Fragrance-attracting device or aerosol-generating device, operation method therefor, and program therefor

Abstract

Provided is a fragrance suction device or the like configured so as not to release a restriction when the remaining amount of a power source is insufficient in the case of performing the restriction of heating for generating fragrance or the like by means of power from the power source. A device, which is a fragrance-inhaling device or an aerosol-generating device, is provided with: a heating unit configured to heat one or both of a fragrance source and an aerosol source; a power source that supplies power to the heating unit; and a control unit configured to restrict heating by the heating unit when the remaining power of the power source is insufficient, and configured to release the restriction (S113, S114, S115) on the basis that a predetermined condition after the start of charging of the power source is satisfied when the heating by the heating unit is restricted (S113, S114, S115).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present application relates to a flavor inhalation device or an aerosol generating device (hereinafter referred to as a "flavor inhalation device, etc.").

[0002] In addition, the flavor suction device is a device for sucking in flavors, which includes a heating-type flavor suction device (generating flavor by heating) and a non-heating-type flavor suction device (for example, generating flavor by ultrasonic atomization). The flavor suction device is not limited, and specifically, for example, includes electronic cigarettes, heated cigarettes, and existing cigarettes. In addition, an "aerosol generating device" is a device for sucking in the generated aerosol, which includes a heating-type aerosol generating device (generating aerosol by heating) and a non-heating-type aerosol generating device (for example, generating aerosol by ultrasonic atomization). The aerosol generating device is not limited, and specifically, for example, includes electronic cigarettes, heated cigarettes, and medical atomizers. Therefore, at least a part of the flavor suction device is an aerosol generating device, and at least a part of the aerosol generating device is a flavor suction device. In addition, heated aerosol generating devices that are not accompanied by combustion, such as electronic cigarettes, are sometimes referred to as RRP (Reduced-Risk Products). Background Art

[0003] In the past, in a fragrance inhalation device or the like that has a power source such as a battery and generates one or both of a fragrance and an aerosol (hereinafter referred to as "fragrance, etc.") by heating with the power from the power source, a control is performed such that the remaining amount of the power source is confirmed before heating and heating is limited when the remaining amount of the power source is insufficient (for example, see Patent Document 1). In addition, a control is performed such that the restriction on heating is released in response to charging of the power source.

[0004] Prior art literature

[0005] Patent Literature

[0006] Patent Document 1: International Publication No. 2020 / 084757 Summary of the invention

[0007] Problems to be solved by the invention

[0008] However, if the restriction on heating is released only in response to the charging of the power source, there is a problem that the restriction on heating is released even though the remaining amount of the power source is insufficient.

[0009] The present invention has been accomplished in view of the above, and its object is to provide a fragrance inhalation device, etc., which is configured so that when heating for generating fragrance, etc. based on power from a power source is restricted, the restriction is not lifted when the remaining amount of the power source is insufficient.

[0010] Means for solving problems

[0011] In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, according to an embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a device as a fragrance inhalation device or an aerosol generating device, comprising: a heating unit, configured to heat one or both of a fragrance source and an aerosol source; a power supply, which supplies power to the heating unit; and a control unit, configured to limit the heating of the heating unit when the remaining power of the power supply is insufficient, and when the heating of the heating unit is limited, the control unit is further configured to lift the limitation based on the satisfaction of a specified condition after charging of the power supply starts.

[0012] In one embodiment, the control unit may be further configured to make a first determination as to whether or not the remaining amount of the power supply is insufficient in response to a first predetermined operation on the device for starting heating by the heating unit.

[0013] In one embodiment, the first determination may include one or both of: measuring the remaining power of the power source; and temporarily supplying power from the power source to the heating unit to measure an operating voltage of the power source.

[0014] In one embodiment, the control unit is further configured to perform a second determination as to whether the remaining amount of the power supply is insufficient in response to a second predetermined operation on the device that is different from the first predetermined operation.

[0015] In one embodiment, the control unit may also be configured to be set to an insufficient remaining state when it is determined that the remaining power of the power supply is insufficient, and the second determination may include: determining whether it is set to the insufficient remaining state; when it is not determined that it is set to the insufficient remaining state, performing a measurement process including one or both of the following: measuring the remaining power of the power supply, and temporarily supplying power from the power supply to the heating unit to measure the operating voltage of the power supply; and when it is determined that it is set to the insufficient remaining state, omitting the measurement process.

[0016] In one embodiment, the predetermined condition may be a condition that the remaining amount of the power source increases by a predetermined amount or more based on the remaining amount of the power source measured before the start of charging of the power source.

[0017] In one embodiment, the prescribed amount may be an amount sufficient to perform a determination as to whether the remaining amount of the power source is insufficient.

[0018] In one embodiment, the device may be configured to be capable of replacing a substrate including one or both of the flavor source and the aerosol source, and the prescribed amount may be an amount sufficient to consume at least one of the substrates.

[0019] In one embodiment, the control unit may be further configured to determine the amount sufficient to consume at least one of the substrates based on the temperature of the power source.

[0020] In one embodiment, the predetermined amount may be settable by a user.

[0021] In one embodiment, the control unit may be further configured to determine the predetermined amount based on a user's usage history of the device.

[0022] In one embodiment, the predetermined amount may be configured to be rewritable.

[0023] In one embodiment, the predetermined condition may be a condition that the power source is fully charged.

[0024] In one embodiment, the predetermined condition may be a condition that a predetermined time or longer has passed since charging of the power source was started.

[0025] In one embodiment, the control unit may be further configured to determine a type of an external device connected to the device for charging the power supply, and determine the predetermined time based on the determined type of the external device.

[0026] In one embodiment, the predetermined time may be rewritable.

[0027] In one embodiment, the control unit being able to limit the heating of the heating unit includes: the control unit performing the limitation so that the heating of the heating unit does not start.

[0028] In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, according to an embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a method executed by a control unit of a device serving as a fragrance inhalation device or an aerosol generating device, the device comprising: a heating unit configured to heat one or both of a fragrance source and an aerosol source; and a power supply for supplying power to the heating unit, the method comprising: a step of limiting the heating of the heating unit when the remaining power supply is insufficient; and a step of lifting the limitation based on the satisfaction of a specified condition after charging of the power supply starts.

[0029] In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, according to an embodiment of the present invention, a program is provided to enable a control unit of a device serving as a fragrance inhalation device or an aerosol generating device to execute the following steps, wherein the device comprises: a heating unit configured to heat one or both of a fragrance source and an aerosol source; and a power supply for supplying power to the heating unit, a step of limiting the heating of the heating unit when the remaining power supply is insufficient; and a step of lifting the limitation based on the satisfaction of a specified condition after charging of the power supply starts.

[0030] Effects of the Invention

[0031] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the restriction of heating for generating fragrance etc. based on the power from the power source is prevented from being released when the remaining power of the power source is insufficient. Therefore, the restriction and release of heating performed when the remaining power of the battery is insufficient are prevented from being repeated unnecessarily. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0032] Figure 1 It is a perspective view showing the appearance of an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment.

[0033] Figure 2 It is used to explain Figure 1 Illustration of an aerosol generating device being inserted into a cigarette stick.

[0034] Figure 3 Yes means Figure 1 A block diagram of an example of a schematic circuit structure of an aerosol generating device.

[0035] Figure 4 This is an explanatory diagram for explaining an example of a temperature heating curve that can be realized in one session.

[0036] Figure 5 This is an explanatory diagram for explaining a drop in power supply voltage that occurs over a plurality of time periods.

[0037] Figure 6 This is an explanatory diagram for explaining an example of setting different threshold values ​​for a plurality of temperature ranges.

[0038] Figure 7 This is a flowchart showing an example of a schematic flow of a process executed by the aerosol generating device according to one embodiment.

[0039] Figure 8 This is a flowchart showing an example of the flow of a preliminary check process according to one embodiment.

[0040] Fig. 9 This is a flowchart showing an example of a flow of a time period start inspection process according to one embodiment.

[0041] Fig.10 This is a flowchart showing an example of the flow of a voltage measurement process according to one embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0042] Hereinafter, the embodiments are described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. In addition, the following embodiments do not limit the invention involved in the claims, and all combinations of the features described in the embodiments are not necessarily necessary for the invention. Two or more of the multiple features described in the embodiments may also be combined arbitrarily. In addition, the same reference number is marked on the same or similar structure, and repeated descriptions are omitted.

[0043] 1. Example of device configuration

[0044] In this specification, the technology involved in the present disclosure mainly describes an example of being applied to a non-combustion type aroma suction device that generates an aerosol by atomizing and atomizing one or both of a aroma source and an aerosol source (hereinafter referred to as "aroma source, etc.") without combustion. In addition, without being limited to the examples involved, the technology involved in the present disclosure can also be applied to any type of aroma suction device, such as a combustion-type device or a medical atomizer, etc.

[0045] 1-1 Appearance

[0046] Figure 1 It is a perspective view showing the appearance of a flavor inhalation device or the like 10 according to one embodiment. Figure 2 It is used to explain Figure 1 The aroma suction device 10 shown in the figure is inserted into the smoke stick. Figure 1 , the flavor inhalation device 10 includes a main body 101 , a front surface panel 102 , a display window 103 , and a slider 104 .

[0047] The main body 101 is a housing that supports one or more circuit substrates of the fragrance suction device 10, etc., inside. In the present embodiment, the main body 101 has a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape that is elongated in the up-down direction in the figure and has rounded corners. The size of the main body 101, for example, can also be a size that a user can hold with one hand. The front surface panel 102 is a flexible panel member covering the front surface of the main body 101. The front surface panel 102 can also be detachable from the main body 101. The front surface panel 102 functions as an input unit that accepts user input. For example, if the user presses the center of the front surface panel 102, a button (not shown) disposed between the main body 101 and the front surface panel 102 is pressed, and the user input can be detected. The display window 103 is a strip-shaped window extending in the long side direction at the approximate center of the front surface panel 102. The display window 103 transmits light emitted by one or more LEDs (Light-Emitting Diodes) disposed between the main body 101 and the front surface panel 102 to the outside.

[0048] The slider 104 is a cover member slidably disposed on the upper surface of the main body 101 in a direction 104a. Figure 2As shown, if the slider 104 is slid to the front side in the figure (i.e., the slider 104 is opened), the opening 106 on the upper surface of the main body 101 is exposed. When the user uses the flavor suction device 10 to inhale the aerosol, the user inserts the cigarette rod 15 into the tubular insertion hole 107 along the direction 106a from the opening 106 exposed by opening the slider 104. That is, the insertion hole 107 has the function of a receiving portion for receiving the cigarette rod 15. The cross section orthogonal to the axial direction of the insertion hole 107 can also be, for example, a circle, an ellipse or a polygon, and its cross-sectional area gradually decreases as it approaches the bottom surface. As a result, the outer side surface of the cigarette rod 15 inserted into the insertion hole 107 is squeezed from the inner side surface of the insertion hole 107, and the friction force prevents the cigarette rod 15 from falling off, and improves the transfer efficiency of heat transfer from the heating unit 130 described later to the cigarette rod 15. When the user finishes inhaling the aerosol, the cigarette rod 15 is pulled out from the insertion hole 107 and the slider 104 is closed.

[0049] The cigarette rod 15 is a cigarette article in which a filler is held inside a cylindrical rolling paper. The filler of the cigarette rod 15 may be, for example, a mixture of an aerosol-generating substrate and tobacco shreds. As the aerosol-generating substrate, a substrate containing any type of aerosol source such as glycerin, propylene glycol, triacetin, 1,3-butylene glycol, or a mixture thereof may be used. Tobacco shreds are so-called flavor sources. The material of tobacco shreds may be, for example, lamina or veins (mid-bone), etc. In addition, a flavor source from a non-cigarette may be used instead of tobacco shreds. That is, the cigarette rod 15 is equivalent to a substrate containing a flavor source and the like. In addition, in other embodiments, a substrate containing only one of a flavor source and an aerosol source may also be used.

[0050] Hereinafter, the cigarette rod 15 is assumed to include flavor sources and the like in an amount sufficient to provide M times of inhalation of flavors and the like. M may be any integer greater than 2. For example, M may be a value in the range of about 10 to 20, which is close to the number of inhalations per cigarette in general.

[0051] In addition, the flavor inhalation device 10 is not limited to the above example, and may also be able to accept an object that is not in the shape of a stick (for example, a capsule, a cartridge, or a reservoir). The flavor source contained in the object may be solid or liquid.

[0052] 1-2 Circuit Structure

[0053] Figure 3 10 is a block diagram showing an example of a schematic circuit structure of a fragrance inhalation device, etc. Figure 3The fragrance suction device 10 includes a control unit 120, a storage unit 121, an input detection unit 122, a state detection unit 123, a suction detection unit 124, a light emitting unit 125, a vibration unit 126, a communication interface (I / F) 127, a connection I / F 128, a heating unit 130, a first switch 131, a second switch 132, a battery 140, a boost circuit 141, a remaining meter 142, and a measuring circuit 150.

[0054] The control unit 120 may be, for example, a processor such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) or a microcontroller. The control unit 120 controls the overall function of the aroma inhalation device 10 by executing a computer program (also referred to as software or firmware) stored in the storage unit 121. The storage unit 121 may be, for example, a semiconductor memory. The storage unit 121 stores one or more computer programs and data used in the temperature control function and the inspection function described later (for example, multiple types of determination thresholds).

[0055] The input detection unit 122 is a detection circuit for detecting user input as an operation for the flavor suction device 10. The input detection unit 122 detects, for example, the pressing of the front surface panel 102 by the user (i.e., pressing a button), and outputs an input signal indicating the detected state to the control unit 120. In addition, the flavor suction device 10 may also replace the front surface panel 102 (or further in addition thereto), and may include any type of input device such as a button, a switch, or a touch sensing surface. The state detection unit 123 is a detection circuit for detecting the opening and closing state of the slider 104, which is an operation for the flavor suction device. As an example, the state detection unit 123 may also include a Hall IC that uses a Hall element to detect changes in the magnetic field caused by the opening and closing of the slider 104. The state detection unit 123 outputs a state detection signal indicating whether the slider 104 is open or closed to the control unit 120. The suction detection unit 124 is a detection circuit for detecting the suction (puff) of the cigarette stick 15 performed by the user. As an example, the suction detection unit 124 may also include a thermistor (not shown) disposed near the opening 106. In this case, the suction detection unit 124 may detect suction based on a change in the resistance value of the thermistor caused by a temperature change caused by suction performed by the user. As another example, the suction detection unit 124 may also include a pressure sensor (not shown) disposed at the bottom of the insertion hole 107. In this case, the suction detection unit 124 may detect suction based on a decrease in air pressure caused by airflow caused by suction. The suction detection unit 124, for example, outputs a suction detection signal indicating whether suction is performed to the control unit 120.

[0056] The light-emitting unit 125 includes one or more LEDs and a driver for driving the LEDs. The light-emitting unit 125 makes each LED emit light in accordance with the instruction signal input from the control unit 120. The vibration unit 126 includes a vibrator (e.g., an eccentric motor) and a driver for driving the vibrator. The vibration unit 126 makes the vibrator vibrate in accordance with the instruction signal input from the control unit 120. The control unit 120 may use one or both of the light-emitting unit 125 and the vibration unit 126 in any mode, for example, in order to report a certain state of the aroma suction device 10, etc. (e.g., the remaining power of the storage battery 140 described later) to the user. Therefore, in this embodiment, the light-emitting unit 125 and the vibration unit 126 may also be collectively referred to as the notification unit 160. For example, the light-emitting mode of the light-emitting unit 125 can be distinguished by factors such as the light-emitting state of each LED (always emitting / flashing / non-emitting), the flashing cycle, the number of emitting LEDs, and the light-emitting color. The vibration mode of the vibration unit 126 can be distinguished by factors such as the vibration state (vibration / stop) of the vibrator, the intensity of the vibration, and the length of the vibration period.

[0057] Wireless I / F127 is a communication interface for the aroma suction device, etc. 10 to communicate with other devices (for example, a PC (Personal Computer) or a smart phone held by a user) via wireless. Wireless I / F127 may be, for example, an interface that complies with any wireless communication protocol such as Bluetooth (registered trademark), NFC (Near Field Communication), or wireless LAN (Local Area Network). Connection I / F128 is an interface having terminals, coils, and other mechanisms for connecting the aroma suction device, etc. 10 to other devices. Connection I / F128 may be, for example, a USB (Universal Serial Bus) interface. Connection I / F128 may also be used to charge the battery 140 from an external power source (via a power supply line not shown or wirelessly).

[0058] The heating unit 130 is a resistive heating component, i.e., a heater, that heats the aerosol source contained in the aerosol generating matrix of the cigarette rod 15 to generate the aerosol. In addition, in the present embodiment, the generated aerosol passes through the flavor source contained in the cigarette rod 15, thereby imparting flavor to the aerosol. However, in other embodiments, a flavor source that generates a flavor by heating itself may also be used. As the resistive heating material of the heating unit 130, for example, one or a mixture of two or more of copper, nickel alloy, chromium alloy, stainless steel, and platinum rhodium may also be used. One end of the heating unit 130 is connected to the positive electrode of the battery 140 via the first switch 131 and the boost circuit 141, and the other end of the heating unit 130 is connected to the negative electrode of the battery 140 via the second switch 132. The first switch 131 is a switching element provided on the power supply line between the heating unit 130 and the boost circuit 141. The second switch 132 is a switching element provided on the ground line between the heating unit 130 and the battery 140. The first switch 131 and the second switch 132 may be, for example, FETs (Field Effect Transistors). The control unit 120 turns on the first switch 131 and the second switch 132 by outputting control signals as pulse signals to the gates of the first switch 131 and the second switch 132, thereby enabling power to be supplied from the battery 140 to the heating unit 130 through the voltage amplified by the boost circuit 141.

[0059] The storage battery 140 is a power source for supplying power to the heating unit 130 and other components of the fragrance inhalation device 10. Figure 3 , the power supply line from the battery 140 to the structural elements other than the heating unit 130 is omitted. The battery 140 may also be a lithium-ion battery, for example. In the present embodiment, the battery 140 has a capacity equivalent to the amount of electricity required to complete N (N is an integer greater than 2) time periods (i.e., sufficient electricity to consume the flavor source contained in N cigarette sticks 15, etc.). As a result, the user can enjoy multiple cigarette sticks 15 continuously by charging the battery 140 to the maximum limit without having to recharge the battery 140 each time each time a time period is completed. The capacity of the battery 140 can be determined in consideration of the trade-off between cost and size. Although this is just an example, N may also be about 25. The boost circuit (DC / DC converter) 141 is a voltage conversion circuit that amplifies the voltage of the battery 140 in order to supply power to the heating unit 130.

[0060] The remaining meter 142 is an IC chip for monitoring the remaining power and other states of the battery 140. For example, the remaining meter 142 follows the coulomb counting method to measure the amount of current flowing into the battery 140 during charging and the amount of current flowing out of the battery 140 during discharging, and integrates the measured current amounts to derive the remaining power of the battery 140. In addition, the remaining meter 142 can also derive the remaining power of the battery 140 according to other algorithms such as the voltage measurement method or the impedance tracking method. In addition, the remaining meter 142 can also measure the temperature of the battery 140. The control unit 120 is connected to the remaining meter 142 via an I2C (Inter-Integrated Circuit) communication line composed of, for example, a clock line and a data line, and operates as an I2C master device. In this case, the control unit 120 can obtain the value R of the battery remaining capacity periodically updated by the remaining meter 142 as a slave device at an arbitrary timing. C And the battery temperature value T BAT The remaining capacity meter 142 may further measure other states of the battery 140 such as the charge rate (SOC: State Of Charge), the degree of degradation (SOH: State Of Health), and the relative rate of charge (RSOC), and output the values ​​of these states to the control unit 120 .

[0061] The measuring circuit 150 is a circuit for measuring a temperature index related to the temperature of the heating section 130. The temperature index here can represent the temperature of the heating section 130 itself, or can also represent the resistance value of the heating section 130. Generally, the resistance value of a resistive heating material has a characteristic such as monotonically increasing as the temperature rises (that is, having a correlation with the temperature), so the resistance value of the heating section 130 can be used as a temperature index. In addition, the temperature of the heating section 130 can also be measured using a thermistor (not shown) arranged near the heating section 130.

[0062] In this embodiment, the control unit 120 can obtain the remaining value R of the storage battery 140 from the remaining value meter 142. C And the temperature value T BAT In addition to the various state values ​​of the battery 140, the output voltage V BAT (hereinafter, also referred to as power supply voltage) The control unit 120, for example, outputs a short control pulse to the first switch 131 and the second switch 132, thereby applying a voltage pulse from the battery 140 to the heating unit 130, and by performing analog-to-digital conversion on the voltage level of the voltage pulse, a value V representing the power supply voltage can be obtained. BAT .exist Figure 3In the example of FIG. 1 , the control unit 120 is configured to obtain the voltage value V via the boost circuit 141. BAT In addition, in order to reduce or eliminate the influence of noise, the control unit 120 may also continuously measure the power supply voltage multiple times at a certain time interval and obtain the average value of these measurement results as the voltage value V BAT .

[0063] 1-3 Example of temperature heating curve

[0064] The control unit 120 controls the supply of power from the storage battery 140 to the heating unit 130 to achieve a desired temperature heating curve for providing a good user experience throughout the entire time period. In this specification, the so-called time period refers to the period of time for the temperature control of the flavor source contained in an item (here, a cigarette stick 15 received by the insertion hole 107) to be consumed. The time period can also be called a heating period. As mentioned above, the user can perform a maximum of M inhalations in one time period.

[0065] Typically, the temperature control performed by the control unit 120 may also be a feedback control (e.g., PID control) in which the temperature index measured by the measuring circuit 150 is set as the control amount and the duty ratio of the power supply is set as the operation amount. For example, in each of the repeated control cycles, the control unit 120 outputs a control pulse modulated by the duty ratio derived by the PID control to the first switch 131 and the second switch 132. Then, a voltage pulse is applied from the battery 140 to the heating unit 130 at the corresponding duty ratio. By repeating such a control cycle, the temperature of the heating unit 130 approaches the target value of the PID control.

[0066] Figure 4 This is an explanatory diagram for explaining an example of a temperature heating curve that can be realized in one time period. The horizontal axis in the figure represents the time elapsed from the start of power supply to the heating unit 130, and the vertical axis represents the temperature of the heating unit 130. The thick broken line represents a temperature heating curve 40 as an example. The temperature heating curve 40 is composed of a preheating period (T0 to T2) at the beginning and a suction period (T2 to T8) after the preheating period. As an example, the length of the entire suction period can also be about 5 minutes.

[0067] The preheating period includes a temperature rise interval (T0-T1) in which the temperature of the heating unit 130 rises rapidly from the ambient temperature H0 to the first temperature H1, and a maintenance interval (T1-T2) in which the temperature of the heating unit 130 is maintained at the first temperature H1. In this way, the heating unit 130 is firstly rapidly heated to the first temperature H1, so that the entire aerosol generating substrate of the cigarette rod 15 can fully transfer heat at an early stage, and can start to provide a good quality aerosol to the user more quickly.

[0068] The suction period includes a maintenance interval (T2-T3) in which the temperature of the heating unit 130 is maintained at the first temperature H1, a cooling interval (T3-T4) in which the temperature of the heating unit 130 is lowered toward the second temperature H2, and a maintenance interval (T4-T5) in which the temperature of the heating unit 130 is maintained at the second temperature H2. In this way, by lowering the temperature of the heating unit 130 that has temporarily risen to the first temperature H1 to the second temperature H2, it is possible to provide the user with a suitable attraction of taste for a longer period of time and in a stable manner. In the cooling interval, the supply of power from the storage battery 140 to the heating unit 130 may also be stopped. The suction period further includes a heating interval (T5-T6) in which the temperature of the heating unit 130 is gradually raised from the second temperature H2 to the third temperature H3, a maintenance interval (T6-T7) in which the temperature of the heating unit 130 is maintained at the third temperature H3, and a cooling interval (T7-T8) in which the temperature of the heating unit 130 is lowered toward the ambient temperature H0. In this way, by raising the temperature of the heating unit 130 again in the second half of the inhalable period, the reduction in taste can be suppressed as the flavor source contained in the tobacco stick 15 continues to decrease, providing the user with a highly satisfying experience until the end of the inhalable period.

[0069] As an example, the first temperature H1 may be 295° C., the second temperature H2 may be 230° C., and the third temperature H3 may be 260° C. However, different temperature heating curves may be designed based on, for example, the manufacturer's design guidelines, user preferences, or the characteristics of each brand of tobacco article.

[0070] As shown in the temperature heating curve 40, when the heating unit 130 is to be rapidly heated in the middle of a time period, the output current from the battery 140 increases significantly during the rapid heating. If the output current from the battery 140 increases, the voltage drop of the internal resistance of the battery 140 increases accordingly, and the power supply voltage must also temporarily drop. Moreover, if the minimum value of the power supply voltage in the time period (hereinafter referred to as the minimum voltage) is lower than the operable voltage of the circuit of the aroma suction device 10, there is a concern that the device may malfunction. In order to prevent such a situation from occurring, the user is notified of the status of the battery 140 in a timely manner and is prompted to recharge, and a plurality of inspection functions described in the next section are introduced into the aroma suction device 10 involved in the present embodiment.

[0071] 2. Check the battery status

[0072] Checking starts at 2-1

[0073] Figure 5 This is an explanatory diagram for explaining the drop in power supply voltage as multiple time periods are progressed. The horizontal axis in the diagram represents the progress of time across multiple time periods, but the intervals between time periods are omitted. The vertical axis in the diagram represents the power supply voltage [V]. Voltage value Vinit，n represents the power supply voltage of the battery 140 at the beginning of the nth period, the value V min，n The solid line portion 50 of the graph in the figure represents the time variation of the power supply voltage in the nth period, and the power supply voltage changes from V at the beginning of the period to V at the beginning of the period. init，n Temporarily drops to V min，n After that, it returns to V in the second half of the period. init，n+1 If the natural discharge between time periods is ignored, the power supply voltage at the beginning of the next (n+1)th time period becomes V init，n+1 .

[0074] The horizontal line 55 in the figure represents the operable voltage of the circuit of the aroma suction device 10. Figure 5 In the example, the minimum voltage V in the nth period min，n is not less than the actionable voltage 55, so the aroma suction device 10 can complete the nth period. On the other hand, the minimum voltage V in the n+1th period min，n+1 is lower than the operating voltage 55. Therefore, if the power supply voltage V init，n+1 If the n+1th time period is started, the flavor suction device 10 may malfunction in the middle of the n+1th time period and stop in the middle of the time period. Such a stop in the middle of the time period not only damages the user's suction experience, but also brings disadvantages to the user such as wasting the remaining flavor source contained in the tobacco stick 15 being heated in the middle.

[0075] In order to prevent the disadvantages caused by stopping the time period midway, a countermeasure may be adopted in which the power supply voltage is measured at the beginning of the time period, and the time period is not started when the measured value is lower than a predetermined voltage threshold. In this embodiment, the control unit 120 may obtain the voltage value V according to the detection of a predetermined operation of the aroma inhalation device 10 requesting the start of heating, for example, a user input such as a long press of a button. BAT , the voltage value V BAT Below the voltage threshold V th In the case of, it is decided not to start the time period (ie, the heating is restricted so that the heating unit 130 does not start heating).

[0076] However, as mentioned above, the voltage value V BATIt is obtained by measuring the voltage level of the voltage pulse applied from the battery 140 to the heating unit 130. Such application of a voltage pulse to the heating unit 130 that is not for the purpose of heating may result in a waste of electricity or cause an unnecessary temperature rise, and therefore should be performed at the minimum necessary frequency. Here, the power supply voltage at the beginning of the time period has the property of decreasing as the battery remaining capacity decreases. With this property in mind, in the present embodiment, the control unit 120 compares the battery remaining capacity with a remaining capacity threshold before comparing the power supply voltage with the voltage threshold. Specifically, the control unit 120 obtains a remaining value R representing the remaining capacity of the battery 140 from the remaining capacity meter 142 based on the detection of a prescribed operation of the fragrance inhalation device 10, etc., requesting the start of heating. C , at the margin value R C Below the specified margin threshold R th0 In the case of , it is decided not to start the time period (that is, the heating is limited so that the heating unit 130 does not start heating). In this case, the control unit 120 can BAT With voltage threshold V th By determining that the margin is insufficient before the comparison, it is possible to avoid waste of power and unnecessary temperature rise caused by voltage measurement.

[0077] The control unit 120 sets the remaining value R C Exceeding the margin threshold R th0 In the case of BAT and voltage threshold V th The comparison of the voltage value V BAT Exceeding the voltage threshold V th When the time is reached, the start time period is determined (i.e., the heating unit 130 starts heating). In this way, by performing a double check based on both the remaining value and the voltage value, the probability of incorrect determination caused by factors such as errors in the remaining value measurement algorithm, temporary interference, or individual differences in equipment can be reduced, and the midway stop of the time period can be prevented more accurately.

[0078] In the following description, the above-mentioned inspection function performed according to the prescribed operation of the aroma inhalation device 10 requesting the start of heating is referred to as "time period start inspection". In addition, in this embodiment, an example of performing a double inspection based on both the remaining value and the voltage value is described, but in other embodiments, only one of the remaining value and the voltage value may be inspected.

[0079] 2-2 Preliminary Inspection

[0080] If only the time period start check is implemented in the fragrance suction device 10, the user must request the heating start operation in order to know whether there is a sufficient amount of electricity left in the battery 140. However, the user cannot perform such an operation in a place where aerosol suction is not allowed. On the other hand, if the above-mentioned time period start check can only be called through an operation that has nothing to do with the heating start, the user is forced to call the time period start check and the heating start operation twice when starting the time period in order to avoid stopping the time period halfway, and the operation becomes complicated. Therefore, in the present embodiment, in the fragrance suction device 10, in addition to implementing the above-mentioned time period start check that sets the prescribed operation of the fragrance suction device 10 requesting the heating start as a trigger, a function of checking the remaining amount of the battery 140 using other prescribed operations for the fragrance suction device 10 as a trigger is also implemented. In the subsequent description, this other inspection function is referred to as "preliminary inspection".

[0081] For the sake of convenience, the prescribed operation of calling the time period start inspection for the aroma suction device 10 is set as the first prescribed operation, and the prescribed operation of calling the pre-inspection for the aroma suction device 10 is set as the second prescribed operation. The first prescribed operation is equivalent to the operation of requesting the start of heating, for example, it can be a long press of the button (front surface panel 102). In this case, the second prescribed operation can be, for example, an operation of opening the slider 104, a short press of the button, or multiple consecutive presses of the button, etc., and any operation other than a long press of the button.

[0082] In the preliminary inspection, the control unit 120 obtains the remaining value R from the remaining meter 142 according to the second predetermined operation. C , and based on the obtained margin value R C , it is determined whether there is enough power left in the storage battery 140 to consume the flavor source contained in one cigarette rod 15. This determination is made by calculating the remaining value R C With the margin threshold R th0 The control unit 120 compares the remaining value R C Exceeding the margin threshold R th0 In the case of the remaining power value R, it can be determined that there is a sufficient amount of power remaining in the storage battery 140, and one time period can be completed without stopping. On the other hand, the control unit 120 C Below the margin threshold R th0 In the case of , it can be determined that the margin is insufficient.

[0083] In this way, it is possible to check whether the battery remaining amount is insufficient by an operation different from the operation for requesting the start of heating, thereby allowing the user to know the check result on the remaining amount of power at any place other than the place where suction is performed.

[0084] In the preliminary inspection, the control unit 120 may determine whether the remaining power of the storage battery 140 is sufficient to complete one session in addition to the above-mentioned determination of insufficient remaining power. C With the margin threshold R th0 In addition to the comparison, the margin value R C With further margin threshold R th1 (R th1 >R th0 ) is compared, and this is done. C Exceeding the margin threshold R th1 In the case of the remaining value R, the control unit 120 may determine that there is a sufficient amount of power remaining in the battery 140 to consume the flavor sources contained in the two or more cigarette rods 15. On the other hand, the control unit 120 may determine that there is a sufficient amount of power remaining in the battery 140 to consume the flavor sources contained in the two or more cigarette rods 15. C Exceeding the margin threshold R th0 And below the margin threshold R th1 In the case of , it can be determined that although the remaining amount is not insufficient at this moment, the remaining amount of the battery 140 becomes insufficient after the user uses the next cigarette rod 15.

[0085] 2-3 Notification of inspection results

[0086] The results of the above-mentioned pre-inspection and the time period start inspection can also be notified to the user in various ways. For example, regarding the following five inspection results, the control unit 120 can instruct the notification unit 160 to notify in various ways:

[0087] ·Pre-check - insufficient margin

[0088] ·Pre-check - one remaining

[0089] ·Pre-check - more than two remaining

[0090] ·Check at the beginning of the period - insufficient balance

[0091] ·Time period start check-heating starts

[0092] (1) Pre-check - Insufficient margin

[0093] In the preliminary inspection, in R C <R th0 In the case of margin value R CWhen it is indicated that there is not enough power remaining in the storage battery 140 to consume the flavor source contained in one cigarette stick 15, etc., the notification unit 160 performs a notification for notifying the user of the insufficient remaining power. For the notification of insufficient remaining power, for example, the LED in a warning color (for example, red) may be illuminated or flashed, or a vibrator may vibrate with a relatively strong intensity or for a relatively long period of time in order to make the user clearly aware of the necessity of charging.

[0094] (2) Pre-check - One remaining piece

[0095] In the preliminary inspection, in R th0 ≤R C <R th1 In the case of margin value R C In the case where the battery 140 indicates that the remaining power is not insufficient, but at most only enough power to consume the flavor source contained in one cigarette stick 15, the notification unit 160 notifies the user that the number of cigarette sticks 15 that can be used without charging is one. This notification is different from the notification of insufficient remaining power described above and the notification of more than two remaining cigarette sticks described later in the notification mode (for example, light mode or vibration mode). By receiving the notification of one remaining cigarette stick, the user can recognize in advance that after using the next cigarette stick, further aerosol inhalation cannot be performed without recharging.

[0096] (3) Pre-check - more than two remaining

[0097] In the preliminary inspection, in R th1 ≤R C In the case of margin value R C In the case where it is indicated that there is a sufficient amount of power remaining in the battery 140 to consume the flavor sources contained in two or more cigarette sticks 15, the notification unit 160 may perform a notification for notifying the user of the remaining amount of power (battery remaining amount) in the battery 140. For example, the battery remaining amount may be notified in the form of a battery level determined as a discrete numerical value, a relative charging rate, or the remaining number of cigarette sticks that can be used without charging. For example, the battery level or the remaining number of cigarette sticks may also be expressed by the number of LEDs that are lit, the number of times an LED flashes, or the number of times a vibrator vibrates.

[0098] (4) Check at the beginning of the period - insufficient balance

[0099] In the period start check, in R C <R th0 or V BAT <V th In the case of margin value R C Or voltage value V BATWhen it is indicated that there is not enough power left in the storage battery 140 to consume the flavor source contained in one cigarette stick 15, the notification unit 160 notifies the user of the insufficient remaining power. The insufficient remaining power notification can be performed in the same manner as the insufficient remaining power notification in the preliminary inspection (or can be performed in a different manner).

[0100] (5) Check the start of the period - start heating

[0101] In the period start check, in R th0 ≤R C And V th ≤V BAT In the case of a warning light, the notification unit 160 notifies the user that heating has started. The notification of heating start may be made, for example, by lighting or flashing an LED in a non-warning color (e.g., white), or by vibrating a vibrator with a relatively weak intensity or a relatively short period of time. After (or simultaneously with) the notification, the control unit 120 starts supplying power from the storage battery 140 to the heating unit 130. Then, the control unit 120 may also start the heating unit 130 in the use Figure 4 At some timings in the middle of the time period performed as described above, the notification unit 160 makes further notifications (for example, a notice of the end of the preheating period and the end of the suction enabled period).

[0102] (6) Other notification methods

[0103] In this embodiment, an example in which one or both of the light emitting unit 125 and the vibration unit 126 perform notification is mainly described, but the notification method is not limited to the example involved. For example, for each notification listed above, it is also possible to perform the notification by sound output from a speaker or a message sent to an external device instead of (or in addition to) light emission or vibration.

[0104] 2-4 Threshold Setting Example

[0105] (1) Basic thinking method

[0106] The voltage threshold V th , margin threshold R th0 (first remaining battery threshold) and the second remaining battery threshold R th1 The value of the (second remaining battery threshold) is predetermined and stored in the storage unit 121. For example, the voltage threshold V th Alternatively, the minimum operable voltage 55 for ensuring normal operation of the circuit of the aroma suction device 10 may be added with the voltage drop during the heating period (for example, V init，n With V min，n The difference) and the margin used to absorb the voltage deviation are determined.

[0107] Residual threshold R th0 The voltage threshold V may also be set by using a characteristic curve diagram showing the relationship between the remaining capacity [mAh] of the storage battery 140 and the output voltage [V] (at the start of the time period). th The value of is converted into a margin value and determined. th1 It can also be done by adjusting the margin threshold R th0 The amount is determined by adding the amount of electricity consumed by the use of one cigarette stick 15 (completion of one time period).

[0108] In addition, in many cases, the remaining battery power corresponding to the voltage threshold determined based on the circuit's operable voltage exceeds the power consumption per period. th And the margin threshold R th0 However, the voltage threshold V th And the margin threshold R th0 The present invention is not limited to the above example, and the power consumption in each time period may be used as a reference for determination.

[0109] (2) Temperature-dependent threshold

[0110] The inventors have recognized that the battery remaining capacity-output voltage characteristics may differ depending on the battery temperature. Typically, if the battery remaining capacity is the same, the output voltage tends to decrease as the battery temperature decreases. Therefore, in this embodiment, the remaining capacity threshold R th0 , R th1 For each of the two or more temperature ranges, the storage unit 121 stores different set values ​​respectively associated with each of the two or more temperature ranges.

[0111] Figure 6 FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram for explaining an example of setting different threshold values ​​for a plurality of temperature ranges. Figure 6 In the example, the battery temperature T BAT It is classified into three temperature ranges: less than 10°C (category C1), 10°C or more but less than 20°C (category C2), and 20°C or more (category C3). th1 At the battery temperature T BAT If it belongs to category C1, it is set to R th1＿low , at the battery temperature T BAT If it belongs to category C2, it is set to R th1＿mid , at the battery temperature T BAT If it belongs to category C3, it is set to R th1＿high Similarly, the margin threshold R th0 At the battery temperature T BAT If it belongs to category C1, it is set to Rth0＿low , at the battery temperature T BAT If it belongs to category C2, it is set to R th0＿mid , at the battery temperature T BAT If it belongs to category C3, it is set to R th0＿high The following relationship holds between these setting values:

[0112] R th1＿high <R th1＿mid <R th1＿low

[0113] R th0＿high <R th0＿mid <R th0＿low

[0114] Thus, depending on the battery temperature T BAT By selectively using different remaining battery thresholds in the pre-inspection and the period start inspection, a highly reliable inspection can be performed regardless of changes in the ambient temperature (or the battery temperature affected by the ambient temperature).

[0115] exist Figure 6 In the example, the voltage threshold V th The voltage threshold V is not set to a common value for each battery temperature category. th A different value may be set for each type of battery temperature.

[0116] Here, a usage scenario is considered. The remaining capacity threshold is set to R th1＿low =400mAh, R th1＿mid =380mAh, R th0＿low =260mAh, R th0＿mid =240mAh. In addition, suppose the user has a battery with a remaining capacity of 250mAh (i.e., R C =250mAh) fragrance inhalation device 10, in an indoor environment at 15°C. However, aerosol inhalation can be performed outdoors at an ambient temperature of 5°C. The user first calls the pre-check function by the second prescribed operation indoors. BAT =15°C, so the control unit 120 sets the margin value R C With the margin threshold R th1＿mid (=380mAh) and R th0＿mid (=240mAh) and it is determined that the remaining cigarette stick can be used for 15 (R th0＿mid <R C <R th1＿mid). The notification unit 160 notifies the user of the determination result. The user goes outside to enjoy the remaining scent and instructs the aroma inhalation device 10 to start heating through the first predetermined operation. At this time, the battery temperature T BAT The temperature is lowered to below 10° C. due to the change in ambient temperature. Assume that in this case, the same margin threshold R is also used in the time period start check. th1＿mid and R th0＿mid , it is determined that the battery remaining capacity is not insufficient, and heating is started. However, if low temperature is the cause, there is a concern that the device may malfunction due to insufficient output of the battery 140 in the middle of the period after the heating starts. In contrast, in the present embodiment, the control unit 120 takes into account the reduced battery temperature T in the period start check. BAT , the margin value R C With the margin threshold R th1＿low (=400mAh) and R th0＿low (=260mAh) is compared. In this case, the remaining value R C Below the margin threshold R th0＿low Therefore, the control unit 120 determines that the remaining amount is insufficient and does not start heating by the heating unit 130. Thus, it is prevented from stopping halfway during the time period, and it is avoided that the tobacco rod 15 that is stopped halfway during heating is wasted.

[0117] 2-5 Omission of redundant re-determination

[0118] The control unit 120 may also store a flag indicating the result of the determination of insufficient remaining power in the pre-check or the time period start check (hereinafter referred to as insufficient remaining power flag) in the memory. Specifically, the control unit 120 determines in each check that there is not enough power remaining in the storage battery 140 (remaining power value R C <Residual Threshold R th0 ), the value of the insufficient remaining flag is rewritten to a value indicating insufficient remaining (for example, "1"). In addition, the value of the insufficient remaining flag is a value indicating insufficient remaining, which is equivalent to being set as the aroma suction device 10 is in an insufficient remaining state, and the heating of the heating unit 130 is restricted. Then, after the control unit 120 detects that the charging of the battery 140 has started, if it is determined that the specified conditions are met, the value of the insufficient remaining flag is returned to the original value (for example, "0") (indicating that the remaining amount is not insufficient). In addition, the value of the insufficient remaining flag is a value indicating that the remaining amount is not insufficient, which is equivalent to being set as the aroma suction device 10 is not in an insufficient remaining state, and the heating restriction of the heating unit 130 is released.

[0119] The control unit 120 refers to the insufficient remaining capacity flag according to the second predetermined operation requesting the preliminary inspection, and if the value thereof indicates insufficient remaining capacity, the storage battery 140 is not sufficiently charged after the first determination that the remaining capacity is insufficient, and therefore the operation based on the remaining capacity value R is not performed. C The battery is judged to be insufficient.

[0120] Similarly, the control unit 120 refers to the insufficient remaining capacity flag according to the first predetermined operation requesting the start of heating, and if the value thereof indicates insufficient remaining capacity, the battery 140 is not sufficiently charged after the first determination that the remaining capacity is insufficient, and therefore the heating based on the remaining capacity value R is not performed. C And the voltage value V BAT At this time, the control unit 120 limits the heating so that the heating unit 130 does not start heating according to the first prescribed operation.

[0121] By performing such flag management, redundant re-determination of the battery remaining amount can be omitted. This reduces the communication between the control unit 120 and the remaining amount meter 142, and reduces the load on the circuit. In addition, this reduces the time required to measure the remaining amount value R C And the voltage value V BAT Therefore, even when the preliminary inspection or the time-period start inspection is repeatedly performed, the possibility that the remaining amount of the storage battery 140 is extremely reduced to a level that is judged as a permanent failure can be reduced.

[0122] 2-6 Prescribed conditions for lifting restrictions on heating

[0123] 2-6-1 Type 1

[0124] An example of the predetermined condition for lifting the restriction on heating is to set the remaining charge value R measured before starting to charge the battery 140 to C The margin value R C＿latest As a reference, the remaining amount of the battery 140 increases by a predetermined amount ΔR c Therefore, the control unit 120 can use the remaining value R measured in the pre-inspection before charging the storage battery 140 or in the time zone start inspection C As the margin value R C＿latest Stored in the storage unit 121.

[0125] Specified amount ΔR c The amount may be sufficient for determining the remaining amount of battery 140. c It may be an amount sufficient to complete at least one time of the time period start inspection process and the pre-inspection process described later. cIt can be experimentally determined in advance and stored in the storage unit 121 in advance.

[0126] Specified amount ΔR c It may be an amount sufficient for consuming at least one tobacco rod 15. Therefore, the predetermined amount ΔR c It can also be determined as the margin threshold R th0 - Residual value R C＿latest Or margin threshold R th0 With R th1 The difference R th1 -R th0 In addition, the amount sufficient to consume at least one cigarette stick 15 can also be based on the battery temperature T BAT That is, the predetermined amount ΔR c At the battery temperature T BAT If it belongs to category C1, it is determined to be R th0＿low -R C＿latest or R th1＿low－ R th0＿low , at the battery temperature T BAT If it belongs to category C2, it is determined to be R th0＿mid -R C＿latest or R th1＿mid -R th0＿mid , at the battery temperature T BAT If it belongs to category C3, it is determined to be R th0＿high -R C＿latest or R th1＿high -R th0＿high .

[0127] The fragrance inhalation device 10 may be configured so that the user can set the predetermined amount ΔR c The fragrance inhalation device 10 may be configured so that the user can input a predetermined amount ΔR via the front panel 102 (input unit) or the wireless I / F 127. c Alternatively, the flavor inhalation device 10 may determine the predetermined amount ΔR based on the consumable number ΔN of the cigarette sticks 15 input by the user via the front panel 102 (input unit) or the wireless I / F 127 . c For example, the control unit 120 can be configured to set the predetermined amount ΔR c Decide on (R th1 -R th0 )×ΔN.

[0128] The control unit 120 may be configured to determine the predetermined amount ΔR based on the user's usage history of the flavor inhalation device 10 or the like. cFor example, the control unit 120 can be configured to calculate the average number, minimum number, or maximum number of cigarette rods 15 consumed by the user after the battery 140 is charged (hereinafter referred to as “average number, etc.”) ΔN statistical The predetermined amount ΔR is stored in the storage unit 121 as the usage history. c Decide on (R th1 -R th0 )×ΔN statistical , or use machine learning to determine the required amount ΔR c So that the average root number ΔN can be statistical Consumption of smoke stick 15.

[0129] In addition, according to the above-mentioned structure, it can be understood that the fragrance inhalation device 10 is configured to be able to rewrite the predetermined amount ΔR c .

[0130] 2-6-2 Type 2

[0131] Another example of the predetermined condition for lifting the restriction on heating is a condition that the battery 140 is fully charged. The method for determining that the battery 140 is fully charged is arbitrary. The following is an example without limitation.

[0132] The control unit 120 may also use the remaining value R measured during charging. C When the charge rate or relative charge rate of the battery 140 measured during charging becomes equal to or greater than a predetermined value, the control unit 120 may determine that the battery 140 is fully charged. Alternatively, the control unit 120 may determine that the battery 140 is fully charged when the current flowing through the battery 140 during charging becomes equal to or less than a predetermined value, or when the voltage value V of the battery 140 during charging becomes equal to or less than a predetermined value. BAT When the value becomes equal to or greater than a predetermined value, it is determined that battery 140 is fully charged.

[0133] In addition, the aroma inhalation device 10 may be configured such that the threshold value corresponding to the degree of degradation of the battery 140 is pre-stored in the storage unit 121, and the control unit 120 determines the threshold value based on the degree of degradation of the battery 140 measured during charging. BAT The corresponding threshold values ​​are stored in advance in the storage unit 121, and the control unit 120 determines the value based on the temperature T of the storage battery 140 measured during charging. BAT To determine the above threshold.

[0134] Furthermore, if the battery 140 is continuously charged even after it is determined to be fully charged, the battery 140 may temporarily not be determined to be fully charged due to repeated small discharges and charges. Therefore, the control unit 120 may be configured to maintain the determination that the battery 140 is fully charged once it is determined to be fully charged during charging until charging is completed.

[0135] 2-6-3 The third type

[0136] Another example of a condition for releasing the restriction on heating is a condition that a prescribed time Δt or more has passed since the start of charging. The control unit 120 may also be configured to determine the type of external device connected to the aroma suction device, etc. for charging the battery 140, and determine the prescribed time Δt based on the determined type of the external device. For example, the control unit 120 can determine the type of external device based on the time change rate of the current value flowing through the battery 140 during charging, and determine the prescribed time Δt in a manner such that the larger the time change rate of the external device, the shorter the prescribed time Δt. The aroma suction device, etc. 10 may be configured to store the prescribed time Δt of each type of external device in the storage unit 121 in advance. In addition, the aroma suction device, etc. 10 may be configured to be able to rewrite the prescribed time Δt.

[0137] 2-7 Variation

[0138] In and use Figure 6 In the first modification example regarding the setting of the threshold value for each temperature range described above, the control unit 120 may obtain the battery temperature T T from the remaining charge meter 142 instead of obtaining the battery temperature T T from the remaining charge meter 142. BAT , and the battery temperature is estimated from at least one of the date and time of the inspection, and the remaining capacity threshold value corresponding to the estimated temperature is used for the pre-inspection or the start-of-period inspection to determine whether the prescribed conditions for lifting the heating restriction are met. th0 and R th1 , specified amount ΔR c The storage unit 121 may store in advance the values ​​to be used in the warm season and the values ​​to be used in the cold season for each of the above thresholds for determining whether the storage battery 140 is fully charged. In this case, the control unit 120 may read different remaining capacity thresholds R from the storage unit 121 depending on whether the date at the time of the inspection belongs to the warm season or the cold season. th0 and R th1 , specified amount ΔR c and the above threshold value for determining whether the battery 140 is fully charged. th0 and R th1 , specified amount ΔR cThe storage unit 121 may store in advance the values ​​to be used during the day and the values ​​to be used at night for each of the above thresholds for determining whether the storage battery 140 is fully charged. In this case, the control unit 120 may read different remaining capacity thresholds R from the storage unit 121 depending on whether the time of the inspection is during the day or at night. th0 and R th1 , specified amount ΔR c and the above-mentioned threshold value for determining whether the battery 140 is fully charged.

[0139] In the second variation, the control unit 120 may estimate the battery temperature based on the output value from a thermistor disposed near the battery 140, and use the remaining capacity threshold value corresponding to the estimated temperature for a preliminary check or a time zone start check to determine whether the prescribed conditions for lifting the restriction on heating are satisfied.

[0140] 2-8 Other inspections

[0141] The control unit 120 may also check various states of the device other than the remaining charge and voltage of the battery 140 at any timing to confirm whether an abnormality has occurred. For example, one or more of the following inspection items may be checked:

[0142] The temperature of the heating unit 130 (whether it is abnormally high)

[0143] Temperature of other parts (whether it is abnormally high)

[0144] · Installation status of the front panel 102 (whether it is removed from the main body 101)

[0145] The state of the storage battery 140 monitored by the remaining charge meter 142 (whether an abnormality is detected)

[0146] When the control unit 120 detects an abnormality for a certain inspection item, the storage unit 121 stores an error code indicating the type of the detected abnormality, and the notification unit 160 notifies the user of the occurrence of the abnormality. Even if the control unit 120 detects the first predetermined operation requesting the start of heating, the heating unit 130 does not start heating unless the abnormality is resolved.

[0147] 3. Processing Flow

[0148] In this section, several examples of the flow of processing executed by the above-mentioned flavor inhalation device etc. 10 are described using flowcharts. In the following description, the processing steps are abbreviated as S (step).

[0149] In addition, in order to simplify the description, the processing steps for abnormality detection described in the previous section are not shown in each flowchart. Abnormality detection can be performed periodically as part of the normal control routine of the control unit 120, or can be performed as part of the pre-check or the time period start check. A detection circuit different from the control unit 120 can also detect abnormalities and notify the control unit 120 of the detected abnormalities (for example, through an interrupt signal).

[0150] 3-1 Overview of the process

[0151] Figure 7 This is a flowchart showing an example of a schematic flow of processing executed by the flavor inhalation device etc. 10 according to the present embodiment.

[0152] The control unit 120 continuously monitors the user input and the charging state of the battery 140 in the standby state (S101, S103, S113). The user input can be detected by the input detection unit 122, the state detection unit 123, or the suction detection unit 124. For example, if the second prescribed operation requesting a preliminary check is detected (S101-Yes), the process proceeds to S105. In addition, if the first prescribed operation requesting the start of heating is detected (S103-Yes), the process proceeds to S107.

[0153] In S105, the control unit 120 performs a preliminary check process to check the remaining power of the storage battery 140, and causes the notification unit 160 to make a notification according to the check result. A more specific flow of the preliminary check process performed here will be described later.

[0154] In S107, the control unit 120 determines whether the storage battery 140 is in a state where the time period can be started by executing the time period start check process. A more specific flow of the time period start check process executed here will be described later.

[0155] In the time period start check process, when it is determined that a sufficient amount of power does not remain in the storage battery 140 to consume the fragrance source etc. contained in one article (S109-Yes), the control unit 120 does not start the time period but returns to the standby state.

[0156] On the other hand, in the time period start check process, when it is determined that a sufficient amount of power remains in the storage battery 140 to consume the fragrance source or the like contained in one article (S109-No), the control unit 120 causes the heating unit 130 to start heating in S111, and executes the operation for realizing the use of the fragrance source. Figure 4The temperature control of one period of the temperature heating curve 40 as described above is performed. During this period, the heating unit 130 receives power supply from the battery 140, heats the cigarette rod 15 including the flavor source, etc., and generates aerosol. The user can inhale the aerosol multiple times during the inhalable period after the end of the preheating period.

[0157] During the standby state, the user can connect the aroma inhalation device 10 to an external power source via the connection I / F 128 to charge the battery 140. After detecting the start of charging of the battery 140 (S113-Yes), based on the determination that the prescribed condition is satisfied (S114-Yes), the control unit 120 updates the value of the insufficient remaining flag to "0" indicating false in S115. In addition, in S115, when the value of the insufficient remaining flag is already "0", the control unit 120 may do nothing. Alternatively, it may be configured to set a step (not shown) of determining whether the value of the insufficient remaining flag is "0" before S113 or S114, enter S113 or S114 when it is determined that the value of the insufficient remaining flag is not "0", and return to S101 when it is not the case. In any case, according to steps including S113, S114 and S115, it can be understood that when the value of the insufficient battery flag is not "0" but the true "1" described later, and the heating of the heating unit 130 is restricted, based on the satisfaction of the prescribed conditions after the charging of the battery 140 starts, the value of the insufficient battery flag becomes "0", and the restriction on the heating of the heating unit 130 is lifted.

[0158] In addition, the processing performed by the aroma inhalation device 10 may also include a step (not shown) of starting a timer for measuring the elapsed time from the start of charging of the battery 140 immediately after detecting the start of charging of the battery 140 (S113-Yes). In addition, the step (S114) of determining whether a predetermined condition is satisfied may also include obtaining a temperature value T indicating the temperature of the battery 140 from the remaining charge meter 142. BAT Alternatively, the step of determining whether the prescribed condition is satisfied (S114) may include estimating the battery temperature as described above, or reading the battery temperature stored as described above from the storage unit 121. The step of determining whether the prescribed condition is satisfied (S114) may include acquiring the charging rate, relative charging rate, or degree of degradation of the battery 140 from the remaining capacity meter 142.

[0159] 3-2 Preliminary inspection and processing

[0160] Figure 8 It means in Figure 7 A flowchart of an example of the process of the preliminary inspection processing that can be executed in S105.

[0161] First, in S121, the control unit 120 determines whether the remaining amount insufficient flag indicates "1" which means true. If the remaining amount insufficient flag indicates "1", the process proceeds to S145. On the other hand, if the remaining amount insufficient flag indicates "0", the process proceeds to S123.

[0162] In S123, the control unit 120 obtains a remaining value R indicating the remaining amount of power of the storage battery 140 from the remaining meter 142. C In addition, the pre-check process may include, immediately after S123 or after S123, converting the remaining value R obtained in S123 to C As a margin value R used in determining a predetermined condition for releasing the restriction on heating C＿latest , a step of storing in the storage unit 121 (not shown). The remaining value R that has been stored C＿latest It can also be updated to the newly obtained margin value R C Next, in S125, the control unit 120 obtains a temperature value T indicating the temperature of the storage battery 140 from the remaining charge meter 142. BAT Next, in S127, the control unit 120 obtains the temperature value T from the storage unit 121. BAT The margin threshold R associated with the temperature range th0 and R th1 For example, the control unit 120 obtains Figure 6 R th0＿low , R th0＿mid and R th0＿high One of the th1＿low , R th1＿mid and R th1＿high one of the.

[0163] Next, in S129, the control unit 120 sets the remaining value R C With the margin threshold R th0 Here, in R th0 ≤R C In the case of (S129-No), the control unit 120 further changes the remaining value R to C With the margin threshold R th1 Make a comparison.

[0164] The result of the threshold comparison in S129 and S131 is th1 ≤R CIn the case of the above, in S133, the control unit 120 determines that there is a sufficient amount of power remaining in the battery 140 to inhale the remaining two or more cigarette sticks 15. In this case, in S135, the control unit 120 causes the notification unit 160 to notify the user of the remaining battery level. For example, the notification unit 160 causes the number of LEDs corresponding to the battery level or the number of remaining cigarette sticks to light up.

[0165] The result of the threshold comparison is in R th0 ≤R C <R th1 In the case of the above, in S137, the control unit 120 determines that the battery 140 has enough power to suck the remaining one cigarette stick 15. In this case, in S139, the control unit 120 causes the notification unit 160 to notify the user that the remaining number of cigarette sticks 15 that can be sucked is one. For example, the notification unit 160 causes the LED to emit light in a preset inherent light emission mode, or causes the vibrator to vibrate in an inherent vibration mode.

[0166] The result of the threshold comparison is in R C <R th0 In the case of insufficient power remaining in the storage battery 140, the control unit 120 determines in S141 that there is not enough power remaining in the storage battery 140 to consume the flavor source contained in one cigarette stick 15. In this case, in S143, the control unit 120 updates the value of the insufficient power flag to "1". Next, in S145, the control unit 120 causes the notification unit 160 to notify the user that the remaining power of the storage battery 140 is insufficient. For example, the notification unit 160 causes the LED to light up in a warning color for prompting the user to recharge, or causes the vibrator to vibrate in a unique vibration mode.

[0167] In addition, another example of the preliminary inspection process may include the following steps in addition to the steps based on the residual value R. C With the margin threshold R th0 In addition to or instead of comparing (S129) based on the residual value R C With the margin threshold R th0 The comparison (S129) is also performed based on the voltage value V indicating the output voltage of the storage battery 140 obtained by executing the voltage measurement process. BAT With voltage threshold V th A step of comparing (refer to the time period start check process described later) and determining that a sufficient amount of power is not remaining in the battery 140.

[0168] 3-3 period starts inspection and processing

[0169] Fig. 9 It means in Figure 7 This is a flowchart of an example of a flow of the time period start check process executable in S107.

[0170] First, in S151, the control unit 120 determines whether the remaining amount insufficient flag indicates "1". If the remaining amount insufficient flag indicates "1", the process proceeds to S175. On the other hand, if the remaining amount insufficient flag indicates "0", the process proceeds to S153.

[0171] In S153, the control unit 120 obtains a remaining value R indicating the remaining amount of power of the storage battery 140 from the remaining amount meter 142. C In addition, the time period start check process can include, immediately after S153 or after S153, converting the remaining value R obtained in S153 to C As a margin value R used in determining a predetermined condition for releasing the restriction on heating C＿latest , and then storing it in the storage unit 121 (not shown). C＿latest It can also be updated to the newly obtained margin value R C Next, in S155, the control unit 120 obtains a temperature value T indicating the temperature of the storage battery 140 from the remaining charge meter 142. BAT Next, in S157, the control unit 120 obtains the temperature value T from the storage unit 121. BAT The margin threshold R associated with the temperature range th0 For example, the control unit 120 obtains Figure 6 R th0＿low , R th0＿mid as well as Rth0＿high one of the.

[0172] Next, in S159, the control unit 120 sets the remaining value R C With the margin threshold R th0 Here, in R th0 ≤R C In the case of R C <R th0 In this case, the processing enters S171 (S159-Yes).

[0173] In S161, the control unit 120 obtains the voltage threshold V from the storage unit 121. th Next, in S163, the control unit 120 executes a voltage measurement process to obtain a voltage value V indicating the output voltage of the storage battery 140. BAT The detailed process of the voltage measurement process performed here will be described later. Next, in S165, the control unit 120 sets the voltage value V BAT With voltage threshold V th Here, at V th ≤V BATIn the case of V BAT <V th In this case, the processing enters S171 (S165-Yes).

[0174] In S167, as a result of double checking the remaining value and the voltage value, the control unit 120 determines that the battery 140 has enough power to prevent the session from being interrupted, and thus the session can be started. Figure 7 In S111 , the control unit 120 causes the heating unit 130 to start heating and performs temperature control for one period of time.

[0175] On the other hand, in S171, the control unit 120 determines that there is not enough power remaining in the storage battery 140. In S173, the control unit 120 updates the value of the remaining power flag to "1". Then, in S175, the control unit 120 causes the notification unit 160 to notify the user that the remaining power of the storage battery 140 is insufficient. In this case, the control unit 120 does not cause the heating unit 130 to start heating and returns to the state of the heating unit 130. Figure 7 The beginning of the standby state.

[0176] In another example of the time period start check process, when it is determined that there is not enough power remaining in the storage battery 140, the remaining power value R may be omitted. C With the margin threshold R th0 The step of comparing (S159), and the step of setting the voltage value V BAT With voltage threshold V th One of the steps of comparing (S165).

[0177] 3-4 Voltage measurement processing

[0178] Fig.10 It means in Fig. 9 A flowchart of an example of the flow of the voltage measurement process that can be executed in S163.

[0179] First, in S181 , the control unit 120 turns on the first switch 131 and the second switch 132 to start outputting a voltage pulse from the battery 140 to the heating unit 130 .

[0180] Next, in S183, the control unit 120 measures the output voltage of the storage battery 140 by performing analog-digital conversion on the voltage level input via the booster circuit 141. This measurement is performed a plurality of times at a certain time interval.

[0181] Next, in S185 , the control unit 120 turns off the first switch 131 and the second switch 132 , thereby ending the output of the voltage pulse from the battery 140 to the heating unit 130 .

[0182] Next, in S187, the control unit 120 calculates the average value of the output voltages measured in S183 as a voltage value V to be compared with the voltage threshold. BAT .

[0183] 4 Summary

[0184] So far, use Figures 1 to 10 , various embodiments and variations of the present disclosure are described. According to the technology involved in the present disclosure, in a fragrance suction device or the like in which a heating unit receives power supply from a power source and heats an article containing a fragrance source or the like to generate a fragrance or the like, according to a user input requesting the start of heating, when it is determined that there is not enough power left in the power source to consume the fragrance source or the like contained in an article, the heating is restricted without starting, and the user is notified of the insufficient remaining power instead. In addition, according to a user input different from the user input requesting the start of heating, a check is performed to determine whether the above-mentioned sufficient amount of power remains in the power source, and the result of the check is notified to the user. Therefore, the user only needs to perform an operation requesting the start of heating to start the aerosol suction without the risk of stopping halfway during the time period, and the result of the check on the remaining power can be known regardless of the location. Further, in the case where heating is restricted, the restriction will not be lifted when the remaining power of the power source is insufficient, thereby preventing unnecessary repetition of the process for restricting heating.

[0185] The invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and various modifications and changes can be made within the scope of the gist of the invention.

[0186] Finally, some of the features of the present disclosure are described below.

[0187] [Feature 1]

[0188] A device as a fragrance inhalation device or an aerosol generating device, comprising:

[0189] A heating unit configured to heat one or both of the flavor source and the aerosol source;

[0190] a power source for supplying electric power to the heating unit; and

[0191] a control unit configured to limit heating of the heating unit when the remaining amount of the power supply is insufficient,

[0192] When heating by the heating unit is restricted, the control unit is further configured to release the restriction based on a predetermined condition being satisfied after charging of the power source is started.

[0193] [Feature 2]

[0194] According to the device described in feature 1,

[0195] The control unit is further configured to make a first determination as to whether the remaining amount of the power supply is insufficient in response to a first predetermined operation on the device for starting heating by the heating unit.

[0196] [Feature 3]

[0197] According to the device described in feature 2,

[0198] The first determination includes one or both of the following:

[0199] determining the margin of the power supply; and

[0200] The power source temporarily supplies electric power to the heating unit, and an operating voltage of the power source is measured.

[0201] [Feature 4]

[0202] The device according to feature 2 or 3,

[0203] The control unit is further configured to make a second determination as to whether the remaining amount of the power supply is insufficient in response to a second predetermined operation on the device that is different from the first predetermined operation.

[0204] [Feature 5]

[0205] According to the device described in feature 4,

[0206] The control unit is further configured to set the power source to a remaining power shortage state when it is determined that the remaining power of the power source is insufficient.

[0207] The second determination includes:

[0208] determining whether the battery is set to the insufficient state;

[0209] If it is not determined that the remaining amount is set to the insufficient state, performing a measurement process including one or both of the following: measuring the remaining amount of the power supply, and temporarily supplying power from the power supply to the heating unit to measure the operating voltage of the power supply; and

[0210] When it is determined that the remaining amount is insufficient, the measurement process is omitted.

[0211] [Feature 6]

[0212] The device according to any one of features 1 to 5,

[0213] The predetermined condition is a condition that the remaining amount of the power source increases by a predetermined amount or more based on the remaining amount of the power source measured before the start of charging of the power source.

[0214] [Feature 7]

[0215] According to the device described in feature 6,

[0216] The prescribed amount is an amount sufficient for executing determination as to whether the remaining amount of the power source is insufficient.

[0217] [Feature 8]

[0218] According to the device described in feature 6,

[0219] The device is configured to be capable of replacing a substrate comprising one or both of the fragrance source and the aerosol source,

[0220] The prescribed amount is an amount sufficient to consume at least one of the substrates.

[0221] [Feature 9]

[0222] According to the device described in feature 8,

[0223] The control unit is further configured to determine the amount sufficient to consume at least one of the substrates based on the temperature of the power source.

[0224] [Feature 10]

[0225] According to the device described in feature 6,

[0226] The predetermined amount is configured to be settable by a user.

[0227] [Feature 11]

[0228] According to the device described in feature 6,

[0229] The control unit is further configured to determine the predetermined amount based on a user's usage history of the device.

[0230] [Feature 12]

[0231] According to the device described in feature 6,

[0232] The predetermined amount is configured to be rewritable.

[0233] [Feature 13]

[0234] The device according to any one of features 1 to 5,

[0235] The predetermined condition is a condition that the power source is fully charged.

[0236] [Feature 14]

[0237] The device according to any one of features 1 to 5,

[0238] The predetermined condition is a condition that a predetermined time or longer has elapsed since the start of charging of the power source.

[0239] [Feature 15]

[0240] According to the device described in feature 14,

[0241] The control unit is further configured to determine a type of an external device connected to the device for charging the power supply, and determine the predetermined time based on the determined type of the external device.

[0242] [Feature 16]

[0243] According to the device described in feature 14,

[0244] The predetermined time is configured to be rewritable.

[0245] [Feature 17]

[0246] The device according to any one of features 1 to 16,

[0247] The control unit limiting the heating of the heating unit includes: the control unit limiting so that the heating of the heating unit does not start.

[0248] [Feature 18]

[0249] A method executed by a control unit of a device as a flavor inhalation device or an aerosol generating device, the device comprising: a heating unit configured to heat one or both of a flavor source and an aerosol source; and a power supply for supplying power to the heating unit, the method comprising:

[0250] A step of limiting heating of the heating unit when the remaining power of the power source is insufficient; and

[0251] The step of removing the restriction based on that a predetermined condition is satisfied after charging of the power source is started.

[0252] [Feature 19]

[0253] A program causes a control unit of a device as a flavor inhalation device or an aerosol generating device to execute the following steps, the device comprising: a heating unit configured to heat one or both of a flavor source and an aerosol source; and a power supply for supplying power to the heating unit.

[0254] A step of limiting heating of the heating unit when the remaining power of the power source is insufficient; and

[0255] The step of removing the restriction based on that a predetermined condition is satisfied after charging of the power source is started.

[0256] Description of Reference Numerals

[0257] 10…flavor suction device, etc.; 15…cigarette stick (article); 101…main body; 102…front surface panel; 103…display window; 104…slider; 106…opening; 107…insertion hole; 120…control unit; 121…storage unit; 122…input detection unit; 123…status detection unit; 130…heating unit; 140…battery (power source); 142…remaining meter; 160…notification unit.

Claims

1. A device as a fragrance inhalation device or an aerosol generating device, comprising: A heating unit configured to heat one or both of the flavor source and the aerosol source; a power source for supplying electric power to the heating unit; and a control unit configured to limit heating of the heating unit when the remaining amount of the power supply is insufficient, When heating by the heating unit is restricted, the control unit is further configured to release the restriction based on a predetermined condition being satisfied after charging of the power source is started.

2. The device according to claim 1, wherein: The control unit is further configured to make a first determination as to whether the remaining amount of the power supply is insufficient in response to a first predetermined operation on the device for starting heating by the heating unit.

3. The device as claimed in claim 2, wherein: The first determination includes one or both of the following: determining the margin of the power supply; and The power source temporarily supplies electric power to the heating unit to measure an operating voltage of the power source.

4. The device according to claim 2 or 3, wherein: The control unit is further configured to make a second determination as to whether the remaining amount of the power supply is insufficient in response to a second predetermined operation on the device that is different from the first predetermined operation.

5. The device according to claim 4, wherein: The control unit is further configured to set the power source to a remaining power shortage state when it is determined that the remaining power of the power source is insufficient. The second determination includes: determining whether the battery is set to the insufficient state; If it is not determined that the remaining amount is set to the insufficient state, performing a measurement process including one or both of the following: measuring the remaining amount of the power supply, and temporarily supplying power from the power supply to the heating unit to measure the operating voltage of the power supply; and When it is determined that the remaining amount is set to the insufficient state, the measurement process is omitted.

6. The device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein: The predetermined condition is a condition that the remaining amount of the power source increases by a predetermined amount or more based on the remaining amount of the power source measured before the start of charging of the power source.

7. The device according to claim 6, wherein: The prescribed amount is an amount sufficient for executing determination as to whether the remaining amount of the power source is insufficient.

8. The device of claim 6, wherein: The device is configured to be capable of replacing a substrate comprising one or both of the fragrance source and the aerosol source, The prescribed amount is an amount sufficient to consume at least one of the substrates.

9. The device of claim 8, wherein: The control unit is further configured to determine the amount sufficient to consume at least one of the substrates based on the temperature of the power source.

10. The device according to claim 6, wherein: The predetermined amount is configured to be settable by a user.

11. The device according to claim 6, wherein: The control unit is further configured to determine the predetermined amount based on a user's usage history of the device.

12. The device of claim 6, wherein: The predetermined amount is configured to be rewritable.

13. The device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein: The predetermined condition is a condition that the power source is fully charged.

14. The device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein: The predetermined condition is a condition that a predetermined time or longer has elapsed since the start of charging of the power source.

15. The device of claim 14, wherein: The control unit is further configured to determine a type of an external device connected to the device for charging the power supply, and determine the predetermined time based on the determined type of the external device.

16. The device of claim 14, wherein: The predetermined time is configured to be rewritable.

17. The device according to any one of claims 1 to 16, wherein: The control unit limiting the heating of the heating unit includes: the control unit limiting so that the heating of the heating unit does not start.

18. A method executed by a control unit of a device as a flavor inhalation device or an aerosol generating device, the device comprising: a heating unit configured to heat one or both of a flavor source and an aerosol source; and a power supply for supplying power to the heating unit, the method comprising: a step of limiting heating of the heating unit when the remaining power of the power source is insufficient; as well as The step of removing the restriction based on that a predetermined condition is satisfied after charging of the power source is started.

19. A program for causing a control unit of a device as a flavor inhalation device or an aerosol generating device to execute the following steps, the device comprising: a heating unit configured to heat one or both of a flavor source and an aerosol source; and a power supply for supplying power to the heating unit, A step of limiting heating of the heating unit when the remaining power of the power source is insufficient; and The step of removing the restriction based on that a predetermined condition is satisfied after charging of the power source is started.

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