Power supply unit of aerosol-generating device

Abstract

Provided is a power supply unit of an aerosol generating device that can appropriately notify a user. A MCU (63) included in a power supply unit (10) of an aerosol suction device (1) is configured to be able to perform a flavor judgment as to whether menthol is contained in each of an aerosol source (71) and a flavor source (52). Further, the MCU (63) performs a first pre-generation notification of notifying a user of a result of the flavor judgment by a light emitting element (161) and a vibration element (162) in a case where the flavor judgment is performed before generating an aerosol to which a flavor of the flavor source (52) is imparted. On the other hand, the MCU (63) performs a second pre-generation notification of notifying a user of a result of a most recent flavor judgment by only the light emitting element (161) in a case where the flavor judgment is not performed before generating the aerosol to which the flavor of the flavor source (52) is imparted.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the power supply unit of an aerosol generation device. Background Technology

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses an aerosol delivery system 100 (aerosol generating device) that generates aerosols by heating an aerosol source to vaporize and / or atomize it. In the aerosol delivery system of Patent Document 1, the generated aerosol flows through a second aerosol generating device 400 (containment chamber) that houses an aerosol generating element 425 (fragrance source), thereby attaching the fragrance components contained in the fragrance source to the aerosol, allowing the user to inhale the aerosol containing the fragrance components.

[0003] The aerosol delivery system described in Patent Document 1 includes a storage substrate 214, a space (heating chamber) housing a liquid delivery element 238 and a heating element 240, and a second aerosol generating apparatus 400 (housing chamber) housing an aerosol generating element 425. An aerosol precursor composition is stored in the storage substrate 214. The liquid delivery element 238 delivers the aerosol precursor composition from the storage substrate 214 and holds it in the heating chamber. The aerosol precursor composition held in the liquid delivery element 238 is heated by the heating element 240 and aerosolized. After being supplemented with fragrance components by the aerosol generating element 425 of the second aerosol generating apparatus 400, it is supplied to the user.

[0004] Furthermore, Patent Document 1 discloses that both the aerosol precursor composition of the storage substrate 214 and the aerosol generating element of the second aerosol generating apparatus 400 may contain menthol.

[0005] Existing technical documents

[0006] Patent documents

[0007] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2019-150031 Summary of the Invention

[0008] The problem that the invention aims to solve

[0009] Similar to cigarettes, users of aerosol generating devices also vary, with some preferring the flavor of menthol and others preferring a flavor without menthol (the so-called "regular flavor"). To cater to these diverse user preferences, an aerosol generating device capable of generating both menthol-containing and menthol-free aerosols is desired. In such an aerosol generating device, it is desirable to appropriately inform the user whether the generated aerosol contains menthol.

[0010] The present invention provides a power supply unit for an aerosol generating device that can provide appropriate notifications to the user.

[0011] Solution for solving the problem

[0012] The first invention is a power supply unit for an aerosol generating device, which comprises:

[0013] A first connector is provided for attaching and detaching a first heater of an aerosol source unit, the aerosol source unit comprising an aerosol source and a first heater for heating the aerosol source;

[0014] A second connector is provided for connection to a second heater that heats a fragrance source capable of imparting fragrance to the aerosol source that has been vaporized and / or atomized by the heating of the first heater.

[0015] A power source, which is electrically connected to the first connector and the second connector, is capable of discharging to the first heater via the first connector and to the second heater via the second connector;

[0016] The first notification department is capable of notifying users of information.

[0017] The second notification unit, which is integrally set with the first notification unit, is capable of notifying the user of information;

[0018] A controller that can control the notifications made by the first notification unit and the second notification unit;

[0019] The controller

[0020] It can determine whether each of the aerosol source and the fragrance source contains menthol.

[0021] If the fragrance determination is performed before generating the aerosol that imparts the fragrance source, the user is notified of the result of the fragrance determination via the first notification unit and the second notification unit.

[0022] If the fragrance determination is not performed before generating the aerosol that imparts the fragrance source, the user is notified of the latest fragrance determination result only through the first notification unit of the first notification unit and the second notification unit.

[0023] The second invention is a power supply unit for an aerosol generating device, which comprises:

[0024] A first connector is provided for attaching and detaching a first heater of an aerosol source unit, the aerosol source unit comprising an aerosol source and a first heater for heating the aerosol source;

[0025] A second connector is provided for connection to a second heater that heats a fragrance source capable of imparting fragrance to the aerosol source that has been vaporized and / or atomized by the heating of the first heater.

[0026] A power source, which is electrically connected to the first connector and the second connector, is capable of discharging to the first heater via the first connector and to the second heater via the second connector;

[0027] The notification department is capable of sending notifications to users.

[0028] A controller that can control the notifications made by the notification unit;

[0029] The controller

[0030] It can determine whether each of the aerosol source and the fragrance source contains menthol.

[0031] If the fragrance determination is performed before generating an aerosol that imparts the fragrance source, the user is notified of the result of the fragrance determination via the notification unit.

[0032] If the fragrance determination is not performed before generating the aerosol that imparts the fragrance source, the user is not notified of the result of the fragrance determination through the notification unit.

[0033] Invention Effects

[0034] According to the present invention, a power supply unit for an aerosol generating apparatus is provided, which is capable of providing appropriate notifications to the user. Attached Figure Description

[0035] Figure 1 This is a perspective view schematically showing the general structure of an aerosol extractor.

[0036] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 Another perspective view of the aerosol extractor.

[0037] Figure 3 yes Figure 1 A cross-sectional view of an aerosol extractor.

[0038] Figure 4 yes Figure 1 A three-dimensional view of the power supply unit in an aerosol extractor.

[0039] Figure 5 Is Figure 1 A perspective view of an aerosol extractor containing a capsule in its capsule holder.

[0040] Figure 6 It is shown Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the hardware structure of an aerosol extractor.

[0041] Figure 7 It is shown Figure 6 A diagram showing a specific example of a power supply unit.

[0042] Figure 8 It is shown Figure 1 Explanatory diagrams of the various notifications in the aerosol extractor.

[0043] Figure 9 It is shown Figure 1 A diagram illustrating a specific example of an aerosol extractor.

[0044] Figure 10 It is shown Figure 1 A flowchart of the operation of an aerosol extractor (Part 1).

[0045] Figure 11 It is shown Figure 1 The flowchart of the operation of the aerosol extractor (Part 2).

[0046] Figure 12 It is shown Figure 1 The flowchart of the operation of the aerosol extractor (Part 3).

[0047] Figure 13 It is shown Figure 1 The flowchart of the operation of the aerosol extractor (Part Four).

[0048] Figure 14 This is a flowchart illustrating the processing steps involved in flavor recognition.

[0049] Figure 15 This is an explanatory diagram (one) showing a specific control example based on the menthol mode.

[0050] Figure 16 This is an explanatory diagram (second one) showing a specific control example based on the menthol mode. Detailed Implementation

[0051] The following is for reference Figures 1 to 16 The aerosol extractor 1, which is one embodiment of the aerosol generating apparatus of the present invention, will be described. It should be noted that the drawings are assumed to be viewed in the direction indicated by the reference numerals.

[0052] (Overall overview of the aerosol extractor)

[0053] like Figures 1-3As shown, the aerosol extractor 1 is a device used to generate aerosols without combustion, to add fragrance components to the generated aerosols, and to allow users to inhale the fragrance-containing aerosols. As an example, the aerosol extractor 1 is rod-shaped.

[0054] The aerosol inhaler 1 includes a power supply unit 10, a cartridge cover 20 for housing a cartridge 40 storing an aerosol source 71, and a capsule holder 30 for housing a capsule 50, the capsule 50 having a receiving chamber 53 for housing a flavor source 52. The power supply unit 10, the cartridge cover 20, and the capsule holder 30 are arranged sequentially from one end of the aerosol inhaler 1 along its length toward the other end.

[0055] The power unit 10 has a generally cylindrical shape centered on a centerline L extending along the length direction of the aerosol inhaler 1. The cartridge cover 20 and the capsule holder 30 have generally annular shapes centered on the centerline L extending along the length direction of the aerosol inhaler 1. The outer peripheral surfaces of the power unit 10 and the cartridge cover 20 are generally annular shapes with approximately the same diameter, while the capsule holder 30 is a generally annular shape with a diameter slightly smaller than that of the power unit 10 and the cartridge cover 20.

[0056] In the following description and other materials, for the sake of simplicity and clarity, the length direction of the rod-shaped aerosol absorber 1 will be defined as the first direction X. Furthermore, for convenience, in the first direction X, the side of the power supply unit 10 on which the aerosol absorber 1 is disposed will be defined as the bottom side, and the side of the capsule holder 30 on which the aerosol absorber 1 is disposed will be defined as the top side. In the accompanying drawings, the bottom side of the aerosol absorber 1 in the first direction X will be denoted as D, and the top side of the aerosol absorber 1 in the first direction will be denoted as U.

[0057] The cartridge cover 20 is a hollow, generally annular shape with openings at both the bottom and top sides. The cartridge cover 20 is made of a metal such as stainless steel. The bottom end of the cartridge cover 20 is connected to the top end of the power supply unit 10. The cartridge cover 20 is detachable from the power supply unit 10. The capsule holder 30 is also a hollow, generally annular shape with openings at both the bottom and top sides. The bottom end of the capsule holder 30 is connected to the top end of the cartridge cover 20. The capsule holder 30 is made of a metal such as aluminum. The capsule holder 30 is detachable from the cartridge cover 20.

[0058] The cartridge 40 has a generally cylindrical shape and is housed inside the cartridge cover 20. The cartridge 40 can be housed inside the cartridge cover 20 with the capsule holder 30 detached, and it can also be removed from inside the cartridge cover 20. Therefore, the aerosol inhaler 1 can be used with the cartridge 40. It should be noted that the cartridge 40 is an example of an aerosol source unit.

[0059] The capsule 50 has a generally cylindrical shape, and is housed in the hollow portion of the generally annular capsule holder 30 such that its top end in the first direction X protrudes from the top end of the capsule holder 30 in the first direction X. The capsule 50 is detachable from the capsule holder 30. Therefore, the aerosol extractor 1 can replace the capsule 50.

[0060] (Power supply unit)

[0061] like Figure 3 as well as Figure 4 As shown, the power supply unit 10 has a hollow, generally annular power supply unit housing 11 centered on a centerline L extending along a first direction X. The power supply unit housing 11 is formed of a metal such as stainless steel. The power supply unit housing 11 has: a top surface 11a on the top side of the power supply unit housing 11 in the first direction X, a bottom surface 11b on the bottom side of the power supply unit housing 11 in the first direction X, and a side surface 11c extending in a generally annular shape along the first direction X from the top surface 11a to the bottom surface 11b centered on the centerline L.

[0062] A discharge terminal 12 is provided on the top surface 11a of the power supply unit housing 11. The discharge terminal 12 is provided such that it protrudes from the top surface 11a of the power supply unit housing 11 toward the top side in the first direction X.

[0063] Additionally, on the top surface 11a, near the discharge terminal 12, there is an air supply section 13 that supplies air to the heating chamber 43 of the smoke cartridge 40, which will be described later. The air supply section 13 is provided such that it protrudes from the top surface 11a of the power unit housing 11 toward the top side in the first direction X.

[0064] On the side 11c of the power unit housing 11, there is a charging terminal 14 that can be electrically connected to an external power source (not shown). In this embodiment, the charging terminal 14 is, for example, a socket that can connect to a USB (Universal Serial Bus) terminal, a micro USB terminal, etc., and is provided on the side 11c near the bottom surface 11b.

[0065] It should be noted that the charging terminal 14 can also be a receiving part capable of receiving power from an external power source without contact. In this case, the charging terminal 14 (receiving part) can also be composed of a receiving coil. The method based on wireless power transfer (WPT) can be electromagnetic induction, magnetic resonance, or a combination of electromagnetic induction and magnetic resonance. Furthermore, the charging terminal 14 can also be a receiving part capable of receiving power from an external power source in a contactless manner. As another example, the charging terminal 14 can also have both a socket capable of connecting a USB terminal, a micro USB terminal, etc., and the aforementioned receiving part.

[0066] A user-operable operating part 15 is provided on the side 11c of the power unit housing 11. The operating part 15 is located on the side 11c near the top surface 11a. In this embodiment, when viewed from the first direction X, the operating part 15 is located at a position approximately 180 degrees from the charging terminal 14 with the center line L as the center. In this embodiment, the operating part 15 is a circular button-type switch when viewed from the outside of the side 11c of the power unit housing 11. It should be noted that the operating part 15 can be any shape other than circular, and can be composed of a switch other than a button or a touch panel, etc.

[0067] The power supply unit housing 11 is provided with a notification section 16 for notifying the user of various information. The notification section 16 consists of a light-emitting element 161 and a vibration element 162 (see reference). Figure 6 In this embodiment, the light-emitting element 161 is disposed inside the power unit housing 11 of the operation section 15. The periphery of the circular operation section 15 is translucent when viewed from the outside of the side 11c of the power unit housing 11, and is configured to be illuminated or flashing by the light-emitting element 161. In this embodiment, the light-emitting element 161 can emit red, green, blue, white, and purple light. It should be noted that the light-emitting element 161 is an example of a first notification unit that provides notification based on the user's vision. Furthermore, the vibration element 162 is an example of a second notification unit that provides notification based on the user's tactile sense.

[0068] An air intake (not shown) is provided in the power unit housing 11, which draws in external air into the interior of the power unit housing 11. The air intake can be located around the charging terminal 14, around the operation section 15, or in a location away from both the charging terminal 14 and the operation section 15. The air intake can also be located in the cartridge cover 20. Furthermore, two or more of the aforementioned locations can be provided.

[0069] The hollow portion of the roughly circular power unit housing 11 houses a power supply 61, an intake sensor 62, an MCU 63 (Micro Controller Unit), and a charging IC 64 (Integrated Circuit). Inside the power unit housing 11, there is also an LDO regulator 65 (Low Dropout), a DC / DC converter 66, a first temperature sensing element 67 including a voltage sensor 671 and a current sensor 672, and a second temperature sensing element 68 including a voltage sensor 681 and a current sensor 682 (see also...). Figure 6 as well as Figure 7 ).

[0070] The power source 61 is a rechargeable and dischargeable energy storage device such as a secondary battery or a double-layer capacitor, preferably a lithium-ion secondary battery. The electrolyte of the power source 61 can be composed of one or a combination of a gel electrolyte, an electrolyte solution, a solid electrolyte, and an ionic liquid.

[0071] The inhalation sensor 62 is a pressure sensor that detects the suction (absorption) action, and is located, for example, near the operation unit 15. The inhalation sensor 62 is configured to output the value of the pressure (internal pressure) change inside the power supply unit 10 generated by the user's suction through the suction port 58 of the capsule 50 (described later). For example, the inhalation sensor 62 outputs an output value (e.g., a voltage or current value) corresponding to the internal pressure, which changes according to the flow rate of air drawn from the air intake towards the suction port 58 of the capsule 50 (i.e., the user's suction action). The inhalation sensor 62 can output an analog value or a digital value converted from an analog value.

[0072] To compensate for the detected pressure, the inhalation sensor 62 may also incorporate a temperature sensor that detects the ambient temperature (outdoor air temperature) of the environment where the power supply unit 10 is located. Alternatively, the inhalation sensor 62 may not be a pressure sensor, but may be composed of a capacitive microphone or a flow sensor, etc.

[0073] MCU63 is an electronic component (controller) that performs various controls on aerosol extractor 1. Specifically, MCU63 is mainly composed of a processor and also includes memory 63a (see reference). Figure 6 The memory 63a consists of storage media such as RAM (Random Access Memory) required for the operation of the processor and ROM (Read Only Memory) for storing various information. It should be noted that the processor in this specification, specifically, is an electrical circuit that combines circuit elements such as semiconductor components.

[0074] For example, when the output value of the inhalation sensor 62 exceeds a threshold due to a user's suction operation, the MCU 63 determines that an aerosol generation request has been made. Then, for example, when the user's suction operation ends and the output value of the inhalation sensor 62 falls below the aforementioned threshold, the MCU 63 determines that the aerosol generation request has ended. Thus, the output value of the inhalation sensor 62 is used as a signal indicating an aerosol generation request. Therefore, the inhalation sensor 62 constitutes a sensor that outputs an aerosol generation request. It should be noted that the inhalation sensor 62 can also replace the MCU 63 in determining whether an aerosol generation request exists, and the MCU 63 receives the digital value corresponding to the determination result from the inhalation sensor 62. As a specific example, the inhalation sensor 62 can also output a high-level signal when an aerosol generation request is determined to exist, and output a low-level signal when no aerosol generation request is determined to exist (i.e., the aerosol generation request has ended). In addition, the threshold at which the MCU63 or the intake sensor 62 determines that there is a request for aerosol generation can be different from the threshold at which the MCU63 or the intake sensor 62 determines that the request for aerosol generation has ended.

[0075] It should be noted that the MCU 63 can also replace the inhalation sensor 62 to detect the aerosol generation request based on the operation of the operation unit 15. For example, it can be configured such that when the user performs a prescribed operation on the operation unit 15 to start inhaling aerosol, the operation unit 15 outputs a signal indicating an aerosol generation request to the MCU 63. In this case, the operation unit 15 constitutes a sensor that outputs the aerosol generation request.

[0076] The charging IC 64 is located near the charging terminal 14. The charging IC 64 controls the power input from the charging terminal 14 and supplied to the power supply 61, thus controlling the charging of the power supply 61. It should be noted that the charging IC 64 can also be configured near the MCU 63.

[0077] (Smoke cartridge)

[0078] like Figure 3 As shown, the cartridge 40 has a generally cylindrical cartridge shell 41 extending along its length. The cartridge shell 41 is formed, for example, from a resin such as polycarbonate. Inside the cartridge shell 41, a storage chamber 42 for storing an aerosol source 71 and a heating chamber 43 for heating the aerosol source 71 are formed. In the heating chamber 43, a core cord 44 is housed for conveying and holding the aerosol source 71 stored in the storage chamber 42 to the heating chamber 43, and a first load 45 for heating the aerosol source 71 held in the core cord 44 to vaporize and / or atomize it. The cartridge 40 also has a first aerosol flow path 46, which aerosolizes the aerosol source 71 heated and / or atomized by the first load 45 and conveys it from the heating chamber 43 toward the capsule 50.

[0079] Storage chamber 42 and heating chamber 43 are formed adjacent to each other along the length of cartridge 40. Heating chamber 43 is formed at one end of cartridge 40 along its length, and storage chamber 42 is formed adjacent to heating chamber 43 along the length of cartridge 40 and extends to the other end of cartridge 40 along its length. A connection terminal 47 is provided on the end face of cartridge shell 41 along its length, i.e., along the length of cartridge 40, on the end face of cartridge shell 41 on the side where heating chamber 43 is disposed.

[0080] The storage chamber 42 has a hollow, generally annular shape with the length direction of the cartridge 40 as the axial direction, and stores the aerosol source 71 in the annular portion. The storage chamber 42 may also contain a porous material such as a resin mesh or cotton, and the aerosol source 71 may be impregnated in the porous material. Alternatively, the storage chamber 42 may not contain the porous material on the resin mesh or cotton, and may only store the aerosol source 71. The aerosol source 71 includes liquids such as glycerol and / or propylene glycol.

[0081] In addition, in this embodiment, the manufacturer of the aerosol inhaler 1 provides the user with a conventional type of cartridge 40 that stores an aerosol source 71 without menthol 80 and a menthol-type cartridge 40 that stores an aerosol source 71 containing menthol 80. Figure 3 The image shows an example of a menthol-type tobacco cartridge 40 installed in an aerosol inhaler 1. It should be noted that... Figure 3 For ease of illustration, menthol 80 is shown in granular form, but in reality, menthol 80 is dissolved in liquids such as glycerol and / or propylene glycol that constitute aerosol source 71. It should be noted that... Figure 3 The menthol 80 shown is only a simulation. The position and quantity of menthol 80 in storage chamber 42, the position and quantity of menthol 80 in capsule 50, and the positional relationship between menthol 80 and flavor source 52 may not be consistent with the actual product.

[0082] The core cord 44 is a liquid-holding component that uses capillary action to draw the aerosol source 71 stored in the storage chamber 42 from the storage chamber 42 into the heating chamber 43, and holds it there. The core cord 44 is made of, for example, glass fiber or porous ceramic. It should be noted that the core cord 44 may also extend into the interior of the storage chamber 42.

[0083] The first load 45 is electrically connected to the connection terminal 47. In this embodiment, the first load 45 is composed of an electric heating wire (coil) wound on the core rope 44 at a predetermined interval. It should be noted that the first load 45 can be any element capable of heating the aerosol source 71 held in the core rope to vaporize and / or atomize it. The first load 45 can also be a heating element such as a heating resistor, a ceramic heater, or an induction heater. As the first load 45, a load with a temperature-resistance relationship is used. For example, as the first load 45, a load with a PTC (Positive Temperature Coefficient) characteristic, in which the resistance increases with increasing temperature, is used. Alternatively, as the first load 45, a load with an NTC (Negative Temperature Coefficient) characteristic, in which the resistance decreases with increasing temperature, can be used. In addition, a portion of the first load 45 can also be disposed outside the heating chamber 43.

[0084] A first aerosol flow path 46 is formed in the hollow portion of a generally annular storage chamber 42 and extends along the length of the cartridge 40. The first aerosol flow path 46 is formed by a wall portion 46a extending in a generally annular shape along the length of the cartridge 40. The wall portion 46a of the first aerosol flow path 46 also forms the inner peripheral sidewall of the generally annular storage chamber 42. A first end portion 461 of the cartridge 40 in the length direction of the first aerosol flow path 46 is connected to the heating chamber 43, and a second end portion 462 in the length direction of the cartridge 40 opens at the end face on the other end side of the cartridge casing 41.

[0085] The first aerosol flow path 46 is configured such that, along the length of the cartridge 40, the cross-sectional area remains constant or increases as it moves from the first end 461 toward the second end 462. The cross-sectional area of ​​the first aerosol flow path 46 may increase discontinuously from the first end 461 toward the second end 462, or it may be as follows: Figure 3 As shown, it increases continuously.

[0086] The cartridge 40 is housed in the hollow portion of a generally annular cartridge cover 20 such that the length direction of the cartridge 40 aligns with the length direction of the aerosol inhaler 1, i.e., the first direction X. Furthermore, the cartridge 40 is housed in the hollow portion of the cartridge cover 20 such that the heating chamber 43 becomes the bottom side (i.e., the power supply unit 10 side) of the aerosol inhaler 1 and the storage chamber 42 becomes the top side (i.e., the capsule 50 side) of the aerosol inhaler 1 in the first direction X.

[0087] The first aerosol flow path 46 of the cartridge 40 is formed to extend along the first direction X on the center line L of the aerosol extractor 1 when the cartridge 40 is housed inside the cartridge cover 20.

[0088] The cartridge 40 is housed in the hollow portion of the cartridge cover 20 in such a way that the connection terminal 47 remains in contact with the discharge terminal 12 located on the top surface 11a of the power unit housing 11 when the aerosol inhaler 1 is used. The first load 45 of the cartridge 40 is electrically connected to the power supply 61 of the power unit 10 via the discharge terminal 12 and the connection terminal 47 of the cartridge 40.

[0089] Furthermore, the aerosol cartridge is housed in the hollow portion of the cartridge housing 20 in the following manner: when using the aerosol extractor 1, air flowing in from an air intake (not shown) located in the power unit housing 11, such as... Figure 3 As indicated by arrow B, air is drawn into the heating chamber 43 from the air supply section 13 located on the top surface 11a of the power unit housing 11. It should be noted that arrow B... Figure 3 Arrow B can be inclined relative to the center line L, but it can also be in the same direction as the center line L. In other words, arrow B can also be parallel to the center line L.

[0090] When using the aerosol inhaler 1, the first load 45 heats the aerosol source 71 held in the wick 44 without combustion, using electricity supplied from the power source 61 via the discharge terminal 12 provided in the power unit housing 11 and the connection terminal 47 provided in the cartridge 40. Then, in the heating chamber 43, the aerosol source 71 heated by the first load 45 is vaporized and / or atomized. If the cartridge 40 is menthol-type, the vaporized and / or atomized aerosol source 71 also contains vaporized and / or atomized menthol 80, as well as vaporized and / or atomized glycerol and / or propylene glycol, etc.

[0091] Then, the aerosol source 71, vaporized and / or atomized in the heating chamber 43, aerosolizes the air drawn into the heating chamber 43 from the air supply section 13 of the power unit housing 11 as a dispersion medium. Furthermore, the aerosol source 71, vaporized and / or atomized in the heating chamber 43, and the air drawn into the heating chamber 43 from the air supply section 13 of the power unit housing 11 flow from the first end 461 of the first aerosol flow path 46 communicating with the heating chamber 43 to the second end 462 of the first aerosol flow path 46, aerosolizing while flowing within the first aerosol flow path 46. As the aerosol source 71, vaporized and / or atomized in the heating chamber 43, flows within the first aerosol flow path 46, its temperature decreases, promoting aerosolization. Thus, by using the aerosol source 71, which is vaporized and / or atomized in the heating chamber 43, and air drawn into the heating chamber 43 from the air supply section 13 of the power unit housing 11, aerosol 72 is generated in the heating chamber 43 and the first aerosol flow path 46. In the case that the cartridge 40 is menthol-type, the aerosol 72 in the heating chamber 43 and the first aerosol flow path 46 also contains aerosolized menthol 80 from the aerosol source 71.

[0092] (Capsule retainer)

[0093] The capsule holder 30 has a sidewall 31 extending in a generally annular shape along a first direction X, which is a hollow, generally annular shape with openings at both ends on the bottom and top sides. The sidewall 31 is formed of a metal such as aluminum. The end of the capsule holder 30 on the bottom side is connected to the end of the cartridge cover 20 on the top side by screwing or locking, and is detachable from the cartridge cover 20. The inner circumferential surface 31a of the generally annular sidewall 31 is an annular shape centered on the centerline L of the aerosol inhaler 1, and its diameter is larger than the first aerosol flow path 46 of the cartridge 40 and smaller than the cartridge cover 20.

[0094] The capsule retainer 30 has a bottom wall 32 located at the bottom end of the side wall 31. The bottom wall 32 is formed, for example, from resin. The bottom wall 32 is fixed to the bottom end of the side wall 31, and closes the hollow portion of the bottom end of the side wall 31 surrounded by the inner circumferential surface of the side wall 31, except for the connecting hole 33 described later.

[0095] A connecting hole 33 is provided on the bottom wall 32, extending through in the first direction X. Viewed from the first direction, the connecting hole 33 is formed at a position overlapping with the center line L. When the cartridge 40 is housed inside the cartridge cover 20 and the capsule holder 30 is installed in the cartridge cover 20, and the connecting hole 33 is formed such that when viewed from the top side in the first direction X, the first aerosol flow path 46 of the cartridge 40 is located inside the connecting hole 33.

[0096] The second load 34 is disposed on the side wall 31 of the capsule holder 30. For example... Figure 5As shown, the second load 34 is disposed on the bottom side of the sidewall 31, having an annular shape along the generally annular sidewall 31 and extending in the first direction X. The second load 34 heats the receiving chamber 53 of the capsule 50, thereby heating the fragrance source 52 contained in the receiving chamber 53. The second load 34 can be any element capable of heating the fragrance source 52 by heating the receiving chamber 53 of the capsule 50. The second load 34 can be, for example, a heating element such as a heating resistor, a ceramic heater, or an induction heater. As the second load 34, a load with a temperature-resistance relationship is used. For example, as the second load 34, a load with a PTC (Positive Temperature Coefficient) characteristic, where the resistance increases with increasing temperature, is used. Alternatively, as the second load 34, a load with an NTC (Negative Temperature Coefficient) characteristic, where the resistance decreases with increasing temperature, can be used.

[0097] With the cartridge cover 20 installed in the power supply unit 10 and the capsule holder 30 installed in the cartridge cover 20, the second load 34 is electrically connected to the power supply 61 of the power supply unit 10 (see reference). Figure 6 as well as Figure 7 Specifically, when the cartridge cover 20 is installed in the power supply unit 10 and the capsule holder 30 is installed in the cartridge cover 20, the discharge terminal 17 of the power supply unit 10 (see reference) is used. Figure 6 The second load 34 of the capsule holder 30 is in contact with the connection terminal (not shown) of the capsule holder 30, and is electrically connected to the power supply 61 of the power supply unit 10 via the discharge terminal 17 and the connection terminal of the capsule holder 30.

[0098] (capsule)

[0099] Return to Figure 3 The capsule 50 has a generally cylindrical shape and sidewalls 51 that are open at both ends and extend in a generally annular shape. The sidewalls 51 are formed of resin such as plastic. The sidewalls 51 are generally annular in shape with a diameter slightly smaller than the inner circumferential surface 31a of the sidewalls 31 of the capsule holder 30.

[0100] Capsule 50 has a containment chamber 53 for accommodating the fragrance source 52. For example... Figure 3 As shown, the containment chamber 53 can be formed within the interior space of the capsule 50, which is surrounded by the side walls 51. Alternatively, the entire interior space of the capsule 50, except for the exit section 55 described later, can also be the containment chamber 53.

[0101] The containment chamber 53 includes: an entrance 54 located at one end of the capsule 50, which extends in a generally cylindrical shape, in the direction of the cylindrical axis; and an exit 55 located at the other end of the capsule 50 in the direction of the cylindrical axis.

[0102] The flavor source 52 includes tobacco particles 521 formed from tobacco raw materials into granular form. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the manufacturer of the aerosol inhaler 1 or similar entities provides users with both conventional capsules 50 containing the flavor source 52 without menthol 80 and menthol-type capsules 50 containing the flavor source 52 containing menthol 80. In the menthol-type capsule 50, for example, menthol 80 is adsorbed onto the tobacco particles 521 constituting the flavor source 52.

[0103] It should be noted that flavoring source 52 can also replace tobacco particles 521 and contain shredded tobacco. Additionally, flavoring source 52 can also replace tobacco particles 521 and contain plants other than tobacco (such as mint, Chinese medicine, or herbs). Furthermore, besides menthol 80, flavoring source 52 can also contain other flavorings.

[0104] like Figure 3 As shown, when the containment chamber 53 is formed within the internal space of the capsule 50, the entrance 54 can also be a partition wall that divides the internal space of the capsule 50 along the cylindrical axis direction, located away from the bottom of the capsule 50. The entrance 54 can be a mesh-like partition wall that prevents the fragrance source 52 from passing through but allows the aerosol 72 to pass through.

[0105] With the interior space of capsule 50, except for the exit section 55, serving as a containment chamber 53, the bottom of capsule 50 also serves as an entrance section 54.

[0106] The outlet 55 is a filter element that fills the internal space of the capsule 50, which is surrounded by the sidewall 51, at the end of the capsule 50 along the cylindrical axis on the top side of the sidewall 51. The outlet 55 is a filter element that prevents the fragrance source 52 from passing through but allows the aerosol 72 to pass through. In this embodiment, the outlet 55 is located near the top of the capsule 50, but the outlet 55 may also be located at a position away from the top of the capsule 50.

[0107] The containment chamber 53 has a first space 531 containing the fragrance source 52 and a second space 532 located between the first space 531 and the outlet 55 and adjacent to the outlet 55, where the fragrance source 52 is absent. In this embodiment, in the containment chamber 53, the first space 531 and the second space 532 are formed adjacent to each other in the cylindrical axial direction of the capsule 50. One end of the first space 531 in the cylindrical axial direction of the capsule 50 is adjacent to the inlet 54, and the other end of the capsule 50 in the cylindrical axial direction is adjacent to the second space 532. One end of the second space 532 in the cylindrical axial direction of the capsule 50 is adjacent to the first space 531, and the other end of the capsule 50 in the cylindrical axial direction is adjacent to the outlet 55. The first space 531 and the second space 532 may also be separated by a mesh-like partition wall 56 through which the fragrance source 52 cannot pass but the aerosol 72 can pass. Alternatively, the first space 531 and the second space 532 may be formed without using such a partition wall 56. As a specific example, the fragrance source 52 can also be contained in a portion of the containment chamber 53 in a pressed state, making it difficult for the fragrance source 52 to move within the containment chamber 53, thereby forming a first space 531 and a second space 532. As another specific example, the fragrance source 52 can move freely within the containment chamber 53, and when the user performs a suction action from the suction port 58, the fragrance source 52 moves towards the bottom side of the containment chamber 53 due to gravity, thereby forming a first space 531 and a second space 532.

[0108] like Figure 3 As shown, when the containment chamber 53 is formed in the internal space of the capsule 50, a second aerosol flow path 57 may also be formed in the cylindrical axis direction of the capsule 50 between the bottom of the capsule 50 and the inlet 54.

[0109] The second aerosol flow path 57 is formed in the cylindrical axial direction of the capsule 50, between the bottom of the capsule 50 and the inlet 54, by the internal space of the capsule 50 surrounded by the sidewall 51. Therefore, the first end 571 of the second aerosol flow path 57 in the cylindrical axial direction of the capsule 50 opens at the bottom of the capsule 50, and the second end 572 of the second aerosol flow path 57 in the cylindrical axial direction of the capsule 50 connects to the containment chamber 53 at the inlet 54 of the containment chamber 53.

[0110] The opening area of ​​the connecting hole 33 located on the bottom wall 32 of the capsule holder 30 is larger than the cross-sectional area of ​​the first aerosol flow path 46 of the cartridge 40, and the cross-sectional area of ​​the second aerosol flow path 57 is larger than both the cross-sectional area of ​​the first aerosol flow path 46 of the cartridge 40 and the opening area of ​​the connecting hole 33 located on the bottom wall 32 of the capsule holder 30. Therefore, the cross-sectional area of ​​the second end 572 of the second aerosol flow path 57 connected to the receiving chamber 53 of the capsule 50 is larger than the cross-sectional area of ​​the first end 461 of the first aerosol flow path 46 connected to the heating chamber 43 of the cartridge 40. In this embodiment, the aerosol flow path 90 is composed of the first aerosol flow path 46, the connecting hole 33, and the second aerosol flow path 57. The cross-sectional area of ​​the first end 461 of the first aerosol flow path 46 connected to the heating chamber 43 is smaller than the cross-sectional area of ​​the second end 462 of the first aerosol flow path 46 connected to the connecting hole 33. The cross-sectional area of ​​the first end 461 of the first aerosol flow path 46 connected to the heating chamber 43 is smaller than the cross-sectional area of ​​the connecting hole 33. The cross-sectional area of ​​the connecting hole 33 is smaller than the cross-sectional area of ​​the second aerosol flow path 57. That is, the cross-sectional area of ​​the second end 572 of the second aerosol flow path 57, which forms the second end of the aerosol flow path 90 connected to the housing chamber 53, is larger than the cross-sectional area of ​​the first end 461 of the first aerosol flow path 46, which forms the first end of the aerosol flow path 90 connected to the heating chamber 43. In addition, the aerosol flow path 90 is formed such that the cross-sectional area increases from the first end toward the second end.

[0111] In the case where the entire internal space of the capsule 50, excluding the outlet 55, is a receiving chamber 53, the bottom of the capsule 50 also serves as an inlet 54, thus the aforementioned second aerosol flow path 57 is not formed. That is, the aerosol flow path 90 in this embodiment is composed of a first aerosol flow path 46 and a connecting hole 33. The cross-sectional area of ​​the first end 461 of the first aerosol flow path 46 connected to the heating chamber 43 is smaller than the cross-sectional area of ​​the second end 462 of the first aerosol flow path 46 connected to the connecting hole 33. The cross-sectional area of ​​the first end 461 of the first aerosol flow path 46 connected to the heating chamber 43 is smaller than the cross-sectional area of ​​the connecting hole 33. In this embodiment, the cross-sectional area of ​​the connecting hole 33 at the second end of the aerosol flow path 90 connected to the receiving chamber 53 is also larger than the cross-sectional area of ​​the first end 461 of the first aerosol flow path 46 at the first end connected to the heating chamber 43. Furthermore, the aerosol flow path 90 is formed such that the cross-sectional area increases from the first end towards the second end.

[0112] It should be noted that, even when the capsule 50 is housed within the capsule holder 30, a space can be formed between the bottom wall 32 of the capsule holder 30 and the bottom of the capsule 50. That is, the aerosol flow path 90 in this embodiment is formed by the space formed between the first aerosol flow path 46, the connecting hole 33, the bottom wall 32 of the capsule holder 30, and the bottom of the capsule 50. The cross-sectional area of ​​the first end 461 of the first aerosol flow path 46 connected to the heating chamber 43 is smaller than the cross-sectional area of ​​the second end 462 of the first aerosol flow path 46 connected to the connecting hole 33. The cross-sectional area of ​​the first end 461 of the first aerosol flow path 46 connected to the heating chamber 43 is smaller than the cross-sectional area of ​​the connecting hole 33. The cross-sectional area of ​​the connecting hole 33 is smaller than the cross-sectional area of ​​the space formed between the bottom wall 32 of the capsule holder 30 and the bottom of the capsule 50. In this case, the cross-sectional area of ​​the space formed between the bottom wall 32 of the capsule holder 30 and the bottom of the capsule 50 at the second end of the aerosol flow path 90 connected to the receiving chamber 53 is also larger than the cross-sectional area of ​​the first end 461 of the first aerosol flow path 46 connected to the first end of the heating chamber 43. Furthermore, the aerosol flow path 90 is configured such that its cross-sectional area increases from the first end toward the second end.

[0113] The capsule 50 is housed within the hollow portion of a generally annular capsule holder 30, with its cylindrical axis aligning with the longitudinal direction of the aerosol inhaler 1, i.e., the first direction X. Furthermore, the capsule 50 is housed within the hollow portion of the capsule holder 30 with its inlet portion 54 located at the bottom side (i.e., the cartridge 40 side) of the aerosol inhaler 1 and its outlet portion 55 located at the top side of the aerosol inhaler 1 in the first direction X. While housed within the hollow portion of the capsule holder 30, the capsule 50 is housed with its other end of the sidewall 51 protruding from the top end of the capsule holder 30 toward the first direction X. Moreover, the other end of the sidewall 51 serves as a suction port 58 for the user to inhale when using the aerosol inhaler 1. The other end of the sidewall 51 may also have a step to facilitate protrusion from the top end of the capsule holder 30 toward the first direction X.

[0114] like Figure 5 As shown, the capsule 50 is housed in the hollow portion of the hollow, generally annular-shaped smoke cartridge cover 20, and a portion of the receiving chamber 53 is housed in the hollow portion of the annular-shaped second load 34 provided in the capsule holder 30.

[0115] Return to Figure 3The receiving chamber 53 has: a heating region 53A, which is located in the cylindrical axial direction of the capsule 50 and is housed in the hollow portion of the cartridge cover 20, where the second load 34 of the capsule holder 30 is disposed; and a non-heating region 53B, which is located between the heating region 53A and the outlet portion 55 and is adjacent to the outlet portion 55, where the second load 34 of the capsule holder 30 is not disposed.

[0116] In this embodiment, in the cylindrical axial direction of the capsule 50, the heating region 53A overlaps with at least a portion of the first space 531, and the non-heating region 53B overlaps with at least a portion of the second space 532. In this embodiment, in the cylindrical axial direction of the capsule 50, the first space 531 and the heating region 53A are substantially aligned, and the second space 532 and the non-heating region 53B are substantially aligned.

[0117] (Structure of the aerosol extractor during use)

[0118] The aerosol inhaler 1 configured in this way is used with the cartridge cover 20, capsule holder 30, cartridge 40, and capsule 50 installed in the power supply unit 10. In this state, the aerosol inhaler 1 forms an aerosol flow path 90 at least through the first aerosol flow path 46 provided in the cartridge 40 and the connecting hole 33 provided in the bottom wall 32 of the capsule holder 30. Figure 3 As shown, when the containment chamber 53 is formed within the internal space of the capsule 50, the second aerosol flow path 57 provided in the capsule 50 also forms part of the aerosol flow path 90. When the capsule 50 is contained in the capsule holder 30, and a space is formed between the bottom wall of the capsule holder 30 and the bottom of the capsule 50, the space formed between the bottom wall of the capsule holder 30 and the bottom of the capsule 50 also forms part of the aerosol flow path 90. The aerosol flow path 90 connects the heating chamber 43 of the cartridge 40 and the containment chamber 53 of the capsule 50, and conveys the aerosol 72 generated in the heating chamber 43 from the heating chamber 43 to the containment chamber 53.

[0119] Furthermore, when the aerosol extractor 1 is in use, if the user performs an suction action from the suction port 58, the air flowing in from the air intake (not shown) provided in the power unit housing 11 is like... Figure 3As indicated by arrow B, air is drawn from the air supply section 13 located on the top surface 11a of the power unit housing 11 into the heating chamber 43 of the cartridge 40. The first load 45 then heats up, heating the aerosol source 71 held in the core cord 44. Within the heating chamber 43, the aerosol source 71 heated by the first load 45 is vaporized and / or atomized. The aerosol source 71, vaporized and / or atomized by the first load 45, then atomizes the air drawn from the air supply section 13 of the power unit housing 11 into the heating chamber 43 using the air as a dispersion medium. The aerosol source 71 vaporized and / or atomized in the heating chamber 43, along with the air drawn from the air supply section 13 of the power unit housing 11 into the heating chamber 43, flows from the first end 461 of the first aerosol flow path 46, which communicates with the heating chamber 43, to the second end 462 of the first aerosol flow path 46, and continues to atomize within the first aerosol flow path 46. The generated aerosol 72 is introduced from the second end 462 of the first aerosol flow path 46 through the communicating hole 33 provided in the bottom wall 32 of the capsule holder 30 and into the receiving chamber 53 from the inlet 54 of the capsule 50. It should be noted that, according to the embodiment, before being introduced into the receiving chamber 53, the aerosol 72 flows in the second aerosol flow path 57 provided in the capsule 50, or flows in the space formed between the bottom wall of the capsule holder 30 and the bottom of the capsule 50.

[0120] As the aerosol 72 introduced from the inlet 54 into the containment chamber 53 flows from the inlet 54 to the outlet 55 in the containment chamber 53 along the first direction X of the aerosol extractor 1, fragrance components are added from the fragrance source 52 contained in the first space 531 by allowing the fragrance source 52 to pass through.

[0121] Thus, aerosol 72 flows from inlet 54 to outlet 55 in the containment chamber 53 along the first direction X of the aerosol extractor 1. Therefore, in this embodiment, the flow direction of aerosol 72 flowing from inlet 54 to outlet 55 in the containment chamber 53 is the cylindrical axis direction of capsule 50, which is the first direction X of the aerosol extractor 1.

[0122] Furthermore, when using the aerosol extractor 1, the second load 34 provided in the capsule holder 30 heats up the heating area 53A of the containment chamber 53. As a result, the fragrance source 52 contained in the first space 531 of the containment chamber 53 and the aerosol 72 flowing in the heating area 53A of the containment chamber 53 are heated.

[0123] In the aerosol extractor 1, experiments have shown that increasing the amount of aroma components attached to the aerosol is effective in increasing the amount of aerosol generated from the aerosol source 71 and raising the temperature of the aroma source 52. The phenomenon that the amount of aroma components attached to the aerosol increases with the amount of aerosol generated from the aerosol source 71 can be explained by the fact that the more aerosol there is, the more aroma components accompany the aerosol as it passes through the aroma source 52. Similarly, the phenomenon that the amount of aroma components attached to the aerosol increases with the temperature of the aroma source 52 can be explained by the fact that the higher the temperature of the aroma source 52, the easier it is for the aroma source 52 or the fragrance components attached to it to accompany the aerosol.

[0124] Here, the adsorption of menthol 80 within capsule 50 relative to flavor source 52 is described in detail. The tobacco particles 521 constituting flavor source 52 are sufficiently large than the molecules of menthol 80, thus acting as the adsorbate, i.e., the adsorbent material for menthol 80. Menthol 80 is adsorbed onto the tobacco particles 521 via both chemisorption and physisorption. Chemisorption occurs through covalent bonds between the outermost electrons of the molecules constituting tobacco particles 521 and the outermost electrons of the molecules constituting menthol 80. Physiosorption occurs through van der Waals forces acting between the surfaces of tobacco particles 521 and menthol 80. As the amount of menthol 80 adsorbed onto tobacco particles 521 increases, the tobacco particles 521 and menthol 80 reach a state known as adsorption equilibrium. In adsorption equilibrium, the amount of newly adsorbed menthol 80 onto tobacco particles 521 is equal to the amount of menthol 80 detached from tobacco particles 521. That is, even if menthol 80 is resupplyed to tobacco particles 521, the apparent adsorption amount will not change. Not limited to tobacco particles 521 and menthol 80, the adsorption amount at adsorption equilibrium decreases as the temperature of the adsorbent material and adsorbate increases. It should be noted that both chemisorption and physisorption occur in the form of menthol 80 occupying adsorption sites at the interface of tobacco particles 521; the amount of menthol 80 adsorbed assuming complete filling of these adsorption sites is called the saturation adsorption amount. It is easy to understand that the adsorption amount at the above adsorption equilibrium state is less than the saturation adsorption amount.

[0125] As described above, the higher the temperature of the flavor source 52, the lower the amount of menthol 80 adsorbed on the tobacco particles 521 in the adsorption equilibrium state between the tobacco particles 521 and menthol 80. Therefore, when the flavor source 52 is heated by the second load 34 and the temperature increases, the amount of menthol 80 adsorbed on the tobacco particles 521 decreases, and a portion of the menthol 80 adsorbed on the tobacco particles 521 detaches.

[0126] Furthermore, the aerosol 72, which contains aerosolized menthol 80 from aerosol source 71 and aerosolized menthol 80 from flavor source 52, flows through the second space 532 and is discharged from the outlet 55 to the outside of the containment chamber 53, and is supplied to the user's mouth from the inhalation port 58.

[0127] (Details of the power supply unit)

[0128] Next, refer to Figure 6 The details of the power supply unit 10 are explained below. For example... Figure 6 As shown, in the power supply unit 10, a DC / DC converter 66, which is an example of a voltage converter capable of converting the output voltage of the power supply 61 and applying it to the first load 45, is connected between the first load 45 and the power supply 61 when the power supply unit 10 is equipped with the cartridge 40. An MCU 63 is connected between the DC / DC converter 66 and the power supply 61. A second load 34 is connected between the MCU 63 and the DC / DC converter 66 when the power supply unit 10 is equipped with the cartridge 40. Thus, in the power supply unit 10, when the cartridge 40 is installed, the series circuit of the DC / DC converter 66 and the first load 45, and the second load 34 are connected in parallel with respect to the power supply 61.

[0129] The DC / DC converter 66, controlled by the MCU 63, is a boost circuit capable of boosting an input voltage (e.g., the output voltage of the power supply 61) and outputting it. It is configured to apply the input voltage or a boosted version of the input voltage to the first load 45. By changing the voltage applied to the first load 45 based on the DC / DC converter 66, the power supplied to the first load 45 can be adjusted, thus controlling the amount of aerosol source 71 vaporized or atomized by the first load 45. As the DC / DC converter 66, for example, a switching regulator can be used to convert the input voltage to a desired output voltage by controlling the on / off time of the switching element while monitoring the output voltage. When using a switching regulator as the DC / DC converter 66, by controlling the switching element, the output can be directly generated without boosting the input voltage. It should be noted that the DC / DC converter 66 is not limited to the boost type described above; it can also be a buck type or a buck-boost type. The DC / DC converter 66 can, for example, be used to set the applied voltage to the first load 45 to V1 to V5 [V] as described later.

[0130] The MCU 63 is configured to obtain the temperature of the second load 34, the temperature of the fragrance source 52, or the temperature of the containment chamber 53 (i.e., the second temperature T2 described later) in order to control the discharge to the second load 34 using an on / off switch (not shown). Furthermore, preferably, the MCU 63 is configured to obtain the temperature of the first load 45. The temperature of the first load 45 can be used to suppress overheating of the first load 45 and the aerosol source 71, and to highly control the amount of aerosol source 71 vaporized or atomized by the first load 45.

[0131] Voltage sensor 671 measures and outputs the voltage value applied to the first load 45. Current sensor 672 measures and outputs the current value flowing through the first load 45. The outputs of voltage sensor 671 and current sensor 672 are respectively input to MCU 63. MCU 63 obtains the resistance value of the first load 45 based on the outputs of voltage sensor 671 and current sensor 672, and obtains the temperature of the first load 45 based on the obtained resistance value. Specifically, for example, voltage sensor 671 and current sensor 672 may also be composed of operational amplifiers and analog-to-digital converters. It should be noted that at least a portion of voltage sensor 671 and / or at least a portion of current sensor 672 may also be disposed inside MCU 63.

[0132] It should be noted that if a structure is adopted in which a constant current flows through the first load 45 when the resistance value of the first load 45 is obtained, then a current sensor 672 is not required in the first temperature sensing element 67. Similarly, if a structure is adopted in which a constant voltage is applied to the first load 45 when the resistance value of the first load 45 is obtained, then a voltage sensor 671 is not required in the first temperature sensing element 67.

[0133] Voltage sensor 681 measures and outputs the voltage value applied to the second load 34. Current sensor 682 measures and outputs the current value flowing through the second load 34. The outputs of voltage sensor 681 and current sensor 682 are respectively input to MCU 63. MCU 63 obtains the resistance value of the second load 34 based on the outputs of voltage sensor 681 and current sensor 682, and obtains the temperature of the second load 34 based on the obtained resistance value.

[0134] Here, the temperature of the second load 34 is not exactly the same as the temperature of the fragrance source 52 heated by the second load 34, but can be considered to be approximately the same as the temperature of the fragrance source 52. Similarly, the temperature of the second load 34 is not exactly the same as the temperature of the receiving chamber 53 of the capsule 50 heated by the second load 34, but can be considered to be approximately the same as the temperature of the receiving chamber 53 of the capsule 50. Therefore, the second temperature sensing element 68 can also be used as a temperature sensing element for detecting the temperature of the fragrance source 52 or the temperature of the receiving chamber 53 of the capsule 50. Specifically, for example, the voltage sensor 681 and the current sensor 682 can also be composed of an operational amplifier and an analog-to-digital converter. It should be noted that at least a portion of the voltage sensor 681 and / or at least a portion of the current sensor 682 can also be disposed inside the MCU 63.

[0135] It should be noted that if a structure is adopted in which a constant current flows through the second load 34 when the resistance value of the second load 34 is obtained, then a current sensor 682 is not required in the second temperature sensing element 68. Similarly, if a structure is adopted in which a constant voltage is applied to the second load 34 when the resistance value of the second load 34 is obtained, then a voltage sensor 681 is not required in the second temperature sensing element 68.

[0136] Even if the second temperature sensing element 68 is placed in the capsule holder 30 or the cartridge 40, the temperature of the second load 34, the temperature of the flavor source 52, or the temperature of the containment chamber 53 of the capsule 50 can be obtained based on the output of the second temperature sensing element 68. However, it is preferable to place the second temperature sensing element 68 in the power supply unit 10, which has the lowest replacement frequency in the aerosol inhaler 1. In this way, the manufacturing cost of the capsule holder 30 and the cartridge 40 can be reduced, and the capsule holder 30 and the cartridge 40, which have a higher replacement frequency than the power supply unit 10, can be provided to the user at a low cost.

[0137] Figure 7 It is shown Figure 6 A diagram showing a specific example of the power supply unit 10. In Figure 7 The present invention illustrates a specific example of a structure that does not have a current sensor 682 as a second temperature sensing element 68 and does not have a current sensor 672 as a first temperature sensing element 67.

[0138] like Figure 7As shown, the power supply unit 10 includes: a power supply 61, an MCU 63, an LDO regulator 65, a switch SW1, a parallel circuit C1 consisting of a series circuit of a resistor R1 connected in parallel with the switch SW1 and a switch SW2, a switch SW3, a parallel circuit C2 consisting of a series circuit of a resistor R2 connected in parallel with the switch SW3 and a switch SW4, an operational amplifier OP1 constituting a voltage sensor 671 and an analog-to-digital converter ADC1, and an operational amplifier OP2 constituting a voltage sensor 681 and a digital converter ADC. At least one of the operational amplifiers OP1 and OP2 may be internal to the MCU 63.

[0139] The resistive elements described in this specification are any elements with a fixed resistance value, such as resistors, diodes, or transistors. Figure 7 In the example, resistor R1 and resistor R2 are resistors.

[0140] The switching element described in this specification is a switching element such as a transistor that switches between the opening and closing of a circuit. For example, it can be a bipolar transistor such as an insulated gate bipolar transistor (IGBT) or a field-effect transistor such as a metal-oxide-semiconductor field-effect transistor (MOSFET). Alternatively, the switch described in this specification can also be constructed using a relay. Figure 7 In the example, the switches SW1 to SW4 are transistors.

[0141] LDO regulator 65 is connected to the main positive bus LU, which is connected to the positive terminal of power supply 61. MCU 63 is connected to both LDO regulator 65 and the main negative bus LD, which is connected to the negative terminal of power supply 61. MCU 63 is also connected to the respective switches SW1 to SW4 for their opening and closing control. LDO regulator 65 steps down the voltage from power supply 61 and outputs it. The output voltage V0 of LDO regulator 65 is also used as the respective operating voltage of MCU 63, DC / DC converter 66, operational amplifiers OP1 and OP2, and notification unit 16. Alternatively, at least one of MCU 63, DC / DC converter 66, operational amplifiers OP1 and OP2, and notification unit 16 may use the output voltage of power supply 61 itself as its operating voltage. Or, at least one of MCU 63, DC / DC converter 66, operational amplifiers OP1 and OP2, and notification unit 16 may use a voltage output from a regulator other than LDO regulator 65 (not shown) as its operating voltage. The output voltage of this regulator may be different from or the same as V0.

[0142] DC / DC converter 66 is connected to the main positive bus LU. The first load 45 is connected to the main negative bus LD. Parallel circuit C1 is connected to DC / DC converter 66 and the first load 45.

[0143] Parallel circuit C2 is connected to the main positive bus LU. The second load 34 is connected to parallel circuit C2 and the main negative bus LD.

[0144] The non-inverting input terminal of operational amplifier OP1 is connected to the connection node of parallel circuit C1 and first load 45. The inverting input terminal of operational amplifier OP1 is connected to the output terminal of operational amplifier OP1 and the main negative bus LD via resistors.

[0145] The non-inverting input terminal of operational amplifier OP2 is connected to the connection node of parallel circuit C2 and the second load 34. The inverting input terminal of operational amplifier OP2 is connected to the output terminal of operational amplifier OP2 and the main negative bus LD via resistors.

[0146] Analog-to-digital converter ADC1 is connected to the output terminal of operational amplifier OP1. Analog-to-digital converter ADC2 is connected to the output terminal of operational amplifier OP2. Analog-to-digital converters ADC1 and ADC2 can also be located externally to the MCU63.

[0147] (MCU)

[0148] Next, the functions of MCU63 will be explained. MCU63 has a temperature detection unit, a power control unit, and a notification control unit, which are functional blocks implemented by the processor executing programs stored in ROM.

[0149] (Temperature Detection Department)

[0150] The temperature detection unit obtains a first temperature T1, which is the temperature of the first load 45, based on the output of the first temperature detection element 67. In addition, the temperature detection unit obtains a second temperature T2, which is the temperature of the second load 34, the temperature of the fragrance source 52, or the temperature of the containment chamber 53, based on the output of the second temperature detection element 68.

[0151] exist Figure 7 In the circuit example shown, the temperature detection unit controls the switches SW1, SW3, and SW4 to be in the off state, and controls the DC / DC converter 66 to output a predetermined constant voltage. Furthermore, when the switch SW2 is controlled to be in the on state, the temperature detection unit obtains the output value of the analog-to-digital converter ADC1 (the voltage value applied to the first load 45), and obtains the first temperature T1 based on the output value.

[0152] It should be noted that the configuration can also be configured such that the non-inverting input terminal of operational amplifier OP1 is connected to the terminal on the DC / DC converter 66 side of resistor R1, and the inverting input terminal of operational amplifier OP1 is connected to the terminal on the switch SW2 side of resistor R1. In this case, the temperature detection unit controls the switches SW1, SW3, and SW4 to be in the off state, controlling the DC / DC converter 66 to output a predetermined constant voltage. Furthermore, when the switch SW2 is controlled to be in the on state, the temperature detection unit can obtain the output value of analog-to-digital converter ADC1 (the voltage value applied to resistor R1), and obtain a first temperature T1 based on this output value.

[0153] In addition, Figure 7 In the circuit example shown, the temperature detection unit controls the switches SW1, SW2, and SW3 to the off state, and controls components such as the DC / DC converter (not shown) to output a predetermined constant voltage. Furthermore, when the switch SW4 is controlled to the on state, the temperature detection unit obtains the output value of the analog-to-digital converter ADC2 (the voltage value applied to the second load 34), and obtains the second temperature T2 based on this output value.

[0154] It should be noted that the configuration can also be configured such that the non-inverting input terminal of operational amplifier OP2 is connected to the terminal on the positive bus LU side of resistor R2, and the inverting input terminal of operational amplifier OP2 is connected to the terminal on the switch SW4 side of resistor R2. In this case, the temperature detection unit controls switches SW1, SW2, and SW3 to be in the off state, controlling components such as the DC / DC converter (not shown) to output a predetermined constant voltage. Furthermore, when switch SW4 is controlled to be in the on state, the temperature detection unit can obtain the output value of analog-to-digital converter ADC2 (the voltage applied to resistor R2), and obtain the second temperature T2 based on this output value.

[0155] (Power Control Department)

[0156] The power control unit controls the discharge from the power source 61 to the first load 45 (hereinafter also simply referred to as the discharge to the first load 45) and the discharge from the power source 61 to the second load 34 (hereinafter also simply referred to as the discharge to the second load 34). For example, in the power supply unit 10 having Figure 7 In the circuit structure shown, the power control unit sets switch SW2, switch SW3, and switch SW4 to the off state (i.e., open) and switches SW1 to the on state (i.e., closed), thereby enabling the discharge of the first load 45. Furthermore, the power supply unit 10 has... Figure 7 In the circuit structure shown, the power control unit sets the switch SW1, switch SW2 and switch SW4 to the off state and the switch SW3 to the on state, thereby enabling the discharge of the second load 34.

[0157] When the power control unit detects an aerosol generation request from the user based on the output of the inhalation sensor 62 (i.e., when performing a user-based inhalation action), it discharges the first load 45 and the second load 34. Consequently, in response to the aerosol generation request, heating of the aerosol source 71 based on the first load 45 (i.e., aerosol generation) and heating of the fragrance source 52 based on the second load 34 are performed. At this time, the power control unit controls the discharge of the first load 45 and the second load 34 to increase the amount of fragrance component added from the fragrance source 52 (hereinafter, also simply referred to as the fragrance component amount, such as the fragrance component amount W described later). flavorThis refers to converging the aerosol (vaporized and / or atomized aerosol source 71) generated in response to an aerosol generation request towards a predetermined target amount. This target amount is an appropriately determined value, but for example, a target range for the aroma component amount can also be appropriately determined, with the central value within that range defined as the target amount. Thus, by converging the aroma component amount to the target amount, it is also possible to converge the aroma component amount to a target range with a certain amplitude. It should be noted that weight (e.g., [mg]) can be used as the unit for the aroma component amount and the target amount.

[0158] However, as described above, in the cartridge 40 installed in the aerosol inhaler 1, there are menthol-type cartridges with menthol as the aerosol source 71, and conventional type cartridges with menthol-free aerosol source 71. Similarly, in the capsule 50 installed in the aerosol inhaler 1, there are menthol-type capsules with menthol as the flavor source 52, and conventional type capsules with menthol-free flavor source 52.

[0159] Therefore, the aerosol inhaler 1 can be in a state where at least one of the installed cartridge 40 and capsule 50 is of the menthol type, or in a state where both the installed cartridge 40 and capsule 50 are of the conventional type. In other words, the aerosol inhaler 1 can be in a state where at least one of the aerosol source 71 and flavor source 52 contains menthol, or in a state where neither the aerosol source 71 nor the flavor source 52 contains menthol.

[0160] In such an aerosol extractor 1, the discharge to the first load 45 and the second load 34 is preferably appropriately controlled according to the object containing (or not containing) menthol. Therefore, the MCU 63 is configured to determine whether each of the aerosol source 71 and the fragrance source 52 contains menthol before generating an aerosol (hereinafter also simply referred to as aerosol) that imparts a fragrance to the fragrance source 52.

[0161] Here, the period before generating the aerosol that imparts the fragrance to the fragrance source 52 (hereinafter also referred to as before aerosol generation) can be the period when the power supply to the aerosol absorber 1 is turned on and the first load 45 is not discharged in accordance with the aerosol generation request. For example, the period from when the power supply to the aerosol absorber 1 is turned on until the first absorption action is performed, or the period from when the absorption action ends until the next absorption action is performed, is equivalent to the period before aerosol generation.

[0162] The MCU63 performs aroma determination, for example, by acquiring information indicating whether each of the aerosol source 71 and the aroma source 52 contains menthol. That is, aroma determination can be achieved by acquiring information indicating whether each of the aerosol source 71 and the aroma source 52 contains menthol. Details will be described later; the information indicating whether each of the aerosol source 71 and the aroma source 52 contains menthol can be acquired, for example, based on operation of the operation unit 15, reading from a storage medium disposed in the cartridge 40, or detection of specific physical quantities possessed by the cartridge 40, etc. Aroma determination can be performed, for example, by the MCU63. Figure 14 The flavor recognition process shown (described later) is used to achieve this.

[0163] The power control unit controls the discharge to the first load 45 and the second load 34 based on the aroma determination result performed by the MCU 63. For example, suppose that the aroma determination obtains information indicating that at least one of the aerosol source 71 and the aroma source 52 contains menthol. In this case, the power control unit sets the discharge mode for controlling the discharge to the first load 45 and the second load 34 to a menthol mode. Moreover, the power control unit controls the discharge to the first load 45 and the second load 34 using the menthol mode. Regarding an example of the discharge method for the first load 45 and the second load 34 based on the menthol mode, using... Figure 15 This will be discussed later.

[0164] Furthermore, it is assumed that information indicating the absence of menthol in both aerosol source 71 and fragrance source 52 is obtained through aroma determination. In this case, the power control unit sets the discharge mode to the normal mode. Moreover, the power control unit controls the discharge to the first load 45 and the second load 34 in the normal mode. The discharge method for the first load 45 and the second load 34 based on the normal mode is different from the discharge method for the first load 45 and the second load 34 based on the menthol mode. An example of the discharge method for the first load 45 and the second load 34 based on the normal mode is also used... Figure 15 This will be discussed later.

[0165] In this way, the MCU63, through the function of the power control unit, controls the discharge of the first load 45 and the second load 34 according to whether the aerosol source 71 and the fragrance source 52 contain (or do not contain) menthol. Thus, the MCU63 can appropriately control the discharge of the first load 45 and the second load 34 according to whether the aerosol source 71 contains (or does not contain) menthol.

[0166] Incidentally, the presence or absence of menthol in the product may change due to the loading or unloading of cartridge 40 or capsule 50. In other words, if cartridge 40 or capsule 50 is not loaded or unloaded after the aroma assessment, the presence or absence of menthol in the product is considered unchanged from the time of the aroma assessment.

[0167] Therefore, it is believed that if the loading or unloading of the tobacco cartridge 40 or capsule 50 is not performed after the most recent aroma judgment, even if the aroma judgment is not re-performed before the aerosol is generated, as long as the discharge to the first load 45 or the second load 34 is controlled based on the result of the most recent aroma judgment, the discharge to the first load 45 or the second load 34 can be appropriately controlled.

[0168] Therefore, the MCU63 is configured to detect the loading and unloading of the cartridge 40 and capsule 50 by any method (an example will be described later). Furthermore, the MCU63 performs a fragrance determination before aerosol generation occurs upon detecting the loading and unloading of the cartridge 40 or capsule 50. Thus, when a fragrance determination is performed before aerosol generation, the MCU63 controls the discharge of the first load 45, etc., based on the result of the fragrance determination, to generate the aerosol.

[0169] On the other hand, the MCU63 does not perform aroma judgment until it detects the aerosol generation from the loading and unloading of the tobacco cartridge 40 or capsule 50. Thus, without aroma judgment before aerosol generation, the MCU63 controls the discharge of the first load 45, etc., based on the result of the most recent aroma judgment to generate aerosol.

[0170] This reduces the number of times fragrance judgment is performed, thereby reducing the processing burden and power consumption of the MCU63, and appropriately controlling the discharge of the first load 45, etc., according to the object containing (or not containing) menthol.

[0171] It should be noted that the aroma assessment performed before the current aerosol generation, as described in this specification, is not included in the most recent aroma assessment. Hereinafter, when referred to as an aroma assessment, it means the aroma assessment performed before the current aerosol generation.

[0172] (Notify the Control Department)

[0173] The notification control unit controls the notification unit 16 to notify the user of various information. Specifically, the notification control unit controls the light emission of the light-emitting element 161 and the vibration of the vibration element 162 to notify the user of various information. Hereinafter, refer to... Figure 8 The following describes the various notifications made by the MCU63 through the notification control unit. It should be noted that the operation mode of the notification unit 16 in each notification (e.g., the color or mode of light emission from the light-emitting element 161, and whether the vibrating element 162 vibrates) is preset by the manufacturer of the aerosol extractor 1. Furthermore, the operation mode of the notification unit 16 in each notification can be appropriately changed by the user using the operation unit 15, etc.

[0174] (Notification given before aerosol generation)

[0175] like Figure 8 As shown in (a), the MCU63 is capable of providing a first pre-generation notification and a second pre-generation notification as notifications performed before aerosol generation.

[0176] (First pre-generation notification)

[0177] Before generating the aerosol for fragrance determination, the MCU63 sends a first pre-generation notification to the user regarding the result of the fragrance determination. For example, the MCU63 causes the light-emitting element 161 to emit light in a color set based on the result of the fragrance determination (in other words, the color corresponding to the result of the fragrance determination), and causes the vibrating element 162 to vibrate, thereby sending the first pre-generation notification.

[0178] In this embodiment, during the first pre-generation notification, the light-emitting element 161 is illuminated as either green or white. Specifically, if information indicating that at least one of the aerosol source 71 and the fragrance source 52 contains menthol is obtained through fragrance determination, the light-emitting element 161 is illuminated as green during the first pre-generation notification. In other words, if the discharge to the first load 45 and the second load 34 is controlled by the menthol mode, the light-emitting element 161 is illuminated as green during the first pre-generation notification.

[0179] On the other hand, if the information obtained through fragrance determination indicates that neither aerosol source 71 nor fragrance source 52 contains menthol, the light-emitting element 161 is illuminated as white in the first pre-generation notification. In other words, when the discharge to the first load 45 and the second load 34 is controlled in a normal mode, the light-emitting element 161 is illuminated as white in the first pre-generation notification. It should be noted that, in this specification, illuminating the light-emitting element 161 means illuminating the light-emitting element 161 continuously for a certain period of time. It should be noted that the aforementioned green or white is merely a specific example of the color that illuminates the light-emitting element 161 in the first pre-generation notification. As long as they can be distinguished from each other, the color that illuminates the light-emitting element 161 in the first pre-generation notification can be any color.

[0180] In this way, when the MCU63 performs a fragrance determination before aerosol generation, it notifies the user of the fragrance determination result via the light-emitting element 161 and the vibrating element 162 through a first pre-generation notification. Therefore, the user can be notified of the fragrance determination result performed before aerosol generation through multiple notification units. Thus, compared to notifying the user of the fragrance determination result through a single notification unit, the notification is more easily understood by the user. Therefore, the user can easily confirm whether the fragrance determination result performed before aerosol generation is the desired result. For example, in this embodiment, through the first pre-generation notification, the user can easily confirm whether the discharge of the first load 45 and the second load 34 is controlled by the menthol mode or the conventional mode.

[0181] Furthermore, the light-emitting element 161 provides notification through visual perception, and the vibration element 162 provides notification through tactile perception. Therefore, after the first pre-generation notification, the MCU 63 can notify the user of the fragrance judgment result through notification units that act on different senses, such as vision and touch. This provides a more easily understandable notification compared to notifying the user of the fragrance judgment result through a notification unit acting on only one sense. Thus, the user can easily confirm whether the fragrance judgment result is what they want.

[0182] Furthermore, the MCU63 can notify the user of the fragrance judgment result via a notification unit that includes a light-emitting element 161 that acts on the user's vision. Therefore, compared to notifying the user of the fragrance judgment result via a notification unit that acts on a sense other than vision, the notification is more easily understood by the user. Thus, the user can easily confirm whether the fragrance judgment result is what they want.

[0183] (Second generation pre-notification)

[0184] Before generating an aerosol for fragrance determination, the MCU63 sends a second pre-generation notification to the user, informing them of the result of the most recent fragrance determination. For example, the MCU63 sends the second pre-generation notification simply by causing the light-emitting element 161 to emit light in a color set based on the result of the most recent fragrance determination. That is, the second pre-generation notification differs from the first pre-generation notification in that the vibrating element 162 does not vibrate.

[0185] That is, in this embodiment, the light-emitting element 161 is illuminated as green or white in the second pre-generation notification, just like in the first pre-generation notification. Specifically, if information indicating that at least one of the aerosol source 71 and the fragrance source 52 contains menthol is obtained through the most recent fragrance determination, the light-emitting element 161 is illuminated as green in the second pre-generation notification. In other words, if the discharge to the first load 45 and the second load 34 is controlled by the menthol mode, the light-emitting element 161 is illuminated as green in the second pre-generation notification.

[0186] On the other hand, if information indicating that neither aerosol source 71 nor fragrance source 52 contains menthol is obtained through recent fragrance determination, then in the second pre-generation notification, the light-emitting element 161 is illuminated as white. In other words, when the discharge to the first load 45 and the second load 34 is controlled in a conventional mode, the light-emitting element 161 is illuminated as white in the second pre-generation notification. It should be noted that the aforementioned green or white is merely one specific example of the color that illuminates the light-emitting element 161 in the second pre-generation notification. The color that illuminates the light-emitting element 161 in the second pre-generation notification can be any color, as long as they are distinguishable from each other.

[0187] In this way, even if the MCU63 does not perform a fragrance judgment before aerosol generation, it notifies the user of the recent fragrance judgment result solely through the light-emitting element 161 by issuing a second pre-generation notification. Therefore, when notifying the user of the recent fragrance judgment result (e.g., issuing a notification with the same content as the previous aerosol generation), the notification is kept simple, suppressing notifications that might annoy the user. Furthermore, power consumption from notifications is reduced. Moreover, when notifying the user of the recent fragrance judgment result, the MCU63 uses the light-emitting element 161, which operates on the user's vision. Therefore, even if the notification of the recent fragrance judgment result is set to be a simple notification, the result can be communicated to the user in a clear and understandable manner.

[0188] (Notification during aerosol generation)

[0189] like Figure 8 As shown in (b), the MCU63 is capable of providing a first generation notification and a second generation notification as notifications generated during the generation of aerosols.

[0190] (Notification during first generation)

[0191] The MCU 63 is configured to acquire information related to the margin of the power supply 61. For example, the MCU 63 acquires information representing the output voltage of the power supply 61 based on the output of a voltage sensor (not shown) that detects the output voltage of the power supply 61, and derives the margin of the power supply 61 based on this output voltage. Furthermore, the MCU 63 acquires the derived information representing the margin of the power supply 61 as information related to the margin of the power supply 61. It should be noted that this is not a limitation; the MCU 63 may also acquire information related to the margin of the power supply 61 (e.g., information representing the margin of the power supply 61) using any method.

[0192] Furthermore, during aerosol generation when the power supply 61 has a margin of at least a first threshold, the MCU 63 issues a first generation notification. Here, the first threshold is a value below the value corresponding to the fully charged state of the power supply 61 and greater than the value corresponding to the discharge termination state of the power supply 61. That is, when the power supply 61 has a margin of at least the first threshold, the power supply 61 is in a state where it can discharge to the first load 45 and the second load 34. In other words, during aerosol generation when the power supply 61 has a margin of at least the first threshold, the aerosol extractor 1 is in a state where it can generate aerosols. It should be noted that the first threshold is preset by the manufacturer of the aerosol extractor 1, etc.

[0193] The MCU63, for example, sends a first generation notification by causing the light-emitting element 161 to emit light in the same color as the color set based on the result of the fragrance judgment, or the most recent fragrance judgment. It should be noted that the vibration element 162 does not vibrate during the first generation notification.

[0194] For example, MCU63 may illuminate the light-emitting element 161 in green before aerosol generation, based on the result of fragrance judgment or the result of the most recent fragrance judgment. In this case, when the power supply 61 has a margin of more than a first threshold during subsequent aerosol generation, MCU63 issues a first generation notification to illuminate the light-emitting element 161 in green.

[0195] On the other hand, the MCU63 is configured to illuminate the light-emitting element 161 in white before aerosol generation, based on the result of fragrance judgment or the result of the most recent fragrance judgment. In this case, when the power supply 61 has a margin of more than a first threshold during subsequent aerosol generation, the MCU63 issues a first generation notification to illuminate the light-emitting element 161 in white.

[0196] In this way, during aerosol generation when the power supply 61 has a margin of at least a first threshold, the MCU 63 causes the light-emitting element 161 to emit light in the same color as the color set based on the result of the fragrance judgment or the most recent fragrance judgment. This allows for the versatility of both the notification unit (light-emitting element 161) for notifying about the result of the fragrance judgment or the most recent fragrance judgment, and the notification unit (light-emitting element 161) for notifying about the margin of the power supply 61. Therefore, compared to separately providing a notification unit for notifying about the margin of the power supply 61, the need for additional notification units on the aerosol extractor 1 can be suppressed, and notifications related to the margin of the power supply 61 can be provided. Furthermore, the user can appropriately confirm whether the margin of the power supply 61 is at least a first threshold and the result of the fragrance judgment or the most recent fragrance judgment during aerosol generation. Therefore, the convenience of the aerosol extractor 1 can be improved.

[0197] (Notification during second generation)

[0198] In the generation of aerosols when the margin of power supply 61 is less than a first threshold but greater than a second threshold, MCU63 issues a second generation notification. Here, the second threshold is smaller than the first threshold and larger than the value corresponding to the discharge termination state of power supply 61. That is, when the margin of power supply 61 is less than the first threshold but greater than the second threshold, it is a state where the first load 45 and the second load 34 can be discharged, but compared to the case of the first threshold or greater, the margin of power supply 61 is reduced. It should be noted that, like the first threshold, the second threshold is preset by the manufacturer of the aerosol extractor 1, etc.

[0199] The MCU63 provides a second generation notification, for example, by causing the light-emitting element 161 to emit a color different from the color set based on the result of the fragrance judgment or the most recent fragrance judgment. Here, the different color is, for example, a constant color, and is unrelated to the result of the fragrance judgment or the most recent fragrance judgment. In this embodiment, the second generation notification is provided by the MCU63 causing the light-emitting element 161 to light up in purple (i.e., a color different from green and white).

[0200] In this way, during aerosol generation when the power supply 61 margin is less than a first threshold but greater than a second threshold, the MCU63 causes the light-emitting element 161 to emit a predetermined color different from the color used to indicate the result of the fragrance determination or the most recent fragrance determination. Therefore, both the notification unit (light-emitting element 161) for indicating the result of the fragrance determination or the most recent fragrance determination and the notification unit (light-emitting element 161) for indicating the power supply 61 margin can be generalized. Thus, compared to separately providing a notification unit for indicating the power supply 61 margin, the increase in the number of notification units mounted on the aerosol extractor 1 can be suppressed, and notifications related to the power supply 61 margin can be provided.

[0201] Furthermore, when the power supply 61 has a margin less than a first threshold but greater than a second threshold, the MCU 63 causes the light-emitting element 161 to emit light in a predetermined color (purple in this embodiment). This allows the user to be notified of the reduced power supply 61's margin before the power supply 61 reaches a discharge termination state. Consequently, the user is prompted to recharge the power supply 61 before it reaches a discharge termination state, improving the convenience of the aerosol extractor 1. In this case, the MCU 63 causes the light-emitting element to emit light in a constant color regardless of the fragrance determination result or the most recent fragrance determination result, thus providing the user with easily understandable notification of the reduced power supply 61's margin.

[0202] It should be noted that in this embodiment, the vibrating element 162 does not vibrate during the second generation notification, but this is not a limitation. That is, the vibrating element 162 may vibrate during the second generation notification. In this way, both the light-emitting element 161 and the vibrating element 162 can be used to notify the user that the power reserve of the power supply 61 is decreasing, and further urge the user to charge the power supply 61, etc.

[0203] Alternatively, the MCU63 can also, upon receiving notification of the fragrance determination result or the most recent fragrance determination result (i.e., in the first pre-generation notification and the second pre-generation notification), cause the light-emitting element 161 to emit light in a first manner in a color (e.g., green or white as described above) set based on the result. Here, the first manner could be, for example, an emission mode that maintains the brightness of the light-emitting element 161 at a constant level.

[0204] On the other hand, during aerosol generation, the MCU63 can also cause the light-emitting element 161 to emit light in a second manner with a color set based on the power supply 61's margin. Here, the color set based on the power supply 61's margin could be, for example, green or white when the power supply 61's margin is above a first threshold, purple when it is below the first threshold but above a second threshold, or red when it is below the second threshold. Furthermore, the second manner could be, for example, an emission mode that varies the brightness of the light-emitting element 161. The MCU63 can control the brightness of the light-emitting element 161 using any control method, such as PWM (Pulse Width Modulation), to achieve emission of light from the light-emitting element 161 based on the second mode.

[0205] In this way, by differentiating the light emission mode of the light-emitting element 161 in notifications of the result of fragrance judgment or the most recent fragrance judgment result, and in notifications related to the power reserve in aerosol generation, notifications using a variety of light emission modes based on the light-emitting element 161 can be made. Therefore, the commercial viability of the aerosol extractor 1 can be improved.

[0206] (Notification made when the operation unit is operated)

[0207] like Figure 8 As shown in (c), the MCU63 is capable of performing a first operation time notification and a second operation time notification as notifications performed when the operation unit 15 is operated.

[0208] (Notification during the first operation)

[0209] When the operation unit 15 is operated, the MCU 63 issues a first operation notification if the power supply margin of the power supply 61 is above a first threshold. For example, similar to the first generation notification, the MCU 63 issues the first operation notification by causing the light-emitting element 161 to emit light in the same color as the color set based on the fragrance judgment result or the most recent fragrance judgment result. It should be noted that the vibration element 162 does not vibrate, for example, during the first operation notification.

[0210] For example, suppose that when the most recent light-emitting element 161 before the operation unit 15 is operated, the MCU 63 lights up the light-emitting element 161 in green based on the result of the fragrance judgment or the result of the most recent fragrance judgment. In this case, when the power supply 61 has a margin of more than a first threshold when the operation unit 15 is subsequently operated, the MCU 63 performs a first operation to light up the light-emitting element 161 in green and issues a notification.

[0211] On the other hand, if the MCU63 illuminates the light-emitting element 161 most recently before the operation unit 15 is operated, based on the result of the fragrance judgment or the result of the most recent fragrance judgment, the MCU63 will illuminate the light-emitting element 161 in white. In this case, when the power supply 61 has a margin of more than a first threshold when the operation unit 15 is subsequently operated, the MCU63 will perform a first operation to illuminate the light-emitting element 161 in white.

[0212] In this way, when the operation unit 15 is operated by the MCU 63 when the power supply 61 has a margin of more than or equal to a first threshold, the light-emitting element 161 emits light in the same color as the color set based on the result of the fragrance judgment or the most recent fragrance judgment. Therefore, both the notification unit (light-emitting element 161) for notifying about the result of the fragrance judgment or the most recent fragrance judgment and the notification unit (light-emitting element 161) for notifying about the margin of the power supply 61 can be combined. Therefore, compared to separately providing a notification unit for notifying about the margin of the power supply 61, the increase in the number of notification units mounted on the aerosol extractor 1 can be suppressed, and notifications related to the margin of the power supply 61 can be provided. Furthermore, the user can appropriately confirm whether the margin of the power supply 61 is more than or equal to the first threshold and the result of the fragrance judgment or the most recent fragrance judgment by operating the operation unit 15 at the desired time. Therefore, the convenience of the aerosol extractor 1 can be improved.

[0213] (Notification during the second operation)

[0214] When the power supply margin of 61 is less than a first threshold but greater than a second threshold, the MCU63 issues a second operation notification when the operation unit 15 is operated. Similar to the second generation notification, the MCU63 issues the second operation notification by causing the light-emitting element 161 to emit a color different from the color set based on the fragrance judgment result or the most recent fragrance judgment result (e.g., a constant purple unrelated to the fragrance judgment result). It should be noted that the vibration element 162 does not vibrate, for example, during the second operation notification.

[0215] In this way, when the operation unit 15 is operated by the MCU63 when the power supply 61 margin is less than a first threshold but greater than a second threshold, the light-emitting element 161 emits a predetermined color different from the color used to indicate the result of the fragrance determination or the most recent fragrance determination. Therefore, both the notification unit (light-emitting element 161) for indicating the result of the fragrance determination or the most recent fragrance determination and the notification unit (light-emitting element 161) for indicating the power supply 61 margin can be combined. Therefore, compared to separately providing a notification unit for indicating the power supply 61 margin, the increase in the number of notification units mounted on the aerosol extractor 1 can be suppressed, and notifications related to the power supply 61 margin can be provided. Furthermore, the user can appropriately confirm whether the power supply 61 margin is less than the first threshold by operating the operation unit 15 at a desired time. Therefore, the convenience of the aerosol extractor 1 can be improved.

[0216] (Charging request notification)

[0217] like Figure 8 As shown in (d), the MCU63 sends a charging request notification when the power supply 61 has a margin less than the second threshold and is above a value equivalent to the discharge termination state of the power supply 61. That is, when the power supply 61 has a margin less than the second threshold and is above a value equivalent to the discharge termination state of the power supply 61, it is a state in which the first load 45 and the second load 34 can be discharged, but compared to the case above the second threshold, the power supply 61 margin is further reduced.

[0218] For example, the MCU 63 sends a charging request notification by causing the light-emitting element 161 to emit light in a predetermined color during a user's suction action when the power supply 61's margin is less than a second threshold and is above a value equivalent to the discharge termination state of the power supply 61. The color emitted by the light-emitting element 161 based on the charging request notification is different from, for example, the color set based on the result of a fragrance judgment or the most recent fragrance judgment (green or white in this embodiment), and also different from the color emitted during aerosol generation when the power supply 61's margin is above both a first and second threshold (purple in this embodiment). Furthermore, the color emitted by the light-emitting element 161 based on the charging request notification is, for example, a constant color, and is independent of the result of a fragrance judgment or the most recent fragrance judgment. In this embodiment, the MCU 63 causes the light-emitting element 161 to flash red during the charging request notification. It should be noted that, in this specification, flashing the light-emitting element 161 means intermittently repeating the lighting (emission) and extinguishing of the light-emitting element 161 for a certain period of time.

[0219] Furthermore, the timing of the charging request notification is not limited to the user's absorption action; for example, it can also occur when the operation unit 15 is operated. That is, the MCU 63 can also issue a charging request notification when the operation unit 15 is operated, provided that the power supply 61 has a margin less than the second threshold and is above a value equivalent to the discharge termination state of the power supply 61.

[0220] In this way, when the power supply 61's margin is less than the second threshold and is above a value equivalent to the discharge termination state, the MCU 63 causes the light-emitting element 161 to emit a different color than during other notifications. Therefore, the MCU 63 can notify the user that the power supply 61's margin has further decreased beyond the second threshold before the power supply 61 reaches the discharge termination state. Thus, it can urge the user to charge the power supply 61 before it reaches the discharge termination state, improving the convenience of the aerosol extractor 1. Furthermore, in this case, the MCU 63 causes the light-emitting element to emit a constant color regardless of the fragrance judgment result or the most recent fragrance judgment result, thereby providing the user with easily understandable notification that the power supply 61's margin has further decreased.

[0221] It should be noted that in this embodiment, the vibrating element 162 does not vibrate during the charging request notification, but this is not a limitation. That is, the vibrating element 162 may vibrate during the charging request notification. In this way, both the light-emitting element 161 and the vibrating element 162 can be used to notify the user that the remaining power of the power supply 61 has been further reduced.

[0222] (The first specific notification in aerosol extractor 1)

[0223] Next, refer to Figure 9 Specific examples of notifications in aerosol extractor 1 will be explained. It should be noted that, in Figure 9 In the figure corresponding only to period t0, the illustration shows the reference numerals for the various components of the aerosol extractor 1. That is, in Figure 9 In the diagrams corresponding to periods other than t0, the reference numerals for the components of the aerosol extractor 1 are omitted, but they are the same as those in the diagram corresponding to period t0. It should be noted that, assuming it is in... Figure 9 In each of the periods shown, the power supply 61 has a margin of more than the first threshold (i.e., the power supply 61 has a sufficient margin).

[0224] Figure 9 In the attached drawing, the arrow indicated by reference numeral 910 represents the first specific example of aerosol extractor 1. Additionally, Figure 9 In the attached drawing, the arrow indicated by reference numeral 920 represents a second example of a specific notification in aerosol extractor 1. Hereinafter, we will begin with a description of the first example of a specific notification in aerosol extractor 1.

[0225] Period t0 is the period when the power supply to aerosol absorber 1 is off. During period t0, MCU 63 does not send any notification to aerosol absorber 1. Therefore, during period t0, the light-emitting element 161 is off and the vibrating element 162 stops.

[0226] Period t1 is the period after period t0 when the power supply to aerosol extractor 1 is turned on. During period t1, MCU 63 performs a fragrance determination and, based on the result of this determination, issues a first pre-generation notification. Here, the fragrance determination result is set to MCU 63 determining that at least one of aerosol source 71 and fragrance source 52 contains menthol. Therefore, during period t1, MCU 63 issues a first pre-generation notification that illuminates light-emitting element 161 in green and vibrates vibrating element 162.

[0227] Period t2 is the period during which the aerosol extractor 1, with its power supply turned on during period t1, is generating aerosols. It should be noted that, as described above, the power supply 61 has a margin of more than a first threshold during period t2. During this period t2, the MCU 63 issues a first generation notification. Here, the MCU 63 issues a first generation notification that the light-emitting element 161 is illuminated in green, similar to the notification in period t1. It should be noted that, as described above, during the first generation notification, the vibration of the vibrating element 162 does not occur. Therefore, during period t2, the vibrating element 162 stops.

[0228] Period t3A is the period between the end of aerosol generation in period t2 and the beginning of the next aerosol generation. In the first example, it is assumed that during the period from period t2 to period t3A, the loading and unloading of the cartridge 40 and capsule 50 are not performed. In such a period t3A, the MCU63 does not re-perform the aroma judgment, but instead issues a second pre-generation notification based on the result of the most recent aroma judgment performed in period t1. Here, the MCU63 issues a second generation notification that illuminates the light-emitting element 161 in green, just as it did in period t1. It should be noted that, as described above, in the case of the second generation notification, the vibration element 162 does not vibrate. Therefore, in period t3A, the vibration element 162 stops.

[0229] Period t4A is the period after period t3A when aerosol generation begins. It should be noted that the power supply margin 61 in period t4A is above the first threshold as described above. During this period t4A, the MCU 63 issues a first generation notification. Here, the MCU 63 issues a first generation notification that the light-emitting element 161 is illuminated in green, similar to the situation in period t3A. It should be noted that, as described above, during the first generation notification, the vibration of the vibrating element 162 does not occur. Therefore, in period t4A, the vibrating element 162 stops.

[0230] (Second example of a specific notification in aerosol extractor 1)

[0231] Next, a second example of the specific notification in aerosol inhaler 1 will be described. This second example differs from the first example in that the loading and unloading of the cartridge 40 or capsule 50 occurs after period t2. It should be noted that in the following description of the second example, descriptions of parts identical to those in the first example will be appropriately omitted.

[0232] Period t3B is the period between the end of aerosol generation in period t2 and the beginning of the next aerosol generation. In the second example, it is assumed that the loading and unloading of the cartridge 40 and capsule 50 occurred during the period from period t2 to period t3B. In such period t3B, the MCU63 re-performs the aroma determination and issues a first pre-generation notification based on the result of this aroma determination. Here, the aroma determination result is assumed to be that the MCU63 determines that neither the aerosol source 71 nor the aroma source 52 contains menthol. Therefore, in period t3B, the MCU63 issues a first pre-generation notification by illuminating the light-emitting element 161 in white and vibrating the vibrating element 162.

[0233] Period t4B is the period after period t3B when aerosol generation begins. It should be noted that the power supply margin 61 in period t4B is above the first threshold as described above. In this period t4B, the MCU 63 issues a first generation notification. Here, the MCU 63 issues a first generation notification that the light-emitting element 161 is illuminated in white, similar to that in period t3B. It should be noted that, as described above, during the first generation notification, the vibration of the vibrating element 162 does not occur. Therefore, in period t4B, the vibrating element 162 stops.

[0234] (Various parameters used for aerosol generation)

[0235] Next, in order to generate an aerosol, the specific discharge control of the first load 45, etc., performed by the MCU63 will be explained. First, the various parameters for the discharge control of the first load 45, etc., performed by the MCU63 will be explained.

[0236] The weight [mg] of the aerosol generated by heating by the first load 45 and passing through the flavor source 52 (i.e., inside the capsule 50) during a single inhalation action by the user is recorded as the aerosol weight W. aerosol To generate an aerosol, the weight W aerosol The power required to supply the aerosol to the first load 45 is recorded as the atomization power P. liquid Additionally, the atomization power P liquid The supply time to the first load 45 is recorded as supply time t. senseIt should be noted that, from the perspective of suppressing overheating of the first load 45, during the supply time t... sense In the middle, a specified upper limit value t is set. upper (e.g., 2.4[s]), MCU63 in supply time t sense The upper limit t has been reached. upper In this case, regardless of the output value of the inhalation sensor 62, power supply to the first load 45 is stopped (see steps S19 and S20 described later).

[0237] Additionally, after installing capsule 50 into aerosol extractor 1, user-based n... puff times (where n) puff The weight [mg] of the aroma component contained in aroma source 52 during the absorption action (a natural number greater than 0) is recorded as the aroma component balance W. capsule (n) puff It should be noted that the weight [mg] of the fragrance component contained in the fragrance source 52 of the new capsule 50 (capsule 50 that has not been drawn even once after installation) is the remaining amount of fragrance component W. capsule (n) puff =0) is also recorded as W initial .

[0238] In addition, the weight [mg] of the fragrance component added to the aerosol passing through the fragrance source 52 (i.e., inside the capsule 50) for each inhalation action performed by the user is recorded as the amount of fragrance component W. flavor Furthermore, the parameters related to the temperature of the fragrance source 52 are recorded as the temperature parameter T. capsule Temperature parameter T capsule This parameter represents the aforementioned second temperature T2, for example, it represents the temperature of the second load 34.

[0239] The experiment shows that the amount of fragrance component W flavor Depends on the remaining amount of fragrance components W capsule Temperature parameter T capsule and aerosol weight W aerosol Therefore, the amount of aroma components W flavor It can be modeled using the following equation (1).

[0240] W flavor =β×(W) capsule ×T capsule )×γ×W aerosol •••(1)

[0241] In equation (1) above, β is a coefficient representing the proportion of fragrance components added to the aerosol generated during a single inhalation action by the user when it passes through fragrance source 52; this coefficient was determined experimentally. Additionally, γ in equation (1) above is a coefficient determined experimentally. During a single inhalation action, the temperature parameter T... capsule and the remaining amount of fragrance components W capsule They can be varied individually, but in order to treat them as constant values, we import γ here.

[0242] Fragrance component balance W capsule It decreases with each user-based absorption action. Therefore, the remaining amount of fragrance component W capsule It is inversely proportional to the number of suction actions (hereinafter also referred to as the number of suctions). Furthermore, in the aerosol absorber 1, a discharge is performed on the first load 45 each time a suction action is performed, therefore it can also be said that the residual amount of fragrance component W... capsule It is inversely proportional to the cumulative value of the number of times the first load 45 is discharged in order to generate aerosol and the period of discharge of the first load 45.

[0243] From the above equation (1), it can be seen that, assuming the weight W of the aerosol generated by a single suction action performed on the user is... aerosol To keep the amount of aroma components W approximately constant flavor Stabilization, accompanied by residual flavor components W capsule The reduction in absorption rate (i.e., the increase in the number of aspirations) requires increasing the temperature parameter T. capsule (i.e., the temperature of the fragrance source 52).

[0244] Therefore, when the cartridge 40 and capsule 50 installed in the aerosol inhaler 1 are of the conventional type (i.e., when neither the aerosol source 71 nor the flavor source 52 contains menthol), the MCU63 (power control unit) sets the discharge mode for controlling the discharge to the first load 45 and the second load 34 to the conventional mode. With the discharge mode set to the conventional mode, the MCU63, along with the remaining flavor component W... capsule The reduction in the number of absorptions (i.e., the increase in the number of absorptions) is used to increase the temperature of the fragrance source 52 and control the discharge to the second load 34 (refer to...). Figure 15 as well as Figure 16 ).

[0245] On the other hand, when the cartridge 40 or capsule 50 installed in the aerosol inhaler 1 is menthol-type (i.e., when menthol is contained in the aerosol source 71 or flavor source 52), the MCU63 (power control unit) sets the discharge mode to a menthol mode, which is different from the conventional mode. When the discharge mode is set to menthol mode, from the viewpoint of supplying the user with an appropriate amount of menthol, the MCU63, along with the remaining amount W of flavor components... capsule To reduce the temperature of the fragrance source 52 (i.e., to increase the number of absorptions), the discharge to the second load 34 is controlled (refer to...). Figure 15 as well as Figure 16 Thus, as will be described later, an appropriate amount of menthol can be supplied to the user.

[0246] However, if the remaining amount of fragrance components is W capsule As the temperature of the fragrance source 52 decreases, the amount of fragrance component W also decreases. flavor Reduced. Therefore, MCU63 can also be used with the remaining W of accompanying fragrance components. capsule When the temperature of the aroma source 52 also decreases, the power supplied to the first load 45 is increased by increasing the applied voltage to the first load 45, thereby increasing the aerosol weight W. aerosol (Reference Figure 15 Thus, the weight W of the aerosol generated by heating under the first load 45 can be increased. aerosol To compensate for the decrease in the amount of fragrance components W caused by lowering the temperature of the fragrance source 52 in order to supply the appropriate amount of menthol to the user. flavor The reduction in W thus inhibits the amount of flavor components W supplied to the user's mouth. flavor The reduction ensures a stable supply of menthol and flavoring ingredients to users.

[0247] (Aerosol extractor operation)

[0248] Next, refer to Figures 10-14 An example of the operation of aerosol extractor 1 will be described. The operation of aerosol extractor 1 described below is achieved, for example, by the processor of MCU 63 executing a program pre-stored in memory 63a, etc.

[0249] like Figure 10 As shown, the MCU63 remains in standby mode until the power to the aerosol extractor 1 is turned on through operation of the operation unit 15 (step S0: No loop). When the power to the aerosol extractor 1 is turned on (step S0: Yes), the MCU63 switches the operation mode of the aerosol extractor 1 to a start-up mode that can generate aerosols, and performs flavor recognition processing to identify the type of the tobacco cartridge 40 and capsule 50 (described later) (step S1).

[0250] Furthermore, as detailed later, in this flavor recognition process, there are cases where the MCU 63 newly acquires information indicating the type of the cartridge 40 and the capsule 50, and cases where previously acquired information indicating their types is read from the memory 63a. Moreover, when the MCU 63 newly acquires information indicating the type of the cartridge 40 and the capsule 50, it sets the aroma judgment execution flag to "on". This aroma judgment execution flag is referenced when determining whether a first pre-generation notification or a second pre-generation notification is performed before aerosol generation.

[0251] Alternatively, the MCU63 can also initiate the discharge of the second load 34 by transitioning to the startup mode, so as to bring the target temperature of the second load 34 (hereinafter also referred to as the target temperature T) to the target temperature T. cap_target The temperature converges to a predetermined temperature. Therefore, the second load 34 can be preheated by taking advantage of the transition to the start-up mode, allowing the temperature of the second load 34 and the flavor source 52 to be increased as early as possible. For example, from the viewpoint of ensuring the amount of menthol available to the user, in menthol mode, as described later, the initial target temperature T... cap_target The temperature is set to a high 80°C. While it takes a certain amount of time for the second load 34 to reach this high temperature, preheating the second load 34 in conjunction with the transition to the start-up mode promotes its earlier attainment of this high temperature. Therefore, when the aerosol source 71 contains menthol, early stabilization of the amount of menthol supplied to the user (i.e., the aroma from menthol) can be achieved, and an appropriate amount of menthol can be stably supplied to the user immediately after the transition to the start-up mode (e.g., the so-called start of inhalation).

[0252] Next, based on the processing result of the flavor recognition process, the MCU63 determines whether the tobacco cartridge 40 or capsule 50 is a menthol type (step S2). For example, if the processing result of the flavor recognition process is set to indicate that the tobacco cartridge 40 or capsule 50 is a menthol type, the MCU63 determines it to be positive in step S2 (step S2: Yes), and performs menthol mode processing in order to control the discharge from the power supply 61 to the first load 45 and the second load 34 through menthol mode.

[0253] In the menthol mode processing, MCU63 first notifies the user of the menthol mode content via notification unit 16 (step S3). Specifically, in step S4, as... Figure 4As shown, the MCU63 determines whether the aforementioned fragrance determination execution flag is turned on. If the fragrance determination execution flag is turned on, the MCU63 sends a first pre-generation notification, causing the light-emitting element 161 to light up green and the vibrating element 162 to vibrate, thereby notifying the user that it is the menthol mode. Conversely, if the fragrance determination execution flag is turned off, the MCU63 sends a second pre-generation notification, causing the light-emitting element 161 to light up green (without vibrating the vibrating element 162), thereby notifying the user that it is the menthol mode. It should be noted that when the first pre-generation notification is sent, the MCU63 sets the fragrance determination execution flag to off.

[0254] Next, the MCU63 calculates the remaining amount W of the fragrance components contained in fragrance source 52. capsule (n) puff -1), set the target temperature T cap_target and the atomization power supplied to the first load 45 (hereinafter also referred to as atomization power P) liquid (Step S4), proceed to step S5. Here, the remaining amount of fragrance component W capsule (n) puff -1) If no suction action has been performed after the new capsule 50 is installed, then it is W. initial If more than one extraction action is performed, the remaining amount of aroma components W is calculated based on the previous remaining amount update process (described later). capsule (n) puff It should be noted that the target temperature T in the menthol mode... cap_target Specific settings examples, using Figure 15 as well as Figure 16 This will be discussed later.

[0255] Next, the MCU63 obtains the current temperature of the second load 34 (hereinafter also referred to as temperature T) based on the output of the second temperature sensing element 68. cap_sense (Step S5). Temperature T, which is the temperature of the second load 34. cap_sense The temperature parameter T mentioned above capsule One example. It should be noted that, here, the temperature of the second load 34 is used as the temperature parameter T. capsule For example, the temperature of the second load 34 can be replaced by the temperature of the fragrance source 52 or the temperature of the containment chamber 53.

[0256] Next, the MCU63, based on the set target temperature T cap_target and the obtained temperature T cap_sense Control the discharge from power supply 61 to the second load 34 so that the temperature T cap_sense Converging at the target temperature T cap_target(Step S6). At this time, MCU63 performs, for example, PID (Proportional-Integral-Differential) control to keep the temperature T... cap_sense Converging at the target temperature T cap_target .

[0257] In addition, as a way to make temperature T cap_sense Converging at the target temperature T cap_target The control can also replace PID control by using ON / OFF control to turn the power supply to the second load 34 on / off, P (Proportional) control, or PI (Proportional-Integral) control, etc. Additionally, the target temperature T... cap_target It can also exhibit a lag phenomenon.

[0258] Next, MCU63 determines whether there is an aerosol generation request (step S7). If there is no aerosol generation request (step S7: No), MCU63 determines whether a predetermined period has elapsed in the state where there is no aerosol generation request (step S8). If the predetermined period has not elapsed in the state where there is no aerosol generation request (step S8: No), MCU63 returns to step S5.

[0259] If a predetermined period elapses without a request for aerosol generation (step S8: Yes), the MCU 63 stops discharging the second load 34 (step S9), transitions the operation mode of the aerosol extractor 1 to a sleep mode (step S10), and proceeds to step S29 described later. Here, the sleep mode is an operation mode in which the aerosol extractor 1 consumes less power than in the start mode and can transition back to the start mode. Therefore, by transitioning the aerosol extractor 1 to the sleep mode, the MCU 63 maintains a state that can be restored to the start mode as needed, and reduces the power consumption of the aerosol extractor 1.

[0260] On the other hand, if there is a request to generate aerosol (step S7: Yes), MCU63 temporarily stops the heating of the fragrance source 52 by the second load 34 (i.e., the discharge of the second load 34), and obtains the temperature T based on the output of the second temperature sensing element 68. cap_sense (Step S11). It should be noted that when the MCU63 performs step S11, it may not stop the heating of the fragrance source 52 by the second load 34 (i.e., the discharge of the second load 34).

[0261] Furthermore, the MCU63 determines the obtained temperature T cap_sense Is it higher than the set target temperature T? cap_target-δ (where δ≥0) high (step S12). This δ can be arbitrarily determined by the manufacturer of aerosol extractor 1. If temperature T cap_sense Target temperature T cap_target -δ high (step S12: yes), then MCU63 will change the current atomization power P liquid -Δ (where Δ > 0) is set as the new atomization power P. liquid (Step S13) Proceed to step S16.

[0262] Detailed usage Figure 15 As will be described later, in this embodiment, the target temperature T is controlled by the menthol mode. cap_target At that time, the MCU63 will transmit the target temperature T within the specified period. cap_target The temperature was changed from 80°C to 60°C. At this target temperature T... cap_target Immediately after the change, the temperature T, which is the temperature of the second load 34, is... cap_sense (For example, 80 [°C]) may exceed the revised target temperature T. cap_target (i.e., 60 [°C]). In this case, the MCU63 makes an affirmative determination in step S12 and proceeds to step S13, thereby reducing the atomization power P. liquid Therefore, even when the target temperature T is... cap_target After changing from 80°C to 60°C, the actual temperature of the fragrance source 52 and the second load 34 is higher than 60°C, which can also reduce the atomization power P. liquid This reduces the amount of aerosol source 71 generated by heating from the first load 45 and supplied to the flavor source 52. Therefore, it suppresses the excessive supply of menthol to the user's mouth, enabling a stable supply of an appropriate amount of menthol to the user.

[0263] On the other hand, if temperature T cap_sense Not compared to the target temperature T cap_target -δ high (step S12: no), then MCU63 determines the temperature T cap_sense Is it higher than the target temperature T? cap_target -δ low (step S14). If temperature T cap_sense Target temperature T cap_target -δ low (step S14: yes), then MCU63 will change the current atomization power P liquid +Δ is set to the new atomization power P liquid (Step S15), proceed to step S16.

[0264] On the other hand, if temperature T cap_sense Not compared to the target temperature T cap_target -δ low (step S14: no), then temperature T cap_sense=Target temperature T cap_target -δ, therefore the MCU63 maintains the current atomization power P liquid Proceed directly to step S16.

[0265] Next, the MCU63 executes the generation in progress notification process (step S16). Specifically, in step S16, the MCU63 obtains information related to the power supply 61's margin and, based on the obtained information, determines whether the power supply 61's margin is above a first threshold. Furthermore, when it is determined that the power supply 61's margin is above the first threshold, the MCU63 issues a first generation in progress notification. If the light-emitting element 161 was illuminated in green in the most recent first or second generation pre-notification, then the MCU63 will also illuminate the light-emitting element 161 in green in this first generation in progress notification. Conversely, if the light-emitting element 161 was illuminated in white in the most recent first or second generation pre-notification, then the MCU63 will also illuminate the light-emitting element 161 in white in this first generation in progress notification. However, the MCU63 does not vibrate the vibration element 162 in this first generation in progress notification.

[0266] Additionally, when it is determined that the power supply 61 has a reserve of less than the first threshold, the MCU 63 determines whether the power supply 61 has a reserve of more than the second threshold. Furthermore, when it is determined that the power supply 61 has a reserve of more than the second threshold, the MCU 63 sends a second generation notification. In this case, the MCU 63 simply illuminates the light-emitting element 161 in purple. Alternatively, when it is determined that the power supply 61 has a reserve of less than the second threshold, the MCU 63 may also send a charging request notification. In this case, the MCU 63 simply flashes the light-emitting element 161 in red.

[0267] Next, MCU63 controls DC / DC converter 66 to convert the atomization power P set in step S13 or step S15 into DC power. liquid The power is supplied to the first load 45 (step S17). Specifically, the MCU 63 controls the DC / DC converter 66 to apply a voltage to the first load 45, thereby increasing the atomization power P. liquid The power is supplied to the first load 45. Therefore, the atomization power P... liquid It is supplied to the first load 45 to heat the aerosol source 71 based on the first load 45, thereby producing vaporized and / or atomized aerosol source 71.

[0268] Next, MCU63 determines whether the aerosol generation request has ended (step S18). If the aerosol generation request has not ended (step S18: No), MCU63 determines that the atomization power P... liquid The elapsed time from the start of the supply, i.e., the supply time t. senseHas the upper limit value t been reached? upper (Step S19). If the supply time t sense The upper limit value t was not reached. upper (Step S19: No), then MCU63 returns to step S16. In this case, the atomization power P continues to be supplied to the first load 45. liquid That is, generating vaporized and / or atomized aerosol source 71.

[0269] On the other hand, if the aerosol generation request has ended (step S18: yes), and the supply time t... sense The upper limit t has been reached. upper In the case of (step S19: yes), MCU63 stops supplying atomization power P to the first load 45. liquid (i.e., discharge of the first load 45) (step S20), and perform a balance update process to calculate the remaining amount of fragrance components contained in the fragrance source 52.

[0270] In the margin update process, the MCU63 first obtains the supplied atomization power P. liquid Supply time t sense (Step S21). Next, MCU63 adds "1" to n, which is the count value of the pick-up counter. puff (Step S22).

[0271] Moreover, the MCU63 is based on the obtained supply time t sense The atomization power P supplied to the first load 45 according to the aerosol generation requirements. liquid The target temperature T set when an aerosol generation request is detected. cap_target Update the remaining amount W of fragrance components contained in fragrance source 52. capsule (n) puff (Step S23). MCU63 calculates the remaining amount W of the aroma component, for example, according to the following formula (2). capsule (n) puff The calculated residual amount W of the aroma components capsule (n) puff The remaining amount of fragrance components W is stored in memory 63a. capsule (n) puff Update of ).

[0272] [Number 1]

[0273]

[0274] β and γ in the above equation (2) are the same as β and γ in the above equation (1), and were determined experimentally. In addition, δ in the above equation (2) is the same as δ used in step S13, and was preset by the manufacturer of aerosol extractor 1. Moreover, α in the above equation (2) is a coefficient that was determined experimentally in the same way as β and γ.

[0275] Next, MCU63 determines the remaining amount W of the updated fragrance components. capsule (n) puff Whether the remaining amount of the updated flavor component W is less than the specified residual threshold that becomes a condition for issuing a capsule replacement notification (step S24). capsule (n) puff If the remaining amount is above the threshold (step S24: no), it is considered that the fragrance components contained in the fragrance source 52 (i.e., inside the capsule 50) are still sufficiently residual, so MCU63 directly proceeds to step S29.

[0276] On the other hand, if the remaining amount of the updated fragrance components W capsule (n) puff If the amount is less than the remaining threshold (step S24: Yes), it is considered that the flavor components contained in the flavor source 52 have basically disappeared. Therefore, the MCU63 determines whether the capsule 50 has been replaced a predetermined number of times after the cartridge 40 is replaced (step S25). For example, in this embodiment, the cartridge 40 is provided to the user in a manner that combines five capsules 50 in one cartridge 40. In this case, in step S25, the MCU63 determines whether the capsule 50 has been replaced five times after the cartridge 40 is replaced.

[0277] If the prescribed number of capsule replacements are not performed after the replacement of the cartridge 40 (step S25: No), the cartridge 40 is considered to still be usable, and therefore the MCU63 sends a capsule replacement notification (step S26). For example, the MCU63 sends a capsule replacement notification by activating the notification unit 16 in a manner that triggers the capsule replacement notification.

[0278] On the other hand, if the capsule 50 is replaced a predetermined number of times after the cartridge 40 is replaced (step S25: Yes), it is considered that the lifespan of the cartridge 40 has been reached, and therefore the MCU63 sends a cartridge replacement notification (step S27). For example, the MCU63 sends a cartridge replacement notification by activating the notification unit 16 in a manner that triggers the cartridge replacement notification.

[0279] Next, the MCU63 resets the pick-up counter to 1 and initializes the target temperature T. cap_target Setting (step S28). At the target temperature T cap_target During initialization, the MCU63, for example, sets the target temperature T... cap_targetThe temperature is set to absolute zero, i.e., -273°C. Therefore, regardless of the temperature of the second load 34 at this time, the discharge to the second load 34 can be stopped, thus stopping the heating of the fragrance source 52 by the second load 34.

[0280] Next, the MCU63 determines whether the power supply to the aerosol extractor 1 has been disconnected through operations such as the operation unit 15 (step S29). Furthermore, when the power supply to the aerosol extractor 1 is disconnected (step S29: Yes), the MCU63 terminates the series of processes. On the other hand, if the power supply to the aerosol extractor 1 is not disconnected (step S29: No), the MCU63 returns to step S1.

[0281] In addition, if the flavor recognition process in step S1 is set to the standard type for both the tobacco cartridge 40 and the capsule 50, the MCU 63 determines the result as negative in step S3 (step S3: no). In order to control the discharge of the first load 45 and the second load 34 from the power supply 61 in the standard mode, the standard mode process is executed.

[0282] In normal mode processing, MCU63 first notifies the user via notification unit 16 that it is normal mode content (step S30). Specifically, in step S4, as shown in FIG30, MCU63 determines whether the aforementioned fragrance judgment execution flag is turned on. If the fragrance judgment execution flag is turned on, MCU63 performs a first pre-generation notification by lighting up the light-emitting element 161 in white and vibrating the vibration element 162, thereby notifying the user that it is normal mode content. On the other hand, if the fragrance judgment execution flag is turned off, MCU63 performs a second pre-generation notification by lighting up the light-emitting element 161 in white (without vibrating the vibration element 162), thereby notifying the user that it is normal mode content. It should be noted that, as described above, MCU63 sets the fragrance judgment execution flag to off when the first pre-generation notification is performed.

[0283] Next, the MCU63 calculates the remaining amount W of the fragrance components contained in fragrance source 52. capsule (n) puff -1), determines the amount of fragrance component W to achieve the target. flavor Required aerosol weight W aerosol (Step S31). In step S31, the MCU63 calculates the aerosol weight W, for example, according to the following formula (3) obtained by transforming the above formula (1). aerosol And decide on the calculated aerosol weight W aerosol .

[0284] [Number 2]

[0285]

[0286] The β and γ in equation (3) above are the same as those in equation (1) above, and were determined experimentally. Furthermore, in equation (3) above, the amount of the target aroma component W... flavor It is preset by the manufacturer of aerosol extractor 1. Moreover, the residual amount W of the fragrance component in the above formula (3) is... capsule (n) puff -1) If no suction action has been performed after the new capsule 50 is installed, then it is W. initial If more than one extraction action is performed, the remaining amount of aroma components W is calculated based on the previous remaining amount update process. capsule (n) puff ).

[0287] Next, the MCU63 uses the aerosol weight W determined in step S31 as a basis. aerosol Set the atomization power P supplied to the first load 45. liquid (Step S32). In step S32, the MCU63 calculates the atomization power P, for example, according to the following formula (4). liquid And set the calculated atomization power P liquid .

[0288] [Number 3]

[0289]

[0290] The α in equation (4) above is the same as the α in equation (2) above, and was determined experimentally. Additionally, the aerosol weight W in equation (4) above... aerosol The aerosol weight W determined in step S31 aerosol Furthermore, t in equation (4) above is the atomization power P supplied. liquid Expected supply time t sense For example, it can be set as the upper limit value t. upper .

[0291] Next, MCU63 determines the atomization power P determined in step S32. liquid Is it below the specified upper limit power that allows discharge from power supply 61 to first load 45 at that moment (step S33)? If the atomization power P liquid If the power is below the upper limit (step S33: Yes), then MCU63 returns to step S6 as described above. On the other hand, if the atomization power P liquid If the power exceeds the upper limit (step S33: No), then MCU63 will set the target temperature T. cap_target Increase the specified amount (step S34), then return to step S30.

[0292] That is, as can be seen from the above equation (1), by increasing the target temperature T cap_target (i.e., T)capsule This can correspondingly reduce the amount of aroma components W required to achieve the desired effect. flavor Required aerosol weight W aerosol Therefore, the atomization power P determined in step S32 above can be reduced. liquid By repeating steps S31 to S34, MCU63 can determine that the initial determination in step S33, which was initially negative, is positive, and can then proceed to the next step. Figure 10 Step S5 is shown.

[0293] (Flavor recognition processing)

[0294] Next, the flavor recognition process shown in step S1 will be explained. For example... Figure 14 As shown, in the flavor recognition process, the MCU63 first determines whether it is immediately after the power of the aerosol extractor 1 has been turned on (step S41). For example, if the flavor recognition process is only performed for the first time after the power of the aerosol extractor 1 has been turned on, the MCU63 determines it as positive in step S41.

[0295] Next, the MCU63 attempts to obtain information indicating the type of the cartridge 40 and capsule 50 (step S42). For example, the MCU63 can obtain information indicating the type of the cartridge 40 and capsule 50 based on operations performed on the operation unit 15. Alternatively, a storage medium (e.g., an IC chip) storing information indicating their type can be pre-installed in the cartridge 40 and capsule 50, and the MCU63 can obtain information indicating the type of the cartridge 40 and capsule 50 by reading the information stored in the storage medium. Furthermore, the resistance values ​​of the cartridge 40 and capsule 50 can be pre-set to be different according to their type, and the MCU63 can obtain information indicating the type of the cartridge 40 and capsule 50 based on their resistance values. Alternatively, instead of resistance values, other detectable physical quantities such as the transmittance or reflectance of light in the capsule 50 or cartridge 40 can be used to obtain information indicating the type of the cartridge 40 and capsule 50.

[0296] Next, MCU63 determines whether information indicating the type of tobacco cartridge 40 and capsule 50 has been obtained through step S42 (step S43). If information indicating the type of tobacco cartridge 40 and capsule 50 has been obtained (step S43: Yes), MCU63 saves the obtained information indicating the type of tobacco cartridge 40 and capsule 50 to memory 63a (step S44). In this case, MCU63 sets the type of tobacco cartridge 40 and capsule 50 indicated by the information saved in memory 63a through step S44 as the processing result of this flavor recognition process. Then, MCU63 sets the flavor recognition execution flag to on (step S45) and ends the flavor recognition process.

[0297] On the other hand, if the type of the tobacco cartridge 40 and capsule 50 is not obtained (step S43: No), the MCU 63 performs the prescribed error handling (step S46) and ends the flavor recognition process. For example, if the tobacco cartridge 40 is not adequately installed (connected) to the power unit 10, or if the capsule 50 is not adequately housed in the capsule holder 30, the type of the tobacco cartridge 40 and capsule 50 may not be obtained. In addition, if the operation unit 15 is not operated, or the MCU 63 cannot read the information stored in the storage medium of the tobacco cartridge 40 or capsule 50, or if the resistance value, light transmittance, or reflectance of the tobacco cartridge 40 or capsule 50 shows abnormal values, the MCU 63 may also be unable to obtain the type of the tobacco cartridge 40 and capsule 50.

[0298] Additionally, if it is determined that the power supply to the aerosol inhaler 1 was not just turned on (step S41: No), the MCU 63 determines whether the cartridge 40 or capsule 50 has been loaded or unloaded (step S47). If the cartridge 40 or capsule 50 has been loaded or unloaded (step S47: Yes), since there is a possibility that their type has been changed, the MCU 63 proceeds to step S42 above to attempt to obtain information indicating the type of the cartridge 40 and capsule 50.

[0299] On the other hand, if the cartridge 40 and capsule 50 are not loaded or unloaded (step S47: No), since their types have not changed, the MCU 63 reads the information indicating the types of the cartridge 40 and capsule 50 stored in the memory 63a (step S48). Then, the MCU 63 sets the types of the cartridge 40 and capsule 50 indicated by the information read from the memory 63a in step S48 as the processing result of this flavor recognition process, and ends the flavor recognition process.

[0300] It should be noted that the MCU63 can detect the loading and unloading of the cartridge 40 and capsule 50 in any way.

[0301] For example, the MCU63 can also detect the insertion or removal of the cartridge 40 based on the resistance value between a pair of discharge terminals 12 obtained using voltage sensor 671 and current sensor 672, and the resistance value between a pair of discharge terminals 17 obtained using voltage sensor 681 and current sensor 682. It is obvious that the resistance value between the discharge terminals 12 is different when the first load 45 is connected between them, making the pair of discharge terminals 12 conductive, and when the first load 45 is not connected between them, making the pair of discharge terminals 12 insulated from air. Therefore, the MCU63 can detect the insertion or removal of the cartridge 40 based on the resistance value between the discharge terminals 12.

[0302] Similarly, it is obvious that the resistance values ​​between the discharge terminals 17 are different when the second load 34 is connected between them, making the discharge terminals 17 conductive, and when the second load 34 is not connected between them, making the discharge terminals 17 insulated from air. Therefore, the MCU63 can detect the loading and unloading of the cartridge 40 based on the resistance values ​​between the discharge terminals 17.

[0303] Additionally, the MCU63 can also detect the loading and unloading of the capsule 50 based on fluctuations in the resistance values ​​between a pair of discharge terminals 12 obtained using voltage sensor 671 and current sensor 672, and fluctuations in the resistance values ​​between a pair of discharge terminals 17 obtained using voltage sensor 681 and current sensor 682. For example, during the installation and removal of the capsule 50, stress is applied to the discharge terminals 12 or 17 due to the installation or removal. This stress causes fluctuations in the resistance values ​​between the pair of discharge terminals 12 and between the pair of discharge terminals 17. Therefore, the MCU63 can detect the loading and unloading of the capsule 50 based on the fluctuations in the resistance values ​​between the discharge terminals 12 and between the discharge terminals 17.

[0304] Additionally, the MCU63 can also detect the installation or removal of the cartridge 40 or capsule 50 based on information stored in the storage medium disposed in the cartridge 40 or capsule 50. For example, the MCU63 detects the removal of the cartridge 40 or capsule 50 when the information stored in these storage media changes from a state that can be retrieved (read out) to a state that cannot be retrieved. Conversely, the MCU63 detects the installation of the cartridge 40 or capsule 50 when the information stored in these storage media changes from a state that cannot be retrieved to a state that can be retrieved.

[0305] Alternatively, identification information (ID) for each cartridge 40 or capsule 50 can be pre-stored in a storage medium located in the cartridge 40 or capsule 50. The MCU 63 detects the loading or unloading of the cartridge 40 or capsule 50 based on this identification information. In this case, the MCU 63 detects the loading or unloading (in this case, replacement) of the cartridge 40 or capsule 50 when the identification information of the cartridge 40 or capsule 50 changes.

[0306] Additionally, the MCU63 can also detect the installation or removal of the cartridge 40 or capsule 50 based on the light transmittance or reflectance of the cartridge 40 or capsule 50. For example, the MCU63 detects the removal of the cartridge 40 or capsule 50 when the light transmittance or reflectance of the cartridge 40 or capsule 50 changes from a value indicating installation to a value indicating removal. Conversely, the MCU63 detects the installation of the cartridge 40 or capsule 50 when the light transmittance or reflectance of the cartridge 40 or capsule 50 changes from a value indicating removal to a value indicating installation.

[0307] Furthermore, omitting the illustrations in the flowchart, the MCU 63 can also perform notifications such as a first operation notification, a second operation notification, and a charging request notification, corresponding to the operation of the operation unit 15. In this case, for example, when the power supply 61 is not in a discharged state, the MCU 63 monitors the operation of the operation unit 15. Moreover, when an operation of the operation unit 15 is detected, the MCU 63 obtains information related to the remaining power of the power supply 61. Then, based on the obtained information related to the remaining power of the power supply 61, the MCU 63 determines whether the remaining power of the power supply 61 is above a first threshold. Thus, when it is determined that the remaining power of the power supply 61 is above the first threshold, the MCU 63 performs a first operation notification as described above.

[0308] Furthermore, when it is determined that the remaining power of power supply 61 is less than the first threshold, MCU 63 determines whether the remaining power of power supply 61 is greater than or equal to the second threshold. Moreover, when it is determined that the remaining power of power supply 61 is greater than or equal to the second threshold, MCU 63 performs the second operation as described above and issues a notification. Additionally, when it is determined that the remaining power of power supply 61 is less than the second threshold, MCU 63 issues a charging request notification.

[0309] (Specific control examples when the cartridge 40 and capsule 50 are menthol-type)

[0310] Next, refer to Figure 15 Here, a specific control example of the MCU63 will be described when both the cartridge 40 and the capsule 50 are menthol-type (i.e., both the aerosol source 71 and the flavor source 52 contain menthol). It should be noted that, here, it is assumed that from the time a new capsule 50 is installed in the aerosol inhaler 1 until the remaining amount of flavor component in the capsule 50 is less than the aforementioned remaining amount threshold (i.e., until the remaining amount of flavor component in the capsule 50 has essentially disappeared), a predetermined number of inhalation actions will be performed. Furthermore, it is assumed that during this predetermined number of inhalation actions, a sufficient amount of aerosol source 71 is stored in the cartridge 40.

[0311] exist Figure 15 In each of (a), (b), and (c), the horizontal axis represents the remaining amount [mg] of the flavor component in the flavor source 52 within capsule 50 (i.e., the remaining amount W of the flavor component).capsule ). Figure 15 In (a), the vertical axis represents the target temperature (i.e., target temperature T) of the heater of the heating capsule 50 (i.e., the fragrance source 52), i.e., the second load 34. cap_target ) [℃]. Figure 15 (b) The vertical axis represents the applied voltage [V] to the heater, i.e. the first load 45, that heats the aerosol source 71 stored in the smoke cartridge 40.

[0312] in addition, Figure 15 (c) The left vertical axis represents the amount of menthol [mg / puff] supplied to the user's mouth in one suction action. Figure 15 (c) The right vertical axis represents the amount of flavor component supplied to the user's mouth in one suction action [mg / puff]. It should be noted that, hereinafter, the amount of menthol supplied to the user's mouth in one suction action will also be referred to as the unit supply of menthol. Additionally, hereinafter, the amount of flavor component supplied to the user's mouth in one suction action will also be referred to as the unit supply of flavor component.

[0313] exist Figure 15 In this context, the first period, Tm1, is a specific time period immediately following the replacement of capsule 50. Specifically, the first period, Tm1, begins when the remaining flavor component in capsule 50 is W. initial When the time comes, it will become the W preset by the manufacturer of aerosol extractor 1. th1 The period up to that point. Here, W th1 Let W be the ratio initial Smaller than, and more than, the aforementioned margin threshold W, which is a condition for issuing a capsule replacement notification. th2 Large values. For example, W th1 It can be set to determine the remaining aroma component after approximately ten inhalation actions following the insertion of the new capsule 50. Additionally, in Figure 15 In the context of the second period Tm2, ​​which follows the first period Tm1, specifically, it refers to the period after which the remaining flavor components in capsule 50 become W. th1 To become W th2 During that period.

[0314] When both the cartridge 40 and the capsule 50 are menthol-type, as described above, the MCU63 controls the discharge to the first load 45 and the second load 34 via a menthol mode. Specifically, in this menthol mode, such as... Figure 15 As shown by the thick solid line in (a), the MCU63 sets the target temperature of the second load 34 in the first period Tm1 to 80 [°C].

[0315] In this case, the target temperature (80°C) of the second load 34 in the first period Tm1 is, for example, a temperature higher than the melting point of menthol (e.g., 42-45°C) and lower than the boiling point of menthol (e.g., 212-216°C). Alternatively, the target temperature of the second load 34 in the first period Tm1 in this case can also be a temperature below 90°C. Thus, in this embodiment, the temperature of the second load 34 (i.e., the fragrance source 52) is controlled to converge to 80°C in the first period Tm1. Therefore, in the first period Tm1, the menthol adsorbed on the fragrance source 52 is heated to an appropriate temperature by the second load 34, thereby suppressing the rapid detachment of menthol from the fragrance source 52 and stably supplying an appropriate amount of menthol to the user.

[0316] Furthermore, in the menthol mode where both the cartridge 40 and the capsule 50 are menthol-type, when the second period Tm2 occurs, the MCU 63 sets the target temperature of the second load 34 to 60°C, which is lower than the target temperature in the previous first period Tm1. In this case, the target temperature (60°C) of the second load 34 in the second period Tm2 is, for example, a temperature higher than the melting point of menthol and lower than its boiling point. Alternatively, the target temperature of the second load 34 in the second period Tm2 in this case can also be a temperature below 90°C. Therefore, in this embodiment, the temperature of the second load 34 (i.e., the flavor source 52) is controlled to converge to 60°C in the second period Tm2. Thus, similarly in the second period Tm2, ​​the menthol adsorbed on the flavor source 52 is heated to an appropriate temperature by the second load 34, thereby suppressing the rapid detachment of menthol from the flavor source 52 and stably supplying an appropriate amount of menthol to the user.

[0317] Thus, in the menthol mode where both the cartridge 40 and capsule 50 are menthol-type, the target temperature of the second load 34 is reduced in two stages from 80°C to 60°C. Specifically, in the menthol mode where both the cartridge 40 and capsule 50 are menthol-type, during the first period Tm1, the second load 34, with a target temperature of 80°C, is discharged, controlling the temperature of the second load 34 (i.e., flavor source 52) to converge to a higher level around 80°C. Furthermore, during the subsequent second period Tm2, ​​the second load 34, with a target temperature of 60°C, is discharged, controlling the temperature of the second load 34 (i.e., flavor source 52) to converge to a lower level around 60°C.

[0318] Additionally, in the menthol mode where both cartridge 40 and capsule 50 are menthol-type, such as Figure 15As shown by the thick solid line in (b), the MCU63 sets the applied voltage to the first load 45 during the first period Tm1 to V1[V]. This V1[V] is a voltage preset by the manufacturer of the aerosol extractor 1. Thus, during the first period Tm1 in this case, power corresponding to the applied voltage V1[V] is supplied from the power source 61 to the first load 45, and the first load 45 generates an amount of vaporized and / or atomized aerosol source 71 corresponding to this power.

[0319] Furthermore, in the menthol mode where both the cartridge 40 and the capsule 50 are menthol-type, when the second period Tm2 occurs, the MCU63 sets the applied voltage to the first load 45 to V2 [V]. Figure 15 As shown in (b), V2[V] is a higher voltage than V1[V]. V2[V] is preset by the manufacturer of aerosol extractor 1. It should be noted that the MCU 63 can apply voltages such as V1[V] and V2[V] to the first load 45, for example, by controlling the DC / DC converter 66.

[0320] Thus, in the menthol mode where both the cartridge 40 and capsule 50 are menthol-type, the applied voltage to the first load 45 is increased in two stages from V1[V] to V2[V]. That is, in the menthol mode where both the cartridge 40 and capsule 50 are menthol-type, during the first period Tm1, the applied voltage is set to a lower V1[V] to discharge the first load 45. Moreover, during the subsequent second period Tm2, ​​the applied voltage is set to a higher V2[V] to discharge the first load 45, supplying the first load 45 with more power than during the first period Tm1. As a result, the amount of vaporized and / or atomized aerosol source 71 generated by the first load 45 also increases compared to the first period Tm1.

[0321] An example of the unit supply of menthol when both the cartridge 40 and the capsule 50 are menthol-type, and the MCU 63 controls the target temperature of the second load 34 and the applied voltage to the first load 45 using the aforementioned menthol mode, such as... Figure 15 (c) shows the unit supply of menthol 131a.

[0322] Furthermore, in an example where both the cartridge 40 and the capsule 50 are menthol-type, and the MCU 63 controls the target temperature of the second load 34 and the applied voltage to the first load 45 using the aforementioned menthol mode, the unit supply of flavoring components is as follows: Figure 15 (c) shows the unit supply of aroma component amount 131b.

[0323] To compare with the unit supply of menthol 131a and the unit supply of flavoring ingredients 131b, an example is given assuming that although both the cartridge 40 and the capsule 50 are menthol-type, the MCU63 also controls the discharge of the first load 45 and the second load 34 (i.e., the target temperature of the second load 34 and the applied voltage to the first load 45) in a normal mode.

[0324] In the normal mode, such as Figure 15 As shown by the thick dashed line in (a), the MCU63 increases the target temperature of the second load 34 in the first period Tm1 and the second period Tm2 in stages, such as 30 [°C], 60 [°C], 70 [°C], and 85 [°C]. It should be noted that the timing of changing the target temperature of the second load 34 in the normal mode is preset by the manufacturer of the aerosol extractor 1. Alternatively, as another example, the target temperature can be determined based on the residual amount [mg] of the fragrance component contained in the fragrance source 52 within the capsule 50 (i.e., the residual amount W of the fragrance component). capsule This determines when to change the target temperature of the second load 34 in the normal mode.

[0325] For example, here, the maximum target temperature of the second load 34 in the first period Tm1 of the normal mode (70°C in this case) is lower than the target temperature of the second load 34 in the first period Tm1 of the menthol mode (80°C in this case). Furthermore, the minimum target temperature of the second load 34 in the second period Tm2 of the normal mode (70°C in this case) is higher than the target temperature of the second load 34 in the second period Tm2 of the menthol mode (60°C in this case).

[0326] Additionally, in the regular mode, such as Figure 15 As shown by the thick solid line in (b), the MCU 63 maintains the applied voltage V3[V] to the first load 45 during the first period Tm1 and the second period Tm2. This V3[V] is a voltage higher than V1[V] and lower than V2[V], and is preset by the manufacturer of the aerosol extractor 1. It should be noted that the MCU 63 can apply such a voltage V3[V] to the first load 45, for example, by controlling the DC / DC converter 66.

[0327] An example of the unit supply of menthol when both the cartridge 40 and the capsule 50 are menthol-type, and the MCU 63 controls the target temperature of the second load 34 and the applied voltage to the first load 45 in the aforementioned conventional mode, such as... Figure 15 (c) shows the unit supply of menthol 132a.

[0328] Furthermore, in an example where both the tobacco cartridge 40 and the capsule 50 are menthol-type, and the MCU 63 controls the target temperature of the second load 34 and the applied voltage to the first load 45 in the aforementioned conventional mode, the unit supply of flavor components is as follows: Figure 15 (c) shows the unit supply of aroma component amount 132b.

[0329] That is, assuming that even if both the cartridge 40 and the capsule 50 are menthol-type, the discharge to the first load 45 and the second load 34 (i.e., the target temperature of the second load 34 and the applied voltage to the first load 45) is controlled by the conventional mode. In this case, compared with the case where they are controlled by the menthol mode, the temperature of the flavor source 52 in the first period Tm1 is lower because the target temperature of the second load 34 in the first period Tm1 is lower.

[0330] Therefore, when the discharge to the first load 45 is controlled in the conventional mode when both the cartridge 40 and the capsule 50 are menthol-type, the time until the flavor source 52 (specifically, tobacco particles 521) and menthol in the capsule 50 reach adsorption equilibrium is longer compared to the case controlled in the menthol mode. During this period, most of the menthol from the aerosol source 71 is adsorbed onto the flavor source 52, and the amount of menthol that can pass through the flavor source 52 is reduced.

[0331] Based on the above, when the discharge to the first load 45, etc., is controlled in the conventional mode when both the cartridge 40 and the capsule 50 are menthol-type, compared to the case controlled in the menthol mode as described above, as shown by unit supply menthol amounts 131a and 132a, the unit supply menthol amount that can be supplied to the user during the first period Tm1 is reduced. Therefore, if this is the case, it is possible that a sufficient amount of menthol may not be supplied to the user during the first period Tm1.

[0332] In contrast, in the menthol mode where both the cartridge 40 and the capsule 50 are menthol-type, the MCU63 sets the second load 34 (i.e., the flavor source 52) to a relatively high temperature of around 80°C during the first period Tm1, before the flavor source 52 (specifically, the tobacco particle 521) and menthol reach adsorption equilibrium. This allows the MCU63 to promote the early attainment of adsorption equilibrium between the flavor source 52 (specifically, the tobacco particle 521) and menthol within the capsule 50 during the first period Tm1, inhibiting the adsorption of menthol from the aerosol source 71 onto the flavor source 52. This ensures that the amount of menthol from the aerosol source 71 that is not adsorbed onto the flavor source 52 is supplied to the user's mouth. Furthermore, by setting the second load 34 (i.e., the flavor source 52) to a high temperature during the first period Tm1, the MCU63 can also increase the amount of menthol from the flavor source 52, which detaches from the flavor source 52 (specifically, the tobacco particle 521) and is supplied to the user's mouth. Therefore, as shown in unit menthol supply amount 131a, a sufficient amount of menthol can be supplied to the user starting from the period when the fragrance components contained in the fragrance source 52 are sufficient (when it is a new product).

[0333] It should be noted that, in Figure 15 In (c), the unit supply of menthol 133a represents an example of the unit supply of menthol when both the cartridge 40 and the capsule 50 are menthol-type and heating of the flavor source 52 based on the second load 34 is not performed. In this case, the temperature of the second load 34 (i.e., flavor source 52) in the first period Tm1 is room temperature (refer to...). Figure 15 (c) RT). Therefore, in such cases, as shown in unit supply of menthol 133a, compared with the case of discharging the first load 45 etc. by controlling the menthol mode, the temperature of the aroma source 52 in the first period Tm1 is low, so a sufficient amount of menthol cannot be supplied to the user in the first period Tm1.

[0334] However, in order to supply a sufficient amount of menthol to the user during the first period Tm1, in the menthol mode where both the cartridge 40 and the capsule 50 are menthol-type, the target temperature of the second load 34 in the first period Tm1 is set relatively high. However, if the flavor source 52, which has become hot after the first period Tm1, is further heated at a high temperature during the second period Tm2, ​​a large amount of menthol will be supplied to the user, which may lead to a reduction in flavor.

[0335] Therefore, as described above, in the menthol mode where both the cartridge 40 and the capsule 50 are menthol-type, by making the target temperature of the second load 34 in the second period Tm2 lower than the target temperature of the second load 34 in the first period Tm1, the aroma source 52, which becomes hot after the first period Tm1, is prevented from continuing to be heated at a higher temperature in the second period Tm2. Thus, as indicated by the unit menthol supply amount 131a, in the second period Tm2, ​​which is conceived as the period after the aroma source 52 (specifically, tobacco particles 521) and menthol have reached adsorption equilibrium, by lowering the temperature of the aroma source 52, the amount of menthol that can be adsorbed onto the aroma source 52 (specifically, tobacco particles 521) can be increased, thereby suppressing the increase in the unit menthol supply amount. Therefore, in the second period Tm2, ​​an appropriate amount of menthol can be supplied to the user.

[0336] Furthermore, in order to suppress the excessive supply of menthol to the user during the second period Tm2, ​​in the menthol mode where both the cartridge 40 and the capsule 50 are menthol-type, the target temperature of the second load 34 in the second period Tm1 is set lower. However, while setting the target temperature of the second load 34 lower can suppress the increase in the amount of menthol supplied per unit during the second period Tm2, ​​it also reduces the amount of flavor components supplied per unit during the second period Tm2, ​​which is considered insufficient to provide the user with a satisfactory inhalation experience.

[0337] Therefore, in the case where both the cartridge 40 and the capsule 50 are menthol-type, i.e., in the menthol mode where the flavor source 52 also contains menthol in addition to the aerosol source 71, the MCU 63 sets the applied voltage to the first load 45 in the first period Tm1 to V1 [V], and sets the applied voltage to the first load 45 in the subsequent second period Tm2 to V2 [V], which is higher than V1 [V]. Thus, the applied voltage to the first load 45 can be changed to a higher V2 [V] to match the target temperature of the second load 34 being changed to a lower 60 [°C] for the second period Tm2. Therefore, in the second period Tm2, ​​the amount of aerosol source 71 generated by heating from the first load 45 and supplied to the flavor source 52 can be increased, as shown by the unit supply flavor component amount 131b, and the reduction in the unit supply flavor component amount in the second period Tm2 can be suppressed.

[0338] (Specific control examples when only cartridge 40 is menthol type)

[0339] Next, refer to Figure 16A specific control example of the MCU63 in the case where only the cartridge 40 is menthol-type (i.e., only the aerosol source 71 contains menthol) will be described. In the menthol mode where only the cartridge 40 is menthol-type, only the applied voltage to the first load 45 during the first period Tm1 and the second period Tm2 differs from the menthol mode where both the cartridge 40 and the capsule 50 are menthol-type. Therefore, below, in comparison with... Figure 15 The explanation focuses on the different parts, and is related to... Figure 15 Explanations that are identical to those in the description should be omitted appropriately.

[0340] In the menthol mode where only the 40th cartridge is menthol type, such as Figure 16 As shown by the thick solid line in (b), the MCU63 sets the applied voltage to the first load 45 during the first period Tm1 to V4 [V]. Figure 16 As shown in (b), V4[V] is a higher voltage than V3[V], and is a voltage preset by the manufacturer of the aerosol extractor 1. Thus, in the first period Tm1 under this condition, power corresponding to the applied voltage V3[V] is supplied from the power source 61 to the first load 45, and the first load 45 generates an amount of vaporized and / or atomized aerosol source 71 corresponding to that power.

[0341] Furthermore, in the menthol mode where only the tobacco cartridge 40 is menthol-type, when the second period Tm2 occurs, the MCU63 sets the applied voltage to the first load 45 to V5 [V]. Figure 16 As shown in (b), V5[V] is a voltage higher than V3[V] and lower than V4[V]. V5[V] is preset by the manufacturer of the aerosol extractor 1. It should be noted that the MCU 63 can apply voltages such as V4[V] and V5[V] to the first load 45, for example, by controlling the DC / DC converter 66.

[0342] Thus, in the menthol mode where only the cartridge 40 is menthol-type, the applied voltage to the first load 45 is reduced in two stages from V4 [V] to V5 [V]. That is, in the menthol mode where only the cartridge 40 is menthol-type, during the first period Tm1, the applied voltage is set to a higher V4 [V] to discharge the first load 45. Moreover, during the subsequent second period Tm2, ​​the applied voltage is set to a lower V5 [V] to discharge the first load 45, supplying less power to the first load 45 than during the first period Tm1. As a result, the amount of aerosol source 71 (vaporized and / or atomized aerosol source 71) generated by the heating of the first load 45 and supplied to the flavor source 52 is also reduced compared to the first period Tm1.

[0343] An example of the unit supply of menthol when only the cartridge 40 is menthol-type, and the MCU 63 controls the target temperature of the second load 34 and the applied voltage to the first load 45 through the aforementioned menthol mode, such as... Figure 16 (c) shows the unit supply of menthol 141a.

[0344] An example of the unit supply of flavoring components when only the tobacco cartridge 40 is menthol-type, and the MCU 63 controls the target temperature of the second load 34 and the applied voltage to the first load 45 through the aforementioned menthol mode, such as... Figure 16 (c) shows the unit supply of aroma component amount 141b.

[0345] Additionally, in an example where only the tobacco cartridge 40 is menthol-type, and the MCU 63 controls the target temperature of the second load 34 and the applied voltage to the first load 45 in the aforementioned conventional mode, the unit menthol supply amount is as follows: Figure 16 (c) shows the unit supply of menthol 142a.

[0346] In one example, given that only the tobacco cartridge 40 is menthol-type, and the MCU 63 controls the target temperature of the second load 34 and the applied voltage to the first load 45 in the aforementioned conventional mode, the unit supply of flavor components is as follows: Figure 16 (c) shows the unit supply of aroma component amount 142b.

[0347] Additionally, in an example where only the tobacco cartridge 40 is menthol-type and heating of the flavor source 52 based on the second load 34 is not performed, such as... Figure 16 (c) shows the unit supply of menthol 143a.

[0348] An example of the unit supply of flavor components when only the tobacco cartridge 40 is menthol-type and heating of the flavor source 52 based on the second load 34 is not performed, such as Figure 16 (c) shows the unit supply of aroma component amount 143b.

[0349] That is, in the case where only the tobacco cartridge 40 is of the menthol type, i.e., in the menthol mode where the flavor source 52 does not contain menthol, the MCU63 sets the applied voltage to the first load 45 in the first period Tm1 to V4 [V], and sets the applied voltage to the first load 45 in the subsequent second period Tm2 to V5 [V], which is lower than V4 [V]. Thus, in the first period Tm1, which is envisioned as the period before the flavor source 52 (specifically tobacco particles 521) and menthol reach adsorption equilibrium in the capsule 50, a higher V4 [V] can be applied to the first load 45 (i.e., a larger power is provided to the first load 45), thereby increasing the amount of aerosol source 71 generated by the heating of the first load 45 and supplied to the flavor source 52.

[0350] Therefore, before the flavor source 52 and menthol reach adsorption equilibrium, the amount of menthol from the aerosol source 71 that is not adsorbed onto the flavor source 52 and is supplied to the user's mouth can be increased. Furthermore, this promotes the earlier attainment of adsorption equilibrium between the flavor source 52 and menthol within the capsule 50. Thus, as shown by the unit menthol supply amount 141a, an appropriate and sufficient amount of menthol can be stably supplied to the user starting from the period when the flavor components contained in the flavor source 52 are sufficient (e.g., the so-called start of inhalation).

[0351] As explained above, the power supply unit 10 can provide appropriate notifications to the user. This improves user convenience and enhances the commercial viability of the aerosol extractor 1.

[0352] The present invention has been described above with reference to the accompanying drawings, but it is obvious that the present invention is not limited to this embodiment. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications or alterations can be conceived within the scope of the claims, and these also clearly fall within the technical scope of the present invention. Furthermore, the constituent elements of the above embodiments can be combined arbitrarily without departing from the spirit of the invention.

[0353] For example, in this embodiment, in the menthol mode where at least the aerosol source 71 contains menthol, the applied voltage to the first load 45 is varied in two stages, but is not limited thereto; it may also vary in more stages than two stages or continuously.

[0354] Additionally, for example, in this embodiment, in the menthol mode where at least the aerosol source 71 contains menthol, the target temperature of the second load 34 is varied in two stages, but this is not a limitation; it may also vary in more than two stages (but fewer than in the conventional mode) or continuously. Similarly, in the conventional mode, the target temperature of the second load 34 may vary in more than four stages or continuously.

[0355] For example, in this embodiment, if a fragrance determination is performed before aerosol generation, the user is notified of the result of the fragrance determination via the light-emitting element 161 and the vibration element 162. If a fragrance determination is not performed before aerosol generation, the user is notified only of the most recent fragrance determination result via the light-emitting element 161, but this is not a limitation. For example, if a fragrance determination is performed before aerosol generation, the user is notified of the result of the fragrance determination via the notification unit 16 (e.g., the light-emitting element 161 and the vibration element 162). If a fragrance determination is not performed before aerosol generation, the user is not notified of the result of the fragrance determination via the notification unit 16 (e.g., the light-emitting element 161 and the vibration element 162). In this way, when a fragrance determination is performed, notifying the user of the result allows the user to confirm whether the fragrance determination result is the desired result. On the other hand, when a fragrance determination is not performed, not notifying the user can suppress notifications that may cause annoyance to the user. In addition, not notifying the user can also reduce the power consumption associated with notifications.

[0356] In this embodiment, an example of providing a light-emitting element 161 and a vibration element 162 as the notification unit 16 of the power supply unit 10 is described, but it is not limited to this. The light-emitting element 161 and the vibration element 162 may be used instead, or the power supply unit 10 may include a display and a speaker as the notification unit 16 in addition to the light-emitting element 161 and the vibration element 162. Furthermore, in addition to the light-emitting element 161 and the vibration element 162, the power supply unit 10 may also include a separate notification unit (hereinafter referred to as a third notification unit), and if a fragrance determination is performed before aerosol generation, the MCU 63 notifies the user of the fragrance determination result through the light-emitting element 161, the vibration element 162, and the third notification unit. Additionally, in addition to the light-emitting element 161 and the vibration element 162, the power supply unit 10 may also include a third notification unit, and if a fragrance determination is not performed before aerosol generation, the MCU 63 notifies the user of the most recent fragrance determination result through the light-emitting element 161 and the third notification unit.

[0357] Additionally, for example, the overall shape of the aerosol extractor 1 is not limited to, for example, Figure 1The power supply unit 10, the cartridge 40, and the capsule 50 are arranged in a row. The aerosol inhaler 1 can be configured such that the cartridge 40 and the capsule 50 are replaceable relative to the power supply unit 10, and can take any shape such as roughly box-shaped.

[0358] Alternatively, for example, the cartridge 40 can also be an integrated structure with the power supply unit 10.

[0359] Alternatively, for example, capsule 50 can be configured to be replaceable relative to power supply unit 10, or it can be detachable relative to power supply unit 10.

[0360] Additionally, for example, in this embodiment, the first load 45 and the second load 34 are heaters heated by electricity discharged from the power source 61, but the first load 45 and the second load 34 could also be Peltier elements capable of both heating and cooling by electricity discharged from the power source 61. If the first load 45 and the second load 34 are configured in this way, the degrees of freedom for controlling the temperature of the aerosol source 71 and the temperature of the fragrance source 52 are increased, thus enabling more precise control over the amount of fragrance per unit volume.

[0361] Additionally, for example, in this embodiment, the MCU63 controls the discharge from the power supply 61 to the first load 45 and the second load 34 so that the amount of fragrance components converges to the target amount. However, the target amount is not limited to a specific value, but can also be set to a range with a certain amplitude.

[0362] Additionally, for example, in this embodiment, the MCU 63 controls the discharge from the power supply 61 to the second load 34 so that the temperature of the fragrance source 52 converges to the target temperature. However, the target temperature is not limited to a specific value, but can also be set to a range with a certain amplitude.

[0363] At least the following items are described in this specification. It should be noted that the components shown in parentheses in the above embodiments are examples of the constituent elements, etc., but the scope is not limited thereto.

[0364] (1) A power supply unit (power supply unit 10) of an aerosol generating device (aerosol absorber 1) includes: a first connector (discharge terminal 12) which is capable of being attached to and detached from a first heater (first load 45) of an aerosol source unit (cartridge 40), wherein the aerosol source unit includes an aerosol source (aerosol source 71) and a first heater for heating the aerosol source.

[0365] The second connector (discharge terminal 17) is connected to the second heater (second load 34), which heats the fragrance source (fragrance source 52), which is capable of imparting fragrance to the aerosol source that has been vaporized and / or atomized by the heating of the first heater.

[0366] A power supply (power supply 61) is electrically connected to the first connector and the second connector, and is capable of discharging the first heater through the first connector and discharging the second heater through the second connector.

[0367] The first notification unit (notification unit 16, light-emitting element 161) is capable of notifying the user of information;

[0368] The second notification unit (notification unit 16, vibration element 162) is integrally provided with the first notification unit and is capable of notifying the user of information;

[0369] The controller (MCU63) is capable of controlling the notifications made by the first notification unit and the second notification unit.

[0370] The controller

[0371] It can determine whether each of the aerosol source and the fragrance source contains menthol.

[0372] If the fragrance determination is performed before generating the aerosol that imparts the fragrance source, the user is notified of the result of the fragrance determination via the first notification unit and the second notification unit.

[0373] If the fragrance determination is not performed before generating the aerosol that imparts the fragrance source, the user is notified of the latest fragrance determination result only through the first notification unit of the first notification unit and the second notification unit.

[0374] According to (1), when a fragrance determination is performed before aerosol generation, the user is notified of the fragrance determination result through more notification units than when no fragrance determination is performed. This allows the user to easily understand the fragrance determination result. Therefore, the user can easily confirm whether the fragrance determination result is what they want. On the other hand, when no fragrance determination is performed before aerosol generation, the user is notified of the most recent fragrance determination result through a single notification unit. This simplifies the notification process when informing the user of the most recent fragrance determination result, reducing the likelihood of notifications that might annoy the user. Furthermore, by simplifying the notification process, the power consumption required to perform the notification can also be reduced.

[0375] (2) The power supply unit of the aerosol generating device as described in (1), wherein,

[0376] The first notification unit sends a visual notification to the user.

[0377] The second notification unit provides a tactile notification to the user.

[0378] According to (2), when the aroma judgment is performed before aerosol generation, the result of the aroma judgment is communicated to the user through a first notification unit and a second notification unit that act on different senses of the user. Therefore, compared to communicating the result of the aroma judgment to the user through a notification unit that acts on only one sense of the user, the notification can be communicated to the user in a way that is easy to understand.

[0379] (3) The power supply unit of the aerosol generating device as described in (1) or (2), wherein,

[0380] The first notification unit includes a light-emitting element.

[0381] According to (3), the result of the fragrance judgment or the most recent fragrance judgment can be notified to the user through a notification unit that includes a light-emitting element that acts on the user's vision. Thus, the result of the fragrance judgment or the most recent fragrance judgment can be notified to the user in a simple and easy-to-understand way.

[0382] (4) The power supply unit of the aerosol generating device as described in (3), wherein,

[0383] It also has a user-operable control panel.

[0384] The controller

[0385] Upon receiving notification of the result of the fragrance determination or the result of the most recent fragrance determination, the light-emitting element emits light in a color set based on that result.

[0386] It is possible to obtain information related to the remaining capacity of the power supply.

[0387] When the margin is greater than or equal to a first threshold, and the operation unit is activated, the light-emitting element emits light in the same color as the color set based on the result.

[0388] The first threshold is below the value corresponding to the fully charged state of the power supply and is greater than the value corresponding to the discharged state of the power supply.

[0389] According to (4), when the operation unit is operated when the power reserve is above the first threshold, the light-emitting element emits light in the same color as when the result of the fragrance judgment or the most recent fragrance judgment is announced. Therefore, both the notification unit (light-emitting element) for announcing the result of the fragrance judgment or the most recent fragrance judgment and the notification unit (light-emitting element) for announcing the power reserve can be generalized. Therefore, compared to separately providing a notification unit for announcing the power reserve, the increase in the number of notification units mounted on the aerosol generating device can be suppressed, and notifications related to the power reserve can be made. Furthermore, by operating the operation unit at a desired time, the user can appropriately confirm whether the power reserve is above the first threshold and the result of the fragrance judgment or the most recent fragrance judgment. Therefore, the convenience of the aerosol generating device can be improved.

[0390] (5) The power supply unit of the aerosol generating device as described in (3) or (4), wherein,

[0391] The controller

[0392] Upon receiving notification of the result of the fragrance determination or the result of the most recent fragrance determination, the light-emitting element emits light in a color set based on that result.

[0393] It is possible to obtain information related to the remaining capacity of the power supply.

[0394] If the margin is above a first threshold, during the generation of the aerosol, the light-emitting element emits light in the same color as the color set based on the result.

[0395] The first threshold is below the value corresponding to the fully charged state of the power supply and is greater than the value corresponding to the discharged state of the power supply.

[0396] According to (5), during aerosol generation when the power reserve is above a first threshold, the light-emitting element emits light in the same color as when the result of the fragrance judgment or the most recent fragrance judgment is received. This allows for the generalization of both the notification unit (light-emitting element) for the result of the fragrance judgment or the most recent fragrance judgment and the notification unit (light-emitting element) for the notification related to the power reserve. Therefore, compared to separately providing a notification unit for notifications related to the power reserve, the increase in the number of notification units mounted on the aerosol generation device can be suppressed, and notifications related to the power reserve can be provided. Furthermore, the user can appropriately confirm whether the power reserve is above the first threshold and the result of the fragrance judgment or the most recent fragrance judgment during aerosol generation. Therefore, the convenience of the aerosol generation device can be improved.

[0397] (6) The power supply unit of the aerosol generating apparatus as described in any one of (3) to (5), wherein,

[0398] It also has a user-operable control panel.

[0399] The controller

[0400] Upon receiving notification of the result of the fragrance determination or the result of the most recent fragrance determination, the light-emitting element emits light in a color set based on that result.

[0401] It is possible to obtain information related to the remaining capacity of the power supply.

[0402] If the margin is less than a first threshold but greater than a second threshold, when the operation unit is activated, the light-emitting element emits a color different from the color set based on the result.

[0403] The first threshold is below the value corresponding to the fully charged state of the power supply, and above the value corresponding to the discharged state of the power supply.

[0404] The second threshold is greater than the value corresponding to the discharge termination state.

[0405] According to (6), when the operation unit is operated when the power reserve is less than a first threshold but greater than a second threshold, the light-emitting element emits a different color than when the result of the fragrance judgment or the most recent fragrance judgment is announced. Therefore, both the notification unit (light-emitting element) for the result of the fragrance judgment or the most recent fragrance judgment and the notification unit (light-emitting element) for the power reserve-related notification can be generalized. Therefore, compared to separately providing a notification unit for power reserve-related notifications, the increase in the number of notification units mounted on the aerosol generating device can be suppressed, and power reserve-related notifications can be provided. Furthermore, the user can appropriately confirm whether the power reserve is less than the first threshold by operating the operation unit at the desired time. Therefore, the convenience of the aerosol generating device can be improved.

[0406] (7) The power supply unit of the aerosol generating apparatus as described in any one of (3) to (6), wherein,

[0407] The controller

[0408] Upon receiving notification of the result of the fragrance determination or the result of the most recent fragrance determination, the light-emitting element emits light in a color set based on that result.

[0409] It is possible to obtain information related to the remaining capacity of the power supply.

[0410] If the margin is less than a first threshold but greater than a second threshold, during the generation of the aerosol, the light-emitting element emits a color different from the color set based on the result.

[0411] The first threshold is below the value corresponding to the fully charged state of the power supply, and above the value corresponding to the discharged state of the power supply.

[0412] The second threshold is greater than the value corresponding to the discharge termination state.

[0413] According to (7), in the generation of aerosols where the power reserve is less than a first threshold but greater than a second threshold, the light-emitting element emits a different color than when the result of the fragrance judgment is announced, or when the result of the most recent fragrance judgment is announced. Therefore, both the notification unit (light-emitting element) for announcing the result of the fragrance judgment or the most recent fragrance judgment and the notification unit (light-emitting element) for announcing the power reserve are interchangeable. Therefore, compared to separately providing a notification unit for announcing the power reserve, the increase in the number of notification units mounted on the aerosol generation device can be suppressed, and notifications related to the power reserve can be made. Furthermore, the user can appropriately check whether the power reserve is less than the first threshold during aerosol generation. Therefore, the convenience of the aerosol generation device can be improved.

[0414] (8) The power supply unit of the aerosol generating apparatus as described in (6) or (7), wherein,

[0415] The different colors are constant and are unrelated to the result of the fragrance judgment or the most recent fragrance judgment.

[0416] According to (8), when the power supply margin is less than the first threshold and greater than the second threshold, the light-emitting element emits light in a constant color regardless of the result of the fragrance judgment or the most recent fragrance judgment. This allows for easy and understandable notification to the user that the power supply margin is less than the first threshold, i.e., the power supply margin is decreasing, thus improving the convenience of the aerosol generating device.

[0417] (9) The power supply unit of the aerosol generating apparatus as described in any one of (3) to (6), wherein,

[0418] The controller

[0419] Upon notification of the result of the fragrance determination or the result of the most recent fragrance determination, the light-emitting element emits light in a first manner in a color set based on that result.

[0420] It is possible to obtain information related to the remaining capacity of the power supply.

[0421] In the generation of the aerosol, the light-emitting element emits light in a second manner, different from the first manner, with a color set based on the power supply margin.

[0422] According to (9), the way the light-emitting element emits light varies in notifications regarding the result of fragrance judgment or the most recent fragrance judgment, and in notifications related to the power reserve in aerosol generation. Therefore, notifications using a variety of light-emitting methods based on the light-emitting element can be made. Thus, the commercial viability of the aerosol generation device can be improved.

[0423] (10) The power supply unit of the aerosol generating apparatus as described in (6), wherein,

[0424] The controller

[0425] If the margin is less than the first threshold and greater than the second threshold, when the operation unit is activated, the light-emitting element emits a first color that is different from the color set based on the result.

[0426] When the margin is less than the second threshold and greater than the value corresponding to the discharge termination state of the power supply, the light-emitting element emits light in a second color that is different from the color set based on the result and the first color when the operation unit is operated.

[0427] According to (10), when the operating unit is operated when the power supply margin is less than the second threshold and is at or above a value equivalent to the discharge termination state, the light-emitting element emits a different color than when the result of the fragrance judgment or the most recent fragrance judgment is notified, or when the power supply margin is at or above the second threshold. Therefore, the user can appropriately confirm whether the power supply margin is less than the second threshold by operating the operating unit at the desired time. Thus, the convenience of the aerosol generating device can be improved.

[0428] (11) The power supply unit of the aerosol generating device as described in (7), wherein,

[0429] The controller

[0430] If the remaining amount is less than the first threshold and greater than the second threshold, during the generation of the aerosol, the light-emitting element emits light in a first color different from the color set based on the result.

[0431] If the margin is less than the second threshold and greater than the value corresponding to the discharge termination state of the power supply, during the generation of the aerosol, the light-emitting element emits a second color that is different from the color set based on the result and the first color.

[0432] According to (11), when the power supply margin is less than the second threshold and is at or above a value equivalent to the discharge termination state, during aerosol generation, the light-emitting element emits a different color than when the result of the fragrance judgment or the most recent fragrance judgment is notified, and when the power supply margin is at or above the second threshold. Therefore, the user can appropriately confirm whether the power supply margin is less than the second threshold during aerosol generation. Thus, the convenience of the aerosol generation device can be improved.

[0433] (12) The power supply unit of the aerosol generating apparatus as described in (10) or (11), wherein,

[0434] The second color is constant and is independent of the result of the fragrance judgment or the result of the most recent fragrance judgment.

[0435] According to (12), when the power supply margin is less than the second threshold and is above a value equivalent to the discharge termination state, the light-emitting element emits light in a constant color regardless of the result of the fragrance judgment or the most recent fragrance judgment. This allows for easy-to-understand notification to the user that the power supply margin is less than the second threshold, i.e., the power supply margin has further decreased, thereby improving the convenience of the aerosol generating device.

[0436] (13) A power supply unit (power supply unit 10) for an aerosol generating device (aerosol absorber 1) includes: a first connector (discharge terminal 12) which is capable of being attached to and detached from a first heater (first load 45) of an aerosol source unit (cartridge 40), the aerosol source unit including an aerosol source (aerosol source 71) and a first heater for heating the aerosol source;

[0437] The second connector (discharge terminal 17) is connected to the second heater (second load 34), which heats the fragrance source (fragrance source 52), which is capable of imparting fragrance to the aerosol source that has been vaporized and / or atomized by the heating of the first heater.

[0438] A power supply (power supply 61) is electrically connected to the first connector and the second connector, and is capable of discharging the first heater through the first connector and discharging the second heater through the second connector.

[0439] The notification unit (notification unit 16, light-emitting element 161) is capable of notifying the user of information;

[0440] The controller (MCU63) is capable of controlling the notifications made by the notification unit;

[0441] The controller

[0442] It can determine whether each of the aerosol source and the fragrance source contains menthol.

[0443] If the fragrance determination is performed before generating an aerosol that imparts the fragrance source, the user is notified of the result of the fragrance determination via the notification unit.

[0444] If the fragrance determination is not performed before generating the aerosol that imparts the fragrance source, the user is not notified of the result of the fragrance determination through the notification unit.

[0445] According to (13), if a fragrance determination is performed before aerosol generation, the user is notified of the fragrance determination result through the notification unit. On the other hand, if a fragrance determination is not performed before aerosol generation, the user is not notified of the fragrance determination result through the notification unit. Thus, if a fragrance determination is performed, the user can confirm whether the fragrance determination result is what they want by being notified of the result. On the other hand, if a fragrance determination is not performed, the occurrence of notifications that may cause annoyance to the user can be suppressed by not notifying the user. In addition, by not notifying, the power consumption caused by notification can also be reduced.

[0446] Various embodiments have been described above with reference to the accompanying drawings, but the present invention is not limited to these examples. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications or alterations can be conceived within the scope of the claims, and these will also clearly fall within the technical scope of the present invention. Furthermore, the constituent elements of the above embodiments can be combined arbitrarily without departing from the spirit of the invention.

[0447] It should be noted that this application is based on the Japanese Patent Application (Japan Patent Application No. 2020-193903) filed on November 20, 2020, the contents of which are cited in this application.

[0448] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures

[0449] 1. Aerosol extractor (aerosol generating device)

[0450] 10 power supply units

[0451] 12 Discharge terminals (first connector)

[0452] 16 Notification Department

[0453] 161 Light-emitting element (First Notification Department)

[0454] 162 Vibration Element (Second Notification Department)

[0455] 17 Discharge terminal (second connector)

[0456] 34 Second load (second heater)

[0457] 40 e-cigarette cartridges (aerosol source units)

[0458] 45 First Load (First Heater)

[0459] 52 Fragrance Sources

[0460] 61 Power Supply

[0461] 63 MCU (Controller)

[0462] 71 Aerosol Source

Claims

1. A power supply unit for an aerosol generating device, comprising: A first connector is provided for attaching and detaching a first heater of an aerosol source unit, the aerosol source unit comprising an aerosol source and a first heater for heating the aerosol source; A second connector is provided for connection to a second heater that heats a fragrance source capable of imparting fragrance to the aerosol source that has been vaporized and / or atomized by the heating of the first heater. A power source, which is electrically connected to the first connector and the second connector, is capable of discharging to the first heater via the first connector and to the second heater via the second connector; The first notification department is capable of notifying users of information. The second notification unit, which is integrally set with the first notification unit, is capable of notifying the user of information; A controller that can control the notifications made by the first notification unit and the second notification unit; The controller It can determine whether each of the aerosol source and the fragrance source contains menthol. If the fragrance determination is performed before generating the aerosol that imparts the fragrance source, the user is notified of the result of the fragrance determination via the first notification unit and the second notification unit. If the fragrance determination is not performed before generating the aerosol that imparts the fragrance source, the user is notified of the latest fragrance determination result only through the first notification unit of the first notification unit and the second notification unit.

2. The power supply unit of the aerosol generating apparatus as described in claim 1, wherein, The first notification unit sends a visual notification to the user. The second notification unit provides a tactile notification to the user.

3. The power supply unit of the aerosol generating apparatus as described in claim 1 or 2, wherein, The first notification unit includes a light-emitting element.

4. The power supply unit of the aerosol generating apparatus as described in claim 3, wherein, It also has a user-operable control panel. The controller Upon receiving notification of the result of the fragrance determination or the result of the most recent fragrance determination, the light-emitting element emits light in a color set based on that result. It is possible to obtain information related to the remaining capacity of the power supply. When the margin is greater than or equal to a first threshold, and the operation unit is activated, the light-emitting element emits light in the same color as the color set based on the result. The first threshold is below the value corresponding to the fully charged state of the power supply and is greater than the value corresponding to the discharged state of the power supply.

5. The power supply unit of the aerosol generating apparatus as described in claim 3, wherein, The controller Upon receiving notification of the result of the fragrance determination or the result of the most recent fragrance determination, the light-emitting element emits light in a color set based on that result. It is possible to obtain information related to the remaining capacity of the power supply. If the margin is above a first threshold, during the generation of the aerosol, the light-emitting element emits light in the same color as the color set based on the result. The first threshold is below the value corresponding to the fully charged state of the power supply and is greater than the value corresponding to the discharged state of the power supply.

6. The power supply unit of the aerosol generating apparatus as described in claim 3, wherein, It also has a user-operable control panel. The controller Upon receiving notification of the result of the fragrance determination or the result of the most recent fragrance determination, the light-emitting element emits light in a color set based on that result. It is possible to obtain information related to the remaining capacity of the power supply. If the margin is less than a first threshold but greater than a second threshold, when the operation unit is activated, the light-emitting element emits a color different from the color set based on the result. The first threshold is below the value corresponding to the fully charged state of the power supply, and above the value corresponding to the discharged state of the power supply. The second threshold is greater than the value corresponding to the discharge termination state.

7. The power supply unit of the aerosol generating apparatus as described in claim 3, wherein, The controller Upon receiving notification of the result of the fragrance determination or the result of the most recent fragrance determination, the light-emitting element emits light in a color set based on that result. It is possible to obtain information related to the remaining capacity of the power supply. If the margin is less than a first threshold but greater than a second threshold, during the generation of the aerosol, the light-emitting element emits a color different from the color set based on the result. The first threshold is below the value corresponding to the fully charged state of the power supply, and above the value corresponding to the discharged state of the power supply. The second threshold is greater than the value corresponding to the discharge termination state.

8. The power supply unit of the aerosol generating apparatus as described in claim 6, wherein, The different colors are constant and are unrelated to the result of the fragrance judgment or the most recent fragrance judgment.

9. The power supply unit of the aerosol generating apparatus as described in claim 3, wherein, The controller Upon notification of the result of the fragrance determination or the result of the most recent fragrance determination, the light-emitting element emits light in a first manner in a color set based on that result. It is possible to obtain information related to the remaining capacity of the power supply. In the generation of the aerosol, the light-emitting element emits light in a second manner, different from the first manner, with a color set based on the power supply margin.

10. The power supply unit of the aerosol generating apparatus as described in claim 6, wherein, The controller If the margin is less than the first threshold and greater than the second threshold, when the operation unit is activated, the light-emitting element emits a first color that is different from the color set based on the result. When the margin is less than the second threshold and greater than the value corresponding to the discharge termination state of the power supply, the light-emitting element emits light in a second color that is different from the color set based on the result and the first color when the operation unit is operated.

11. The power supply unit of the aerosol generating apparatus as described in claim 7, wherein, The controller If the remaining amount is less than the first threshold and greater than the second threshold, during the generation of the aerosol, the light-emitting element emits light in a first color different from the color set based on the result. If the margin is less than the second threshold and greater than the value corresponding to the discharge termination state of the power supply, the light-emitting element emits a second color that is different from the color set based on the result and the first color.

12. The power supply unit of the aerosol generating apparatus as described in claim 10, wherein, The second color is constant and is independent of the result of the fragrance judgment or the result of the most recent fragrance judgment.

13. A power supply unit for an aerosol generating device, comprising: A first connector is provided for attaching and detaching a first heater of an aerosol source unit, the aerosol source unit comprising an aerosol source and a first heater for heating the aerosol source; A second connector is provided for connection to a second heater that heats a fragrance source capable of imparting fragrance to the aerosol source that has been vaporized and / or atomized by the heating of the first heater. A power source, which is electrically connected to the first connector and the second connector, is capable of discharging to the first heater via the first connector and to the second heater via the second connector; The notification department is capable of sending notifications to users. A controller that can control the notifications made by the notification unit; The controller It can determine whether each of the aerosol source and the fragrance source contains menthol. If the fragrance determination is performed before generating an aerosol that imparts the fragrance source, the user is notified of the result of the fragrance determination via the notification unit. If the fragrance determination is not performed before generating the aerosol that imparts the fragrance source, the user will not be notified of the fragrance determination result through the notification unit. The aerosol source unit further includes a first aerosol flow path, which aerosolizes the aerosol source that has been heated and vaporized by the first heater and / or atomized, and delivers it toward the fragrance source.

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