface may be arranged at a position overlapping the pressure sensor when viewed from the normal direction.
According to this aspect, the distance between the pressure sensor and the communication port can be reduced. As a result, it is possible to easily generate a negative pressure around the pressure sensor through the communication port. As a result, the sensitivity of the pressure sensor can be improved.

(3) In the power supply unit of the non-combustion type suction device according to the aspect (1) or (2), the surrounding convex portion is formed so as to be elastically deformable, and the atomizing unit is connected to the housing. Sometimes it may be in close contact with the atomization unit.
According to this aspect, when the atomizing unit is connected to the power supply unit, the surrounding convex portion is elastically deformed and comes into close contact with the atomizing unit. As a result, the sealing property of the buffer space can be improved and the sensitivity of the pressure sensor can be improved.

(4) The main body unit of the non-combustion type suction device according to one aspect of the present invention is provided at the end of the power supply unit according to the above aspect and the power supply unit on the first surface side, and is the atomization unit. When connected to the power supply unit, the container holding cylinder in which the atomization unit is housed is provided.
According to this aspect, the atomization unit is stably held in the container holding cylinder. As a result, the connection state between the atomization unit and the power supply unit can be stabilized.

(5) In the main body unit of the non-combustion type suction device according to the aspect (4), the aerosol generated by the atomization unit is flowed on the side opposite to the power supply unit with respect to the container holding cylinder. A suction port portion for sucking through the path may be provided, and the atomization unit may be configured to be sandwiched between the suction port portion and the surrounding convex portion.
According to this aspect, the atomization unit can be pressed against the surrounding convex portion by the mouthpiece portion, and the sealing property of the buffer space can be improved. Further, since the atomization unit is arranged between the power supply unit and the mouthpiece, the flow path from the atomization unit to the mouthpiece is shortened.

(6) In the main body unit of the non-combustion type aspirator according to the aspect (5) above, the mouthpiece is provided with a storage space capable of accommodating a flavor source container in at least a part of the mouthpiece. May be good.
According to this aspect, when the aerosol is sucked through the mouthpiece, the aerosol passes through the flavor source container to add the flavor to the aerosol.

(7) The non-combustion type suction device according to one aspect of the present invention includes a main body unit according to the above aspect and the atomizing unit detachably attached to the main body unit.
According to this aspect, since the main body unit according to the above aspect is provided, it is possible to provide a highly reliable aspirator.

(8) In the non-combustion type aspirator according to the aspect (7), the second surface of the atomization unit facing the first surface may be formed as a flat surface.
According to this aspect, since the buffer space is formed by the contact or proximity of the surrounding convex portion and the flat surface, the atomization unit can be simplified.

(9) In the non-combustion type suction device according to the aspect (8), the opening on the second surface of the flow path is arranged at a position shifted in the in-plane direction with respect to the communication port. It may have been done.
According to this aspect, since the distance between the opening on the second surface and the communication port of the flow path can be secured, even if the condensed aerosol enters the buffer space, the inside of the housing is provided through the communication port. Can be suppressed from flowing into.

(10) The atomization unit of the non-combustion type suction device according to one aspect of the present invention is configured to be connectable to a power supply unit having a housing in which a pressure sensor is housed, and includes a container body in which an aerosol source is housed and the container body described above. It is provided with a flow path formed in the container body and through which atomized aerosols flow, and a communication port for communicating the inside and outside of the housing is opened on the first surface of the housing, and the power source of the container body is provided. A surrounding convex portion protruding from the second surface is formed on the second surface facing the first surface when connected to the unit, and the surrounding convex portion is formed when the container body is connected to the power supply unit. Surrounds the communication port at a position away from the communication port in the in-plane direction of the first surface, and communicates between the communication port and the flow path together with the first surface and the second surface. Form a buffer space.
According to this aspect, since a buffer space is formed between the communication port and the flow path, for example, it is possible to prevent the condensed aerosol source from directly flowing into the communication port through the communication port after being atomized. This protects the power supply unit from the condensed aerosol.

According to one aspect of the invention, the power supply unit can be protected from condensed aerosols.

It is a perspective view of the aspirator which concerns on embodiment. It is an exploded perspective view of the aspirator which concerns on embodiment. It is sectional drawing which follows the line III-III of FIG. It is an exploded perspective view of the power supply unit which concerns on embodiment. It is sectional drawing which follows the VV line of FIG. It is a perspective view of the power supply unit which concerns on embodiment. FIG. 5 is a plan view of the power supply unit according to the embodiment as viewed from the holding unit side in the axial direction. It is an exploded perspective view of the holding unit which concerns on embodiment. It is a perspective view which shows the connection structure of the 1st connection member and the 2nd connection member which concerns on embodiment. FIG. 5 is a plan view of the holding unit and the cartridge according to the embodiment as viewed from the power supply unit side in the axial direction. It is sectional drawing which follows the XI-XI line of FIG. It is an exploded perspective view of the mouthpiece corresponding to line XII-XII of FIG. It is sectional drawing which follows the axial direction of the cartridge which concerns on embodiment. It is an exploded perspective view of the cartridge which concerns on embodiment. It is a perspective view of the tank which concerns on embodiment as seen from the opening side. It is a perspective view of the heater holder which concerns on embodiment as seen from the power supply unit side. It is a perspective view of the atomizing container which concerns on embodiment as seen from the mesh body side. It is a front view of the aspirator which concerns on embodiment. It is sectional drawing along the axial direction when the mouthpiece is removed from the aspirator which concerns on embodiment. It is explanatory drawing which shows the state which the cartridge which concerns on embodiment ride on the vertically engaging convex part. It is explanatory drawing which shows the state of screwing the mouthpiece in the riding state of the cartridge which concerns on embodiment. It is explanatory drawing which shows the state that the mouthpiece and the cartridge which concerns on embodiment rotate together. It is explanatory drawing which shows the state which tightened the mouthpiece which concerns on embodiment to the end. It is a partial cross-sectional view of the aspirator which concerns on the modification of embodiment.

Next, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
[Aspirator]
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the aspirator.
The suction device 1 shown in FIG. 1 is a so-called non-combustion type suction device, and tastes the flavor of tobacco leaves by sucking the aerosol atomized by heating through the tobacco leaves.

The aspirator 1 includes a main body unit 10, a cartridge (atomization unit) 11 detachably attached to the main body unit 10, and a cigarette capsule (flavor source container) 12.

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

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

(Holder assembly)
FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view of the power supply unit 21.
As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the holder assembly 32 is configured such that a storage battery 33, a board module (first board module 34, second board module 35), and the like are mounted on the storage battery holder 36.
The storage battery holder 36 is integrally formed of, for example, a resin material. The storage battery holder 36 includes a base portion 40. The base portion 40 is formed in a semi-cylindrical shape with the axis O as the central axis. The base portion 40 may have a shape other than the semi-cylindrical shape as long as the assembly opening 40a (see FIG. 4) for receiving the storage battery 33 and the like is open to the outside in the radial direction.

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

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

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

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

As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, the pair of electrode holding portions 50 are formed in a tubular shape protruding toward the holding unit 22 in the axial direction. Each electrode holding portion 50 is located on both sides in the radial direction with respect to the axis O. In the present embodiment, the electrode holding portions 50 are arranged side by side in the radial direction perpendicular to the front and back surfaces (hereinafter, may be referred to as a left-right direction). The electrode holding portions 50 extend in the axial direction and are connected to each other in the radial direction.
As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the communication port 51 projects from a portion of the connection pedestal 48 located on the back side in the radial direction with respect to the axis O toward the holding unit 22 side in the axial direction.

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

The storage battery 33 is formed in a columnar shape with the axis O as the axial direction. The storage battery 33 is housed in a portion of the base portion 40 located on the side opposite to the holding unit 22 in the axial direction with respect to the partition wall 46. The power supply unit mounted on the suction device 1 is not limited to a secondary battery such as a storage battery 33, but may be a super capacitor or the like as a power source that can be charged and discharged. Further, the power supply unit may be a primary battery.

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

The switch element 52 is arranged on the surface (first main surface) of the first substrate 60 at a position where it overlaps with the button opening 44 when viewed from the front and back surfaces. In the present embodiment, the switch element 52 is surface-mounted on the first substrate 60. However, the switch element 52 may be mounted on the first substrate 60 in a state where the connection terminal drawn from the switch element 52 is inserted through the through hole of the first substrate 60.

The pressure sensor 53 is arranged on the back surface (second main surface) of the first substrate 60 on the holding unit 22 side in the axial direction with respect to the switch element 52. That is, the pressure sensor 53 is arranged at a position where it does not overlap with the switch element 52 in a plan view when viewed from the front and back surfaces. In the present embodiment, the pressure sensor 53 is arranged at a position shifted to the holding unit 22 side in the axial direction with respect to the switch element 52, but the configuration is not limited to this. That is, if the switch element 52 and the pressure sensor 53 are arranged at positions shifted in the in-plane direction of the first substrate 60, even if they are arranged at positions shifted to the opposite side of the holding unit 22 in the axial direction. Of the radial direction, they may be arranged so as to be offset in the left-right direction.

As the pressure sensor 53, for example, a capacitance type one can be adopted. That is, the pressure sensor 53 detects the behavior of the diaphragm that deforms in response to the pressure fluctuation as a change in capacitance. The pressure sensor 53 of the present embodiment is mounted on the first substrate 60 in a state where the connection terminal drawn from the pressure sensor 53 is inserted into the through hole of the first substrate 60. However, the pressure sensor 53 may be surface-mounted on the first substrate 60.

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

The mounting portion 55 is formed in a semicircular shape. The mounting portion 55 is assembled to the storage battery holder 36 in a state of being abutted against the connection pedestal 48 described above from the side opposite to the holding unit 22 in the axial direction. The stepped portion 47 described above is formed with a holding piece 57 (see FIG. 4) that holds the mounting portion 55 in the axial direction with the connecting pedestal 48. The sandwiching piece 57 projects in the circumferential direction from both end faces of an arc located outside in the radial direction (left-right direction) of the step portion 47.

The covering portion 56 is connected to the mounting portion 55 in the axial direction on the side opposite to the holding unit 22. The covering portion 56 is formed in a cap shape that opens on the surface side. A spacer 56b that bulges toward the surface is formed on the bottom wall portion 56a of the covering portion 56. The pressure sensor 53 is fitted in the covering portion 56 in a state of being abutted against the spacer 56b. As a result, a radial gap is provided between the inner surface of the bottom wall portion 56a and the pressure sensor 53. The bottom wall portion 56a is formed with an air replacement hole 58 that penetrates the bottom wall portion 56a in the radial direction.

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

In the present embodiment, the communication port 51 and the communication passage 59 are arranged at a position where at least a part thereof overlaps with the pressure sensor 53 when viewed from the axial direction. However, the communication port 51 and the communication passage 59 may be arranged at positions deviated from the pressure sensor 53 when viewed from the axial direction.

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

As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the female connector 62 is used for charging the storage battery 33, and a male connector (not shown) drawn from an external power source is inserted and removed. In the present embodiment, for example, a USB connector (Universal Serial Bus) is adopted as the female connector 62. However, the female connector 62 is not limited to the USB connector. Further, the female connector 62 does not necessarily have to be used for charging, and may be used for communication, for example.

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

(housing)
As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the housing 31 has an outer cylinder portion 71, an interposing member 72, and a connecting mechanism 73.
The outer cylinder portion 71 is formed in a cylindrical shape with the axis O as the central axis. The holder assembly 32 is inserted into the outer cylinder portion 71 through an opening located on the side opposite to the holding unit 22 in the axial direction. Specifically, the holder assembly 32 is assembled in the outer cylinder portion 71 in a state where the press-fit cylinder portion 41 of the storage battery holder 36 is press-fitted into the end portion of the outer cylinder portion 71 located on the opposite side of the holding unit 22. ing. As a result, the holder assembly 32 is housed in the outer cylinder portion 71 with the end portion located on the holding unit 22 side in the axial direction protruding from the outer cylinder portion 71. The opening of the outer cylinder portion 71 located on the side opposite to the holding unit 22 in the axial direction is closed by the closing portion 43 of the storage battery holder 36.

At the end of the outer cylinder portion 71 located on the side opposite to the holding unit 22 in the axial direction, a connector exposed hole 75 is formed at a portion overlapping the connector passage hole 42 and the female connector 62 described above when viewed from the radial direction. ing. The connector exposed hole 75 penetrates the outer cylinder portion 71 in the radial direction. In the present embodiment, the configuration in which the female connector 62 opens in the radial direction has been described, but the female connector 62 may open in the axial direction.

A button exposed hole 76 is formed at an end portion of the outer cylinder portion 71 on the holding unit 22 side in the axial direction, at a portion overlapping the button opening 44 described above when viewed from the radial direction. The button exposed hole 76 penetrates the outer cylinder portion 71 in the radial direction.

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

The interposition member 72 is formed in a cylindrical shape with the axis O as the central axis. The interposing member 72 is fitted between the holder assembly 32 and the outer cylinder portion 71 from the holding unit 22 side in the axial direction. As a result, the holder assembly 32 and the outer cylinder portion 71 are sealed at the opening located on the holding unit 22 side in the axial direction of the outer cylinder portion 71.

As shown in FIG. 3, the space surrounded by the sensor holder 54 in the housing 31 constitutes a pressure fluctuation chamber S1 in which the pressure fluctuates through the communication port 51 described above according to the use (suction) of the suction device 1. There is. On the other hand, in the housing 31, the space other than the pressure fluctuation chamber S1 constitutes the normal pressure chamber S2 on which the atmospheric pressure acts. In the present embodiment, of the storage battery 33 and the substrate modules 34 and 35, except for the pressure sensor 53, they are housed in the normal pressure chamber S2. However, if at least the pressure sensor 53 is housed in the pressure fluctuation chamber S1, parts other than the pressure sensor 53 may be housed in the pressure fluctuation chamber S1. A liquid detection seal or the like may be provided in the housing 31 in order to grasp the ingress of the liquid into the housing 31.

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

As shown in FIG. 5, the base portion 91 is formed in a columnar shape with the axis O as the central axis. In the base portion 91, accommodating recesses 95 recessed on the holding unit 22 side in the axial direction are formed at positions where they overlap each electrode holding portion 50 in a plan view. Each accommodating recess 95 extends in the axial direction and is connected in the radial direction. An electrode insertion hole 97 is formed in the base portion 91 at a position where it overlaps with each accommodating recess 95 in a plan view. The electrode insertion hole 97 penetrates the base portion 91 in the axial direction and communicates with the accommodating recess 95.
As shown in FIG. 3, a port insertion hole 99 is formed in the base portion 91 at a position where it overlaps with the communication port 51 in a plan view. The port insertion hole 99 penetrates the base portion 91 in the axial direction.

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

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

The surrounding convex portion 93 projects in the axial direction from the end surface of the base portion 91 facing the holding unit 22 side in the axial direction. Specifically, the surrounding convex portion 93 is formed in an annular shape extending along the outer peripheral edge of the base portion 91. That is, the surrounding convex portion 93 collectively surrounds the pin electrode 49 and the communication port 51 at positions separated outward in the radial direction from the pin electrode 49 and the communication port 51. The surrounding convex portion 93 may be located on the inner side in the radial direction with respect to the outer peripheral edge of the base portion 91 as long as it has a configuration that collectively surrounds the pin electrode 49 and the communication port 51. Further, the surrounding convex portion 93 is not limited to an annular shape, and may have a polygonal shape or the like. Further, in the present embodiment, the “surrounding” is not limited to continuously extending, but also includes intermittently extending. That is, the surrounding convex portion 93 in the present embodiment can be appropriately changed as long as it has a configuration that surrounds the pin electrode 49 and the communication port 51 as a whole.

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

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

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the power supply unit 21.
As shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, the vertically engaged convex portions 101a to 101c project from the base cylinder portion 100 toward the holding unit 22 in the axial direction. A plurality of the vertically engaging convex portions 101a to 101c are formed at intervals in the circumferential direction. In the present embodiment, the vertically engaging convex portions 101a to 101c are evenly arranged with an interval of 120 ° in the circumferential direction. The number of vertically engaged convex portions 101a to 101c may be singular or plural. Further, the pitch of the vertically engaged convex portions 101a to 101c can be changed as appropriate. In this case, a plurality of vertically engaged convex portions 101a to 101c may be unevenly arranged.

FIG. 7 is a plan view of the power supply unit 21 as viewed from the holding unit 22 side in the axial direction.
As shown in FIG. 7, in each of the vertically engaged convex portions 101a to 101c described above, the pin electrodes 49 described above are not arranged on the virtual straight lines La to Lc connecting the center in the circumferential direction and the axis O. Vertically engaging convex portions 101a to 101c are arranged. Specifically, the pin electrode 49 is arranged at a position that is line-symmetric with respect to the virtual straight line La connecting the first vertical engaging convex portion 101a and the axis O. That is, the virtual straight line T1 connecting the pin electrodes 49 and the virtual straight line La are orthogonal to each other, and the distances from the virtual straight line La to each pin electrode 49 are equal to each other.

As shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, the edge of the vertically engaging convex portions 101a to 101c located on the holding unit 22 side in the axial direction is located on the holding unit 22 side in the axial direction with respect to the pin electrode 49. .. The vertically engaged convex portions 101a to 101c are formed in a rectangular shape when viewed from the side in the radial direction. At the end of the vertically engaging convex portions 101a to 101c on the holding unit 22 side, the surface facing inward in the radial direction is inclined so that the thickness in the radial direction gradually decreases toward the holding unit 22 side in the axial direction. It is said to be a face. This inclined surface functions as a guide for smoothly guiding the vertically engaging convex portions 101a to 101c to the engaging concave portion 210 described later of the cartridge 11.

The laterally engaging convex portion 102 protrudes outward in the radial direction from the outer flange portion 105. The laterally engaging convex portion 102 is formed in a rectangular shape in a plan view. A plurality of laterally engaging convex portions 102 are formed at intervals in the circumferential direction. In the present embodiment, the laterally engaging convex portions 102 are evenly arranged at intervals of 90 ° in the circumferential direction. In the present embodiment, one laterally engaging convex portion 102 is arranged at a position equivalent to that of the first vertical engaging convex portion 101a in the circumferential direction. The laterally engaging convex portions 102 may be singular or plural. Further, the pitch of the laterally engaging convex portion 102 can be changed as appropriate. In this case, the plurality of laterally engaging convex portions 102 may be unevenly arranged.

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

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

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

A vent 131 is formed in a portion of the container holding cylinder 120 located on the power supply unit 21 side in the axial direction with respect to the observation hole 130. The vent 131 penetrates the container holding cylinder 120 in the radial direction. The vent 131 communicates the inside and outside of the holding unit 22. The vents 131 are formed in pairs in the container holding cylinder 120 at the portions facing each other in the radial direction (front and back directions). The number, position, shape, etc. of the vents 131 can be changed as appropriate.

The transmission cylinder 121 is made of a material having light transmission property. The transmission cylinder 121 is inserted into the container holding cylinder 120. Specifically, the transmission cylinder 121 is located on the mouthpiece 23 side in the axial direction with respect to the vent 131 in the container holding cylinder 120, and covers the observation hole 130 from the inside in the radial direction. That is, the user can visually recognize the inside of the holding unit 22 through the observation hole 130 and the transmission cylinder 121. The holding unit 22 may not have the observation hole 130 or the transmission cylinder 121.

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

The fitting cylinder 140 is formed in a tubular shape with the axis O as the central axis. The fitting cylinder 140 is fitted to a portion of the container holding cylinder 120 located on the power supply unit 21 side in the axial direction with respect to the transmission cylinder 121 by press fitting or the like.

The guide cylinder 141 is arranged coaxially with the fitting cylinder 140. The guide cylinder 141 extends from the fitting cylinder 140 to the mouthpiece 23 side in the axial direction. The guide cylinder 141 is formed in a tapered cylinder shape whose inner diameter gradually increases toward the mouthpiece 23 side in the axial direction. The outer diameter of the guide cylinder 141 is smaller than the outer diameter of the fitting cylinder 140. A relief portion 145 is formed in the guide cylinder 141 at a position where it overlaps with the above-mentioned vent 131 when viewed from the side in the radial direction. The relief portion 145 is formed in a U shape that opens on the mouthpiece 23 side in the axial direction, for example. The vent 131 opens into the holding unit 22 through the relief portion 145. The shape of the relief portion 145 may be such that at least a part of the vent 131 is exposed inside the holding unit 22. Further, when the guide cylinder 141 and the vent 131 are arranged at different positions in the axial direction, the guide cylinder 141 may be configured not to have a relief portion 145.

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

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

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

A plurality of the locking pieces 142 described above are formed at intervals in the circumferential direction. In the present embodiment, the locking pieces 142 are evenly arranged at intervals of 90 ° in the circumferential direction. An engaging groove 158 into which the above-mentioned lateral engaging convex portion 102 is inserted is defined between the locking pieces 142 adjacent to each other in the circumferential direction. The engaging groove 158 is formed in an L shape in a side view.

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

As shown in FIG. 9, in the engaging groove 158 of the present embodiment, the width between the fitting cylinder 140 and the laterally extending portion 151 gradually increases in the axial direction from the other side in the circumferential direction toward one side. It is formed in a narrowing taper shape. Specifically, the end face of the laterally extending portion 151 facing the mouthpiece 23 side in the axial direction is an inclined surface extending toward the power supply unit 21 side in the axial direction from the other side in the circumferential direction toward one side. ..
The laterally engaging convex portion 102 is formed in a tapered shape in which the width in the axial direction gradually narrows from one side in the circumferential direction toward the other side. Specifically, the end face of the laterally engaging convex portion 102 facing the opposite side of the holding unit 22 in the axial direction is inclined to extend toward the mouthpiece 23 side in the axial direction from one side in the circumferential direction toward the other side. It is said to be a face. As a result, when the power supply unit 21 and the holding unit 22 are connected, the interference between the laterally extending portion 151 and the laterally engaging convex portion 102 can be suppressed, and the assembling property can be improved.

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

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

In the mouthpiece main body 160, an abutting flange 165 is formed at a portion located on the side opposite to the holding unit 22 in the axial direction with respect to the male screw portion 160a. The abutting flange 165 is formed in an annular shape that projects outward in the radial direction. The abutting flange 165 is abutted against the holding unit 22 in the axial direction in a state where the mouthpiece 23 is attached to the holding unit 22. The outer diameter of the abutting flange 165 gradually decreases as it is separated from the holding unit 22 in the axial direction.

At the end of the mouthpiece body 160 on the holding unit 22 side in the axial direction, a partition portion 167 that partitions the inside of the mouthpiece body 160 in the axial direction is formed. In the partition portion 167, a through hole 168 that penetrates the partition portion 167 in the axial direction is formed at a position overlapping the axis O. The through hole 168 has, for example, an oval shape in which one of the radial directions is the longitudinal direction. The plan view shape of the through hole 168 may be a perfect circular shape, a polygonal shape, or the like.

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

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

A communication hole 169a is formed in the center of the ring portion 169. The communication hole 169a communicates the inside of the holding unit 22 with the inside of the mouthpiece main body 160 through the above-mentioned through hole 168.

The fitting projections 170 are formed in pairs at positions of the inner peripheral edge of the ring portion 169 that face each other in the radial direction with the communication hole 169a in between. The fitting protrusion 170 protrudes from the ring portion 169 in the axial direction on the side opposite to the holding unit 22. Each fitting protrusion 170 is fitted to both ends in the radial direction in the above-mentioned through hole 168. As a result, the first anti-slip member 161 is positioned in the circumferential direction with respect to the mouthpiece main body 160. In the present embodiment, the configuration in which the fitting protrusion 170 is fitted in the through hole 168 will be described, but even if the fitting protrusion 170 is fitted in a hole different from the through hole 168. Good.

The contact protrusion 171 projects from the ring portion 169 toward the holding unit 22 in the axial direction. The abutting projection 171 is formed in a circular shape centered on the axis O. In the present embodiment, the contact protrusions 171 are formed in two concentrically. The first non-slip member 161 may have a configuration that does not have the contact projection 171.

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

<Tobacco capsule>
As shown in FIGS. 2 and 11, the tobacco capsule 12 is detachably attached to the mouthpiece main body 160 from the side opposite to the holding unit 22 in the axial direction. The tobacco capsule 12 includes a capsule unit 180 and a filter unit 181.

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

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

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

FIG. 15 is a perspective view of the tank 191 as viewed from the opening 191a side.
As shown in FIGS. 13 to 15, two engaging holes 198 are formed in the peripheral wall 191b of the tank 191 on the bottom portion 191c side of the opening 191a. The engagement hole 198 is for fixing the heater holder 196 to the tank 191. The engagement hole 198 is formed in a rectangular shape when viewed from the radial direction so as to be elongated in the circumferential direction. The two engaging holes 198 are arranged to face each other on both sides of the axis Q of the tank 191. In the state where the cartridge 11 is housed in the transmission cylinder 121, the axis Q coincides with the axis O of the main body unit 10. The axis Q is an axis common to each part constituting the cartridge 11. In the following, the axis Q is not limited to the axis Q of the tank 191 and will be used in the description of each part constituting the cartridge 11.

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

The bottom portion 191c of the tank 191 is formed with a through hole 191d penetrating the bottom portion 191c at the center in the radial direction. An annular flow path pipe (flow path) 197 projecting into the tank 191 from the inner surface of the bottom portion 191c is integrally formed on the peripheral edge of the through hole 191d. Then, the inside of the flow path pipe 197 and the through hole 191d are communicated with each other. The flow path tube 197 serves as a flow path for the atomized aerosol. The flow path pipe 197 extends from the bottom portion 191c to the opening portion 191a slightly closer to the axial center of the tank 191.

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

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

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

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

The mesh body 193 is a porous and liquid-absorbent member. The mesh body 193 is formed of, for example, a cotton-based fiber material. The mesh body 193 is also formed to have substantially the same shape as the gasket 192. That is, the mesh body 193 is formed so that the outer diameter is substantially the same as the inner diameter of the tank 191. An insertion hole 193a into which the flow path tube 197 can be inserted is formed in the radial center of the mesh body 193. The flow path pipe 197 is inserted into the insertion hole 193a, and one surface 193b of the mesh body 193 overlaps the other surface 192d of the gasket 192 to determine the position of the mesh body 193. The outer peripheral surface of the mesh body 193 is in contact with the inner peripheral surface of the tank 191. Further, the insertion hole 193a of the mesh body 193 is in contact with the outer peripheral surface of the flow path pipe 197.

The inside of the tank 191 is divided into a liquid storage chamber 202 on the bottom 191c side and an opening chamber 203 on the opening 191a side by the mesh body 193. A liquid aerosol source is stored in the liquid storage chamber 202. The opening chamber 203 is a room for atomizing the aerosol source sucked up by the mesh body 193.
The other surface 193c opposite to the one surface 193b of the mesh body 193 is exposed to the opening chamber 203. A heating unit 194 is provided so as to be connected to the other surface 193c of the mesh body 193 exposed in the opening chamber 203.

The heating unit 194 is for atomizing a liquid aerosol source. The heating unit 194 is housed in the opening chamber 203. The heating unit 194 includes a wick 204 formed in a substantially U shape and a heating wire 205 for heating the wick 204. The wick 204 is a substantially columnar member having a porous property and a liquid absorbing property. Such a wick 204 is curved and deformed in a substantially U shape.
More specifically, the wick 204 includes two axially extending portions 204a and a radial extending portion 204c that connects one ends of the two axially extending portions 204a via a bent portion 204b. , Consists of. Then, the other end of the axial extension portion 204a is connected to the mesh body 193. As a result, the aerosol source absorbed by the mesh body 193 is sucked up by the wick 204.

The heating wire 205 faces the heater holder 196 side along the axial direction from both the heating wire main body 205a formed spirally so as to surround the radial extension portion 204c of the wick 204 and the heating wire main body 205a. It has two terminal portions 205b that extend out. When the wick 204 is heated by the heating wire 205, the aerosol source absorbed by the wick 204 is atomized. The tips of the two terminal portions 205b are folded back toward the mesh body 193 side. The two terminal portions 205b are connected to the heater holder 196.

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

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

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

The engaging claw 207 is formed so that the cross-sectional shape of the plane along the axial direction and the radial direction is substantially triangular. That is, the engaging claw 207 has an inclined surface 207a so that the surface on the tip end side inclines toward the base end side (fitting portion 196d side) toward the outer side in the radial direction. On the other hand, the flat surface 207b on the base end side of the engaging claw 207 is orthogonal to the axial direction.

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

Further, on the peripheral wall 196b of the heater holder 196, three engaging recesses 210 are formed on the bottom portion 196e side. The three engaging recesses 210 are arranged at equal intervals in the circumferential direction (120 ° intervals in the circumferential direction) and so as to avoid the formation position of the recesses 208. The engaging recess 210 is formed so that the outer side in the radial direction and the bottom portion 196e are opened. On the bottom 196e side of the engaging recess 210, a tapered flattening portion 210a is formed in which the width of the engaging recess 210 in the circumferential direction gradually increases toward the bottom 196e.
The vertical engaging protrusions 101a to 101c of the first connecting member 81 are inserted into the three engaging recesses 210 thus formed, respectively. As a result, the heater holder 196 (cartridge 11) and the first connecting member 81 are connected, and the heater holder 196 (cartridge 11) and the first connecting member 81 are positioned in the circumferential direction.

A substantially plate-shaped connecting wall 211 erected from the inner surface along the axial direction is integrally formed on the bottom portion 196e of the heater holder 196. Further, the connection wall 211 extends along the radial direction passing through the axis Q of the heater holder 196, and both ends in the longitudinal direction in the radial direction are connected to the inner surface of the peripheral wall 196b. The inside of the heater holder 196 is divided into two rooms by such a connection wall 211.
Further, two slits 212 are formed in the bottom portion 196e of the heater holder 196. The two slits 212 are arranged along both sides of the connecting wall 211 in the plate thickness direction.

Electrodes 213 and 214 are provided on both sides of the connection wall 211 in the thickness direction, respectively. The electrodes 213 and 214 are bent and extended from the lead-out electrode portions 213a and 214a provided on the connection wall 211 and the lead-out electrode portions 213a and 214a to the outer surface of the bottom portion 196e via the corresponding slits 212. It has plane electrodes) 213b and 214b. Then, two terminal portions 205b of the heating wire 205 constituting the heating portion 194 are separately connected to the lead-out electrode portions 213a and 214a.

The connection electrode portions 213b and 214b are formed in a substantially semicircular shape on both sides in the radial direction with the insulating portion 215 described later interposed therebetween. Specifically, the two connection electrode portions 213b and 214b are arranged so that one side 213c and 214c, which are linear when viewed from the axial direction, face each other in the radial direction. Further, in the two connection electrode portions 213b and 214b, arcuate arc sides 213d and 214d when viewed from the axial direction constitute outer peripheral portions. The end portion of the connection wall 211 is interposed between the side portions 213c and 214c of the two connection electrode portions 213b and 214b. The tips of the pin electrodes 49 (electrode body) held by the electrode holding portions 50 are in contact with the connection electrode portions 213b and 214b in a state where the heater holder 196 (cartridge 11) and the first connecting member 81 are connected. Will be done. That is, the bottom portion 196e of the heater holder 196 functions as an electrode arrangement surface that faces the above-mentioned base surface 91a in the axial direction when the cartridge 11 is mounted on the main body unit 10.

Here, the connection electrode portions 213b and 214b rotate the pin electrodes 49 (first pin electrode 49a and second pin electrode 49b) when the power supply unit 21 and the cartridge 11 rotate relative to each other around the axis O (axis Q). At least formed on the trajectory. That is, each of the connection electrode portions 213b and 214b has a first virtual circumference C1 that passes through the first pin electrode 49a centered on the axis O, and a second virtual circumference C2 that passes through the second pin electrode 49b around the axis O. It is formed in a region containing both. In the present embodiment, since the pin electrodes 49a and 49b are arranged line-symmetrically, the virtual circumferences C1 and C2 coincide with each other.

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

The end portion of the connection wall 211 arranged in this way functions as an insulating portion 215 that partitions the connection electrode portions 213b and 214b in the circumferential direction. The heater holder 196 (cartridge 11) and the first connecting member 81 are connected by arranging the insulating portion 215 on a virtual straight line T2 passing through the center of one engaging recess 210 in the circumferential direction and the axis Q of the heater holder 196. In this state, the tips of the pin electrodes 49 are surely in contact with the two connection electrode portions 213b and 214b, respectively. That is, the two pin electrodes 49 do not come into contact with one of the two connection electrode portions 213b and 214b at the same time. As described above, the connection electrode portions 213b and 214b of the present embodiment include virtual circumferences C1 and C2 on both sides in the radial direction with the virtual straight line T2 (insulating portion 215) sandwiched between them, and the virtual circumferences C1. , C2 is formed in a semicircular shape extending outward (arc sides 213d, 214d) and inside (one side 213c, 214c) in the radial direction.

Further, recesses 213e and 214e recessed inward in the radial direction are formed on the arc sides 213d and 214d of the two connection electrode portions 213b and 214b at substantially the center in the circumferential direction. In the bottom portion 196e of the heater holder 196, among the portions corresponding to the recesses 213e and 214e of the connection electrode portions 213b and 214b, the portion corresponding to one recess 213e is the second intake hole 216 penetrating in the thickness direction of the bottom portion 196e. Is formed. The inside and outside of the bottom 196e are communicated with each other through the second intake hole 216.

Further, the bottom portion 196e is formed with recesses 196f having the same shape as the connection electrode portions 213b and 214b when viewed from the axial direction at locations corresponding to the connection electrode portions 213b and 214b. The connection electrode portions 213b and 214b are housed in the recess 196f. By forming the recess 196f, the surface of the connection electrode portions 213b and 214b and the surface of the bottom portion 196e where the connection electrode portions 213b and 214b are not arranged are positioned on the same plane. A part of the atomizing container 195 is housed so as to be fitted on the inner peripheral surface of the peripheral wall 196b of the heater holder 196.

As shown in FIG. 11, in a state where the cartridge 11 is mounted in the holding unit 22, the outer peripheral portion of the bottom portion 196e abuts on the above-mentioned surrounding convex portion 93 in the axial direction. As a result, in the space surrounded by the bottom portion 196e and the connection cap 80 (base surface 91a and surrounding convex portion 93), a buffer space S3 that communicates the inside of the communication port 51 with the second intake hole 216 is formed. In the example of FIG. 11, the communication port 51 and the second intake hole 216 are arranged at positions separated from each other in the circumferential direction while being separated from each other in the axial direction. The communication port 51 and the second intake hole (opening on the second surface of the flow path) 216 may be arranged at positions deviated from each other in the radial direction.

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

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

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

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

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

A seal portion 222 is formed on the outer peripheral surface of the tubular portion 217 near the fitting portion 218. The seal portion 222 is formed so as to project radially outward over the entire circumference except for the notch portion 222a described later. The seal portion 222 has a role of ensuring a sealability between the cylinder portion 217 and the peripheral wall 191b of the tank 191 and also has a role of suppressing the atomization container 195 from coming off from the tank 191.
The outer diameter of the seal portion 222 is slightly larger than the inner diameter of the peripheral wall 191b of the tank 191. Therefore, in the state where the atomizing container 195 is housed in the tank 191, the seal portion 222 is compressed in the radial direction. As a result, the sealing property of the sealing portion 222 is ensured, and the frictional resistance of the sealing portion 222 prevents the atomizing container 195 from coming off from the tank 191.

Further, two notched portions 222a are formed in the seal portion 222. The two notch portions 222a are arranged to face each other on both sides of the axis Q of the tank 191. The cutout portion 222a communicates the outside air with the liquid pool portion 223 described later.

On the outer peripheral surface of the tubular portion 217, a liquid pool portion 223 is formed between the tip of the protruding portion 219 and the seal portion 222. In the liquid pool portion 223, when the mesh body 193 and the wick 204 were saturated, the aerosol source of the liquid stored in the liquid storage chamber 202 of the tank 191 leaked along the inner peripheral surface of the peripheral wall 191b in the tank 191. In some cases, it is the site where this leaked aerosol source is temporarily stored.

In the liquid pool portion 223, the gap between the outer peripheral surface of the tubular portion 217 and the peripheral wall 191b of the tank 191 gradually narrows as the entire outer peripheral surface of the tubular portion 217 is directed from the seal portion 222 toward the tip of the protruding portion 219. It is a concave portion formed diagonally. In other words, the liquid pool portion 223 is a recess in which the gap between the outer peripheral surface of the tubular portion 217 and the peripheral wall 191b of the tank 191 gradually widens toward the opening 191a of the tank 191. Since the liquid collecting portion 223 is formed in this way, a narrow portion 279 having a minute gap between the protruding portion 219 and the peripheral wall 191b of the tank 191 is formed in the vicinity of the protruding portion 219 of the tubular portion 217.
Here, the end of the protruding portion 219 of the tubular portion 217 is in contact with the other surface 193c of the mesh body 193. Further, the outer peripheral surface of the mesh body 193 is in contact with the inner peripheral surface of the tank 191. Therefore, the narrow portion 279 formed between the protruding portion 219 of the tubular portion 217 and the peripheral wall 191b of the tank 191 is covered (closed) with the outer peripheral portion of the mesh body 193.

Further, a recess 224 for receiving the engaging piece 206 is formed on the outer peripheral surface of the tubular portion 217 at a position corresponding to the engaging piece 206 on the heater holder 196 side of the sealing portion 222. By inserting the engaging piece 206 into the recess 224, the atomizing container 195 and the heater holder 196 are positioned in the circumferential direction. Further, the bottom surface 224a of the recess 224 in the tubular portion 217 is brought into contact with the inner surface of the engaging piece 206 in the radial direction.

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

Further, in the fitting portion 218, a ventilation passage 226 is formed at a position corresponding to the first intake hole 209 and the second intake hole 216 of the heater holder 196. Further, the fitting portion 218 is formed with a slit 225 and a slit 218a for communicating the ventilation path 226 and the atomization chamber M (storage recess 220) of the tubular portion 217. The ventilation path 226 and the atomization chamber M (storage recess 220) of the atomization container 195 are communicated with each other through the slit 218a. As a result, the atomization chamber M (storage recess 220) of the atomization container 195, the first intake hole 209 of the heater holder 196, and the second intake hole 216 are communicated with each other through the ventilation passage 226 and the slit 218a.

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

In the following description, of the circumferential directions around the axis O, the rotation direction M1 is the direction in which the axis O is rotated clockwise in a plan view of the power supply unit 21 side from the mouthpiece 23 side along the axis O. The direction in which the axis O orbits counterclockwise is called the rotation direction M2.

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

The first rotary connection portion 301 includes the rotary connection mechanism 310 by the first connecting member 81 and the second connecting member 122 shown in FIG. 9 described above, and the annular piece 82 and the second connecting member 122 shown in FIGS. 9 and 10 described above. The lock mechanism 311 is provided. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 9, the rotary connection mechanism 310 is provided with the laterally engaging convex portion 102 provided on the first connecting member 81 of the power supply unit 21 on the second connecting member 122 of the holding unit 22. After being inserted into the engaging groove 158 in the axial direction, the holding unit 22 is rotated in the rotation direction M1 (see FIG. 18) with respect to the power supply unit 21 to lock the lateral engaging convex portion 102 to the locking piece 142. Then, the power supply unit 21 and the holding unit 22 are connected.

The lock mechanism 311 regulates the rotation of the holding unit 22 in the rotation direction M2 for releasing the connection by the rotation connection mechanism 310. Specifically, as shown in FIGS. 9 and 10, the lock mechanism 311 is provided on the annular piece 82 mounted on the power supply unit 21, and has a bending portion 106 protruding outward in the radial direction and a holding unit 22. The second connecting member 122 is provided with a tip portion 142a of the locking piece 142, which protrudes inward in the radial direction relative to the bottom portion of the engaging recess 155. The tip portion 142a of the locking piece 142 is located on the movement path of the bending portion 106 around the axis O.

At the time of connection in the rotation connection mechanism 310 (when the holding unit 22 is rotated in the rotation direction M1 with respect to the power supply unit 21), the bending portion 106 and the tip portion 142a of the locking piece 142 come into contact with each other, and the bending portion 106 is formed. It gets over the tip 142a while elastically deforming inward in the radial direction. After getting over the tip portion 142a, the bent portion 106 is restored and deformed toward the outer side in the radial direction, and engages with the engaging recess 155. When the bending portion 106 engages with the engaging recess 155, the bending portion 106 faces the tip portion 142a of the locking piece 142 in the rotation direction M1 and locks. As a result, the connection between the power supply unit 21 and the holding unit 22 cannot be disconnected unless a certain amount of force is applied.

According to the first rotary connection unit 301, even when the power supply unit 21 and the holding unit 22 can be separated as in the present embodiment for the purpose of improving manufacturing efficiency, the power supply unit by the rotary connection mechanism 310 It is possible to facilitate the connection between the 21 and the holding unit 22 and improve the reliability (connection strength) of the connection state between the power supply unit 21 and the holding unit 22 by the lock mechanism 311. Further, since the lock mechanism 311 locks at the same time as the connection by the rotary connection mechanism 310, the convenience (usability) of assembly can be improved.

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

As shown in FIG. 9, the locking piece 142 to which the flexible portion 106 is locked forms an engaging groove 158 with which the lateral engaging convex portion 102 of the rotary connection mechanism 310 is engaged. As described above, since the locking piece 142 forms a part of the rotary connection mechanism 310 (engagement groove 158) and a part of the lock mechanism 311 (tip portion 142a (convex portion)). The reliability of the connection state (connection strength) can be improved relatively easily.

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

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

As shown in FIG. 18, the rotation direction M1 is not only the connection direction of the holding unit 22 to the power supply unit 21, but also the connection direction of the mouthpiece 23 to the holding unit 22. Further, the rotation direction M2 is not only the disconnection direction of the holding unit 22 with respect to the power supply unit 21, but also the disconnection direction of the mouthpiece 23 with respect to the holding unit 22. As described above, in the first rotation connection portion 301 and the second rotation connection portion 302, the rotation directions of the connection and the disconnection around the axis O are the same. Therefore, it is possible to give the user a sense of unity in the unit assembly work and improve convenience (usability).

The frequency of disconnecting the mouthpiece 23 and the holding unit 22 for replacing the cartridge 11 is higher than the frequency of disconnecting the power supply unit 21 and the holding unit 22. In the present embodiment, in the first rotation connection portion 301, the connection between the power supply unit 21 and the holding unit 22 is released by applying the first torque 301T around the axis O, and in the second rotation connection portion 302, the connection is released. , The connection between the holding unit 22 and the mouthpiece 23 is released by applying a second torque 302T smaller than the first torque 301T. As a result, when the mouthpiece 23 is removed from the holding unit 22, it is possible to prevent the holding unit 22 and the power supply unit 21 from moving around.

The first torque 301T is a peak value of the torque value when the holding unit 22 rotates in the rotation direction M2 with respect to the power supply unit 21, and is the elastic deformation in the radial direction of the flexible portion 106 shown in FIGS. 9 and 10. It depends on the spring coefficient and so on. The second torque 302T is a peak value of the torque value when the mouthpiece 23 rotates in the rotation direction M2 with respect to the holding unit 22, and is a static frictional force between the male screw portion 160a and the female screw portion 123a shown in FIG. Depends on. The first torque 301T may be, for example, 1.5 times or more the second torque 302T.

Since the connection structure of the first rotation connection portion 301 and the second rotation connection portion 302 are different, it is easy to adjust the magnitude relationship between the first torque 301T and the second torque 302T. For example, when the material of the flexible portion 106 (annular piece 82) forming the lock mechanism 311 of the first rotary connection portion 301 is selected and the thickness is adjusted, the spring coefficient with respect to the elastic deformation in the radial direction of the flexible portion 106 is changed. The magnitude of the first torque 301T with respect to the second torque 302T can be easily adjusted.

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

The cartridge accommodating portion 320 forms a bottomed tubular cartridge accommodating space 321. The peripheral wall of the cartridge accommodating portion 320 forming the cartridge accommodating space 321 is formed by the holding unit 22. Further, the bottom of the cartridge accommodating portion 320 forming the cartridge accommodating space 321 is formed by the power supply unit 21. That is, the peripheral wall (holding unit 22) of the cartridge accommodating portion 320 is removable from the bottom portion (power supply unit 21) of the cartridge accommodating portion 320.

At the bottom of the cartridge accommodating portion 320, a vertical engaging convex portion 101 provided on the first connecting member 81 described above (in FIG. 19 and thereafter, the vertical engaging convex portions 101a to 101c are designated by reference numerals 101) is a shaft. It stands in the direction. The vertically engaging convex portion 101 is arranged so that it can be inserted in the axial direction into the engaging concave portion 210 provided in the cartridge 11. That is, the vertically engaging convex portion 101 and the engaging concave portion 210 are arranged on the same radius centered on the axis O. The vertically engaging convex portion 101 and the engaging concave portion 210 form a first rotation restricting portion 330 that regulates the relative rotation of the cartridge 11 with respect to the cartridge accommodating portion 320 (cartridge accommodating space 321) around the axis O.

In the first rotation regulating unit 330, when the cartridge 11 and the cartridge accommodating unit 320 are relatively rotated around the axis O, the vertically engaging convex portion 101 provided on the same radius is inserted into the engaging concave portion 210, and the cartridge is inserted. Rotation regulation around the axis O of 11 is performed. As a result, the cartridge 11 is positioned in the circumferential direction, and electrical continuity between the connection electrode portions 213b and 214b (see FIG. 10) of the bottom portion 196e of the cartridge 11 and the pin electrode 49 of the power supply unit 21 is ensured.

The first rotation control unit 330, together with the mouthpiece 23, provides a positioning mechanism 340 for positioning the cartridge 11 with respect to the cartridge housing unit 320 in conjunction with screwing of the mouthpiece 23 to the cartridge housing unit 320 (holding unit 22). Is forming. According to this positioning mechanism 340, the cartridge 11 can be positioned at the same time as the mouthpiece 23 is screwed onto the cartridge accommodating portion 320. Therefore, the position of the detachable cartridge 11 with respect to the cartridge accommodating portion 320 becomes easy, and the complexity of assembly is eliminated. Further, it is not necessary to directly rotate the cartridge 11 by hand.

Specifically, the mouthpiece 23 includes the above-mentioned first non-slip member (cartridge contact portion) 161 that rotates the cartridge 11 around the axis O with respect to the cartridge accommodating portion 320. The first non-slip member 161 is attached to the mouthpiece main body 160, and comes into contact with the cartridge 11 while the mouthpiece main body 160 is connected to the holding unit 22. When the first non-slip member 161 comes into contact with the cartridge 11, the cartridge 11 starts to rotate together with the mouthpiece 23, and when the engaging recess 210 and the vertically engaging convex portion 101 coincide with each other in the circumferential direction, the cartridge 11 is moved. The cartridge 11 is positioned in the circumferential direction by falling toward the bottom side of the cartridge accommodating portion 320 due to gravity and inserting the vertically engaging convex portion 101 into the engaging concave portion 210.

Further, when the mouthpiece 23 is screwed in, the first non-slip member 161 is compressed in the axial direction between the cartridge 11 supported by the power supply unit 21 (vertical engaging convex portion 101 or the like) and the mouthpiece body 160. Will be done. As shown in FIG. 11, the first non-slip member 161 presses the cartridge 11 toward the power supply unit 21 with the mouthpiece 23 screwed to the holding unit 22. As a result, the cartridge 11 is positioned in the axial direction.

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

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

As shown in FIG. 19, the mouthpiece 23 includes a second rotation regulating unit 350 that regulates the relative rotation of the first non-slip member 161 with respect to the mouthpiece main body 160. The second rotation restricting unit 350 includes a fitting protrusion 170 (see FIG. 12) provided on the first non-slip member 161 and a long through hole 168 (see FIG. 12) provided on the mouthpiece body 160. Is formed by. The fitting protrusions 170 extend in pairs in the axial direction toward the mouthpiece main body 160, and are fitted to both ends in the longitudinal direction of the through hole 168.

According to the second rotation control unit 350, even if the condensed aerosol is accumulated between the mouthpiece main body 160 and the first non-slip member 161, the first non-slip member 161 slips with respect to the mouthpiece main body 160 ( Can prevent slipping). Therefore, the cartridge 11 can be reliably positioned in the circumferential direction. Further, the through hole 168 may be formed as an elongated hole and integrated with the suction port 23a.

[Action]
<Assembly method of aspirator>
Next, the method of assembling the suction device 1 described above will be described.
As shown in FIG. 2, when assembling the suction device 1 of the present embodiment, first, the holding unit 22 is assembled to the power supply unit 21. Specifically, after the laterally engaging convex portion 102 is inserted into the engaging groove 158 in the axial direction, the power supply unit 21 and the holding unit 22 are relatively rotated around the axis O. Then, the power supply unit 21 and the holding unit 22 are assembled to each other in the above-described first rotation connecting portion 301 in a state of being positioned in the axial direction and the circumferential direction. When removing the power supply unit 21 and the holding unit 22, the operation opposite to the above-described operation is performed.

Subsequently, the cartridge 11 is inserted into the holding unit 22. Specifically, the cartridge 11 is inserted into the holding unit 22 with the connection electrode portions 213b and 214b of the cartridge 11 facing the holding unit 22 in the axial direction. When the circumferential positions of the vertically engaging convex portions 101a-101c of the power supply unit 21 and the engaging concave portions 210 of the cartridge 11 are the same, the engaging concave portions 210 corresponding to the vertical engaging convex portions 101a-101c It is inserted inside. The engaging recess 210 is formed with a flattening portion 210a, while the tip of the vertically engaging convex portion 101a-101c is formed with an inclined surface. Therefore, the vertically engaged convex portions 101a to 101c are smoothly inserted into the engaging concave portion 210. As a result, the cartridge 11 is positioned in the circumferential direction and the axial direction with respect to the power supply unit 21, and the cartridge 11 is assembled to the power supply unit 21 at a regular position.

That is, one of the pin electrodes 49 of the power supply unit 21 and one of the connection electrode portions 213b and 214b of the cartridge 11 are connected to each other. Further, the other pin electrode 49 and the other connection electrode portions 213b and 214b of the connection electrode portions 213b and 214b of the cartridge 11 are connected. Through these connection electrode portions 213b and 214b (electrodes 213 and 214), the electric power of the power supply unit 21 can be energized to the heating wire 205 of the heating portion 194. Further, when the bottom portion 196e of the cartridge 11 comes into contact with the surrounding convex portion 93, the buffer space S3 is defined by the cartridge 11 and the connection cap 80.

Next, the mouthpiece 23 is assembled to the holding unit 22 by the second rotation connecting portion 302 described above. Specifically, the male screw portion 160a of the mouthpiece body 160 is screwed onto the female screw portion 123a of the sleeve 123. Then, the first non-slip member 161 of the mouthpiece 23 comes into contact with the bottom portion 191c of the cartridge 11. When the mouthpiece 23 is further tightened in this state, the first non-slip member 161 is elastically deformed, so that the cartridge 11 is held in the holding unit 22 while being pressed toward the power supply unit 21 in the axial direction. Will be done. The cartridge 11 is restricted from moving in the circumferential direction with respect to the power supply unit 21 by the vertically engaging convex portions 101a to 101c. Therefore, the cartridge 11 does not move around to the mouthpiece 23 due to the frictional force acting between the first anti-slip member 161 and the cartridge 11.

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

By the way, when the cartridge 11 is inserted, the circumferential positions of the vertically engaging convex portions 101a to 101c of the power supply unit 21 and the engaging concave portions 210 of the cartridge 11 may be different depending on the orientation of the cartridge 11 in the circumferential direction. May not match. In this case, the bottom portion 196e of the cartridge 11 is in a state of riding on the vertically engaging convex portions 101a to 101c (hereinafter, simply referred to as "riding state").

FIG. 20 is an explanatory view showing a state in which the cartridge 11 rides on the vertically engaged convex portion 101.
As shown in FIG. 20, in the mounted state of the cartridge 11, the movement of the cartridge 11 with respect to the power supply unit 21 in the axial direction toward the power supply unit 21 is restricted. Therefore, the pin electrode 49 and the connection electrode portions 213b and 214b are separated in the axial direction, and the continuity between the power supply unit 21 and the cartridge 11 is not ensured. Even if the pin electrode 49 and the connection electrode portions 213b and 214b are in contact with each other in the riding state, the pin electrode 49 and the connection electrode portions 213b and 214b may not be arranged at desired circumferential positions.

FIG. 21 is an explanatory view showing how the mouthpiece 23 is screwed in the mounted state of the cartridge 11.
As shown in FIG. 21, when the mouthpiece 23 is rotated and screwed to the holding unit 22 while the cartridge 11 is in the mounted state, as shown in FIG. 22 described later, at least before the screwing is completed, the first non-slip is prevented. The member 161 comes into contact with the cartridge 11. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 21, at the moment when the male screw portion 160a of the mouthpiece 23 touches the female screw portion 123a of the holding unit 22, the first non-slip member 161 is not in contact with the cartridge 11, but FIG. 22 As shown in the above, the male screw portion 160a is screwed into the female screw portion 123a, and after about one or two rotations from half a rotation, the first non-slip member 161 comes into contact with the cartridge 11.

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

After that, when the circumferential positions of the connection electrode portions 213b and 214b of the cartridge 11 and the vertical engaging convex portions 101a-101c of the power supply unit 21 match, the vertical engaging convex portions 101a-101c correspond to the engaging concave portions 210. Enter inside. That is, the cartridge 11 is assembled to the proper position by allowing the cartridge 11 to move in the axial direction with respect to the power supply unit 21. As a result, the pin electrode 49 and the connection electrode portions 213b and 214b come into contact (conductivity) in a state where the movement of the cartridge 11 in the circumferential direction with respect to the power supply unit 21 is restricted.

FIG. 23 is an explanatory view showing how the mouthpiece 23 is tightened to the end.
As shown in FIG. 23, if the axial movement of the cartridge 11 is allowed by the positioning of the vertically engaging convex portion 101 and the engaging concave portion 210 in the circumferential direction, the mouthpiece 23 can be further screwed in. When the mouthpiece 23 is tightened to the end, the connection electrode portions 213b and 214b are pressed against the pin electrodes 49, and the first non-slip member 161 is placed between the cartridge 11 supported by the power supply unit 21 and the mouthpiece body 160. It is compressed in the axial direction and the cartridge 11 is positioned in the axial direction. In this way, by screwing the mouthpiece 23, positioning of the cartridge 11 in the circumferential direction and the axial direction, and further electrical conduction between the cartridge 11 and the power supply unit 21 are performed. In addition, the contact projection 171 of the first non-slip member 161 is compressed in the axial direction, so that the gap between the cartridge 11 and the mouthpiece 23 is sealed.
Further, when the cartridge 11 is assembled at a regular position in this way, the surrounding convex portion 93 of the connection cap 80 is brought into contact with the cartridge 11. Therefore, a buffer space S3 (see FIG. 3) surrounded by a surrounding convex portion 93 is formed between the bottom portion 196e of the heater holder 196 of the cartridge 11 and the connection cap 80.

<Cartridge assembly method>
Next, the method of assembling the cartridge 11 described above will be described.
First, the liquid storage chamber 202 of the tank 191 is filled with a liquid aerosol source, and then the gasket 192 and the mesh body 193 are inserted in this order from the opening 191a of the tank 191. At this time, one surface 192b of the gasket 192 is brought into contact with the end surface 201a of the convex portion 201 of the tank 191. Further, one surface 193b of the mesh body 193 is superposed on the other surface 192d of the gasket 192. As a result, the inside of the tank 191 is correctly divided into the liquid storage chamber 202 and the opening chamber 203 by the mesh body 193. Although the mesh body 193 itself is soft, the posture is maintained by the gasket 192 and positioning is performed.

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

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

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

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

Here, in a state where the heater holder 196 is fixed to the tank 191, the radial outer surface of the engaging piece 206 is covered by the peripheral wall 191b of the tank 191. Further, when trying to disengage one of the two engaging claws 207, for example, tilting the tank 191 or the heater holder 196 so that the engaging claw 207 comes out of the engaging hole 198, the other engaging claw The 207 will be pressed outward in the radial direction. Therefore, once engaged, it is difficult to disengage the engaging hole 198 and the engaging piece 206.

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

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

The control unit that has received the start signal energizes the heating unit 194 of the cartridge 11. When the pressure inside the holding unit 22 becomes negative, new air is introduced into the holding unit 22 through the vent 131. Further, new air is introduced into the atomization chamber M (opening chamber 203 of the tank 191) of the cartridge 11 through the first intake hole 209 formed in the heater holder 196 of the cartridge 11 and the ventilation path 226 of the atomization container 195. Will be done.

When the heating unit 194 is energized, the heating wire 205 generates heat. Then, the aerosol source of the liquid impregnated in the wick 204 is heated and atomized through the mesh body 193. The atomized aerosol fills the atomization chamber M. Then, the atomized aerosol is sucked up to the mouthpiece 23 side through the flow path pipe 197 of the tank 191 together with the new air introduced into the atomization chamber M. After this, the gas mixture of the atomized aerosol and air enters the user's mouth through the tobacco capsule 12. As a result, the user can taste the flavor of tobacco.

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

Here, the atomizing container 195 located on the heater holder 196 side of the mesh body 193 is formed with a liquid pool portion 223 on the outer peripheral surface. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the liquid aerosol source from accumulating in the liquid pool portion 223 and leaking to the heater holder 196 side.
Specifically, in the present embodiment, the capacity (space volume) of the liquid pool portion 223 is about 53.4 mm3. Then, the remaining amount of liquid in the liquid storage chamber 202 of the tank 191 is reduced to 1/3, and the head space volume expansion coefficient (volume expansion rate of air in the remaining 2/3 space portion in the liquid storage chamber 202) is 6%. Assuming that, the air expansion in the liquid storage chamber 202 of the tank 191 pushes out an aerosol source of liquid of about 100 mm3 from the liquid storage chamber 202. Of the aerosol sources of the extruded liquid, an aerosol source of about 20 to 30 mm3 can be held by the mesh body 193 or the wick 204. Of the approximately 100 mm3 liquid aerosol source, the remaining 70-80 mm3 aerosol source accumulates in the liquid pool 223.

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

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

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

Further, since the seal portion 222 of the cylinder portion 217 is formed with two notch portions 222a, the liquid pool portion 223 and the outside air are formed with the notch portion 222a of the seal portion 222 and the engagement hole of the tank 191. The 198 and the heater holder 196 are communicated with each other through a gap between the engaging piece 206 (engaging claw 207). As another embodiment, the liquid pool portion 223 and the outside air may communicate with each other through the notch portion 222a of the seal portion 222 and the first intake hole 209 of the heater holder 196. Therefore, a pressure difference does not occur inside and outside the liquid pool portion 223. As a result, the liquid aerosol source is more efficiently returned to the liquid storage chamber 202 of the tank 191 while preventing the liquid aerosol source from unintentionally flowing out from the liquid pool portion 223.

[effect]
As described above, in the power supply unit 21 of the present embodiment, a surrounding convex portion 93 surrounding the communication port 51 is formed on the base surface 91a at a position away from the communication port 51, and the cartridge 11 is connected to the power supply unit 21. Occasionally, a buffer space S3 for communicating between the communication port 51 and the second intake hole 216 is formed.
According to this configuration, since the buffer space S3 is easily formed between the communication port 51 and the second intake hole 216, the trouble of butting the ports with each other is eliminated, and the convenience of the user can be improved. As a result, for example, it is possible to prevent the condensed aerosol from flowing directly into the communication port 51 through the second intake hole 216 after being atomized once. As a result, the power supply unit 21 can be protected from the condensed aerosol.

Moreover, in the present embodiment, the communication port 51 and the second intake hole 216 communicate with each other through the buffer space S3. This facilitates dimensional control when communicating the power supply unit 21 (pressure fluctuation chamber S1) and the inside of the cartridge 11 as compared with a conventional configuration in which ports are butted against each other, for example.
Further, in the present embodiment, since the communication port 51 and the second intake hole 216 need only communicate with each other through the buffer space S3, the layout of the communication port 51 and the second intake hole 216 can be improved.

In the power supply unit 21 of the present embodiment, the communication port 51 is arranged at a position where it overlaps with the pressure sensor 53 when viewed from the axial direction.
According to this configuration, the positions of the pressure sensor 53 and the communication port 51 in the radial direction and the circumferential direction can be brought close to each other. As a result, it is possible to easily generate a negative pressure around the pressure sensor 53 through the communication port 51. As a result, the sensitivity of the pressure sensor 53 can be improved.

In the power supply unit 21 of the present embodiment, the surrounding convex portion 93 is configured to be elastically deformable.
According to this configuration, when the cartridge 11 is connected to the power supply unit 21, the surrounding convex portion 93 is in close contact with the bottom portion 196e in a state of being elastically deformed. As a result, the sealing property of the buffer space S3 can be improved, and the sensitivity of the pressure sensor 53 can be improved.

The main body unit 10 of the present embodiment is configured to include a holding unit 22 that is connected to the power supply unit 21 in the axial direction and that accommodates the cartridge 11 when the cartridge 11 is connected to the power supply unit 21.
According to this configuration, the cartridge 11 is stably held in the holding unit 22. As a result, the connection state between the cartridge 11 and the power supply unit 21 can be stabilized.

In the main body unit 10 of the present embodiment, the mouthpiece 23 is provided on the side opposite to the power supply unit 21 with respect to the holding unit 22, and the cartridge 11 is sandwiched between the mouthpiece 23 and the surrounding convex portion 93. did.
According to this configuration, the cartridge 11 can be pressed against the surrounding convex portion 93 by the mouthpiece 23, and the sealing property of the buffer space S3 can be improved. Further, since the cartridge 11 is arranged between the power supply unit 21 and the mouthpiece 23, the flow path from the cartridge 11 to the mouthpiece 23 is shortened.

In the main body unit 10 of the present embodiment, the mouthpiece 23 is provided with a suction port 23a capable of accommodating the tobacco capsule 12.
According to this configuration, when the aerosol is sucked through the mouthpiece 23, the aerosol passes through the tobacco capsule 12 to add flavor to the aerosol.

Since the suction device 1 of the present embodiment includes the main body unit 10 described above, it is possible to provide the suction device 1 having excellent reliability.

In the suction device 1 of the present embodiment, the surface of the bottom portion 196e of the cartridge 11 to which the surrounding convex portion 93 abuts is formed as a flat surface.
According to this configuration, the buffer space S3 is sealed by the contact between the surrounding convex portion 93 and the flat surface, so that the cartridge 11 can be simplified.

In the suction device 1 of the present embodiment, the communication port 51 and the second intake hole 216 are arranged at positions shifted from each other in the radial direction.
According to this configuration, since the distance between the communication port 51 and the second intake hole 216 can be secured, it is possible to suppress the condensed aerosol from flowing into the communication port 51 even if it enters the buffer space S3.

(Modification example)
Next, a modified example of the above-described embodiment will be described. FIG. 24 is a partial cross-sectional view of the suction device 1 according to the modified example. This modification is different from the above-described embodiment in that the surrounding convex portion 500 is formed on the cartridge 11. In the following description, the same reference numerals may be given to the configurations corresponding to the above-described embodiments, and the description may be omitted.
As shown in FIG. 24, in the suction device 1 of this modified example, a surrounding convex portion 500 is formed on the bottom portion 196e of the cartridge 11. The surrounding convex portion 500 projects from the bottom portion 196e toward the power supply unit 21 in the axial direction. The surrounding convex portion 500 is formed in an annular shape extending along the outer peripheral portion of the bottom portion 196e in a plan view seen from the axial direction.

In a state where the cartridge 11 is mounted in the holding unit 22, the outer peripheral portion of the base surface 91a of the connection cap 80 approaches or abuts in the axial direction on the surrounding convex portion 500 described above. As a result, in the space surrounded by the bottom portion 196e and the connection cap 80 (base surface 91a and surrounding convex portion 500), a buffer space S3 that communicates the inside of the communication port 51 with the second intake hole 216 is formed. Of the base surface 91a, the portion that the surrounding convex portion 500 abuts is formed on a flat surface orthogonal to the axial direction. Of the base surface 91a, the portion that the surrounding convex portion 500 comes into contact with may be a convex surface, a concave surface, an inclined surface, or the like.

Also in this modified example, the same action and effect as those of the above-described embodiment can be obtained.

(Other variants)
Although the preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the present invention is not limited to these embodiments. The configuration can be added, omitted, replaced, and other changes can be made without departing from the spirit of the present invention. The present invention is not limited by the above description, but only by the appended claims.
For example, in the above-described embodiment, as an example of an aerosol generator that generates an aerosol without combustion, an aspirator 1 in which a cigarette capsule 12 is detachably configured has been described as an example, but only in this configuration. Not limited. As another example of the aerosol generator, it may be configured without the cigarette capsule 12 like an electronic cigarette. In this case, the aerosol source containing the flavor is housed in the cartridge 11, and the aerosol containing the flavor is generated by the aerosol generator.
In the above-described embodiment, the case where the main body unit 10 has a divided configuration of the power supply unit 21, the holding unit 22, and the mouthpiece 23 has been described, but the present invention is not limited to this configuration. For example, the power supply unit 21 and the holding unit 22 may be integrally formed, or the holding unit 22 and the mouthpiece 23 may be integrally formed.
In the above-described embodiment, the configuration in which the holding unit 22 is formed in a tubular shape surrounding the cartridge 11 has been described, but the configuration is not limited to this configuration. The holding unit 22 may have a configuration capable of holding the cartridge 11. In the present specification, the attachment / detachment of the cartridge 11 and the main body unit 10 (power supply unit 21) is not limited to the case where the cartridge 11 is housed in the holding unit 22 and held by the mouthpiece 23, and is simply a pin electrode 49. And the connection electrode portions 213b and 214b are connected to each other and disconnected from each other.

In the above-described embodiment, the configuration in which the power supply unit 21 and the holding unit 22 are formed in a tubular shape coaxially arranged has been described, but the configuration is not limited to this configuration. The power supply unit 21 and the holding unit 22 may have different shapes from each other.
In the above-described embodiment, the configuration in which the storage battery 33 and the substrate modules 34 and 35 are mounted on the storage battery holder 36 has been described, but the configuration is not limited to this configuration. The storage battery 33 and the substrate modules 34 and 35 may be mounted directly in the housing 31.
In the above-described embodiment, the configuration in which the button 78 (switch element 52) for outputting the activation preparation signal is mounted has been described, but the configuration does not have the button 78 (the configuration is activated by the detection by the pressure sensor 53). There may be.

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

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

In the above-described embodiment, the configuration in which the first substrate 60 is arranged in a state where the thickness direction coincides with the radial direction has been described, but the configuration is not limited to this configuration. The first substrate 60 may be arranged, for example, in a state where the thickness direction coincides with the axial direction.
In the above-described embodiment, the pressure sensor 53 has been described as an example of the sensor mounted on the first substrate 60, but various sensors other than the pressure sensor 53 may be mounted. In the above-described embodiment, the configuration in which the negative pressure generated in the housing 31 through the communication port 51 is detected by the pressure sensor 53 has been described, but the configuration is not limited to this configuration. The housing 31 may be communicated inside and outside through the communication port 51.
In the above-described embodiment, the configuration in which the inside of the housing 31 is partitioned into the pressure fluctuation chamber S1 and the normal pressure chamber S2 has been described, but the housing 31 may not be partitioned into the pressure fluctuation chamber S1 and the normal pressure chamber S2.

Some or all of the above embodiments may also be described as, but not limited to, the following appendices.

(Appendix 1)
Cylindrical housing and
A pressure sensor housed in the housing and detecting a pressure change in the housing is provided.
A communication port for communicating the inside and outside of the housing is opened on the first surface of the housing facing the axial direction.
On the first surface, a non-combustion type in which a surrounding convex portion that protrudes from the first surface and surrounds the communication port is formed at a position away from the communication port in the in-plane direction of the first surface. Aspirator power supply unit.

(Appendix 2)
A cylindrical housing in which an aerosol source is housed and an atomization unit formed with a flow path through which an atomized aerosol flows can be connected in the axial direction.
A pressure sensor housed in the housing and detecting a pressure change in the housing is provided.
A communication port for communicating the inside and outside of the housing is opened on the first surface of the housing with which the atomization unit faces when the atomization unit is connected.
On the outer peripheral portion of the first surface, a surrounding convex portion is formed so as to project from the first surface and surround the communication port.
The surrounding convex portion, together with the first surface and the atomizing unit, forms a buffer space for communicating between the communication port and the flow path when the atomizing unit is connected to the housing. Non-combustion type suction. Power supply unit of the vessel.

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

According to the power supply unit of the non-combustion type suction device, the power supply unit can be protected from the condensed aerosol.

(1) In order to achieve the above object, the power supply unit of the non-combustible aspirator according to one aspect of the present invention is a mist in which an aerosol source is housed and a flow path through which an atomized aerosol flows is formed. A housing to which the atomizing unit can be connected is provided, and a communication port for communicating the inside and outside of the housing is opened on the first surface of the housing to which the atomizing unit faces when the atomizing unit is connected. On one surface, at a position away from the communication port in the in-plane direction of the first surface, a surrounding convex portion is formed so as to project from the first surface and surround the communication port, and the surrounding convex portion is formed. When the atomizing unit is connected to the housing, a buffer space for communicating between the communication port and the flow path is formed together with the first surface and the atomizing unit, and the surrounding convex portion is elastically deformed. It is possibly formed and comes into close contact with the atomizing unit when it is connected to the housing .

According to this aspect, since the buffer space is easily formed between the communication port and the flow path, the trouble of butting the ports with each other is eliminated, and the convenience of the user can be improved. This makes it possible to prevent, for example, once atomized, the condensed aerosol from flowing directly into the communication port through the flow path. This protects the power supply unit from the condensed aerosol.
Further, when the atomization unit is connected to the power supply unit, the surrounding convex portion is elastically deformed and comes into close contact with the atomization unit. As a result, the sealing property of the buffer space can be improved and the sensitivity of the pressure sensor can be improved.

( 3 ) The main body unit of the non-combustion type suction device according to one aspect of the present invention is provided at the end of the power supply unit according to the above aspect and the power supply unit on the first surface side, and is the atomization unit. When connected to the power supply unit, the container holding cylinder in which the atomization unit is housed is provided.
According to this aspect, the atomization unit is stably held in the container holding cylinder. As a result, the connection state between the atomization unit and the power supply unit can be stabilized.

( 4 ) In the main body unit of the non-combustion type aspirator according to the aspect ( 3 ) above, the aerosol generated by the atomization unit is flowed on the side opposite to the power supply unit with respect to the container holding cylinder. A suction port portion for sucking through the path may be provided, and the atomization unit may be configured to be sandwiched between the suction port portion and the surrounding convex portion.
According to this aspect, the atomization unit can be pressed against the surrounding convex portion by the mouthpiece portion, and the sealing property of the buffer space can be improved. Further, since the atomization unit is arranged between the power supply unit and the mouthpiece, the flow path from the atomization unit to the mouthpiece is shortened.

(5) In the main unit of non-combustion-type suction device according to the above aspect (4), at least a portion of the front Symbol suction unit, which can accommodate accommodating space flavor source container may be provided.
According to this aspect, when the aerosol is sucked through the mouthpiece, the aerosol passes through the flavor source container to add the flavor to the aerosol.

( 6 ) The non-combustion type aspirator according to one aspect of the present invention includes a main body unit according to the above aspect and the atomizing unit detachably attached to the main body unit.
According to this aspect, since the main body unit according to the above aspect is provided, it is possible to provide a highly reliable aspirator.

( 7 ) In the non-combustion type suction device according to the embodiment ( 6 ), the second surface of the atomization unit facing the first surface may be formed as a flat surface.
According to this aspect, since the buffer space is formed by the contact or proximity of the surrounding convex portion and the flat surface, the atomization unit can be simplified.

( 8 ) In the non-combustion type suction device according to the aspect ( 7 ), the opening on the second surface of the flow path is arranged at a position shifted in the in-plane direction with respect to the communication port. It may have been done.
According to this aspect, since the distance between the opening on the second surface and the communication port of the flow path can be secured, even if the condensed aerosol enters the buffer space, the inside of the housing is provided through the communication port. Can be suppressed from flowing into.
(9) The non-combustible aspirator according to one aspect of the present invention has a power supply unit having a housing in which a pressure sensor is housed, and a container body in which an aerosol source is housed, and is a mist that can be connected to the power supply unit. A communication unit for communicating the inside and outside of the housing is opened on the first surface of the housing, and atomized aerosol is circulated in the container body and is connected to the power supply unit. Sometimes a flow path that opens on a second surface facing the first surface is formed, and the first surface of the housing and the second surface of the container body are at least one of the atomizing unit and the power supply unit. The housing convex portions are in close contact with each other through the elastically deformable housing convex portion formed in the housing, and the surrounding convex portions are connected to the communication port in the in-plane direction of the first surface when the atomizing unit is connected to the power supply unit. It surrounds the communication port at a position away from the above, and together with the first surface and the second surface, forms a buffer space for communicating between the communication port and the flow path.

(10) The atomization unit of the non-combustion type suction device according to one aspect of the present invention is configured to be connectable to a power supply unit having a housing in which a pressure sensor is housed, and includes a container body in which an aerosol source is housed and the container body described above. It is provided with a flow path formed in the container body and through which atomized aerosols flow, and a communication port for communicating the inside and outside of the housing is opened on the first surface of the housing, and the power source of the container body is provided. A surrounding convex portion protruding from the second surface is formed on the second surface facing the first surface when connected to the unit, and the surrounding convex portion is formed when the container body is connected to the power supply unit. Surrounds the communication port at a position away from the communication port in the in-plane direction of the first surface, and communicates between the communication port and the flow path together with the first surface and the second surface. A buffer space is formed, and the surrounding convex portion is formed so as to be elastically deformable, and is in close contact with the power supply unit when the power supply unit is connected to the container body .
According to this aspect, since a buffer space is formed between the communication port and the flow path, for example, it is possible to prevent the condensed aerosol source from directly flowing into the communication port through the communication port after being atomized. This protects the power supply unit from the condensed aerosol.

Claims (10)

It has a housing that houses the aerosol source and can be connected to an atomization unit with a flow path through which the atomized aerosol flows.
A communication port for communicating the inside and outside of the housing is opened on the first surface of the housing with which the atomization unit faces when the atomization unit is connected.
On the first surface, at a position away from the communication port in the in-plane direction of the first surface, a surrounding convex portion is formed so as to project from the first surface and surround the communication port.
The surrounding convex portion, together with the first surface and the atomizing unit, forms a buffer space for communicating between the communication port and the flow path when the atomizing unit is connected to the housing. Non-combustion type suction. Power supply unit of the vessel. A pressure sensor for detecting a pressure change in the housing is housed in the housing.
The power supply unit for a non-combustion type suction device according to claim 1, wherein the communication port is arranged at a position where the first surface is viewed from the normal direction and overlaps with the pressure sensor. The power supply for the non-combustion suction device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the surrounding convex portion is formed so as to be elastically deformable and is in close contact with the atomizing unit when the atomizing unit is connected to the housing. unit. The power supply unit according to any one of claims 1 to 3.
A non-container holding cylinder provided at an end of the power supply unit on the first surface side and accommodating the atomization unit when the atomization unit is connected to the power supply unit. The main unit of the combustion type aspirator. On the side of the container holding cylinder opposite to the power supply unit, a suction port for sucking the aerosol generated by the atomization unit through the flow path is provided.
The main body unit of the non-combustion type suction device according to claim 4, wherein the atomization unit is configured to be sandwiched between the mouthpiece portion and the surrounding convex portion. The main unit of the non-combustion type suction device according to claim 5, wherein the mouthpiece is provided with a storage space capable of accommodating a flavor source container in at least a part of the mouthpiece. The main unit according to any one of claims 4 to 6, and the main unit.
A non-combustion type suction device including the atomizing unit that is detachably attached to the main body unit. The non-combustion type suction device according to claim 7, wherein the second surface of the atomization unit facing the first surface is formed on a flat surface. The non-combustion type suction device according to claim 8, wherein the opening on the second surface of the flow path is arranged at a position deviated from the communication port in the in-plane direction. A container body that is configured to be connectable to a power supply unit that has a housing that houses a pressure sensor and houses an aerosol source,
A flow path formed in the container body and through which an atomized aerosol flows is provided.
A communication port for communicating the inside and outside of the housing is opened on the first surface of the housing.
On the second surface of the container body, which faces the first surface when connected to the power supply unit, a surrounding convex portion protruding from the second surface is formed.
When the container body is connected to the power supply unit, the surrounding convex portion surrounds the communication port at a position away from the communication port in the in-plane direction of the first surface, and surrounds the first surface and the communication port. A non-combustion type aspirator atomization unit that forms a buffer space that communicates between the communication port and the flow path together with the second surface.

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