US20210337866A1 - Aspirator cartridge - Google Patents
Aspirator cartridge Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20210337866A1 US20210337866A1 US17/375,818 US202117375818A US2021337866A1 US 20210337866 A1 US20210337866 A1 US 20210337866A1 US 202117375818 A US202117375818 A US 202117375818A US 2021337866 A1 US2021337866 A1 US 2021337866A1
- Authority
- US
- United States
- Prior art keywords
- heater
- electrode
- holding member
- air inlet
- cartridge
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Pending
Links
- 239000007788 liquid Substances 0.000 claims abstract description 125
- 239000000443 aerosol Substances 0.000 claims abstract description 82
- 239000000463 material Substances 0.000 description 14
- 239000000796 flavoring agent Substances 0.000 description 7
- 235000019634 flavors Nutrition 0.000 description 7
- 239000003571 electronic cigarette Substances 0.000 description 4
- SNICXCGAKADSCV-JTQLQIEISA-N (-)-Nicotine Chemical compound CN1CCC[C@H]1C1=CC=CN=C1 SNICXCGAKADSCV-JTQLQIEISA-N 0.000 description 3
- 229920000742 Cotton Polymers 0.000 description 3
- DNIAPMSPPWPWGF-UHFFFAOYSA-N Propylene glycol Chemical compound CC(O)CO DNIAPMSPPWPWGF-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 3
- 229960002715 nicotine Drugs 0.000 description 3
- SNICXCGAKADSCV-UHFFFAOYSA-N nicotine Natural products CN1CCCC1C1=CC=CN=C1 SNICXCGAKADSCV-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 3
- PEDCQBHIVMGVHV-UHFFFAOYSA-N Glycerine Chemical compound OCC(O)CO PEDCQBHIVMGVHV-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 2
- 238000009833 condensation Methods 0.000 description 2
- 230000005494 condensation Effects 0.000 description 2
- 230000000694 effects Effects 0.000 description 2
- 230000017525 heat dissipation Effects 0.000 description 2
- 230000020169 heat generation Effects 0.000 description 2
- 238000003466 welding Methods 0.000 description 2
- 241000208125 Nicotiana Species 0.000 description 1
- 235000002637 Nicotiana tabacum Nutrition 0.000 description 1
- 238000000889 atomisation Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000000470 constituent Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000001816 cooling Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000001514 detection method Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000001704 evaporation Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000008020 evaporation Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000003365 glass fiber Substances 0.000 description 1
- 235000011187 glycerol Nutrition 0.000 description 1
- 230000005764 inhibitory process Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000004519 manufacturing process Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000012986 modification Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000004048 modification Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000003825 pressing Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000003252 repetitive effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000011347 resin Substances 0.000 description 1
- 229920005989 resin Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 238000000926 separation method Methods 0.000 description 1
- 229920002379 silicone rubber Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 239000004945 silicone rubber Substances 0.000 description 1
Images
Classifications
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A24—TOBACCO; CIGARS; CIGARETTES; SIMULATED SMOKING DEVICES; SMOKERS' REQUISITES
- A24F—SMOKERS' REQUISITES; MATCH BOXES; SIMULATED SMOKING DEVICES
- A24F40/00—Electrically operated smoking devices; Component parts thereof; Manufacture thereof; Maintenance or testing thereof; Charging means specially adapted therefor
- A24F40/40—Constructional details, e.g. connection of cartridges and battery parts
- A24F40/42—Cartridges or containers for inhalable precursors
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A24—TOBACCO; CIGARS; CIGARETTES; SIMULATED SMOKING DEVICES; SMOKERS' REQUISITES
- A24F—SMOKERS' REQUISITES; MATCH BOXES; SIMULATED SMOKING DEVICES
- A24F40/00—Electrically operated smoking devices; Component parts thereof; Manufacture thereof; Maintenance or testing thereof; Charging means specially adapted therefor
- A24F40/40—Constructional details, e.g. connection of cartridges and battery parts
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A24—TOBACCO; CIGARS; CIGARETTES; SIMULATED SMOKING DEVICES; SMOKERS' REQUISITES
- A24F—SMOKERS' REQUISITES; MATCH BOXES; SIMULATED SMOKING DEVICES
- A24F40/00—Electrically operated smoking devices; Component parts thereof; Manufacture thereof; Maintenance or testing thereof; Charging means specially adapted therefor
- A24F40/40—Constructional details, e.g. connection of cartridges and battery parts
- A24F40/46—Shape or structure of electric heating means
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A24—TOBACCO; CIGARS; CIGARETTES; SIMULATED SMOKING DEVICES; SMOKERS' REQUISITES
- A24F—SMOKERS' REQUISITES; MATCH BOXES; SIMULATED SMOKING DEVICES
- A24F40/00—Electrically operated smoking devices; Component parts thereof; Manufacture thereof; Maintenance or testing thereof; Charging means specially adapted therefor
- A24F40/40—Constructional details, e.g. connection of cartridges and battery parts
- A24F40/48—Fluid transfer means, e.g. pumps
- A24F40/485—Valves; Apertures
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A24—TOBACCO; CIGARS; CIGARETTES; SIMULATED SMOKING DEVICES; SMOKERS' REQUISITES
- A24F—SMOKERS' REQUISITES; MATCH BOXES; SIMULATED SMOKING DEVICES
- A24F40/00—Electrically operated smoking devices; Component parts thereof; Manufacture thereof; Maintenance or testing thereof; Charging means specially adapted therefor
- A24F40/10—Devices using liquid inhalable precursors
Definitions
- FIG. 1 is an overall perspective view of an inhaler according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.
- FIG. 8D illustrates an example of an arrangement relationship between the first and second portions of the electrode and the air inlet port.
- the heater 32 may have a convex shape. At least a part of the second portion 31 A- 2 of the first electrode 30 A may be located on the proximal end side from the uppermost top of the convex shape of the heater 32 . In addition, at least a part of the second portion 31 B- 2 of the second electrode 30 B may be located on the proximal end side from the uppermost top of the convex shape of the heater 32 .
Abstract
An aspirator cartridge has a novel structure, and an aspirator. This aspirator cartridge has a proximal end, which is located on the side of an aspirator that is closer to the mouth of a user when the aspirator is used by the user, and a distal end located on the opposite side from the proximal end. The cartridge includes a tank main body and a cover member that demarcate a tank for accumulating a liquid and an aerosol flow path extending in a direction that connects the proximal end and the distal end, the tank main body and the cover member being fitted together; and a flexible cap member arranged between the tank main body and the cover member, the cap member having a hole that communicates with the aerosol flow path.
Description
- The present disclosure relates to a cartridge for an inhaler.
- Flavor inhalers for inhaling flavor without burning a material have been known. As such flavor inhalers, for example, electronic cigarettes are known. Such an electronic cigarette supplies aerosol generated by atomizing an aerosol-forming material containing a flavor such as nicotine to a mouth of a user, or causes aerosol generated by atomizing an aerosol-forming material that does not contain a flavor such as nicotine to pass through a flavor source (for example, a tobacco source) and then supplies the aerosol to the mouth of the user.
- Some electronic cigarettes include a tank or reservoir that accommodates a liquid for generating aerosol, and a heater that atomizes the liquid. Some such electronic cigarettes include an atomizer assembly in which a coiled heater is wound around a wick that is fluidly connected to a tank (for example, see PTL 1).
- PTL 1: U.S. Pat. No. 8,528,569
- An object of the present disclosure is to provide a cartridge for an inhaler having a novel structure, and the inhaler.
- According to a first embodiment of the present disclosure, there is provided a cartridge for an inhaler including a heater unit configured to atomize a liquid to generate aerosol, wherein the heater unit includes a liquid holding member that has a first surface, and a second surface facing the first surface, a heater that contacts the first surface of the liquid holding member, and a support member that supports the second surface of the liquid holding member and is softer than the liquid holding member.
- In one embodiment, the first surface of the liquid holding member has a convex shape. The support member has a first convex surface that supports the second surface of the liquid holding member.
- In one embodiment, the support member further has a second convex surface facing the first convex surface, a first side portion, and a second side portion facing the first side portion. A space is formed by the second convex surface, an inner surface of the first side portion, and an inner surface of the second side portion.
- In one embodiment, the cartridge further includes a base member that holds at least a part of the support member and is harder than the support member.
- In one embodiment, the base member has a base and holds the support member so that a space exists between the base and the support member.
- In one embodiment, the base member has at least two first protrusions, and the at least two first protrusions contact an apex of the second convex surface.
- In one embodiment, each of the at least two first protrusions also contacts the inner surface of the first side portion or the inner surface of the second side portion.
- In one embodiment, the heater and the at least two first protrusions are arranged not to overlap each other when the heater unit is viewed from the base member side.
- In one embodiment, the base member has at least two second protrusions, and the at least two second protrusions contact a portion below an apex of the second convex surface.
- In one embodiment, the heater is a linear heater.
- In one embodiment, the cartridge further includes a tank unit that is to be engaged with the heater unit. The tank unit is provided with a tank body that has a tank for storing the liquid, an aerosol flow path which is separated from the tank and through which the aerosol passes, and a chamber communicating with the aerosol flow path. A part of the liquid holding member and the heater are exposed to inside of the chamber, and another part of the liquid holding member is exposed to the inside of the tank.
- According to a second embodiment of the present disclosure, there is provided a cartridge for an inhaler including a heater unit configured to atomize a liquid to generate aerosol, the cartridge having a proximal end which is located close to a mouth of a user when the user is using an inhaler, and a distal end on an opposite side from the proximal end, wherein the heater unit includes a heater that has a first end part and a second end part, a first electrode to which the first end part is to be connected, and a second electrode to which the second end part is to be connected, wherein at least one electrode of the first electrode and the second electrode has a first portion to which one of the first end part and the second end part is to be connected, and a second portion extending from an end on the proximal end side of the first portion in a direction toward the proximal end.
- In one embodiment, the first electrode and the second electrode have substantially the same shape.
- In one embodiment, in a boundary between the first portion and the second portion, a width of the first portion is wider than the width of the second portion.
- In one embodiment, an end of the heater is connected to a portion which does not contact the second portion in an end on the proximal end side of the first portion.
- In one embodiment, the first portion and the second portion form an L shape.
- In one embodiment, the heater has a convex shape, and at least part of the second portion of each of the first electrode and the second electrode is located on the proximal end side from an uppermost top of the convex shape.
- In one embodiment, the heater is a linear heater.
- In one embodiment, the cartridge further includes a tank unit that is to be engaged with the heater unit. The tank unit is provided with a tank body that has a tank for storing the liquid, an aerosol flow path through which the aerosol passes, a chamber communicating with the aerosol flow path, and a first air inlet port and a second air inlet port that communicate with the chamber.
- In one embodiment, at least a part of at least one air inlet port of the first air inlet port and the second air inlet port is located on the distal end side from an uppermost top of the second portion of an electrode closest to the air inlet port.
- In one embodiment, at least a part of at least one air inlet port of the first air inlet port and the second air inlet port is located on the second portion side from an end of a portion which does not contact the second portion in an end on the proximal end side of the first portion of an electrode closest to the air inlet port.
- In one embodiment, at least one air inlet port of the first air inlet port and the second air inlet port has a substantially circle shape.
- In one embodiment, a center of the substantial circle of at least one air inlet port of the first air inlet port and the second air inlet port is located on the distal end side from an uppermost top of the second portion of an electrode closest to the air inlet port.
- In one embodiment, a center of the substantial circle of at least one air inlet port of the first air inlet port and the second air inlet port is located on the second portion side from an end of a portion which does not contact the second portion in an end on the proximal end side of the first portion of an electrode closest to the air inlet port.
- In one embodiment, when the first portion and the second portion of at least one electrode of the first electrode and the second electrode form an L shape, a predetermined percentage or more of an area of an air inlet port closest to the electrode out of the first air inlet port and the second air inlet port is located in a notch formed by the L-shape of the electrode.
- In one embodiment, at least one air inlet port of the first air inlet port and the second air inlet port and the first portion and second portion of an electrode closest to the air inlet port are arranged not to overlap each other.
- According to a third embodiment of the present disclosure, there is provided a cartridge for an inhaler, having a proximal end which is located close to a mouth of a user when the user is using an inhaler, and a distal end on an opposite side from the proximal end, the cartridge including a tank body and a cover member that are fitted with each other to define a tank for storing a liquid and an aerosol flow path extending in a direction connecting the proximal end and the distal end, and a flexible cap member that is arranged between the tank body and the cover member and has a hole communicating with the aerosol flow path.
- In one embodiment, the tank body includes an inner side wall forming the aerosol flow path. The tank is separated from the aerosol flow path by the cap member and the inner side wall.
- In one embodiment, the cap member includes a flat-plate portion having the hole, and a side wall portion extending from an edge of the flat-plate portion in a direction toward the distal end and surrounding an end on the proximal end side of the inner side wall.
- In one embodiment, a shape of the flat-plate portion includes a first side and a second side that are substantially parallel to each other, a third side that connects one end of the first side and one end of the second side, and a fourth side that connects the other end of the first side and the other end of the second side. A distance between the first side and the second side is shorter than a maximum distance between the third side and the fourth side.
- In one embodiment, the first side and the second side are substantially linear, and the third side and the fourth side are substantially arcuate.
- In one embodiment, a shape formed by inside of a side wall of the tank body when viewed from the proximal end side includes a fifth side that is substantially parallel to the first side, a sixth side that is substantially parallel to the second side, a seventh side that connects one end of the fifth side and one end of the sixth side, and an eighth side that connects the other end of the fifth side and the other end of the sixth side. A distance between the fifth side and the sixth side is shorter than a maximum distance between the seventh side and the eighth side.
- In one embodiment, the hole is a substantial circle.
- In one embodiment, the cartridge includes a tank unit including the tank body, the cover member, and the cap member, and a heater unit that is to be engaged with the tank unit and is configured to atomize the liquid to generate the aerosol.
-
FIG. 1 is an overall perspective view of an inhaler according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. -
FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of acartridge 20 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. -
FIG. 3A is a transparent view of the cartridge with a cover member and an electrode holding member removed, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. -
FIG. 3B is a perspective view of the cartridge illustrated inFIG. 3A in a position turned. -
FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the cartridge with the electrode and the heater removed, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. -
FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a heater unit with an electrode holding member removed, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. -
FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a support member according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. -
FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a heater unit with the support member and the liquid holding member removed, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. -
FIG. 8A illustrates an example of an arrangement relationship between first and second portions of the electrode and an air inlet port. -
FIG. 8B illustrates an example of an arrangement relationship between the first and second portions of the electrode and the air inlet port. -
FIG. 8C illustrates an example of an arrangement relationship between the first and second portions of the electrode and the air inlet port. -
FIG. 8D illustrates an example of an arrangement relationship between the first and second portions of the electrode and the air inlet port. -
FIG. 8E illustrates an example of an arrangement relationship between the first and second portions of the electrode and the air inlet port. -
FIG. 9 illustrates a cross-sectional view of a cap member when viewed from a proximal end, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. -
FIG. 10 illustrates an example of a shape formed by inside of a side wall of a tank body when viewed from the proximal end. -
FIG. 11 illustrates an example of an arrangement relationship between the tank body and the cap member when viewed from the proximal end, in the cartridge according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. - Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings. In the drawings, the same or equivalent constituent elements are designated with the same reference numerals, and a repetitive description will be omitted.
-
FIG. 1 is an overall perspective view of an inhaler according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As illustrated inFIG. 1 , aninhaler 10 includes a cartridge 20 (corresponding to an example of a cartridge for an inhaler), and abattery unit 12. Thecartridge 20 atomizes a liquid containing an aerosol-forming material such as glycerin or propylene glycol, and generates aerosol. The aerosol-forming material may contain, for example, a flavor source such as nicotine. Thebattery unit 12 supplies electric power to thecartridge 20. Thecartridge 20 is formed by engaging atank unit 16 with aheater unit 17. A cover member to be described later included in thetank unit 16 may have a function as a mouthpiece, or may be configured to guide the aerosol generated in theheater unit 17 to a mouth of a user. After theinhaler 10 is used over a predetermined period of time, thecartridge 20 can be changed. - As illustrated in
FIG. 1 , theinhaler 10 may be configured so that a chargingunit 18 can be coupled to an end of thebattery unit 12. The chargingunit 18 may be, for example, a USB charger. In this case, thebattery unit 12 can be connected to each USB port of various devices via the chargingunit 18, and a power source (not illustrated) in thebattery unit 12 can be charged by power supply from the USB port. - Hereinafter, the
cartridge 20 illustrated inFIG. 1 will be described in detail.FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of thecartridge 20 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. - The
cartridge 20 is formed by engaging thetank unit 16 with theheater unit 17. Thetank unit 16 may include acover member 14, atank body 34, and acap member 36. Thetank body 34 has a plurality of air inlet ports (hereinafter, collectively referred to as “air inlet ports 35”) including a firstair inlet port 35A for communicating with a chamber and an aerosol flow path to be described later. Theheater unit 17 may include abase member 22, asupport member 24, aliquid holding member 26, anelectrode holding member 28, anelectrode 30, and aheater 32. Theelectrode 30 may include a pair ofelectrodes - Here, the outline of steps of manufacturing the
cartridge 20 will be described. Firstly, in a first step, theelectrodes electrode holding member 28 are integrally formed. In a second step, theheater 32 is soldered between theelectrode 30A and theelectrode 30B. On the other hand, in a third step, thebase member 22, thesupport member 24, and theliquid holding member 26 are combined. Next, in a fourth step, a structure made up of thebase member 22, thesupport member 24 and theliquid holding member 26 is press-fitted to a structure made up of theelectrode holding member 28, theelectrodes heater 32, to thereby form theheater unit 17. Separately from the first to fourth steps, in a fifth step, thecap member 36 is press-fitted to thetank body 34. Next, in a sixth step, thetank body 34 to which thecap member 36 is press-fitted and thecover member 14 are engaged by welding. Next, in a seventh step, the liquid (containing the aerosol-forming material) is injected into a tank in thetank body 34, to thereby form thetank unit 16. Finally, in an eighth step, theheater unit 17 and thetank unit 16 are engaged by welding. -
FIG. 3A is a transparent view of thecartridge 20 with thecover member 14 and theelectrode holding member 28 removed according to the embodiment of the present disclosure.FIG. 3B is a perspective view of thecartridge 20 illustrated inFIG. 3A in a position turned about a direction connecting aproximal end 21 and adistal end 23 as an axis.FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of thecartridge 20 with theelectrode 30 and theheater 32 removed. - As illustrated in
FIGS. 3A, 3B, and 4 , thecartridge 20 has theproximal end 21 and thedistal end 23. Theproximal end 21 is an end which is located close to the mouth of the user when the user is using theinhaler 10. Thedistal end 23 is an end on the opposite side from theproximal end 21 or an end which is located close to thebattery unit 12 and is away from the mouth of the user when the user is using theinhaler 10. In the present embodiment, for convenience, a direction connecting theproximal end 21 and the distal end 23 (an up-down direction inFIG. 3A ) is referred to as a first direction, and a direction perpendicular to this direction is referred to as a second direction. The first direction can be also referred to as a longitudinal direction, and the second direction can be also referred to as a transverse direction. Note that inFIGS. 5, 7, 9, 10, and 11 to be described later, X, Y, and Z axes are shown. In these figures, the Z-axis direction coincides with the first direction, and the X-axis direction and the Y-axis direction coincide with the second direction. - The cartridge 20 (or the
tank body 34 included in the cartridge 20) includes anupper wall 38, aside wall 40 having a substantially cylindrical shape, and aninner side wall 42 having a substantially cylindrical shape that is located inside theside wall 40. A space is defined in a gap between theside wall 40 and theinner side wall 42. This space serves as atank 37 for storing the liquid containing the aerosol-forming material. A chamber-formingmember 44 separating thetank 37 and thechamber 46 is provided on thedistal end 23 side. An internal space of theinner side wall 42 forms anaerosol flow path 48 extending in the first direction. Thechamber 46 communicates with theaerosol flow path 48. Thecap member 36 is arranged on theproximal end 21 side. Thecap member 36 separates thetank 37 and theaerosol flow path 48. Thecap member 36 may also serve as a buffer for fitting thecover member 14 and thetank body 34 to form thetank unit 16. - The
tank body 34 may be configured to include thetank 37 for storing the liquid, theaerosol flow path 48 which is separated from thetank 37 and through which the aerosol passes, and thechamber 46 communicating with theaerosol flow path 48. - The
heater unit 17 is attached to thedistal end 23 side of thecartridge 20. Theheater unit 17 is not only configured to atomize the liquid to generate the aerosol, and but also has a function of a bottom wall that closes thedistal end 23 side of thecartridge 20. - An
aerosol discharge port 50 communicating with theaerosol flow path 48 via thecap member 36 is formed in a substantially center portion of theupper wall 38. Theheater 32 is exposed to the inside of thechamber 46 over the entire length thereof. The air having flowed into thechamber 46 through the air inlet ports 35 reaches the inside of the mouth of the user through theaerosol flow path 48 and theaerosol discharge port 50. The aerosol generated in thechamber 46 passes through theaerosol flow path 48 while being mixed with the air, and reaches the inside of the mouth of the user from theaerosol discharge port 50. In this way, the aerosol generated in the entire length of theheater 32 can be efficiently transported to theaerosol discharge port 50. In other words, the aerosol can be prevented from accumulating in thechamber 46, and the attachment of the aerosol to a wall surface of thechamber 46 can be reduced. -
FIG. 5 is a perspective view of theheater unit 17 with theelectrode holding member 28 removed. Theheater unit 17 is configured to atomize the liquid to generate the aerosol. Theheater unit 17 includes at least thesupport member 24, theliquid holding member 26, and theheater 32. Theliquid holding member 26 may be formed of any porous member configured to transport the liquid containing the aerosol-forming material from thetank 37 to theheater 32. Since theliquid holding member 26 is in close contact with theheater 32, it is preferable that theliquid holding member 26 is formed of a fibrous member having flexibility such as cotton or a glass fiber. By way of example, theliquid holding member 26 may be formed by stacking two or more sheets of cotton. Theliquid holding member 26 has afirst surface 27 and asecond surface 29 facing the first surface. Thefirst surface 27 may have a convex shape. In the illustrated example, thefirst surface 27 is a ridge-shapedsurface 27 protruding in the Z-axis direction. The convex shape of the ridge-shapedsurface 27 illustrated in the figure may have a single apex in the Z-axis direction (i.e., a direction toward the proximal end when incorporated into the cartridge 20). The apex forms a straight line extending in the X-axis direction when viewed from the Y-axis direction. However, the convex shape of thefirst surface 27 is not limited thereto, and may have various a plurality of apexes in the Z-axis direction. Thesecond surface 29 facing thefirst surface 27 is supported by thesupport member 24. The ridge-shapedsurface 27 extends along the X-axis direction perpendicular to the Z-axis direction. In addition, the pair ofelectrodes electrodes 30”) are arranged to be spaced from each other in the Y-axis direction perpendicular to both of the Z-axis direction which is a protruding direction of the ridge-shapedsurface 27 and the X-axis direction which is an extending direction of the ridge-shapedsurface 27. When thecartridge 20 is coupled to thebattery unit 12, theelectrodes 30 connect theheater 32 with a battery in thebattery unit 12. - A center portion in the Y-axis direction of the first surface 27 (here, the ridge-shaped surface 27) of the
liquid holding member 26 exists at a position different in the Z-axis direction from other portions in the Y-axis direction. Specifically, the center portion in the Y-axis direction of theliquid holding member 26 forms the apex of the ridge-shapedsurface 27. In addition, theliquid holding member 26 is formed by deforming a disc-shaped or flat-plate-shaped porous member into a ridge shape. In the flat-plate-shaped porous member, the surface (the ridge-shaped surface 27) to be contacted by theheater 32 has a pair of long sides and a pair of short sides. When this flat-plate-shaped porous member is formed into a ridge shape, theliquid holding member 26 is deformed into a substantially U shape when viewed from the X-axis direction, as illustrated inFIG. 5 . - The
heater 32 has an element which is connected to theelectrodes 30 to extend in a direction intersecting the protruding direction (Z-axis direction) of the ridge-shapedsurface 27, and is arranged to intersect the apex of the ridge-shapedsurface 27. Theheater 32 is configured so that at least a portion thereof contacts the ridge-shapedsurface 27 of theliquid holding member 26. Specifically, a predetermined-length portion of theheater 32 is arranged along the ridge-shapedsurface 27 of theliquid holding member 26. It is preferable that theheater 32 contacts the ridge-shapedsurface 27 of theliquid holding member 26 over substantially the entire length of theheater 32. In this case, the connection portion (for example, a welded portion) between eachelectrode 30 and theheater 32 may contact the ridge-shapedsurface 27 of theliquid holding member 26. This enables theheater 32 to contact the ridge-shapedsurface 27 over the entire length of theheater 32. In addition, a distance in the Y-axis direction between connection portions between theelectrodes 30 and theheater 32 is shorter than a length of theheater 32 between the connection portions. That is, theheater 32 is arranged to deflect between theelectrodes 30. - In one embodiment, a position of one end of the
heater 32 connected to thefirst electrode 30A and a position of the other end of theheater 32 connected to thesecond electrode 30B may be misaligned with each other in the X-axis direction. That is, theheater 32 may be formed to extend not parallel to the Y-axis direction but obliquely with respect to the Y-axis direction. - In the
cartridge 20 of the present embodiment, the ridge-shapedsurface 27 protrudes toward theaerosol discharge port 50 side. Thus, an evaporation direction of the aerosol when theheater 32 is energized coincides with an air flow when inhaling, whereby the frequency of contact between the generated aerosol and the wall surface forming the flow path can be reduced to reduce condensation of the aerosol on the wall surface of thechamber 46. - As illustrated in
FIG. 5 , it is preferable that theheater 32 is arranged to be pressed against the ridge-shapedsurface 27 of theliquid holding member 26. It is preferable that theliquid holding member 26 is made of a material (material having the flexibility) which can be deformed by pressing theheater 32 against theliquid holding member 26. Theheater 32 may be, for example, a single or a plurality of linear heaters, or may be formed into any shape such as a mesh shape or a plate shape. When theheater 32 is a single linear heater as in the present embodiment, for example, the thermal capacity thereof can be smaller than that of the mesh-shaped or plate-shaped heater, whereby the liquid can be efficiently atomized. - As illustrated in
FIG. 5 , thesupport member 24 supports thesecond surface 29 facing the ridge-shapedsurface 27 of theliquid holding member 26. More specifically, thesupport member 24 may be configured to support a position of thesecond surface 29 facing a position of the ridge-shapedsurface 27 contacted by theheater 32. In this way, the ridge shape of theliquid holding member 26 can be maintained even when theheater 32 is arranged to be pressed against the ridge-shapedsurface 27 of theliquid holding member 26 so that theliquid holding member 26 receives a predetermined force from theheater 32. In addition, thesecond surface 29 of theliquid holding member 26 contacts thesupport member 24, and nothing is provided between thesecond surface 29 and thesupport member 24. That is, theheater 32 is provided only on the ridge-shapedsurface 27. Accordingly, when theheater 32 atomizes the liquid held in theliquid holding member 26, the aerosol becomes unlikely to be generated from thesecond surface 29, and is preferentially generated from the ridge-shapedsurface 27. Thesupport member 24 is formed as a member separate from thebase member 22. The length (width) in the Y-axis direction and the length in the X-axis direction of thesupport member 24 are arbitrary, and thesupport member 24 is designed to form a desired ridge-shapedsurface 27. - If the contact between the
heater 32 and theliquid holding member 26 is too thin, theheater 32 is deformed at the time of heat generation, causing separation from theliquid holding member 26, which may make it difficult to efficiently generate the aerosol. If the contact between theheater 32 and theliquid holding member 26 is too thick, theheater 32 is excessively embedded in theliquid holding member 26, which may cause the bumping of the liquid held in theliquid holding member 26. In the present embodiment, thesupport member 24 is formed to be softer than theliquid holding member 26. The term “softness” means the ease of deformation of each member when theheater 32 is in contact with theliquid holding member 26. That is, when theheater 32 is in contact with theliquid holding member 26 in a state in which thesupport member 24 and theliquid holding member 26 are stacked, thesupport member 24 is deformed before theliquid holding member 26 is deformed. By way of example, when theliquid holding member 26 is formed of cotton, thesupport member 24 may contain silicone rubber. When theheater 32 is pressed against theliquid holding member 26, thesupport member 24 is deformed before theliquid holding member 26 is deformed, which can reduce the embedding of theheater 32 in theliquid holding member 26 and can fix theheater 32 so that theheater 32 is not detached from theliquid holding member 26 in use. - The
base member 22 may be configured to be harder than thesupport member 24. However, it is preferable that thebase member 22 is made of a resin material such as PET or PP. In addition, thebase member 22 may be configured to be harder than theliquid holding member 26. In this case, among thebase member 22, thesupport member 24, and theliquid holding member 26, thesupport member 24 is the softest, theliquid holding member 26 is the next softest, and thebase member 22 is the hardest. - For example, as the softness (hardness), the hardness measured by a durometer or the like can be used. For example, the hardness of the
support member 24 is preferably 10 to 30, and the hardness of thebase member 22 is preferably 80 or more. - When the
cartridge 20 is formed by engaging thetank unit 16 with theheater unit 17, theliquid holding member 26 is compressed by thebase member 22, theelectrode holding member 28, the chamber-formingmember 44, and the like. Theliquid holding member 26 is sandwiched between the chamber-formingmember 44 and thesupport member 24. Then, a part of theliquid holding member 26 and theheater 32 are exposed to the inside of thechamber 46, and another part of theliquid holding member 26 is exposed to the inside of thetank 37. The liquid in thetank 37 is supplied from the part of theliquid holding member 26 which is exposed to the inside of thetank 37 to the part of theliquid holding member 26 which is exposed to the inside of thechamber 46 utilizing capillary force. - The part of the
liquid holding member 26 which is exposed to the inside of thetank 37 may be impregnated and spread in the liquid stored in thetank 37. The part of theliquid holding member 26 which is exposed to the inside of thechamber 46 may absorb the liquid supplied from thetank 37 and expand. Accordingly, it should be noted that theliquid holding member 26 in the completedcartridge 20 may have a shape deformed more than the above-described basic shape. -
FIG. 6 is a perspective view of anexemplary support member 24. It should be noted that inFIG. 6 , thesupport member 24 is illustrated upside down with respect to that illustrated inFIG. 5 to illustrate the internal structure of thesupport member 24. Thesupport member 24 has a firstconvex surface 58 that supports thesecond surface 29 of theliquid holding member 26. Thesupport member 24 also has a secondconvex surface 60 facing the firstconvex surface 58, afirst side portion 62, and asecond side portion 64 facing thefirst side portion 62. As will be understood fromFIG. 6 , a space is formed by the secondconvex surface 60, an inner surface of thefirst side portion 62, and an inner surface of thesecond side portion 64. - The first
convex surface 58 of thesupport member 24 may have a single apex in a direction (Z-axis direction) toward the proximal end, when incorporated into thecartridge 20. However, the shape of the firstconvex surface 58 is not limited thereto, and may have various a plurality of apexes in the Z-axis direction. The secondconvex surface 60 may have a similar shape to the firstconvex surface 58 or a different shape from the firstconvex surface 58. - As illustrated in
FIG. 6 , thefirst side portion 62 and thesecond side portion 64 may be arranged to be coupled to the ends of the firstconvex surface 58 in the X-axis direction, respectively, or may be flat plates having a shape (substantially semicircular shape in an example inFIG. 6 ) conforming to the shape of the end of the firstconvex surface 58. - The
base member 22 holds at least a part of thesupport member 24. Thebase member 22 may have a base 51 and hold thesupport member 24 so that a space exists between the base 51 and thesupport member 24. Thebase member 22 may have one or a plurality of protrusions. For example, as illustrated inFIG. 4 , thebase member 22 may have at least twofirst protrusions 52. The at least twofirst protrusions 52 may contact the apex of the secondconvex surface 60. In this case, theprotrusions 52 of thebase member 22 mainly contact an inner surface of thesupport member 24, whereby a space is generated between thebase member 22 and thesupport member 24. With such a configuration, the degree of freedom of deformation of thesupport member 24 is increased when theheater 32 is pressed against theliquid holding member 26. - Furthermore, each of the at least two
first protrusions 52 of thebase member 22 may contact the inner surface of thefirst side portion 62 of thesupport member 24 or the inner surface of thesecond side portion 64 of thesupport member 24. In this case, theheater 32, theliquid holding member 26, thesupport member 24, the space generated by existence of theprotrusions 52, and thebase member 22 are located in the direction from thechamber 46 toward thedistal end 23. - The
base member 22 may have at least two second protrusions 53. The at least two second protrusions 53 may contact a portion below the apex of the secondconvex surface 60 of thesupport member 24. Two of the at least twofirst protrusions 52 may be arranged to face each other along a particular direction (for example, the X-axis direction). Two of the at least two second protrusions 53 may be arranged to face each other along a direction (for example, the Y-axis direction) different from the above-described direction. -
FIG. 7 is a perspective view of theheater unit 17 with thesupport member 24 and theliquid holding member 26 removed. Theheater 32 has ends 33 including afirst end part 33A and asecond end part 33B that are to be connected to theelectrodes 30 including thefirst electrode 30A and thesecond electrode 30B, respectively. Theheater 32 may a linear heater, or may be configured to include one or a plurality of linear heater portions. Theheater 32 and the at least twofirst protrusions 52 of thebase member 22 may be arranged not to overlap each other when theheater unit 17 is viewed from thebase member 22 side. Alternatively, theheater 32 may be arranged to intersect a line connecting the at least twofirst protrusions 52. - In an example in
FIG. 7 , thefirst end part 33A of theheater 32 is connected to thefirst electrode 30A, and thesecond end part 33B is connected to thesecond electrode 30B. Thefirst electrode 30A and thesecond electrode 30B may have substantially the same shape. Thefirst electrode 30A and thesecond electrode 30B may be arranged to be substantially symmetrical with each other about the X-axis direction. Furthermore, thefirst electrode 30A and thesecond electrode 30B may be arranged to be substantially symmetrical with each other about the Y-axis direction. Accordingly, in one example, as illustrated inFIG. 7 , theheater 32 may be arranged not parallel to the Y-axis direction but obliquely with respect to the Y-axis direction. According to this configuration, the length of theheater 32 is increased as compared with a case where the pair of ends 33 are connected to the pair ofelectrodes 30 at the same positions in the X-axis direction. Accordingly, a contact area between theheater 32 and the ridge-shapedsurface 27 of theliquid holding member 26 can be increased. Note that in another example, the pair ofelectrodes 30 may be arranged at the same positions in the X-axis direction. In this case, the pair of ends 33 may be also connected to the pair ofelectrodes 30 at the same positions in the X-axis direction. In addition, it will be understood that theelectrode 30 and theend 33A may be arranged at various positions. - The ends 33 are located on the
distal end 23 side of the apex of the ridge-shapedsurface 27 of theliquid holding member 26. That is, theheater 32 curves along the ridge-shapedsurface 27 of theliquid holding member 26 to contact the ridge-shapedsurface 27. This can sufficiently ensure the contact area between theheater 32 and the ridge-shapedsurface 27 of theliquid holding member 26. - As illustrated in
FIGS. 4 and 7 , theelectrode holding member 28 forms, together with thebase member 22, a bottom wall forming thedistal end 23 of thecartridge 20. When thecartridge 20 is coupled to thebattery unit 12 as illustrated inFIG. 1 , portions of theelectrodes 30 extending to the outside of the bottom wall are configured to be connected to a battery terminal (not illustrated) of thebattery unit 12. This enables thebattery unit 12 to supply the electric power to theheater 32 through theelectrodes 30. - In one embodiment, at least one electrode of the
first electrode 30A and thesecond electrode 30B has a first portion to which one of thefirst end part 33A and thesecond end part 33B is to be connected and a second portion extending from an end on theproximal end 21 side of the first portion in the direction toward theproximal end 21. For example, as illustrated inFIG. 7 , thefirst electrode 30A may have afirst portion 31A-1 to which thefirst end part 33A is to be connected and asecond portion 31A-2 extending from the end on theproximal end 21 side of thefirst portion 31A-1 in the direction toward theproximal end 21. Instead of the above-described configuration or in addition to the above-described configuration, thesecond electrode 30B may have afirst portion 31B-1 to which thesecond end part 33B is to be connected and asecond portion 31B-2 extending from an end on theproximal end 21 side of thefirst portion 31B-1 in the direction toward theproximal end 21. - In
FIG. 7 , a dotted line drawn between thefirst portion 31A-1 and thesecond portion 31A-2 of thefirst electrode 30A indicates a boundary therebetween. A dotted line drawn between thefirst portion 31B-1 and thesecond portion 31B-2 of thesecond electrode 30B indicates a boundary therebetween. In one example, as illustrated in the figure, in the boundary between the first portion and the second portion, the width of the first portion is wider than the width of the second portion. In an example inFIG. 7 , the first portion and the second portion each have a rectangular shape. However, it will be understood that the shapes of the first portion and the second portion are not limited to the rectangular shape, and may have various shapes such as a shape tapering toward theproximal end 21. - As illustrated in
FIG. 7 , thefirst end part 33A of theheater 32 may be connected to a portion which does not contact thesecond portion 31A-2 in the end on theproximal end 21 side of thefirst portion 31A-1. Thesecond end part 33B of theheater 32 may be connected to a portion which does not contact thesecond portion 31B-2 in the end on theproximal end 21 side of thefirst portion 31B-1. - As indicated by hatched lines in
FIG. 7 , thefirst portion 31A-1 and thesecond portion 31A-2 of thefirst electrode 30A may form an L shape. Similarly, thefirst portion 31B-1 and thesecond portion 31B-2 of thesecond electrode 30B may form an L shape. - As illustrated in the figure, the
second electrode 30B may include athird portion 31B-3 extending from thefirst portion 31B-1 in a direction toward thedistal end 23, in addition to thefirst portion 31B-1 and thesecond portion 31B-2. In one example, thethird portion 31B-3 extends from a lower end of thefirst portion 31B-1 along an inner side surface and an inner bottom surface of theelectrode holding member 28. Thethird portion 31B-3 further includes anelectrical contact 39B with thebattery unit 12. Similarly, thefirst electrode 30A may also include athird portion 31A-3 extending from thefirst portion 31A-1 in a direction toward thedistal end 23, in addition to thefirst portion 31A-1 and thesecond portion 31A-2. In one example, thethird portion 31A-3 extends from a lower end of thefirst portion 31A-1 along an inner side surface and an inner bottom surface of theelectrode holding member 28. Although not illustrated, thethird portion 31A-3 further includes an electrical contact 39A with thebattery unit 12. -
FIG. 7 schematically illustrates the firstair inlet port 35A illustrated inFIG. 2 and the secondair inlet port 35B provided on the opposite side of thecartridge 20. At least one air inlet port of the firstair inlet port 35A and the secondair inlet port 35B may have a substantially circle shape or other various shapes. When the user inhales using theinhaler 10, air outside of theinhaler 10 flows into thechamber 46 through the firstair inlet port 35A and the secondair inlet port 35B, is mixed with the aerosol generated upon heat generation of theheater 32, and reaches the inside of the mouth of the user through theaerosol flow path 48 and theaerosol discharge port 50. According to the present embodiment, theelectrodes 30 are arranged at positions so that air having flowed in through the air inlet ports 35 contacts the second portions of theelectrodes 30. For example, theelectrodes 30 may be configured so that their second portions are arranged along an air flow path. In this case, the air having flowed in through the air inlet ports 35 passes through while contacting the second portions, whereby the cooling effect of theelectrodes 30 can be increased, which can provide an efficient heat dissipation function. That is, in the present embodiment, the second portion is a part of theelectrode 30 and can also serve as a heat dissipation portion that effectively releases heat. -
FIGS. 8A to 8E each illustrate an arrangement relationship between the first and second portions of the electrode and the air inlet port.FIGS. 8A to 8E each illustrate the arrangement relationship between thefirst electrode 30A and the firstair inlet port 35A which is an air inlet port located closest to thefirst electrode 30A. However, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that thesecond electrode 30B and the secondair inlet port 35B which is an air inlet port located closest to thesecond electrode 30B may be arranged in the same manner. - In one example, at least a part of at least one air inlet port of the first
air inlet port 35A and the secondair inlet port 35B may be located on the distal end side from the uppermost top of the second portion of the electrode closest to the air inlet port.FIG. 8A illustrates an example of such a structure. InFIG. 8A , a part (indicated by the hatched lines) of the firstair inlet port 35A is located on thedistal end 23 side from the uppermost top (indicated by a dotted line 82) of thesecond portion 31A-2 of the electrode (first electrode 30A) closest to the firstair inlet port 35A. - In one example, at least a part of at least one air inlet port of the first
air inlet port 35A and the secondair inlet port 35B may be located on the second portion side from an end of a portion which does not contact the second portion in the end on the proximal end side of the first portion of the electrode closest to the air inlet port.FIG. 8B illustrates an example of such a structure. InFIG. 8B , a part (indicated by the hatched lines) of the firstair inlet port 35A is located on the second portion side from an end (indicated by a dotted line 86) of aportion 84 which does not contact the second portion in the end on theproximal end 21 side of thefirst portion 31A-1 of the electrode (first electrode 30A) closest to the firstair inlet port 35A. - In one example, a center of a substantial circle of at least one air inlet port of the first
air inlet port 35A and the secondair inlet port 35B may be located on the distal end side from the uppermost top of the second portion of the electrode closest to the air inlet port.FIG. 8C illustrates an example of such a structure. InFIG. 8C , acenter 88 of the firstair inlet port 35A is located on thedistal end 23 side from the uppermost top (indicated by a dotted line 82) of thesecond portion 31A-2 of the electrode (first electrode 30A) closest to the firstair inlet port 35A. - In one example, a center of a substantial circle of at least one air inlet port of the first
air inlet port 35A and the secondair inlet port 35B may be located on the second portion side from an end of a portion which does not contact the second portion in the end on the proximal end side of the first portion of the electrode closest to the air inlet port.FIG. 8D illustrates an example of such a structure. InFIG. 8D , acenter 88 of the firstair inlet port 35A is located on the second portion side from an end (indicated by a dotted line 86) of aportion 84 which does not contact the second portion in the end on theproximal end 21 side of thefirst portion 31A-1 of the electrode (first electrode 30A) closest to the firstair inlet port 35A. - In one example, when the first portion and the second portion of at least one electrode of the
first electrode 30A and thesecond electrode 30B form an L shape, a predetermined percentage or more of an area of an air inlet port closest to the electrode out of the firstair inlet port 35A and the secondair inlet port 35B may be located in a notch formed by the L-shape of the electrode.FIG. 8E illustrates an example of such a structure. InFIG. 8E , thefirst portion 31A-1 and 31A-2 of thefirst electrode 30A form an L shape. A portion (indicated by hatched lines) greater than or equal to a predetermined percentage or more of an area of an air inlet port (firstair inlet port 35A) closest to thefirst electrode 30A is located in anotch 90 formed by the L-shape of thefirst electrode 30A. The above-described predetermined percentage may be, for example, 50%, or other various percentages. - At least one air inlet port of the first
air inlet port 35A and the secondair inlet port 35B and the first portion and second portion of the electrode closest to the air inlet port may be arranged not to overlap each other when viewed in the Y-axis direction. - As illustrated in
FIG. 7 , theheater 32 may have a convex shape. At least a part of thesecond portion 31A-2 of thefirst electrode 30A may be located on the proximal end side from the uppermost top of the convex shape of theheater 32. In addition, at least a part of thesecond portion 31B-2 of thesecond electrode 30B may be located on the proximal end side from the uppermost top of the convex shape of theheater 32. - Note that the second portion of the
electrode 30 can also serve as a guide when theheater unit 17 is combined with the other members to assemble thecartridge 20. Thefirst electrode 30A and thesecond electrode 30B have thesecond portion 31A-2 and thesecond portion 31B-2, respectively, and these second portions are located above theheater 32 in the Z-axis direction, whereby theheater 32 can be prevented from being damaged due to unintended contact with the other members when thecartridge 20 is assembled. - The shape of a side surface of the
cap member 36 will be understood from examples illustrated inFIGS. 3A, 3B, and 4 . Thetank body 34 and thecover member 14 are fitted with each other to define thetank 37 for storing the liquid and theaerosol flow path 48 extending in a direction connecting theproximal end 21 and thedistal end 23. Thecap member 36 is arranged between thetank body 34 and thecover member 14, and has a hole communicating with theaerosol flow path 48. The hole may form a substantial circle. Thecap member 36 may be formed of a flexible material. As can be seen fromFIG. 4 , thecap member 36 is provided with a flat-plate portion having the hole, and a side wall portion extending from an edge of the flat-plate portion in the direction toward thedistal end 23 and surrounding an end on theproximal end 21 side of theinner side wall 42. Thetank body 34 includes theinner side wall 42 forming theaerosol flow path 48. As illustrated inFIG. 4 , thecap member 36 may be engaged, in a U-shape, with a forward end of a tube structure formed by theinner side wall 42 forming theaerosol flow path 48. Thetank 37 is separated from theaerosol flow path 48 by thecap member 36 and theinner side wall 42. Using such acap member 36 can surely separate thetank 37 and theaerosol flow path 48. -
FIG. 9 illustrates a cross-sectional view of anexemplary cap member 36 when viewed from theproximal end 21. That is,FIG. 9 illustrates a shape of the flat-plate portion of thecap member 36. InFIG. 9 , X, Y, and Z axes corresponding to the X, Y, and Z axes shown inFIGS. 5 and 7 are shown. The Z-axis direction coincides with the first direction, and the X-axis direction and the Y-axis direction coincide with the second direction. - The flat-plate portion of the
cap member 36 has ahole 49 communicating theaerosol flow path 48 and theaerosol discharge port 50. The shape of the flat-plate portion of thecap member 36 includes afirst side 54A and asecond side 54B that are substantially parallel to each other, athird side 54C that connects one end of thefirst side 54A and one end of thesecond side 54B, and afourth side 54D that connects the other end of thefirst side 54A and the other end of thesecond side 54B. A distance L1 between thefirst side 54A and thesecond side 54B is shorter than a maximum distance L2 between thethird side 54C and thefourth side 54D. Thefirst side 54A and thesecond side 54B may be substantially linear. Thethird side 54C and thefourth side 54D may be substantially arcuate. This shape is merely an example of a shape of the flat-plate portion. The flat-plate portion may have various shapes such as a polygonal shape, which satisfy a relationship of L1<L2. - When L2/L1, which is the ratio of L2 to L1, is X, the relation of 0.1<X<2.0 may be preferably satisfied.
-
FIG. 10 illustrates a shape formed by the inside of the side wall of thetank body 34 when viewed from theproximal end 21. InFIG. 10 , X, Y, and Z axes corresponding to the X, Y, and Z axes shown inFIG. 9 are shown. In addition,FIG. 10 illustrates a cross section of theaerosol flow path 48. Theaerosol flow path 48 communicates with theaerosol discharge port 50 provided in thecover member 14, through thehole 49 provided in the flat-plate portion of thecap member 36. - The shape formed by the inside of the side wall of the
tank body 34 when viewed from theproximal end 21 includes afifth side 56A that is substantially parallel to thefirst side 54A illustrated inFIG. 9 , asixth side 56B that is substantially parallel to thesecond side 54B illustrated inFIG. 9 , aseventh side 56C that connects one end of thefifth side 56A and one end of thesixth side 56B, and aneighth side 56D that connects the other end of thefifth side 56A and the other end of thesixth side 56B. A distance L3 between thefifth side 56A and thesixth side 56B is shorter than a maximum distance L4 between theseventh side 56C and theeighth side 56D. The shape illustrated inFIG. 10 is merely an example, and may be various shapes, which satisfy a relationship of L3<L4. - When L4/L3, which is the ratio of L4 to L3, is Y, the relation of 1.5<Y<3.5 may be preferably satisfied.
-
FIG. 11 illustrates an example of an arrangement relationship between thetank body 34 and thecap member 36 when viewed from theproximal end 21, in the completedcartridge 20. A cross-sectional area of thehole 49 of thecap member 36 is smaller than the cross-sectional area of theaerosol flow path 48. Thecap member 36 is arranged so that thefirst side 54A and thesecond side 54B illustrated inFIG. 9 face thefifth side 56A and thesixth side 56B illustrated inFIG. 10 , respectively. Thethird side 54C and thefourth side 54D illustrated inFIG. 9 face theseventh side 56C and theeighth side 56D illustrated inFIG. 10 , respectively. - As described above, the
cap member 36 according to the present embodiment has a characteristic shape as illustrated inFIG. 9 . When the flat-plate portion of thecap member 36 has a simple circle shape unlike in the present embodiment, the deformation of thecap member 36 caused when thecover member 14 and thetank body 34 are fitted with each other causes deformation of the shape of the hole in thecap member 36, which may cause inhibition of air flow communication between theaerosol flow path 48 and theaerosol discharge port 50 or leakage of the liquid from thetank 37 to theaerosol flow path 48. In contrast, using thecap member 36 according to the present embodiment makes it difficult to deform the shape of thecap member 36 even when thecover member 14 and thetank body 34 are fitted with each other, whereby the above-described problem can be prevented. - Hereinafter an operation of the
inhaler 10 provided with thecartridge 20 of the present disclosure will be described. The liquid stored in thetank 37 contacts the end of theliquid holding member 26 which is exposed to the inside of thetank 37 and is absorbed by theliquid holding member 26. The absorbed liquid is transported to the part of theliquid holding member 26 which is exposed to the inside of thechamber 46 and is transported to the vicinity of theheater 32, utilizing capillary force. When the user inhales air through theaerosol discharge port 50, an air pressure sensor (not illustrated) provided in thebattery unit 12 detects the inhalation, for example. In response to such detection, the electric power is supplied from thebattery unit 12 to theheater 32. Therefore, the liquid held in theliquid holding member 26 is heated by theheater 32, and the liquid is atomized to generate the aerosol. The air having flowed into thecartridge 20 through the air inlet ports 35 in response to the user's inhalation passes through theaerosol flow path 48 and theaerosol discharge port 50, along with the aerosol generated in thechamber 46, and reaches the inside of the mouth of the user. - In the
cartridge 20 according to the embodiment of the present disclosure, theheater 32 is mounted only on thefirst surface 27 of theliquid holding member 26. Thus, when theheater 32 is energized, the aerosol is generated preferentially on theaerosol discharge port 50 side. Accordingly, since the direction of generating the aerosol when theheater 32 is energized coincides with the direction of air flow caused by the inhalation, the frequency of contact between the generated aerosol and the wall surface forming the flow path can be reduced to thereby reduce condensation of the aerosol on the wall surface of thechamber 46. - When the
liquid holding member 26 is formed of a fibrous member having flexibility, theliquid holding member 26 expands when holding the liquid. In thecartridge 20 of the present embodiment, thefirst surface 27 of theliquid holding member 26 may have a ridge shape. When theliquid holding member 26 has the ridge-shapedsurface 27, an expansion amount of the ridge-shapedsurface 27 in the protruding direction (Z-axis direction) is smaller than that when theliquid holding member 26 is flat. In other words, when theliquid holding member 26 is flat, the contact with theheater 32 may become unstable due to the expansion amount in the Z-axis direction when theliquid holding member 26 holds the liquid. In this case, the atomization efficiency of the liquid may be reduced. In contrast, in thecartridge 20 of the present embodiment in which theliquid holding member 26 has the ridge-shapedsurface 27, a positional relationship between the liquid holdingmember 26 and theheater 32 is hardly changed between before and after the liquid is held. Accordingly, according to thecartridge 20 of the present embodiment, the positional relationship between the liquid holdingmember 26 and theheater 32 can be maintained at a desired degree as compared with the case where theliquid holding member 26 is flat. As a result, the liquid held in theliquid holding member 26 can be appropriately atomized. - When being energized, the
heater 32 thermally expands due to an increase in temperature. In thecartridge 20 of the present embodiment, theheater 32 is curved along the ridge-shapedsurface 27 of theliquid holding member 26 to thereby contact the ridge-shapedsurface 27. When theheater 32 is curved, the position of theheater 32 in the protruding direction of the ridge-shapedsurface 27 is hardly changed when theheater 32 thermally expands, as compared with the case where theheater 32 is substantially linear. Since theheater 32 of the present embodiment is curved, the position of theheater 32 in the protruding direction of the ridge-shapedsurface 27 is hardly changed even when theheater 32 thermally expands, whereby the contact between the liquid holdingmember 26 and theheater 32 can be maintained. - Although the embodiments of the present disclosure have been described above, the present disclosure is not limited to the aforementioned embodiments and various modifications may be made within the scope of the technical idea described in the claims, the specification, or the drawings. Note that, any shape or material not directly described in the specification or the drawings falls within the scope of the technical idea of the present disclosure insofar as the shape or material provides an operation and effect of the present disclosure. For example, in the
cartridge 20 of the embodiment, each component can be replaced, and such an embodiment also falls within the scope of the technical idea of the present disclosure. - 10 . . . Inhaler, 12 . . . Battery unit, 14 . . . Cover member, 16 . . . Tank unit, 17 . . . Heater unit, 18 . . . Charging unit, 20 . . . Cartridge, 21 . . . Proximal end, 22 . . . Base member, 23 . . . Distal end, 24 . . . Support member, 26 . . . Liquid holding member, 27 . . . First surface, 28 . . . Electrode holding member, 29 . . . Second surface, 30 . . . Electrode, 30A . . . First electrode, 30B . . . Second electrode, 31A-1, 31B-1 . . . First portion, 31A-2, 31B-2 . . . Second portion, 31A-3, 31B-3 . . . Third portion, 32 . . . Heater, 33A . . . First end part, 33B . . . Second end part, 34 . . . Tank body, 35A . . . First air inlet port, 35B . . . Second air inlet port, 36 . . . Cap member, 37 . . . Tank, 38 . . . Upper wall, 39B . . . Electrical contact, 40 . . . Side wall, 42 . . . Inner side wall, 44 . . . Chamber-forming member, 46 . . . Chamber, 48 . . . Aerosol flow path, 49 . . . Hole, 50 . . . Aerosol discharge port, 51 . . . Base, 52, 53 . . . Protrusion, 54A . . . First side, 54B . . . Second side, 54C . . . Third side, 54D . . . Fourth side, 56A . . . Fifth side, 56B . . . Sixth side, 56C . . . Seventh side, 56D . . . Eighth side, 58 . . . First convex surface, 60 . . . Second convex surface, 62 . . . First side portion, 64 . . . Second side portion, 88 . . . Center
Claims (8)
1. A cartridge for an inhaler which has a proximal end which is located close to a mouth of a user when the user is using the inhaler, and a distal end on an opposite side from the proximal end, the cartridge comprising:
a tank body and a cover member that are fitted with each other to define a tank for storing a liquid and an aerosol flow path extending in a direction connecting the proximal end and the distal end; and
a flexible cap member that is arranged between the tank body and the cover member and has a hole communicating with the aerosol flow path.
2. The cartridge according to claim 1 , wherein
the tank body includes an inner side wall forming the aerosol flow path, and
the tank is separated from the aerosol flow path by the cap member and the inner side wall.
3. The cartridge according to claim 2 , wherein
the cap member includes:
a flat-plate portion having the hole; and
a side wall portion extending from an edge of the flat-plate portion in a direction toward the distal end and surrounding an end on the proximal end side of the inner side wall.
4. The cartridge according to claim 3 , wherein
a shape of the flat-plate portion includes a first side and a second side that are substantially parallel to each other, a third side that connects one end of the first side and one end of the second side, and a fourth side that connects the other end of the first side and the other end of the second side, and a distance between the first side and the second side is shorter than a maximum distance between the third side and the fourth side.
5. The cartridge according to claim 4 , wherein
the first side and the second side are substantially linear, and the third side and the fourth side are substantially arcuate.
6. The cartridge according to claim 4 , wherein
a shape formed by inside of a side wall of the tank body when viewed from the proximal end side includes a fifth side that is substantially parallel to the first side, a sixth side that is substantially parallel to the second side, a seventh side that connects one end of the fifth side and one end of the sixth side, and an eighth side that connects the other end of the fifth side and the other end of the sixth side, and a distance between the fifth side and the sixth side is shorter than a maximum distance between the seventh side and the eighth side.
7. The cartridge according to claim 1 , wherein
the hole is a substantial circle.
8. The cartridge according to claim 1 , further comprising:
a tank unit including the tank body, the cover member, and the cap member; and
a heater unit that is to be engaged with the tank unit and is configured to atomize the liquid to generate the aerosol.
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
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PCT/JP2019/004872 WO2020165950A1 (en) | 2019-02-12 | 2019-02-12 | Aspirator cartridge |
Related Parent Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
PCT/JP2019/004872 Continuation WO2020165950A1 (en) | 2019-02-12 | 2019-02-12 | Aspirator cartridge |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
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US20210337866A1 true US20210337866A1 (en) | 2021-11-04 |
Family
ID=72044543
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
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US17/375,818 Pending US20210337866A1 (en) | 2019-02-12 | 2021-07-14 | Aspirator cartridge |
Country Status (5)
Country | Link |
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US (1) | US20210337866A1 (en) |
EP (1) | EP3925466A4 (en) |
JP (1) | JP7123191B2 (en) |
TW (1) | TW202029894A (en) |
WO (1) | WO2020165950A1 (en) |
Cited By (1)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US20220079249A1 (en) * | 2020-09-16 | 2022-03-17 | Capnos Llc | Reservoir-less vaping-alternative devices and related methods |
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US20160332754A1 (en) * | 2015-05-13 | 2016-11-17 | Fontem Holdings 4 B.V. | Device for refilling electronic cigarette cartridge |
US20190029326A1 (en) * | 2016-04-05 | 2019-01-31 | Changzhou Jwei Intelligent Technology Co., Ltd. | Cigarette cartridge and electronic cigarette having the same |
US20210145058A1 (en) * | 2019-11-19 | 2021-05-20 | Shenzhen Relx Technology Co., Ltd. | Vaporization device |
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US8528569B1 (en) * | 2011-06-28 | 2013-09-10 | Kyle D. Newton | Electronic cigarette with liquid reservoir |
EP2816913B1 (en) * | 2012-02-22 | 2019-01-09 | Altria Client Services LLC | Electronic smoking article and improved heater element |
US10031183B2 (en) * | 2013-03-07 | 2018-07-24 | Rai Strategic Holdings, Inc. | Spent cartridge detection method and system for an electronic smoking article |
PT3076813T (en) * | 2013-12-05 | 2019-09-30 | Philip Morris Products Sa | Non-tobacco nicotine-containing article |
WO2015096107A1 (en) * | 2013-12-26 | 2015-07-02 | 吉瑞高新科技股份有限公司 | Atomization apparatus, electronic cigarette, and assembly method therefor |
US10021910B2 (en) * | 2015-11-13 | 2018-07-17 | Altria Client Services Llc | E-vaping section and e-vaping device, and a method of manufacturing thereof |
-
2019
- 2019-02-12 WO PCT/JP2019/004872 patent/WO2020165950A1/en unknown
- 2019-02-12 EP EP19915198.6A patent/EP3925466A4/en not_active Withdrawn
- 2019-02-12 JP JP2020571946A patent/JP7123191B2/en active Active
- 2019-03-14 TW TW108108661A patent/TW202029894A/en unknown
-
2021
- 2021-07-14 US US17/375,818 patent/US20210337866A1/en active Pending
Patent Citations (3)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US20160332754A1 (en) * | 2015-05-13 | 2016-11-17 | Fontem Holdings 4 B.V. | Device for refilling electronic cigarette cartridge |
US20190029326A1 (en) * | 2016-04-05 | 2019-01-31 | Changzhou Jwei Intelligent Technology Co., Ltd. | Cigarette cartridge and electronic cigarette having the same |
US20210145058A1 (en) * | 2019-11-19 | 2021-05-20 | Shenzhen Relx Technology Co., Ltd. | Vaporization device |
Cited By (1)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
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US20220079249A1 (en) * | 2020-09-16 | 2022-03-17 | Capnos Llc | Reservoir-less vaping-alternative devices and related methods |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
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JPWO2020165950A1 (en) | 2021-10-28 |
EP3925466A4 (en) | 2022-10-19 |
WO2020165950A1 (en) | 2020-08-20 |
TW202029894A (en) | 2020-08-16 |
EP3925466A1 (en) | 2021-12-22 |
JP7123191B2 (en) | 2022-08-22 |
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