Aerosol generating device and program

Abstract

The aerosol generating device has a control unit, a secondary battery, and a heating unit that heats an aerosol source, in which the control unit varies a threshold value for determining whether there is a remaining amount of one unused aerosol source that can be fully used in accordance with an accumulated number of times of heating cycles from the start of use of the aerosol generating device.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an aerosol generating device and a program. Background Art

[0002] An aerosol generating device is a device for generating an aerosol by heating an aerosol source including a flavoring agent or the like, and a secondary battery built in the main body is used as its power source. If the remaining capacity of the secondary battery runs out during the heating of the aerosol source, the user needs to discard the corresponding aerosol source even if there is still a remaining aerosol source capable of generating an aerosol. Therefore, PTL 1 describes a technique for determining the remaining capacity required to sufficiently use the aerosol source before starting to heat the aerosol source.

[0003] Citation List

[0004] Patent Literature

[0005] PTL 1 WO 2020 / 084757 A1 specification Summary of the Invention

[0006] Technical Problem

[0007] It is well known that repeated charging and discharging cause deterioration of the secondary battery. In a severely deteriorated secondary battery, the amount of electricity that can be discharged from a fully charged state (i.e., the discharge capacity) is less than that before the start of deterioration (i.e., the initial state).

[0008] Now, existing aerosol generating devices use a fixed value as a threshold for determining the remaining capacity of the secondary battery. The setting of this fixed value does not consider the degree of deterioration of the secondary battery. Therefore, when there is little deterioration, even when one or more unused aerosol sources can still be sufficiently used, it is sometimes determined that the remaining capacity is insufficient.

[0009] In view of the above problems, the present disclosure provides a technique for increasing the number of aerosol sources that can be sufficiently used in one full charge compared to existing devices.

[0010] Solution to the Problem

[0011] One aspect of the present disclosure provides an aerosol generating device including a control unit, a secondary battery, and a heating unit for heating an aerosol source, wherein the control unit changes a threshold for determining whether there is a remaining capacity that enables sufficient use of one unused aerosol source according to the cumulative number of heating cycles since the aerosol generating device started being used.

[0012] The threshold may increase as the cumulative number increases.

[0013] Alternatively, the threshold value may increase linearly as the number of accumulations increases.

[0014] The initial value of the threshold may be defined by the remaining capacity when the secondary battery can generate the guaranteed operating voltage of the aerosol generating device in a substantially non-deteriorated state.

[0015] The control unit may store the calculated number of accumulations in a non-volatile memory unit.

[0016] The control unit may change the threshold according to the total number of aerosol sources replaced after the aerosol generating device starts to be used, and this total number corresponds to the number of accumulations.

[0017] The control unit may change the threshold according to the number of charge / discharge cycles of the secondary battery corresponding to the number of accumulations.

[0018] One aspect of the present disclosure provides a program for causing a computer provided in an aerosol generating device including a secondary battery and a heating unit for heating an aerosol source to perform the following functions: changing a threshold value for determining whether there is a remaining capacity that enables sufficient use of an unused aerosol source according to the number of heating cycles since the aerosol generating device started to be used; determining whether the remaining capacity of the secondary battery at the current time is higher than the threshold value; allowing the heating unit to heat the aerosol source when the remaining capacity of the secondary battery at the current time is higher than the threshold value; and prohibiting the heating unit from heating the aerosol source when the remaining capacity of the secondary battery at the current time is lower than the threshold value.

[0019] Advantages of the Invention

[0020] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, compared with existing devices, the number of aerosol sources that can be fully used with one full charge can be increased. Brief Description of the Drawings

[0021] Figure 1 is a view of the front side of the aerosol generating device as viewed obliquely from above.

[0022] Figure 2 is a view of the top surface of the aerosol generating device as viewed from above.

[0023] Figure 3 is a view schematically showing the internal configuration of the main device.

[0024] Figure 4 is a view schematically showing the connection relationship in the electronic circuit of the main device.

[0025] Figure 5 is a view showing an example of a control curve used in the aerosol generating device. ​​​​​

[0026] Figure 6 is a graph showing the threshold for determining whether a secondary battery has sufficient remaining capacity to fully use an unused rod-shaped matrix.

[0027] Figure 7 is a flowchart showing the last rod determination process performed by the aerosol generating device of Example 1.

[0028] Figure 8 is a flowchart showing the last rod determination process performed by the aerosol generating device of Example 2.

[0029] Figure 9 is a graph showing an example of the table used in step 11.

[0030] Figure 10 is a graph showing the threshold for determining whether a secondary battery has sufficient remaining capacity to fully use an unused rod-shaped matrix.

[0031] Figure 11 is a flowchart showing the last rod determination process performed by the aerosol generating device of Example 1.

[0032] Figure 12 is a flowchart showing the last rod determination process performed by the aerosol generating device of Example 4.

[0033] Figure 13 is a graph showing an example of the table used in step 31.

[0034] Figure 14 is a flowchart showing the last rod determination process performed by the aerosol generating device 1 of Example 5.

[0035] Figure 15 is a flowchart showing the last rod determination process performed by the aerosol generating device 1 of Example 6.

[0036] Figure 16 is a graph showing an example of the table used in step 51.

[0037] Figure 17 is a flowchart showing the last rod determination process performed by the aerosol generating device 1 of Example 7.

[0038] Figure 18 is a flowchart showing the last rod determination process performed by the aerosol generating device 1 of Example 8.

[0039] Figure 19 is a graph showing an example of the table used in step 71. ​​​​​​​​​​​​​​

[0040] Figure 20 is a graph showing a threshold value for determining whether a secondary battery has sufficient remaining capacity to fully use an unused rod-shaped substrate.

[0041] Figure 21 is a graph showing a table of the relationship between the cumulative number of charge / discharge cycles and the threshold value determined by the last rod corresponding thereto. Detailed Description

[0042] Embodiments related to the present disclosure will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the drawings, the same components are denoted by the same reference numerals.

[0043] <Term>

[0044] The aerosol generating device according to each embodiment is in the form of an electronic cigarette.

[0045] In the following description, the substance generated by the aerosol generating device will be referred to as an aerosol. An aerosol refers to a mixture of tiny liquid or solid particles suspended in a gas with air or another gas.

[0046] The embodiments describe aerosol generating devices that generate an aerosol without an associated burn.

[0047] In the following description, the action of a user inhaling the aerosol generated by the aerosol generating device will be referred to as "inhaling" or "puffing".

[0048] In each embodiment, an aerosol generating device to which a solid aerosol source can be attached is described. It should be noted that the container accommodating the solid aerosol source is also referred to as a "cartridge" or a "rod-shaped substrate", depending on the product form. Cartridges and rod-shaped substrates are consumables. Therefore, cartridges and rod-shaped substrates have fixed replacement criteria.

[0049] <Embodiment 1>

[0050] <Example of Appearance>

[0051] First, an example of the appearance of the aerosol generating device used in Embodiment 1 will be described.

[0052] Figure 1 is a view of the front side of the aerosol generating device 1 as viewed obliquely from above.

[0053] Figure 2 is a view of the top surface of the aerosol generating device 1 as viewed from above.

[0054] The aerosol generating device 1 is configured by a main body device 10 and a sliding cover 20 that can be slidably operated along the top surface of the main body device 10. It should be noted that for ease of description, Figure 1 ​​Shows the state where the slide cover 20 has been removed from the top surface of the main body device 10.

[0055] In this embodiment, the surface on which the power button 11 is provided will be referred to as the "front surface".

[0056] In addition, the surface on which an insertion port (hereinafter referred to as the "rod-shaped substrate insertion port") 13 is provided will be referred to as the "top surface", and a rod-shaped substrate is inserted into this insertion port.

[0057] In addition, the surface opposite to the top surface will be referred to as the "bottom surface", and the other three surfaces will be referred to as "side surfaces".

[0058] In addition to the power button 11, an LED lamp 12 is also provided on the front surface of the main body device 10.

[0059] In addition to the rod-shaped substrate insertion port 13, a USB (= Universal Serial Bus) cable insertion port 14 is also provided on the top surface of the main body device 10.

[0060] For example, the power button 11 is used to indicate the start of heating the rod-shaped substrate, for resetting, and for indicating Bluetooth (registered trademark) pairing. Reset is performed by pressing the power button 11 for a long time (for example, pressing for 5 seconds or longer). In this embodiment, BLE (= Bluetooth Low Energy) is used as Bluetooth.

[0061] For example, the LED lamp 12 is used to notify the operation state of the main body device 10 and the remaining capacity of the secondary battery. In this embodiment, the surface of the LED lamp 12 is covered with a light-transmitting material, which enables the user to observe the lighting state of the LED lamp 12.

[0062] For example, the operation state includes the progress state of the heating cycle, the progress state of charging, and errors.

[0063] When notifying the progress state of the heating cycle, the length of the illuminated portion of the LED lamp 12 indicates the remaining available time. In addition, when the remaining time is very short, the LED lamp 12 blinks slowly.

[0064] When notifying the progress state of charging, the LED lamp 12 blinks during charging, and as the stored power increases due to charging, the length of the blinking portion of the LED lamp 12 increases. In addition, when charging is completed, the LED lamp 12 turns off or remains in the illuminated state.

[0065] For example, when displaying the remaining capacity of the secondary battery, the remaining battery capacity is displayed by the length of the illuminated portion of the LED lamp 12 at the time point when the slide cover 20 is opened or at the time point when the slide cover 20 is closed.

[0066] In addition, when the remaining capacity of the secondary battery is low, the LED lamp 12 blinks. Further, in a state where the remaining capacity of the secondary battery cannot support even suction of one unused rod-shaped substrate, the LED lamp 12 blinks rapidly.

[0067] The size of the slide cover 20 is determined to cover approximately half of the top surface. The slide cover 20 operated to the open state completely hides the USB cable insertion port 14, and the slide cover 20 operated to the closed state completely hides the rod-shaped substrate insertion port 13. That is, the slide cover 20 has the function of alternately hiding either the rod-shaped substrate insertion port 13 or the USB cable insertion port 14. Figure 2 The state where the slide cover 20 has been operated to the open state is depicted.

[0068] The rod-shaped substrate used in this embodiment accommodates a solid aerosol source in a paper tube generally formed into a cylindrical shape. Therefore, the shape of the rod-shaped substrate insertion port 13 is depicted by a circular shape in both Figure 1 and Figure 2 which is substantially the same as the shape of the rod-shaped substrate. The diameter of the opening portion of the rod-shaped substrate insertion port 13 constitutes the size of the rod-shaped substrate that can be inserted. In other words, the diameter of the rod-shaped substrate is such that the rod-shaped substrate can be inserted into the rod-shaped substrate insertion port 13.

[0069] In this embodiment, the USB cable insertion port 14 is C-type compatible. However, this does not mean that the shape of the terminal for charging the secondary battery is limited to C-type or limited to USB. The terminal of the power cable for charging the secondary battery can be another type.

[0070] For example, a magnet is attached to the back of the slide cover 20. At the same time, a Hall IC is attached to the main body device 10 within the movable range of the slide cover 20.

[0071] The Hall IC is a magnetic sensor formed of a Hall element and an operational amplifier, etc., and outputs a voltage corresponding to the intensity of the magnetic field passing through the Hall element.

[0072] In this embodiment, the opening and closing of the slide cover 20 are detected based on the change in the voltage output from the Hall IC as the slide cover 20 slides. That is, it is detected whether the slide cover 20 is in the closed position or the open position.

[0073] The size of the aerosol generating device 1 of this embodiment is determined to be such that it can be held by a user with one hand.

[0074] Various types of electronic components required for generating an aerosol are built in the main body device 10. In this sense, the main body device 10 is an example of an electronic device dedicated to generating an aerosol. Further, in a narrow sense, the main body device 10 is called an aerosol generating device.

[0075] <Internal Configuration>

[0076] Figure 3 is a diagram schematically showing the internal configuration of the main body device 10. It should be noted that Figure 3 depicts a state in which the rod-shaped substrate 30 has been assembled into the main body device 10. In addition, Figure 3 the internal configuration shown is used to illustrate the components provided in the main body device 10 and the positional relationships between these components. Therefore, Figure 3 the appearance of the components etc. shown does not necessarily match the appearance diagram discussed above.

[0077] The main body device 10 is configured by a power supply unit 101, a sensor unit 102, a notification unit 103, a memory unit 104, a communication unit 105, a control unit 106, a heating unit 107, a heat insulation part 108, and a holding part 109.

[0078] As discussed above, Figure 3 depicts a state in which the rod-shaped substrate 30 is held in the holding part 109. In this state, the user inhales the aerosol.

[0079] The power supply unit 101 is a unit for supplying power to each unit. For example, the power supply unit 101 stores power in a lithium-ion secondary battery. A lithium-ion secondary battery is used in this embodiment.

[0080] The secondary battery can be charged from an external power source. In this embodiment, for example, it is assumed that the external power source is a commercial power supply or a mobile battery.

[0081] The sensor unit 102 is an electronic component for detecting various types of information related to the main body device 10.

[0082] For example, the sensor unit 102 includes a pressure sensor (such as a microphone capacitor) or a flow sensor. The sensor unit 102 outputs the detected information to the control unit 106. For example, when a change in air pressure or air flow accompanying inhalation has been detected, the sensor unit 102 outputs a value indicating that the user has inhaled the aerosol to the control unit 106.

[0083] For example, the sensor unit 102 is provided in combination with a button or a switch for receiving a user operation. The button mentioned here includes the power button 11 discussed above (see Figure 1 ). In addition, the switch includes the slide cover 20 discussed above (see Figure 2 ).

[0084] If a user operation is detected, the sensor 102 outputs the detection of the operation to the control unit 106.

[0085] The sensor unit 102 further includes a temperature sensor for detecting the temperature of the heating unit 107. For example, the temperature sensor detects the temperature of the heating unit 107 based on the resistance value of the conductive track of the heating unit 107. The detected resistance value is output from the sensor unit 102 to the control unit 106. It should be noted that the control unit 106 calculates the temperature of the heating unit 107 based on the resistance value. In other words, the control unit 106 calculates the temperature of the rod-shaped substrate 30 held in the holding portion 109.

[0086] The notification unit 103 is an electronic component for notifying a user of various types of information related to the main body device 10. For example, the notification unit 103 includes an LED lamp 12 (see Figure 1 ). When it is necessary to charge the power supply unit 101, when the power supply unit 101 is in the charging process, or when there is an abnormality in the main body device 10, the LED lamp 12 emits light with different patterns in each case.

[0087] The patterns mentioned here include different colors and different lighting / extinguishing times, etc. It should be noted that the LED lamp 12 is an example of a light-emitting device.

[0088] The notification unit 103 may further include another device used in conjunction with or instead of the light-emitting device. This type of device includes a display device for displaying text, images, and other information, a sound output device for outputting sound, and a vibration device for vibrating the main body device 10, etc.

[0089] The light-emitting device, the display device, the sound output device, and the vibration device, etc. are examples of the notification unit for notifying information.

[0090] The notification unit 103 may further notify the user that the state where aerosol can be inhaled has been reached. This notification indicates a state where the temperature of the rod-shaped substrate 30 heated by the heating unit 107 has reached a predetermined temperature.

[0091] The memory unit 104 stores various types of information related to the operation of the main body device 10. The memory unit 104 is configured by a non-volatile storage medium (such as a flash memory), for example.

[0092] For example, the information stored in the memory unit 104 includes an OS (= operating system) and FW (= firmware) and other programs.

[0093] In addition, for example, the information stored in the memory unit 104 includes information related to the control of electronic components and information related to the inhalation action of the user.

[0094] For example, the control-related information includes the remaining capacity and SOH (= state of health) of the secondary battery, the number of inhalations, the time of inhalation occurrence, the cumulative inhalation time, the cumulative number of heating cycles, and the cumulative number of charge and discharge cycles of the secondary battery. For example, the information related to the user's inhalation action includes the total number of replaced rod-shaped substrates.

[0095] The communication unit 105 is a communication interface for implementing communication between the main body device 10 and other devices. The communication unit 105 communicates with other devices via a system based on any wired or wireless communication standard. Examples of the communication standards mentioned herein include wireless LAN (= local area network), serial signal lines, Wi-Fi (registered trademark), and Bluetooth (registered trademark).

[0096] For example, the communication unit 105 sends information related to the user's inhalation to the smartphone. In addition, the communication unit 105 downloads an update program and a control curve that define the temperature change of the heating unit 107 in the heating mode from the server.

[0097] The control unit 106 serves as an arithmetic processing device and a control device, and controls the operation of the main body device 10 according to various programs.

[0098] The control signal is sent through a signal line different from the power line. For example, serial communication methods such as the I2C (= inter-integrated circuit) communication method, the SPI (= serial peripheral interface) communication method, or the UART (= universal asynchronous receiver / transmitter) communication method are used for communication in the main body device 10.

[0099] For example, the control unit 106 is implemented by an electronic circuit such as a CPU (= central processing unit), an MCU (= microcontroller unit), an MPU (= microprocessing unit), a GPU (= graphics processing unit), an ASIC (= application-specific integrated circuit), an FPGA (= field-programmable gate array), or a DSP (= digital signal processor).

[0100] The control unit 106 may further include a ROM (= read-only memory) for storing programs and calculation parameters, etc., and a RAM (= random access memory) for temporarily storing appropriately changed parameters, etc.

[0101] The control unit 106 performs various types of processing and control by executing programs.

[0102] The processing and control mentioned herein include, for example: supplying power by the power supply unit 101; charging the power supply unit 101; detecting information by the sensor unit 102; notifying information by the notification unit 103; writing information to or reading information from the memory unit 104; and sending / receiving information by the communication unit 105.

[0103] The control unit 106 further controls processes and the like based on information input to the electronic component and information output from the electronic component.

[0104] The holding portion 109 is a substantially cylindrical container. In the present embodiment, the space inside the holding portion 109 defined by the inner wall and the bottom surface will be referred to as the inner space 109A. The inner space 109A is substantially columnar.

[0105] An opening 109B is provided in the holding portion 109, and this opening allows the inner space 109A to communicate with the outside. The rod-shaped substrate 30 is inserted into the inner space 109A from the opening 109B. The opening 109B mentioned here corresponds to Figure 1 the rod-shaped substrate insertion port 13 in

[0106] The rod-shaped substrate 30 is only partially accommodated in the inner space 109A. The state in which the rod-shaped substrate 30 is accommodated in the inner space 109A will be referred to as the rod-shaped substrate 30 being held in the inner space 109A.

[0107] At least a part of the holding portion 109 is formed to have an inner diameter smaller than the outer diameter of the rod-shaped substrate 30 in its axial direction.

[0108] Therefore, the outer circumferential surface of the rod-shaped substrate 30 inserted into the inner space 109A is pressed by the inner wall of the holding portion 109. The rod-shaped substrate 30 is held in the inner space 109A by means of this pressure.

[0109] The holding portion 109 also has a function of defining a flow path for air to pass through the rod-shaped substrate 30. For example, an air inlet hole is provided in the bottom portion 109C, and this air inlet hole is an entrance for air to enter the flow path. In addition, the opening 109B serves as an air outlet hole, which is an outlet for air.

[0110] In the present embodiment, only a part of the rod-shaped substrate 30 is held in the holding portion 109, and the remaining part protrudes from the housing to the outside. The part held in the holding portion 109 will hereinafter be referred to as the substrate portion 30A, and the part protruding from the housing will hereinafter be referred to as the nozzle portion 30B.

[0111] An aerosol source is accommodated in at least the substrate portion 30A. The aerosol source is a substance that is heated and atomized to generate an aerosol.

[0112] The aerosol source includes shredded tobacco, and also includes processed products obtained by shaping tobacco raw materials into a particulate form, a flake form, or a powder form, or other tobacco-derived substances.

[0113] Additionally, the aerosol source may further include non-tobacco-derived substances generated from plants other than tobacco (such as mint or herbal plants). For example, the aerosol source may include flavoring components such as menthol.

[0114] When the main body device 10 is a medical inhaler, the aerosol source may include a drug to be inhaled by a patient. It should be noted that, for example, the aerosol source is not limited to solids and may equally be a polyol such as glycerol or propylene glycol, or may be a liquid such as water.

[0115] At least a part of the mouthpiece portion 30B is held in the user's mouth during inhalation.

[0116] When the user inhales with the mouthpiece portion 30B held in their mouth, air flows into the internal space 109A from the air inlet holes. The air that has flowed in reaches the user's mouth after passing through the internal space 109A and the matrix portion 30A. The air reaching the user's mouth contains the aerosol generated by the matrix portion 30A.

[0117] The heating unit 107 is formed by a heater or other heating element. The heating unit 107 is formed of any material such as metal or polyimide. The heating unit 107 is configured in the form of, for example, a thin film and is assembled to the outer circumferential surface of the holding portion 109.

[0118] The aerosol source contained in the rod-shaped matrix 30 is heated and atomized by the heat generated by the heating unit 107. The atomized aerosol source is mixed with air or the like, and an aerosol is generated.

[0119] In Figure 3 , the outer circumferential region of the rod-shaped matrix 30 is initially heated, and the heating range steadily moves toward the center.

[0120] Therefore, the atomization of the aerosol source starts from the outer circumferential region of the rod-shaped matrix 30 and steadily moves toward the center.

[0121] The heating unit 107 generates heat by means of the power supply from the power supply unit 101. For example, when a predetermined user operation is detected by the sensor unit 102, the power supply to the heating unit 107 is allowed. The predetermined user operations mentioned herein include operations on the slide cover 20 (see Figure 2 ) and / or the power button 11 (see Figure 1 ).

[0122] In addition, when the temperature of the rod-shaped matrix 30 heated by the heating unit 107 reaches a predetermined temperature, it becomes possible for the user to inhale. The user's inhalation of the aerosol is detected by a flow sensor or the like in the sensor unit 102 and stored in the memory unit 104.

[0123] When a predetermined user operation is subsequently detected, the power supply to the heating unit 107 is stopped. The predetermined user operation includes the operation of closing the slide cover 20.

[0124] It should be noted that even if the predetermined user operation is not detected, the power supply to the heating unit 107 is stopped when the heating time defined in the control curve has expired.

[0125] Alternatively, the following method can be adopted: power is supplied to the heating unit 107 when user inhalation is detected, and the power supply to the heating unit 107 is stopped when user inhalation is no longer detected.

[0126] In addition, in Figure 3 the example, the heating unit 107 is provided at the outer circumferential portion of the rod-shaped substrate 30, but the heating unit 107 can also be a blade-shaped metal member inserted into the rod-shaped substrate 30, or the heating unit 107 can be a metal member built into the rod-shaped substrate 30. When the metal member serving as the heating unit 107 is built into the rod-shaped substrate 30, the induction heating coil should be arranged around the holding portion 109.

[0127] The heat insulation portion 108 is a member for reducing the propagation of heat generated by the heating unit 107 to the surrounding area. Therefore, the heat insulation portion 108 is arranged to cover at least the outer circumferential surface of the heating unit 107.

[0128] For example, the heat insulation portion 108 is configured by a vacuum heat insulation material or an aerogel heat insulation material, etc. The vacuum heat insulation material is a heat insulation material in which a high vacuum state is created by wrapping glass wool and silica (silicon powder), etc. in a resin film so that the heat conduction of the gas is as close to zero as possible.

[0129] <Electronic circuit connection configuration>

[0130] Figure 4 is a diagram schematically showing the connection relationship in the electronic circuit of the main body device 10. Figure 4 Shows the typical connection relationship between components, different from Figure 3 the functional configuration shown.

[0131] Figure 4 Shows the MCU 201 serving as the control unit 106 (see Figure 3 ), the heating coil 202 serving as the heating unit 107 (see Figure 3 ), the secondary battery 203 serving as the power supply unit 101 (see Figure 3 ), the charging IC 204, the battery protection IC 205, the remaining capacity meter IC 206, the boost / buck DC / DC circuit 207, the boost DC / DC circuit 208, and the switches 209, 210.

[0132] InFigure 4 In it, the power cord is represented by a thick line, and the signal line is represented by a thin line with an arrow.

[0133] The charging IC 204 is a circuit for controlling the distribution of the power supplied from the secondary battery 203 and controlling the power supply from an external power source to the secondary battery 203 during charging.

[0134] The output voltage of the secondary battery 203 is high in the fully charged state, but decreases as the remaining capacity of the secondary battery 203 decreases. At the same time, the components of the aerosol generating device 1 have various required voltage values. For example, the system power supply VCC33 required for the operation of the MCU 201 etc. has a fixed voltage of 3.3 V.

[0135] Therefore, Figure 4 The output terminal of the shown charging IC 204 is connected to the boost / buck DC / DC circuit 207 via a power cord.

[0136] The boost / buck DC / DC circuit 207 boosts or buck-boosts the output voltage of the secondary battery 203 and outputs a voltage of 3.3 V (i.e., VCC33) to the power cord.

[0137] It should be noted that the charging IC 204 applies a voltage of 5 V to the power cord connected to the LED lamp 12 (see Figure 1 ), and this power cord is not depicted. For example, the charging IC 204 generates a voltage of 5 V by means of USB OTG (= on-the-go) and outputs this voltage to the power cord connected to the LED lamp 12.

[0138] The battery protection IC 205 is a protection circuit for the secondary battery 203, and when protection is required, it stops the charging / discharging of the secondary battery 203 by controlling the switch 210 to the off state. It should be noted that the switch 210 is provided between the secondary battery 203 and the ground (earthing) line. For example, the battery protection IC 205 stops charging when overcharging is detected, stops discharging when overdischarging is detected, and stops large current discharging when a short circuit is detected.

[0139] The remaining capacity meter IC 206 is a circuit that receives the supply of the system power supply VCC33 from the boost / buck DC / DC circuit 207 and calculates information indicating the state of the secondary battery 203 based on the values of the output voltage and output current of the secondary battery 203. For example, the remaining capacity meter IC 206 calculates the SOC (= state of charge), SOH, and full charge capacity.

[0140] The SOC is the charging ratio, where the capacity of the secondary battery 203 at the full charge state at the current time is regarded as 100%, and the capacity at the fully discharged state is regarded as 0%. The full charge capacity of the secondary battery 203 at the current time is calculated by using the output voltage or output current of the secondary battery 203 when charging is completed, etc. In addition, the remaining capacity of the secondary battery 203 at the current time is calculated by using the output voltage or output current of the secondary battery 203 at each time point, etc.

[0141] The SOH is the percentage of the full charge capacity (Ah) of the secondary battery 203 at the current time (in the deteriorated state) when the full charge capacity (Ah) of the secondary battery 203 at the start of use (new battery or non-deteriorated battery) is regarded as 100%. The full charge capacity at the start of use is stored in the non-volatile memory unit 104 (see Figure 3 ). The "non-deteriorated state" mentioned herein means a state that is the same as or substantially the same as a new battery (for example, 98% or more compared to a new battery). It should be noted that the value of the secondary battery 203 defined in the design specifications, etc. is used for the full charge capacity (Ah), which is the same as or substantially the same as a new battery.

[0142] The calculated remaining capacity, etc. is read into the MCU 201.

[0143] The boost DC / DC circuit 208 is a circuit for boosting the output voltage of the secondary battery 203 that is used to supply power to the heating coil 202. In addition, a switch 209 is provided between the boost DC / DC circuit 208 and the heating coil 202, and a boosted voltage is applied to the heating coil 202 only when the switch 209 is controlled to the closed state (on state) by means of the MCU 201.

[0144] <Heating cycle>

[0145] Figure 5 is a diagram showing an example of a control curve used in the aerosol generating device 1. The vertical axis represents the target temperature [°C], and the horizontal axis represents time [s].

[0146] The MCU 201 (see Figure 4 ) implements temperature management of the heating coil 202 (see Figure 4 ) based on the control curve.

[0147] Heating of the heating coil 202 based on the control curve is started by operating the power button 11 (see Figure 1 ). It should be noted that immediately after the operation of the power button 11 has been detected, the temperature of the heating coil 202 and the rod-shaped substrate 30 (see Figure 3The temperature of () is substantially the same as the ambient air temperature when the aerosol generating device 1 is in use. Starting from this state, the temperature of the heating coil 202 begins to increase.

[0148] Now, the aerosol generating device 1 will be used in different seasons and at different air temperatures. If there is a single target temperature, when the aerosol generating device 1 is used outdoors in winter, for example, due to the large temperature difference between the ambient air temperature and the target temperature, the time taken for the heating coil 202 (or the rod-shaped substrate 30) to reach the target temperature is longer than in the standard use environment. For example, the standard use environment means a situation where the air temperature is 25 °C.

[0149] Therefore, in the aerosol generating device 1 used in this embodiment, a "preheating period" is set at the start of the control curve.

[0150] The preheating period is the period for raising the temperature of the heating coil 202 to the maximum target temperature T1 in a single operation. By setting this preheating period, the temperature of the rod-shaped substrate 30 can be raised to the maximum target temperature T1 within a predetermined period regardless of the environmental differences during use.

[0151] When the preheating period ends, the control curve transitions to the "inhaling possible period". When in the inhaling possible period, it is possible to inhale the aerosol generated from the aerosol source of the rod-shaped substrate 30.

[0152] In Figure 5 In the control curve shown, when the inhaling possible period starts, the temperature of the heating coil 202 drops to the minimum target temperature T3 (< T1) so that aerosol generation does not proceed excessively.

[0153] When the temperature of the heating coil 202 drops to the minimum target temperature T3, the MCU 201 maintains this temperature for a certain time. In addition, when the second half of the control curve starts, the MCU 201 increases the temperature of the heating coil 202 to the target temperature T2 (less than T1 but greater than T3) and maintains this temperature. By means of this temperature increase, all the aerosol sources remaining in the rod-shaped substrate 30 can be fully utilized.

[0154] In addition, when a predefined time has elapsed since the start of the inhaling possible period, the MCU 201 terminates the heating control of the heating coil 202. As a result, the temperature of the heating coil 202 gradually drops to the ambient air temperature.

[0155] <Correction threshold equivalent to secondary battery degradation>

[0156] As described above, repeated charging and discharging causes the secondary battery 203 (see Figure 4Deterioration. The internal resistance value of the secondary battery 203 increases as the deterioration progresses. When the internal resistance value rises, the output voltage of the secondary battery 203 drops below the output voltage in the initial state (i.e., the non-deteriorated state).

[0157] Even if the output voltage of the secondary battery 203 decreases, the voltages required for the system power supply VCC33 and the heating coil 202 can still be generated by means of the step-up / step-down DC / DC circuit 207 and the step-up DC / DC circuit 208.

[0158] However, there are also limitations to the voltage boost that the step-up / step-down DC / DC circuit 207 and the step-up DC / DC circuit 208 can provide. This voltage will be referred to as the "guaranteed operating voltage". For example, the guaranteed operating voltage is defined as the minimum voltage that the output voltage of the secondary battery 203 should satisfy during the heating of the heating coil 202.

[0159] Regardless of the degree of deterioration of the secondary battery 203, the guaranteed operating voltage is the same. However, since the internal resistance value of the secondary battery 203 with which deterioration has occurred is greater than the value in the initial state, the current output from the secondary battery 203 does not flow easily. As a result, as the deterioration progresses, even if the output voltage is the same, the current value supplied from the deteriorated secondary battery 203 becomes smaller than the current value in the initial state. That is, as the deterioration progresses, the power supplied from the secondary battery 203 decreases when approaching the guaranteed operating voltage.

[0160] However, the power consumed by the aerosol generating device 1 when the secondary battery 203 is deteriorated and when the secondary battery 203 is in the initial state is not different.

[0161] Therefore, as the secondary battery 203 deteriorates, the remaining capacity required for the secondary battery 203 to output an output voltage close to the guaranteed operating voltage is greater than the remaining capacity required in the initial state to supply the required power to each component. In other words, the secondary battery 203 in the initial state consumes less remaining capacity when outputting an output voltage close to the guaranteed operating voltage than the secondary battery 203 with which deterioration has occurred.

[0162] Accordingly, in the existing aerosol generating device 1, the threshold value for determining whether the secondary battery 203 has sufficient remaining capacity to enable full use of the unused rod-shaped substrate 30 (see Figure 3 )is set based on the remaining capacity required to maintain the guaranteed operating voltage in the deteriorated state and the capacity consumed by the standard user when fully using the unused rod-shaped substrate 30.

[0163] As a result, even in the degraded secondary battery 203, it is possible to determine whether there is sufficient remaining capacity to fully use the unused rod-shaped substrate 30 before the heating coil 202 starts heating.

[0164] However, when the secondary battery 203 is hardly degraded, the remaining capacity in the secondary battery 203 required to ensure the operating voltage is much smaller. As a result, when the secondary battery 203 is hardly degraded, the remaining capacity of the secondary battery 203 is judged to be lower than the threshold regardless of whether several rod-shaped substrates 30 can actually still be heated.

[0165] Accordingly, the present embodiment employs a system in which the threshold for determining whether the unused rod-shaped substrate 30 can be fully used is corrected according to the degree of degradation of the secondary battery 203.

[0166] In the present embodiment, the cumulative number of heating cycles is used as an index of the degree of degradation of the secondary battery 203. The cumulative number mentioned here is counted by the MCU 201 (see Figure 4 ) and recorded in the memory unit 104 (see Figure 3 ). It should be noted that the cumulative number means the total number of heating cycles counted after the user starts using. In other words, the cumulative number means the total number of heating cycles started after the aerosol generating device 1 is shipped from the factory and put into use.

[0167] It should be noted that the MCU 201 (see Figure 4 ) performs the correction of the threshold based on the cumulative number of heating cycles.

[0168] Figure 6 is a diagram showing the threshold for determining whether the secondary battery 203 has sufficient remaining capacity to fully use one unused rod-shaped substrate.

[0169] In the following description, the determination of whether the remaining capacity of the secondary battery 203 at the current time can fully use one unused rod-shaped substrate 30 will also be referred to as "last rod determination". In addition, the threshold for this determination will also be referred to as the "last rod determination threshold".

[0170] The vertical axis shows the remaining capacity RC of the secondary battery 203, and the horizontal axis shows the number of rod-shaped substrates 30 that can be inhaled in one full charge.

[0171] The thick dashed line shown in the figure represents the upper and lower limits of the last rod determination threshold. The difference between the lower limit and the upper limit mentioned here is set to be equal to or greater than the capacity required to fully use one unused rod-shaped substrate 30.

[0172] Figure 6A graph (broken line) showing that the threshold decreases as the number of inhalable rods increases is presented, but this graph of the threshold is drawn from the perspective of showing the change in the remaining capacity with the increase in the cumulative number of heating cycles using multiple straight lines.

[0173] It should be noted that an increase in the cumulative number of heating cycles means an increase in the number of charge and discharge cycles of the secondary battery 203, and the deterioration of the secondary battery 203 progresses.

[0174] In Figure 6 the case of, the lower limit value of the threshold determined for the last rod of the secondary battery 203 to which the cumulative number of heating cycles is zero is approximately 105 mAh, and the upper limit value is approximately 230 mAh. It should be noted that the SOH of the secondary battery 203 with a cumulative number of heating cycles of zero is approximately 100%.

[0175] The lower limit value mentioned here is defined as the remaining capacity of the secondary battery 203 when the output voltage is the guaranteed operating voltage. That is, the lower limit value mentioned here is the remaining capacity of the secondary battery 203 that can generate the guaranteed operating voltage.

[0176] Therefore, this is affected by the guaranteed operating voltage defined for the aerosol generating device 1 and the differences in the type and characteristics of the secondary battery 203 being used. Therefore, the initial value of 105 mAh is merely an example of a value used for ease of description. The same applies to other values.

[0177] The upper limit value is defined as the value obtained by adding a predetermined value to the lower limit value.

[0178] In the present embodiment, the predetermined value is provided as an added value, which includes the capacity of the secondary battery 203 required to fully use one unused rod-shaped matrix 30 plus a margin.

[0179] In the case of the present embodiment, the capacity of the secondary battery 203 required to fully use one unused rod-shaped matrix 30 is 105 mAh, and the margin is 20 mAh.

[0180] Therefore, the predetermined value is 125 mAh. If the margin is 0 mAh, the predetermined value would be 105 mAh, and if the margin is 30 mAh, the predetermined value would be 135 mAh.

[0181] In Figure 6In the case where the cumulative number of heating cycles is 7,350, the lower limit value of the threshold determined for the last rod is approximately 320 mAh, and the upper limit value is approximately 445 mAh. It should be noted that when the cumulative number of heating cycles is 7,350, the SOH of the secondary battery 203 is approximately 80%. That is, the deterioration of the secondary battery 203 has progressed by approximately 20% from the initial state.

[0182] The upper limit value mentioned herein is also provided as a value obtained by adding a predetermined value of 125 mAh to the value of the lower limit.

[0183] In the present embodiment, when the cumulative number of heating cycles is between zero and 7,350, the lower limit value of the threshold is determined by linear interpolation between approximately 105 mAh and approximately 320 mAh. Further, when the cumulative number of heating cycles is between zero and 7,350, the upper limit value of the threshold is determined as a value obtained by adding a predetermined value (i.e., 125 mAh) to the lower limit value determined by linear interpolation. These lower limit values mean the minimum remaining capacity required for the secondary battery 203 at the current time to generate a guaranteed operating voltage.

[0184] Incidentally, when the cumulative number of heating cycles is 7,350 or more, the lower limit value of the threshold used is fixed at 320 mAh, and the upper limit is fixed at 445 mAh.

[0185] It should be noted that the increase in the lower limit value and the upper limit value of the threshold is not limited to being linear, and may also increase according to an approximation or a data table.

[0186] For reference, conventionally, the threshold is determined as a fixed value of approximately 320 mAh regardless of the degree of deterioration of the secondary battery 203. In Figure 6 it, the conventionally determined threshold is indicated by a thin dashed line.

[0187] The MCU 201 in the present embodiment (see Figure 4 ) obtains the remaining capacity of the secondary battery 203 at the current time from the remaining capacity meter IC 206 (see Figure 4 ) and compares the remaining capacity with the threshold determined according to the cumulative number of heating cycles.

[0188] It should be noted that the MCU 201 counts the cumulative number of heating cycles, and the updated result is recorded in the memory 104 (see Figure 3 ).

[0189] If the current remaining capacity is lower than the threshold determined according to the cumulative number, heating of the rod-shaped substrate 30 by the heating coil 202 is prohibited.

[0190] For example, the straight line representing the change in the remaining capacity when the cumulative number of heating cycles is zero (corresponding to the case where the SOH is 100%) is located between the lower limit value and the upper limit value of the determination threshold at the 22nd suction rod. It should be noted that when using the conventional determination threshold, when the cumulative number of heating cycles is zero, the remaining capacity of the secondary battery 203 can only support a maximum of 20 rods to meet 320 mAh or more.

[0191] Therefore, when using the determination threshold adopted in this embodiment, the number of rod-shaped matrices 30 sucked by the secondary battery 203 with a cumulative number of heating cycles of zero can be increased from 20 to 22.

[0192] For example, the straight line showing the change in the remaining capacity when the cumulative number of heating cycles is 3,675 (corresponding to the case where the SOH is 90%) is located between the lower limit value and the upper limit value of the determination threshold at the 19th suction rod. It should be noted that when using the conventional determination threshold, when the cumulative number of heating cycles is 3,675, the remaining capacity of the secondary battery 203 can only support a maximum of 18 rods to meet 320 mAh or more.

[0193] Therefore, when using the determination threshold adopted in this embodiment, the number of rod-shaped matrices 30 sucked by the secondary battery 203 with a cumulative number of heating cycles of 3,675 can be increased from 18 to 19.

[0194] For example, the straight line showing the change in the remaining capacity when the cumulative number of heating cycles is 7,350 (corresponding to the case where the SOH is 80%) is located between the lower limit value and the upper limit value of the determination threshold at the 16th suction rod. It should be noted that when using the conventional determination threshold, when the cumulative number of heating cycles is 7,350, the remaining capacity of the secondary battery 203 can only support a maximum of 16 rods to meet 320 mAh or more.

[0195] Therefore, when using the determination threshold adopted in this embodiment and when using the conventional determination threshold, the number of rod-shaped matrices 30 sucked by the secondary battery 203 with a cumulative number of heating cycles of 7,350 remains at 16.

[0196] <Processing operation example>

[0197] Figure 7 is a flowchart showing the last rod determination process performed by the aerosol generating device 1 of Embodiment 1. It should be noted that the symbol "S" in the drawings means "step".

[0198] Figure 7 The shown processing operation is implemented by the MCU 201 (see Figure 4 )

[0199] The MCU 201 first determines whether an operation of opening the sliding cover 20 (see Figure 2 ) is detected (step 1).

[0200] When an operation of opening the sliding cover 20 has not been detected, a negative result is obtained in step 1. In this case, the MCU 201 repeats the determination in step 1.

[0201] However, when an operation of opening the sliding cover 20 is detected, a positive result is obtained in step 1.

[0202] In this case, the MCU 201 obtains the cumulative number of heating cycles up to the current time (step 2). The cumulative number of heating cycles up to the current time can be read from a register of the MCU 201 or the like, or can be read from the memory unit 104.

[0203] Then, the MCU 201 calculates the upper limit value of the last rod determination threshold based on this cumulative number (step 3). For example, when the cumulative number is zero, the upper limit value is set to approximately 230 mAh. The upper limit value mentioned here is the initial value of the threshold.

[0204] In addition, when the cumulative number is 7,350 or more, the upper limit value is set to 445 mAh. In addition, when the cumulative number is between zero and 7,350, the upper limit value is calculated as an intermediate value between 230 mAh and 445 mAh by means of linear interpolation.

[0205] Then, the MCU 201 obtains the remaining capacity of the secondary battery 203 at the current time (step 4). The remaining capacity of the secondary battery 203 at the current time is a value obtained by correcting the value read from the remaining capacity meter IC 206 by using the battery voltage. The correction calculation mentioned here is implemented by the MCU 201. The correct remaining capacity is obtained by means of the correction calculation. The details of the correction calculation are already well known and will not be described here.

[0206] Then, the MCU 201 determines whether the remaining capacity at the current time is equal to or greater than the upper limit value of the threshold (step 5).

[0207] When the remaining capacity at the current time is equal to or greater than the upper limit value of the threshold, a positive result is obtained in step 5. In this case, the MCU 201 transitions to the mode that allows the heating rod type substrate 30 (step 6).

[0208] However, when the remaining capacity at the current time is less than the upper limit value of the threshold, a negative result is obtained in step 5. In this case, the MCU 201 transitions to the mode that prohibits the heating rod type substrate 30 (step 7).

[0209] <Advantageous effects>

[0210] If the aerosol generating device 1 according to the present embodiment is used, the number of rod-shaped substrates 30 that can be fully used in a single full charge can be increased compared to existing devices. It should be noted that existing devices refer to devices that provide the threshold value of the last rod as a fixed value.

[0211] As described above, in the aerosol generating device 1 according to the present embodiment, when the cumulative number of heating cycles is small (for example, about 100 times), the number of rod-shaped substrates 30 that can be fully used in a single full charge can be increased by about 2 compared to existing devices.

[0212] In addition, in the aerosol generating device 1 according to the present embodiment, when the cumulative number of heating cycles is about 3,675, the number of rod-shaped substrates 30 that can be fully used in a single charge can be increased by about 1 compared to existing devices. In addition, when the cumulative number of heating cycles is about 7,350, the number of rod-shaped substrates 30 that can be fully used in a single full charge is the same as that of existing devices.

[0213] That is to say, if the aerosol generating device 1 according to the present embodiment is used, the smaller the amount of deterioration of the secondary battery 203, the greater the increase in the number of rod-shaped substrates 30 that can be fully used in a single full charge.

[0214] <Example 2>

[0215] In the present embodiment, another last rod determination processing operation performed by the aerosol generating device 1 (see Figure 1 ) will be described.

[0216] It should be noted that the appearance, internal configuration, electronic circuit connection configuration, etc. of the aerosol generating device 1 envisioned in the present embodiment are the same as those in Example 1.

[0217] Figure 8 is a flowchart showing the last rod determination processing performed by the aerosol generating device 1 of Example 2. In Figure 8 the parts corresponding to the parts of Figure 7 are given corresponding reference numerals.

[0218] In the present embodiment as well, the MCU 201 determines whether an operation of opening the slide cover 20 (see Figure 2 ) is detected (step 1), and the MCU 201 obtains the cumulative number of heating cycles up to the current time when the opening operation is detected (step 2).

[0219] Then, the MCU 201 reads out the upper limit value of the threshold corresponding to the obtained cumulative number of times from the table (step 11).

[0220] The table mentioned here is a table that records the relationship between the cumulative number of heating cycles and the threshold determined for the last rod, and is stored, for example, in the non-volatile memory cell 104.

[0221] It should be noted that when the obtained cumulative number of times is not in the table, the threshold value calculated by interpolation calculation will be used.

[0222] The subsequent processing operations are the same as Figure 7 those in

[0223] Figure 9 FIG. is a diagram showing an example of the table used in step 11. In Figure 9 the left column of the shown table, the cumulative number of heating cycles is listed at approximately equal intervals, and in the right column of the table, the numerical values providing the upper limit values of the corresponding thresholds are listed. In Figure 9 the case of , when the cumulative number of times increases by 367, the upper limit value of the threshold changes by 21.4 or 21.5 mAh.

[0224] It should be noted that the step size between the cumulative numbers of times prepared in the table can be one step size or ten step sizes.

[0225] <Advantageous Effects>

[0226] The aerosol generating device 1 according to the present embodiment is different from that of Embodiment 1 in that the threshold determined for the last rod is read from the table, but is the same as that of Embodiment 1 in that the threshold determined for the last rod is corrected according to the cumulative number of heating cycles.

[0227] Accordingly, the same as in Embodiment 1, the smaller the amount of deterioration of the secondary battery 203, the greater the increase in the number of rod-shaped substrates 30 that can be fully used in a single full charge compared to the existing device.

[0228] <Embodiment 3>

[0229] In the present embodiment, another processing operation for determining the last rod performed by the aerosol generating device 1 (see Figure 1 ) will be described.

[0230] In the present embodiment, the threshold for determining the last rod is corrected according to the total number of rod-shaped substrates 30 (see Figure 3 ) that have been replaced until the current time.

[0231] It should be noted that the appearance, internal configuration, electronic circuit connection configuration, etc. of the aerosol generating device 1 envisioned in the present embodiment are the same as those in Embodiment 1.

[0232] Figure 10It is a graph showing the threshold for determining whether the secondary battery 203 has sufficient remaining capacity to fully utilize one unused rod-shaped matrix 30. In Figure 10 the corresponding parts are given corresponding reference numerals for the parts corresponding to Figure 6 .

[0233] It should be noted that Figure 10 it is drawn from the perspective of showing the relationship between the change in the remaining capacity with the increase in the total number of rod-shaped matrices 30 accompanied by replacement using multiple straight lines.

[0234] Incidentally, one rod-shaped matrix 30 is replaced in each heating cycle. Therefore, the increase in the total number of replaced rod-shaped matrices 30 means that the number of charge and discharge cycles of the secondary battery 203 also increases, and the degradation of the secondary battery 203 progresses.

[0235] In Figure 10 , when the total number of replaced rod-shaped matrices 30 is zero, the lower limit value of the threshold determined for the last rod applied to the secondary battery 203 is approximately 105 mAh, and the upper limit value is approximately 230 mAh. The upper limit value mentioned here is the so-called initial value. It should be noted that when the total number of replaced rod-shaped matrices 30 is zero, the SOH of the secondary battery 203 is approximately 100%.

[0236] The lower limit value mentioned here is defined as the remaining capacity of the secondary battery 203 when the output voltage is the guaranteed operating voltage. That is, the lower limit value mentioned here is the remaining capacity of the secondary battery 203 that can generate the guaranteed operating voltage.

[0237] Therefore, it is affected by the guaranteed operating voltage defined for the aerosol generating device 1 and the differences in the type and characteristics of the secondary battery 203 being used. Therefore, the initial value of 105 mAh is merely an example of the value used for ease of description. The same applies to other values.

[0238] The upper limit value is defined as the value obtained by adding a predetermined value to the lower limit value.

[0239] In the present embodiment, the predetermined value is also provided as an added value, which includes the capacity of the secondary battery 203 required to fully utilize one unused rod-shaped matrix 30 plus a margin.

[0240] In the case of the present embodiment, the capacity of the secondary battery 203 required to fully utilize one unused rod-shaped matrix 30 is 105 mAh, and the margin is 20 mAh.

[0241] Therefore, the predetermined value is 125 mAh. If the margin is 0 mAh, the predetermined value would be 105 mAh, and if the margin is 30 mAh, the predetermined value would be 135 mAh.

[0242] In the case of Figure 10 when the total number of replacement rod-shaped substrates 30 is 7,350, the lower limit of the determined threshold for the last rod is approximately 320 mAh, and the upper limit is approximately 445 mAh. It should be noted that when the total number of replacement rod-shaped substrates 30 is 7,350, the SOH of the secondary battery 203 is approximately 80%. That is, the degradation of the secondary battery 203 has proceeded by approximately 20% from the initial state.

[0243] The upper limit value mentioned herein is also provided as a value obtained by adding a predetermined value of 125 mAh to the value of the lower limit value.

[0244] In the present embodiment, when the total number of replacement rod-shaped substrates 30 is between zero and 7,350, the lower limit threshold is determined by linear interpolation between approximately 105 mAh and approximately 320 mAh. In addition, when the total number of replacement rod-shaped substrates 30 is between zero and 7,350, the upper limit value of the threshold is determined as a value obtained by adding a predetermined value (i.e., 125 mAh) to the lower limit value determined by linear interpolation. These lower limit values mean the minimum remaining capacity required for the secondary battery 203 at the current time to generate a guaranteed operating voltage.

[0245] Incidentally, when the total number of replacement rod-shaped substrates 30 is 7,350 or more, the lower limit of the threshold used is fixed at 320 mAh, and the upper limit is fixed at 445 mAh.

[0246] For reference, the conventional determined threshold is a fixed value of approximately 320 mAh, regardless of the degree of degradation of the secondary battery 203. In Figure 10 it, the conventional determined threshold is shown by a thin dashed line.

[0247] The MCU 201 in the present embodiment (see Figure 4 ) obtains the remaining capacity of the secondary battery 203 at the current time from the remaining capacity meter IC 206 (see Figure 4 ) and compares the remaining capacity with the threshold determined according to the total number of replacement rod-shaped substrates 30.

[0248] It should be noted that the MCU 201 counts the total number of replacement rod-shaped substrates 30, and the updated result is recorded in the memory unit 104 (see Figure 3 ).

[0249] If the remaining capacity at the current time is lower than the threshold determined according to the total number, the heating coil 202 is prohibited from heating the rod-shaped substrate 30.

[0250] For example, the straight line showing the change in the remaining capacity when the total number of replacement rod-shaped substrates 30 is zero (corresponding to the case where the SOH is 100%) is between the lower limit value and the upper limit value of the determination threshold at the 22nd suction rod. It should be noted that when using the conventional determination threshold, when the total number of replacement rod-shaped substrates 30 is zero, the remaining capacity of the secondary battery 203 can only support at most 20 rods to meet 320 mAh or more.

[0251] Therefore, when using the determination threshold adopted in this embodiment, the number of rod-shaped substrates 30 inhaled by the secondary battery 203 with the total number of replacement rod-shaped substrates 30 being zero can be increased from 20 to 22.

[0252] For example, the straight line showing the change in the remaining capacity when the total number of replacement rod-shaped substrates 30 is 3,675 (corresponding to the case where the SOH is 90%) is between the lower limit value and the upper limit value of the determination threshold at the 19th suction rod. It should be noted that when using the conventional determination threshold, when the total number of replacement rod-shaped substrates 30 is 3,675, the remaining capacity of the secondary battery 203 can only support at most 18 rods to meet 320 mAh or more.

[0253] Therefore, when using the determination threshold adopted in this embodiment, the number of rod-shaped substrates 30 inhaled by the secondary battery 203 with the total number of replacement rod-shaped substrates 30 being 3,675 can be increased from 18 to 19.

[0254] For example, the straight line showing the change in the remaining capacity when the total number of replacement rod-shaped substrates 30 is 7,350 (corresponding to the case where the SOH is 80%) is between the lower limit value and the upper limit value of the determination threshold at the 16th suction rod. It should be noted that when using the conventional determination threshold, when the total number of replacement rod-shaped substrates 30 is 7,350, the remaining capacity of the secondary battery 203 can only support at most 16 rods to meet 320 mAh or more.

[0255] Therefore, when using the determination threshold adopted in this embodiment and when using the conventional determination threshold, the number of rod-shaped substrates 30 inhaled by the secondary battery 203 with the total number of replacement rod-shaped substrates 30 being 7,350 remains at 16.

[0256] <Example of processing operation>

[0257] Figure 11 is a flowchart showing the last rod determination process performed by the aerosol generating device 1 of Embodiment 1. In Figure 11 corresponding reference numerals are given to the parts corresponding to the parts of Figure 7 in the corresponding drawings.

[0258] Figure 11 The processing operation shown is also performed by the MCU 201 (seeFigure 4 is implemented by).

[0259] The MCU 201 first determines whether an operation to open the slide cover 20 (see Figure 2 ) is detected (step 1).

[0260] When an operation to open the slide cover 20 has not been detected, a negative result is obtained in step 1. In this case, the MCU 201 repeats the determination in step 1.

[0261] However, when an operation to open the slide cover 20 is detected, an affirmative result is obtained in step 1.

[0262] In this case, the MCU 201 obtains the total number of rod-shaped substrates 30 that have been replaced up to the current time (step 21). The total number of rod-shaped substrates 30 that have been replaced up to the current time can be read from a register of the MCU 201 or the like, or can be read from the memory 104.

[0263] Then, the MCU 201 calculates the upper limit value of the last rod determination threshold based on this total number (step 22). For example, when the total number is zero, the upper limit value is set to 230 mAh, and when the total number is 7,350 or more, the upper limit value is set to 445 mAh. In addition, when the total number is between zero and 7,350, the upper limit value is calculated as an intermediate value between 230 mAh and 445 mAh by means of linear interpolation.

[0264] The subsequent processing operations are the same as those in Figure 7 .

[0265] <Advantageous effects>

[0266] The aerosol generating device 1 according to the present embodiment is different from that of Embodiment 1 in that the total number of rod-shaped substrates 30 replaced so far is used to correct the last rod determination threshold, but is the same as that of Embodiment 1 in that the threshold is corrected according to the deterioration process of the secondary battery 203.

[0267] Accordingly, similar to Embodiment 1, the smaller the amount of deterioration of the secondary battery 203, the greater the increase in the number of rod-shaped substrates 30 that can be fully used in a single full charge compared to the existing device.

[0268] <Embodiment 4>

[0269] In the present embodiment, a table recording the relationship between the total number of rod-shaped substrates 30 replaced up to the current time and the last rod determination threshold is prepared in the aerosol generating device 1 (see Figure 1 ).

[0270] It should be noted that the appearance, internal configuration, electronic circuit connection configuration, etc. of the aerosol generating device 1 envisioned in this embodiment are the same as those in Embodiment 1.

[0271] Figure 12 is a flowchart showing the last stick determination process performed by the aerosol generating device 1 of Embodiment 4. In Figure 12 the parts corresponding to the parts of Figure 11 are given corresponding reference numerals.

[0272] In this embodiment as well, the MCU 201 determines whether an operation of opening the slide cover 20 (see Figure 2 ) is detected (step 1), and the MCU 201 obtains the total number of stick substrates that have been replaced until the current time when the opening operation is detected (step 21).

[0273] Then, the MCU 201 reads out the upper limit value of the threshold corresponding to the obtained total number from the table (step 31).

[0274] As discussed above, the table mentioned here records the relationship between the total number of replaced stick substrates 30 and the last stick determination threshold. For example, this table is stored in the non-volatile memory unit 104.

[0275] It should be noted that when the obtained total number is not in the table, a threshold calculated by interpolation calculation will be used.

[0276] The subsequent processing operations are the same as those in Figure 11 .

[0277] Figure 13 is a diagram showing an example of the table used in step 31. In Figure 13 the total number of replaced stick substrates 30 is listed at approximately equal intervals in the left column of the shown table, and the values providing the upper limit values of the corresponding thresholds are listed in the right column of the table. In Figure 13 when the total number increases by 367, the upper limit value of the threshold changes by 21.4 or 21.5 mAh.

[0278] It should be noted that the step size between the total numbers prepared in the table can be one step size or ten step sizes.

[0279] <Advantageous Effects>

[0280] The aerosol generating device 1 according to this embodiment is different from that of Embodiment 3 in that the last stick determination threshold is read out from the table, but is the same as that of Embodiment 1 in that the last stick determination threshold is corrected according to the total number of replaced stick substrates 30.

[0281] Accordingly, similar to Embodiment 3, the smaller the amount of deterioration of the secondary battery 203, the greater the increase in the number of rod-shaped substrates 30 that can be fully used in a single full charge compared to the conventional device.

[0282] <Embodiment 5>

[0283] In this embodiment, another last rod determination processing operation performed by the aerosol generating device 1 (see Figure 1 ) will be described.

[0284] It should be noted that the appearance, internal configuration, and electronic circuit connection configuration, etc., of the aerosol generating device 1 envisioned in this embodiment are the same as those in Embodiment 1.

[0285] Figure 14 is a flowchart showing the last rod determination processing performed by the aerosol generating device 1 of Embodiment 5. Corresponding reference numerals are given to the parts corresponding to the parts of Figure 14 in Figure 7 .

[0286] In this embodiment as well, the MCU 201 determines whether an operation of opening the slide lid 20 (see Figure 2 ) is detected (Step 1), and the MCU 201 obtains the cumulative number of heating cycles up to the current time when the opening operation is detected (Step 2).

[0287] Then, the MCU 201 calculates the lower limit value of the last rod determination threshold based on this cumulative number (Step 41). For example, when the cumulative number is zero, the upper limit value is set to approximately 105 mAh, and when the cumulative number is 7,350 or more, the upper limit value is set to 320 mAh. Further, when the cumulative number is between zero and 7,350, the upper limit value is calculated as an intermediate value between 105 mAh and 320 mAh by linear interpolation.

[0288] Then, the MCU 201 calculates the upper limit value of the last rod determination threshold based on the lower limit value (Step 42). Specifically, the MCU 201 adds a predetermined value to the lower limit value calculated in Step 41 (the predetermined value is an added value including the capacity required to fully use one unused rod-shaped substrate 30 (see Figure 3 ) plus a margin). Here, 125 mAh is used as the value added to the lower limit value.

[0289] The subsequent processing operations are the same as those in Figure 7 .

[0290] <Advantageous Effects>

[0291] The aerosol generating device 1 according to the present embodiment is different from that of Embodiment 1 in that the lower limit value is used to calculate the last rod to determine the upper limit value, but is the same as that of Embodiment 1 in that a threshold value corresponding to the cumulative number of heating cycles is used in the determination of the last rod.

[0292] Accordingly, similar to Embodiment 1, the smaller the amount of deterioration of the secondary battery 203, the greater the increase in the number of rod-shaped substrates 30 that can be fully used in a single full charge compared to the conventional device.

[0293] <Embodiment 6>

[0294] In the present embodiment, another last rod determination processing operation performed by the aerosol generating device 1 (see Figure 1 ) will be described.

[0295] It should be noted that the appearance, internal configuration, and electronic circuit connection configuration of the aerosol generating device 1 envisioned in the present embodiment are the same as those in Embodiment 1.

[0296] Figure 15 is a flowchart showing the last rod determination process performed by the aerosol generating device 1 of Embodiment 6. Corresponding reference numerals are given to the parts corresponding to the parts of Figure 15 in Figure 14 .

[0297] In the present embodiment as well, the MCU 201 determines whether an operation of opening the sliding cover 20 (see Figure 2 ) is detected (step 1), and the MCU 201 obtains the cumulative number of heating cycles up to the current time when the opening operation is detected (step 2).

[0298] Then, the MCU 201 reads out the lower limit value of the threshold corresponding to the obtained cumulative number of times from the table (step 51).

[0299] The table mentioned here is a table recording the relationship between the cumulative number of heating cycles and the last rod determination threshold, and is stored, for example, in the non-volatile memory unit 104.

[0300] It should be noted that when the obtained cumulative number of times is not in the table, a threshold value calculated by interpolation calculation will be used.

[0301] The subsequent processing operations are the same as those in Figure 14 .

[0302] Figure 16 is a diagram showing an example of the table used in step 51. In Figure 16The cumulative number of heating cycles is listed at approximately equal intervals in the left column of the table shown, and the values providing the lower limit of the corresponding threshold are listed in the right column of the table. In Figure 16 the case of, when the cumulative number increases by 367, the lower limit value of the threshold changes by 21.4 or 21.5 mAh.

[0303] It should be noted that the step size between the cumulative numbers prepared in the table can be one step or ten steps.

[0304] In addition, in Figure 16 the table shown, the upper limit of the last rod determination threshold can be recorded in association with the cumulative number of heating cycles. When using the table in which the upper limit value is recorded, step 42 can be omitted.

[0305] <Advantageous effects>

[0306] The aerosol generating device 1 according to the present embodiment is different from that of Embodiment 1 in that the last rod determination threshold is read from the table, but is the same as that of Embodiment 1 in that the last rod determination threshold is corrected according to the cumulative number of heating cycles.

[0307] Accordingly, similar to Embodiment 1, the smaller the amount of deterioration of the secondary battery 203, the greater the increase in the number of rod-shaped substrates 30 that can be fully used in a single full charge compared to the conventional device.

[0308] <Embodiment 7>

[0309] In the present embodiment, another last rod determination processing operation performed by the aerosol generating device 1 (see Figure 1 ) will be described.

[0310] In the present embodiment, the last rod determination threshold is corrected according to the total number of rod-shaped substrates 30 (see Figure 3 ) that have been replaced up to the current time.

[0311] It should be noted that the appearance, internal configuration, electronic circuit connection configuration, etc. of the aerosol generating device 1 envisioned in the present embodiment are the same as those in Embodiment 1.

[0312] In the present embodiment, different from Embodiment 3, attention is paid to Figure 10 the lower limit value of the threshold in.

[0313] Figure 17 is a flowchart showing the last rod determination process performed by the aerosol generating device 1 of Embodiment 7. In Figure 17 the parts corresponding to the parts of Figure 11 are given corresponding reference numerals in the corresponding drawings.

[0314] Figure 17The processing operations shown are also implemented by the MCU 201 (see Figure 4 ).

[0315] In this embodiment, similarly, the MCU 201 determines whether an operation to open the slide cover 20 (see Figure 2 ) is detected (step 1), and the MCU 201 obtains the total number of the rod-shaped substrates 30 that have been replaced until the current time when the opening operation is detected (step 21).

[0316] Then, the MCU 201 calculates the lower limit value of the last rod determination threshold based on the total number (step 61). For example, when the total number is zero, the lower limit value is set to 105 mAh, and when the total number is 7,350 or more, the lower limit value is set to 320 mAh. In addition, when the total number is between zero and 7,350, the lower limit value is calculated as an intermediate value between 105 mAh and 320 mAh by means of linear interpolation.

[0317] Then, the MCU 201 calculates the upper limit value of the last rod determination threshold based on the lower limit value (step 62).

[0318] The subsequent processing operations are the same as those in Figure 14 .

[0319] <Advantageous effects>

[0320] The aerosol generating device 1 according to this embodiment is different from that of Embodiment 3 in that the total number of the rod-shaped substrates 30 replaced until now is used to correct the last rod determination threshold, but is the same as that of Embodiment 3 in that the threshold is corrected according to the deterioration process of the secondary battery 203.

[0321] Accordingly, the same as in Embodiment 3, the smaller the amount of deterioration of the secondary battery 203, the greater the increase in the number of the rod-shaped substrates 30 that can be fully used in a single full charge compared with the existing device.

[0322] <Embodiment 8>

[0323] In this embodiment, a table recording the relationship between the total number of the rod-shaped substrates 30 replaced until the current time and the last rod determination threshold is prepared in the aerosol generating device 1 (see Figure 1 ).

[0324] It should be noted that the appearance, internal configuration, electronic circuit connection configuration, etc. of the aerosol generating device 1 envisioned in this embodiment are the same as those in Embodiment 1.

[0325] Figure 18 is a flowchart showing the last rod determination process performed by the aerosol generating device 1 of Embodiment 8. In Figure 18The corresponding reference numerals are given to the parts corresponding to the parts of Figure 12 In this embodiment, similarly, the MCU 201 determines whether an operation of opening the slide cover 20 (see

[0326] ) is detected (step 1), and the MCU 201 obtains the total number of rod-shaped substrates that have been replaced up to the current time when the opening operation is detected (step 21). Figure 2 ) is detected (step 1), and the MCU 201 obtains the total number of rod-shaped substrates that have been replaced up to the current time when the opening operation is detected (step 21).

[0327] Then, the MCU 201 reads out the lower limit value of the threshold corresponding to the obtained total number from the table (step 71).

[0328] As discussed above, the table mentioned herein records the relationship between the total number of replaced rod-shaped substrates 30 and the last rod determination threshold. For example, the table is stored in the non-volatile memory unit 104.

[0329] It should be noted that when the obtained total number is not in the table, the threshold calculated by interpolation calculation will be used.

[0330] The subsequent processing operations are the same as those in Figure 17 The subsequent processing operations are the same as those in

[0331] Figure 19 FIG. is a diagram showing an example of the table used in step 71. In Figure 19 the left column of the shown table, the total number of replaced rod-shaped substrates 30 is listed at substantially equal intervals, and in the right column of the table, the values providing the lower limit values of the corresponding thresholds are listed. In Figure 19 the case where the total number increases by 367, the lower limit value of the threshold changes by 21.4 or 21.5 mAh.

[0332] It should be noted that the step size between the total numbers prepared in the table can be one step or ten steps.

[0333] <Advantageous Effects>

[0334] The aerosol generating device 1 according to the present embodiment is different from that of Embodiment 3 in that the last rod determination threshold is read out from the table, but is the same as that of Embodiment 1 in that the last rod determination threshold is corrected according to the total number of replaced rod-shaped substrates 30.

[0335] Accordingly, similar to Embodiment 3, the smaller the amount of deterioration of the secondary battery 203, the greater the increase in the number of rod-shaped substrates 30 that can be fully used in a single full charge compared to the existing device.

[0336] <Other Embodiments>

[0337] (1) The embodiments of the present disclosure have been described above, but the technical scope of the present disclosure is not limited to the scope disclosed in the above embodiments. It will be apparent from the disclosure of the claims that the technical scope of the present disclosure also includes various modifications or improvements to the above embodiments.

[0338] (2) In the embodiments discussed above, the case of replacing the rod-shaped substrate 30 after each heating cycle has been described, but multiple heating cycles can also be performed for a single rod-shaped substrate 30. For example, two heating cycles can be performed for one rod-shaped substrate 30.

[0339] (3) In the embodiments discussed above, the case where one type of rod-shaped substrate 30 is inserted into the aerosol generating device 1 has been envisioned, but the case of installing multiple types of rod-shaped substrates 30 with different numbers of heating cycles can also be envisioned. For example, the case of installing a rod-shaped substrate 30 that needs to be replaced each time one heating cycle is performed and a rod-shaped substrate 30 that needs to be replaced each time two heating cycles are performed in the aerosol generating device 1 can be envisioned.

[0340] In the aerosol generating device 1 in which any one of multiple types of rod-shaped substrates 30 is randomly installed, highly accurate determination of the last rod can be achieved by adopting the threshold correction technique for determining the last rod described in Embodiment 1 and Embodiment 2.

[0341] (4) In the embodiments discussed above, as the deterioration of the secondary battery 203 progresses, the last rod determination threshold increases linearly, but this increase is not limited to a linear form. For example, the increase in the threshold accompanying the progress of deterioration can equally be represented by a non-linear simple increasing function. In addition, the threshold can increase step by step as the deterioration progresses.

[0342] (5) In the embodiments discussed above, the remaining capacity at the time point when the output voltage of the secondary battery 203 with an SOH of 100% is reduced to the guaranteed operating voltage is defined as the initial value of the lower limit of the threshold, but the initial value of the lower limit of the threshold can also be defined for a secondary battery 203 that is substantially not deteriorated, and the SOH does not have to be 100%.

[0343] (6) In the embodiments discussed above, the remaining capacity at the time point when the output voltage of the secondary battery 203 with an SOH of 100% is reduced to the guaranteed operating voltage is defined as the initial value of the lower limit of the threshold, but a value obtained by adding a margin to the remaining capacity at the time point when the output voltage of the secondary battery 203 with an SOH of 100% is reduced to the guaranteed operating voltage can equally be used.

[0344] (7) In the above-discussed Embodiment 1 and Embodiment 2, the cumulative number of heating cycles up to the current time is used to correct the determination threshold for the last rod, and in the above-discussed Embodiment 3 and Embodiment 4, a case where the total number of rod-shaped substrates 30 that have been replaced up to the current time is used to correct the determination threshold for the last rod is described, but the determination threshold for the last rod can also be corrected based on the cumulative number of heating cycles of the secondary battery 203. It should be noted that one cycle refers to discharging from a fully charged state until the remaining capacity is approximately 0 mAh. However, the charging operation of the secondary battery 203 can be counted as one cycle.

[0345] Figure 20 is a diagram showing a threshold for determining whether the secondary battery 203 has a remaining capacity sufficient to fully use an unused rod-shaped substrate 30. In Figure 20 corresponding parts to those of Figure 6 and Figure 10 are given corresponding reference numerals in the corresponding drawings.

[0346] Figure 20 differs from Figure 6 and Figure 10 in that multiple straight lines are drawn, showing the change in the remaining capacity as the number of charge / discharge cycles of the secondary battery 203 increases.

[0347] Figure 20 Zero charge / discharge cycles in Figure 6 correspond to zero heating cycles in Figure 20 Moreover, zero charge / discharge cycles in Figure 10 correspond to zero replaced rod-shaped substrates 30 in

[0348] Figure 20 One hundred and ninety-three charge / discharge cycles in Figure 6 correspond to 3,675 heating cycles in Figure 20 Moreover, one hundred and ninety-three charge / discharge cycles in Figure 10 correspond to 3,675 replaced rod-shaped substrates 30 in

[0349] Figure 20 Four hundred and fifty-nine charge / discharge cycles in Figure 6 correspond to 7,350 heating cycles in Figure 20 Moreover, four hundred and fifty-nine charge / discharge cycles in Figure 10 correspond to 7,350 replaced rod-shaped substrates 30 in

[0350] Even based on Figure 20The relationship shown is used to correct the last-stick determination threshold, and the smaller the degradation amount of the secondary battery 203, the greater the increase in the number of stick-type substrates 30 that can be fully used in a single full charge compared to the existing device, as in the embodiment discussed above.

[0351] It should be noted that this table can be used as described in Embodiment 2 and Embodiment 4 to correct the last stick determination threshold value according to the cumulative number of charge / discharge cycles. In the last stick determination process, for example, Figure 7 The "heating cycle" in the flow chart shown should be replaced by "charge / discharge cycle".

[0352] Figure 21 is a diagram showing a table recording the relationship between the cumulative number of charge / discharge cycles and the corresponding last-rod determination threshold.

[0353] exist Figure 21 The table shown records Figure 20 The relationship between the threshold curve graph and the cumulative number of charge / discharge cycles is shown.

[0354] Can be used Figure 21 The table shown is used to correct the threshold value determined by the last bar. In addition, Figure 21 The table shown may also record the lower limit value of the threshold value associated with the cumulative number of charge / discharge cycles. In the last rod determination process, for example, Figure 15 The "heating cycle" in the flow chart shown should be replaced by "charge / discharge cycle".

[0355] (8) The embodiments discussed above describe the case where the aerosol source is a solid, but the aerosol source may also be a liquid. When the aerosol source is a liquid, a system is employed in which the aerosol source is guided to a narrow tube called a wick by using a capillary phenomenon and a coil wound around the wick is heated, thereby vaporizing the aerosol source.

[0356] It should be noted that when the aerosol source is a liquid, the aerosol source is heated in response to detecting inhalation, rather than using Figure 5 The control curve is shown.

[0357] That is, when the sensor unit 102 (see Figure 3 ) When the user's inhalation is detected, the aerosol source is heated. However, an upper limit (e.g., 2.5 seconds) is set for the length of the heating time for one inhalation, and even if the inhalation continues to exceed the upper limit, the heating of the aerosol source stops when the upper limit is reached.

[0358] In addition, a preheating period can be provided for heating the liquid aerosol source. However, in the case of a liquid aerosol source, the target temperature during the preheating period is set to a temperature lower than the boiling point of the aerosol source.

[0359] Providing the preheating period allows the temperature of the liquid to be pre-elevated, which reduces the temperature change until the aerosol source reaches the boiling point. Therefore, even if the air temperature in the usage environment of the aerosol generating device is low, aerosol can be generated immediately without delay after inhalation.

[0360] (9) The embodiments discussed above describe an aerosol generating device that generates aerosol by heating a solid aerosol source, but the aerosol generating device can also generate aerosol by heating each of the solid aerosol source and the liquid aerosol source separately. This type of aerosol generating device is also referred to as a hybrid aerosol generating device.

[0361] <Overview>

[0362] It should be noted that the present disclosure includes the following features.

[0363] (1) An aerosol generating device comprising a control unit, a secondary battery, and a heating unit for heating an aerosol source, wherein the control unit changes a threshold value based on the cumulative number of heating cycles since the aerosol generating device started being used, the threshold value being used to determine whether there is a remaining capacity that enables sufficient use of an unused aerosol source.

[0364] (2) The aerosol generating device as disclosed in (1), wherein the threshold value increases as the cumulative number increases.

[0365] (3) The aerosol generating device as disclosed in (2), wherein the threshold value increases linearly as the cumulative number increases.

[0366] (4) The aerosol generating device as disclosed in any one of (1) to (3), wherein the initial value of the threshold value is defined by the remaining capacity when the secondary battery can generate the guaranteed operating voltage of the aerosol generating device in a substantially non-deteriorated state.

[0367] (5) The aerosol generating device as disclosed in any one of (1) to (4), wherein the control unit stores the calculated cumulative number in a non-volatile memory unit.

[0368] (6) The aerosol generating device as disclosed in any one of (1) to (5), wherein the control unit changes the threshold value based on the total number of aerosol sources replaced after the aerosol generating device started being used, the total number corresponding to the cumulative number.

[0369] (7) The aerosol generating device as disclosed in any one of (1) to (5), wherein the control unit changes the threshold according to the cumulative number of charge / discharge cycles of the secondary battery corresponding to the cumulative number of times.

[0370] (8) A program for causing a computer provided in an aerosol generating device including a secondary battery and a heating unit for heating an aerosol source to perform the following functions: changing a threshold for determining whether there is a remaining capacity that enables sufficient use of an unused aerosol source according to the cumulative number of heating cycles since the aerosol generating device started being used; determining whether the remaining capacity of the secondary battery at the current time is higher than the threshold; allowing the heating unit to heat the aerosol source when the remaining capacity of the secondary battery at the current time is higher than the threshold; and prohibiting the heating unit from heating the aerosol source when the remaining capacity of the secondary battery at the current time is lower than the threshold.

[0371] List of Reference Numerals

[0372] 1…Aerosol generating device; 10…Main body device; 11…Power button; 12…LED lamp; 13…Rod-shaped substrate insertion port; 14…USB cable insertion port; 20…Slider; 101…Power supply unit; 102…Sensor unit; 103…Notification unit; 104…Memory unit; 105…Communication unit; 106…Control unit; 107…Heating unit; 108…Heat insulation part; 109…Holding part; 30…Rod-shaped substrate; 201…MCU; 202…Heating coil; 203…Secondary battery; 204…Charging IC; 205…Battery protection IC; 206…Remaining capacity meter IC; 207…Step-up / step-down DC / DC circuit; 208…Step-up DC / DC circuit; 209, 210…Switches.

Claims

1. An aerosol generating device, the aerosol generating device comprising a control unit, a secondary battery, and a heating unit for heating an aerosol source, wherein, the control unit changes a threshold value according to the cumulative number of heating cycles since the aerosol generating device started to be used, the threshold value being used to determine whether there is a remaining capacity that enables full use of an unused aerosol source.

2. The aerosol generating device according to claim 1, wherein, The threshold value increases as the cumulative number increases.

3. The aerosol generating device according to claim 2, wherein, The threshold value increases linearly as the cumulative number increases.

4. The aerosol generating device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein, The initial value of the threshold value is defined by the remaining capacity when the secondary battery can generate the guaranteed operating voltage of the aerosol generating device in a substantially non-deteriorated state.

5. The aerosol generating device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein, The control unit stores the calculated cumulative number in a non-volatile memory unit.

6. The aerosol generating device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein, The control unit changes the threshold value according to the total number of aerosol sources replaced after the aerosol generating device started to be used, the total number corresponding to the cumulative number.

7. The aerosol generating device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein, The control unit changes the threshold value according to the cumulative number of charge / discharge cycles of the secondary battery corresponding to the cumulative number.

8. A program for causing a computer provided in an aerosol generating device including a secondary battery and a heating unit for heating an aerosol source to perform the following functions: changing a threshold value according to the cumulative number of heating cycles since the aerosol generating device started to be used, the threshold value being used to determine whether there is a remaining capacity that enables full use of an unused aerosol source; determining whether the remaining capacity of the secondary battery at the current time is higher than the threshold value; allowing the heating unit to heat the aerosol source when the remaining capacity of the secondary battery at the current time is higher than the threshold value; and prohibiting the heating unit from heating the aerosol source when the remaining capacity of the secondary battery at the current time is lower than the threshold value.

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