HK40001103B - Cartridge for flavor inhaler and flavor inhaler - Google Patents

Description

Flavor inhaler cartridge and flavor inhaler

Technical Field

The invention relates to a cigarette cartridge for a flavor inhaler and the flavor inhaler.

Background Art

Fragrance inhalers that allow users to inhale fragrance without burning a material are known. Electronic cigarettes are a common example of such fragrance inhalers. Electronic cigarettes atomize a liquid containing a fragrance (aerosol source) to create an aerosol that is delivered to the user's oral cavity. Alternatively, electronic cigarettes atomize a liquid without a fragrance and then pass it through a fragrance source (e.g., a cigarette) to create an aerosol that is delivered to the user's oral cavity.

Some electronic cigarettes include a container for storing a liquid used to generate an aerosol and an atomizer that atomizes the liquid. Furthermore, some electronic cigarettes with a container include a lid that separates the container from the atomizer to supply the liquid in the container to the atomizer. This lid is openable and closable, and the user opens the lid when using the electronic cigarette and closes it when not in use.

As such lid opening and closing mechanisms, known mechanisms include, for example, those that open the lid by rotating the mouthpiece and pushing down the tube through which the aerosol passes (see Patent Documents 1 and 2). Furthermore, electronic cigarettes are known that engage a battery pack with an atomizer assembly to open a valve that separates a liquid storage unit from an atomizer unit (see Patent Documents 3 and 4).

Existing patent literature

Patent Literature

Patent Document 1: U.S. Patent Publication No. 2015/0144147

Patent Document 2: U.S. Patent Publication No. 2014/0360514

Patent Document 3: European Patent Publication No. 2891415

Patent Document 4: European Patent Publication No. 2823720

Summary of the Invention

Technical problem to be solved by the invention

An object of the present invention is to provide a new opening and closing mechanism of a cover that separates a storage space from an atomization space.

Technical solutions to solve problems

According to one embodiment of the present invention, a cigarette cartridge for a flavor inhaler is provided. The cigarette cartridge for a flavor inhaler comprises: a housing having a storage space for accommodating a liquid and an atomization space for atomizing the liquid; a cover member movable to openably and closably separate the storage space and the atomization space; an aerosol flow path for supplying aerosol generated by atomizing the liquid from the atomization space to the outside of the housing; a rotating member rotatable in a circumferential direction about an axis parallel to the movement direction of the cover member; and a motion conversion mechanism that converts the circumferential rotational motion of the rotating member into axial linear motion of the cover member, the cover member being directly or indirectly fixed to the motion conversion mechanism, the motion conversion mechanism being configured such that, by the circumferential rotation of the rotating member, the cover member moves in a direction approaching the rotating member, thereby connecting the storage space and the atomization space.

In one aspect of the present invention, the atomization space includes an atomization element therein for atomizing the liquid.

In one embodiment of the present invention, the flavor inhaler cartridge has a movable part that moves axially together with the cover part, and the cover part is indirectly fixed to the motion conversion mechanism via the movable part. The motion conversion mechanism is configured to convert the circumferential rotational motion of the rotating part into axial linear motion of the cover part and the movable part.

In one embodiment of the present invention, the motion conversion mechanism has: an engaged portion, which is arranged on the outer peripheral surface or the inner peripheral surface of the moving part; an engaging portion, which engages with the engaged portion, and either the engaging portion or the engaged portion has a spiral protrusion with a spiral surface, and the other of the engaging portion and the engaged portion has a sliding portion that slides on the spiral surface.

In one aspect of the present invention, the spiral protrusion and the sliding portion are screw threads.

In one embodiment of the present invention, the flavor inhaler cartridge includes a suppressing member for suppressing leakage of the liquid in the storage space from the opening of the housing to the outside of the housing, the opening constituting a supply port for supplying the liquid to the storage space.

In one aspect of the present invention, at least a portion of the suppressing member is made of a flexible material.

In one embodiment of the present invention, the flavor inhaler cartridge includes a partition member having a communication hole for communicating the storage space and the atomization space, and the cover member opens and closes the communication hole to openably and closably separate the storage space and the atomization space.

In one embodiment of the present invention, the flavor inhaler cartridge has a movable part that moves axially together with the cover part, and the cover part is indirectly fixed to the motion conversion mechanism via the movable part. The motion conversion mechanism is configured to convert the circumferential rotational motion of the rotating part into axial linear motion of the cover part and the movable part. The movable part is a flow path tube that constitutes at least a part of the aerosol flow path.

In one aspect of the present invention, the rotating member is configured to be rotatable in the circumferential direction about the central axis of the flow tube.

In one embodiment of the present invention, the flavor inhaler cartridge includes a stopper configured to restrict movement of the cover member, wherein the stopper is configured to contact the cover member when the cover member moves a predetermined distance in a direction approaching the rotating member.

In one aspect of the present invention, the stopper is disposed in the storage space.

In one embodiment of the present invention, the cigarette cartridge for a flavor inhaler has a movable part that moves axially together with the cover part, and the cover part is indirectly fixed to the motion conversion mechanism via the movable part. The motion conversion mechanism is configured to convert the circumferential rotational motion of the rotating part into axial linear motion of the cover part and the movable part. The cigarette cartridge for a flavor inhaler also has a limiter, which is configured to limit the movement of the movable part. The limiter is configured to directly or indirectly contact the movable part when the movable part moves a specified distance in a direction approaching the rotating part.

In one aspect of the present invention, a biasing member is provided, and the biasing member is configured to bias the cover member toward the atomization space.

In one embodiment of the present invention, the flavor inhaler cartridge includes a flow tube constituting at least a portion of the aerosol flow path; and a reinforcing member reinforcing the flow tube, wherein the urging member directly or indirectly contacts the reinforcing member.

In one aspect of the present invention, the rotating member is a nozzle that constitutes at least a portion of the aerosol flow path and is provided on a downstream side of the aerosol flow path relative to the storage space.

In one aspect of the present invention, the nozzle includes a flow tube through which the aerosol flows, and a restricting member that contacts the housing and restricts movement of the nozzle in the axial direction toward the cover member.

In one aspect of the present invention, the flow tube is held by the restricting member so as to be rotatable in the circumferential direction, and the motion conversion mechanism is configured to convert the circumferential rotational motion of the flow tube into the axial linear motion of the cover member.

According to one aspect of the present invention, the rotating member is arranged on the downstream side of the aerosol flow path with respect to the cover member.

In one embodiment of the present invention, a cigarette cartridge for a flavor inhaler includes a spacer component having a connecting hole that connects the storage space and the atomization space, and the cover component separates the storage space and the atomization space in an openable and closable manner by opening and closing the connecting hole. The spacer component includes a plate-shaped portion having an opening for allowing aerosol generated in the atomization space to pass through and constituting at least a portion of the aerosol flow path, and the connecting hole is formed in the plate-shaped portion.

In one aspect of the present invention, the spacer member includes a cylindrical portion coupled to the plate-shaped portion and having an interior thereof communicating with an opening of the plate-shaped portion.

In one aspect of the present invention, the cover member includes a cover portion that contacts the plate-shaped portion along the entire circumference of the plate-shaped portion to close the communication hole.

In one aspect of the present invention, the cover member includes a cover portion that comes into contact with a portion of the plate-shaped portion along a periphery of the plate-shaped portion to close the communication hole.

In one aspect of the present invention, the cover member is disposed in the storage space.

In one embodiment of the present invention, a cigarette cartridge for a flavor inhaler comprises: an atomizing element, which is arranged in the atomizing space and is used to atomize the liquid; a spacing component, which has a connecting hole that connects the storage space and the atomizing space, and the cover component separates the storage space and the atomizing space in an openable and closable manner by opening and closing the connecting hole. The atomizing element has a heating wire, and the heating wire is spirally formed with an axis roughly parallel to the longitudinal axis of the shell as the center.

In one aspect of the present invention, a first liquid retaining member is provided for retaining the liquid supplied through the communication hole, and the first liquid retaining member is disposed in the mist generation space.

In one aspect of the present invention, the first liquid retaining member is formed in a substantially cylindrical shape and has an internal space, and at least a portion of the heating wire is disposed in the internal space of the first liquid retaining member.

In one aspect of the present invention, the heating wire of the atomizing element is formed in a spiral shape around the central axis of the substantially cylindrical first liquid retaining member.

In one aspect of the present invention, the heating wire of the atomizing element is in contact with an inner wall of the first liquid retaining member.

In one aspect of the present invention, the first liquid retaining member is disposed in the atomization space so as to cover the communication hole.

In one embodiment of the present invention, a cigarette cartridge for a flavor inhaler comprises: an atomizing element, which is arranged in the atomizing space and is used to atomize the liquid; a spacing component, which has a connecting hole that connects the storage space and the atomizing space, and the cover component separates the storage space and the atomizing space in an openable and closable manner by opening and closing the connecting hole. The atomizing element has a heating wire, and the heating wire is spirally formed with an axis approximately perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the shell as the center.

In one embodiment of the present invention, the flavor inhaler cartridge includes a flat first liquid retaining member that retains the liquid supplied through the communication hole, and the first liquid retaining member is disposed in the atomization space.

In one aspect of the present invention, the first liquid retaining member is disposed in the atomization space so as to cover the communication hole.

In one embodiment of the present invention, the flavor inhaler cartridge includes a second liquid retaining member that retains the liquid supplied through the communication hole, and the heating wire is wound around the second liquid retaining member.

In one embodiment of the present invention, the flavor inhaler cartridge includes a flat first liquid retaining member that retains the liquid supplied through the communication hole. The first liquid retaining member is disposed in the atomization space, and the second liquid retaining member is in contact with the first liquid retaining member.

According to one aspect of the present invention, there is provided a flavor inhaler including any one of the above-described flavor inhaler cartridges.

In one embodiment of the present invention, the flavor inhaler includes: an atomizing element disposed in the atomizing space for atomizing the liquid; and a power supply unit for supplying power to the atomizing element.

In one aspect of the present invention, the power supply unit includes the rotating member.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG1 is an overall perspective view of the flavor inhaler according to this embodiment.

FIG2 is an exploded perspective view of the flavor inhaler according to this embodiment.

FIG3 is a cross-sectional view of the flavor inhaler in a state where the storage space and the atomization space are separated.

FIG4 is a cross-sectional view of the flavor inhaler in a state where the storage space and the atomization space are communicated with each other.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing another structure of the partition member included in the flavor inhaler.

FIG6 is a cross-sectional view showing another structure of the mouthpiece of the flavor inhaler.

FIG7A is a perspective view showing another structure of the flow tube included in the flavor inhaler.

FIG7B is a perspective view showing another structure of the mouthpiece of the flavor inhaler.

FIG8 is a cross-sectional view showing another structure of the atomizing unit included in the flavor inhaler.

FIG9 is a cross-sectional view showing another structure of the cover member included in the flavor inhaler.

FIG. 10 is a diagram showing another example of the motion conversion mechanism included in the flavor inhaler.

FIG. 11 is a diagram showing another example of the motion conversion mechanism included in the flavor inhaler.

FIG. 12 is a diagram showing another example of the motion conversion mechanism included in the flavor inhaler.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the drawings described below, the same or corresponding components are denoted by the same reference numerals and redundant descriptions are omitted.

FIG1 is an overall perspective view of a flavor inhaler according to the present embodiment. FIG2 is an exploded perspective view of the flavor inhaler according to the present embodiment. As shown in FIG1 , the flavor inhaler 10 comprises a mouthpiece 11, an atomizing unit 20, and a battery unit 50 (equivalent to an example of a power supply unit). The atomizing unit 20 atomizes a liquid containing, for example, a flavor containing ingredients such as nicotine and supplies it as an aerosol. The battery unit 50 supplies power to the atomizing unit 20. The mouthpiece 11 directs the aerosol generated by the atomizing unit 20 into the user's oral cavity. After the flavor inhaler 10 has been used for a specified period, the mouthpiece 11 and the atomizing unit 20 can be replaced. That is, in the present embodiment, the portion of the flavor inhaler 10 excluding the battery unit 50 is a cigarette cartridge for the flavor inhaler.

As shown in Figure 2, the nozzle 11 has a silicone ring 12. The atomizing unit 20 includes a threaded portion 24, a housing 21, a flow tube 22 (equivalent to an example of a moving part), a cover 23, a first O-ring 34, a second O-ring 35, a spacer 30, and an atomizing unit 40 (equivalent to an example of an atomizing element). The atomizing unit 40 includes a first liquid retaining member 41, a heating wire 42, an outer housing 43, an electrode 44, an insulating ring 45, and a bracket 46.

Fig. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the flavor inhaler in a state where the storage space and the atomizing space are separated. In the present embodiment, the space where aerosol is generated more upstream than the spacing member 30 is called the atomizing space, and the space where the liquid in the housing 21 is accommodated more downstream than the spacing member 30 is called the storage space. In addition, in this manual, the so-called upstream side and downstream side refer to the upstream side and downstream side of the air flow path in the flavor inhaler 10. In the present embodiment, the upstream side is equivalent to the suction port side configured with the suction nozzle 11, and the downstream side refers to its opposite side. In addition, the flavor inhaler of the present embodiment can accommodate liquid in the storage space. The liquid (aerosol source) can be a liquid containing a flavor source such as nicotine, or it can be a liquid that does not contain a flavor source such as nicotine.

As shown in FIG3 , the battery unit 50 includes a battery housing 51 , a light source 52 such as a light emitting diode, a control unit 53 , and a battery 54 . The battery housing 51 houses the light source 52 , the control unit 53 , and the battery 54 . A thread 51 a is formed on the outer peripheral surface of the downstream end of the battery housing 51 for engaging with the outer housing 43 of the atomizing unit 20 .

The control unit 53 includes, for example, an electronic circuit board and an airflow sensor. The electronic circuit board controls the electronic circuit so that the battery 54 supplies power not only to the heating wire 42 of the atomization unit 40 but also to the light source 52. Furthermore, the airflow sensor detects changes in air pressure or airflow within the flavor inhaler 10 when the user inhales air through the mouthpiece 11. While the airflow sensor detects changes in air pressure or airflow, the electronic circuit board supplies power from the battery 54 to the heating wire 42 and the light source 52.

The battery 54 is connected to the positive terminal 54a, which is connected to the electrode 44 of the atomizing unit 40. By connecting the battery housing 51 to the outer housing 43 of the atomizing unit 40, the battery 54 is electrically connected to the electrode 44 via the positive terminal 54a. In addition, the battery 54 is connected to a negative terminal (not shown), which is electrically connected to the bracket 46 by connecting the battery housing 51 to the outer housing 43 of the atomizing unit 40.

The first liquid retaining component 41 of the atomizing section 40 is made of cotton, glass fiber, porous ceramics, etc., and retains the liquid used to generate the aerosol. Specifically, the first liquid retaining component 41 is arranged in the atomizing space in a manner that covers the connecting hole 31a described later of the spacer component 30, and retains the liquid supplied from the storage space through the connecting hole 31a. In addition, as described later, since the first liquid retaining component 41 is in contact with the heating wire 42, it is preferably made of a material with excellent heat resistance, such as glass fiber or porous ceramics. In addition, the first liquid retaining component 41 is formed roughly in a cylindrical shape and has an internal space. At least a portion of the heating wire 42 is arranged in this internal space. In addition, the first liquid retaining component 41 can be formed into a multi-layer structure by overlapping roughly cylindrical components with different diameters. Specifically, the portion constituting the above-mentioned internal space in which the heating wire 42 is arranged, for example, can be set as the first layer of liquid retaining component, and the second layer of liquid retaining component can be arranged in a manner that is in contact with its outer peripheral side. In this case, each component can be composed of different materials.

The heating wire 42 is formed in a spiral shape with an axis roughly parallel to the longitudinal axis of the housing 21 as the center, and heats and atomizes the liquid retained by the first liquid retaining component 41 to generate an aerosol. In addition, the heating wire 42 contacts the inner wall (inner peripheral surface) of the first liquid retaining component 41. In one embodiment, the heating wire 42 is formed in a spiral shape with the central axis of the tubular first liquid retaining component 41 as the center. The heating wire 42 has a lead on the positive side and a lead on the negative side. Specifically, the lead on the positive side of the heating wire 42 is inserted between the electrode 44 and the insulating ring 45, maintaining a state of contact with the electrode 44. On the other hand, the lead on the negative side of the heating wire 42 passes through the outside of the first liquid retaining component 41 and is inserted between the bracket 46 and the insulating ring 45. In addition, the lead on the positive side of the heating wire 42 and the lead on the negative side can be connected to the electrode 44 and the bracket 46 respectively by welding or soldering.

The outer housing 43 has threads 43a on its inner circumferential surface at the upstream end thereof, which engage with the threads 51a of the battery housing 51. Air holes 60 are provided at the threaded engagement portion between the outer housing 43 and the battery housing 51, communicating the exterior and interior of the flavor inhaler 10. The air holes 60 can be provided at any position in the outer housing 43 or the battery housing 51, located closer to the battery cell 50 than the bracket 46.

Furthermore, the bracket 46 is electrically connected to the negative-pole lead of the heating wire 42 and the negative terminal (not shown) connected to the battery 54. The bracket 46 is a conductive component fixed within the outer housing 43, supporting the heating wire 42, the electrode 44, and the insulating ring 45. The bracket 46 is electrically connected to the negative terminal connected to the battery 54 and to the negative-pole lead of the heating wire 42, thereby supplying power from the battery cell 50 to the negative electrode of the heating wire 42. Alternatively, the negative-pole lead of the heating wire 42 may directly contact the negative terminal (not shown) connected to the battery 54. In this case, the bracket 46 can be constructed using an insulating component. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the positive and negative electrode relationships can also be reversed. The insulating ring 45 is positioned so that the negative-pole lead of the heating wire 42 is electrically connected to the bracket 46, and the positive-pole lead of the heating wire 42 is electrically connected to the electrode 44. Furthermore, the outer casing 43 has a thread 43 b on the outer peripheral surface of the downstream end portion thereof, which engages with the thread 21 a of the casing 21 .

The spacer member 30 includes a plate-shaped portion 31, a cylindrical portion 32 coupled to the downstream surface of the plate-shaped portion 31, and a cylindrical extension portion 33 extending upstream of the plate-shaped portion 31, defining the interface between the storage space and the atomization space. The plate-shaped portion 31 includes a plurality of connecting holes 31a that connect the storage space and the atomization space. In addition, the plate-shaped portion 31 includes an opening in its central portion for allowing aerosol generated in the atomization space to pass through and constituting at least a portion of the aerosol flow path. The interior of the cylindrical portion 32 communicates with the opening of the plate-shaped portion 31, constituting at least a portion of the aerosol flow path, and its outer circumferential surface includes a groove 32a into which a first O-ring 34 engages. The first O-ring 34 seals between the spacer member 30 and the cover member 23. The extension portion 33 extends upstream from the outer circumference of the plate-shaped portion 31 and includes a groove 33a on its outer circumferential surface into which a second O-ring 35 engages. The second O-ring 35 seals between the spacer member 30 and the housing 21.

The flow tube 22 is housed inside the housing 21 and is configured to be movable along its axial direction. In addition, the flow tube 22 constitutes at least a part of the aerosol flow path, and supplies the aerosol generated in the atomization space to the mouthpiece 11. A cover member 23 is fixed on the upstream side of the flow tube 22 to separate the storage space and the atomization space in an openable and closable manner. The cover member 23 is configured to be movable along the axial direction together with the flow tube 22, and is arranged in the storage space further downstream than the spacer member 30. In addition, the cover member 23 contacts the plate-like portion 31 of the spacer member 30 to open and close the communicating hole 31a of the spacer member 30. A cylindrical threaded portion 24 having a threaded tooth 24a (equivalent to an example of a clamped portion) formed on the outer circumferential surface is fixed on the downstream side of the flow tube 22.

The cover member 23 is generally cylindrical and is attached to the outer circumferential surface of the flow tube 22. The cover member 23 includes a disc-shaped cover portion 23a that abuts against and closes the communication hole 31a along the entire circumference of the plate-shaped portion 31 of the spacer member 30. The aerosol generated by the heating wire 42 flows through the interior of the cover member 23, forming a portion of the aerosol flow path.

A coiled spring 28 (equivalent to an example of a biasing member) is disposed on the outer periphery of the flow tube 22. One end of the spring 28 is supported by the cover member 23, biasing the cover member 23 toward the atomization space. Therefore, the spring 28 normally biases the cover member 23 so that the cover member 23 closes the communication hole 31a of the spacer member 30. The other end of the spring 28 abuts the upstream surface of the suppression member 26.

The housing 21 has a pair of axially extending ribs 27 on its inner surface. In other words, the ribs 27 are arranged in the storage space. The ribs 27 act as a limiter, and when the cover member 23 moves to the downstream side, they abut against the cover member 23 to limit the movement of the cover member 23. In addition, the housing 21 has a pair of radially extending reinforcement members 25 on the inner surface further downstream than the ribs 27. The reinforcement members 25 abut against the outer peripheral surface of the flow tube 22 to reinforce the flow tube 22 in a manner that suppresses positional displacement or deformation. A suppression member 26 is arranged between the reinforcement member 25 and the spring 28 to suppress leakage of liquid in the storage space from the opening 21a of the housing 21 to the outside of the housing 21.

The suppression component 26 is fixed in the housing 21 by being clamped by the spring 28 and the reinforcing component 25. The suppression component 26 has a hole through which the flow tube 22 passes, and at least a portion is made of a flexible material such as silicon. When filling or replenishing the storage space with liquid, the portion of the suppression component 26 made of the flexible material is bent using the front end of, for example, a dropper or a syringe, so that the front end is arranged in the storage space, thereby enabling the supply of liquid. That is, the opening portion of the housing 21 constitutes a supply port for supplying liquid to the storage space. The spring 28 is supported by the reinforcing component 25 fixed to the housing 21 via the suppression component 26. Therefore, in this embodiment, the spring 28 is indirectly in contact with the reinforcing component 25. In addition, as shown in Figure 6 described later, the spring 28 may also be in direct contact with the reinforcing component 25. In addition, in one embodiment, the suppression component 26 may also be arranged on the downstream side of the reinforcing component 25.

The mouthpiece 11 includes a flow tube 11a through which the aerosol generated by the atomizing unit 20 flows, and a cylindrical body 11b (an example of a restricting member) coupled to the flow tube 11a. A silicone ring 12 is disposed inside the cylindrical body 11b. The silicone ring 12 prevents leakage of liquid from the storage space.

On the inner circumferential surface of the upstream side of the circulation tube 11a, there is formed a thread 14 (equivalent to an example of a locking portion) that can be engaged with the thread 24a of the threaded portion 24 fixed to the flow path tube 22. The thread 14 of the circulation tube 11a and the thread 24a of the threaded portion 24 have a general thread shape, that is, a shape having a spiral protrusion including a helical surface. In addition, the thread 14 and the thread 24a constitute a sliding portion that slides on each other's helical surfaces. Therefore, the thread 14 and the thread 24a can be threadedly engaged with each other. As shown in Figure 3, the thread 14 of the suction nozzle 11 is in contact with the thread 24a of the threaded portion 24 when the cylindrical body 11b is in contact with the shell 21. In this state, if the suction nozzle 11 is rotated in the circumferential direction, the thread 14 of the suction nozzle 11 is threadedly engaged with the thread 24a of the threaded portion 24. At this time, the cylindrical body 11b of the suction nozzle 11 is in contact with the shell 21, and the axial movement of the suction nozzle 11 is restricted. Therefore, by engaging the thread 14 of the suction nozzle 11 with the thread 24a of the threaded portion 24, the threaded portion 24, the flow tube 22, and the cover member 23 move in a direction approaching the suction nozzle 11. That is, the thread 14 of the suction nozzle 11 and the thread 24a of the threaded portion 24 constitute a motion conversion mechanism that converts the circumferential rotational motion of the suction nozzle 11 centered on an axis parallel to the moving direction of the cover member 23 into an axial linear motion of the cover member 23. In addition, in the present embodiment, the central axis of the flow tube 11a of the suction nozzle 11 is consistent with the central axis of the flow tube 22. Therefore, the suction nozzle 11 is configured to be rotatable in the circumferential direction around the central axis of the flow tube 22.

Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view of the flavor inhaler showing the storage space and the atomizing space connected. As shown in Figure 4, when the threads 14 of the mouthpiece 11 are threadedly engaged with the threads 24a of the threaded portion 24, the threaded portion 24, the flow tube 22, and the cover member 23 move toward the mouthpiece 11, and the cover member 23 opens the communication hole 31a of the spacer member 30. This connects the storage space and the atomizing space. Furthermore, when the cover member 23 moves a predetermined distance toward the mouthpiece 11, it contacts the rib 27, restricting further movement. Similarly, a step 13 is formed on the inner circumferential surface of the flow tube 11a of the mouthpiece 11. When the threaded portion 24 fixed to the flow tube 22 moves a predetermined distance toward the mouthpiece 11, it contacts this step 13, restricting further movement. The flavor inhaler 10 of this embodiment includes both the rib 27 and the step 13, but may also include only one of the two.

As shown in Figure 4, when the storage space and the atomization space are connected, the liquid in the storage space moves toward the first liquid retaining member 41, which then retains the liquid. When a user inhales air through the mouthpiece 11, the airflow sensor of the control unit 53 detects changes in air pressure or airflow caused by air flowing in from the air hole (not shown). The electronic circuit board of the control unit 53 then supplies power from the battery 54 to the heating wire 42 and the light source 52. When power is supplied to the heating wire 42, it generates heat, atomizing the liquid held in the first liquid retaining member 41 to generate an aerosol. Furthermore, when a user inhales air through the mouthpiece 11, air flows into the flavor inhaler 10 through the air hole 60, passes through the air flow path formed by the groove 44a provided in the electrode 44, the atomization space, the cylindrical portion 32 of the spacer 30, the cover 23, the flow tube 22, and the flow tube 11a, and is then introduced into the user's oral cavity. Therefore, the aerosol generated in the atomization space is introduced into the user's oral cavity along with the air flowing in from the air hole 60 through the aerosol flow path formed by the cylindrical portion 32 of the partition member 30, the cover member 23, the flow path tube 22 and the flow tube 11a.

In the state shown in Figure 4, rotating the nozzle 11 in the opposite direction releases the threaded engagement between the threads 14 of the nozzle 11 and the threads 24a of the threaded portion 24, and simultaneously moves the cover 23 toward the atomizing space. Furthermore, the cover 23 is biased toward the spacer 30 by the spring 28. As a result, the communicating hole 31a of the spacer 30 is closed by the cover 23, returning to the state shown in Figure 3.

As described above, the flavor inhaler 10 shown in Figures 1 to 4 can connect the storage space and the atomization space by rotating the mouthpiece 11 and moving the cover member 23 toward the mouthpiece 11. In addition, in this flavor inhaler 10, since the cover member 23 can be arranged in the storage space, the atomization space can be reduced compared to a case where the cover member 23 is provided in the atomization space.

Furthermore, in this embodiment, the mouthpiece 11 is provided with the threads 14, but this is not limiting. The threads 14 can be provided on any component that rotates circumferentially about an axis parallel to the direction of movement of the cap member 23. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the cap member 23 is connected to the threaded portion 24 via the flow tube 22. However, this is not limiting. The cap member 23 can also be connected to the threaded portion 24 via any component that is movable in the axial direction, or directly to the threaded portion 24. Furthermore, the flavor inhaler 10 shown in Figures 1 to 4 has the threads 14 on the inner circumferential surface of the flow tube 11a and the threads 24a on the outer circumferential surface of the threaded portion 24. Alternatively, the threads 14 can be formed on the outer circumferential surface of the flow tube 11a and the threads 24a can be formed on the inner circumferential surface of the threaded portion 24. Furthermore, the housing 21 of the flavor inhaler 10 shown in Figures 1 to 4 also serves as a liquid container. Alternatively, a housing for a liquid container can be provided within the housing 21.

In the present embodiment, the portion of the flavor inhaler 10 from which the battery unit 50 is removed is described as a replaceable cartridge of the flavor inhaler 10. However, it is not limited thereto, and the cartridge of the flavor inhaler 10 only needs to have a storage space (liquid container) portion for accommodating liquid. That is, the flavor inhaler 10 of the present embodiment only needs to have a replaceable storage space (liquid container) portion. In addition, the flavor inhaler 10 of the present embodiment is described with the cartridge portion as a replaceable portion, but it is not limited thereto, and the flavor inhaler 10 may also be in a manner that cannot be partially replaced. In this case, the user can repeatedly use the flavor inhaler 10 by adding appropriate liquid to the storage space.

Next, other possible configurations of the flavor inhaler 10 will be described. Figure 5 is a perspective view showing another configuration of the spacer member 30 included in the flavor inhaler 10. As shown in Figure 5, the spacer member 30 includes a rib 36 extending upward from the plate-shaped portion 31. The rib 36 is also fixed to the outer circumferential surface of the cylindrical portion 32. When the flavor inhaler 10 includes the spacer member 30 shown in Figure 5, the cover member 23 shown in Figures 1 to 4 includes a groove corresponding to the rib 36. When the mouthpiece 11 is rotated circumferentially to thread the threads 14 into engagement with the threads 24a of the threaded portion 24, a circumferential force (frictional force) caused by the threaded engagement is applied to the threaded portion 24. Consequently, the threaded portion 24, the flow tube 22, and the cover member 23 may rotate circumferentially. Because the spacer member 30 includes the rib 36, when the cover member 23 contacts the spacer member 30 to close the communication hole 31a, the rib 36 engages with the groove provided in the cover member 23. This reliably prevents the cover member 23 , the flow tube 22 , and the screw portion 24 from rotating in the circumferential direction.

FIG6 is a cross-sectional view showing another structure of the mouthpiece 11 of the flavor inhaler 10. As shown in FIG6, the mouthpiece 11 is composed of a flow tube 11a and a cylindrical body 11b, which are separately formed. The cylindrical body 11b is fixed to the housing 21 by a threaded engagement. A sealing retaining member 16 consisting of a retaining ring with a roughly L-shaped cross section and a retaining ring with a rectangular cross section is fixed to the outer circumferential surface of the flow tube 11a. An O-ring 17 is arranged between the sealing retaining member 16 and the cylindrical body 11b to suppress leakage of external air from between the flow tube 11a and the cylindrical body 11b. Thus, the flow tube 11a is rotatably held in the circumferential direction by the cylindrical body 11b.

When the thread 14 of the circulation tube 11a is threadedly engaged with the thread 24a of the threaded portion 24, the circulation tube 11a of the suction nozzle 11 is rotated circumferentially. At this time, the cylindrical body 11b is fixed to the housing 21 and does not rotate, while the circulation tube 11a and the sealing holding member 16 rotate. According to the flavor inhaler 10 shown in Figure 6, the cover member 23 can be opened and closed when the suction nozzle 11 is installed in the housing 21. In addition, in the example of the flavor inhaler 10 shown in Figure 6, a part of the reinforcement member 25 penetrates the suppression member 26 and extends to the upstream side. According to this example, the spring 28 directly contacts the reinforcement member 25.

FIG7A is a perspective view showing another structure of the flow tube 22 included in the flavor inhaler 10. FIG7B is a perspective view showing another structure of the mouthpiece 11 included in the flavor inhaler 10. As shown in FIG7A , the threaded portion 24 provided on the upstream side of the flow tube 22 includes a helical protrusion 24b having a helical surface 24c, in place of the thread 24a. Furthermore, as shown in FIG7B , the mouthpiece 11 includes a sliding portion 18 having a helical surface 18a, in place of the thread 14.

In the flavor inhaler 10 using the flow tube 22 shown in FIG7A and the mouthpiece 11 shown in FIG7B , by rotating the mouthpiece 11 in the circumferential direction, the helical surface 18a of the sliding portion 18 slides along the helical surface 24c of the helical protrusion 24b of the threaded portion 24, causing the sliding portion 18 and the helical protrusion 24b to engage. This causes the flow tube 22 and the cap member 23, which are integral with the threaded portion 24, to move toward the mouthpiece.

FIG8 is a cross-sectional view showing another structure of the atomizing section 40 included in the flavor inhaler 10. As shown in FIG8 , the heating wire 42 is formed in a horizontal spiral shape. In other words, the heating wire 42 is formed in a spiral shape with an axis approximately perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the housing 21 shown in FIG1 to FIG4 as the center. In addition, the atomizing section 40 includes a second tubular liquid retaining member 47 for retaining liquid supplied from the communicating hole 31a. The second liquid retaining member 47 is made of glass fiber or the like. The heating wire 42 is wound around the second liquid retaining member 47 and formed in a spiral shape.

In this flavor inhaler 10, the first liquid retention member 41 is formed in a flat plate shape and is positioned within the atomization space so as to cover the communication hole 31a of the spacer member 30. The end of the second liquid retention member 47 is positioned so as to contact the first liquid retention member 41. As a result, the liquid retained in the first liquid retention member 41 moves to the second liquid retention member 47 by capillary action. While the second liquid retention member 47 retains the liquid, power is supplied to the heating wire 42, which heats the liquid and generates an aerosol.

FIG9 is a cross-sectional view showing another structure of the cover member 23 included in the flavor inhaler 10. As shown in FIG9 , the cover member 23 includes a plurality of plate-shaped cover portions 23b that protrude radially. Specifically, the cover member 23 includes a number of cover portions 23b corresponding to the number of communication holes 31a in the spacer member 30. The cover portions 23b partially abut against the plate-shaped portion 31 of the spacer member 30 along its circumference, thereby closing the communication holes 31a.

Figures 10 and 11 are diagrams showing other examples of the motion conversion mechanism that the flavor inhaler 10 has. Figure 10 shows a state in which the storage space and the atomizing space are separated, while Figure 11 shows a state in which the storage space and the atomizing space are communicated. In Figures 10 and 11, a portion of the components of the flavor inhaler 10 is omitted. As shown in Figures 10 and 11, the housing 21 of the flavor inhaler 10 has a notch 21b formed in a range less than 360° on its outer peripheral surface. In addition, the flavor inhaler 10 has a rotating member 61 that is threadedly engaged with the thread 24a formed on the outer peripheral surface of the flow path tube 22. The rotating member 61 has thread 61a corresponding to the thread 24a on its inner peripheral surface. A rod 62 is connected to the rotating member 61, a portion of which protrudes from the notch 21b toward the outside of the housing 21.

When the user uses the flavor inhaler 10, they operate the lever 62, causing the rotating member 61 to rotate circumferentially. This causes the flow tube 22 and the cover member 23 to move toward the rotating member 61. Specifically, the threads 61a of the rotating member 61 and the threads 24a of the flow tube 22 form a motion conversion mechanism that converts the circumferential rotational motion of the rotating member 61, centered about an axis parallel to the direction of movement of the cover member 23, into axial linear motion of the cover member 23.

As shown in Figure 11, when the rotating member 61 rotates circumferentially by operating the lever 62, the flow tube 22 and the cover member 23 move toward the rotating member 61, and the cover member 23 opens the communication hole 31a of the partition member 30. This connects the storage space and the atomization space. According to the flavor inhaler 10 shown in Figures 10 and 11, the cover member 23 can be opened and closed while the mouthpiece 11 is attached to the housing 21.

Figure 12 is a diagram showing another example of a motion conversion mechanism included in the flavor inhaler 10. In Figure 12, some of the components of the flavor inhaler 10 are omitted. As shown in Figure 12, the flavor inhaler 10 is provided with a battery unit 50 between the mouthpiece 11 and the housing 21. Figure 12 shows a simplified representation of the internal structure of the battery unit 50. The battery unit 50 includes a rotating component 61 that is threadedly engaged with the thread 24a formed on the outer peripheral surface of the flow tube 22. The interior of the rotating component 61 forms a portion of the flow path through which the aerosol supplied from the flow tube 22 passes. In addition, the battery unit 50 includes an aerosol flow path 55 through which the aerosol supplied from the rotating component 61 passes.

When the user uses the flavor inhaler 10, they rotate the battery case 51 of the battery unit 50 in the circumferential direction. This causes the flow tube 22 and the cover member 23 to move toward the rotating member 61. Specifically, the threads 61a of the rotating member 61 and the threads 24a of the flow tube 22 form a motion conversion mechanism that converts the circumferential rotational motion of the rotating member 61 about an axis parallel to the movement direction of the cover member 23 into axial linear motion of the cover member 23.

As the battery housing 51 rotates, the rotating member 61 rotates circumferentially, causing the flow tube 22 and the cover member 23 to move closer to the rotating member 61. The cover member 23 then opens the communication hole 31a of the partition member 30. This connects the storage space and the atomization space. According to the flavor inhaler 10 shown in FIG12 , the cover member 23 can be opened and closed while the mouthpiece 11 is attached to the housing 21.

While the embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the present invention is not limited to the aforementioned embodiments. Various modifications are possible within the scope of the claims and the technical concepts described in the specification and drawings. Furthermore, any shape or material not directly described in the specification or drawings falls within the scope of the technical concepts of the present invention, provided that it achieves the effects of the present invention.

Explanation of symbols

10… Aromatherapy Inhaler

11…Suction nozzle

11a…Circulation pipe

11b...Tubular body

13…Step

14…thread

18…Sliding part

18a…Helicoid

20…Atomization unit

21…housing

21a…Opening

22...Flow path tube

23…cover parts

23a…cover

23b…cover

24…Threaded part

24a…thread

24b... spiral protrusion

24c… Helicoid

25…Reinforcement components

26…Suppression components

27…ribs

30...Spacer

31…plate-shaped part

31a…Communication hole

32...Tubular part

40…Atomization unit

41 ...first liquid retaining member

42…Heating wire

47...Second liquid retaining member

50…battery cells

51…Battery housing

61…Rotating parts

61a…thread

Claims (36)

1. A flavored inhaler cartridge, comprising: A housing having a storage space for containing liquid and an atomizing space for atomizing the liquid; A cover component that is movable in a manner that allows the storage space and the atomizing space to be opened and closed. An aerosol flow path supplies aerosols generated by atomizing the liquid from the atomization space to the outside of the housing; A rotating component that can rotate circumferentially about an axis parallel to the direction of movement of the cover component; A motion conversion mechanism that converts the circumferential rotational motion of the rotating component into the axial linear motion of the cover component; A spacer component having a connecting hole that connects the storage space and the atomization space. The cover component is fixed directly or indirectly to the motion conversion mechanism. The motion conversion mechanism is configured such that the cover component moves toward the rotating component by rotating the rotating component in the circumferential direction, thereby connecting the storage space and the atomization space. The cover component, by opening and closing the connecting hole, can closably separate the storage space and the atomization space. The spacer has a plate-like portion with an opening for the aerosol generated in the atomization space to pass through and forming at least a portion of the aerosol flow path. The connecting hole is formed in the plate-shaped portion. The plate-like portion extends in a direction orthogonal to the axial direction. 2. The flavored inhaler cartridge as described in claim 1, The atomizing space contains atomizing elements for atomizing the liquid. 3. The tobacco cartridge for a flavored inhaler as described in claim 1, It has a movable component that moves axially together with the cover component. The cover component is indirectly fixed to the motion conversion mechanism via the moving component. The motion conversion mechanism is configured to convert the circumferential rotational motion of the rotating component into the axial linear motion of the cover component and the moving component. 4. The tobacco cartridge for a flavored inhaler as described in claim 3, The motion conversion mechanism has: The engaging portion is provided on the outer or inner peripheral surface of the moving component; The engaging part engages with the engaged part. Either the engaging portion or the engaged portion has a spiral protrusion with a spiral surface, and the other of the engaging portion and the engaged portion has a sliding portion that slides on the spiral surface. 5. The flavored inhaler cartridge as described in claim 4, The spiral protrusions and the sliding portion are threaded. 6. The flavored inhaler cartridge as described in any one of claims 1 to 5, It has a suppressing component to prevent the liquid in the storage space from leaking from the opening of the housing to the outside of the housing. The opening constitutes a supply port for supplying the liquid to the storage space. 7. The flavored inhaler cartridge as described in claim 6, At least a portion of the suppression component is made of a flexible material. 8. The flavored inhaler cartridge as described in any one of claims 1 to 5, It has a movable component that moves axially together with the cover component. The cover component is indirectly fixed to the motion conversion mechanism via the moving component. The motion conversion mechanism is configured to convert the circumferential rotational motion of the rotating component into the axial linear motion of the cover component and the moving component. The moving component is a flow path tube that constitutes at least a part of the aerosol flow path. 9. The tobacco cartridge for a flavored inhaler as described in claim 8, The rotating component is rotatably configured around the central axis of the flow path tube. 10. The flavored inhaler cartridge according to any one of claims 1 to 5, It has a limiter configured to restrict the movement of the cover component. The limiter is configured to contact the cover component when the cover component moves a predetermined distance toward the rotating component. 11. The flavored inhaler cartridge as described in claim 10, The limiter is disposed within the storage space. 12. The flavored inhaler cartridge according to any one of claims 1 to 5, It has a movable component that moves axially together with the cover component. The cover component is indirectly fixed to the motion conversion mechanism via the moving component. The motion conversion mechanism is configured to convert the circumferential rotational motion of the rotating component into the axial linear motion of the cover component and the moving component. The flavor inhaler cartridge also includes a limiter configured to restrict the movement of the moving part. The limiter is configured to directly or indirectly contact the moving part when the moving part moves a predetermined distance toward the rotating part. 13. The flavored inhaler cartridge as described in any one of claims 1 to 5, It has a force-applying component, which is configured to apply force to the cover component on the atomization space side. 14. The flavored inhaler cartridge as described in claim 13, have: A flow path tube, which constitutes at least a portion of the aerosol flow path; Reinforcing components that reinforce the flow path tube, The force-applying component and the reinforcing component directly or indirectly abut against each other. 15. The flavored inhaler cartridge according to any one of claims 1 to 5, The rotating component is a nozzle that forms at least a part of the aerosol flow path and is located downstream of the aerosol flow path, beyond the storage space. 16. The flavored inhaler cartridge as described in claim 15, The suction nozzle has: A flow tube through which the aerosol flows; A limiting component, which contacts the housing, restricts the axial movement of the suction nozzle toward the cover component. 17. The flavored inhaler cartridge as described in claim 16, The flow tube is rotatably held in the limiting member in the circumferential direction. The motion conversion mechanism is configured to convert the circumferential rotational motion of the flow tube into the axial linear motion of the cover component. 18. The flavored inhaler cartridge as described in any one of claims 1 to 5, The rotating component is positioned downstream of the aerosol flow path, further than the cover component. 19. The tobacco cartridge for a flavored inhaler according to claim 1, The spacer has a cylindrical portion that is coupled to the plate-shaped portion and whose interior communicates with the opening of the plate-shaped portion. 20. The flavored inhaler cartridge as described in claim 1 or 19, The cover component has a cover portion that abuts against the plate portion along the entire circumference of the plate portion to close the communicating hole. 21. The flavored inhaler cartridge as described in claim 1 or 19, The cover component has a cover portion that partially abuts against the plate portion around the periphery to close the communicating hole. 22. The flavored inhaler cartridge as described in any one of claims 1 to 5, The cover component is disposed within the storage space. 23. The flavored inhaler cartridge as described in any one of claims 1 to 5, have: An atomizing element, disposed within the atomizing space, is used to atomize the liquid; The atomizing element has a heating wire. The heating wire is spirally formed around an axis that is approximately parallel to the length axis of the housing. 24. The flavored inhaler cartridge as described in claim 23, It has a first liquid holding component that holds the liquid supplied via the connecting hole. The first liquid holding component is disposed within the atomizing space. 25. The flavored inhaler cartridge as described in claim 24, The first liquid holding component is generally cylindrical and has an internal space. At least a portion of the heating wire is disposed within the internal space of the first liquid holding component. 26. The flavored inhaler cartridge as described in claim 25, The heating wire is spirally formed around the central axis of the generally cylindrical first liquid holding member. 27. The flavored inhaler cartridge as described in claim 25 or 26, The heating wire of the atomizing element is in contact with the inner wall of the first liquid holding component. 28. The flavored inhaler cartridge as described in claim 24 or 25, The first liquid holding component is disposed within the atomizing space in such a way that it covers the connecting hole. 29. The flavored inhaler cartridge as described in any one of claims 1 to 5, have: An atomizing element, disposed within the atomizing space, is used to atomize the liquid; The atomizing element has a heating wire. The heating wire is spirally formed around an axis that is approximately orthogonal to the length axis of the housing. 30. The tobacco cartridge for a flavored inhaler as described in claim 29, A first liquid holding member, in the shape of a flat plate, holds the liquid supplied via the connecting hole. The first liquid holding component is disposed within the atomizing space. 31. The flavored inhaler cartridge as described in claim 30, The first liquid holding component is disposed within the atomizing space in such a way that it covers the connecting hole. 32. The flavored inhaler cartridge as described in claim 29, It has a second liquid holding component that holds the liquid supplied via the connecting hole. The heating wire is wound around the second liquid holding component. 33. The flavored inhaler cartridge as described in claim 32, A first liquid holding member, in the shape of a flat plate, holds the liquid supplied via the connecting hole. The first liquid holding component is disposed within the atomizing space. The second liquid holding component is in contact with the first liquid holding component. 34. A flavor inhaler comprising a flavor inhaler cartridge according to any one of claims 1 to 33. 35. The aroma inhaler as described in claim 34, have: An atomizing element, disposed within the atomizing space, is used to atomize the liquid; A power supply unit that supplies power to the atomizing element. 36. The aroma inhaler as claimed in claim 35, wherein, The power supply unit includes the rotating component.