Power supply unit for aerosol-generating device and aerosol-generating device

Abstract

The power supply unit (110) for an aerosol-generating device (100) comprises: a power supply portion (111) capable of supplying power to a second heating portion (117) for heating a flavor source (131); and a control section (116) that controls the power supplied to the second heating section (117). The control section (116) acquires an initial temperature (T0) of the second heating section (117), and if the initial temperature (T0) of the second heating section (117) is lower than a first threshold temperature (T1), sets the target temperature (Tg) to a first temperature increase temperature (Tset1) that is greater than the holding temperature (Tp), and supplies power from the power supply section (111) to the second heating section (117) for a prescribed temperature increase period.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a power supply unit for an aerosol-generating device and to an aerosol-generating device. Background Art

[0002] For example, aerosol-generating devices that generate an aerosol to which a flavor component has been added and that enable a user to inhale the generated aerosol are conventionally known. Such aerosol devices typically deliver an aerosol to a user by heating a substrate containing an aerosol source with a heating portion (also known as a "heating element"), which is a resistive heater or an inductive heater.

[0003] For example, PTL 1 discloses an aerosol-generating device comprising a heater for heating an aerosol source and a heater for heating a flavor source, wherein the heater for heating the flavor source is controlled by means of a control curve having a target temperature. Furthermore, PTL 2 discloses an aerosol-generating device capable of changing a preheating completion parameter to increase the preheating completion temperature, or extending the preheating completion time to ensure that a sufficient amount of heat is supplied to the aerosol source even when the initial temperature of the heater is high.

[0004] Citation List

[0005] Patent Literature

[0006] PTL 1 WO 2022 / 123796

[0007] PTL 2 JP 2021-528980 A Summary of the Invention

[0008] Technical issues

[0009] However, the technological development history of aerosol-generating devices is still in its early stages, and there is still room for further improvement in terms of convenience. For example, in an aerosol-generating device, after switching to an activation mode (a state in which aerosol can be generated), the temperature of the flavor source may not increase sufficiently to supply the user with an aerosol source that has been imparted with an appropriate flavor.

[0010] The present disclosure discloses a power supply unit for an aerosol-generating device and an aerosol-generating device, the power supply unit being capable of supplying a user with an aerosol source that has been imparted with an appropriate flavor.

[0011] Solution to the problem

[0012] One aspect of the present disclosure is an aerosol-generating device power supply unit, comprising:

[0013] a power source capable of supplying power to a heating portion for heating the flavor source, and

[0014] a control portion for controlling the power supplied to the heating portion,

[0015] in,

[0016] Control part:

[0017] capable of executing flavor source heating control to set a target temperature for the temperature of the heating portion so that the temperature of the flavor source reaches a predetermined keep-warm temperature, and supplying power from the power supply to the heating portion so that the temperature of the heating portion reaches the target temperature;

[0018] acquiring an initial temperature of the heating portion at the execution start time of the flavor source heating control; and,

[0019] If the initial temperature of the heating part is less than the threshold temperature,

[0020] The target temperature is then set to a warming-up temperature higher than the keeping-warm temperature, and power is supplied from the power supply device to the heating portion during a predetermined warming-up time.

[0021] Furthermore, another aspect of the present disclosure is an aerosol-generating device power supply unit, comprising:

[0022] a power source capable of supplying power to a heating portion for heating the flavor source, and

[0023] a control portion for controlling the power supplied to the heating portion,

[0024] in,

[0025] Control part:

[0026] capable of performing flavor source heating control to set a target temperature for the temperature of the heating portion so that the temperature of the flavor source reaches a predetermined keep-warm temperature, and supplying power from a power source to the heating portion so that the temperature of the heating portion reaches the target temperature;

[0027] acquiring a power supply stop time period, the power supply stop time period being a time period during which power supply to the heating portion is stopped, from a most recent power supply stop time, which is a time when power supply to the heating portion is stopped, until an execution start time of the flavor source heating control; and

[0028] If the power outage period is at least equal to the predetermined time,

[0029] The target temperature is then set to a warming-up temperature higher than the keeping-warm temperature, and power is supplied from the power supply device to the heating portion during a predetermined warming-up time.

[0030] Furthermore, another aspect of the present disclosure is an aerosol-generating device comprising:

[0031] a heating portion for heating the aerosol source,

[0032] a power supply device capable of supplying electric power to the heating portion, and

[0033] a control portion for controlling the power supplied to the heating portion,

[0034] in,

[0035] Control part:

[0036] capable of performing flavor source heating control to set a target temperature for the temperature of the heating portion so that the temperature of the flavor source reaches a predetermined keep-warm temperature, and supplying power from a power source to the heating portion so that the temperature of the heating portion reaches the target temperature;

[0037] acquiring an initial temperature of the heating portion at the execution start time of the flavor source heating control; and,

[0038] If the initial temperature of the heating part is less than the threshold temperature,

[0039] The target temperature is then set to a warming-up temperature higher than the keeping-warm temperature, and power is supplied from the power supply device to the heating portion during a predetermined warming-up time.

[0040] Advantageous Effects of the Invention

[0041] The power supply unit and the aerosol-generating device according to the present disclosure can supply an aerosol source that has been imparted with an appropriate flavor to a user. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0042] Figure 1 is a diagram schematically showing a configuration example of an aerosol-generating device provided with a power supply unit according to the present disclosure.

[0043] Figure 2A is a (first) flowchart showing a first example of flavor source heating control performed by the control portion 116 of the aerosol-generating device 100 .

[0044] Figure 2B is a (second) flowchart showing a first example of flavor source heating control performed by the control portion 116 of the aerosol-generating device 100 .

[0045] Figure 3A is a (first) flowchart showing a second example of flavor source heating control performed by the control portion 116 of the aerosol-generating device 100 .

[0046] Figure 3B is a (second) flowchart showing a second example of flavor source heating control performed by the control portion 116 of the aerosol-generating device 100 .

[0047] Figure 4A : is a flowchart showing a first example of the temperature rise time measurement process.

[0048] Figure 4B is a flowchart showing a second example of the temperature rise time measurement process.

[0049] Figure 4C : is a flowchart showing a third example of the temperature rise time measurement process.

[0050] Figure 4D : is a flowchart showing a fourth example of the temperature rise time measurement process.

[0051] Figure 5 1 is a diagram showing an example of the temperature transitions of the second heating portion 117 and the flavor source 131 and the transition of the target temperature Tg during the flavor source heating control.

[0052] Figure 6 is a diagram schematically illustrating another configuration example of an aerosol-generating device provided with a power supply unit according to the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0053] A power supply unit for an aerosol generating device and an aerosol generating device as embodiments of the present disclosure will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. The drawings should be viewed according to the orientation of the figure numerals. It should be noted that the following embodiments do not limit the invention described in the claims, and not all combinations of features described in the embodiments are essential to the present invention. In addition, two or more of the multiple features described in the embodiments may be combined in any manner. In addition, hereinafter, the same or similar elements may be assigned the same or similar figure numerals, and their descriptions may be omitted or simplified as appropriate.

[0054] [1. Configuration Example of Aerosol Generating Device]

[0055] Figure 1 is a diagram schematically showing a configuration example of an aerosol-generating device 100 provided with a power supply unit according to the present disclosure. Figure 1 The illustrated aerosol-generating device 100 is a device that generates an aerosol to be inhaled by a user and delivers the generated aerosol to the user in an inhalable manner.

[0056] like Figure 1As shown, the aerosol-generating device 100 includes a power supply unit 110, a tobacco cartridge 120, and a flavored tobacco cartridge 130. The power supply unit 110 includes a power supply portion 111, a sensor portion 112, a notification portion 113, a memory portion 114, a communication portion 115, and a control portion 116. The tobacco cartridge 120 includes a first heating portion 121, a liquid introduction portion 122, and a liquid storage portion 123. The flavored tobacco cartridge 130 includes a flavor source 131 and a mouthpiece 124. Airflow channels 180 are formed in the tobacco cartridges 120 and 130.

[0057] The power supply portion 111 stores electricity. The power supply portion 111 then supplies electricity to each component of the aerosol generating device 100 based on control performed by the control portion 116. For example, the power supply portion 111 may be configured by a rechargeable battery such as a lithium ion secondary battery.

[0058] The sensor portion 112 acquires various types of information related to the aerosol-generating device 100. The sensor portion 112 is configured by, for example, a pressure sensor such as a condenser microphone, a flow rate sensor, or a temperature sensor, and acquires values ​​associated with the user's inhalation.

[0059] In the present embodiment, the sensor portion 112 includes a puff sensor 112 a , which is a pressure sensor that detects changes in pressure (hereinafter also referred to as “internal pressure”) within the aerosol-generating device 100 caused by inhalation by a user.

[0060] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the sensor section 112 includes a temperature sensor 112b positioned near the second heating section 117, discussed below. "Near the second heating section 117" at least refers to a location where the temperature sensor 112b can detect temperature changes in the second heating section 117. "Near the heating section 121B" can also refer to a location adjacent to the second heating section 117 or the flavored tobacco cartridge 130. Furthermore, the temperature of the second heating section 117 is determined based on the temperature sensor 112b. In this embodiment, the temperature sensor 112b is a thermistor, which exhibits a correlation between resistance and temperature and has either a negative temperature coefficient (NTC) or a positive temperature coefficient (PTC) characteristic. Therefore, the temperature can be calculated based on the resistance value of the temperature sensor 112b. In this embodiment, the temperature detected by the temperature sensor 112b is determined as the temperature of the second heating section 117. It should be noted that the temperature sensor 112b is not limited to a thermistor, but should be a sensor capable of detecting temperature, and the control section 116 can calculate the resistance value of the second heating section 117 based on the measured value of the voltage and / or current of the circuit including the second heating section 117, and calculate the temperature of the second heating section 117 based on the resistance value of the second heating section 117. This makes it possible to acquire the temperature of the second heating section 117 using a simple configuration.

[0061] In addition, the sensor portion 112 may include a flow rate sensor for detecting a flow rate caused by the user's inhalation (hereinafter referred to as "flow rate"). In addition, the sensor portion 112 may include a temperature sensor (also referred to as a "puff thermistor") for detecting the temperature of the first heating portion 121 or the temperature around the first heating portion 121.

[0062] In addition, the sensor portion 112 may include an input device (such as an operation button or a switch) for accepting information input from the user. In this embodiment, an operation button not shown in the drawings is provided as an example of the input device.

[0063] The notification unit 113 notifies the user of information. For example, the notification unit 113 is configured by a light emitting device that emits light, a display device that displays an image, a sound output device that outputs sound, a vibration device that vibrates, or the like.

[0064] The memory portion 114 stores various types of information (eg, programs and data) for operating the aerosol generating device 100. For example, the memory portion 114 is configured by a nonvolatile storage medium such as a flash memory.

[0065] The communication section 115 is a communication interface capable of performing communication conforming to any wired or wireless communication standard. For example, examples of usable communication standards include standards employing Wi-Fi (registered trademark), Bluetooth (registered trademark), BLE (Bluetooth Low Energy) (registered trademark), NFC (Near Field Communication), or LPWA (Low Power Wide Area).

[0066] The control section 116 is a computer that functions as an arithmetic processing device and a control device, and controls the overall operation of the aerosol generating device 100 according to various programs stored in the memory section 114. The control section 116 can be implemented by an electronic circuit such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) or a microprocessor.

[0067] The liquid storage portion 123 stores an aerosol source. The aerosol source is atomized to generate an aerosol. For example, the aerosol source is a polyol (such as glycerin or propylene glycol) or a liquid (such as water). The aerosol source may include tobacco-derived or non-tobacco-derived flavor components. If the aerosol-generating device 100 is a medical inhaler (such as a nebulizer), the aerosol source may include a medication.

[0068] The aerosol source may also contain an acid. When the acid-containing aerosol source is heated, an aerosol (vapor) containing a predetermined amount of acid is generated. The acid-containing aerosol source is atomized by heating, generating acid vapor, which is vapor containing the acid. The acid contained in the aerosol source may be an organic acid or an inorganic acid. For example, the acid contained in the aerosol source may include a carboxylic acid, an α-keto acid, a 2-oxo acid, or lactic acid.

[0069] Liquid guide portion 122 guides an aerosol source, which is the liquid stored in liquid storage portion 123, from liquid storage portion 123 and holds the aerosol source. Liquid guide portion 122 is, for example, a wick formed from a twisted fiber material (such as glass fiber) or a porous material (such as porous ceramic). In this case, the aerosol source stored in liquid storage portion 123 is guided by the capillary action of the wick.

[0070] The first heating portion 121 heats the aerosol source to atomize the aerosol source, thereby generating aerosol. The first heating portion 121 is formed of any material (such as metal or polyimide) in any shape (such as coiled, film-shaped, or blade-shaped). Figure 1In the illustrated example, the first heating portion 121 is configured as a coil wound around the liquid introducing portion 122. When the first heating portion 121 generates heat, the aerosol source contained in the liquid introducing portion 122 is heated and atomized, thereby generating an aerosol. The first heating portion 121 generates heat when it is supplied with power from the power supply portion 111. For example, when the sensor portion 112 detects that the user has started inhaling and / or has entered predetermined information, power can be supplied to the first heating portion 121. Then, when the sensor portion 112 detects that the user has completed inhalation and / or has entered predetermined information, power can be stopped from being supplied to the first heating portion 121.

[0071] Furthermore, the first heating portion 121 can be configured to generate aerosols using vibration or induction heating. When generating aerosols using vibration, the aerosol-generating device 100 includes a vibrating portion as the first heating portion 121. For example, the vibrating portion is configured by a plate-like member comprising piezoelectric ceramics serving as ultrasonic vibrators. Then, when the vibrating portion vibrates, the aerosol source, which has been guided to the surface of the vibrating unit by the liquid guide portion 122, is atomized by the ultrasonic waves generated by the vibration of the vibrating portion, thereby generating an aerosol.

[0072] Furthermore, when generating aerosols through induction heating, the aerosol-generating device 100 includes a susceptor and an electromagnetic induction source as the first heating portion 121. The susceptor generates heat through electromagnetic induction. The susceptor is made of a conductive material (e.g., metal). The susceptor is positioned adjacent to the liquid guiding portion 122. For example, the susceptor is formed of a metal wire and wound around the liquid guiding portion 122. The electromagnetic induction source causes the susceptor to generate heat through electromagnetic induction. The electromagnetic induction source is formed, for example, of a coiled wire. When supplied with AC current from the power supply portion 111, the electromagnetic induction source generates a magnetic field. The electromagnetic induction source is positioned so that the susceptor is above the generated magnetic field. Therefore, when the magnetic field is generated, eddy currents are generated in the susceptor, generating Joule heat. This Joule heat then heats the aerosol source contained in the liquid guiding portion 122 and atomizes it, thereby generating aerosol.

[0073] Flavor source 131 is a component used to impart flavor components to the aerosol. Flavor source 131 can include tobacco-derived or non-tobacco-derived flavor components. Flavor source 131 can be, for example, a tobacco-derived substance (such as cut tobacco) or a processed product obtained by molding tobacco raw material into a granular, flake, or powdered form. Furthermore, flavor source 131 can include non-tobacco-derived materials made from plants other than tobacco (e.g., mint and vanilla). As an example, flavor source 131 can contain a flavoring component such as menthol. Furthermore, flavor source 131 can be a stick-shaped member. If aerosol-generating device 100 is a medical inhaler, flavor source 131 can contain a medication to be inhaled by the patient. It should be noted that aerosol source 131 is not limited to solids and can also be a liquid containing a flavor component, such as a polyol (such as glycerin or propylene glycol) or water. For example, flavor source 131 can also contain a base. For example, flavor source 131 can contain nicotine as a base. Furthermore, the flavor source can be disposed within a container such as a capsule.

[0074] Flavored cigarette cartridge 130 includes a flavor source 131. An airflow channel is formed in flavored cigarette cartridge 130. Flavor source 131 is further positioned midway along the airflow channel. Therefore, when the mixed fluid of aerosol and air passes through the flavor source in the airflow channel, flavor components contained in the flavor source are added to the aerosol.

[0075] Airflow channel 180 is a flow channel for air to be inhaled by a user. Airflow channel 180 has a tubular structure with an air inlet 181 and an air outlet 182 at its ends. The air inlet serves as an entrance for air to enter airflow channel 180, while the air outlet serves as an exit for air to exit airflow channel 180. Midway along airflow channel 180, liquid introduction portion 122 is located upstream (closer to air inlet 181), while flavor source 131 is located downstream (closer to air outlet 182). When a user inhales, air flowing in through air inlet 181 mixes with the aerosol generated by first heating portion 121 and is transported through flavor source 131 to air outlet 182, as indicated by arrow 190. As the mixed fluid of aerosol and air passes through flavor source 131, the flavor components contained in flavor source 131 are added to the aerosol.

[0076] If flavor source 131 contains nicotine, a predetermined amount of nicotine (a predetermined number of moles of nicotine) is vaporized as the aerosol (vapor) generated by first heating portion 121 passes through flavor source 131. The vaporized nicotine is then entrained into the aerosol. When a user inhales the vaporized nicotine, it stimulates the user's oral cavity, and the user experiences the stimulation.

[0077] If the aerosol source stored in the liquid storage portion 123 contains an acid, the aerosol (vapor) generated by the first heating portion 121 contains a predetermined amount of acid (a predetermined number of moles of acid). If the aerosol contains an acid and the flavor source 131 contains a base, the acid in the aerosol and the base from the flavor source 131 chemically react to form a salt. For example, if the flavor source 131 contains nicotine as a base, the acid present in the aerosol reacts with the vaporized nicotine from the flavor source 131 to form a salt. This salt remains in the particle phase of the aerosol. Even if the user inhales the nicotine remaining in the particle phase, the irritation produced in the user's mouth is reduced, and the user's oral sensation is also reduced.

[0078] If the amount of vaporized nicotine entering the aerosol (vapor) exceeds the amount of acid contained in the aerosol (vapor), nicotine that cannot form a salt with the acid will be produced. This nicotine that cannot form a salt with the acid remains in the aerosol as vaporized nicotine, causing irritation in the user's mouth.

[0079] The aerosol-generating device 100 also includes a second heating portion 117 for heating the flavor source 131. The second heating portion 117 is formed of any material, such as metal or polyimide. The second heating portion 117 is configured in a film-like shape and is positioned to cover, for example, the outer periphery of the flavored tobacco cartridge 130. When supplied with electricity from the power supply portion 111, the second heating portion 117 generates heat and heats the flavor source 131 from the outer periphery using resistive heating. It should be noted that the second heating portion 117 can also be configured to heat the flavor source 131 from the inside. The second heating portion 117 can also be configured in a blade-like shape, for example, to pierce the flavor source 131 to heat it from the inside. Providing such a second heating portion 117 increases the temperature of the flavor source 131 and the amount of flavor components added to the aerosol compared to a case where the second heating portion 117 is not provided.

[0080] When the flavor source 131 contains nicotine, the amount of vaporized nicotine increases if the flavor source 131 is heated by the second heating portion 117. Furthermore, if the temperature to which the flavor source 131 is heated by the second heating portion 117 increases, the amount of vaporized nicotine increases in association with the increase in the heating temperature.

[0081] As the amount of vaporized nicotine increases, the amount of vaporized nicotine entering the aerosol (vapor) also increases. As described above, if the increase in vaporized nicotine exceeds the amount of acid in the aerosol, nicotine that cannot form a salt with the acid is produced and remains in the aerosol as vaporized nicotine. The vaporized nicotine remaining in the aerosol then irritates the user's mouth, causing the user to experience this irritation.

[0082] Specifically, by heating flavor source 131 with second heating portion 117 or by increasing the heating temperature, thereby increasing the amount of vaporized nicotine, nicotine can be produced that is unable to form a salt with the acid contained in the aerosol. As a result, vaporized nicotine remains in the aerosol and irritates the user's mouth, causing the user to experience this irritation. Furthermore, as the amount of vaporized nicotine remaining in the aerosol increases, more nicotine is available to stimulate the user's mouth, resulting in a greater oral sensation.

[0083] It should be noted that in Figure 1 In the illustrated example, the second heating portion 117 is disposed within the portion containing the flavored tobacco cartridge 130 formed within the power supply unit 110, but this is not limiting. For example, the second heating portion 117 may be disposed within the flavored tobacco cartridge 130. Furthermore, the second heating portion 117 may also heat the flavor source 131 from within. For example, if the flavor source 131 is a stick-shaped substrate, the blade-shaped second heating portion 117 may be inserted into the stick-shaped flavor source 131 by piercing the flavor source 131. Then, when the second heating portion 117 generates heat, the flavor component contained in the flavor source 131 (i.e., the stick-shaped substrate) is heated from within and atomized, thereby producing the flavor component.

[0084] Furthermore, the second heating portion 117 can be configured to heat the flavor source 131 using induction heating. The aerosol-generating device 100 includes a susceptor and an electromagnetic induction source as the second heating portion 117. The susceptor generates heat through electromagnetic induction. The susceptor is made of a conductive material (e.g., metal). The susceptor is positioned adjacent to the flavor source 131. For example, the susceptor is formed of a metal wire and wound around the flavor source 131 or the container. The electromagnetic induction source causes the susceptor to generate heat through electromagnetic induction. The electromagnetic induction source is formed, for example, of a coiled wire. When supplied with AC current from the power supply portion 111, the electromagnetic induction source generates a magnetic field. The electromagnetic induction source is positioned so that the susceptor is located above the generated magnetic field. Therefore, when the magnetic field is generated, eddy currents are generated in the susceptor, generating Joule heat. This Joule heat then heats the flavor source 131.

[0085] Furthermore, when flavor source 131 is liquid, second heating portion 117 can be formed from any material (e.g., metal or polyimide) and in any shape (e.g., coiled, film-shaped, or blade-shaped). For example, second heating portion 117 can be configured as a coil wound around a liquid guide portion (not shown in the drawings) disposed above flavor source 131. When second heating portion 117 generates heat, liquid flavor source 131 contained within the liquid guide portion is heated.

[0086] The mouthpiece 124 is a member held in the user's mouth during inhalation. An air outflow hole 182 is provided in the mouthpiece 124. The user holds the mouthpiece 124 in his or her mouth and inhales, thereby making it possible to inhale a mixed fluid of aerosol and air into the oral cavity.

[0087] The above describes a configuration example of the aerosol generating device 100. The aerosol generating device 100 is of course not limited to the above configuration, but may have various configurations as shown below.

[0088] As an example, the aerosol generating device 100 may include multiple types of aerosol sources. The multiple types of aerosols generated from the multiple types of aerosol sources may be mixed in the airflow channel 180 to cause a chemical reaction, thereby generating further types of aerosols.

[0089] Furthermore, the means for atomizing the aerosol source is not limited to the heating provided by the first heating portion 121. For example, the means for atomizing the aerosol source may be vibration atomization or induction heating.

[0090] [2. Examples of Operation Modes of Aerosol Generating Device]

[0091] Next, description will be given of examples of operating modes of the aerosol-generating device 100. Hereinafter, inhalation of the aerosol-generating device 100 by a user is also referred to as "puff".

[0092] The control section 116 may have a plurality of modes for operating the aerosol-generating device 100. The control section 116 may have an active mode and a sleep mode as modes for operating the aerosol-generating device 100, wherein the active mode is a state in which the aerosol-generating device 100 can generate aerosol, and the sleep mode operates with lower power consumption than in the active mode.

[0093] When the aerosol generating device 100 operates in the activation mode, the aerosol generating device 100 is in a state where power can be supplied to electronic components (including the first heating portion 121 and the second heating portion 117 ) involved in aerosol generation and is maintained in a state where aerosol can be generated.

[0094] Meanwhile, when the aerosol-generating device 100 operates in the sleep mode, power is stopped from being supplied to electronic components other than those involved in transitioning to the active mode (such as the sensor portion 112 and the control portion 116), and the aerosol-generating device 100 operates with lower power consumption than in the active mode. When the aerosol-generating device 100 operates in the sleep mode, aerosol generation does not occur even if the user performs a puff action.

[0095] When the user performs a predetermined input operation, the control portion 116 switches the operating mode of the aerosol generating device 100 from the sleep mode to the active mode. Meanwhile, the control portion 116 waits with the aerosol generating device 100 operating in the sleep mode until the user performs a predetermined input operation.

[0096] The predetermined input operation for switching the operating mode of the aerosol-generating device 100 from the sleep mode to the active mode is, for example, an operation performed by the user using an operation button (not shown in the drawings) to turn on the power supply device, or a puffing action performed by the user. Furthermore, the predetermined input operation for switching the operating mode of the aerosol-generating device 100 from the sleep mode to the active mode is not limited to a direct input to the aerosol-generating device 100 (such as an operation using an operation button to turn on the power supply device or a puffing action) and may also be an indirect input, such as a user operating another device capable of communicating with the aerosol-generating device 100 (such as the user's smartphone), thereby causing the aerosol-generating device 100 to receive predetermined information. In this embodiment, the predetermined input operation for switching the operating mode of the aerosol-generating device 100 from the sleep mode to the active mode is an operation performed by the user using an operation button (not shown in the drawings) to turn on the power supply device.

[0097] The control portion 116 also switches the mode in which the aerosol generating device 100 is operating from the active mode to the sleep mode when the user performs a predetermined input operation.

[0098] The predetermined input operation for switching the operating mode of the aerosol-generating device 100 from the active mode to the sleep mode is, for example, an operation performed by the user using an operation button (not shown in the drawings) to turn off the power supply. Furthermore, the predetermined input operation for switching the operating mode of the aerosol-generating device 100 from the sleep mode to the active mode is not limited to a direct input to the aerosol-generating device 100 and may also be an indirect input, such as a user operating another device capable of communicating with the aerosol-generating device 100 (such as the user's smartphone), thereby causing the aerosol-generating device 100 to receive predetermined information. In this embodiment, the predetermined input operation for switching the operating mode of the aerosol-generating device 100 from the active mode to the sleep mode is an operation performed by the user using an operation button (not shown in the drawings) to turn off the power supply.

[0099] When the aerosol-generating device 100 is operating in the active mode and the user does not perform a puff action within a predetermined period of time (e.g., 300 seconds), the control portion 116 can also switch the operating mode of the aerosol-generating device 100 from the active mode to the sleep mode. In other words, the control portion 116 can switch the operating mode of the aerosol-generating device 100 from the active mode to the sleep mode after a predetermined time has passed since the last puff action performed while the aerosol-generating device 100 was operating in the active mode. As a result, even if the user forgets to operate the operation button to turn off the power supply, the operating mode of the aerosol-generating device 100 can be automatically switched to the sleep mode if it is assumed that no puff action will be performed, thereby making it possible to reduce the power consumption of the aerosol-generating device 100.

[0100] [3. Control Flow of Flavor Source Heating Control Executed by Control Section]

[0101] Next, the control flow of the flavor source heating control executed by the control section 116 will be described. The flavor source heating control is controlled to heat the flavor source 131 via the second heating section 117 so that the temperature of the flavor source 131 reaches a predetermined, pre-set keep-warm temperature Tp. In this embodiment, the keep-warm temperature Tp is 60°C. Note that the keep-warm temperature Tp is not limited to 60°C and can be set to any temperature that imparts an appropriate flavor, depending on the type of flavor source 131, etc. For example, the flavor source heating control is initiated when the operating mode of the aerosol generating device 100 is switched to the active mode. This allows the user to quickly be supplied with an aerosol source that has been imparted with an appropriate flavor after the operating mode of the aerosol generating device 100 has been switched to the active mode.

[0102] (3-1. First Example of Flavor Source Heating Control Executed by Control Section)

[0103] Figure 2A and Figure 2Bis a flowchart illustrating a first example of flavor source heating control executed by the control section 116 of the aerosol-generating device 100. Here, a description will be given of the following process: at the start time of the flavor source heating control, the initial temperature T0 of the second heating portion 117 is acquired based on the temperature detected by the temperature sensor 112b. If the initial temperature T0 of the second heating portion 117 is less than a threshold temperature, the target temperature Tg is set to a rising temperature higher than the keep-warm temperature Tp, and power is supplied from the power supply section 111 to the second heating portion 117 for a predetermined rising time. Note that the execution start time of the flavor source heating control, as referred to herein, is not limited to the point in time when the flavor source heating control is started, but can include periods within a predetermined time before and after the point in time when the flavor source heating control is started. For example, the execution start time of the flavor source heating control may be a predetermined period of time from the point in time when the operating mode of the aerosol-generating device 100 is switched to the active mode until power is supplied from the power supply section 111 to the second heating portion 117 and the keep-warm temperature Tp of the flavor source 131 is reached. That is, the initial temperature T0 of the second heating part 117 at the start time of execution of the flavor source heating control can be obtained at a predetermined time point within the time period from when the operating mode of the aerosol generating device 100 is switched to the activation mode until power is supplied from the power supply part 111 to the second heating part 117 and the insulation temperature Tp of the flavor source 131 is reached.

[0104] like Figure 2A As shown, the control section 116 first determines whether the user has performed a power-on operation (step S101). If it is determined that the power-on operation has not been performed (step S101: No), the control section 116 repeats the process of step S101 until the user performs a power-on operation. Then, if it is determined that the user has performed a power-on operation (step S101: Yes), the control section 116 switches the operating mode of the aerosol generating device 100 to the active mode (step S102). As a result, the aerosol generating device 100 assumes a state in which it can generate aerosol.

[0105] Then, the control portion 116 acquires the initial temperature T0 of the second heating portion 117 based on the detected temperature from the temperature sensor 112 b (step S103 ).

[0106] Next, the control unit 116 determines whether the initial temperature T0 of the second heating unit 117 acquired in step S103 is less than a first threshold temperature T1 (step S104). The first threshold temperature T1 is, for example, 10°C. Note that the first threshold temperature T1 is not limited to 10°C and can be set to any temperature.

[0107] If the initial temperature T0 of the second heating portion 117 is less than the first threshold temperature T1 (step S104: Yes), the controller 116 sets the target temperature Tg for heating the second heating portion 117 to the first heating temperature Tset1 (step S105) and advances the process to step S110. The first heating temperature Tset1 is a temperature higher than the soaking temperature Tp (60°C in this embodiment). In this embodiment, the first heating temperature Tset1 is 90°C. Note that the first heating temperature Tset1 is not limited to 90°C and can be set to any temperature higher than the soaking temperature Tp.

[0108] If the initial temperature T0 of the second heating portion 117 is not less than the first threshold temperature T1 (step S104: No), the controller 116 determines whether the initial temperature T0 of the second heating portion 117 acquired in step S103 is less than the second threshold temperature T2 (step S106). The second threshold temperature T2 is a temperature higher than the first threshold temperature T1, for example, 20°C. Note that the second threshold temperature T2 is not limited to 20°C and can be set to any temperature higher than the first threshold temperature T1.

[0109] If the initial temperature T0 of the second heating portion 117 is less than the second threshold temperature T2 (step S106: Yes), the controller 116 sets the target temperature Tg for heating the second heating portion 117 to the second heating temperature Tset2 (step S107) and advances the process to step S110. The second heating temperature Tset2 is higher than the soaking temperature Tp (60°C in this embodiment) and lower than the first heating temperature Tset1. In this embodiment, the second heating temperature Tset2 is 85°C. Note that the second heating temperature Tset2 is not limited to 85°C and can be set to any temperature that is higher than the soaking temperature Tp and lower than the first heating temperature Tset1.

[0110] If the initial temperature T0 of the second heating portion 117 is not less than the second threshold temperature T2 (step S106: No), the controller 116 determines whether the initial temperature T0 of the second heating portion 117 acquired in step S103 is less than the third threshold temperature T3 (step S108). The third threshold temperature T3 is a temperature higher than the second threshold temperature T2, for example, 40°C. Note that the third threshold temperature T3 is not limited to 40°C and can be set to any temperature higher than the second threshold temperature T2.

[0111] If the initial temperature T0 of the second heating portion 117 is less than the third threshold temperature T3 (step S108: Yes), the controller 116 sets the target temperature Tg for heating the second heating portion 117 to the third heating temperature Tset3 (step S109) and advances the process to step S110. The third heating temperature Tset3 is higher than the soaking temperature Tp (60°C in this embodiment) and lower than the second heating temperature Tset2. In this embodiment, the third heating temperature Tset3 is 80°C. Note that the third heating temperature Tset3 is not limited to 80°C and can be set to any temperature that is higher than the soaking temperature Tp and lower than the second heating temperature Tset2.

[0112] If the initial temperature T0 of the second heating portion 117 is not less than the third threshold temperature T3 (step S108 : No), the control portion 116 advances the process to step S112 described below.

[0113] In step S110 , the control part 116 supplies a predetermined amount of power to the second heating part 117 so that the temperature of the second heating part 117 reaches the target temperature Tg.

[0114] In this embodiment, the control of the power supplied to the second heating portion 117 is achieved through on-off control. More specifically, if the temperature of the second heating portion 117 is lower than the target temperature Tg, the control portion 116 supplies power to the second heating portion 117 until the temperature of the second heating portion 117 reaches the target temperature Tg. When the temperature of the second heating portion 117 reaches the target temperature Tg, and if the temperature of the second heating portion 117 is at least equal to the target temperature Tg, the control portion 116 stops supplying power to the second heating portion 117, and supplies power to the second heating portion 117 again when the temperature of the second heating portion 117 drops below the target temperature Tg. This makes it possible to supply power to the second heating portion 117 using simple control.

[0115] When controlling the power supply to the second heating portion 117, the control portion 116 may set the voltage of the power to be supplied to the second heating portion 117 based on the target temperature Tg. In this case, for example, the higher the target temperature Tg is, the higher the voltage of the power supplied to the second heating portion 117 is set. This allows the temperature of the second heating portion 117 to reach the target temperature Tg in a shorter time, even if the target temperature Tg is high.

[0116] Furthermore, when controlling the power supplied to the second heating portion 117, the control portion 116 may combine on-off control with proportional control. In this case, for example, the duty cycle is set based on the deviation between the temperature of the second heating portion 117 and the target temperature Tg, so that the greater the deviation, the greater the duty cycle, and the smaller the deviation, the smaller the duty cycle. This makes it possible to bring the temperature of the second heating portion 117 to the target temperature Tg in a shorter amount of time, even if the target temperature Tg is high, and also makes it possible to use simple control to prevent the temperature of the second heating portion 117 from overtaking and exceeding the target temperature Tg. Specifically, for example, when the temperature difference from the target temperature is less than 5°C, the duty cycle can be controlled to 50%, and when the temperature difference from the target temperature is 5°C or greater, the duty cycle can be controlled to 100%.

[0117] The power supply to the second heating portion 117 can also be controlled through feedback control, such as PID control (proportional-integral-derivative). For example, the control portion 116 can supply power from the power supply portion 111 to the second heating portion 117 in the form of power pulses using pulse width modulation (PWM) or pulse frequency modulation (PFM). In this case, the control portion 116 can control the temperature of the second heating portion 117 by adjusting the duty cycle of the power pulses based on the deviation between the temperature of the second heating portion 117 and the target temperature Tg.

[0118] Now, if the control part 116 detects a puffing action of the user while supplying power to the second heating part 117 and supplies power to the first heating part 121, the control part 116 can temporarily reduce or set the power supplied to the second heating part 117 to zero. In this way, it is possible to suppress an excessive current from being output from the power supply part 111 due to the supply of power to the first heating part 121 and the second heating part 117.

[0119] Next, the control section 116 advances the process to step S111 and executes a warm-up time measurement process. The warm-up time measurement process determines whether a predetermined warm-up time has ended and ends when it is determined that the predetermined warm-up time has ended. Details of the warm-up time measurement process will be described later.

[0120] When the temperature rise time measurement process of step S111 ends, that is, when the predetermined temperature rise time ends, the control portion 116 advances the process to step S112 and sets the target temperature Tg as the keep-warm temperature Tp.

[0121] Then, the control unit 116 supplies a predetermined amount of power to the second heating unit 117 so that the temperature of the second heating unit 117 reaches the target temperature Tg (=keeping temperature Tp) (step S113). The method of supplying the predetermined amount of power to the second heating unit 117 is the same as that in step S110.

[0122] The control unit 116 then determines whether the user has performed a power-off operation (step S114). If it is determined that the user has not performed a power-off operation (step S114: No), it determines whether a predetermined time has elapsed since the user's most recent puff (step S115). The predetermined time is, for example, 300 seconds. If it is determined that the predetermined time has not elapsed since the user's most recent puff (step S115: No), the process returns to step S114. While maintaining a predetermined amount of power supplied to the second heating portion 117 so that the temperature of the second heating portion 117 is at the target temperature Tg (=keep-warm temperature Tp), steps S114 and / or S115 are repeated until it is determined that the user has performed a power-off operation (step S114: Yes) or it is determined that the predetermined time has elapsed since the user's most recent puff (step S115: Yes).

[0123] If it is determined in step S114 that the user has performed a power-off operation (step S114: Yes) or if it is determined in step S115 that a predetermined time has passed since the user performed the most recent puff action (step S115: Yes), the control portion 116 stops supplying power to the second heating portion 117 (step S116).

[0124] Next, the control portion 116 switches the mode of operating the aerosol-generating device 100 to the sleep mode (step S117 ).

[0125] This completes a series of flavor source heating controls, and the process returns to step S101.

[0126] In this manner, by maintaining the temperature of the second heating portion 117 at the keep-warm temperature Tp when the aerosol-generating device 100 is operating in the activated mode, the temperature of the flavor source 131 is also maintained at a temperature close to the keep-warm temperature Tp. This allows the user to always be provided with an aerosol source that has been imparted with an appropriate flavor when the user performs a puff action while the aerosol-generating device 100 is operating in the activated mode.

[0127] Furthermore, if the initial temperature T0 of the second heating portion 117 is lower than the threshold temperature, the temperature of the second heating portion 117 can be brought to the keep-warm temperature Tp in a short period of time by setting the target temperature Tg to a warm-up temperature higher than the keep-warm temperature Tp and supplying power from the power supply portion 111 to the second heating portion 117 for a predetermined warm-up time. This allows the temperature of the flavor source 131 to reach the keep-warm temperature Tp in a shorter period of time, and allows the aerosol source that has been imparted with an appropriate flavor to be supplied to the user in a shorter period of time after the aerosol-generating device 100 has been switched to the activation mode.

[0128] In addition, by providing a first threshold temperature T1, a second threshold temperature T2 and a third threshold temperature T3, and setting the target temperature to a first heating temperature Tset1, a second heating temperature Tset2 and a third heating temperature Tset3 according to each threshold temperature, an appropriate target temperature can be set according to the initial temperature T0 of the second heating part 117, and the temperature of the second heating part 117 can be made to reach the insulation temperature Tp in a short time.

[0129] (3-2. Second Example of Flavor Source Heating Control Executed by Control Section)

[0130] Figure 3A and Figure 3B 1 is a flowchart illustrating a second example of flavor source heating control executed by the control section 116 of the aerosol-generating device 100. Here, a description will be given of a process in which a power supply stop time period toff of power supply to the second heating section 117 is obtained from the most recent power supply stop time until the execution start time of the flavor source heating control, and if the power supply stop time period toff is at least equal to a predetermined time, a target temperature Tg is set to a warming temperature higher than the keep-warm temperature Tp, and power is supplied from the power supply section 111 to the second heating section 117 for the predetermined warming time.

[0131] like Figure 3A As shown, the control section 116 first determines whether the user has performed a power-on operation (step S201). If it is determined that the power-on operation has not been performed (step S201: No), the control section 116 repeats the process of step S201 until the user performs a power-on operation. Then, if it is determined that the user has performed a power-on operation (step S201: Yes), the control section 116 switches the operating mode of the aerosol generating device 100 to the active mode (step S202). As a result, the aerosol generating device 100 assumes a state in which it can generate aerosol.

[0132] The control section 116 then acquires the power supply stop time period toff for the second heating section 117 from the most recent power supply stop time for the second heating section 117 (step S203 ). The timing of starting counting of the power supply stop time period toff and the like will be described later.

[0133] The control unit 116 then determines whether the power supply stop time period toff obtained in step S203 is at least equal to a predetermined time period ta (step S204). The predetermined time ta is, for example, 10 minutes. Note that the predetermined time ta is not limited to 10 minutes and can be set to any time. The predetermined time ta is preferably a time during which it is highly likely that the temperature of the second heating portion 117 will have sufficiently dropped to or below the predetermined temperature since the most recent power supply stop time to the second heating portion 117.

[0134] If the power supply off period toff is at least equal to the predetermined period ta (step S204: Yes), the control unit 116 sets the target temperature Tg for heating the second heating portion 117 to the heating temperature Tset (step S205) and proceeds to step S206. The heating temperature Tset is a temperature higher than the soaking temperature Tp (60°C in this embodiment). In this embodiment, the heating temperature Tset is 80°C. Note that the heating temperature Tset is not limited to 80°C and can be set to any temperature higher than the soaking temperature Tp.

[0135] If the power supply stop time period toff is not at least equal to the predetermined time ta (step S204 : NO), the control portion 116 advances the process to step S208 described below.

[0136] In step S206, the control portion 116 supplies a predetermined amount of power to the second heating portion 117 so that the temperature of the second heating portion 117 reaches the target temperature Tg. The manner in which the predetermined amount of power is supplied to the second heating portion 117 is the same as that in step S110 of the first example of the flavor source heating control performed by the control portion discussed above.

[0137] Next, the control section 116 advances the process to step S207 and executes a heating time measurement process. The heating time measurement process determines whether the predetermined heating time has elapsed and ends when it is determined that the predetermined heating time has elapsed. The heating time measurement process is similar to the heating time measurement process of the first example of flavor source heating control executed by the control section, and its details will be described later.

[0138] When the temperature rise time measurement process of step S207 ends, that is, when the predetermined temperature rise time ends, the control portion 116 sets the target temperature Tg as the heat-keeping temperature Tp (step S208 ).

[0139] Then, the control unit 116 supplies a predetermined amount of power to the second heating unit 117 so that the temperature of the second heating unit 117 reaches the target temperature Tg (=keeping temperature Tp) (step S209). The method of supplying the predetermined amount of power to the second heating unit 117 is the same as that in step S206.

[0140] The control unit 116 then determines whether the user has performed a power-off operation (step S210). If it is determined that the user has not performed a power-off operation (step S210: No), it determines whether a predetermined time has elapsed since the operation mode of the aerosol-generating device 100 was switched to the activation mode in step S202 (step S211). The predetermined time is, for example, 4 minutes and 30 seconds. If it is determined that the predetermined time has not elapsed since the operation mode of the aerosol-generating device 100 was switched to the activation mode (step S211: No), the process returns to step S210 and, while maintaining a predetermined amount of power supplied to the second heating portion 117 so that the temperature of the second heating portion 117 is at the target temperature Tg (=keep-warm temperature Tp), steps S210 and / or S211 are repeated until it is determined that the user has performed a power-off operation (step S114: Yes) or it is determined that the predetermined time has elapsed since the operation mode of the aerosol-generating device 100 was switched to the activation mode (step S211: Yes).

[0141] If it is determined in step S210 that the user has performed a power-off operation (step S210: Yes) or if it is determined in step S211 that a predetermined time has elapsed since the operation mode of the aerosol-generating device 100 was switched to the activation mode (step S211: Yes), the control portion 116 stops supplying power to the second heating portion 117 (step S212).

[0142] Next, the control portion 116 resets the power supply stop time period toff=0 (step S213 ) and starts counting the power supply stop time period toff (step S214 ).

[0143] The mode of operation of the aerosol-generating device 100 is then switched to the sleep mode (step S215 ).

[0144] This completes a series of flavor source heating controls, and the process returns to step S201.

[0145] In this manner, by maintaining the temperature of the second heating portion 117 at the keep-warm temperature Tp when the aerosol-generating device 100 is operating in the activated mode, the temperature of the flavor source 131 is also maintained at a temperature close to the keep-warm temperature Tp. This allows the user to always be provided with an aerosol source that has been imparted with an appropriate flavor when the user performs a puff action while the aerosol-generating device 100 is operating in the activated mode.

[0146] In addition, if the power supply stop time period is at least equal to the predetermined time period, the temperature of the second heating part 117 can reach the insulation temperature Tp in a short time by setting the target temperature Tg to a heating temperature higher than the insulation temperature Tp and supplying power from the power supply part 111 to the second heating part 117 for a predetermined heating time.

[0147] [4. Control flow for heating time measurement processing]

[0148] A detailed description will now be given of the control flow of the temperature-rise time measurement processing in the flavor source heating control discussed above, which is performed by the control portion 116 (i.e., step S111 in the first example of the flavor source heating control discussed above, and step S207 in the first example of the flavor source heating control discussed above).

[0149] (4-1. First Example of Heating-Up Time Measurement Process)

[0150] Figure 4A is a flowchart showing a first example of a temperature rise time measurement process. In this example, the temperature rise time tset is pre-stored in the memory portion 114. When the flavor source heating control is the control flow shown in the first example of the flavor source heating control, the temperature rise time tset corresponding to the initial temperature T0 of the second heating portion may be pre-stored in the memory portion 114. In this case, the temperature rise time tset corresponding to the initial temperature T0 of the second heating portion becomes shorter as the initial temperature T0 of the second heating portion increases. Note that the temperature rise time tset may be a constant time regardless of the initial temperature T0 of the second heating portion. Here, a case will be described in which the flavor source heating control is the control flow shown in the first example of the flavor source heating control and the temperature rise time tset corresponding to the initial temperature T0 of the second heating portion is pre-stored in the memory portion 114.

[0151] like Figure 4A As shown, the control portion 116 first obtains the heating time tset based on the initial temperature T0 of the second heating portion obtained in step S103 of the first example of the flavor source heating control or in step S203 of the second example of the flavor source heating control (step S301 ).

[0152] Next, the control section 116 resets the time t=0 (step S302 ) and starts counting the time t (step S303 ).

[0153] The control section 116 then determines whether the time t is at least equal to the heating time tset acquired in step S301 (step S304). If it is determined that the time t is not at least equal to the heating time tset acquired in step S301 (step S304: No), the process of step S304 is repeated until the time t is equal to the heating time acquired in step S301. If it is determined that the time t is at least equal to the heating time tset acquired in step S301 (step S304: Yes), the control section 116 determines that the heating time has ended (step S305) and ends the heating time measurement process.

[0154] By presetting the temperature rise time tset, in this way, it is possible to determine whether the predetermined temperature rise time tset has elapsed using simple control.

[0155] (4-2. Second Example of Heating-Up Time Measurement Process)

[0156] Figure 4B is a flowchart illustrating a second example of the heating time measurement process. In this example, the temperature T of the second heating portion 117 is acquired based on the temperature detected by the temperature sensor 112b during the heating time measurement process. The heating time in this example is the time it takes for the temperature T of the second heating portion 117 to reach the target temperature Tg.

[0157] like Figure 4B As shown, the control portion 116 first acquires the temperature T of the second heating portion 117 based on the detected temperature from the temperature sensor 112 b (step S401 ).

[0158] The control section 116 then determines whether the temperature T of the second heating section 117 is at least equal to the target temperature Tg (step S402). If it is determined that the temperature T of the second heating section 117 is not at least equal to the target temperature Tg (step S402: No), the process returns to step S401, and the processes of steps S401 and S402 are repeated until the temperature T of the second heating section 117 is at least equal to the target temperature Tg. If it is determined that the temperature T of the second heating section 117 is at least equal to the target temperature Tg (step S402: Yes), the control section 116 determines that the warm-up time has ended (step S403) and ends the warm-up time measurement process.

[0159] In this manner, by setting the temperature rising time to the time required for the temperature T of the second heating portion 117 to reach the target temperature Tg, the temperature rising time can be set so that the temperature T of the second heating portion 117 does not exceed the target temperature Tg.

[0160] (4-3. Third Example of Heating-Up Time Measurement Process)

[0161] Figure 4C is a flowchart illustrating a third example of a heating time measurement process. In this example, the temperature T of the second heating portion 117 is acquired based on the temperature detected by the temperature sensor 112b during the heating process time measurement process. Furthermore, the heating time in this example is the time until the temperature T of the second heating portion 117 reaches the heating end temperature Te, which is a temperature lower than the target temperature Tg. The heating end temperature Te is set, for example, to a temperature 5 [°C] lower than the target temperature Tg. Note that the heating end temperature Te is not limited to a temperature 5 [°C] lower than the target temperature Tg and can be set to any temperature lower than the target temperature Tg.

[0162] like Figure 4C As shown, the control portion 116 first sets the temperature increase end temperature Te based on the target temperature Tg (step S501 ).

[0163] Then, the control portion 116 acquires the temperature T of the second heating portion 117 based on the detected temperature from the temperature sensor 112 b (step S502 ).

[0164] The control section 116 then determines whether the temperature T of the second heating section 117 is at least equal to the heating end temperature Te (step S503). If it is determined that the temperature T of the second heating section 117 is not at least equal to the heating end temperature Te (step S503: No), the process returns to step S502, and the processes of steps S502 and S503 are repeated until the temperature T of the second heating section 117 is at least equal to the heating end temperature Te. If it is determined that the temperature T of the second heating section 117 is at least equal to the heating end temperature Te (step S503: Yes), the control section 116 determines that the heating time has ended (step S504) and ends the heating time measurement process.

[0165] In this way, by setting the heating time to the time until the temperature T of the second heating part 117 reaches the heating end temperature Te which is a temperature lower than the target temperature Tg, the heating time can be set so as to more reliably prevent the temperature T of the second heating part 117 from exceeding the target temperature Tg.

[0166] (4-4. Fourth Example of Heating-Up Time Measurement Process)

[0167] Figure 4D 1 is a flowchart showing a fourth example of a heating time measurement process. In this example, the temperature T of the second heating portion 117 is obtained based on the temperature detected by the temperature sensor 112b during the heating time measurement process. Then, the heating time in this example is the time from when the temperature T of the second heating portion 117 reaches the target temperature Tg until the preset constant time tc has passed. The constant time tc is stored in the memory portion 114 and is, for example, 3 [seconds]. Note that the constant time tc is not limited to 3 [seconds] and can be set to any time. In addition, the heating time can be a time period from when the temperature T of the second heating portion 117 reaches a predetermined temperature lower than the target temperature Tg (for example, a temperature similar to the heating end temperature Te in the third example of the heating time measurement process) until the preset constant time tc has passed.

[0168] like Figure 4D As shown, the control portion 116 first acquires the temperature T of the second heating portion 117 based on the detected temperature from the temperature sensor 112 b (step S601 ).

[0169] Then, the control section 116 determines whether the temperature T of the second heating section 117 is at least equal to the target temperature Tg (step S602). If it is determined that the temperature T of the second heating section 117 is not at least equal to the target temperature Tg (step S602: No), the process returns to step S601, and the processes of step S601 and step S602 are repeated until the temperature T of the second heating section 117 is at least equal to the target temperature Tg.

[0170] If it is determined that the temperature T of the second heating portion 117 is at least equal to the target temperature Tg (step S602 : Yes), the control portion 116 resets the time t=0 (step S603 ) and starts counting the time t (step S604 ).

[0171] The control section 116 then determines whether the time t is at least equal to the constant time tc stored in the memory section 114 (step S605). If it is determined that the time t is not at least equal to the constant time tc (step S605: No), the process of step S605 is repeated until the time t reaches the constant time tc. If it is determined that the time t is at least equal to the constant time tc (step S605: Yes), the control section 116 determines that the heating time has ended (step S606) and ends the heating time measurement process.

[0172] In this way, by setting the heating time to the time from when the temperature T of the second heating part 117 reaches the target temperature Tg or a predetermined temperature lower than the target temperature Tg until the predetermined constant time tc has passed, accidental exceeding of the temperature T of the second heating part 117 or erroneous detection by the temperature sensor 112b due to noise, etc. can be eliminated, and the heating time can be set more stably.

[0173] [5. Example of Temperature Transition of the Second Heating Portion and the Flavor Source During Flavor Source Heating Control]

[0174] An example of temperature transitions of the second heating portion 117 and the flavor source 131 during the flavor source heating control will now be described. Figure 5 1 is a diagram showing an example of temperature transitions of the second heating portion 117 and the flavor source 131 and transitions of the target temperature Tg during flavor source heating control, wherein the horizontal axis represents time and the vertical axis represents temperature. Here, an example will be described in which the flavor source heating control is the control flow shown in the first example of the flavor source heating control, for example, the initial temperature T0 of the second heating portion 117 is at least equal to the second threshold temperature T2 and is lower than the third threshold temperature T3, the initial temperature T0 is 25 [°C], and the warming-up time measurement process is the control flow shown in the second example of the warming-up time measurement process. Figure 5 , the thin solid line indicates the transition of the target temperature Tg during the flavor source heating control, the thick dashed line indicates the transition of the temperature of the second heating portion 117 , and the thick solid line indicates the transition of the temperature of the flavor source 131 .

[0175] like Figure 5 As shown, the operating mode of the aerosol-generating device 100 is switched to the active mode at time t 0. Thus, switching the operating mode of the aerosol-generating device 100 to the active mode is regarded as a trigger for initiating the flavor source heating control.

[0176] When the flavor source heating control starts, the target temperature Tg of the second heating portion 117 is set to the third warming temperature Tset3 (80[°C] in this example), and power is supplied to the second heating portion 117 so that the temperature of the second heating portion 117 reaches the third warming temperature Tset3.

[0177] At this time, since the target temperature Tg is set to the third heating temperature Tset3 (the third heating temperature is a temperature higher than the insulation temperature Tp), the temperature of the second heating part 117 can reach the insulation temperature Tp in a shorter time than when the target temperature Tg is set to the insulation temperature Tp.

[0178] The flavor source 131 is heated by the heat generated from the second heating portion 117 , and is thus heated more slowly and delayed than the second heating portion 117 .

[0179] When the second heating part 117 has been heated up and the temperature of the second heating part 117 has reached the third heating temperature Tset3, the heating time ends, and the target temperature Tg is reset to the keeping temperature Tp (60 [°C] in this example), and power is supplied so that the temperature of the second heating part 117 is the keeping temperature Tp.

[0180] If the temperature of flavor source 131 exceeds the keeping temperature Tp, the flavor and taste of flavor source 131 may change. Therefore, the warm-up time is preferably set so that the temperature of flavor source 131 approaches the keeping temperature Tp but does not exceed the keeping temperature Tp when the warm-up time ends.

[0181] When the temperature of the second heating portion 117 reaches the third temperature rising temperature Tset3, the temperature of the second heating portion 117 is higher than the keeping temperature Tp, and thus the power supply to the second heating portion 117 is temporarily stopped until the temperature of the second heating portion 117 drops to the keeping temperature Tp. Then, when the temperature of the second heating portion 117 is at the keeping temperature Tp, power is supplied to the second heating portion 117 so that the temperature of the second heating portion 117 is maintained at the keeping temperature Tp.

[0182] Thereafter, at time t1, when either of the following conditions is met, namely, the user has performed a power-off operation or a predetermined time has elapsed since the user's most recent puff action, power to second heating portion 117 is stopped, the operating mode of aerosol-generating device 100 is switched to sleep mode, and flavor source heating control ends. The temperature of second heating portion 117 and flavor source 131 then gradually decreases to approach the ambient temperature.

[0183] [6. Another Configuration Example of the Aerosol Generating Device]

[0184] Figure 6 Schematic diagram schematically showing another configuration example of an aerosol generating device provided with a power supply unit according to the present disclosure. Figure 6As shown, the aerosol-generating device 100B according to this configuration example is provided with a power supply unit 110B including a power supply portion 111B, a sensor portion 112B, a notification portion 113B, a memory portion 114B, a communication portion 115B, a control portion 116B, a heating portion 121B, a housing portion 140, and a heat insulating portion 144. In this configuration example, the temperature sensor 112b is provided near the heating portion 121B. Near the heating portion 121B at least means a position where the temperature sensor 112b can detect temperature changes in the heating portion 121B. Near the heating portion 121B can also mean a position adjacent to the heating portion 121B or the housing portion 140.

[0185] The power supply portion 111B, the sensor portion 112B, the notification portion 113B, the memory portion 114B, the communication portion 115B, and the control portion 116B are each substantially the same as the corresponding components included in the aerosol-generating device 100 discussed above.

[0186] The accommodating portion 140 has an interior space 141 and holds the rod-shaped substrate 150, while accommodating a portion of the rod-shaped substrate 150 within the interior space 141. The accommodating portion 140 has an opening 142, allowing the interior space 141 to communicate with the outside. The accommodating portion 140 accommodates the rod-shaped substrate 150 inserted into the interior space 141 through the opening 142. For example, the accommodating portion 140 is a cylindrical body including the opening 142 and a bottom portion 143 serving as a bottom surface, and defines the columnar interior space 141. An air flow channel for supplying air to the interior space 141 is connected to the accommodating portion 140. For example, an air inlet hole is provided on a side surface of the aerosol-generating device 100, serving as an inlet for air to enter the air flow channel. For example, an air outlet hole is provided in the bottom portion 143, serving as an outlet for air from the air flow channel to the interior space 141.

[0187] The stick-shaped substrate 150 includes a substrate portion 151 and a mouthpiece portion 152. The substrate portion 151 contains an aerosol source. The aerosol source may include a tobacco-derived or non-tobacco-derived flavor source. If the aerosol-generating device 100B is a medical inhaler (such as a nebulizer), the aerosol source may include a medication. The aerosol source may be, for example, a liquid containing a tobacco-derived or non-tobacco-derived flavor source, such as water or a polyol (e.g., glycerin or propylene glycol), or a solid containing a tobacco-derived or non-tobacco-derived flavor source. When the stick-shaped substrate 150 is held in the accommodating portion 140, at least a portion of the substrate portion 151 is contained within the interior space 141, and at least a portion of the mouthpiece portion 152 protrudes from the opening 142. Therefore, when a user places the mouthpiece portion 152, which protrudes from the opening 142, in their mouth and inhales, air flows into the interior space 141 via an airflow channel (not shown in the drawings) and, along with the aerosol generated from the substrate portion 151, reaches the user's mouth.

[0188] exist Figure 6 In the illustrated example, the heating portion 121B has a film-like form and is provided to cover the outer periphery of the accommodating portion 140. Then, when the heating portion 121B generates heat, the substrate portion 151 of the rod-type substrate 150 is heated from the outer periphery, thereby generating aerosol.

[0189] The heat insulating portion 144 prevents heat from being transferred from the heating portion 121B to other components. For example, the heat insulating portion 144 is configured of a vacuum insulation material, an aerogel insulation material, or the like.

[0190] The configuration example of the aerosol generating device 100B is described above. The aerosol generating device 100B is of course not limited to the above configuration, but may have various configurations as shown below.

[0191] In this configuration example, the heating portion for heating the flavor source is heating portion 121B. Furthermore, the flavor source is contained in base portion 151 of stick-shaped base 150. In the same manner as in aerosol-generating device 100, aerosol-generating device 100B can also perform the aforementioned flavor source heating control.

[0192] While embodiments of a power supply unit for an aerosol-generating device and an aerosol-generating device according to the present disclosure have been described above with reference to the accompanying drawings, it goes without saying that the present disclosure is not limited to such embodiments. It is apparent that those skilled in the art will be able to conceive of numerous variations or modified embodiments within the scope disclosed in the claims, and it will naturally be understood that any such variations or modified embodiments fall within the technical scope of the present disclosure.

[0193] For example, specific numerical values ​​such as the target temperature described in the above embodiments are merely examples and are not limited to those given.

[0194] Furthermore, for example, flavor source heating control is triggered to start when the operating mode of the aerosol-generating device 100 is switched to the activation mode. However, flavor source heating control can also be triggered to start when a heating start command is input. The heating start command may, for example, be caused by detecting a user's puff action, a user's operation of an input device (such as an operation button or switch), or detection of insertion of a stick-type substrate 150 from another configuration example of the aforementioned aerosol-generating device. In this case, in the first example of flavor source heating control executed by the control portion, obtaining the initial temperature T0 of the second heating portion 117 at the start of execution of the flavor source heating control can be performed, for example, at a predetermined time within a predetermined period from the time the heating start command is input until power is supplied from the power supply portion 111 to the second heating portion 117 and the flavor source 131 reaches the keep-warm temperature Tp.

[0195] Furthermore, for example, in the first example of flavor source heating control, there are three threshold temperatures: a first threshold temperature T1, a second threshold temperature T2, and a third threshold temperature T3. However, there may be one, two, or four or more threshold temperatures. It should be noted that in the first example of flavor source heating control, if there is one threshold temperature, there is also one target temperature Tg. Therefore, in the first example of flavor source heating control, if there is one threshold temperature, the temperature increase end temperature Te is a pre-stored predetermined value, and step S501 described above may be a process for obtaining the temperature increase end temperature Te having the stored predetermined value.

[0196] Furthermore, the control methods described in the embodiments discussed above can be implemented by executing a pre-prepared program on a computer (processor). The program is stored on a computer-readable storage medium and is executed by reading it from the storage medium. The program can also be provided in a form stored in a non-transitory storage medium, such as a flash memory (e.g., the memory portion 114, 114B), or can be provided via a network (e.g., the Internet). Furthermore, the computer that executes the program can be, for example, included in the aerosol-generating device 100, 100B (e.g., the CPU of the control portion 116), but this is not restrictive, and the computer can also be included in another device (e.g., a smartphone or a server) that can communicate with the aerosol-generating device 100, 100B.

[0197] This specification, etc., describes at least the following features: Corresponding components, etc. in the above-described embodiments are shown in parentheses by way of example, but there is no limitation on such components.

[0198] (1) An aerosol generating device (aerosol generating device 100, 100B) and a power supply unit (power supply unit 110, 110B), comprising:

[0199] a power source (power supply portion 111 ) capable of supplying power to the heating portion (second heating portion 117 , heating portion 121B) for heating the flavor source (flavor source 131 , base portion 151 ), and

[0200] a control section (control section 116, 116B) for controlling the power supplied to the heating section,

[0201] in,

[0202] The control section:

[0203] capable of executing flavor source heating control to set a target temperature (target temperature Tg) for the temperature of the heating portion so that the temperature of the flavor source reaches a predetermined keep-warm temperature (keep-warm temperature Tp), and supplying power from the power supply to the heating portion so that the temperature of the heating portion reaches the target temperature;

[0204] acquiring the initial temperature of the heating portion (initial temperature T0) at the execution start time of the flavor source heating control; and,

[0205] If the initial temperature of the heating portion is less than the threshold temperature (the first threshold temperature T1, the second threshold temperature T2, the third threshold temperature T3), then

[0206] The target temperature is set to a temperature increase (a first temperature increase temperature Tset1, a second temperature increase temperature Tset2, a third temperature increase temperature Tset3) higher than the keeping warm temperature, and power is supplied from the power supply device to the heating portion during a predetermined temperature increase time.

[0207] According to (1), the temperature of the heating portion can be brought to the keep-warm temperature in a short time. This allows the temperature of the flavor source to reach the keep-warm temperature in a shorter period of time, and allows the aerosol source that has been imparted with an appropriate flavor to be supplied to the user.

[0208] (2) An aerosol generating device power supply unit as disclosed in (1), wherein:

[0209] In the flavor source heating control, the control section:

[0210] having a plurality of threshold temperatures, the plurality of threshold temperatures including a first threshold temperature (a first threshold temperature T1) and a second threshold temperature (a second threshold temperature T2), the second threshold temperature being a temperature higher than the first threshold temperature;

[0211] If the initial temperature of the heating portion is less than the first threshold temperature,

[0212] then setting the target temperature to a first heating temperature (first heating temperature Tset1 ) which is higher than the keeping temperature, and supplying power from the power supply device to the heating portion for a predetermined heating time; and

[0213] If the initial temperature of the heating portion is less than the second threshold temperature,

[0214] The target temperature is set to a second temperature rise temperature (second temperature rise temperature Tset2) that is higher than the keeping temperature and lower than the first temperature rise temperature, and power is supplied from the power supply device to the heating portion for the predetermined temperature rise time.

[0215] According to (2), by providing a first threshold temperature and a second threshold temperature T2, and setting the target temperature to the first heating temperature and the second heating temperature according to the corresponding threshold temperatures, an appropriate target temperature can be set according to the initial temperature of the heating part, and the temperature of the heating part can be brought to the insulation temperature in a short time.

[0216] (3) An aerosol generating device power supply unit as disclosed in (1), wherein:

[0217] In the flavor source heating control, the control section:

[0218] having three or more threshold temperatures, the three or more threshold temperatures being mutually different temperatures; and

[0219] The target temperature is set as a warm-up temperature corresponding to the corresponding threshold temperature.

[0220] According to (3), by having three threshold temperatures that are different from each other and setting the target temperature to the heating temperature corresponding to the respective threshold temperatures, an appropriate target temperature can be set according to the initial temperature of the heating portion, and the temperature of the heating portion can be brought to the keeping temperature in a short time.

[0221] (4) A power supply unit (power supply unit 110, 110B) of an aerosol generating device (aerosol generating device 100, 100B), comprising:

[0222] a power source (power supply section 111 , 111B) capable of supplying power to the heating section (second heating section 117 , heating section 121B) for heating the flavor source (flavor source 131 , base section 151 ), and

[0223] a control section (control section 116, 116B) for controlling the power supplied to the heating section,

[0224] in,

[0225] The control section:

[0226] capable of executing flavor source heating control to set a target temperature (target temperature Tg) for the temperature of the heating portion so that the temperature of the flavor source reaches a predetermined keep-warm temperature (keep-warm temperature Tp), and supplying power from the power supply to the heating portion so that the temperature of the heating portion reaches the target temperature;

[0227] acquiring a power supply stop time period (power supply stop time period toff), the power supply stop time period being a time period during which power supply to the heating portion is stopped, from a most recent power supply stop time, which is a time when power supply to the heating portion is stopped, until an execution start time of the flavor source heating control; and

[0228] If the power supply stop period is at least equal to the predetermined time,

[0229] The target temperature is set as a heating temperature (heating temperature Tset) which is higher than the keeping temperature, and power is supplied from the power supply device to the heating portion for a predetermined heating time.

[0230] According to (4), the temperature of the heating portion can be brought to the keep-warm temperature in a short time. This allows the temperature of the flavor source to reach the keep-warm temperature in a shorter period of time, and allows the aerosol source that has been imparted with an appropriate flavor to be supplied to the user.

[0231] (5) An aerosol generating device power supply unit as disclosed in any one of (1) to (4), wherein:

[0232] The control section:

[0233] having an active mode and a sleep mode as modes for operating the aerosol-generating device, the active mode being a state in which the aerosol-generating device is capable of generating aerosol, and the sleep mode in which the aerosol-generating device operates with lower power consumption than in the active mode; and

[0234] The flavor source heating control begins with switching to the activation mode as a trigger.

[0235] According to (5), an aerosol source that has been imparted with an appropriate flavor can be quickly supplied to a user after the operating mode of the aerosol-generating device has been switched to an activated mode.

[0236] (6) An aerosol generating device power supply unit as disclosed in any one of (1) to (5), wherein:

[0237] In the flavor source heating control, the control section:

[0238] Power is supplied to the heating portion by means of on-off control by supplying power to the heating portion when the temperature of the heating portion is lower than the target temperature and stopping the power supply to the heating portion when the temperature of the heating portion is at least equal to the target temperature.

[0239] According to (6), power can be supplied to the heating portion using simple control.

[0240] (7) An aerosol generating device power supply unit as disclosed in (6), wherein:

[0241] In the flavor source heating control, the control section:

[0242] Electric power is supplied to the heating portion by combining the on-off control with proportional control in which a duty ratio is set based on a deviation between the temperature of the heating portion and the target temperature.

[0243] According to (7), the temperature of the heating portion can be brought to the target temperature in a shorter amount of time even if the target temperature is high, and simple control can be used to prevent the temperature of the heating portion from overtaking and exceeding the target temperature.

[0244] (8) The aerosol generating device power supply unit as disclosed in any one of (1) to (7), wherein the aerosol generating device power supply unit further comprises:

[0245] A heating portion temperature detection element (temperature sensor 112 b ) for detecting the temperature of the heating unit, wherein

[0246] The temperature of the heating portion is acquired based on the detected temperature from the heating portion temperature detection element.

[0247] According to (8), a simple configuration can be used to obtain the temperature of the heated part.

[0248] (9) An aerosol generating device power supply unit as disclosed in any one of (1) to (8), wherein:

[0249] The heating time is preset.

[0250] According to (9), by presetting the temperature rise time, it is possible to use simple control to determine whether the predetermined temperature rise time has elapsed.

[0251] (10) An aerosol generating device power supply unit as disclosed in any one of (1) to (8), wherein:

[0252] The temperature rising time is the time taken until the temperature of the heating portion reaches the target temperature.

[0253] According to (10), by setting the temperature rising time to the time until the temperature of the heating portion reaches the target temperature, the temperature rising time can be set so that the temperature of the heating portion does not exceed the target temperature.

[0254] (11) An aerosol generating device power supply unit as disclosed in any one of (1) to (8), wherein:

[0255] The temperature rising time is the time taken until the temperature of the heated portion reaches a temperature rising end temperature (temperature rising end temperature Te), which is a temperature lower than the target temperature.

[0256] According to (11), by setting the heating time to the time until the temperature of the heating portion reaches the heating end temperature which is lower than the target temperature, the heating time can be set so as to more reliably prevent the temperature of the heating portion from exceeding the target temperature.

[0257] (12) An aerosol generating device power supply unit as disclosed in any one of (1) to (8), wherein:

[0258] The temperature rising time is a period from when the temperature of the heating portion reaches a target temperature or a predetermined temperature lower than the target temperature until a preset constant time has elapsed.

[0259] According to (12), by setting the heating time to a time period from when the temperature of the heating portion reaches the target temperature or a predetermined temperature lower than the target temperature until a preset constant time has passed, accidental overtaking of the temperature of the second heating portion or erroneous detection of the temperature of the heating portion due to noise, etc. can be eliminated, and the heating time can be set more stably.

[0260] (13) An aerosol generating device (aerosol generating device 100, 100B), comprising a heating portion (second heating portion 117, heating portion 121B) for heating a flavor source (flavor source 131, matrix portion 151),

[0261] a power supply device (power supply portion 111 , 111B) capable of supplying power to the heating unit, and

[0262] a control section (control section 116, 116B) for controlling the power supplied to the heating section,

[0263] in,

[0264] The control section:

[0265] capable of executing flavor source heating control to set a target temperature (target temperature Tg) for the temperature of the heating portion so that the temperature of the flavor source reaches a predetermined keep-warm temperature (keep-warm temperature Tp), and supplying power from the power supply to the heating portion so that the temperature of the heating portion reaches the target temperature;

[0266] acquiring the initial temperature of the heating portion (initial temperature T0) at the execution start time of the flavor source heating control; and,

[0267] If the initial temperature of the heating portion is less than the threshold temperature (the first threshold temperature T1, the second threshold temperature T2, the third threshold temperature T3), then

[0268] The target temperature is set to a temperature increase (a first temperature increase temperature Tset1, a second temperature increase temperature Tset2, a third temperature increase temperature Tset3) higher than the keeping warm temperature, and power is supplied from the power supply device to the heating portion during a predetermined temperature increase time.

[0269] According to (13), the temperature of the heating portion can be brought to the keep-warm temperature in a short time. This allows the temperature of the flavor source to reach the keep-warm temperature in a shorter period of time, and allows the aerosol source that has been imparted with an appropriate flavor to be supplied to the user.

[0270] List of Reference Numerals

[0271] 100A, 100B Aerosol Generating Device

[0272] 110, 110B power supply unit

[0273] 111, 111B power supply part (power supply device)

[0274] 112b Temperature sensor (heating part temperature detection element)

[0275] 116, 116B control section

[0276] 117 Second heating section (heating section)

[0277] 121B Heating section

[0278] 131 Flavor Source

[0279] 151 Matrix (flavor source)

[0280] T0 initial temperature

[0281] T1 First threshold temperature (threshold temperature)

[0282] T2 Second threshold temperature (threshold temperature)

[0283] T3 Third threshold temperature (threshold temperature)

[0284] Tp holding temperature

[0285] Tg target temperature

[0286] Tset heating temperature

[0287] Tset1 First heating temperature (heating temperature)

[0288] Tset2 Second heating temperature (heating temperature)

[0289] Tset3 Third heating temperature (heating temperature)

[0290] Te heating end temperature

[0291] toff Power supply off time period

Claims

1. An aerosol generating device power supply unit, the aerosol generating device power supply unit comprising: a power source capable of supplying power to a heating portion for heating the flavor source, and a control portion for controlling the power supplied to the heating portion, in, The control section: capable of executing flavor source heating control to set a target temperature for the temperature of the heating portion so that the temperature of the flavor source reaches a predetermined keep-warm temperature, and supplying power from the power supply to the heating portion so that the temperature of the heating portion reaches the target temperature; acquiring an initial temperature of the heating portion at the execution start time of the flavor source heating control; and, If the initial temperature of the heating portion is less than the threshold temperature, The target temperature is set to a warming temperature higher than the keeping warm temperature, and power is supplied from the power supply device to the heating portion during a predetermined warming time.

2. The aerosol generating device power supply unit according to claim 1, wherein: In the flavor source heating control, the control section: having a plurality of threshold temperatures, the plurality of threshold temperatures including a first threshold temperature and a second threshold temperature, the second threshold temperature being a temperature higher than the first threshold temperature; If the initial temperature of the heating portion is less than the first threshold temperature, then setting the target temperature to a first temperature increase temperature higher than the keep warm temperature, and supplying power from the power supply device to the heating portion during a predetermined temperature increase time; as well as If the initial temperature of the heating portion is less than the second threshold temperature, The target temperature is set to a second temperature increase temperature that is higher than the keeping temperature and lower than the first temperature increase temperature, and power is supplied from the power supply device to the heating portion for the predetermined temperature increase time.

3. The aerosol generating device power supply unit according to claim 1, wherein: In the flavor source heating control, the control section: having three or more threshold temperatures, the three or more threshold temperatures being mutually different temperatures; and The target temperature is set as a warm-up temperature corresponding to the corresponding threshold temperature.

4. An aerosol generating device power supply unit, the aerosol generating device power supply unit comprising: a power source capable of supplying power to a heating portion for heating the flavor source, and a control portion for controlling the power supplied to the heating portion, in, The control section: capable of executing flavor source heating control to set a target temperature for the temperature of the heating portion so that the temperature of the flavor source reaches a predetermined keep-warm temperature, and supplying power from the power supply to the heating portion so that the temperature of the heating portion reaches the target temperature; acquiring a power supply stop time period, the power supply stop time period being a time period during which power supply to the heating portion is stopped, from a most recent power supply stop time, which is a time when power supply to the heating portion is stopped, until an execution start time of the flavor source heating control; and If the power supply stop period is at least equal to the predetermined time, The target temperature is set to a warming temperature higher than the keeping warm temperature, and power is supplied from the power supply device to the heating portion during a predetermined warming time.

5. The aerosol-generating device power supply unit according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein: The control section: having an active mode and a sleep mode as modes for operating the aerosol-generating device, the active mode being a state in which the aerosol-generating device is capable of generating aerosol, and in the sleep mode, the aerosol-generating device operates with lower power consumption than in the active mode; as well as The flavor source heating control begins with switching to the activation mode as a trigger.

6. The aerosol-generating device power supply unit according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein: In the flavor source heating control, the control section: Power is supplied to the heating portion by means of on-off control by supplying power to the heating portion when the temperature of the heating portion is lower than the target temperature and stopping the power supply to the heating portion when the temperature of the heating portion is at least equal to the target temperature.

7. The aerosol-generating device power supply unit according to claim 6, wherein: In the flavor source heating control, the control section: Electric power is supplied to the heating portion by combining the on-off control with proportional control in which a duty ratio is set based on a deviation between the temperature of the heating portion and the target temperature.

8. The aerosol-generating device power supply unit according to any one of claims 1 to 7, further comprising: A heating portion temperature detecting element for detecting the temperature of the heating unit, wherein The temperature of the heating portion is acquired based on the detected temperature from the heating portion temperature detection element.

9. The aerosol-generating device power supply unit according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein: The heating time is preset.

10. The power supply unit for an aerosol-generating device according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein: The temperature rising time is the time taken until the temperature of the heating portion reaches the target temperature.

11. The power supply unit for an aerosol-generating device according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein: The temperature rising time is the time taken until the temperature of the heated portion reaches a temperature rising end temperature, which is a temperature lower than the target temperature.

12. The power supply unit for an aerosol-generating device according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein: The temperature rising time is a period from when the temperature of the heating portion reaches a target temperature or a predetermined temperature lower than the target temperature until a preset constant time has passed.

13. An aerosol generating device, comprising: a heating portion for heating the aerosol source, a power supply device capable of supplying electric power to the heating portion, and a control portion for controlling the power supplied to the heating portion, in, The control section: capable of executing flavor source heating control to set a target temperature for the temperature of the heating portion so that the temperature of the flavor source reaches a predetermined keep-warm temperature, and supplying power from the power supply to the heating portion so that the temperature of the heating portion reaches the target temperature; acquiring an initial temperature of the heating portion at the execution start time of the flavor source heating control; and, If the initial temperature of the heating portion is less than the threshold temperature, The target temperature is set to a warming temperature higher than the keeping warm temperature, and power is supplied from the power supply device to the heating portion during a predetermined warming time.

Images