RU2803508C1 - Cartridge and method of its manufacturing - Google Patents

Abstract

FIELD: aerosol generation devices.

SUBSTANCE: proposed group of inventions is related to a cartridge and a method for its manufacturing. A cartridge installed in a part of the steam generator, which comprises a heating element for heating the aerosol source, a first component and a second component, at least one of which is made of a polymeric material, and a connecting part, one end of which is attached to the first component, and the other end is welded to the second component. The first component has a first front surface that faces the second component and a first outermost edge of the first front surface. The second component has a second front surface that faces the first component and a second outermost edge of the second front surface. The first outermost edge and the second component are not welded to each other, and the second outermost edge and the first component are not welded to each other. A method for manufacturing a cartridge, in which the first component is a cap and the second component is a cylindrical element, includes attaching a heating unit containing a heating element to one end of the cylindrical element and closing an opening at this end of the cylindrical element, filling the inside of the cylindrical element, to to which the heating unit is attached, the aerosol source, and welding the connecting part to the other end of the cylindrical element filled with the aerosol source. The second embodiment of the cartridge manufacturing method includes welding said other end of the connecting part to the second component in such a way that the first front surface of the first component and the second front surface of the second component are not welded to each other.

EFFECT: prevention of ingress of residual material into the cartridge forming the steam generator.

13 cl, 14 dwg

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present invention relates to a cartridge and a method for manufacturing the cartridge.

DESCRIPTION OF THE BACKGROUND OF THE ART

[0002] Heated tobacco products are traditionally known to be used to inhale a gaseous medium containing an aerosol, the aerosol being produced by passing alcohol vapor without combustion through dried leaf tobacco obtained from a plant of the genus Nicotiana tobacum, reconstituted tobacco containing plants of the same genus, strips and granules of reconstituted tobacco and/or mixtures thereof, and causing the ingredients obtained from leaf tobacco and the like to pass into the gas phase. In addition, electronic tobacco products are known that are used to inhale a gaseous environment in which vapor is mixed with outside air, the vapor being generated by atomizing or vaporizing aromatic alcohol or aqueous solutions using a suitable electrical component (hereinafter referred to herein as heated tobacco products and electronic tobacco products are collectively referred to as "vapor generator(s)"). Such a steam generator includes an aerosol source housing component, an aerosol generating component, an aerosol channel forming component, and the like. As such a component, from the viewpoint of ease of processing, weight, etc., a component made of a polymer material is usually used.

[0003] During the manufacturing process of a steam generator, a component made of a polymeric material is sometimes joined or welded to another component. As methods for joining resin material components or a resin material component and a metal component forming a steam generator, a laser welding method and an ultrasonic welding method are known (see PTL 1-4).

LIST OF REFERENCES

PATENT LITERATURE

[0004] PTL 1: International Patent Publication No. WO 2020/081849.

PTL 2: International Patent Publication No. WO 2020/023540.

PTL 3: US Patent Application No. 2020/0214343.

PTL 4: Japanese Patent Released No. 2018-019681

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

TECHNICAL PROBLEM

[0005] However, when welding two components as described above, molten polymer material is pushed out of the joined part as the components are pressed against each other, and solidified polymer material (residual material) remains around the joined part. In the case where such residual material is present in the aerosol channel of the steam generator, the aerosol passing through the aerosol channel may condense on the residual material and liquid droplets may collect. As a result, the collected liquid droplets may end up in the user's mouth, or the performance of the steam generator may differ from design due to the narrowing of the cross-sectional area of the aerosol channel.

[0006] In addition, such residual material may fall off at a later stage in the production of the steam generator and will accumulate during transportation or may become embedded in the product. Even when the residual material does not fall off, the appearance of the steam generator deteriorates. In particular, in the case where residual material is formed on a reservoir (cartridge) forming a steam generator and primarily intended to house an aerosol source, residual material that is exposed may be mistakenly recognized as foreign matter in the aerosol source. In addition, the intermediate product on which the residual material is generated has deviations from the design dimensions, and the residual material can easily fall off at a later stage and block the transport path.

[0007] The object of the present invention is to prevent residual material from entering the cartridge forming a steam generator.

SOLUTION

[0008] According to the first embodiment, there is provided a cartridge that is installed in a part of a steam generator containing a heating element for heating an aerosol source. The cartridge contains a first component and a second component, at least one of which is made of a polymeric material, and a connecting part, one end of which is connected to the first component, and the other end is attached or welded to the second component. The first component has a first front surface facing the second component and a first outermost edge of the first front surface. The second component has a second front surface facing the first component and a second outermost edge of the second front surface. The first outermost edge and the second component are not attached or welded to each other, and the second outermost edge and the first component are not attached or welded to each other.

[0009] When the first outermost edge or the second outermost edge is attached or welded to a component, molten material (residual material) from these parts flows to the outside of the components. According to the first embodiment, the first outermost edge of the first component and the second outermost edge of the second component are not attached or welded to any part, and thus the first outermost edge and the second outermost edge are not melted, wherein it is possible to prevent residual materials from escaping to the outside of the components. Further, as used herein, the “first facing surface” of the first component and the “second facing surface” of the second component are the surfaces of the first component and the second component that directly face each other in the direction in which the connecting portion extends between the first component and the second component . There are no elements other than a connecting portion between the front surface of the first component and the front surface of the second component. The "facing surfaces" of the first component and the second component may also be said to be surfaces angled relative to the direction in which the connecting portion extends between the first component and the second component.

[0010] The second embodiment is generally a cartridge configured in accordance with the first embodiment, comprising an aerosol channel through which an aerosol generated by evaporation of an aerosol source passes, wherein at least a portion of the aerosol channel is defined by at least one from the first component and the second component.

[0011] According to the second embodiment, since the aerosol channel is limited by at least one of the first component and the second component, residual material can be prevented from entering such aerosol channel, and condensation of the aerosol on the residual material can also be prevented. Moreover, as described above, the cartridge constructed according to the second embodiment is made of a resin material. As described above, restricting the aerosol channel to at least a portion of the first component and the second component can be achieved by injection molding each of the components as one piece so as to obtain a part that forms part of the recess mentioned above, and to obtain a part on in which at least a portion of the component forms an aerosol channel. This eliminates the assembly step or gluing step required in the case of molding individual bodies, and since there are no fitting parts or glued parts, the component can be easily manipulated and not easily broken when the consumer holds it in his hand during use, although it is a small component made of polymer material. However, the designs have limitations regarding the shape of the recess and the aerosol channel such that each of the two components can be injection molded as one piece.

[0012] The third embodiment is generally a cartridge configured in accordance with the first or second embodiment, having a space configured to receive an aerosol source, and at least a portion of the space is defined by at least one of the first or second components. second.

[0013] According to the third embodiment, since at least one of the first or second components defines a space configured to receive an aerosol source, it is possible to prevent residual material from entering such space, and it is also possible to prevent erroneous recognition of the admixture of a foreign substance into aerosol source. Moreover, as described above, the cartridge made in accordance with the third embodiment and with reference to the first embodiment and the second embodiment is made of a resin material. Creating a space that is configured to contain an aerosol source, and confining at least a portion of that space to at least one first or second component, as described above, can be achieved by injection molding each component as a whole so that a portion is provided that forms part of the recess mentioned above, or a portion is provided on which at least a portion of the component forms an aerosol channel, and thus a portion is provided that defines a space configured to receive an aerosol source. In this way, the effects described in relation to the second embodiment can also be obtained.

[0014] The fourth embodiment is generally a cartridge configured in accordance with any of the first to third embodiments, wherein at least a portion of the heating element is housed in at least one of the first or second components.

[0015] According to the fourth embodiment, since at least one of the first component and the second component contains at least a portion of a heating element, it is possible to prevent residual material from falling onto such a heating element. In addition, the cartridge configured according to the fourth embodiment can be easily used during consumer use since assembly with the heating element is not required.

[0016] The fifth embodiment is generally a cartridge configured in accordance with any of the first to fourth embodiments, wherein the first outermost edge and the second outermost edge are not attached or welded to each other.

[0017] When the first outermost edge of the first component and the second outermost edge of the second component are attached or welded to each other, residual material comes from the first outermost edge and the second outermost edge. On the contrary, according to the fifth embodiment, since the first outermost edge and the second outermost edge are not attached or welded to each other, residual material can be prevented from entering from the first outermost edge and the second outermost edge.

[0018] The sixth embodiment is generally a cartridge configured in accordance with the fifth embodiment, including a gap between the first outermost edge and the second outermost edge.

[0019] According to the sixth embodiment, since there is a gap in which residual material generated between the first component and the second component can be retained, residual material generated from the connecting part that is attached or welded to the second component can be better prevented from leaking out. .

[0020] The seventh embodiment is generally a cartridge configured in accordance with any of the first through sixth embodiments, wherein the second component includes a first opening formed in a second face surface and an edge of the first opening that defines at least a portion of the first hole, wherein the edge of the first hole is not attached or welded to the first component.

[0021] According to the seventh embodiment, since the edge of the first hole is not attached or welded to the first component, residual material is not generated from the edge of the first hole, and residual material can be prevented from entering the first hole.

[0022] The eighth embodiment is generally a cartridge configured in accordance with the seventh embodiment, in which the first hole has an annular shape, when viewed along the direction in which the connecting part extends between the first component and the second component, the edge of the first hole includes an outer edge and an inner edge that define the first hole, wherein the outer edge of the hole and the inner edge of the hole are not attached or welded to the first component.

[0023] According to the eighth embodiment, since the outer edge of the hole and the inner edge of the hole are not attached or welded to the first component, residual material from the outer edge of the hole and the inner edge of the hole can be prevented from entering the first hole.

[0024] The ninth embodiment is generally a cartridge configured in accordance with the eighth embodiment, in which the second component includes a second hole that is formed in the second face surface and which is located more inward from the first hole when viewed along the direction in wherein a connecting portion extends between the first component and the second component, and an edge of a second opening that defines at least a portion of the second opening, wherein the edge of the second opening is not attached or welded to the first component.

[0025] According to the ninth embodiment, since the edge of the second hole is not attached or welded to the first component, residual material is not generated from the edge of the second hole, and the residual material can be prevented from entering the second hole.

[0026] The tenth embodiment is generally a cartridge configured in accordance with any of the first to ninth embodiments, wherein the first face of the first component and the second face of the second component are not attached or welded to each other.

[0027] According to the tenth embodiment, since the first face surface of the first component and the second face surface of the second component are not attached or welded to each other, the formation of residual material from the first face surface and the second face can be prevented, and as a result, Residual material must be prevented from escaping.

[0028] According to the eleventh embodiment, a method for manufacturing a cartridge according to any of the first to tenth embodiments is provided. In the cartridge manufacturing method, the first component is a cap and the second component is a cylindrical member. A method of manufacturing a cartridge includes attaching a heating assembly containing a heating element to one end of a cylindrical element and closing an opening at that end of the cylindrical element, filling the interior of the cylindrical element to which the heating assembly is attached with an aerosol source, and attaching or welding a connecting portion to the other end a cylindrical element filled with an aerosol source.

[0029] When the aerosol source is placed in a cylindrical element with a bottom to which the heating assembly is not attached, it is necessary to complete the assembly of the heating assembly to prevent the aerosol source from leaking from the cylindrical element. On the contrary, according to the eleventh embodiment, the heating unit can be assembled with the cylindrical element before filling with the aerosol source is performed, and thus, for example, the cylindrical element to which the heating unit is attached can be manufactured in advance as one whole and then transported, and filling with the aerosol source and attaching or welding of the lid element can be done at another location.

[0030] The twelfth embodiment is generally a method of manufacturing a cartridge configured in accordance with the tenth embodiment, further comprising ultrasonic welding of a cap connecting portion to said other end of the cylindrical member.

[0031] According to the thirteenth embodiment, a method for manufacturing a cartridge according to any of the first to tenth embodiments is provided. A method of manufacturing a cartridge includes attaching or welding the other end of a connecting portion to a second component such that a first face of the first component and a second face of the second component are not attached or welded to each other.

[0032] According to the thirteenth embodiment, since the first face surface of the first component and the second face surface of the second component are not attached or welded to each other, the formation of residual material from the first face surface and the second face can be prevented, and as a result, the Residual material is prevented from escaping.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0033] [Fig. 1] Fig. 1 is an exploded perspective view of a steam generator in accordance with the present embodiment of the invention.

[Fig. 2] Fig. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the cartridge.

[Fig. 3A] Fig. 3A is a perspective view of the tank main body.

[Fig. 3B] Fig. 3B is a sectional view of the tank main body as viewed along arrows 3B-3B shown in FIG. 3A.

[Fig. 4A] Fig. 4A is a perspective view of the lid.

[Fig. 4B] Fig. 4B is a sectional view including the center of the lid.

[Fig. 5A] FIG. 5A is a longitudinal section through the reservoir.

[Fig. 5B] Fig. 5B is an enlarged view of the connecting portion between the cover and the tank main body shown in FIG. 5A.

[Fig. 6A] Fig. 6A is a schematic view illustrating a cartridge manufacturing process.

[Fig. 6B] Fig. 6B is a schematic view illustrating a cartridge manufacturing process.

[Fig. 6C] FIG. 6C is a schematic view illustrating a cartridge manufacturing process.

[Fig. 6D] FIG. 6D is a schematic view illustrating a cartridge manufacturing process.

[Fig. 6E] FIG. 6E is a schematic view illustrating a cartridge manufacturing process.

[Fig. 6E] FIG. 6E is a schematic view illustrating a cartridge manufacturing process.

DESCRIPTION OF PERFORMANCE OPTIONS

[0034] An embodiment of the present invention will now be described with reference to the drawings. In the drawings described below, the same or corresponding structural elements are designated by the same reference numerals, and no duplicate description is given.

Fig. 1 is an exploded perspective view of a steam generator constructed in accordance with the present embodiment of the invention. The vapor generator 100 is a device used for inhaling a gaseous medium containing an aerosol, wherein the aerosol is produced by one of a variety of aerosol generation methods causing the aerosol to be formed by heating an aerosol source protruding outward from a container portion of the cartridge, using an electric heater, or by atomizing the source aerosol by applying ultrasonic waves to pass through the strips/pellets of reconstituted tobacco, causing the ingredients derived from leaf tobacco, etc., to pass into the gas phase. In addition, the above example is not limiting, and the vapor generator 100 may be a device that is used to inhale an aerosol containing aromatic components by heating or atomizing an aerosol source mixing components such as nicotine/menthol, flavorings and alcohol .

[0035] As shown in FIG. 1, the vapor generator 100 includes a main body 10, as well as a cartridge 30 and a tobacco capsule 12 removably attached to the main body 10. The main body 10 includes a power supply 14, a holder 16 and a mouthpiece 18. A power supply 14, a holder 16 and a mouthpiece 18 are cylindrical in shape. The mouthpiece 18 may be screwed to one end of the holder 16, and the power supply 14 may be connected, for example, to the other end of the holder 16. In the present description, the direction along which the mouthpiece 18, the holder 16 and the power supply 14 are connected is called the longitudinal direction.

[0036] The power supply 14 includes a battery 14a, a switch 14b, pin electrodes 14c, and an engagement portion 14d. The battery 14a is located inside the power supply 14. The switch 14b is configured to turn on and off the power of the steam generator 100 when held down, for example, in a state where the steam generator 100 is assembled. The pin electrodes 14c contact the electrodes of the cartridge 30 described below, and can electrically connect the battery 14a and the electrodes when the steam generator 100 is assembled to a state in which the cartridge 30 is placed inside the holder 16. The engaging portion 14d can engage the holder 16 with each other. and a power supply 14 by interacting with an engagement portion (not shown) within the holder 16. The power supply 14 includes a controller 14e for controlling power from the battery 14a to the electrodes of the cartridge 30. In addition, the power supply 14 may include a tightening sensor , not shown in the drawing. In this case, the controller 14e may control the battery 14a such that the battery 14a supplies power to the cartridge 30 when a puff is detected.

[0037] The holder 16 includes a cylindrical body 16a, and the cartridge 30 is housed within the cylindrical body 16a, with the electrodes of the cartridge 30 described below facing the power supply 14. By attaching the mouthpiece 18 to the holder 16 in the state in which the cartridge 30 is in the holder 16, the cartridge 30 can be secured within the holder 16. The holder 16 includes, on the cylindrical body 16a, a window 16c for visually checking the source of the aerosol contained in the cartridge 30, and an air hole 16b for supplying air to the cartridge 30.

[0038] The mouthpiece 18 includes a screw portion 18a that is screwable to the holder 16, and a cylindrical portion 18b that extends longitudinally from the screw portion 18a. The user can inhale the aerosol generated by the steam generator 100 while holding the cylindrical portion 18b in the mouth.

[0039] The tobacco capsule 12 includes a capsule portion 12a for housing reconstituted tobacco strips/pellets inside and a filter portion 12b. The capsule portion 12a has a cylindrical shape and, for example, has a mesh on the end surface on one side and a hole on the other side on the end surface. The size of the mesh formed on the end surface on one side of the capsule portion 12a can be designed so that the reconstituted tobacco strips/pellets contained in the capsule portion 12a do not come out of the capsule portion 12a. The filter part 12b is associated with the hole of the capsule part 12a, closing this hole. The tobacco capsule 12 may be detachably attached to the cylindrical portion 18b of the mouthpiece 18 in a longitudinal direction opposite the holder 16.

[0040] The cartridge 30 stores a liquid aerosol source and generates an aerosol by atomizing the aerosol source when power is supplied from the power supply 14. The aerosol source may contain, for example, at least one of water, propylene glycol and glycerol. The specific structure of the cartridge 30 will be described later. The cartridge 30, which performs the function of atomizing the aerosol source in the manner described above, is sometimes called a cartomizer.

[0041] Next, a method of using the steam generator 100 will be described. First, in the state in which the steam generator 100 is assembled, the switch 14b is pressed and the power is turned on. The user then holds the cylindrical portion 18b in the mouth and inhales. At this time, when the user's inhalation is detected by a puff sensor (not shown) of the power supply 14, power is supplied from the battery 14a of the power supply 14 to the electrodes of the cartridge 30, and an aerosol is generated in the cartridge 30. The aerosol generated in the cartridge 30 passes through the reconstituted tobacco strips/pellets within the tobacco capsule 12 due to the user's inhalation and enters the user's mouth along with ingredients derived from leaf tobacco and the like.

[0042] Next, a detailed description will be given of the cartridge 30 shown in FIG. 1. Fig. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the cartridge 30. As shown in FIG. 2, the cartridge 30 includes a reservoir 50 that is cylindrical in shape with a bottom, a liner 31 that is generally disc-shaped and designed to be placed within the reservoir 50, a generally disc-shaped cell body 32, a heating portion 33, a spray container 34, and a heater holder 35 .

[0043] The reservoir 50 has an opening 51 through which a liner 31, a honeycomb body 32, a heating portion 33, a spray container 34 and a heater holder 35 are inserted, a circumferential wall 52 defining the opening 51, and a pair of engagement holes 53 formed in the circumferential wall 52. The engagement holes 53 are designed to secure the heater holder 35 to the reservoir 50.

[0044] The spacer 31 is configured such that its outer diameter is substantially the same as the inner diameter of the reservoir 50. The spacer 31 positions the honeycomb body 32 and also maintains the shape of the honeycomb body 32. The spacer 31 has a radially centered mounting hole 31a , through which the channel tube 61 (see FIGS. 3A and 3B) of the reservoir 50 described below can be inserted, and has, around the mounting hole 31a, holes 31b (four in the drawing) through which the aerosol source contained in the reservoir 50. The gasket 31 is placed inside the reservoir 50 such that the channel tube 61 described below is inserted through the installation hole 31a.

[0045] The honeycomb body 32 is positioned in contact with the spacer 31 such that it covers the openings 31b of the spacer 31. The honeycomb body 32 is a porous medium made of a fiber, such as cotton, and contains a source of aerosol that passes through holes 31b of the gasket 31. An installation hole 32a, which allows the channel tube 61 described below to be inserted, is provided at the center of the honeycomb body 32 in the radial direction. The honeycomb body 32 is positioned when the channel tube 61 described below is inserted through the mounting hole 32a and the honeycomb body 32 contacts the spacer 31.

[0046] The heating portion 33 atomizes a liquid aerosol source. The heating portion 33 includes a wick 33a, which is generally U-shaped, and a heating wire 33b (corresponding to an example heating element) wound around the wick 33a. The wick 33a, made of glass fiber or the like, absorbs and retains the aerosol source held on the honeycomb body 32. The aerosol is generated when the aerosol source held on the wick 33a is heated and atomized by the heating wire 33b. In FIG. 2, the honeycomb body 32 and the heating portion 33 are shown as one body, but the heating portion 33 is housed within the spray container 34 and connected to the heater holder 35 and forms a heating assembly 38 together with the spray container 34 and the heater holder 35.

[0047] The spray container 34 includes a container portion 34a for housing the heating portion 33 and a mating portion 34b for attaching the heater holder 35. The spray container 34 is made of an elastic element such as a polymeric material, for example a silicone polymeric material. As shown, the mating portion 34b has a groove 34c, which is cross-shaped, and projections 34d formed by the groove 34c. The end portions of the heating wire 33 of the heating portion 33 housed in the container portion 34a enter the groove 34c through holes not shown and are wound around the projections 34d.

[0048] The heater holder 35 is generally substantially bowl shaped and includes a side wall 35a, a bottom wall 35b, and a pair of electrodes 35c. A pair of electrodes 35c is exposed on the bottom surface of the bottom wall 35b as shown and is also exposed on the inside of the side wall 35a. The mating portion 34b of the spray container 34 is connected to the side wall 35a. At this time, each end of the heating wire 33b wound around the protrusions 34d of the mating portion 34b comes into contact with one electrode of the pair of electrodes 35c. The side wall 35a includes a gripper 35d configured to engage an engagement opening 53 of the reservoir 50.

[0049] The heating assembly 38 is assembled by connecting the mating portion 34b of the spray container 34 to the heater holder 35 and placing the heating portion 33 into the container portion 34a of the spray container 34. The heating assembly 38 is attached to the reservoir 50 with the wick 33a of the heating portion 33 in contact with the honeycomb body 32 by connecting the heating assembly 38 to the reservoir 50 and engaging the grip 35d with the engagement hole 53 of the reservoir 50. Thus, the opening 51 of the reservoir 50 is closed by the heating assembly 38.

[0050] Next, the structure of the reservoir 50 shown in FIG. 2. In the present embodiment, the reservoir 50 is formed of at least two components and a connecting part for connecting the two components to each other. Specifically, the reservoir 50 configured according to the present embodiment includes a main body 60 (corresponding to an example of a cylindrical member) and a cover 80 (corresponding to an example of a cover member), wherein the reservoir 50 is formed by connecting the reservoir main body 60 and the cover 80 to each other. using the connecting part (both the tank main body 60 and the cover 80 correspond to the example of the first component or the second component). In the present embodiment, the tank main body 60 and the cover 80 are made of a resin material, but this is not a limiting factor, one of the tank main body 60 and the cover 80 may be made of a resin material, and the other may be made of a different material. for example, made of metal.

[0051] FIG. 3A is a perspective view of the tank main body 60. Fig. 3B is a sectional view of the tank main body 60 taken along arrows 3B-3B shown in FIG. 3A. As shown in FIG. FOR, in the present description, the end portion of the reservoir main body 60 on the side of the mouthpiece 18 is called the first end portion 60a, and the end portion on the opposite side is called the second end portion 60b. As shown in FIG. 3A and 3B, the tank main body 60 includes a circumferential wall 52 and a channel tube 61. The circumferential wall 52 defines a portion of the space 52a in which the aerosol source can be located. The channel tube 61 defines a portion of the aerosol channel 61a through which the aerosol generated by evaporation of the aerosol source passes. In the present description, the direction in which the channel tube 61 and the circumferential wall 52 extend is called the longitudinal direction. The channel tube 61 is located inside the circumferential wall 52 and, together with the circumferential wall 52, defines a part of the space 52a. In other words, a space 52a is formed between the inner surface of the circumferential wall 52 and the outer surface of the channel tube 61. As shown in FIG. 3B, the channel tube 61 extends to the first end portion 60a of the tank main body 60 and forms an end surface portion of the first end portion 60a. In the illustrated example, the tank main body 60 is generally cylindrical or columnar in shape, but may have any shape such as a rectangular cylindrical shape, not limited to the examples mentioned above.

[0052] Between the inner surface of the circumferential wall 52 and the outer surface of the channel tube 61 there are ribs 62 (three in the illustrated example) such that they extend between the circumferential wall 52 and the channel tube. That is, the ribs 62 support the channel tube 61. In the illustrated example, the ribs 62 are provided on the side of the first end portion 60a of the tank main body 60 and are spaced at regular intervals in the circumferential direction, while they are located radially when viewed in the longitudinal direction.

[0053] On the inner surface of the circumferential wall 52, the projections 63 are integral with the ribs 62. The projection 63 extends in the longitudinal direction from the fin 62 towards the second end portion 60b. The protrusion 63 extends from the end portion of the rib 62 on the second end portion 60b side to the front end of the channel tube 61 on the second end portion 60b side. The projections 63 increase the mechanical strength of the main body 60 of the tank, and also perform the positioning of the gasket 31.

[0054] The tank main body 60 has an opening 51 for receiving the gasket 31, the honeycomb body 32, and the heating assembly 38 shown in FIG. 2. At least a portion of the heating assembly 38, including the heating wire 33b, is located in the space 64 of the tank main body 60, on a side closer to the second end portion 60b than the channel tube 61. A portion of the heating assembly 38 may extend beyond the main body. 60 tank, not fitting into the 64 space.

[0055] The tank main body 60 has, at the first end portion 60a, a front surface 65 (corresponding to the example of the second front surface) that faces the cover 80 described below. The front surface 65 of the tank main body 60 here refers to a surface that directly faces the cover 80 in the direction along which the first connecting part 90 and the second connecting part 92 described below extend (in the longitudinal direction). Hereinafter, the direction along which the first and second connecting parts 90, 92 extend is sometimes called the longitudinal direction. It can also be said that the front surface 65 is a surface that directly faces the cover 80 and is angled relative to the longitudinal direction. Accordingly, the outer surface of the circumferential wall 52 of the tank main body 60 extends substantially parallel to the longitudinal direction and thus is not a surface facing the cover 80, and the end surface of the second end portion 60b of the tank main body 60 does not directly face the cover 80 and, thus, it is not a front surface. As shown in FIG. 3B, the front surface 65 includes an outermost edge 65a (corresponding to the example of the second outermost edge). In the illustrated example, the outermost edge 65a is circular in shape when viewed in the longitudinal direction, but the outermost edge 65a may have any shape not limited to circular.

[0056] As shown in FIG. 3A and 3B, a first opening 66 may be provided on the front surface 65. In the illustrated example, the first opening 66 is annular in shape when viewed in the longitudinal direction and is defined by an inner edge 66a (corresponding to the example of the edge of the first opening) and an outer edge 66b (corresponding to the example edge of the first hole) formed on the front surface 65. Accordingly, the inner edge 66a and the outer edge 66b have a circular shape when viewed in the longitudinal direction. In this case, the inner edge 66a and the outer edge 66b are preferably arranged concentrically. In the present embodiment, the first opening 66 communicates with a space 52a in which the aerosol source may be located.

[0057] In addition, a second hole 67 may also be provided on the front surface 65. In the illustrated example, the second hole 67 is circular in shape when viewed in the longitudinal direction and is defined by a second hole edge 67a formed on the front surface 65. Accordingly, the edge 67a of the second hole has a circular shape when viewed in the longitudinal direction. In the present embodiment, the second hole 67 communicates with the aerosol channel 61a. Moreover, in the present embodiment, the shape of the second hole 67 is circular, but this is not limiting, and the shape may be circular like the first hole 66, in which case the second hole edge 67a defines a portion of the second hole 67 as the hole edge on outside.

[0058] As shown in FIG. 3A and 3B, the face 65 may have a first recess 68 (corresponding to an example of a recess) located between the outermost edge 65a and an outer edge 66b of the hole, and a second recess 69 (corresponding to an example of a recess) located between the inner edge 66a of the hole and the edge 67a of the second holes. At least one of a first recess 68 and a second recess 69 may be located on the front surface 65. Alternatively, the first recess 68 and the second recess 69 may also be absent.

[0059] As shown in FIG. 3A, in the present embodiment, the first recess 68 and the second recess 69 are annular grooves that extend along the circumferential direction of the tank main body 60. However, such a case is not limiting, and the first recess 68 and the second recess 69 may have any flat shape. As shown in FIG. 3B, the first recess 68 has a bottom 68a and a side wall 68b. In the illustrated example, the side wall 68b has a tapered surface 68b such that the width of the first recess 68 decreases toward the bottom 68a. In addition, the second recess 69 has a bottom 69a and a side wall 69b. In the illustrated example, the side wall 69b has a wedge-shaped surface 69b such that the width of the second recess 69 decreases toward the bottom 69a.

[0060] FIG. 4A is a perspective view of the cover 80. Fig. 4B is a sectional view passing through the center of the cover 80. As shown in FIG. 4A and 4B, the cover 80 includes a flat plate 80a having a substantially disc-shaped shape. The hole 80b, which communicates with the second hole 67 of the tank main body 60, may be formed substantially at the center of the flat plate 80a. The cover 80 has a first connecting part 90 (corresponding to an example of a connecting part) and a second connecting part 92 (corresponding to an example of a connecting part), and one end of both the first connecting part 90 and the second connecting part 92 is connected to one surface of the flat plate 80a. The first connection portion 90 or the second connection portion 92 may be integral with the cover 80 or may be connected to the cover 80 by joining or welding. In addition, the cover 80 may also have only one of the first connecting portion 90 and the second connecting portion 92. The other ends of the first connecting portion 90 and the second connecting portion 92 are attached or welded to the tank main body 60. When viewed in the direction in which the second connecting portion 92 extends between the cover 80 and the tank main body 60, the second connecting portion 92 is located further inward from the first connecting portion 90. Moreover, as shown in FIG. 4A, the first connecting part 90 and the second connecting part 92 may be ribs having an annular shape when viewed along the direction in which the first connecting part 90 and the second connecting part 92 extend between the cover 80 and the tank main body 60 (longitudinal direction). In FIG. 4B, the cross-sectional shape of each of the ribs is rectangular, but the shape is not limited to this and may be polygonal, such as triangular, or may be circular, with the fin having a rounded end. Moreover, it is preferable that the cross-sectional shape of the rib and the cross-sectional shape of the first recess 68 or the second recess 69 are not similar to each other. Moreover, it is preferable that the first connecting portion 90 and the second connecting portion 92 are arranged in a substantially concentric manner in a cross section perpendicular to the longitudinal direction. In this way, an aerosol channel 61a can be formed, which can be placed in the center of the reservoir 50 and which is separated from the space 52a.

[0061] Said other end of the first connecting portion 90 is attached or welded to the first recess 68 of the tank main body 60. The molten material (residual material) that is generated by joining or welding the first connecting part 90 can thus accumulate in the first recess 68. Accordingly, the residual material from the first connecting part 90 can be prevented from entering between the cover 80 and the tank main body 60. In addition, said other end of the first connecting portion 90 may be attached or welded to the front surface 65 of the tank main body 60 at a location away from the outermost edge 65a of the facing surface 65. This can prevent residual material from the first connecting portion 90 from reaching the outermost edge 65a of the front surface 65 of the main body 60 of the tank. In addition, said other end of the first connecting portion 90 may be attached or welded to the front surface 65 of the tank main body 60 at a position spaced from the outer edge 66b of the opening. This can prevent residual material from the first connecting portion 90 from entering the first opening 66. Said other end of the first connecting portion 90 is preferably attached or welded to the bottom 68a of the first recess 68. This allows residual material from the first connecting portion 90 to accumulate in the bottom 68a, the residual material can be effectively contained in the first recess 68.

[0062] Said other end of the second connecting portion 92 is attached or welded to the second recess 69 of the tank main body 60. Molten material (residual material) that is generated when the second connecting part 92 is joined or welded can accumulate in the second recess 69. Accordingly, residual material from the second connecting part 92 can be prevented from entering between the cover 80 and the tank main body 60. Said other end of the second connecting portion 92 may be attached or welded to the face 65 of the tank main body 60 at a position away from the inner edge 66a of the opening. This can prevent residual material from the second connecting portion 92 from entering the first hole 66. In addition, said other end of the second connecting portion 92 can be attached or welded to the face 65 at a position away from the edge 67a of the second hole. This can prevent residual material from the second connecting portion 92 from entering the second opening 67. Said other end of the second connecting portion 92 is preferably attached or welded to the bottom 69a of the second recess 69. This allows residual material from the second connecting portion 92 to accumulate in the bottom 69a, while the residual material can be effectively contained in the second recess 69. Preferably, the first connecting part 90 and the second connecting part 92 are configured to be ultrasonically welded to the tank main body 60.

[0063] The cover 80 has a face surface 80d (corresponding to the example of the first face surface) that faces the tank main body 60. The front surface 80d of the cover 80 here refers to a surface that directly faces the tank main body 60 in the longitudinal direction. It can also be said that the front surface 80d is a surface that directly faces the tank main body 60 and is angled relative to the longitudinal direction. As shown in FIG. 4B, the front surface 80d includes an outermost edge 80c (corresponding to the example of the first outermost edge). In the illustrated example, the outermost edge 80c is circular in shape when viewed in the longitudinal direction, but the outermost edge 80c can be shaped into any shape not limited to a circular shape. In addition, the front surface 80d includes an opening edge 80e defining the opening 80b. It can also be said that the edge of the hole 80e is the innermost edge of the cap 80.

[0064] The cover 80 is connected to the tank main body 60 by the first connecting part 90 and the second connecting part 92, and thus the first opening 66 of the tank main body 60 is closed. At this time, the cover 80 defines a portion of the aerosol channel 61a, and the opening 80b of the cover 80 forms a portion of the aerosol channel 61a. In addition, the cover 80 delimits a portion of the space 52a where the aerosol source may be contained due to the fact that the first opening 66 of the reservoir main body 60 is covered by the cover 80.

[0065] The cover 80 also has a guide portion 95 that extends from the front surface 80d of the cover 80. As shown in FIG. 4A, the guide portion 95 may have an annular shape when viewed in the longitudinal direction. The guide portion 95 may have any shape, and, for example, there may be a large number of pin-shaped guide portions 95. In the present embodiment, the guide portion 95 must mate with the first hole 66 of the tank main body 60. More specifically, the guide portion 95 must be aligned with the outer edge 66b of the opening that defines the first opening 66. The cover 80 can thus be positioned relative to the tank main body 60 while connecting or welding the first connecting portion 90 and the second connecting portion 92 to the main body 60 tanks. At this time, since the guide portion 95 is aligned with the outer edge 66b of the first hole 66, the guide portion 95 can prevent residual material formed from the first connecting portion 90 from entering the first hole 666. In other words, the guide portion 95 can prevent residual material from entering first connecting part 90 into the first hole 66.

[0066] The guide portion 95 may be mounted on the cover 80 so as to align with the inner edge 66a of the opening defining the first opening 66. In addition, two guide portions 95 may be mounted on the cover 80 configured to align with both the inner edge 66a of the hole and with the outer edge 66b of the hole. As shown in FIG. 4B, the guide portion 95 is preferably longer in the longitudinal direction of the first coupling portion 90 or the second coupling portion 92.

[0067] FIG. 5A is a longitudinal section through tank 50. FIG. 5B is an enlarged view of the connecting portion between the cover 80 and the tank main body 60 shown in FIG. 5A. As shown in FIG. 5A and 5B, the lid 80 has an extension portion 82 that extends in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction from the connecting portion between the first connecting portion 90 and the lid 80 toward the outermost edge 65a of the tank main body. Thus, it is possible to prevent residual material from the first connecting part 90 from entering the outside of the gap between the cover 80 and the tank main body 60.

[0068] As shown in FIG. 5A and 5B, the guide portion 95 is not attached or welded to the tank main body 60. Accordingly, it is possible to prevent the guide portion 95 from generating residual material generated when the guide portion 95 melts. Moreover, as shown, when viewed in a direction perpendicular to the extension direction (longitudinal direction) of the first connecting portion 90 and the second connecting portion 92 between the cover 80 and tank main body 60, the guide portion 95 is positioned so as to overlap the connecting portion between the first connecting portion 90 and the first recess 68. Accordingly, the residual material that is generated when the first connecting portion 90 is attached or welded to the tank main body 60 (first recess 68) is covered by the guide portion 95 and can be prevented from entering the first hole 66.

[0069] Moreover, in the present embodiment, in the state in which the cover 80 is connected to the tank main body 60, there is a gap between the outermost edge 80c of the cover 80 and the tank main body 60, which are not connected or welded. In addition, there is also a gap between the outermost edge 65a of the front surface 65 of the tank main body 60 and the cover 80 without being attached or welded. When the outermost edge 80c of the cover 80 or the outermost edge 65a of the tank main body 60 is attached or welded to a component, the material (residual material) resulting from the melting of such part may be released to the outside of the tank 50. In contrast, according to the present embodiment execution, the outermost edge 80c of the cover 80 or the outermost edge 65a of the tank main body 60 is not attached or welded to any part, and thus the outermost edge 80c and the outermost edge 65a are not melted, and the penetration of residual materials to the outside of the tank 50. More specifically, in the present embodiment, the outermost edge 80c of the cover 80 and the outermost edge 65a of the tank main body 60 are preferably not attached or welded to each other. When the outermost edge 80c of the lid 80 and the outermost edge 65a of the tank main body 60 are attached or welded to each other, residual material may escape from the outermost edge 80c and the outermost edge 65a. On the contrary, in the case where the outermost edge 80c of the cover 80 and the outermost edge 65a of the tank main body 60 are not attached or welded to each other, it is possible to prevent residual material from entering from the outermost edge 80c and the outermost edge 65a.

[0070] As shown in FIG. 5A and 5B, the reservoir 50 may have a gap between the outermost edge 80c of the lid 80 and the outermost edge 65a of the reservoir main body 60. This allows residual material generated between the cover 80 and the tank main body 60 to accumulate in this gap, and thus residual materials generated from the first connecting part 90 and the second connecting part 92 can accumulate in the gap, which can be better prevented ingress of residual materials outside the tank 50.

[0071] As shown in FIG. 5A and 5B, in the tank 50, the inner edge 66a or the outer edge 66b of the first hole 66 is preferably not attached or welded to the cover 80. The formation of residual material from the inner edge 66a of the hole or the outer edge 66b of the hole is thereby prevented and can be prevented. residual material is prevented from entering the first hole 66 (space 52a), and erroneous recognition of the mixing of a foreign substance into the aerosol source can be prevented.

[0072] As shown in FIG. 5A and 5B, in the reservoir 50, it is preferable that the edge 67a of the second opening 67 is not attached or welded to the cover 80. Thus, residual material is prevented from forming from the edge 67a of the second opening, causing the residual material to enter the second opening 67 (aerosol channel 61a ) can be prevented, and condensation of the aerosol on the residual material can also be prevented. Moreover, in the tank 50, the hole edge 80e that defines the hole 80b of the cover 80 is preferably not attached or welded to the tank main body 60. Thereby, residual material is prevented from being generated at the edge of the hole 80e, and residual material can be prevented from entering the hole 80b.

[0073] As shown in FIG. 5A and 5B, the front surface 80d of the cover 80 and the front surface 65 of the tank main body 60 are preferably not attached or welded to each other. In other words, preferably, the cover 80 and the tank main body 60 are attached to each other only by the first connecting part 90 and the second connecting part 92. Thus, the formation of residual material from the front surface 80d and the front surface 65 is prevented, and as a result, the entry of residual material out.

[0074] As shown in FIG. 5A and 5B, a portion of the first recess 68 of the tank main body 60 is preferably filled with a portion of the first connecting portion 90 of the lid 80 (including residual material). In other words, it is preferable that the first recess 68 is not completely filled with the first connecting portion 90. Thus, the first recess 68 can contain all of the residual material generated by melting the first connecting portion 90, and the residual material can be prevented from protruding from the first recess 68. Moreover, it is preferable that a portion of the second recess 69 of the tank main body 60 be filled with a portion of the second connecting portion 92 of the cover 80 (including residual material). In other words, it is preferable that the second recess 69 is not completely filled with the second connecting part 92. Thus, the second recess 69 can contain all the residual material generated by melting the second connecting part 92, and the residual material can be prevented from protruding from the second recess 69 .

[0075] Next, a method for manufacturing the cartridge 30 of the steam generator 100 will be described. Fig. 6A to 6F are schematic views illustrating a manufacturing process of the cartridge 30. As shown in FIGS. 6A, the tank main body 60 is first prepared to form the cartridge 30. At this time, the tank main body 60 can be installed so that the second end portion 60b is located at the top. In addition, in FIG. 6A only shows the circumferential wall 52 of the tank main body 60 and does not show other structural members.

[0076] As shown in FIG. 6B, inside the tank main body 60, a gasket 31 is placed through the hole 51 of the tank main body 60. At this time, the channel tube 61 of the tank main body 60 is inserted through the hole 31a (see FIG. 2) of the gasket 31, and the positioning of the gasket 31 is carried out using the protruding parts 63 (see Fig. 3B) of the main body 60 of the tank. Moreover, as shown in FIG. 6C, the cellular body 32 is placed inside the tank main body 60 through the hole 51 of the tank main body 60 to overlap with the spacer 31. At this time, the channel tube 61 of the tank main body 60 is inserted through the installation hole 32a (see FIG. 2) of the cellular body. 32. Then, as shown in FIG. 3D, the heating unit 38 is connected to the second end portion 60b of the tank main body 60, and the opening 51 is closed. A portion of the heating assembly 38 may be inserted into the tank main body 60 through an opening 51.

[0077] Subsequently, as shown in FIG. 6E, the space 52a of the tank main body 60, to which the heating unit 38 is attached, is filled with an aerosol source L1. At this time, the tank main body 60 can be installed so that the first end portion 60a is located at the top. Finally, as shown in FIG. 6E, the cover 80 is attached or welded to the first end portion 60a of the tank main body 60, for example, by ultrasonic welding, and thereby produces a cartridge 30. When the aerosol source L1 is placed in the tank main body 60, to the bottom of which the heating unit 38 is not attached , it is necessary to complete the assembly of the heating unit 38 to prevent the aerosol source L1 from leaking from the main body 60. On the contrary, according to the processes illustrated in FIG. 6A-6E, the heating assembly 38 may be assembled together with the tank main body 60 prior to filling with aerosol source L1, and thus, for example, the tank main body 60 to which the heating assembly 38 is attached, as shown in FIG. 6D may be manufactured in one piece and then shipped, wherein filling with the aerosol source and attachment or welding of the cap 80 may be performed as shown in FIG. 6E and 6F, elsewhere.

[0078] In the process illustrated in FIG. 6F, it is preferable that a portion of the first recess 68 of the tank main body 60 be filled with a portion of the first connecting portion 90 of the lid 80 (including residual material). In other words, it is preferable that the first recess 68 is not completely filled with the first connecting portion 90. Thus, the first recess 68 can contain all of the residual material generated by melting the first connecting portion 90, and the residual material can be prevented from protruding from the first recess 68. Moreover, it is preferable that a portion of the second recess 69 of the tank main body 60 be filled with a portion of the second connecting portion 92 of the cover 80 (including residual material). In other words, it is preferable that the second recess 69 is not completely filled with the second connecting part 92. Thus, the second recess 69 can contain all the residual material generated by melting the second connecting part 92, and the residual material can be prevented from protruding from the second recess 69.

[0079] In the process illustrated in FIG. 6F, preferably, the first connecting part 90 and the second connecting part 92 are attached or welded to the tank main body 60 so that the front surface 80d of the cover 80 and the front surface 65 of the tank main body 60 are not attached or welded to each other. This prevents residual material from forming on the face surface 80d and the face surface 65, and as a result, the residual material can be prevented from leaking out.

[0080] In the process illustrated in FIG. 6F, the first connecting portion 90 and the second connecting portion 92 are preferably attached or welded to the tank main body 60 in a state in which the cover 80 and the tank main body 60 are positioned relative to each other by aligning the guide portion 95 with the first hole 66 (outer edge 66b of the hole ). Moreover, as shown in FIG. 4B, the guide portion 95 extends parallel to the first coupling portion 90 and the second coupling portion 92, and extends in the direction in which the first coupling portion 90 and the second coupling portion 92 extend (longitudinal direction) to a greater length than the length to which the first coupling portion extends. portion 90 and the second connecting portion 92 before they are attached or welded to the tank main body 60. Accordingly, the guide portion 95 may be mated to the first opening 66, and the cover 80 and the reservoir main body 60 may be positioned relative to each other before the first coupling portion 90 and the second coupling portion 92 are attached or welded to the reservoir main body 60.

[0081] One embodiment of the present invention has been described above, but it is not limited to this embodiment, and various modifications may be made within the scope of the claims and within the technical concepts described in the specification and drawings. In addition, any shape and material not expressly described in the specification and drawings are included within the scope of the technical concepts of the present invention if they have the same functions and effects as the present invention.

[0082] Some of the embodiments disclosed herein are described below.

According to a first embodiment, a cartridge is provided that is installed in a part of a steam generator that includes a heating element for heating the aerosol source. The cartridge contains a first component and a second component, at least one of which is made of a polymeric material, and a connecting part, one end of which is connected to the first component, and the other end is attached or welded to the second component. The second component has a recess. The other end of the connecting part is attached or welded to the recess.

[0083] According to the first embodiment, since the second component has a recess to which said other end of the connecting part is attached or welded, molten material from the connecting part can accumulate in the recess. Accordingly, it is possible to prevent molten material (residual material) from flowing from the connecting part between the first component and the second component.

[0084] The second embodiment is generally a cartridge configured in accordance with the first embodiment and comprising an aerosol channel through which an aerosol generated by evaporation of an aerosol source passes, wherein at least a portion of the aerosol channel is limited by at least one component of the first component and the second component.

[0085] According to the second embodiment, since the aerosol channel is limited by at least one component of the first component and the second component, it is possible to prevent residual material from entering such an aerosol channel, and it is also possible to prevent the aerosol from condensing on the residual material. Moreover, as described above, the cartridge constructed according to the second embodiment is made of a resin material. As described above, restricting the aerosol channel to at least a portion of the first component and the second component can be achieved by injection molding each component as one piece so as to obtain a portion that forms a portion of the recess mentioned above, and to obtain a portion on which at least a portion of the component forms an aerosol channel. This eliminates the assembly step or gluing step required in the case of molding individual bodies, and since there are no fitting parts or glued parts, the component can be easily manipulated and not easily broken when the consumer holds it in his hand during use, although it is a small component made of polymer material. However, the designs have limitations regarding the shape of the recess and the aerosol channel such that each of the two components can be injection molded as one piece.

[0086] The third embodiment is generally a cartridge configured in accordance with the first embodiment or the second embodiment and comprising a space configured to receive an aerosol source, wherein at least a portion of the space is defined by at least one from the first component and the second component.

[0087] According to the third embodiment, since at least one of the first or second components defines a space configured to receive an aerosol source, residual material can be prevented from entering such space, and erroneous recognition of admixture can also be prevented foreign substance into the aerosol source. Moreover, as described above, the cartridge constructed according to the third embodiment with reference to the first embodiment and the second embodiment is made of a resin material. Creating a space configured to contain an aerosol source and confining at least a portion of the space to at least one of the first component and the second component described above can be achieved by injection molding each component as a whole so as to obtain a portion which forms part of the recess mentioned above, or to provide a portion on which at least a portion of the component forms an aerosol channel, and thus to provide a portion that defines a space configured to receive an aerosol source. Thus, the effects described in relation to the second embodiment can also be obtained.

[0088] The fourth embodiment is generally a cartridge configured in accordance with any of the first to third embodiments, in which at least a portion of the heating element is housed in at least one of the first component and the second component.

[0089] According to the fourth embodiment, since at least one of the first component and the second component contains at least a portion of a heating element, it is possible to prevent residual material from falling onto such a heating element. Moreover, the cartridge constructed according to the fourth embodiment can be easily used during consumer use since assembly with the heating element is not required.

[0090] The fifth embodiment is generally a cartridge configured in accordance with any of the first to fourth embodiments, wherein the first component includes a flat plate, the connecting part is a rib having an annular shape and located on a flat surface of the flat plate , and the recess is a groove running along the edge.

[0091] According to the fifth embodiment, the annular rib is attached or welded to the annular groove. Accordingly, it is possible to prevent residual material from entering the annular attached or welded portion. In addition, when the annular rib is attached or welded to the annular groove, an enclosed space may be formed between the first component, the second component, and the connecting portion, which space may, for example, be a space for housing an aerosol source.

[0092] The sixth embodiment is generally a cartridge configured in accordance with any of the first to fifth embodiments, wherein the first component has a front surface facing the second component, the coupling portion comprises a first coupling portion and a second coupling portion, wherein one end of each of the first connecting part and the second connecting part is connected to the first component, and the other end is attached or welded to the second component, wherein each of the first connecting part and the second connecting part has a ring shape when viewed along a direction in wherein a first coupling portion and a second coupling portion extend between the first component and the second component, the second coupling portion is located further inwardly from the first coupling portion as viewed along the direction in which the second coupling portion extends between the first component and the second component, and the recess contains the first a recess to which the other end of the first connecting part is attached or welded, and a second recess to which the other end of the second connecting part is attached or welded.

[0093] According to the sixth embodiment, the annular first connecting part and the annular second connecting part are attached or welded to the first recess and the second recess, respectively. Accordingly, it is possible to prevent residual material from entering the annular attached or welded portion. In addition, when the annular first connecting part and the annular second connecting part are attached or welded to the first recess and to the second recess, an annular enclosed space and a separate space within such space can be formed by the first component, the second component, the first connecting part and the second connecting part. . Accordingly, the enclosed space can be made into a space for housing, for example, an aerosol source, and the separate space can be made into an aerosol channel. Further, as used herein, “face surfaces” of the first component and the second component refer to surfaces that face directly each other in the direction in which the connecting portion extends between the first component and the second component, wherein between the face surface of the first component and the face surface of the second component there are no elements other than the connecting part. The "facing surfaces" of the first component and the second component may also be said to be surfaces angled relative to the direction in which the connecting portion extends between the first component and the second component.

[0094] The seventh embodiment is generally a cartridge configured in accordance with the sixth embodiment, in which the first connecting part and the second connecting part are arranged in a substantially concentric manner in a section perpendicular to the first direction.

[0095] According to the seventh embodiment, a separate space may be formed at the center of the annular enclosed space in the first component and in the second component. Accordingly, the space in the center can be made into an aerosol channel.

[0096] The eighth embodiment is generally a cartridge configured according to any of the first to seventh embodiments, in which the recess has a bottom and the other end of the connecting portion is attached or welded to the bottom of the recess.

[0097] According to the eighth embodiment, since the other end of the connecting part is attached or welded to the bottom of the recess, molten material (residual material) from the connecting part can accumulate on the bottom, and the residual material can be effectively placed in the recess.

[0098] The ninth embodiment is generally a cartridge configured in accordance with the eighth embodiment, in which the recess has a side wall that has a tapered surface, thereby reducing the width of the recess towards the bottom.

[0099] According to the ninth embodiment, said other end of the connecting part is guided along the tapered surface while connecting or welding said other end of the connecting part to the recess, and thus, said other end of the connecting part can be easily attached or welded to the bottom of the recess .

[0100] The tenth embodiment is generally a cartridge configured according to any of the first to ninth embodiments, in which the recess portion of the second component is filled with a portion of the connecting portion.

[0101] According to the tenth embodiment, part of the recess is filled with the connecting part, or in other words, the recess is not completely filled with the connecting part, and thus the recess can contain all the molten material (residual material) from the connecting part, whereby it is possible prevent residual material from bulging out of the recess.

[0102] According to the eleventh embodiment, a method for manufacturing a cartridge according to any of the first to tenth embodiments is provided. In the cartridge manufacturing method, the first component is a cap member and the second component is a cylindrical member. A method of manufacturing a cartridge includes attaching a heating assembly containing a heating element to one end of a cylindrical element and closing an opening at that end of the cylindrical element, filling the interior of the cylindrical element to which the heating assembly is attached with an aerosol source, and attaching or welding a connecting portion to the other end a cylindrical element filled with an aerosol source.

[0103] When the aerosol source is placed in a cylindrical element that does not have a heating unit attached to the bottom, it is necessary to complete the assembly of the heating unit to prevent the aerosol source from leaking from the cylindrical element. On the contrary, according to the eleventh embodiment, the heating unit can be assembled with the cylindrical element before filling with the aerosol source is performed, and thus, for example, the cylindrical element to which the heating unit is attached can be manufactured in advance as one whole and then transported, while filling with the aerosol source and attaching or welding the cap can be done at a different location.

[0104] The twelfth embodiment is generally a method carried out in accordance with the eleventh embodiment, which includes ultrasonic welding a cap connecting portion to said other end of the cylindrical member.

[0105] According to the thirteenth embodiment, a method for manufacturing a cartridge according to any of the first to tenth embodiments is provided. A method for manufacturing a cartridge includes attaching or welding a connecting portion of a first component to a second component and filling a recess portion of the second component with a portion of the connecting portion.

[0106] According to the thirteenth embodiment, part of the recess is filled with the connecting part, or in other words, the recess is not completely filled with the connecting part, and thus the recess can contain all the molten material (residual material) from the connecting part, and it can be prevented protrusion of residual material from the recess.

[0107] According to a fourteenth embodiment, a cartridge is provided including a heating element for heating an aerosol source. The cartridge contains a first component and a second component, at least one of which is made of a polymeric material, and a connecting part, one end of which is connected to the first component, and the other end is attached or welded to the second component. The second component has a front surface facing the first component and an outermost edge of the front surface. Said other end of the connecting portion is attached or welded to the face of the second component at a position away from the outermost edge.

[0108] According to the fourteenth embodiment, since the connecting portion is at a position away from the outermost edge of the face surface of the second component, molten material (residual material) from the connecting portion can be prevented from reaching the outermost edge of the facing surface of the second component. Further, as used herein, “face surfaces” of the first component and the second component refer to surfaces that face directly each other in the direction in which the connecting portion extends between the first component and the second component, wherein between the face surface of the first component and the face surface the second component lacks any elements other than the connecting part. The "facing surfaces" of the first component and the second component may also be said to be surfaces angled relative to the direction in which the connecting portion extends between the first component and the second component.

[0109] The fifteenth embodiment is generally a cartridge configured in accordance with the fourteenth embodiment, comprising an aerosol channel through which an aerosol generated by evaporation of an aerosol source passes, wherein at least a portion of the aerosol channel is defined by at least one from the first component and the second component.

[0110] According to the fifteenth embodiment, since the aerosol channel is limited by at least one of the first component and the second component, residual material can be prevented from entering such aerosol channel, and condensation of the aerosol on the residual material can also be prevented. Moreover, as described above, the cartridge constructed according to the fifteenth embodiment is made of a resin material. As described above, restricting the aerosol channel to at least a portion of the first component and the second component can be achieved by injection molding each component as one piece so that a portion is obtained that forms part of the recess mentioned above, and so that a portion is obtained that at which at least a portion of the component forms an aerosol channel. This eliminates the assembly step or gluing step required when molding individual bodies, and since there are no fitting parts or glued parts, the component can be easily manipulated without being easily broken when held in the user's hand during use, although that it is a small component made of a polymer material. However, the designs have limitations regarding the shape of the recess and the aerosol channel such that each of the two components can be injection molded as one piece.

[0111] The sixteenth embodiment is generally a cartridge configured in accordance with the fourteenth or fifteenth embodiment, comprising a space configured to receive an aerosol source, wherein at least a portion of the space is defined by at least one component of the first component and second component.

[0112] According to the sixteenth embodiment, since at least one of the first and second components defines a space configured to receive an aerosol source, residual material can be prevented from entering such space, and erroneous recognition of the admixture of a foreign substance can also be prevented into the aerosol source. Moreover, as described above, the cartridge configured according to the sixteenth embodiment with reference to the fourteenth embodiment and fifteenth embodiments is made of a resin material. Creating a space that is capable of containing an aerosol source, and confining at least a portion of that space to at least one of the first component and the second component described above, can be achieved by injection molding each of the components as a single unit so that there is a portion is provided that forms a portion of the recess mentioned above, or a portion is provided on which at least a portion of the component forms an aerosol channel, and so that a portion is provided that defines a space configured to receive an aerosol source. Thus, the effects described in relation to the fifteenth embodiment can also be obtained.

[0113] The seventeenth embodiment is generally a cartridge configured in accordance with any of the fourteenth to sixteenth embodiments, in which at least a portion of the heating element is housed in at least one of the first component and the second component.

[0114] According to the seventeenth embodiment, since at least one of the first component and the second component contains at least a portion of a heating element, residual material can be prevented from falling onto such a heating element. Moreover, the cartridge according to the seventeenth embodiment can be easily used during consumer use since it is not required to be assembled with a heating element.

[0115] The eighteenth embodiment is generally a cartridge configured in accordance with any of the fourteenth through seventeenth embodiments, wherein the second component has a first opening formed on the front surface and an edge of the first opening that defines at least a portion the first hole, and said other end of the connecting part is attached or welded to the end surface of the second component at a position remote from the edge of the first hole.

[0116] According to the eighteenth embodiment, residual material can be prevented from entering the first hole.

[0117] The nineteenth embodiment is generally a cartridge configured in accordance with the eighteenth embodiment, in which the first hole has an annular shape, when viewed along the direction in which the connecting part extends between the first component and the second component, the edge of the first hole includes an outer edge and an inner edge that define a first opening, the connecting part comprising a first connecting part and a second connecting part, each of the first connecting part and the second connecting part having one end connected to the first component and the other end attached or welded to the second component, and has an annular shape when viewed along the direction in which the first connecting portion and the second connecting portion extend between the first component and the second component, wherein the second connecting portion is located further inward from the first connecting portion when viewed along the direction in which the second a connecting portion extends between the first component and a second component, wherein said other end of the first connecting portion is attached or welded to the second component at a position away from the outer edge of the opening, and said other end of the second connecting portion is attached or welded to the second component at a position away from inner edge of the hole.

[0118] According to the nineteenth embodiment, it is possible to prevent molten materials (residual materials) from the first connecting part and the second connecting part from entering the first hole.

[0119] The twentieth embodiment is generally a cartridge configured in accordance with the nineteenth embodiment, wherein the second component has a second opening that is disposed inwardly from the first opening when viewed along the direction in which the second connecting portion extends between the first component and the second component, and an edge of the second hole that defines at least a portion of the second hole, wherein said other end of the second connecting portion is attached or welded to the second component at a position remote from the edge of the second hole.

[0120] According to the twentieth embodiment, it is possible to prevent molten material (residual material) from the second connecting part from entering the second hole.

[0121] The twenty-first embodiment is generally a cartridge configured in accordance with any of the fourteenth to twentieth embodiments, wherein the first component has an extension portion that extends in a direction perpendicular to the direction of extension of the connecting portion from said one end connecting portion to the outermost edge of the second component.

[0122] According to the twenty-first embodiment, since the first component has an extension portion, it is possible to prevent residual material from leaking out from the gap between the first component and the second component.

[0123] According to the twenty-second embodiment, a method for manufacturing a cartridge according to any of the fourteenth to twenty-first embodiments is provided. In the cartridge manufacturing method, the first component is a cap member and the second component is a cylindrical member. A method of manufacturing a cartridge includes attaching a heating assembly containing a heating element to one end of a cylindrical element, and closing an opening at that end of the cylindrical element, filling the interior of the cylindrical element to which the heating assembly is attached with an aerosol source, and attaching or welding the connecting portion to another the end of a cylindrical element filled with an aerosol source.

[0124] When the aerosol source is placed in a cylindrical element that does not have a heating unit attached to the bottom, it is necessary to complete the assembly of the heating unit to prevent the aerosol source from leaking from the cylindrical element. On the contrary, according to the twenty-second embodiment, the heating assembly can be assembled with the cylindrical element before filling with the aerosol source is performed, and thus, for example, the cylindrical element to which the heating assembly is attached can be manufactured in advance as one whole and then transported, whereby filling of the aerosol source and attachment or welding of the cap can be done elsewhere.

[0125] The twenty-third embodiment is generally a manufacturing method according to the twenty-second embodiment, including ultrasonic welding a cap connecting portion to said other end of the cylindrical member.

[0126] According to a twenty-fourth embodiment, there is provided a cartridge that is installed in a portion of a steam generator that includes a heating element for heating the aerosol source. The cartridge contains a first component and a second component, at least one of which is made of a polymeric material, and a connecting part, one end of which is connected to the first component, and the other end is attached or welded to the second component. The first component has a first front surface facing the second component and a first outermost edge of the first front surface. The second component has a second front surface facing the first component and a second outermost edge of the second front surface. The first outermost edge and the second component are not attached or welded to each other, and the second outermost edge and the first component are not attached or welded to each other.

[0127] When the first outermost edge or the second outermost edge is attached or welded to a component, molten material (residual material) of these parts flows to the outside of the components. According to the twenty-fourth embodiment, the first outermost edge of the first component and the second outermost edge of the second component are not attached or welded to any part, and thus the first outermost edge and the second outermost edge are not melted when This can prevent residual materials from them from leaking to the outside of the components. Further, as used herein, the “first face surface” of the first component and the “second face surface” of the second component are surfaces of the first component and the second component that directly face each other in the direction in which the connecting portion extends between the first component and the second component . There are no elements other than a connecting portion between the front surface of the first component and the front surface of the second component. The "facing surfaces" of the first component and the second component may also be said to be surfaces angled relative to the direction in which the connecting portion extends between the first component and the second component.

[0128] The twenty-fifth embodiment is generally a cartridge configured in accordance with the twenty-fourth embodiment, comprising an aerosol channel through which an aerosol generated by evaporation of an aerosol source passes, wherein at least a portion of the aerosol channel is limited by at least one of a first component and a second component.

[0129] According to the twenty-fifth embodiment, since the aerosol channel is limited by at least one of the first component and the second component, residual material can be prevented from entering such aerosol channel, and condensation of the aerosol on the residual material can also be prevented. Moreover, as described above, the cartridge constructed according to the twenty-fifth embodiment is made of a resin material. As described above, restricting the aerosol channel to at least a portion of the first component and the second component can be achieved by injection molding each of the components as a whole so that a portion is obtained that defines the recess mentioned above, and so that a portion is obtained that at which at least a portion of the component forms an aerosol channel. This eliminates the assembly step or gluing step required in the case of molding individual bodies, and since there are no fitting parts or glued parts, the component can be easily manipulated and not easily broken when the consumer holds it in his hand during use, although it is a small component made of polymer material. However, the designs have limitations regarding the shape of the recess and the aerosol channel such that each of the two components can be injection molded in one piece.

[0130] The twenty-sixth embodiment is generally a cartridge configured in accordance with the twenty-fourth or twenty-fifth embodiment, having a space configured to receive an aerosol source, wherein at least a portion of the space is defined by at least one of the first component and the second component.

[0131] According to the twenty-sixth embodiment, since at least one of the first component and the second component defines a space configured to receive an aerosol source, it is possible to prevent residual material from entering such space, and it is possible to prevent erroneous recognition of the admixture of a foreign substance into aerosol source. In addition, as described above, the cartridge constructed in accordance with the twenty-sixth embodiment with reference to the twenty-fourth embodiment and the twenty-fifth embodiment is made of a resin material. Creating a space that is configured to contain an aerosol source, and confining at least a portion of the space by at least one of the first component and the second component described above, can be achieved by injection molding each of the components as one piece such that so that a part is provided which forms a part of the recess mentioned above, or so that a part is obtained on which at least a part of the component forms an aerosol channel, and so that a part is obtained which defines a space configured to receive an aerosol source. Thus, the effects described in relation to the twenty-fifth embodiment can also be obtained.

[0132] The twenty-seventh embodiment is generally a cartridge configured in accordance with any of embodiments twenty-four through twenty-six, in which at least a portion of the heating element is housed in at least one of the first or second components.

[0133] According to the twenty-seventh embodiment, since at least one of the first component and the second component contains at least a portion of a heating element, residual material can be prevented from falling onto such a heating element. In addition, the cartridge constructed according to the twenty-seventh embodiment can be easily used during consumer use since assembly with a heating element is not required.

[0134] The twenty-eighth embodiment is generally a cartridge configured in accordance with any of the twenty-fourth to twenty-seventh embodiments, wherein the first outermost edge and the second outermost edge are not attached or welded to each other.

[0135] When the first outermost edge of the first component and the second outermost edge of the second component are attached or welded to each other, residual material comes from the first outermost edge and the second outermost edge. On the contrary, according to the twenty-eighth embodiment, since the first outermost edge and the second outermost edge are not attached or welded to each other, residual material can be prevented from entering from the first outermost edge and the second outermost edge.

[0136] The twenty-ninth embodiment is generally a cartridge configured in accordance with the twenty-eighth embodiment having a gap between the first outermost edge and the second outermost edge.

[0137] According to the twenty-ninth embodiment, due to the presence of a gap in which residual material generated between the first component and the second component can be retained, residual material generated in the connecting part that is attached or welded can be better prevented from leaking out to the second component.

[0138] The thirtieth embodiment is generally a cartridge configured in accordance with any of embodiments twenty-four through twenty-nine, wherein the second component has a first opening formed in the second face surface and an edge of the first opening that defines at least a portion of the first hole, wherein the edge of the first hole is not attached or welded to the first component.

[0139] According to the thirtieth embodiment, since the edge of the first hole is not attached or welded to the first component, residual material is not generated from the edge of the first hole, and residual material can be prevented from entering the first hole.

[0140] The thirty-first embodiment is generally a cartridge configured in accordance with the thirtieth embodiment, in which the first hole has an annular shape when viewed along the direction in which the connecting part extends between the first component and the second component, and the edge of the first the hole includes an outer edge and an inner edge that define the first hole, wherein the outer edge of the hole and the inner edge of the hole are not attached or welded to the first component.

[0141] According to the thirty-first embodiment, since the outer edge of the hole and the inner edge of the hole are not attached or welded to the first component, residual material from the outer edge of the hole and the inner edge of the hole can be prevented from entering the first hole.

[0142] The thirty-second embodiment is generally a cartridge configured in accordance with the thirty-first embodiment, wherein the second component has a second hole that is formed in the second face surface and is located further inward from the first hole when viewed along a direction wherein a connecting portion extends between the first component and the second component, and an edge of a second opening that defines at least a portion of the second opening, wherein the edge of the second opening is not attached or welded to the first component.

[0143] According to the thirty-second embodiment, since the edge of the second hole is not attached or welded to the first component, residual material is not generated from the edge of the second hole, and the residual material can be prevented from entering the second hole.

[0144] The thirty-third embodiment is generally a cartridge configured in accordance with any of embodiments twenty-four through thirty-two, wherein the first face of the first component and the second face of the second component are not joined or welded together.

[0145] According to the thirty-third embodiment, since the first face surface of the first component and the second face surface of the second component are not attached or welded to each other, residual material can be prevented from being generated from the first face surface and the second face surface, and as a result residual material can be prevented from leaking out.

[0146] According to the thirty-fourth embodiment, a method for manufacturing a cartridge according to any one of the twenty-fourth to thirty-third embodiments is provided. In the cartridge manufacturing method, the first component is a cap and the second component is a cylindrical member. A method of manufacturing a cartridge includes attaching a heating assembly containing a heating element to one end of a cylindrical element and closing an opening at that end of the cylindrical element, filling the interior of the cylindrical element to which the heating assembly is attached with an aerosol source, and attaching or welding a connecting portion to the other end a cylindrical element filled with an aerosol source.

[0147] When the aerosol source is placed in a cylindrical element that does not have a heating unit attached to the bottom, it is necessary to complete the assembly of the heating unit to prevent the aerosol source from leaking from the cylindrical element. On the contrary, according to the thirty-fourth embodiment, the heating unit can be assembled with the cylindrical element before filling with the aerosol source is performed, and thus, for example, the cylindrical element to which the heating unit is attached can be manufactured in advance as one piece and then transported, but filling with the aerosol source and attaching or welding the cap can be done elsewhere.

[0148] The thirty-fifth embodiment is generally a method for manufacturing a cartridge according to the thirty-third embodiment, comprising ultrasonically welding a cap connecting portion to said other end of the cylindrical member.

[0149] According to the thirty-sixth embodiment, a method for manufacturing a cartridge according to any of the twenty-fourth to thirty-third embodiments is provided. A method of manufacturing a cartridge includes attaching or welding said other end of a connecting portion to a second component such that a first face of the first component and a second face of the second component are not attached or welded to each other.

[0150] According to the thirty-sixth embodiment, since the first face surface of the first component and the second face surface of the second component are not attached or welded to each other, residual material can be prevented from being generated from the first face surface and the second face surface, and as a result residual material can be prevented from leaking out.

[0151] According to the thirty-seventh embodiment, there is provided a cartridge mounted in a steam generator portion that includes a heating element for heating an aerosol source. The cartridge includes a first component and a second component, at least one of which is made of a polymeric material, and a connecting portion that extends between the first component and the second component, with one end connected to the first component and the other end connected to the second component, and a guide portion that extends from the first component and is not attached or welded to the second component. The second component contains a receiving part with which the guide part mates.

[0152] According to the thirty-seventh embodiment, the first component includes a guide portion and the second component includes a receiving portion, and thus, when connecting the first component and the second component through the connecting portion, the first component can be positioned relative to the second component by mating the guide parts in the receiving area. In addition, since the guide portion is not attached or welded to the second component, the generation of residual material from the guide portion can be prevented. In addition, the term "mate" in the present description refers not only to the case where the guide part and the receiving part are installed in each other without a gap, but also to the case where the guide part is installed in the receiving part with a gap provided between them, and the gap designed such that the position of the connecting part relative to the second component can be directed within an acceptable range. That is, “to mate” as used herein can also mean “to fit loosely.”

[0153] The thirty-eighth embodiment is generally a cartridge configured in accordance with the thirty-seventh embodiment, comprising an aerosol channel through which an aerosol generated by evaporation of an aerosol source passes, wherein at least a portion of the aerosol channel is defined by at least one from the first component and the second component.

[0154] According to the thirty-eighth embodiment, at least one of the first component and the second component defines the aerosol channel, and thus, during the connection of the first component and the second component by the connecting part, the positioning of the connecting part and the first component relative to the second component can be performed at the level of the component delimiting such an aerosol channel, by installing a guide part in the receiving part. In addition, the formation of residual material from the guide portion in the aerosol channel delimiting component can be prevented. Moreover, as described above, the cartridge constructed according to the thirty-eighth embodiment is made of a resin material. Confining, as described above, the aerosol channel to at least a portion of the first component and the second component can be achieved by injection molding each of the components as a unit so as to provide a portion on which at least a portion of the component defines an aerosol channel. This eliminates the assembly step or gluing step required in the case of molding individual bodies, and since there are no fitting parts or glued parts, the component can be easily manipulated and not easily broken when the consumer holds it in his hand during use, although it is a small component made of polymer material. However, the design has limitations regarding the shape of the aerosol channel such that each of the two components can be injection molded as one piece.

[0155] The thirty-ninth embodiment is generally a cartridge configured in accordance with the thirty-seventh or thirty-eighth embodiments, comprising a space configured to receive an aerosol source, wherein at least a portion of the space is defined by at least one of the first component and the second component.

[0156] According to the thirty-ninth embodiment, at least one component of the first component and the second component defines a space configured to receive an aerosol source, and thus, while connecting the first component and the second component with the connecting part, positioning the connecting part part and the first component relative to the second component can be performed on the component delimiting such space by mating the guide part in the receiving part. In addition, the formation of residual material from the guide portion in the component delimiting said space can be prevented. Further, as described above, the cartridge constructed according to the thirty-ninth embodiment with reference to the thirty-seventh and thirty-eighth embodiments is made of a resin material. Creating a space that is configured to contain an aerosol source, and demarcating at least a portion of the space by at least one component of the first component and the second component described above, can be achieved by injection molding each of the components as a single unit such that to provide a portion on which at least a portion of the component defines an aerosol channel, and to provide a portion that defines a space configured to receive an aerosol source. In this way, the effects described with respect to the thirty-eighth embodiment can also be obtained.

[0157] Embodiment forty is generally a cartridge configured in accordance with any of embodiments thirty-seven to thirty-nine, in which at least a portion of the heating element is housed in at least one of the first component and the second component.

[0158] According to the fortieth embodiment, at least one component of the first component and the second component contains at least a portion of the heating element, and thus, while connecting the first component and the second component using the connecting part, positioning the connecting part and the first component relative to the second component may be formed on the component housing such a heating element by mating the guide portion in the receiving portion. In addition, residual material from the guide portion can be prevented from forming on the component housing the heating element. In addition, the cartridge configured according to the fortieth embodiment can be easily used during consumer use since no assembly with a heating element is required.

[0159] The forty-first embodiment is generally a cartridge configured in accordance with any of the thirty-seventh to fortieth embodiments, wherein the guide portion is arranged to overlap said other end of the connecting portion when viewed along a direction perpendicular to the direction in which the connecting portion extends between the first component and the second component.

[0160] According to the forty-first embodiment, since the guide portion is positioned so as to cover said other end of the coupling portion at the side, residual material that is generated when the coupling portion is connected or welded to the second component is covered by the guide section and is prevented from entering anywhere.

[0161] The forty-second embodiment is generally a cartridge configured in accordance with any of embodiments thirty-seven through forty-one, wherein the second component has a front surface facing the first component, a first hole formed in the front surface, and an edge of the first opening that defines at least a portion of the first opening, the receiving portion being the first opening.

[0162] According to the forty-second embodiment, the connecting part and the first component can be positioned relative to the second component by mating the guide part in the first hole. At this time, since the guide portion is mated in the first hole, it prevents residual material generated in the connecting portion from entering the first hole. In other words, the guide portion can prevent residual material from entering the first hole. Moreover, as used herein, “facing surfaces” of the first component and the second component refer to surfaces that face directly toward each other in the direction in which the connecting portion extends between the first component and the second component. In this case, between the front surface of the first component and the front surface of the second component there are no elements other than the connecting part. The "facing surfaces" of the first component and the second component may also be said to be surfaces angled relative to the direction in which the connecting portion extends between the first component and the second component.

[0163] The forty-third embodiment is generally a cartridge configured in accordance with the forty-second embodiment, in which the first hole has an annular shape when viewed along the direction in which the connecting portion extends between the first component and the second component, the edge the first hole includes an outer edge and an inner edge that define the first hole, the guide portion being aligned with the outer edge of the hole or the inner edge of the hole, the guide portion having an annular shape when viewed along the direction in which the connecting portion extends between the first component and second component.

[0164] According to the forty-third embodiment, a guide portion having an annular shape is aligned with an outer edge or an inner edge of the first hole, and thus the connecting portion and the first component can be positioned relative to the second component. At this time, since the guide portion is aligned with the outer edge of the hole or the inner edge of the hole, residual material that is generated from the connecting portion can be prevented from entering the first hole by the guide portion. In other words, the guide portion can prevent residual material from entering the first hole.

[0165] According to the forty-fourth embodiment, a method for manufacturing a cartridge according to any of the thirty-seventh to forty-third embodiments is provided. In the cartridge manufacturing method, the first component is a cap and the second component is a cylindrical member. A method of manufacturing a cartridge includes attaching a heating assembly containing a heating element to one end of a cylindrical element, and closing an opening at that end of the cylindrical element, filling the interior of the cylindrical element to which the heating assembly is attached with an aerosol source, and attaching or welding the connecting portion to another the end of a cylindrical element filled with an aerosol source.

[0166] When the aerosol source is placed in a cylindrical element that does not have a heating assembly attached to the bottom, it is necessary to complete the assembly of the heating assembly to prevent the aerosol source from leaking from the cylindrical element. On the contrary, according to the forty-fourth embodiment, the heating unit can be assembled with the cylindrical element before filling with the aerosol source is performed, and thus, for example, the cylindrical element to which the heating unit is attached can be manufactured in advance as one piece and then transported, but filling with the aerosol source and attaching or welding the cap can be done elsewhere.

[0167] The forty-fifth embodiment is generally a method for manufacturing a cartridge according to the forty-fourth embodiment, comprising ultrasonically welding a cap connecting portion to said other end of the cylindrical member.

[0168] According to the forty-sixth embodiment, a method for manufacturing a cartridge according to any of the thirty-seventh to forty-third embodiments is provided. A method for manufacturing a cartridge includes mating a guide portion in a receiving portion and positioning a first component and a second component relative to each other, and attaching or welding said other end of the connecting portion to the second component.

[0169] According to the forty-sixth embodiment, when attaching or welding a connecting portion that is connected to the first component to a second component, the connecting portion and the first component can be positioned relative to the second component by mating the guide portion in the receiving portion.

[0170] The forty-seventh embodiment is generally a method for manufacturing a cartridge according to the forty-sixth embodiment, in which the guide portion extends parallel to the connecting portion and in the direction in which the connecting portion extends to a greater length than the connecting portion extends to how it will be attached or welded to the second component, wherein the manufacturing method includes mating the guide portion into the receiving portion and positioning the first component and the second component relative to each other before the connecting portion is attached or welded to the second component.

[0171] According to the forty-seventh embodiment, since the guide portion is longer than the connecting portion that is not yet attached or welded to the second component, the first component and the second component can be positioned relative to each other before the connecting portion connected to the first component is attached or welded to the second component.

[0172] According to the forty-eighth embodiment, there is provided a steam generator comprising a cartridge configured in accordance with any of the first to forty-seven embodiments.

LIST OF SYMBOLS

[0173]

30: cartridge

33b: heating wire

38: heating unit

50: reservoir

51: hole

52: circumferential wall

52a: gap

60: tank main body

60a: first end part

60b: second end part

61a: aerosol channel

65: front surface

65a: outermost edge

66: first hole

66a: inner edge of hole

66b: outer edge of hole

67: second hole

67a: edge of the second hole

68: first recess

68a: bottom

68b: tapered surface

69: second recess

69a: bottom

69b: tapered surface

80: cover

80a: flat plate

80b: hole

80c: outermost edge

80d: front surface

80s: hole edge

82: extension part

90: first connecting part

92: second connecting part

95: guide part

100: steam generator

L1: aerosol source

Claims (23)

1. A cartridge mounted in a part of a steam generator that contains a heating element for heating an aerosol source, the cartridge comprising: a first component and a second component, at least one of which is made of a polymeric material, and a connecting part, one end of which is attached to the first component and the other end is welded to the second component, wherein the first component has a first face surface that faces the second component, and a first outermost edge of the first face surface, and the second component has a second front surface that faces the first component, and a second outermost edge of the second front surface, wherein the first outermost edge and the second component are not welded to each other, and the second outermost edge and the first component are not welded to each other. 2. The cartridge of claim 1, comprising an aerosol channel through which passes an aerosol generated by evaporation of the aerosol source, wherein at least a portion of the aerosol channel is limited by at least one of the first component and the second component. 3. The cartridge of claim 1, having a space configured to receive an aerosol source, wherein at least a portion of said space is defined by at least one of a first component and a second component. 4. The cartridge of claim 1, wherein at least a portion of the heating element is housed in at least one of the first component and the second component. 5. The cartridge of claim 1, wherein the first outermost edge and the second outermost edge are not welded to each other. 6. The cartridge of claim 5, wherein there is a gap between the first outermost edge and the second outermost edge. 7. The cartridge of claim 1, wherein the second component has a first hole formed on the second face surface and an edge of the first hole that defines at least a portion of the first hole, wherein the edge of the first hole is not welded to the first component. 8. The cartridge of claim 7, wherein the first hole is annular in shape when viewed along a direction in which the connecting portion extends between the first component and the second component, wherein the edge of the first hole includes an outer edge and an inner edge that define the first hole, and The outer edge of the hole and the inner edge of the hole are not welded to the first component. 9. The cartridge of claim 8, wherein the second component has a second hole that is formed on the second face surface and is located further inward from the first hole when viewed along the direction in which the connecting portion extends between the first component and the second component, and an edge of the second an opening that defines at least a portion of the second opening, wherein the edge of the second opening is not welded to the first component. 10. The cartridge of claim 1, wherein the first face of the first component and the second face of the second component are not welded to each other. 11. A method for manufacturing a cartridge according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the first component is a cap and the second component is a cylindrical element, the manufacturing method comprising: attaching a heating assembly containing a heating element to one end of the cylindrical element and closing an opening at that end of the cylindrical element, filling the interior of the cylindrical element to which the heating unit is attached with an aerosol source, and welding the connecting part to the other end of a cylindrical element filled with an aerosol source. 12. The method according to claim 11, in which the connecting part of the lid is ultrasonically welded to said other end of the cylindrical element. 13. The method of manufacturing a cartridge according to any one of claims 1 to 10, which includes welding said other end of the connecting part to a second component such that the first face of the first component and the second face of the second component are not welded to each other.