US20220202082A1 - Atomizing unit and non-combustion-heating-type flavor inhaling mechanism - Google Patents
Atomizing unit and non-combustion-heating-type flavor inhaling mechanism Download PDFInfo
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- US20220202082A1 US20220202082A1 US17/697,003 US202217697003A US2022202082A1 US 20220202082 A1 US20220202082 A1 US 20220202082A1 US 202217697003 A US202217697003 A US 202217697003A US 2022202082 A1 US2022202082 A1 US 2022202082A1
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- flow path
- tank
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- aerosol
- wall
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- 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
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- 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
-
- 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
Abstract
To prevent droplets formed by agglomeration of aerosol in an aerosol flow path from reaching the inside of a user's mouth, an atomizing unit includes an atomizing section configured to atomize an aerosol source, a tank configured to hold the aerosol source, and a liquid holding section disposed at a front end of the tank. The tank includes a flow path wall that defines at least part of an aerosol flow path, through which aerosol generated by atomizing of the aerosol source passes, and which extends in a first direction. The atomizing unit further includes a liquid evacuation section disposed in the aerosol flow path. The liquid holding section is in communication with the liquid evacuation section.
Description
- The present application is a continuation application of International Application No. PCT/JP2019/045226, filed on Nov. 19, 2019.
- The present invention relates to an atomizing unit and a non-combustion heating-type flavor inhaler.
- Flavor inhalers for inhaling a flavor without material combustion have been known. These flavor inhalers include one that supplies aerosol to a user's mouth, which is generated by atomization of liquid (aerosol source) containing a flavor or supplies aerosol to a user's mouth, which is generated by atomization of liquid containing no flavor, after making the aerosol pass through a flavor source (tobacco source, for example).
- Such a flavor inhaler generally comprises an atomizing unit, a power source, a tank, an aerosol flow path, a mouthpiece, and the like. The atomizing unit includes a heating element that atomizes an aerosol source, and other elements. The power source is configured to supply electric power to the atomizing unit. The tank stores the aerosol source. The aerosol flow path is a flow path through the aerosol passes, which is generated when the atomizing unit atomizes the aerosol source. The aerosol, after passing through the aerosol flow path, reaches the inside of a user's mouth through the mouthpiece.
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- PTL 1: European Patent No. 3158883
- When the above-mentioned flavor inhaler is used, the aerosol generated from the atomizing unit may be sometimes agglomerated on the wall surface defining the aerosol flow path and then form droplets. If the flavor inhaler continues to be used, the droplets agglomerated in the aerosol flow path can be accumulated to form a pillar-like shape. The pillar-like droplets are liable to move toward the mouthpiece as the user inhales the flavor inhaler, reach the inside of the user's mouth, and provide an unpleasant feeling to the user.
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Patent Literature 1 discloses an electronic cigarette for inhaling aerosol. In the electronic cigarette disclosed inPatent Literature 1, a porous element is arranged in the aerosol flow path to absorb the liquid agglomerated in the aerosol flow path. - The invention has been made in light of the above-discussed conventional problem. An object of the invention is to prevent droplets formed by aerosol agglomeration in an aerosol flow path from reaching the inside of a user's mouth.
- One embodiment of the invention provides an atomizing unit. The atomizing unit includes an atomizing section configured to atomize an aerosol source, a tank that holds the aerosol source, and a liquid holding section disposed at a front end of the tank. The tank includes a flow path wall that defines at least part of an aerosol flow path, through which aerosol generated by atomization of the aerosol source passes, and which extends in a first direction. The atomizing unit further includes a liquid evacuation section that is disposed in the aerosol flow path. The liquid holding section is in communication with the liquid evacuation section.
- Another embodiment of the invention provides a non-combustion heating-type flavor inhaler. The non-combustion heating-type flavor inhaler includes the atomizing unit and a power source for supplying electric power to the atomizing section.
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FIG. 1 is an overall perspective view of a non-combustion heating-type flavor inhaler according to an embodiment of the invention. -
FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of a cartridge shown inFIG. 1 . -
FIG. 3 is a schematic sectional side view of a tank shown inFIG. 2 . -
FIG. 4A is a top view of an inner wall of the tank shown inFIG. 3 . -
FIG. 4B is a sectional side view of the inner wall of the tank as viewed from arrow B-B inFIG. 4A . -
FIG. 4C is a top view of an inner wall of a tank according to another embodiment. -
FIG. 4D is a top view of an inner wall of a tank according to another embodiment. -
FIG. 4E is a sectional side view of an inner wall of a tank according to another embodiment. -
FIG. 4F is a sectional side view of an inner wall of a tank according to another embodiment. -
FIG. 5A is a schematic sectional side view of a tank according to another embodiment. -
FIG. 5B is a schematic sectional side view of a tank according to another embodiment. -
FIG. 6 is a top view of an inner wall of a tank used in Experimental Example 1. -
FIG. 7A is a schematic view of an inner wall having an outer shape that does not correspond to a shape of a second aerosol flow path and a liquid evacuation section. -
FIG. 7B is a schematic view of an inner wall having an outer shape that does not correspond to the shape of the second aerosol flow path and the liquid evacuation section. -
FIG. 7C is a schematic view of an inner wall having an outer shape corresponding to the shape of the second aerosol flow path and the liquid evacuation section. -
FIG. 7D is a schematic view of an inner wall having an outer shape corresponding to the shape of the second aerosol flow path and the liquid evacuation section. -
FIG. 8 is a graph showing evaluation results of Experimental Example 2. -
FIG. 9 is a schematic sectional side view of a tank of a non-combustion heating-type flavor inhaler according to another embodiment. -
FIG. 10A is a perspective view of a lid member. -
FIG. 10B is a plan view of the lid member. -
FIG. 10C is a sectional view as viewed fromarrow 10C-10C inFIG. 10B . -
FIG. 11 is a schematic sectional side view of a tank with a lid member according to another embodiment. -
FIG. 12 is a schematic top view of a tank of a non-combustion heating-type flavor inhaler according to still another embodiment. - Embodiments of the invention will be discussed below with reference to the attached drawings. In the drawings discussed below, identical or corresponding constituent elements are provided with the same reference signs, and overlapping explanations are omitted.
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FIG. 1 is an overall perspective view of a non-combustion heating-type flavor inhaler according to an embodiment of the invention. As shown inFIG. 1 , a non-combustion heating-type flavor inhaler 100 includes a reusablepower source portion 90 and acartridge 10 that is installable in thepower source portion 90. Thepower source portion 90 contains apower source 92. Thepower source 92 is configured to supply electric power to thecartridge 10 installed in thepower source portion 90. Thecartridge 10 includes avent hole 12 at a front end thereof. A user can inhale from thevent hole 12 the aerosol which is generated in the non-combustion heating-type flavor inhaler 100. -
FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of thecartridge 10 shown inFIG. 1 . In the present application, an end of thecartridge 10 which faces thepower source portion 90 when thecartridge 10 is installed in thepower source portion 90 may be called a “rear end of thecartridge 10.” An opposite side to the rear end of thecartridge 10 may be called a “front end of thecartridge 10.” A direction in which the rear and front ends of thecartridge 10 are connected may be called a “first direction,” and a direction orthogonal to the first direction may be called a “second direction.” - The
cartridge 10 includes atank 30, anatomizing section 14, an atomizingsection fixing member 16, amouthpiece 18, and acap 20. Thetank 30 holds an aerosol source containing water, glycerin, propylene glycol, and the like. Thetank 30 is provided with anatomizing chamber 33 at a position close to a rear end thereof in the first direction. Theatomizing section 14 is configured to atomize the aerosol source supplied from thetank 30. According to the present embodiment, as later mentioned with reference toFIG. 3 , theatomizing section 14 comprises a coil that is formed by winding a resistance heating element around an outer periphery of a cylindrical wick made of glass fiber or the like. Theatomizing section 14 is provided with an electric contact point as later mentioned with reference toFIG. 3 . When thecartridge 10 is installed in thepower source portion 90, an electrode terminal of thepower source portion 90 and the electric contact point of the atomizingportion 14 are electrically connected, which allows electric power to be supplied from thepower source portion 90 to theatomizing section 14. - As the
atomizing section 14 supplies the aerosol source to the resistance heating element, for example, a wick made of organic fiber (cellulose or the like) or a flat plate-like or cylindrical porous element made of ceramic or the like may be employed as a wick, instead of the cylindrical wick made of glass fiber or the like. The resistance heating element may be a metal, such as Nichrome and stainless steel, or a non-metal, such as carbon. If the wick has a cylindrical shape, the heating resistance element may be wound around the wick into a coil-like shape or arranged along the cylindrical wick. If the wick has a flat plate-like shape, the resistance heating element may be linearly or meanderingly arranged on a flat surface of the wick. Theatomizing section 14 may be configured to atomize the aerosol source using ultrasonic waves or induction heat, instead of using the resistance heating element. Thecartridge 10 may include a plurality of atomizingsections 14. Theatomizing chamber 33 does not necessarily have to be located at the position close to the rear end of thetank 30 in the first direction but may be located at any position within thetank 30 or outside thetank 30. Theatomizing chamber 33 may be defined by a member that is attachable to and detachable from thetank 30. - The
cap 20 is attached to the rear end of thetank 30 in the first direction to protect theatomizing chamber 33 of thetank 30 and removed at the use of thecartridge 10. The atomizingsection fixing member 16 is fixed within theatomizing chamber 33 of thetank 30 while holding theatomizing section 14. The wick of theatomizing section 14 therefore comes into a partial contact with the aerosol source held by thetank 30, and the aerosol source is supplied to the wick. Themouthpiece 18 is attached to a front end of thetank 30 in the first direction. Themouthpiece 18 is provided with thevent hole 12 shown inFIG. 1 . -
FIG. 3 is a schematic sectional side view of thetank 30 shown inFIG. 2 . The atomizingsection fixing member 16 shown inFIG. 2 is omitted fromFIG. 3 . As shown in the figure, thetank 30 includes anupper wall 30 a at the front end in the first direction, abottom wall 30 b at the rear end in the first direction, and anouter wall 30 c constituting an outer peripheral surface of thetank 30. Thetank 30 includes an inner wall 34 (corresponding to an example of the wall) that defines at least part of anaerosol flow path 32. In other words, theinner wall 34 of thetank 30 defines theaerosol flow path 32 that extends in the first direction between the rear and front ends of thetank 30 at a substantial center of an interior portion of thetank 30. In the present application, theouter wall 30 c andinner wall 34 of thetank 30 are walls that constitute a lateral surface of thetank 30 and may be referred to as a lateral wall of thetank 30. In the present application, the lateral wall of thetank 30 is a wall having a function of holding the aerosol source inside thetank 30 with theupper wall 30 a andbottom wall 30 b of thetank 30. The lateral wall of thetank 30 does not have to be formed integrally with theupper wall 30 a orbottom wall 30 b of thetank 30. According to the present embodiment, theinner wall 34 that defines theaerosol flow path 32 constitutes part of the lateral wall of thetank 30. Instead of such a configuration, at least part of theaerosol flow path 32 may be defined by a wall comprising a different member from the lateral wall of thetank 30. - As shown in the figure, the
atomizing section 14 is fixed inside the atomizingchamber 33 of thetank 30. Specifically, theatomizing section 14 includes acylindrical wick 14 a and acoil 14 b that is wound around thewick 14 a. Theatomizing section 14 is arranged in theatomizing chamber 33 so that thewick 14 a extends in the second direction. Thewick 14 a absorbs and holds the aerosol source held in thetank 30. Theatomizing section 14 further includes anelectric contact point 14 c for supplying electric power to thecoil 14 b. When thecartridge 10 is installed in thepower source portion 90 shown inFIG. 1 , a contact point of thepower source portion 90 and theelectric contact point 14 c shown inFIG. 3 are electrically connected, and electric power is supplied from thepower source portion 90 to thecoil 14 b. - When supplied with electric power, the
coil 14 b produces heat and atomizes the aerosol source that is held by thewick 14 a, to thereby generate aerosol. Along with the user's inhalation, the aerosol generated in theatomizing chamber 33 flows through theaerosol flow path 32 and passes through thevent hole 12 of themouthpiece 18 to reach the inside of the user's mouth. Thetank 30 and theatomizing section 14 function as an atomizing unit that atomizes the aerosol source. - As mentioned above, when the non-combustion heating-
type flavor inhaler 100 is used, the aerosol generated from theatomizing section 14 is sometimes agglomerated on a wall surface of theinner wall 34 defining theaerosol flow path 32 to form droplets. If the non-combustion heating-type flavor inhaler 100 then continues to be used, the droplets agglomerated in theaerosol flow path 32 are sometimes accumulated into a pillar-like shape. The pillar-like droplets are liable to move toward themouthpiece 18 as the user inhales the non-combustion heating-type flavor inhaler 100, reach the inside of the user's mouth, and provide an unpleasant feeling to the user. - To solve this problem, the non-combustion heating-
type flavor inhaler 100 according to the present embodiment includes a liquid evacuation section, to which the droplets agglomerated on theinner wall 34 evacuate from theaerosol flow path 32.FIG. 4A is a top view of theinner wall 34 of thetank 30 shown inFIG. 3 .FIG. 4B is a sectional side view of theinner wall 34 of thetank 30 as viewed from arrow B-B inFIG. 4A .FIGS. 4A and 4B only show theinner wall 34 of thetank 30. - As shown in
FIGS. 4A and 4B , theaerosol flow path 32 defined by theinner wall 34 includes a firstaerosol flow path 32 a and a secondaerosol flow path 32 b connected to a downstream side (that is, front end) of the firstaerosol flow path 32 a. In other words, theinner wall 34 includes a first aerosol flow path wall 34 a that defines at least part of the firstaerosol flow path 32 a and a second aerosolflow path wall 34 b that defines at least part of the secondaerosol flow path 32 b. In the present embodiment, the first aerosol flow path wall 34 a and the second aerosolflow path wall 34 b each constitute part of the lateral wall of thetank 30. Instead of such a configuration, the second aerosolflow path wall 34 b alone may constitute at least part of the lateral wall of thetank 30, and the first aerosol flow path wall 34 a may comprise a separate wall member from the lateral wall of thetank 30 and be located outside thetank 30. - As shown in
FIG. 4A , in the present embodiment, each of the firstaerosol flow path 32 a and the secondaerosol flow path 32 b has a circular section as viewed in the second direction. In the present embodiment, the firstaerosol flow path 32 a is identical to the secondaerosol flow path 32 b in sectional shape viewed in the second direction. Further in the present embodiment, the firstaerosol flow path 32 a and the secondaerosol flow path 32 b have a fixed sectional shape and sectional area in the first direction. In other words, neither the firstaerosol flow path 32 a nor the secondaerosol flow path 32 b changes in sectional shape and sectional area along a length direction thereof. - As shown in
FIG. 4B , theinner wall 34 includes aplanar portion 40 parallel with the second direction and a pair ofslits 42 extending from theplanar portion 40 toward a front end at a boundary between the firstaerosol flow path 32 a and the secondaerosol flow path 32 b. Theplanar portion 40 and theslits 42 are located on an outer side of the secondaerosol flow path 32 b in the second direction. As shown inFIG. 4A , in the present embodiment, theinner wall 34 is provided with the pair ofslits 42 arranged across the secondaerosol flow path 32 b. Instead of such a configuration, theinner wall 34 may be provided with one or more than twoslits 42. As shown inFIG. 4A , theinner wall 34 includescorners 42 a that form theslit 42 as viewed from the first direction. As shown inFIG. 4A , theslit 42 has an open front end. - In the present application, as shown in
FIG. 4A , width W refers to length including diameter ϕ of the secondaerosol flow path 32 b and depth of the pair ofslits 42. Height H of theslit 42 refers to length of theslit 42 in thickness direction. - A sectional shape of the
slit 42 in the second direction is not limited to the shape shown inFIG. 4A .FIGS. 4C and 4D are top views of theinner wall 34 of thetank 30 according to another embodiment. In an example shown inFIG. 4C , each of thecorners 42 a of theslit 42 has a sectional shape like a letter R in the second direction. In other words, thecorners 42 a may have the R-like shape, instead of being formed with an angle of 90 degrees. In an example shown inFIG. 4D , a section of theslit 42 in the second direction has a semicircular shape. Theslit 42 may have any sectional shape, such as a polygonal shape like a triangle, instead of the sectional shapes shown inFIGS. 4A, 4C, and 4D . - When the non-combustion heating-
type flavor inhaler 100 is used, the aerosol generated from theatomizing section 14 passes through the firstaerosol flow path 32 a and the secondaerosol flow path 32 b which are defined by theinner wall 34 shown inFIGS. 4A and 4B . During this process, aerosol can be agglomerated on a wall surface of the first aerosol flow path wall 34 a and the second aerosolflow path wall 34 b to form droplets. - If the droplets continue to be agglomerated on the wall surface of the first aerosol flow path wall 34 a and/or the second aerosol
flow path wall 34 b, the droplets are deposited and block the firstaerosol flow path 32 a. Consequently, the droplets can be formed into a pillar-like shape within the firstaerosol flow path 32 a. The pillar-like droplets move toward themouthpiece 18, that is, toward the secondaerosol flow path 32 b as the user inhales the non-combustion heating-type flavor inhaler 100. When the pillar-like droplets reach the secondaerosol flow path 32 b, some of the droplets evacuate to a space that is defined by theplanar portion 40 formed at the boundary between the firstaerosol flow path 32 a and the secondaerosol flow path 32 b. Air is less likely to flow into space near theplanar portion 40, so that air passing by theplanar portion 40 is smaller in flow rate than air passing through the secondaerosol flow path 32 b. The droplets that evacuate to the space defined by theplanar portion 40 therefore become less likely to move toward themouthpiece 18, which prevents the droplets from reaching the inside of the user's mouth. In short, the space defined by theplanar portion 40 functions as part of the liquid evacuation section, to which the agglomerated droplets evacuate from the secondaerosol flow path 32 b. - The pillar-like droplets that reach the second
aerosol flow path 32 b also evacuate into theslit 42 extending from theplanar portion 40. The droplets therefore lose the pillar-like shape and exist in the inside of theslit 42, or a space defined by theslit 42. Since theslit 42 includes thecorners 42 a as already mentioned, the droplets are held at thecorners 42 a of theslit 42 due to a capillary action. Theslit 42 is located on the outer side of the firstaerosol flow path 32 a and the secondaerosol flow path 32 b in the second direction, so that air runs at a lower flow rate when passing through theslit 42 than when flowing through the secondaerosol flow path 32 b. Accordingly, the droplets that evacuate to the space defined by theslit 42 are less likely to move toward themouthpiece 18 and prevented from reaching the inside of the user's mouth. In other words, the space defined by theslit 42 functions as the liquid evacuation section, to which the agglomerated droplets evacuate from the secondaerosol flow path 32 b. - One way to prevent the droplets from accumulating into the pillar-like shape in the
aerosol flow path 32 is to increase the width or diameter of theaerosol flow path 32 over the entire length thereof. However, theaerosol flow path 32 may be so disposed as to extend at a lateral side or inner side of thetank 30 as in the present embodiment. In such a case, if the width or diameter of theaerosol flow path 32 is increased over the entire length of theaerosol flow path 32, a space for thetank 30 is accordingly decreased, and thetank 30 that stores the aerosol source is reduced in capacity. In contrast, the non-combustion heating-type flavor inhaler 100 according to the present embodiment is disposed in the secondaerosol flow path 32 b and includes the liquid evacuation section extending from the boundary between the firstaerosol flow path 32 a and the secondaerosol flow path 32 b in the downstream direction of the secondaerosol flow path 32 b. Specifically, in the present embodiment, the non-combustion heating-type flavor inhaler 100 includes the space defined by theplanar portion 40 and the space defined by theslit 42, which is in particular the space defined by thecorners 42 a, as the liquid evacuation section. The space defined by thecorners 42 a particularly has an excellent liquid holding capacity due to the action of capillary force and prevents the liquid that once reaches the liquid evacuation section from being formed into the pillar-like droplets again within the firstaerosol flow path 32 a. It is then possible to suppress the decrease of capacity of thetank 30 and at the same time prevent the droplets from reaching the inside of the user's mouth, as compared to when theaerosol flow path 32 is increased in width or diameter over the entire length in the first direction of theinner wall 34. The present embodiment also prevents the droplets from reaching the inside of the user's mouth without providing an additional member to thetank 30. This suppresses the increase of component cost and the effect of providing an additional member. - Although the
planar portion 40 is parallel with the second direction in the present embodiment, theplaner surface 40 does not necessarily have to be arranged that way.FIGS. 4E and 4F are sectional side views of theinner wall 34 of thetank 30 according to another embodiment. In examples shown inFIGS. 4E and 4F , theplanar portion 40 is so disposed as to be inclined to the second direction. To be specific, theplanar portion 40 inFIG. 4B extends perpendicularly to the first aerosol flow path wall 34 a, whereas theplanar portion 40 in the example ofFIG. 4E obliquely extends at an obtuse angle to the first aerosol flow path wall 34 a. In other words, in the example ofFIG. 4E , theplanar portion 40 extends from the first aerosol flow path wall 34 a toward themouthpiece 18. In the example ofFIG. 4F , theplanar portion 40 obliquely extends at an acute angle to the first aerosol flow path wall 34 a. In other words, in the example ofFIG. 4F , theplanar portion 40 extends from the first aerosol flow path wall 34 a toward an opposite side from themouthpiece 18. In the example ofFIG. 4F , theplanar portion 40 and theslit 42 define a recessed space S1. The recessed space S1 constitutes part of the liquid evacuation section and has an excellent liquid holding capacity achieved by the action of capillary force. The recessed space S1 prevents the liquid that once reaches the space S1 from being formed into the pillar-like droplets again within the firstaerosol flow path 32 a. - In the present embodiment, the
aerosol flow path 32 is configured to extend to a center of an interior portion of thetank 30. Theaerosol flow path 32, however, does not necessarily have to be configured that way. Theaerosol flow path 32 may be disposed at the lateral side of thetank 30, and theouter wall 30 c of thetank 30 may function as a wall that defines at least part of theaerosol flow path 32.FIGS. 5A and 5B are schematic sectional side views of thetank 30 according to another embodiment. In an example shown inFIG. 5A , thetank 30 and theatomizing section 14 are housed in ahousing 60, and theaerosol flow path 32 is formed at one lateral side of thetank 30. In an example shown inFIG. 5B , thetank 30 and theatomizing section 14 are housed in thehousing 60, and theaerosol flow path 32 is formed at each lateral side of thetank 30. Arrows A1 and A2 inFIGS. 5A and 5B indicate the flows of air or aerosol passing through thehousing 60. - An experiment was conducted, which evaluated a reaching amount of droplets (amount of droplets that reached the inside of the user's mouth) according to shapes of the liquid evacuation section.
FIG. 6 is a top view of theinner wall 34 of thetank 30 used in Experimental Example 1. In the experiment, a predetermined amount of liquid was injected into the firstaerosol flow path 32 a defined by theinner wall 34 according to each ofEmbodiments 1 to 9 shown inFIG. 6 so that the liquid was formed into a pillar-like shape. Amount of liquid was measured, which scattered from the secondaerosol flow path 32 b to a front end of theinner wall 34 when the user inhaled under predetermined conditions. - In the
inner wall 34 according to each ofEmbodiments 1 to 9, the firstaerosol flow path 32 a had a length of 10 mm in the first direction, and the secondaerosol flow path 32 b and theslit 42 had a length of 20 mm in the first direction. The diameter (I) of the firstaerosol flow path 32 a and that of the secondaerosol flow path 32 b were 2 mm each. Theslit 42 and the second aerosolflow path wall 34 b had width W as below, and theslit 42 had height H as below according toEmbodiments 1 to 9, where the width W and the height H are defined as inFIG. 4A . -
Embodiment 1 Width W=6 mm, Height H=2 mm -
Embodiment 2 Width W=6 mm, Height H=1 mm -
Embodiment 3 Width W=6 mm, Height H=0.6 mm -
Embodiment 4 Width W=4 mm, Height H=2 mm -
Embodiment 5 Width W=4 mm, Height H=1 mm -
Embodiment 6 Width W=4 mm, Height H=0.6 mm -
Embodiment 7 Width W=3 mm, Height H=2 mm -
Embodiment 8 Width W=3 mm, Height H=1 mm -
Embodiment 9 Width W=3 mm, Height H=0.6 mm - That is to say, the second
aerosol flow path 32 b and the liquid evacuation section (slit 42) according toEmbodiments Embodiments slit 42 was less than the diameter ϕ of the secondaerosol flow path 32 b in the second direction. - The
tank 30 including theinner wall 34 that was not provided with the liquid evacuation section was Comparative Example 1. Theinner wall 34 of Comparative Example 1 had a similar shape to theinner wall 34 ofEmbodiments 1 to 9 except that theinner wall 34 of Comparative Example 1 was not provided with theslit 42 and theplanar portion 40. - Conditions on inhalation were as listed below.
- Inhalation capacity—2400 cc/min
- Inhalation time—3 seconds
- Number of puffs—1 puff
- N number (sample size)—3
- Orientation of the tank 30 (angle in the first direction)—Inclined at an angle of 45 degrees to a vertical plane
- Composition of the liquid—Glycerin:Propylene glycol:Water=45:45:10
- Liquid injection amount—40 μl
- Table 1 shows results of the experiment conducted on the foregoing conditions.
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TABLE 1 (Liquid evacuation section area + Sectional area of 2nd aerosol flow path in 2nd direction)/ Liquid Reaching Sectional area evacuation amount of of 1st aerosol Sample W(mm) × section droplets flow path in 2nd Number H(mm) area(mm2) (mg/1 puff) direction Comparative — 0 27 1.0 Example 1 Embodiment 16 × 2 8.86 0.9 3.8 Embodiment 26 × 1 4.08 0.5 2.3 Embodiment 36 × 0.6 2.42 0.6 1.8 Embodiment 44 × 2 4.86 1.0 2.5 Embodiment 54 × 1 2.08 0.5 1.7 Embodiment 64 × 0.6 1.22 6.9 1.4 Embodiment 73 × 2 2.86 1.7 1.9 Embodiment 83 × 1 1.08 12.1 1.3 Embodiment 93 × 0.6 0.62 19.5 1.2 - In Table 1, the liquid evacuation section area is sectional area of the
slit 42 in the second direction and does not include sectional area of the secondaerosol flow path 32 b. In Table 1, the item “(Liquid evacuation section area+Sectional area of 2nd aerosol flow path in 2nd direction)/Sectional area of 1st aerosol flow path in 2nd direction” indicates a ratio of sectional area of the secondaerosol flow path 32 b and theslit 42 in the second direction to sectional area of the firstaerosol flow path 32 a in the second direction. As shown in Table 1, the reaching amount of droplets is decreased in allEmbodiments 1 to 9, as compared to the reaching amount of droplets of Comparative Example 1 in which the liquid evacuation section is not provided. In short, the reaching amount of droplets can be decreased by providing the liquid evacuation section to theinner wall 34. It is therefore apparent from the experiment that the reaching amount of droplets can be decreased when the ratio is larger than 1 and equal to or smaller than 4.0. - In
Embodiment 1, the reaching amount of droplets is 0.9, which is much smaller than the reaching amount of droplets in Comparative Example 1. However, the liquid evacuation section area, or the sectional area of theslit 42 in the second direction is 8.86 mm2, which is large as compared toEmbodiments 2 to 9. The large liquid evacuation section area might affect the capacity of thetank 30. It is therefore apparent from the experiment that the above-mentioned ratio is preferably about 3 or smaller. - Referring to the reaching amount of droplets in
Embodiments 1 to 9,Embodiments 1 to 5 and 7 significantly reduce the reaching amount of droplets, as compared to the other Embodiments. According to the experiment, it is particularly preferable that the above-mentioned ratio be 1.5 or larger. - The
inner walls 34 shown inFIG. 6 have outer shapes with the same diameter for the convenience of the experiment. However, the outer shape of theinner wall 34 may be designed correspondingly to the shapes of the secondaerosol flow path 32 b and the liquid evacuation section.FIGS. 7A and 7B are schematic views showing theinner wall 34 having an outer shape that does not correspond to the shapes of the secondaerosol flow path 32 b and the liquid evacuation section.FIGS. 7C and 7D are schematic views showing theinner wall 34 having an outer shape corresponding to the shapes of the secondaerosol flow path 32 b and the liquid evacuation section. In an example shown inFIG. 7A , the outer shape of theinner wall 34 is a similarity shape (namely a circular shape) to the sectional shape of the secondaerosol flow path 32 b. Theinner wall 34 shown inFIG. 7A has thickness that is relatively small in the vicinity of the liquid evacuation section (slit 42). For this reason, if the outer shape of theinner wall 34 is designed so that theinner wall 34 has sufficient strength in a thinnest portion thereof, theinner wall 34 partially has excessive thickness. In the example ofFIG. 7A , theinner wall 34 is excessively thick in a portion (upper and lower portions in the figure) defining the secondaerosol flow path 32 b. - In an example shown in
FIG. 7B , theinner wall 34 has a rectangular outer shape. InFIG. 7B , the outer shape of theinner wall 34 inFIG. 7A is shown by a broken line as reference. Theinner wall 34 shown inFIG. 7B has a relatively small thickness in the vicinity of the liquid evacuation section (slit 42) as with theinner wall 34 shown inFIG. 7A . Therefore, if the outer shape of theinner wall 34 is designed so that theinner wall 34 has sufficient strength in the thinnest portion thereof, theinner wall 34 partially has excessive thickness. In the example ofFIG. 7B , theinner wall 34 is excessively thick in a portion (upper and lower portion in the figure) defining the secondaerosol flow path 32 b. - In contrast, in an example shown in
FIG. 7C , theinner wall 34 has an outer shape like an ellipse. InFIG. 7C , the outer shape of theinner wall 34 ofFIG. 7A is shown by a broken line as reference. Theinner wall 34 inFIG. 7C is designed so that a portion near the liquid evacuation section (slit 42) and portions (upper and lower portions in the figure) defining the secondaerosol flow path 32 b have close thickness values. Accordingly, area of the outer shape of theinner wall 34 shown inFIG. 7C (area of the ellipse inFIG. 7C ) is smaller than area of the outer shape of theinner wall 34 shown inFIG. 7A (area of the circle shown by a broke line inFIG. 7C ). Thetank 30 including theinner wall 34 shown inFIG. 7C therefore can be increased in capacity, as compared to thetank 30 including theinner wall 34 shown inFIG. 7A . - In an example shown in
FIG. 7D , the outer shape of theinner wall 34 is a similarity shape of the secondaerosol flow path 32 b and the liquid evacuation section (slit 42). InFIG. 7D , the outer shape of theinner wall 34 inFIG. 7A is shown by a broke line as reference. InFIG. 7D , too, the area of the outer shape of theinner wall 34 is smaller than the area of the outer shape of theinner wall 34 inFIG. 7A (area of the circle shown by the broken line inFIG. 7C ). This means that thetank 30 including theinner wall 34 inFIG. 7D can be increased in capacity, as compared to thetank 30 including theinner wall 34 inFIG. 7A . As shown inFIGS. 7C and 7D , therefore, the shape corresponding to the shape of the secondaerosol flow path 32 b and the liquid evacuation section is the shape having sectional area that is smaller than the sectional area of the outer shape similar to the sectional shape of the secondaerosol flow path 32 b inFIG. 7A . - An experiment was conducted, which evaluated the reaching amount of droplets according to lengths of the liquid evacuation section. In the experiment, the
inner wall 34 in which theslit 42 had a width W of 3.0 mm and a height H of 1.5 mm (Embodiments 10 and 11) and theinner wall 34 in which theslit 42 had a width W of 4.5 mm and a height H of 0.75 mm (Embodiments 12 and 13) were prepared. InEmbodiments 10 and 11, theinner wall 34 had theslit 42 with a length of 0 mm, 5 mm, 10 mm, 15 mm, and 20 mm. InEmbodiments 12 and 13, theinner wall 34 had theslit 42 with a length of 10 mm, 15 mm, and 20 mm. Theseinner walls 34 were subjected to the experiment under inhalation conditions below. In the experiment, a predetermined amount of liquid was injected into the firstaerosol flow path 32 a defined by theinner wall 34 according to each of Embodiments 10 to 13 so that the liquid was formed into the pillar-like shape. Amount of liquid was measured, which scattered from the secondaerosol flow path 32 b to the front end of theinner wall 34 when the user inhales on predetermined conditions. InEmbodiments 10 to 13, the firstaerosol flow path 32 a and the secondaerosol flow channel 32 b had a length of 30 mm in the first direction. - The inhalation conditions were as below.
- Inhalation capacity—2400 cc/min
- Inhalation time—3 seconds
- Number of puffs—1 puff (Embodiments 11 and 13), 5 puffs (Embodiments 10 and 12)
- Inhalation interval—20 seconds
- N number (sample size)—3
- Orientation of the tank 30 (angle in the first direction)—Inclined at an angle of 45 degrees to a vertical plane
- Composition of the liquid—Glycerin:Propylene glycol:Water=45:45:10
- Liquid injection amount—20 μl
-
FIG. 8 is a graph showing evaluation results of Experimental Example 2. InFIG. 8 , a plot in which lengths of the liquid evacuation sections ofEmbodiments 10 and 11 are 0 mm indicates evaluation results for theinner walls 34 that are not provided with the liquid evacuation sections. The reaching amount of droplets inEmbodiment 10 in which the liquid evacuation section had a length of 0 mm was about 19.2 mg. The reaching amount of droplets in Embodiment 11 in which the liquid evacuation section had a length of 0 mm was about 13.3 mg. Embodiments 10 and 11 in which the liquid evacuation sections had a length of 5 mm decreased a higher reaching amount of droplets thanEmbodiments 10 and 11 in which the liquid evacuation sections had a length of 0 mm. To be specific, the reaching amount of droplets according toEmbodiment 10 in which the liquid evacuation section had a length of 5 mm was about 14.3 mg, and the reaching amount of droplets according to Embodiment 11 in which the liquid evacuation section had a length of 5 mm was about 6.4 mg. The experiment shows that the reaching amount of droplets can be decreased by the presence of the liquid evacuation section. - The reaching amounts of droplets according to
Embodiments 1 to 4 in which the liquid evacuation sections each had a length of 10 mm were about 2.7 mg, about 1.3 mg, about 3.3 mg, and about 3.6 mg, respectively. When the liquid evacuation section had a length of 10 mm, the reaching amount of droplets was decreased much more than when the liquid evacuation section had a length of 5 mm. The reaching amounts of droplets according toEmbodiments 1 to 4 in which the liquid evacuation sections each had a length of 15 mm were about 1.2 mg, about 0.7 mg, about 2.8 mg, and about 0.6 mg, respectively. The reaching amounts of droplets according toEmbodiments 1 to 4 in which the liquid evacuation sections each had a length of 20 mm were about 1.1 mg, about 0.7 mg, about 0.4 mg, and about 0.5 mg, respectively. The reaching amount of droplets was further decreased when the liquid evacuation section had a length equal to or more than 10 mm. - In view of the above experiment results, it is preferable that the length of the liquid evacuation section be in a range between 10 mm and 20 mm, inclusive, from a perspective of decrease of the reaching amount of droplets. In other words, a ratio of the length of the liquid evacuation section (slit 42) in the first direction to the length (30 mm) of the first
aerosol flow path 32 a and the secondaerosol flow path 32 b is preferably not less than ⅓ and not more than ⅔. - The non-combustion heating-
type flavor inhaler 100 according to another embodiment will be now discussed. The non-combustion heating-type flavor inhaler 100 according to another embodiment differs from the non-combustion heating-type flavor inhaler 100 explained with reference toFIGS. 1 to 8 in that the non-combustion heating-type flavor inhaler 100 according to another embodiment includes a liquid holding section at the front end of thetank 30. The liquid holding section is in communication with the liquid that evacuates to the liquid evacuation section.FIG. 9 is a schematic sectional side view of thetank 30 of the non-combustion heating-type flavor inhaler 100 according to another embodiment. Thetank 30 shown inFIG. 9 may have the same configuration as thetank 30 shown inFIG. 3 . In an example shown inFIG. 9 , thetank 30 is provided with alid member 50 that covers anupper wall 30 a of the front end of thetank 30. -
FIG. 10A is a perspective view of thelid member 50.FIG. 10B is a plan view of thelid member 50.FIG. 10C is a sectional view as viewed fromarrow 10C-10C inFIG. 10B . Thelid member 50, as shown in the figures, includes atop panel 52 formed into a substantially rectangular plate-like shape according to the shape of thetank 30 and a substantiallycylindrical side panel 54 extending from thetop panel 52. Anopening 56 is provided at a substantially central portion of thetop panel 52. Theopening 56 is in communication with theaerosol flow path 32 of thetank 30, which allows aerosol from theaerosol flow path 32 to pass through theopening 56. Theopening 56 is formed in thelid member 50 so that when thelid member 50 is mounted on thetank 50, a center of theopening 56 substantially coincides with a center of theaerosol flow path 32 of thetank 30 in the second direction. One ormore ridges 58 extending in the second direction are disposed in a surface of thetop panel 52 which faces theupper wall 30 a of thetank 30. A concave-convex portion is then formed in the surface of thetop panel 52 which faces theupper wall 30 a of thetank 30. When thelid member 50 is mounted on thetank 30, the concave-convex portion comes into communication with the liquid evacuation section of thetank 30. - As shown in
FIG. 10B , it is preferable that theridges 58 be so configured that intervals therebetween decrease with distance from the aerosol flow path 32 (or the opening 56) in the second direction. It is also preferable, as shown inFIG. 10C , that theridges 58 be so configured that intervals therebetween decrease with distance from thetop panel 52 in the first direction. In other words, in a state where thelid member 50 is attached to thetank 30, it is preferable that theridges 58 be so configured that intervals therebetween decrease with distance from theupper wall 30 a (front end) of thetank 30 in the first direction. The intervals between theridges 58 in the second direction may have any length and may be regular, for example. - As already mentioned, aerosol can be agglomerated on the wall surface of the
inner wall 34 that defines theaerosol flow path 32 to form the pillar-like droplets. The pillar-like droplets move toward themouthpiece 18 and evacuate to the liquid evacuation section, that is, theplanar portion 40 or theslit 42 as the user inhales the non-combustion heating-type flavor inhaler 100. If the non-combustion heating-type flavor inhaler 100 then continues to be used, there is a possibility that the droplets that evacuate to the liquid evacuation section might reach the front end of the liquid evacuation section or that the liquid evacuation section is filled with the droplets. In either case, the droplets are liable to move from the liquid evacuation section and reach the inside of the user's mouth. - To solve the above problem, according to the present embodiment, the
lid member 50 includes the concave-convex portion (which is an example of the liquid holding section) that is in communication with the liquid evacuation section. The droplets that reach the front end of the liquid evacuation section are held by the concave-convex portion of thelid member 50 due to a capillary action. The droplets that reach the front end of the liquid evacuation section also can be held in a gap between thetop panel 52 of thelid member 50 and theupper wall 30 a of thetank 30 due to the capillary action. This prevents the liquid that evacuates to the liquid evacuation section from reaching the inside of the user's mouth. According to the present embodiment, since the intervals between theridges 58 decrease with distance from theaerosol flow path 32 in the second direction, the liquid is encouraged to move in a direction away from theaerosol flow path 32 in the second direction due to a capillary phenomenon. According to the present embodiment, furthermore, since the intervals between theridges 58 decrease with distance from theupper wall 30 a of thetank 30 in the first direction, the liquid is encouraged to move in a direction away from thetank 30 in the first direction due to the capillary phenomenon. - According to the present embodiment, a plurality of
ridges 58 are provided for forming the concave-convex portion. However, the concave-convex portion does not necessarily have to be formed by the plurality ofridges 58. The concave-convex portion may have any form as long as the concave-convex portion is capable of holding the liquid due to the capillary action. For example, a plurality of convex portions, a plurality of concave portions or the like may be employed. Instead of or in addition to the concave-convex portion, a liquid holding member (which is an example of the liquid holding section) comprising a porous member, fiber or the like may be disposed between thetop panel 52 of thelid member 50 and theupper wall 30 a of thetank 30. The porous member, fiber or the like includes, for example, cellulosic non-woven fabric, glass fiber non-woven fabric, paper, sponge, ceramic, a glass porous element and the like. Thelid member 50 may be attached to and detached from thetank 30 by the user or may be undetachably fixed to thetank 30. - The concave-convex portion of the present embodiment is located on a radially outer side of the
aerosol flow path 32. The present embodiment thus prevents the aerosol passing through theaerosol flow path 32 from reaching the concave-convex portion and suppresses condensation of the aerosol in the concave-convex portion. If the liquid holding member comprising a porous member, fiber or the like is disposed between thetop panel 52 of thelid member 50 and theupper wall 30 a of thetank 30, the liquid holding member is preferably disposed away from theaerosol flow path 32 on the radially outer side of theaerosol flow path 32. - According to the present embodiment, a plurality of
ridges 58 are provided to form the concave-convex portion. However, thelid member 50 does not necessarily have to include theridges 58 as long as thelid member 50 is capable of holding liquid due to the capillary action.FIG. 11 is a schematic sectional side view of thetank 30 provided with thelid member 50 according to another embodiment. Although thelid member 50 shown inFIG. 11 does not include theridges 58, the droplets that reach the front end of the liquid evacuation section are held in the gap (which is an example of the liquid holding section) between thetop panel 52 of thelid member 50 and theupper wall 30 a of thetank 30 due to the capillary action. According to the embodiment shown in the figure, thelid member 50 is so formed that distance between a tank 30-side surface of thetop panel 52 of thelid member 50 and theupper wall 30 a of thetank 30 decreases with distance away from theaerosol flow path 32 in the second direction. The droplets that reach the front end of the liquid evacuation section are therefore first held in the relatively large gap between thetop panel 52 of thelid member 50 and theupper wall 30 a of thetank 30. According to the embodiment shown in the figure, the droplets held in the relatively large gap are encouraged to move away from theopening 56 in the second direction due to the capillary action. - Distance between the tank 30-side surface of the
top panel 52 of thelid member 50 and theupper wall 30 a of thetank 30 may be constant. It is also possible to provide theridges 58 shown inFIGS. 10A to 10C to thelid member 50 shown inFIG. 11 . -
FIG. 12 is a schematic top view of thetank 30 of the non-combustion heating-type flavor inhaler 100 according to still another embodiment. As shown in the figure, one ormore ridges 36 are formed in a front end surface of thetank 30. Accordingly, the concave-convex portion (which is an example of the liquid holding section) is formed in a front end-side end surface of theupper end 30 a of thetank 30. The concave-convex portion is in communication with the liquid evacuation section of thetank 30. - As shown in
FIG. 12 , theridges 36 are preferably configured so that intervals therebetween decrease with distance from theaerosol flow path 32 in the second direction. Theridges 36 are also preferably configured so that intervals therebetween decrease with distance from theupper wall 30 a in the first direction as with theridges 58 shown inFIG. 10C . The intervals between theridges 36 may have any length and may be regular, for example. - Since the
tank 30 includes the concave-convex portion in communication with the liquid evacuation section, the droplets that reach the front end of the liquid evacuation section are held by the concave-convex portion of thetank 30 due to the capillary action. The liquid that evacuates to the liquid evacuation section is thus prevented from reaching the inside of the user's mouth. In the present embodiment, furthermore, since the intervals between theridges 36 decrease with distance from theaerosol flow path 32 in the second direction, the liquid is encouraged to move in a direction away from theaerosol flow path 32 in the second direction due to the capillary phenomenon. If theridges 36 are configured so that the intervals therebetween decrease with distance from the front end of thetank 30, or theupper wall 30 a of thetank 30 in the first direction, the liquid is encouraged to move in a direction away from theupper wall 30 a of thetank 30 in the first direction due to the capillary phenomenon. - In the present embodiment, the plurality of
ridges 58 are provided to form the concave-convex portion. However, the concave-convex portion does not necessarily have to be formed by the plurality ofridges 58. The concave-convex portion may have any form as long as the concave-convex portion is capable of holding the liquid due to the capillary action. For example, a plurality of convex portions, a plurality of concave portions or the like may be employed. Instead of or in addition to the concave-convex portion, a liquid holding member (which is an example of the liquid holding section) comprising a porous member, fiber or the like may be disposed in theupper wall 30 a of thetank 30. The porous member, fiber or the like includes, for example, cellulosic non-woven fabric, glass fiber non-woven fabric, paper, sponge, ceramic, a glass porous element and the like. Thelid member 50 shown inFIGS. 10A to 10C orFIG. 11 may be mounted on the front end of thetank 30 shown inFIG. 12 . - The invention is not limited to the embodiments discussed above and may be modified in various ways within the scope of technical idea described in the claims, description, and drawings. Any shape or material that is not directly mentioned in the description and drawings is also in the scope of technical idea of the invention if it provides operation and advantages of the invention.
- Modes disclosed in the present description will be explained below.
- A first mode provides an atomizing unit. The atomizing unit comprises an atomizing section configured to atomize an aerosol source, a tank configured to hold the aerosol source, and a liquid holding section disposed at a front end of the tank. The tank includes a flow path wall that defines at least part of an aerosol flow path, through which aerosol generated by atomization of the aerosol source passes, and which extends in a first direction. The atomizing unit further comprises a liquid evacuation section disposed in the aerosol flow path. The liquid holding section is in communication with the liquid evacuation section.
- In a second mode according to the first mode, the atomizing unit includes a lid member disposed at the front end of the tank, and the liquid holding section is disposed between the front end of the tank and the lid member.
- In a third mode according to the second mode, the liquid holding section includes a first concave-convex portion that is formed in a surface of the lid member which faces the front end of the tank, the first concave-convex portion being in communication with the liquid evacuation section and capable of holding the aerosol source.
- In a fourth mode according to the second or third mode, the lid member includes an opening which is in communication with the aerosol flow path to allow aerosol to pass through the opening.
- In a fifth mode according to the third or fourth mode, the first concave-convex portion includes first ridges extending in a second direction orthogonal to the first direction.
- In a sixth mode according to the fifth mode, gaps formed by the first ridges become smaller with distance from the aerosol flow path in the second direction.
- In a seventh mode according to the fifth or sixth mode, gaps formed by the first ridges become larger with distance from a surface of the lid member which faces the front end of the tank in the first direction.
- In an eighth mode according to the second to seventh modes, distance between a surface of the lid member which faces the front end of the tank and the front end of the tank becomes smaller with distance from the aerosol flow path in a second direction orthogonal to the first direction.
- In a ninth mode according to the first to eighth modes, the liquid holding section includes a second concave-convex portion formed in a front end surface of the tank.
- In a 10th mode according to the ninth mode, the second concave-convex portion includes second ridges extending in a second direction orthogonal to the first direction.
- In an 11th mode according to the 10th mode, gaps formed by the second ridges become smaller with distance from the aerosol flow path in the second direction.
- In a 12th mode according to the 10th or 11th mode, gaps formed by the second ridges become smaller with distance from the front end of the tank in the first direction.
- In a 13th mode according to any one of the first to 12th modes, the aerosol flow path includes a first aerosol flow path and a second aerosol flow path in communication with a downstream side of the first aerosol flow path, and the liquid evacuation section is disposed in the second aerosol flow path and extends downstream of the second aerosol flow path from a boundary between the first aerosol flow path and the second aerosol flow path.
- A 14th mode provides a non-combustion heating-type flavor inhaler. The non-combustion heating-type flavor inhaler includes the atomizing unit according to any one of the first to 13th modes, and a power source for supplying electric power to the atomizing section.
-
-
- 10: Cartridge
- 14: Atomizing section
- 30: Tank
- 30 a: Upper wall
- 30 b: Bottom wall
- 30 c: Outer wall
- 32: Aerosol flow path
- 32 a: First aerosol flow path
- 32 b: Second aerosol flow path
- 34: Inner wall
- 34 a: First aerosol flow path wall
- 34 b: Second aerosol flow path wall
- 36: Ridge
- 40: Planar portion
- 42: Slit
- 42 a: Corner
- 50: Lid member
- 56: Opening
- 58: Ridge
- 92: Power source
- 100: Non-combustion heating-type flavor inhaler
Claims (14)
1. An atomizing unit comprising:
an atomizing section configured to atomize an aerosol source;
a tank configured to hold the aerosol source, and
a liquid holding section disposed at a front end of the tank,
the tank including a flow path wall that defines at least part of an aerosol flow path, through which aerosol generated by atomization of the aerosol source passes, and which extends in a first direction,
the atomizing unit further comprising a liquid evacuation section disposed in the aerosol flow path, and
the liquid holding section being in communication with the liquid evacuation section.
2. The atomizing unit according to claim 1 ,
wherein the atomizing unit includes a lid member disposed at the front end of the tank, and
wherein the liquid holding section is disposed between the front end of the tank and the lid member.
3. The atomizing unit according to claim 2 ,
wherein the liquid holding section includes a first concave-convex portion that is formed in a surface of the lid member which faces the front end of the tank, the first concave-convex portion being in communication with the liquid evacuation section and capable of holding the aerosol source.
4. The atomizing unit according to claim 2 ,
wherein the lid member includes an opening which is in communication with the aerosol flow path to allow aerosol to pass through the opening.
5. The atomizing unit according to claim 3 ,
wherein the first concave-convex portion includes first ridges extending in a second direction orthogonal to the first direction.
6. The atomizing unit according to claim 5 ,
wherein gaps formed by the first ridges become smaller with distance from the aerosol flow path in the second direction.
7. The atomizing unit according to claim 5 ,
wherein gaps formed by the first ridges become larger with distance from a surface of the lid member which faces the front end of the tank in the first direction.
8. The atomizing unit according to claim 2 ,
wherein distance between a surface of the lid member which faces the front end of the tank and the front end of the tank becomes smaller with distance from the aerosol flow path in a second direction orthogonal to the first direction.
9. The atomizing unit according to claim 1 ,
wherein the liquid holding section includes a second concave-convex portion formed in a front end surface of the tank.
10. The atomizing unit according to claim 9 ,
wherein the second concave-convex portion includes second ridges extending in a second direction orthogonal to the first direction.
11. The atomizing unit according to claim 10 ,
wherein gaps formed by the second ridges become smaller with distance from the aerosol flow path in the second direction.
12. The atomizing unit according to claim 10 ,
wherein gaps formed by the second ridges become smaller with distance from the front end of the tank in the first direction.
13. The atomizing unit according to claim 1 ,
wherein the aerosol flow path includes a first aerosol flow path and a second aerosol flow path in communication with a downstream side of the first aerosol flow path, and
wherein the liquid evacuation section is disposed in the second aerosol flow path and extends downstream of the second aerosol flow path from a boundary between the first aerosol flow path and the second aerosol flow path.
14. A non-combustion heating-type flavor inhaler comprising:
the atomizing unit according to claim 1 , and
a power source for supplying electric power to the atomizing section.
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
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PCT/JP2019/045226 WO2021100111A1 (en) | 2019-11-19 | 2019-11-19 | Atomizing unit and non-combustion-heating-type flavor inhaling mechanism |
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PCT/JP2019/045226 Continuation WO2021100111A1 (en) | 2019-11-19 | 2019-11-19 | Atomizing unit and non-combustion-heating-type flavor inhaling mechanism |
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US20220202082A1 true US20220202082A1 (en) | 2022-06-30 |
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US17/697,003 Pending US20220202082A1 (en) | 2019-11-19 | 2022-03-17 | Atomizing unit and non-combustion-heating-type flavor inhaling mechanism |
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US (1) | US20220202082A1 (en) |
EP (1) | EP4062779A4 (en) |
JP (1) | JP7281555B2 (en) |
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WO (1) | WO2021100111A1 (en) |
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JPS4713435Y1 (en) * | 1968-10-12 | 1972-05-16 | ||
EP2460422A1 (en) * | 2010-12-03 | 2012-06-06 | Philip Morris Products S.A. | An aerosol generating system with provention of condensate leakage |
WO2015074187A1 (en) * | 2013-11-20 | 2015-05-28 | 吉瑞高新科技股份有限公司 | Electronic cigarette atomizer, electronic cigarette, and method for preventing inhalation of cigarette oil |
GB201401520D0 (en) | 2014-01-29 | 2014-03-12 | Batmark Ltd | Aerosol-forming member |
CN205456063U (en) | 2016-01-29 | 2016-08-17 | 深圳市合元科技有限公司 | Electronic cigarette atomizer and electronic cigarette |
WO2018018599A1 (en) * | 2016-07-29 | 2018-02-01 | 深圳麦克韦尔股份有限公司 | Electronic cigarette and atomizer thereof |
US10021911B2 (en) * | 2016-09-23 | 2018-07-17 | Yongjie James Xu | Disposable cartridge with resealable trapdoor |
GB201616430D0 (en) | 2016-09-28 | 2016-11-09 | Nicoventures Holdings Limited | Liquid storage tank for a vapour provision system |
JP2018113955A (en) | 2017-01-18 | 2018-07-26 | ギョンス チェ | Smoking habit correcting appliance |
JP6525228B1 (en) | 2018-10-26 | 2019-06-05 | 日本たばこ産業株式会社 | Cartridge, atomization unit, and non-combustion suction device |
AU2020228669A1 (en) * | 2019-02-28 | 2021-09-02 | Juul Labs, Inc. | Vaporizer device with vaporizer cartridge |
-
2019
- 2019-11-19 WO PCT/JP2019/045226 patent/WO2021100111A1/en unknown
- 2019-11-19 JP JP2021558069A patent/JP7281555B2/en active Active
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WO2021100111A1 (en) | 2021-05-27 |
TW202119950A (en) | 2021-06-01 |
EP4062779A1 (en) | 2022-09-28 |
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