Fragrance generating device, power supply unit, method for controlling fragrance generating device, and computer-readable recording medium.

Abstract

The fragrance generating device includes: a circuit that electrically connects a power supply, a first load of an atomizing gas mist source or a heating fragrance source, and a second load different from the first load; a control unit that is configured to obtain power supply requests for the first load and the second load respectively, and control the circuit so that the first load and the second load are powered from the power supply respectively based on the requests; and a reduction unit that is configured to reduce the power or power amount discharged from the power supply compared to the maximum power or maximum power amount when the power supply discharges the first load and the second load simultaneously when the control unit simultaneously obtains the request for the first load and the request for the second load, or when the circuit is controlled to simultaneously power the first load and the second load.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention relates to a fragrance generating device, a power supply unit, a method for controlling the fragrance generating device and a computer-readable recording medium. Background Art

[0002] Instead of cigarettes, there is known a flavor generating device (Patent Documents 1-3) that can taste aerosol (flavor) generated by atomizing an aerosol source with an electric load such as a heater. The aerosol generating device includes a heating element that atomizes the aerosol source or heats the flavor source, a power supply that supplies power to the heating element, and a control unit that controls the load and the power supply.

[0003] Patent document 2 discloses a smoking article: it has a first resistive heating element and a second resistive heating element, the first resistive heating element is powered by a power source and heats air inhaled through an opening at the far end of an outer shell, and the second resistive heating element is powered by a power source and heats an aerosol-forming material and a tobacco material.

[0004] Patent Document 3 discloses a smoking material heating device having a plurality of heating cylinders for heating the smoking material. The heating cylinders are electrically driven by electricity.

[0005] Prior art literature

[0006] Patent Documents

[0007] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2015-204833

[0008] Patent Document 2: Japanese Patent Application No. 2010-506594

[0009] Patent Document 3: Japanese Patent Application No. 2014-525251 Summary of the invention

[0010] The flavor generating device of the main purpose of the first feature includes: a circuit that electrically connects a power supply, a first load of an atomizing gas mist source or a heating flavor source, and a second load different from the above-mentioned first load; a control unit that is configured to obtain power supply requests for the above-mentioned first load and the above-mentioned second load, respectively, and control the above-mentioned circuit so as to supply power to the above-mentioned first load and the above-mentioned second load respectively from the above-mentioned power supply based on the above-mentioned requests; a reduction unit that is configured to reduce the power or power amount discharged from the above-mentioned power supply compared with the maximum power or maximum power amount when the above-mentioned power supply discharges the above-mentioned first load and the above-mentioned second load simultaneously when the above-mentioned control unit obtains the above-mentioned request for the above-mentioned first load and the above-mentioned request for the above-mentioned second load at the same time, or when the above-mentioned circuit is controlled so as to supply power to the above-mentioned first load and the above-mentioned second load simultaneously.

[0011] According to the flavor generating device of the first feature, in the subject matter of the second feature, the reducing unit is configured not to supply power from the power supply to the first load and the second load at the same time.

[0012] According to the flavor generating device of the first feature or the second feature, in the main body of the third feature, the above-mentioned circuit includes: a first switch, which opens and closes the electrical connection between the above-mentioned first load and the above-mentioned power supply; and a second switch, which opens and closes the electrical connection between the above-mentioned second load and the above-mentioned power supply, the switching cycle of the above-mentioned first switch is the same as the switching cycle of the above-mentioned second switch, and the above-mentioned reduction unit is constructed to set or correct at least one of the on-period of the above-mentioned first switch and the on-period of the above-mentioned second switch, so that the sum of the on-period of the above-mentioned first switch and the on-period of the above-mentioned second switch does not exceed the above-mentioned switching cycle.

[0013] According to the flavor generating device of the third feature, in the subject of the fourth feature, the reducing unit is configured to shift the switching phase of the first switch from the switching phase of the second switch by more than the on-period of the second switch, or to shift the switching phase of the second switch from the switching phase of the first switch by more than the on-period of the first switch.

[0014] According to the flavor generating device of the third feature or the fourth feature, in the subject matter of the fifth feature, the reducing unit is configured to set or correct at least one of the on-period of the first switch and the on-period of the second switch so that the sum of the on-period of the first switch and the on-period of the second switch is less than the switching cycle, and the switching phase of the first switch is shifted from the switching phase of the second switch by a greater amount than the on-period of the second switch, or the switching phase of the second switch is shifted from the switching phase of the first switch by a greater amount than the on-period of the first switch.

[0015] According to the flavor generating device of the first feature, in the subject matter of the sixth feature, the circuit includes: a first switch for opening and closing the electrical connection between the first load and the power supply; and a second switch for opening and closing the electrical connection between the second load and the power supply, and the reduction unit is configured to set or correct at least one of the variables or modes in the switching control of the first switch and the variables or modes in the switching control of the second switch so as to reduce the electric power or amount of electric power discharged from the power supply.

[0016] According to the flavor generating device of the sixth feature, in the subject matter of the seventh feature, the reducing means is configured to shorten at least one of an on-period of the first switch and an on-period of the second switch.

[0017] According to the flavor generating device of the sixth feature, in the subject matter of the eighth feature, the reducing means is configured to shorten at least one of a switching cycle of the first switch and a switching cycle of the second switch.

[0018] In the flavor generating device according to the sixth feature or the eighth feature, in the subject matter of the ninth feature, the control unit is configured to control the first switch and the second switch based on feedback control using PWM control, and the reduction unit is configured to control at least one of the first switch and the second switch based on feedback control using PFM control instead of PWM control.

[0019] According to the flavor generating device of any one of the first feature and the sixth feature to the ninth feature, in the subject matter of the tenth feature, the reduction unit is configured to reduce the power supplied to the second load while supplying power to the first load, or to reduce the power supplied to the first load while supplying power to the second load.

[0020] According to the flavor generating device of the tenth feature, in the subject matter of the eleventh feature, the control unit is configured to control the power supplied from the power supply to at least one of the first load and the second load based on feedback control, and the reduction unit is configured to adjust at least one of the proportional gain and the limiter upper limit in the feedback control so as to reduce the power supplied from the power supply to at least one of the first load and the second load.

[0021] According to the flavor generating device of the tenth feature, in the subject matter of the twelfth feature, the above-mentioned circuit includes a regulator, which adjusts the current output to at least one of the above-mentioned first load and the above-mentioned second load, and the above-mentioned reduction unit is configured to control the above-mentioned regulator so as to reduce the current value output by the above-mentioned regulator.

[0022] According to the flavor generating device of any one of the first to eleventh features, in the subject matter of the thirteenth feature, the circuit includes a first circuit and a second circuit, the second circuit is connected in parallel with the first circuit and has a resistance value higher than the resistance value of the first circuit, and the reduction unit is configured to make the first circuit inoperative and the second circuit operative.

[0023] According to the flavor generating device of any one of the first to thirteenth features, in the subject matter of the fourteenth feature, the above-mentioned reduction unit includes a protection integrated circuit or an electric fuse, which is arranged in the above-mentioned circuit and has a rated current value greater than the maximum current value that can be supplied to one of the above-mentioned first load and the above-mentioned second load.

[0024] According to the flavor generating device of the fourteenth feature, in the subject matter of the fifteenth feature, the above-mentioned reduction unit is constructed to control the above-mentioned circuit so that the sum of the first current supplied to the above-mentioned first load and the second current supplied to the above-mentioned second load simultaneously with the above-mentioned first current does not exceed the above-mentioned rated current.

[0025] According to the flavor generating device of any one of the first to fifteenth features, in the subject matter of the sixteenth feature, the reduction unit includes a thermal fuse, which is arranged in the above-mentioned circuit and has a rated current value less than half of the current value flowing in when power is supplied to the above-mentioned first load and the above-mentioned second load at the same time.

[0026] In the flavor generating device according to any one of the first to fifteenth features, in the subject matter of the seventeenth feature, the reduction unit includes an auxiliary power source capable of discharging to the first load and the second load.

[0027] According to the flavor generating device of the seventeenth feature, in the subject matter of the eighteenth feature, the auxiliary power source has a higher output density than the power source.

[0028] According to the flavor generating device of the seventeenth feature or the eighteenth feature, in the subject matter of the nineteenth feature, the above-mentioned control unit or the above-mentioned reduction unit can obtain a value related to the remaining amount of the above-mentioned auxiliary power supply, and the above-mentioned control unit or the above-mentioned reduction unit is configured to control the above-mentioned circuit so that the larger the value related to the remaining amount of the above-mentioned auxiliary power supply, the more the electric power or amount of electricity discharged by the above-mentioned power supply is reduced.

[0029] According to the flavor generating device of the first feature or the nineteenth feature, in the subject matter of the twentieth feature, the power supply and the auxiliary power supply are connected in parallel relative to at least one of the first load and the second load, and the circuit includes a converter, which is arranged between the power supply and the auxiliary power supply and can convert the size of at least one of the input current, voltage and power and output it.

[0030] The power supply unit for the flavor generating device according to the subject matter of the twenty-first feature includes: a power supply; a circuit electrically connecting the power supply to a first load of an atomizing gas mist source or a heating flavor source, and a second load different from the first load; a control unit configured to obtain power supply requests for the first load and the second load, respectively, and control the circuit so as to supply power to the first load and the second load, respectively, from the power supply based on the requests; and a reduction unit configured to reduce the power or amount of power discharged from the power supply compared to the maximum power or maximum amount of power discharged from the power supply to the first load and the second load at the same time when the control unit obtains the request for the first load and the request for the second load at the same time, or controls the circuit so as to supply power to the first load and the second load at the same time.

[0031] The method for controlling a flavor generating device according to the subject matter of the twenty-second feature is a method for controlling the above-mentioned flavor generating device, wherein the above-mentioned flavor generating device includes a first load of an atomizing gas mist source or a heating flavor source and a second load different from the above-mentioned first load, and the above-mentioned method for controlling the flavor generating device includes: the steps of obtaining power supply requests for the above-mentioned first load and the above-mentioned second load, respectively, and controlling the above-mentioned circuit so as to supply power to the above-mentioned first load and the above-mentioned second load respectively from the above-mentioned power supply based on the above-mentioned requests; and when the above-mentioned request for the above-mentioned first load and the above-mentioned request for the above-mentioned second load are obtained at the same time, or when the above-mentioned circuit is controlled so as to supply power to the above-mentioned first load and the above-mentioned second load at the same time, the step of reducing the power or the amount of power discharged from the above-mentioned power supply compared with the maximum power or the maximum amount of power when the above-mentioned power supply discharges the above-mentioned first load and the above-mentioned second load at the same time.

[0032] The program of the subject matter of the twenty-third feature causes the flavor generating device to execute the method of the twenty-second feature. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0033] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of a flavor generating device according to an embodiment.

[0034] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of an atomization unit according to an embodiment.

[0035] Figure 3 It is a schematic diagram showing an example of the structure of an inhalation sensor according to an embodiment.

[0036] Figure 4 is a block diagram of a fragrance generating device.

[0037] Figure 5 is a schematic diagram of an electrical circuit of a fragrance generating device including an atomization unit and a power supply unit.

[0038] Figure 6 This is a flowchart showing control by a control unit according to one embodiment.

[0039] Figure 7 This is a graph showing an example of power supply to the atomization electrical load and the flavor electrical load.

[0040] Figure 8 : is a control block diagram showing switching control between the first switch and the second switch.

[0041] Fig. 9 is a graph showing switching control between the first switch and the second switch.

[0042] Fig.10 This is a graph showing another example of power supply to the atomization electrical load and the flavor electrical load.

[0043] Fig.11 This is a graph showing another example of power supply to the atomization electrical load and the flavor electrical load.

[0044] Fig.12 Schematic diagram of an electrical circuit of a flavor generating device including an atomization unit and a power supply unit in a fourth embodiment.

[0045] Fig.13 It is a schematic diagram related to a modified example of the electric circuit of the flavor generating device including the atomizing unit and the power supply unit in the fourth embodiment.

[0046] Fig.14 Schematic diagram of an electrical circuit of a flavor generating device including an atomization unit and a power supply unit in a fifth embodiment.

[0047] Fig.15 Schematic diagram of an electrical circuit of a flavor generating device including an atomization unit and a power supply unit in a sixth embodiment.

[0048] Fig.16 Schematic diagram of an electrical circuit of a flavor generating device including an atomization unit and a power supply unit in a seventh embodiment.

[0049] Fig.17 Schematic diagram of an electrical circuit of a flavor generating device including an atomization unit and a power supply unit in an eighth embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0050] The following is a description of the implementation mode. In addition, in the following drawings, the same or similar parts are given the same or similar reference numerals. However, it should be noted that these drawings are schematic and the ratio of each dimension may be different from the actual dimension.

[0051] Therefore, specific dimensions and the like should be determined in consideration of the following description. In addition, it is obvious that the drawings may include portions having different dimensional relationships and ratios.

[0052] [Disclosure outline]

[0053] In the devices described in Patent Document 2 and Patent Document 3, electric power from a power supply can be supplied to a plurality of electrical loads such as two or more electrical heating elements. The inventors of the present invention have studied driving each load individually or driving a plurality of loads simultaneously in a fragrance generating device having a plurality of loads. In this case, in order to independently control the loads, the plurality of loads may also be electrically connected in parallel with the power supply as a reference. When the plurality of loads are electrically connected in parallel with the power supply as a reference, the total resistance value of the plurality of loads becomes smaller than the resistance value of each individual load. Therefore, when electric power is to be supplied from a power supply to a plurality of loads simultaneously, a current greater than the current output from the power supply when electric power is supplied to one load is output from the power supply.

[0054] In addition, it is known that the greater the electric power or current discharged per unit time, the more the deterioration of the power supply is accelerated.

[0055] That is, when it is desired to drive a plurality of loads at the same time, the discharge amount from the power supply becomes relatively large, the remaining amount of the power supply decreases rapidly, and the power supply is easily degraded. Therefore, even in this case, it is desirable to suppress the rapid decrease of the remaining amount of the power supply and suppress the easy deterioration of the power supply.

[0056] According to one embodiment, a fragrance generating device includes: a circuit that electrically connects a power supply, a first load of an atomizing gas mist source or a heating fragrance source, and a second load different from the first load; a control unit that is configured to obtain power supply requests for the first load and the second load, respectively, and control the circuit so as to supply power to the first load and the second load, respectively, from the power supply based on the requests; and a reduction unit that is configured to reduce the power or amount of power discharged from the power supply compared to the maximum power or maximum amount of power when the power supply discharges the first load and the second load simultaneously when the control unit obtains the request for the first load and the request for the second load at the same time, or when the circuit is controlled to supply power to the first load and the second load at the same time.

[0057] According to one embodiment, a power supply unit includes: a power supply; a circuit electrically connecting the power supply to a first load of an atomizing gas mist source or a heating fragrance source, and a second load different from the first load; a control unit configured to obtain power supply requests for the first load and the second load, respectively, and control the circuit so as to supply power to the first load and the second load, respectively, from the power supply based on the requests; and a reduction unit configured to reduce the power or power amount discharged from the power supply compared to the maximum power or maximum power amount when the power supply discharges the first load and the second load simultaneously when the control unit obtains the request for the first load and the request for the second load at the same time, or controls the circuit so as to supply power to the first load and the second load at the same time.

[0058] According to the above-mentioned manner, when a request to the first load and a request to the second load are obtained at the same time, or when the circuit is controlled so that power is supplied to the first load and power is supplied to the second load at the same time, the electric power or the amount of electric power discharged from the power supply is reduced. Therefore, even in this case, the amount of discharge from the power supply can be reduced, the remaining amount of the power supply can be suppressed from decreasing rapidly, and the power supply can be suppressed from being easily degraded.

[0059] (Fragrance generating device)

[0060] Hereinafter, a flavor generating device according to an embodiment will be described. Figure 1 This is an exploded view showing a flavor generating device according to one embodiment. Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of an atomization unit according to an embodiment. Figure 3 It is a schematic diagram showing an example of the structure of an inhalation sensor according to an embodiment. Figure 4 is a block diagram of a fragrance generating device.

[0061] The aroma generating device 100 may also be a non-combustion type aroma inhaler that inhales aroma without combustion. Preferably, the aroma generating device 100 may be a portable aroma inhaler. The aroma generating device 100 may have a shape extending along a prescribed direction A, which is a direction from the non-inhalation end E2 toward the inhalation end E1. In this case, the aroma generating device 100 may also include one end E1 and another end E2, the one end E1 having an inhalation end 141 for inhaling aroma, and the other end E2 being located on the opposite side of the inhalation end 141.

[0062] The flavor generating device 100 may also include a power supply unit 110 and an atomizing unit 120. The atomizing unit 120 may be configured to be detachable relative to the power supply unit 110 via mechanical connection portions 111, 121. When the atomizing unit 120 and the power supply unit 110 are mechanically connected to each other, an atomizing electrical load 122R and a flavor electrical load 124R described later in the atomizing unit 120 are electrically connected to the power supply 10 provided in the power supply unit 110.

[0063] The atomizing unit 120 includes an aerosol source (flavor component source) that is inhaled by the user in an atomized state, and an atomizing electrical load 122R that atomizes the aerosol source using power from the power source 10 .

[0064] The atomization electrical load 122R may be an element capable of adjusting the amount of aerosol (the amount of flavor components) generated from the aerosol source according to the power supplied. For example, the atomization electrical load 122R may also be an atomization temperature regulator 122 capable of regulating the temperature of the aerosol source. As an example, the atomization electrical load 122R constituting the atomization temperature regulator 122 may also be a resistance heating element. Those skilled in the art will understand that the amount of aerosol generated from the aerosol source varies according to the temperature of the aerosol source.

[0065] Below, we will refer to Figure 1 and Figure 2 A more detailed example of the atomization unit 120 is described. The atomization unit 120 may have a reservoir 122P, a wick 122Q, and an electrical load 122R for atomization. The reservoir 122P may also be configured to store a liquid aerosol source. The reservoir 122P may be a porous body made of a material such as a resin mesh. The wick 122Q may be a liquid retaining component that utilizes capillary action to transport the aerosol source from the reservoir 122P to the vicinity of the electrical load 122R for atomization. The wick 122Q may be composed of, for example, glass fiber, porous ceramics, and the like.

[0066] The atomizing electric load 122R heats the aerosol source held by the core 122Q. The atomizing electric load 122R is composed of, for example, a resistance heating element (for example, a heating wire) wound around the core 122Q.

[0067] The atomizing electrical load 122R may be a temperature regulator 122 such as an electric heater. Alternatively, the atomizing electrical load 122R may be a temperature regulator having a function of heating or cooling the aerosol source held in the core 122Q.

[0068] The air flowing in from the inlet 125 through the flow path 127 passes near the atomization electrical load 122R in the atomization unit 120. The aerosol generated at the atomization electrical load 122R flows toward the mouthpiece 141 together with the flowing air. In addition, the inlet 125 may be provided on at least one of the power supply unit 110 and the atomization unit 120.

[0069] The aerosol source may be a liquid at room temperature. For example, a polyol such as glycerin or propylene glycol may be used as the aerosol source. The aerosol source may include a tobacco raw material that releases a fragrance-inhaling-taste when heated, or an extract derived from the tobacco raw material.

[0070] In addition, in the above embodiment, an example of an aerosol source that is liquid at room temperature has been described in detail, but an aerosol source that is solid at room temperature may be used instead. In this case, in order to generate aerosol from the solid aerosol source, the atomizing electrical load 122R may also be in contact with or close to the solid aerosol source.

[0071] The atomizing unit 120 may also include a replaceable flavor unit 130. The flavor unit 130 may also include a cylinder 131 for accommodating a flavor source (inhalation component source). The cylinder 131 may also include a membrane member 133 and a filter 132 through which air, aerosol, etc. can pass. A flavor source may also be provided in a space formed by the membrane member 133 and the filter 132.

[0072] The flavor generating device 100 has flow paths 127 and 128, which allow at least a portion of the aerosol generated from the aerosol source to pass through the flavor source to reach the outlet. Thus, the flavor source in the flavor unit 130 imparts a flavor component to the aerosol generated by the atomization electrical load 122R of the atomization unit 120. The flavor component imparted to the aerosol by the flavor source is delivered to the inhalation port 141 of the flavor generating device 100.

[0073] The flavor source in the flavor unit 130 may also be solid at room temperature. As an example, the flavor source is composed of a raw material sheet of a plant material that imparts a cigarette flavor component to the aerosol. As a raw material sheet constituting the flavor source, a shaped body obtained by forming a tobacco material such as chopped tobacco or tobacco raw material into a granular shape may also be used. Alternatively, the flavor source may also be a shaped body obtained by forming a tobacco material into a sheet shape. In addition, the raw material sheet constituting the flavor source may be composed of plants other than tobacco (e.g., mint, herbs, etc.). It is also possible to impart a flavor such as menthol to the flavor source.

[0074] The fragrance source can be fluidly accommodated in the space formed by the membrane member 133 and the filter 132. In this case, when in use, the fragrance source flows in the fragrance unit 130, and the fragrance source in contact with the fragrance electrical load 124R is less biased, so that the fragrance component can be stably released.

[0075] Alternatively, the fragrance source may be substantially fixed by being filled in the space formed by the film member 133 and the filter 132. In this case, heat can also be efficiently transferred from the fragrance electrical load 124R to the fragrance source.

[0076] The electrical load 124R for fragrance provided in the atomization unit 120 may also be located around the barrel 131 of the fragrance unit 130 installed in the atomization unit 120. The electrical load 124R for fragrance may also be configured to adjust the amount of fragrance (inhaled component) generated from the fragrance source. The electrical load 124R for fragrance may be an element that can adjust the amount of fragrance generated from the fragrance source according to the power supplied. For example, the electrical load 124R for fragrance may also be a temperature regulator 124 that can adjust the temperature of the fragrance source. The temperature regulator 124 may be composed of a resistance heating element. The temperature regulator 124 may also be composed of an induction heating element. Alternatively, the temperature regulator 124 may also be a cooling element such as a Peltier element. In addition, the temperature regulator 124 may also be an element that can implement both heating and cooling.

[0077] A heat insulating material 126 may be provided outside the electrical load 124R for fragrance. Thus, it is possible to prevent the temperature difference between the temperature of the outer edge of the fragrance generating device 100 and the temperature of the outside air from becoming too large. In other words, it is possible to prevent the outer edge of the fragrance generating device 100 from becoming too cold or too hot. In addition, the heat transfer loss from the electrical load 124R for fragrance can be reduced by the heat insulating material 126, and the temperature can be adjusted in an energy-saving manner.

[0078] The aroma generating device 100 may also include a mouthpiece having an inhalation port for a user to inhale the inhalation component. The mouthpiece may be detachable relative to the atomizing unit 120 or the aroma unit 130, or may be integrally formed and inseparable. In addition, a part of the atomizing unit 120 or the aroma unit 130 may also function as the mouthpiece.

[0079] In addition, the flavor generating device 100, specifically the atomizing unit 120, may also include: a first flow path 128 that guides the aerosol to the mouthpiece 141 through the flavor source, and a second flow path 129 that guides the aerosol to the mouthpiece 141 without passing through the flavor source. The aerosol passing through the second flow path 129 reaches the mouthpiece 141 without being given a flavor from the flavor source. In this case, the atomizing unit 120 may also include a flow rate adjusting device (not shown) for adjusting the ratio between the flow rate of the first flow path 128 and the flow rate of the second flow path 129.

[0080] The power supply unit 110 may include the power supply 10 and the control unit 50. The control unit 50 may include a memory 52 that stores information necessary for executing various controls necessary for the operation of the flavor generating device 100.

[0081] The control unit 50 may also perform various controls required for the operation of the flavor generating device 100. For example, the control unit 50 obtains a request to supply power to the atomization electrical load 122R and the flavor electrical load 124R, respectively, and controls the electrical circuit based on the request so that the atomization electrical load 122R and the flavor electrical load 124R are supplied with power from the power supply 10. As described later, the request to supply power is specified based on an output signal from a button or the inhalation sensor 20, etc.

[0082] In addition, as needed, the control unit 50 may also include a notification unit that issues notifications for notifying the user of various information. The notification unit may also be a light-emitting element such as an LED (light-emitting diode), a sound-generating element, or a vibrator that vibrates. In addition, the notification unit may also be composed of a combination of elements that emit light, sound, or vibration.

[0083] The power source 10 stores electric power required for the operation of the flavor generating device 100. The power source 10 is detachable from the power source unit 110. The power source 10 may be a rechargeable battery such as a lithium ion secondary battery, an electric double layer capacitor, or a combination thereof.

[0084] The control unit 50 may also include an inhalation detection unit that detects an inhalation request action based on the user. The inhalation detection unit may be, for example, an inhalation sensor 20 that detects the inhalation action of the user. Alternatively, the inhalation detection unit may also be, for example, a button pressed by the user.

[0085] When the inhalation request action is detected by the inhalation detection unit, the control unit 50 generates a command for operating the atomization electrical load 122R and / or the fragrance electrical load 124R. The control unit 50 may also be configured to variably control the power supplied to the atomization electrical load 122R and the fragrance electrical load 124R according to a mode or environment specified by the user.

[0086] Preferably, if the inhalation request action is detected by the inhalation detection unit, the control unit 50 supplies power to the atomization electrical load 122R and / or the fragrance electrical load 124R from the power supply 10 in the form of electric pulses. Thus, the control unit 50 can also control the power supplied to the atomization electrical load 122R and / or the fragrance electrical load 124R by adjusting the duty ratio of pulse width modulation (PWM) or pulse frequency modulation (PFM).

[0087] The flavor generating device 100 may also include a first temperature sensor 150 and a second temperature sensor 160 as needed. The first temperature sensor 150 can estimate or obtain the temperature of the atomizing electrical load 122R, and the second temperature sensor 160 can estimate or obtain the temperature of the flavor source or the flavor electrical load 124R. As an example, the first temperature sensor 150 and the second temperature sensor 160 may also be composed of a thermistor or a thermocouple.

[0088] The inhalation sensor 20 may also be configured to output an output value that changes according to the inhalation from the inhalation port. Specifically, the inhalation sensor 20 may also be a sensor that outputs a value (e.g., a voltage value or a current value) that changes according to the flow rate of air inhaled from the non-inhalation port side toward the inhalation port side (i.e., the user's puffing action). Examples of such sensors include a capacitive microphone sensor, a well-known flow sensor, and the like.

[0089] Figure 3 FIG. 2 shows a specific example of the inhalation sensor 20. Figure 3 The illustrated suction sensor 20 has a sensor body 21, a cover 22, and a substrate 23. The sensor body 21 is composed of, for example, a capacitor. The capacitance of the sensor body 21 changes due to the vibration (pressure) generated by the air sucked from the inlet 125 (i.e., the air sucked from the non-intake side toward the intake side). The cover 22 is arranged on the intake side relative to the sensor body 21 and has an opening 40. By providing the cover 22 with the opening 40, the capacitance of the sensor body 21 is easily changed, and the response characteristics of the sensor body 21 are improved. The substrate 23 outputs a value (here, a voltage value) representing the capacitance of the sensor body 21 (capacitor).

[0090] (First embodiment)

[0091] Figure 5 1 is a schematic diagram of an electrical circuit of the aroma generating device 100 including the atomizing unit 120 and the power supply unit 110. Figure 5 In the figure, the circuit structure is simplified for convenience in order to illustrate the control of the control unit 50 on the atomization electrical load 122R and the fragrance electrical load 124R.

[0092] When the atomization unit 120 is mechanically connected to the power supply unit 110, the atomization electrical load (first load) 122R and the fragrance electrical load (second load) 124R are electrically connected to the power supply 10 of the power supply unit 110. The atomization electrical load (first load) 122R and the fragrance electrical load (second load) 124R may also be electrically connected in parallel with each other based on the power supply 10.

[0093] The aroma generating device 100 may also include a first switch 142 that opens and closes the electrical connection between the atomization electrical load 122R and the power source 10, and a second switch 144 that opens and closes the electrical connection between the atomization electrical load 124R and the power source 10. The first switch 142 and the second switch 144 may be electrically connected in parallel with each other with the power source 10 as a reference.

[0094] The first switch 142 and the second switch 144 are opened and closed by the control unit 50. The first switch 142 and the second switch 144 can be composed of, for example, MOSFET (metal oxide semiconductor field effect transistor). In addition, the first switch 142 and the second switch 144 are not limited to MOSFET, as long as they can open and close the electrical connection between the atomization electrical load 122R and the fragrance electrical load 124R and the power supply 10, respectively. As another example, the first switch 142 and the second switch 144 can also be composed of, for example, a conductor.

[0095] When the first switch 14 is closed (ON), power can be supplied from the power supply 10 to the atomization electrical load 122R. When the second switch 144 is closed (ON), power can be supplied from the power supply 10 to the flavor electrical load 124R. When both the first switch 142 and the second switch 144 are closed (ON), power can be supplied from the power supply 10 to both the atomization electrical load 122R and the flavor electrical load 124R.

[0096] Figure 6 This is a flowchart showing an example of control performed by the control unit 50 according to one embodiment.

[0097] When the control unit 50 detects the start of the inhalation cycle, it estimates or measures the temperature of the fragrance electrical load 124R (steps S305 and S306). The inhalation cycle can be detected, for example, by the user pressing a button. In addition, the inhalation cycle is a state in which the atomization electrical load 122R and / or the fragrance electrical load 124R can be powered by the user's inhalation action and can include one or more inhalation actions of the user. In addition, the inhalation action is an action such as the user pressing a button or inhaling from the mouthpiece.

[0098] The temperature of the fragrance electrical load 124R can be estimated or measured, for example, by the second temperature sensor 160. Alternatively, the fragrance electrical load 124R is composed of a PTC (Positive Temperature Coefficient) heater having a positive temperature coefficient, and the control unit 50 can also estimate the temperature of the electrical load 124R by measuring or estimating the resistance value of the fragrance electrical load 124R. In addition, instead of the PTC heater, the fragrance electrical load 124R can also be composed of an NTC heater having a negative temperature coefficient. This is because the resistance value of the fragrance electrical load 124R changes depending on the temperature. In addition, the resistance value of the fragrance electrical load 124R can be estimated by measuring the voltage drop in the fragrance electrical load 124R using a voltage sensor.

[0099] Next, the control unit 50 determines whether the difference between the temperature of the fragrance electrical load 124R and the target temperature (the absolute value of the difference) is greater than a predetermined threshold value (step S307). If the difference between the temperature of the fragrance electrical load 124R and the target temperature (the absolute value of the difference) is greater than the predetermined threshold value, the control unit 50 adjusts the power to the fragrance electrical load 124R and controls so that the fragrance electrical load 124R is maintained near the target temperature (step S308). The predetermined threshold value is an allowable value of the temperature error and is set in a range of, for example, several degrees Celsius to less than 10 degrees Celsius.

[0100] Power can be supplied to the fragrance electrical load 124R in the form of power pulses. In this case, the temperature of the fragrance electrical load 124R can be controlled by adjusting the duty ratio in pulse width modulation (PWM) or pulse frequency modulation (PFM). Specifically, the temperature control of the fragrance electrical load 124R can also be implemented by adjusting the duty ratio in pulse width modulation (PWM) or pulse frequency modulation (PWM), for example, by using feedback control.

[0101] Furthermore, when the difference (absolute value of the difference) between the temperature of the fragrance electrical load 124R and the target temperature is below a predetermined threshold, power control of the fragrance electrical load 124R may not be performed. When PWM is used, power supply to the fragrance electrical load 124R is stopped by adjusting the duty ratio to 0%.

[0102] The control unit 50 monitors the presence or absence of the user's inhalation action during the control of the flavor electrical load 124R (step S309). The user's inhalation action can be detected by the inhalation sensor 20 described above, for example.

[0103] When the user's inhalation action is detected, the control unit 50 supplies power to the atomization electrical load 122R and heats the atomization electrical load 122R (step S310). As a result, aerosol is generated from the atomization unit 120. At least a portion of the aerosol generated by the atomization unit 120 is given a fragrance by the fragrance source. The user inhales the aerosol given the fragrance.

[0104] Power can be supplied to the atomization electrical load 122R in the form of power pulses. In this case, the temperature of the atomization electrical load 122R can be controlled by adjusting the duty cycle in pulse width modulation (PWM) or pulse frequency modulation (PFM). Specifically, the temperature control of the atomization electrical load 122R can be implemented by, for example, adjusting the duty cycle in pulse width modulation (PWM) or pulse frequency modulation (PFM) using feedback control. As another example, it can also be implemented by adjusting the duty cycle in pulse width modulation (PWM) or pulse frequency modulation (PFM) using feedforward control. In addition, constant power control can also be implemented by increasing the duty cycle as the output voltage of the power supply 10 decreases.

[0105] When the control unit 50 detects the end of the inhalation operation (step S311 ), it stops the power supply to the atomization electrical load 122R (step S312 ). Here, the end of the inhalation operation can be detected by the inhalation sensor 20 .

[0106] In addition, the control unit 50 can stop the power supply to the atomizing electrical load 122R even at a timing other than the detection of the end of the inhalation action. For example, when the user continues the inhalation action for a long time, or when an abnormality of the atomizing electrical load 122R or the power supply 10 is detected, the power supply to the atomizing electrical load 122R can be stopped.

[0107] When the control unit 50 detects the end of the inhalation cycle (step S313), it stops supplying power to the fragrance electrical load 124R (step S314). The control unit 50 may also determine that the inhalation cycle is over, for example, when a user presses a specified button or a specified time period has passed since the end of the previous inhalation action. Alternatively, the control unit 50 may also determine that the inhalation cycle is over when a specified number of inhalation actions are detected in one inhalation cycle or when a specified time period has passed since the start of the inhalation cycle.

[0108] In the above control process, the timing of starting and ending the power supply to the atomization electrical load 122R and the fragrance electrical load 124R is different. In this case, between step S308 and step S312, power can be supplied from the power supply 10 to the atomization electrical load 122R and the fragrance electrical load 124R at the same time. Alternatively, the timing of starting and / or ending the power supply to the atomization electrical load 122R and the fragrance electrical load 124R can also be the same. In this case, power can be supplied from the power supply 10 to the atomization electrical load 122R and the fragrance electrical load 124R at the same time from the beginning to the end of the inhalation cycle.

[0109] Figure 7 FIG. 2 shows a more specific example of supplying power to the atomization electrical load 122R and the flavor electrical load 124R. Figure 7 In FIG. 1 , the straight line (the middle line) indicates the power supply to the atomization electrical load 122R. The dashed line (the lower line) indicates the power supply to the flavor electrical load 124R. The dotted line (the upper line) indicates the amount of current discharged from the power supply.

[0110] As described above, the control unit 50 controls the electrical circuit in the inhalation cycle so as to supply power to the electrical load 124R for fragrance. In addition, when an inhalation action is detected in the power supply cycle, the control unit 50 controls the circuit to supply power to the electrical load 122R for atomization in the form of power pulses. The power pulses can be generated by opening and closing the first switch 142 and the second switch 144.

[0111] In a first embodiment, if Figure 7As shown, the control unit 50 is configured not to supply power to both the atomization electrical load 122R and the flavor electrical load 124R from the power supply 10 at the same time during the inhalation operation. Specifically, when a power supply request to the atomization electrical load 122R and a power supply request to the flavor electrical load 124R are obtained at the same time, or when the circuit is controlled to make a power supply request to the atomization electrical load 122R and a power supply request to the flavor electrical load 124R at the same time, the control unit 50 operates so as not to supply power to the atomization electrical load 122R and the flavor electrical load 124R from the power supply 10 at the same time.

[0112] In a specific example, during the period from detection of the inhalation action to completion of detection of the inhalation action, the control unit 50 may simply turn OFF the second switch 144 and stop the supply of power to the flavor electrical load 124R.

[0113] If power is supplied to the atomization electrical load 122R and the flavor electrical load 124R at the same time, the total resistance value of the atomization electrical load 122R and the flavor electrical load 124R is smaller than the individual resistance value of the atomization electrical load 122R or the flavor electrical load 124R, and therefore, the amount of current discharged from the power supply 10 becomes larger than when power is supplied to only one of the atomization electrical load 122R and the flavor electrical load 124R.

[0114] In the present embodiment, the control unit 50 operates so as not to supply power from the power source 10 to the atomization electrical load 122R and the flavor electrical load 124R at the same time, thereby reducing the power or amount of power (power amount) discharged from the power source 10 compared to the maximum power or maximum amount of power when the power source 10 discharges the atomization electrical load 122R and the flavor electrical load 124R at the same time. In other words, the control unit 50 functions as a reducing unit configured as follows: reducing the power or amount of power discharged from the power source 10 compared to the maximum power or maximum amount of power when the power source 10 discharges the atomization electrical load 122R and the flavor electrical load 124R at the same time. As a result, it is possible to reduce the load applied to the power source 10, suppress the rapid reduction of the remaining amount of the power source 10, and suppress the power source 10 from being easily deteriorated.

[0115] (Second embodiment)

[0116] In the first embodiment, the control unit 50 as the reduction means opens the second switch 144 during the period from the detection of the inhalation action to the detection of the end of the inhalation action. Alternatively, in the second embodiment, the control unit 50 as the reduction means closes the second switch 144 during the period from the detection of the inhalation action to the detection of the end of the inhalation action, and supplies power to the flavor electrical load 124R.

[0117] Below, refer to Figure 8 as well as Fig. 9 An example of control according to the second embodiment will be described. Figure 8 14 is a control block diagram showing switching control of the first switch 142 and the second switch 144 . Fig. 9 is a graph showing the switching control of the first switch 142 and the second switch 144. It should be noted that instead of Figure 7 The electrical pulses in Fig. 9 142 and 144. The timing of the switching commands to the first switch 142 and the second switch 144 is shown in FIG. It should be noted that the description of the same configuration as that of the first embodiment is omitted below.

[0118] In the second embodiment, the control unit 50 also supplies power pulses to the atomization electrical load 122R and the flavor electrical load 124R during the period from detection of the inhalation action to detection of the end of the inhalation action. As in the first embodiment, the control unit 50 may perform feedback control or feedforward control using PWM control or PFM control.

[0119] In the second embodiment, if Fig. 9 As shown, the control unit 50 supplies the closing command to the second switch 144 (see Fig. 9 In other words, even in the period from detection of the inhalation action to detection of the end of the inhalation action, the control unit 50 only needs to turn on the second switch 144 during the OFF period of the first switch 142.

[0120] Such control can be realized, for example, as follows. First, the switching cycle of the first switch 142 and the switching cycle of the second switch 144 are made consistent. In this case, if the switching timings of the first switch 142 and the second switch 144 are made consistent, the first switch 142 and the second switch 144 are turned on at the same time, so that the turning-on command for the first switch 142 and the turning-on command for the second switch 144 are generated at the same time (refer to Fig. 9 (A) and (B)).

[0121] Therefore, the control unit 50 as the reducing means may be configured to shift the switching phase of the second switch 144 from the switching phase of the first switch 142 by more than the on-period of the first switch 142 (see Fig. 9 (C)). In addition, such a phase shift will be referred to as a "phase shift" hereinafter.

[0122] exist Fig. 9 In the example shown in (C), the switching phase of the second switch 144 is shifted to the same period as the on period of the first switch 142 (see Fig. 9(C)). Such a phase shift can be achieved by determining the pulse width or duty cycle of the first switch 142 and then setting the amount of phase shift of the second switch 144 based on the on-time derived from the pulse width or duty cycle (see also Figure 8 ).

[0123] According to the phase shift described above, the on period of the second switch 144 is started during the off period of the first switch 142. Thus, it is possible to suppress the first switch 142 and the second switch 144 from being turned on simultaneously when the on period of the second switch 144 starts. Therefore, the control unit 50 as the reduction means can reduce the electric power or the amount of electric power discharged from the power supply 10 at least when the on period of the second switch 144 starts.

[0124] More preferably, the control unit 50 is configured to shift the switching phase of the second switch 144 from the switching phase of the first switch 142 by more than the on-period of the first switch 142. Thus, a predetermined period is generated during the period from when the off command is sent to the first switch 142 to when the on command is sent to the second switch 144. Even if an off command is sent to a switch in the on state, there is a predetermined turn-off time before the switch becomes the off state. Therefore, the current from the power supply 10 flows slightly for a little time after the off command is sent to the first switch 142. Therefore, by setting a predetermined period during the period from when the off command is sent to the first switch 142 to when the on command is sent to the second switch 144, it is possible to avoid the on-period of the first switch 142 and the on-period of the second switch 144 from overlapping. Thus, the control unit 50 as a reduction unit can reduce the electric power or electric power amount discharged from the power supply 10 at least at the beginning of the on-period of the second switch 144.

[0125] Then, the control unit 50 as the reduction unit is configured to set or correct at least one of the on-period of the first switch 142 and the on-period of the second switch 144 so that the sum of the on-period of the first switch 142 and the on-period of the second switch 144 does not exceed the switching period in one switching cycle. In addition, hereinafter, adjusting any one of the on-periods in this way is sometimes referred to as "dead time compensation" (see Figure 8 ).exist Figure 8 In the dead time compensation shown in FIG. 1 , the on period of the second switch 144 is shortened. This ensures that after the off command is sent to the second switch 144 again, the on command is sent to the first switch 142 (see FIG. 1 ). Fig. 9 (C) and (D)). Therefore, the control unit 50 as the reducing means can suppress the first switch 142 and the second switch 144 from being turned on at the same time.

[0126] Such dead time compensation can be achieved by setting an upper limit of the pulse width, duty ratio, or on-period of the power supplied to the flavor electrical load 122R based on the pulse width, duty ratio, or on-period of the power supplied to the atomization electrical load 122R, or the first switch 142. That is, the control unit 50 as a reduction unit is configured to set or correct the on-period in the switch control of the second switch 144 so as to reduce the power or amount of power discharged from the power source 10.

[0127] As described above, in the dead time compensation, the control unit 50 as the reducing means only needs to adjust at least one of the proportional gain and the limiter upper limit in the feedback control so as to reduce the power supplied from the power source 10 to the fragrance electrical load 124R (see also Figure 8 In this case, even when the power pulse to the flavor electrical load 124R is variably configured by feedback control, it is possible to prevent the power supplied from the power supply 10 to the flavor electrical load 124R from increasing.

[0128] exist Figure 8 and Fig. 9 In the example shown, the control unit 50 as the reduction unit is configured to shift the switching phase of the second switch 144 from the switching phase of the first switch 142 by more than the on-period of the first switch 142. Alternatively, the control unit 50 may shift the switching phase of the first switch 142 from the switching phase of the second switch 144 by more than the on-period of the second switch 144. More preferably, the control unit 50 may shift the switching phase of the first switch 142 from the switching phase of the second switch 144 by more than the on-period of the second switch 144. Even in this case, the power pulse to the atomization electrical load 122R and the power pulse to the flavor electrical load 124R do not overlap each other, but are generated at the offset time. Thus, the control unit 50 as the reduction unit can reduce the power or the amount of power discharged from the power supply 10 compared to the maximum power or the maximum amount of power when the power supply 10 discharges the atomization electrical load 122R and the flavor electrical load 124R at the same time.

[0129] exist Figure 8 and Fig. 9 In the example shown, the control unit 50 as the reduction means is configured to set or correct the on-period in the switch control of the second switch 144 so as to reduce the electric power or the amount of electric power discharged from the power source 10. Alternatively, the control unit 50 as the reduction means may be configured to set or correct the on-period in the switch control of the first switch 142 so as to reduce the electric power or the amount of electric power discharged from the power source 10. That is, the on-period of the first switch 142 may also be shortened.

[0130] In addition, when the power supplied to the atomizing electrical load 122R is controlled based on feedback control, the control unit 50 may adjust at least one of the proportional gain and the limiter upper limit in the feedback control so as to reduce the power supplied from the power supply 10 to the atomizing electrical load 122R.

[0131] (Third Embodiment)

[0132] In the first embodiment and the second embodiment, the main control unit 50 performs switch control so that the on period of the first switch 142 and the on period of the second switch 144 do not overlap. Alternatively, the control unit 50 may perform switch control so that the on period of the first switch 142 and the on period of the second switch 144 partially overlap. Even in this case, by reducing the period during which both the first switch 142 and the second switch 144 are on, the control unit 50 as a reduction unit can reduce the power or the amount of power discharged from the power supply 10 compared to the maximum power or the maximum amount of power when the power supply 10 discharges to the atomization electrical load 122R and the fragrance electrical load 124R at the same time.

[0133] In this way, when power pulses are simultaneously supplied to both the atomization electrical load 122R and the fragrance electrical load 124R, the control unit 50 can also be configured to set or correct at least one of the variables or modes in the switching control of the first switch 122 and the variables or modes in the switching control of the second switch 124 so as to reduce the power or amount of electricity discharged from the power supply 10.

[0134] In a specific example, the control unit 50 as the reduction means is configured to shorten at least one of the on-period of the first switch 142 and the on-period of the second switch 144 when the power pulse is supplied to both the atomization electrical load 122R and the fragrance electrical load 124R at the same time. Fig.10 As shown, the control unit 50 shortens the on-period of the second switch 144 when simultaneously obtaining a power supply request to the atomization electrical load 122R and a power supply request to the fragrance electrical load 124R. Specifically, the control unit 50 shortens the on-period of the second switch 144 during the period from the detection of the inhalation action to the detection of the end of the inhalation action. Such control can be achieved by reducing the duty ratio of the PWM control. The on-period of the second switch 144 and the duty ratio of the PWM control are specific examples of variables in the switch control of the second switch 144.

[0135] In another specific example, the control unit 50 as the reduction unit is configured to shorten at least one of the switching cycle of the first switch 142 and the switching cycle of the second switch 144 when the power pulse is supplied to both the atomization electrical load 122R and the fragrance electrical load 124R at the same time. In this case, the control unit 50 may also maintain the duty ratio of the switches in the first switch 142 and the second switch 144. Thus, the width of each power pulse can be reduced in PWM control. For example, Fig.11 As shown, during the period from detection of the inhalation action to detection of the end of the inhalation action, the control unit 50 shortens the switching cycle of the second switch 144 while maintaining the duty ratio of the second switch 144. The switching cycle of the first switch 142 is a specific example of a variable in the switching control of the first switch 142. The switching cycle of the second switch 144 is a specific example of a variable in the switching control of the second switch 144.

[0136] In another specific example, the control unit 50 may also be configured to control at least one of the first switch 142 and the second switch 144 based on feedback control and feedforward control using PFM control instead of PWM control when power pulses are supplied to both the atomization electrical load 122R and the flavor electrical load 124R at the same time. In this case, the control unit 50 only needs to determine the duty cycle so as to reduce the power supplied to the flavor electrical load 124R while supplying power to the atomization electrical load 122R, or reduce the power supplied to the atomization electrical load 122R while supplying power to the flavor electrical load 124R. By switching to PFM control, the off period can be changed without changing the pulse width. That is, if the upper limit of the pulse width (on period) is set in advance, the increase in the integrated value of the power supplied to the flavor electrical load 124R can be suppressed from the detection of the inhalation action to the detection of the end of the inhalation action. The PWM control and PFM control of the first switch 142 are specific examples of the mode in the switch control of the first switch 142. The PWM control and the PFM control for controlling the second switch 144 are specific examples of the modes in the switching control of the second switch 144 .

[0137] (Fourth embodiment)

[0138] Fig.12 and Fig.13 FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram of a circuit of a fragrance generating device including an atomizing unit and a power supply unit in a fourth embodiment. Fig.12In the example shown, the flavor generating device includes a protection integrated circuit 200 having a rated current value greater than the maximum current value that can be supplied to one of the atomization electrical load 122R and the flavor electrical load 124R. Such a protection integrated circuit 200 prevents the flow of a large current that can cause problems in the electrical circuit. The protection integrated circuit 200 is particularly useful in the case of performing control that can turn on the first switch 142 and the second switch 144 at the same time.

[0139] Instead of the protection integrated circuit 200, an electric (power) fuse 210 having a rated current value greater than the maximum current value that can be supplied to one of the atomization electric load 122R and the flavor electric load 124R may be used.

[0140] In the case where the protection integrated circuit 200 or the electric fuse 210 as described above is provided, the control unit 50 as the reduction unit is preferably configured to control the circuit so that the sum of the current (first current) supplied to the atomization electrical load 122R and the current (second current) supplied to the fragrance electrical load 124R simultaneously with the first current does not exceed the above-mentioned rated current. In other words, it is sufficient to implement the above-mentioned phase shift, dead time compensation, reduction of the upper limit of the pulse width or duty cycle, and / or feedback control so that the sum of the first current and the second current, that is, the maximum value of the current discharged from the power supply 10, does not exceed the rated current.

[0141] In particular, when an electric fuse is used, since the circuit is opened if a current exceeding the rated current value flows for a rated time, the control unit 50 only needs to control the first switch 142 and the second switch 144 so that the sum of the first current and the second current is less than the rated current value, or the repetition period of the first current and the second current is less than the rated time.

[0142] In addition, if a current value greater than the maximum current value that can be supplied to one of the atomization electrical load 122R and the flavor electrical load 124R flows, the protection integrated circuit 200 or the electric fuse 210 itself that shuts off the circuit can be used to reduce the unit.

[0143] In addition, a thermal fuse may be used to replace the protection integrated circuit 200 or the electric fuse ( Fig.13 ). If a current greater than the rated current value flows for a specified time corresponding to the current value, the thermal fuse melts. Therefore, in order to further reliably protect the circuit, it is preferred that the thermal fuse has a rated current value less than half of the current value flowing in when power is supplied to the atomization electrical load 122R and the fragrance electrical load 124R at the same time. Such a thermal fuse can also be used as a reduction unit.

[0144] (Fifth Embodiment)

[0145] Fig.14 1 is a schematic diagram of a circuit of a flavor generating device including an atomizing unit and a power supply unit in a fifth embodiment. In the fifth embodiment, the circuit constituting the flavor generating device includes a regulator 300 that adjusts the current output to at least one of the atomizing electrical load 122R and the flavoring electrical load 124R.

[0146] exist Fig.14 In the example shown, the regulator 300 is provided at a position where both the current supplied to the atomization electrical load 122R and the current supplied to the flavor electrical load 124R flow. In other words, the regulator 300 is provided between the node connecting the atomization electrical load 122R and the flavor electrical load 124R on the high potential side in parallel and the positive electrode side of the power supply 10. In this case, the regulator 300 adjusts the current output to both the atomization electrical load 122R and the flavor electrical load 124R.

[0147] Alternatively, the regulator 300 may be provided at a position where the current supplied to the atomization electrical load 122R flows but the current supplied to the flavor electrical load 124R does not flow, or where the current supplied to the flavor electrical load 124R flows but the current supplied to the atomization electrical load 122R does not flow. In other words, the regulator 300 may be provided between the high potential side node and the first switch 142, or between the high potential side node and the second switch 144. In this case, the regulator 300 may also adjust the current output to the atomization electrical load 122R or the flavor electrical load 124R.

[0148] The control unit 50 may also be configured to reduce the current value or power value output by the regulator 300 when a power supply request to the atomization electrical load 122R and a power supply request to the fragrance electrical load 124R are obtained at the same time, or when the circuit is controlled so that the power supply to the atomization electrical load 122R and the power supply to the fragrance electrical load 124R are performed at the same time. That is, the regulator 300 functions as at least a part of a reduction unit that reduces the current value. As a specific example of the regulator 300, a linear regulator or a switching regulator may also be used. In addition, when a switching regulator is used and the control unit 50 only turns on any one of the first switch 142 and the second switch 144, the switching of the switching regulator is stopped and only turned on.

[0149] Thus, when the regulator 300 that reduces the current value is used, the complicated control of the power pulse described in the above embodiment can be omitted. However, the regulator 300 described in the fifth embodiment and the control of the power pulse described in the above embodiment can be used together.

[0150] (Sixth Embodiment)

[0151] Fig.15 Schematic diagram of a circuit of a flavor generating device including an atomizing unit and a power supply unit in a sixth embodiment. In the sixth embodiment, instead of the regulator 300 in the fifth embodiment, a first circuit 410 and a second circuit 420 connected in parallel to each other are provided.

[0152] The third switch 412 is provided on the first circuit 410. The fourth switch 422 is provided on the second circuit 420. The resistance value of the second circuit 420 is higher than the resistance value of the first circuit 410. Here, the resistor 424 is provided on the second circuit 420.

[0153] The control unit 50 can control the opening and closing of each of the third switch 412 and the fourth switch 422. When the third switch 412 is turned on and the fourth switch 422 is turned off, the discharge current from the power supply 10 passes through the first circuit 410 but not through the second circuit 420. When the third switch 412 is turned off and the fourth switch 422 is turned on, the discharge current from the power supply 10 passes through the second circuit 420 but not through the first circuit 410. Here, since the resistance value of the second circuit 420 is higher than the resistance value of the first circuit 410, if the first circuit 410 is inactivated and the second circuit 420 is activated, the current value passing through the second circuit 420 is reduced. That is, the current value discharged by the power supply 10 can be reduced.

[0154] When a request for power supply to the atomization electrical load 122R and a request for power supply to the flavor electrical load 124R are obtained at the same time, or when the circuit is controlled so that power supply to the atomization electrical load 122R and power supply to the flavor electrical load 124R are performed at the same time, the control unit 50 only needs to make the first circuit 410 inoperative and the second circuit 420 operative. More specifically, when both the first switch 142 and the second switch 144 are turned on at the same time, the control unit 50 only needs to make the first circuit 410 inoperative and the second circuit 420 operative. On the other hand, when only one of the first switch 142 and the second switch 144 is turned on, the control unit 50 only needs to make the second circuit 420 inoperative and the first circuit 410 operative. Thus, when both the first switch 142 and the second switch 144 are turned on at the same time, the control unit 50 can reduce the electric power or the amount of electric power discharged from the power supply 10. That is, the first circuit 410 and the second circuit 420 can be used as a reducing unit.

[0155] (Seventh Embodiment)

[0156] Fig.16 1 is a schematic diagram of a circuit of a flavor generating device including an atomizing unit and a power supply unit in the seventh embodiment. The configurations of the power supply 10, the control unit 50, the atomizing electrical load 122R, the flavoring electrical load 124R, the first switch 142, and the second switch 144 are the same as those in the first embodiment.

[0157] In the seventh embodiment, the flavor generating device includes an auxiliary power supply 500 capable of discharging to the atomization electrical load 122R and the flavor electrical load 124R. Fig.16 As shown, the auxiliary power supply 500, the atomization electrical load 122R, and the flavor electrical load 124R may be electrically connected in parallel with respect to the power supply 10. Thus, the discharge current from the auxiliary power supply 500 can flow to the atomization electrical load 122R and / or the flavor electrical load 124R.

[0158] The auxiliary power supply 500 is preferably a power supply that can be charged and discharged. In this case, when the charge amount is low, the auxiliary power supply 500 is charged by the power from the power supply 10. On the contrary, when the charge amount of the auxiliary power supply 500 is high, the discharge current from the auxiliary power supply 500 flows to the atomization electrical load 122R and / or the fragrance electrical load 124R. The auxiliary power supply 500 preferably has an output density (W / kg) higher than that of the power supply 10. As such an auxiliary power supply 500, for example, an electric double-layer capacitor (EDLC) can be used.

[0159] In the seventh embodiment, the larger the output voltage (charge amount) of the auxiliary power supply 500 is, the smaller the discharge current from the power supply 10 is. Therefore, by using the auxiliary power supply 500, it is possible to reduce the power or amount of power discharged from the power supply 10. In this way, the auxiliary power supply 500 functions as a reducing unit that reduces the power or amount of power discharged from the power supply 10.

[0160] The control unit 50 can also obtain a value related to the remaining amount of the auxiliary power supply 500. The value related to the remaining amount of the auxiliary power supply 500 may also be, for example, the voltage of the auxiliary power supply 500. The voltage of the auxiliary power supply 500 can be obtained or estimated by, for example, the voltage sensor 510. In this case, it is preferable that the control unit 50 is configured to control the circuit so that the greater the value related to the remaining amount of the auxiliary power supply 500, for example, the voltage, the less the power or amount of electricity discharged by the power supply 10. The power or amount of electricity discharged by the power supply 10 can be controlled by, for example, a converter composed of a switch 520, a reverse current prevention diode 540, and an inductor 560. It is not limited to this, and the converter only needs to be provided between the power supply 10 and the auxiliary power supply 500 and can convert the size of at least one of the input current, voltage, and power and output it. In addition, instead of the above-mentioned converter, the power or amount of electricity discharged by the power supply 10 can also be controlled by adjusting the duty ratio of the power pulse by the switch 520. As described above, by adjusting the electric power or amount of electric power discharged by the power source 10 based on the value related to the remaining amount of the auxiliary power source 500 , the auxiliary power source 500 can be used effectively.

[0161] (Eighth Embodiment)

[0162] Fig.17 1 is a schematic diagram of a circuit of a flavor generating device including an atomizing unit and a power supply unit in the eighth embodiment. The configurations of the power supply 10, the control unit 50, the atomizing electrical load 122R, the flavoring electrical load 124R, the first switch 142, and the second switch 144 are almost the same as those in the seventh embodiment. However, the position of the auxiliary power supply 500 is different from that in the seventh embodiment.

[0163] The auxiliary power supply 500 is provided at a position where the discharge current can flow in the atomization electrical load 122R but the discharge current cannot flow to the flavor electrical load 124R. That is, the auxiliary power supply 500 functions as a dedicated auxiliary power supply in the atomization electrical load 122R. In addition, it is preferable that the auxiliary power supply 500 can be charged and discharged as described in the seventh embodiment.

[0164] In addition, the flavor generating device 100 has a fifth switch 146 that allows or prohibits the discharge current from the power source 10 to flow to the auxiliary power source 500 and / or the atomization electrical load 122R. The fifth switch 146 is configured to be opened and closed by the control unit 50. Therefore, when the fifth switch 146 is turned on, the auxiliary power source 500 can be charged with power from the power source 10.

[0165] The first switch 142 can allow or prohibit the discharge current from the power source 10 or the auxiliary power source 500 to flow to the atomization electrical load 122R. The second switch 144 can allow or prohibit the discharge current from the power source 10 to flow to the flavor electrical load 124R.

[0166] In the eighth embodiment, various modes can be realized by a combination of turning on / off of the first switch 142 , the second switch 144 , and the fifth switch 146 .

[0167] When the first switch 142, the second switch 144, and the fifth switch 146 are all opened, power is not supplied to the atomization electrical load 122R and the flavor electrical load 124R. When the power supply 10 is a rechargeable and dischargeable secondary battery and the power supply 10 is charged from an external power supply, the first switch 142, the second switch 144, and the fifth switch 146 may all be opened.

[0168] When only the first switch 142 is turned on and the second switch 144 and the fifth switch 146 are turned off, the discharge current from the auxiliary power supply 500 flows to the atomization electrical load 122R, thereby activating the atomization electrical load 122R. In this case, power is not supplied to the flavor electrical load 124R.

[0169] When only the second switch 144 is turned on and the first switch 142 and the fifth switch 146 are turned off, the discharge current from the power supply 10 flows to the flavor electrical load 124R, thereby activating the flavor electrical load 124R. In this case, power is not supplied to the atomization electrical load 122R.

[0170] When only the fifth switch 146 is turned on and the first switch 142 and the second switch 144 are turned off, power is not supplied to the atomization electrical load 122R and the flavor electrical load 124R. However, since power from the power source 10 flows into the auxiliary power source 500, the auxiliary power source 500 can be charged.

[0171] When only the first switch 142 is turned off and the second switch 144 and the fifth switch 146 are turned on, the discharge current from the power supply 10 flows to the flavor electrical load 124R, so that the flavor electrical load 124R can be activated. In this case, power is not supplied to the atomization electrical load 122R. In addition, since the power from the power supply 10 flows into the auxiliary power supply 500, the auxiliary power supply 500 can be charged.

[0172] When only the second switch 144 is turned off and the first switch 142 and the fifth switch 146 are turned on, the discharge current flows from both the power supply 10 and the auxiliary power supply 500 to the atomization electrical load 122R, so that the atomization electrical load 122R can be activated. In this case, power is not supplied to the flavor electrical load 124R. In this case, the discharge current from the power supply 10 can be reduced compared to the case where power is supplied to the atomization electrical load 122R by the power supply 10 alone without using the auxiliary power supply 500.

[0173] When only the fifth switch 146 is turned off and the first switch 142 and the second switch 144 are turned on, the discharge current from the auxiliary power supply 500 flows to the atomization load 122R, and the discharge current from the power supply 10 flows to the flavor electrical load 124R. Therefore, the power supply 10 and the auxiliary power supply 500 supply power to the flavor electrical load 124R and the atomization electrical load 122R, respectively.

[0174] When the first switch 142, the second switch 144, and the fifth switch 146 are all turned on, the discharge current from the power source 10 flows to the flavor electrical load 124R. In addition, the discharge current flows to the atomization electrical load 122R from both the power source 10 and the auxiliary power source 500. In this case, the discharge current from the power source 10 can be reduced compared to the case where the power source 10 alone is used to supply power to the atomization electrical load 122R and the flavor electrical load 124R at the same time without using the auxiliary power source 500. Therefore, similarly to the seventh embodiment, the auxiliary power source 500 functions as a reducing unit that reduces the power or the amount of power discharged from the power source 10.

[0175] (Program and storage medium)

[0176] The control unit 50 can execute the processes related to the above-mentioned embodiments. That is, the control unit 50 may also have a program for causing the aroma generating device 100 to execute the above-mentioned method. Such a program is also included in the scope of the present invention. In addition, it should be noted that a storage medium storing the program is also included in the scope of the present invention. Such a storage medium may also be, for example, a computer-readable non-volatile storage medium.

[0177] [Other embodiments]

[0178] Although the present invention has been described through the above embodiments, the statements and drawings constituting part of the present disclosure should not be understood as limiting the present invention. According to the present disclosure, various alternative embodiments, examples and application techniques will be apparent to those skilled in the art.

[0179] For example, in the above embodiment, it is specifically described that the first load specified in the claims is the atomization electrical load (first load) 122R, and the second load specified in the claims is the fragrance electrical load (second load). This is not limited to the above, and the first load can be an electrical load for the atomization gas mist source or the heating fragrance source. Therefore, it should be noted that there may also be a case where the first load is equivalent to the fragrance electrical load 124R.

[0180] The second load is not particularly limited as long as it is an electrical load different from the first load. The second load may be a light emitting element such as an LED.

[0181] Furthermore, it should be noted that the configurations and controls described in the above-described embodiments can be combined and / or replaced as much as possible.

Claims

1. A fragrance generating device, comprising: A circuit electrically connects a power source, a first load of an atomizing aerosol source or a heating fragrance source, and a second load different from the first load; a control unit configured to obtain a request to supply power to the first load and the second load, respectively, and control the circuit so as to supply power to the first load and the second load, respectively, from the power supply based on the request; a reducing unit configured to reduce the electric power or the amount of electric power discharged from the power source compared to the maximum electric power or the maximum amount of electric power when the power source discharges the first load and the second load simultaneously, and to suppress the simultaneous supply of electric power from the power source to the first load and the second load, when the control unit obtains the request for the first load and the request for the second load at the same time, or when the circuit is controlled so as to supply power to the first load and the second load at the same time, By detecting the user's inhalation action, the power supply request is obtained, The control unit controls the circuit so that power is supplied to the first load and power is not supplied to the second load while the inhalation action is detected.

2. The aroma generating device according to claim 1, wherein: The circuit includes: a first switch for opening and closing the electrical connection between the first load and the power supply; and a second switch for opening and closing the electrical connection between the second load and the power supply. The switching period of the first switch is the same as the switching period of the second switch, The reducing unit is configured to set or correct at least one of an on-period of the first switch and an on-period of the second switch so that a sum of the on-period of the first switch and the on-period of the second switch does not exceed the switching cycle.

3. The aroma generating device according to claim 2, wherein: The reducing unit is configured to shift the switching phase of the first switch from the switching phase of the second switch by more than the on-period of the second switch, or shift the switching phase of the second switch from the switching phase of the first switch by more than the on-period of the first switch.

4. The aroma generating device according to claim 2, wherein: The reduction unit is configured as follows: at least one of the on-period of the first switch and the on-period of the second switch is set or corrected so that the sum of the on-period of the first switch and the on-period of the second switch is less than the switching period, The switching phase of the first switch is shifted from the switching phase of the second switch by more than the on-period of the second switch, or the switching phase of the second switch is shifted from the switching phase of the first switch by more than the on-period of the first switch.

5. The aroma generating device according to claim 1, wherein: The circuit includes: a first switch for opening and closing the electrical connection between the first load and the power supply; and a second switch for opening and closing the electrical connection between the second load and the power supply. The reducing unit is configured to set or modify at least one of a variable or pattern in switching control of the first switch and a variable or pattern in switching control of the second switch so as to reduce the electric power or amount of electric power discharged from the power source.

6. The aroma generating device according to claim 5, wherein: The reducing unit is configured to shorten at least one of an on-period of the first switch and an on-period of the second switch.

7. The aroma generating device according to claim 5, wherein: The reducing unit is configured to shorten at least one of a switching cycle of the first switch and a switching cycle of the second switch.

8. The aroma generating device according to claim 5, wherein: The control unit is configured to control the first switch and the second switch based on feedback control using PWM control. The reducing unit is configured to control at least one of the first switch and the second switch based on feedback control using PFM control instead of PWM control.

9. The aroma generating device according to claim 1, wherein: The reducing unit is configured to reduce the power supplied to the second load simultaneously with the power supplied to the first load, or to reduce the power supplied to the first load simultaneously with the power supplied to the second load.

10. The aroma generating device according to claim 9, wherein: The control unit is configured to control the power supplied from the power supply to at least one of the first load and the second load based on feedback control, The reducing unit is configured to adjust at least one of a proportional gain and a limiter upper limit in the feedback control so as to reduce electric power supplied from the power supply to at least one of the first load and the second load.

11. The aroma generating device according to claim 9, wherein: The circuit includes a regulator that adjusts a current output to at least one of the first load and the second load, The reducing unit is configured to control the regulator so as to reduce a current value output by the regulator.

12. The aroma generating device according to claim 1, wherein: The circuit includes a first circuit and a second circuit, the second circuit is connected in parallel with the first circuit and has a resistance value higher than the resistance value of the first circuit, The reduction unit is configured to disable the first circuit and enable the second circuit.

13. The aroma generating device according to claim 1, wherein: The reduction unit includes a protection integrated circuit or an electric fuse that is provided in the circuit and has a rated current value greater than a maximum current value that can be supplied to one of the first load and the second load.

14. The aroma generating device according to claim 13, wherein: The reduction unit is configured to control the circuit so that a sum of a first current supplied to the first load and a second current supplied to the second load simultaneously with the first current does not exceed the rated current value.

15. The aroma generating device according to any one of claims 1 to 14, wherein: The reduction unit includes a thermal fuse that is provided in the circuit and has a rated current value that is less than or equal to half of a current value that flows when power is supplied to the first load and the second load at the same time.

16. The aroma generating device according to any one of claims 1 to 14, wherein: The reduction unit includes an auxiliary power source capable of discharging to the first load and the second load.

17. The aroma generating device according to claim 16, wherein: The auxiliary power supply has a higher output density than the power supply.

18. The aroma generating device according to claim 16, wherein: The control unit or the reducing unit can obtain a value related to the remaining amount of the auxiliary power supply, The control unit or the reducing means is configured to control the circuit so that the electric power or the amount of electric power discharged by the power source is reduced as the value related to the remaining amount of the auxiliary power source increases.

19. The aroma generating device according to claim 16, wherein: The power source and the auxiliary power source are connected in parallel with respect to at least one of the first load and the second load, The circuit includes a converter that is provided between the power source and the auxiliary power source and is capable of converting the size of at least one of input current, voltage, and power and outputting the converted power.

20. A power supply unit for a fragrance generating device, comprising: power supply; A circuit electrically connects the power supply to a first load of an atomizing gas mist source or a heating fragrance source, and a second load different from the first load; a control unit configured to obtain a request to supply power to the first load and the second load, respectively, and control the circuit so as to supply power to the first load and the second load, respectively, from the power supply based on the request; as well as a reducing unit configured to reduce the electric power or the amount of electric power discharged from the power source compared to the maximum electric power or the maximum amount of electric power when the power source discharges the first load and the second load simultaneously, and to suppress the simultaneous supply of electric power from the power source to the first load and the second load, when the control unit obtains the request for the first load and the request for the second load at the same time, or when the circuit is controlled so as to supply power to the first load and the second load at the same time, By detecting the user's inhalation action, the power supply request is obtained, The control unit controls the circuit so that power is supplied to the first load and power is not supplied to the second load while the inhalation action is detected.

21. A method for controlling a fragrance generating device, which is a method for controlling the fragrance generating device, wherein the fragrance generating device comprises a first load of an atomizing gas mist source or a heating fragrance source and a second load different from the first load, the method for controlling the fragrance generating device comprising: A step of obtaining a request to respectively supply power to the first load and the second load, and controlling a circuit so as to respectively supply power to the first load and the second load from a power source based on the request; as well as In a case where the request for the first load and the request for the second load are obtained at the same time, or in a case where the circuit is controlled so as to supply power to the first load and the second load at the same time, the power or the amount of power discharged from the power supply is reduced compared to the maximum power or the maximum amount of power in a case where the power supply discharges the first load and the second load simultaneously, and the reduction is performed so as to suppress the simultaneous supply of power from the power supply to the first load and the second load, By detecting the user's inhalation action, the power supply request is obtained, In the control step, While the inhalation action is detected, the circuit is controlled so that the first load is powered and the second load is not powered.

22. A computer-readable recording medium recording a program for causing a flavor generating device to execute the method according to claim 21.

Images