Flavour inhaler or aerosol generating device, control method therefor and program therefor

Abstract

This invention provides a flavor inhaler or the like that can maintain sufficient remaining power for the next inhalation. A method is provided for controlling an apparatus as a flavor inhaler or aerosol generating device, the apparatus comprising: a heating unit for heating a flavor source or aerosol source; a power supply unit for applying a voltage to the heating unit; a memory unit for storing a heating curve; and a control unit for implementing an operating phase according to the heating curve, wherein the method includes: the control unit initiating preheating of the heating unit before inhalation according to the start of heating in the heating curve for the operating phase; the control unit identifying a first voltage at the moment when a first voltage drop occurs at the start of preheating and a second voltage at the moment when a second voltage drop occurs after the start of preheating when the voltage applied to the heating unit changes; the control unit calculating the difference between the first voltage and the second voltage; and the control unit determining whether the difference is equal to or greater than a predefined threshold.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a flavor inhaler or aerosol generating device (hereinafter referred to as "flavor inhaler, etc."). Background Technology

[0002] Flavor inhalers, such as heated tobacco products, have become a common alternative to cigarettes. These products heat a stick-shaped smoking device containing an aerosol source, and the user inhales the resulting aerosol. Once charged, these flavor inhalers allow the inhalation of various smoking products. However, if the flavor inhaler runs out of power while the user is inhaling, the battery will be depleted before the aerosol source in the smoking product is used up, preventing the user from continuing to inhale. Therefore, for example, PTL 1 discloses a technology that allows a user about to begin inhaling from a smoking product to determine whether there is sufficient remaining power for inhalation before the aerosol source in the smoking product is used up. Citation List

[0003] Patent documents

[0004] PTL 1: WO 2022 / 230322 A1 Summary of the Invention

[0005] The problem to be solved by the present invention

[0006] Using the technology disclosed in PTL 1, a determination is made as the user is about to begin inhalation to determine whether there is sufficient remaining power for inhalation before the aerosol source contained in the smoking product is exhausted. Furthermore, the user can more easily determine whether there will be sufficient remaining power for the next inhalation at the end of the inhalation.

[0007] In view of this problem, the object of the present invention is to provide a flavor inhaler or the like that can maintain a state with sufficient remaining power for the next inhalation. Solution to the problem

[0008] To address the above problems, one aspect of the present invention is an apparatus as a flavor inhaler or aerosol generating device, comprising: a heating unit for heating a flavor source or aerosol source; a power supply unit for applying a voltage to the heating unit; a sensor unit for detecting the voltage applied to the heating unit; a memory unit for storing a heating curve defining a time series transition of a target temperature of the heating unit during an operating phase; and a control unit for implementing the operating phase according to the heating curve, wherein the control unit is configured to: initiate preheating of the heating unit before inhalation; identify, based on the start of heating in the heating curve for the operating phase, a first voltage at the moment when a first voltage drop occurs at the start of preheating, and a second voltage at the moment when a second voltage drop occurs after the start of preheating when the voltage applied to the heating unit changes; calculate the difference between the first voltage and the second voltage; and determine whether the difference is equal to or greater than a predefined threshold. It should be noted that "preheating" and "initial heating" are used interchangeably in this specification.

[0009] Furthermore, another aspect of the present invention is the aforementioned apparatus, which further includes a notification unit for notifying a user when the control unit has determined that the difference between the first voltage and the second voltage is equal to or greater than a predefined threshold.

[0010] Furthermore, another aspect of the present invention is the aforementioned apparatus, wherein the notification unit performs a process of notifying the user when inhalation ends.

[0011] Furthermore, another aspect of the present invention is the aforementioned apparatus, wherein, instead of determining whether the difference between the first voltage and the second voltage is equal to or greater than a predefined threshold, the control unit determines whether the difference between the third voltage and the second voltage is equal to or greater than a predefined threshold, the third voltage being the voltage immediately preceding the power supply to the heating unit 121 before inhalation.

[0012] Furthermore, another aspect of the present invention is a method for controlling an apparatus as a flavor inhaler or aerosol generating device, the apparatus comprising: a heating unit for heating a flavor source or aerosol source; a power supply unit for applying a voltage to the heating unit; a sensor unit for detecting the voltage applied to the heating unit; a memory unit for storing a heating curve defining a time series change in the target temperature of the heating unit during an operating phase; and a control unit for implementing the operating phase according to the heating curve, wherein the method comprises: the control unit initiating preheating of the heating unit before inhalation according to the start of heating in the heating curve for the operating phase; the control unit identifying a first voltage at the moment when a first voltage drop occurs at the start of the preheating and a second voltage at the moment when a second voltage drop occurs after the start of the preheating; the control unit calculating the difference between the first voltage and the second voltage; and the control unit determining whether the difference is equal to or greater than a predefined threshold.

[0013] Furthermore, another aspect of the present invention is a program for inducing the implementation of a processor of a device as a flavor inhaler or aerosol generating device, the device comprising: a heating unit for heating a flavor source or aerosol source; a power supply unit for applying a voltage to the heating unit; a sensor unit for detecting the voltage applied to the heating unit; a memory unit for storing a heating curve defining a time series transition of a target temperature of the heating unit during an operating phase; and a control unit for implementing the operating phase according to the heating curve to perform: a step of initiating preheating of the heating unit before inhalation according to the start of heating in the heating curve for the operating phase; a step of identifying a first voltage at the moment when a first voltage drop occurs at the start of the preheating and a second voltage at the moment when a second voltage drop occurs after the start of the preheating; a step of calculating the difference between the first voltage and the second voltage; and a step of determining whether the difference is equal to or greater than a predefined threshold. Attached Figure Description

[0014] [ Figure 1A [This is a schematic diagram illustrating an example configuration of a flavor inhaler or the like according to an embodiment of the present invention.]

[0015] [ Figure 1B [This is a schematic diagram illustrating an example configuration of a flavor inhaler or the like according to an embodiment of the present invention.]

[0016] [ Figure 2[ ] is a graph showing an example of a heating curve.

[0017] [ Figure 3 [This is a diagram showing an example of voltage drop at the beginning and end of a testing period.]

[0018] [ Figure 4 [This is a flowchart illustrating an example of a processing procedure implemented by a flavor inhaler or the like according to an embodiment of the present invention.]

[0019] [ Figure 5 [This is a flowchart illustrating an example of a detailed processing procedure implemented by a flavor inhaler or the like according to an embodiment of the present invention.] Detailed Implementation

[0020] In the following description, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0021] According to this embodiment, the flavor inhaler, etc., is a flavor inhaler or aerosol generating device that generates a substance to be inhaled by a user. The substance generated by the flavor inhaler, etc., can be an aerosol or a gas that is not an aerosol. Furthermore, the flavor inhaler is a device for inhaling flavors, and can be, but is not limited to, devices for electronic cigarettes, heated tobacco products, or conventional tobacco products. Additionally, for example, the aerosol generating device is a device for inhaling the generated aerosol, and can be, but is not limited to, devices such as electronic cigarettes, heated tobacco products, or medical nebulizers. Furthermore, the flavor inhaler, etc., includes so-called RRP (Risk-Reduced Product).

[0022] (Configuration of flavor inhalers, etc.)

[0023] (First configuration example)

[0024] Figure 1A This is a schematic diagram illustrating a first configuration example of a flavor inhaler, etc. For example, such as Figure 1A As shown, the flavor inhaler 100A according to this configuration example includes a power supply unit 110, a cartridge 120, and a flavored cartridge 130. The power supply unit 110 includes a power supply unit 111A, a sensor unit 112A, a notification unit 113A, a memory unit 114A, a communication unit 115A, and a control unit 116A. The cartridge 120 includes a heating unit 121A, a liquid guiding section 122, and a liquid storage section 123. The flavored cartridge 130 includes a flavor source 131 and a mouthpiece 124. An airflow path 180 is formed in the cartridge 120 and the flavored cartridge 130.

[0025] It should be noted that cartridge 120 and flavored cartridge 130 are examples of so-called "refills". One or both of refills 120 and 130 may be at least partially colored according to the type of refill. Furthermore, coloring by type is not limited to refills, and this may be applied to any component installed in the flavored inhaler, etc., of the 100A.

[0026] The power supply unit 111A stores electricity. Therefore, the power supply unit 111A supplies power to each component of the flavor inhaler and the like in the 100A according to the control executed by the control unit 116A. The power supply unit 111A can be configured, for example, by a rechargeable battery (such as a lithium-ion secondary battery).

[0027] Sensor unit 112A acquires various types of information related to the flavor inhaler 100A. Sensor unit 112A may include pressure sensors, such as microphone capacitors, flow sensors, or temperature sensors. Furthermore, sensor unit 112A may include input devices (e.g., buttons or switches) for accepting information input from the user.

[0028] The notification unit 113A has the function of notifying the user of various types of information related to the flavor inhaler and the 100A. The notification unit 113A may include, for example, a display device for displaying messages and images, a light-emitting device such as an LED (light-emitting diode), a sound output device or acoustic element for outputting sound, or a vibration device for vibrating.

[0029] Memory unit 114A stores various types of information for operating the flavor inhaler and the like 100A. For example, memory unit 114A is configured with a non-volatile storage medium (e.g., flash memory). Memory unit 114A may include volatile memory that provides an operating area for control provided by control unit 116A. In addition, memory unit 114A may store data for controlling the heating profile.

[0030] Communication unit 115A may be a communication interface capable of performing communication conforming to any wired or wireless communication standard. For example, standards such as Wi-Fi (registered trademark) or Bluetooth (registered trademark) may be used as the communication standard. Furthermore, communication unit 115A may include a communication interface (including a communication module) conforming to a predetermined LPWA wireless communication standard or a wireless communication standard with similar limitations. Sigfox and LoRA-WAN may be used as this communication standard.

[0031] The control unit 116A functions as an arithmetic processing device and a control device, and controls the overall operation within the flavor inhaler 100A according to various programs. For example, the control unit 116A may be implemented by a central processing unit (CPU) or electronic circuitry such as a microprocessor. For instance, the control unit 116A may execute control to implement processing for heating the aerosol source in the heating unit 121A. As an example, the control unit 116A may control the heating process according to a heating profile indicating how the aerosol source should be heated.

[0032] The liquid storage section 123 stores the aerosol source. The aerosol source is atomized to generate an aerosol. For example, the aerosol source is a polyol (such as glycerol or propylene glycol) or a liquid (such as water). The aerosol source may include tobacco-derived or non-tobacco-derived flavor components. If the flavor inhaler, etc., 100A is a medical inhaler (such as a nebulizer), the aerosol source may include a drug.

[0033] The liquid guiding section 122 guides and contains the aerosol source from the liquid storage section 123, which is a liquid stored in the liquid storage section 123. For example, the liquid guiding section 122 is a wicking element formed of a twisted fibrous material (such as glass fiber) or a porous material (such as porous ceramic). In this case, the aerosol source stored in the liquid storage section 123 is guided by the capillary action of the wicking element.

[0034] Heating unit 121A heats the aerosol source to atomize it, thereby generating an aerosol. Figure 1A In the example shown, heating unit 121A is configured as a coil wound around liquid guiding portion 122. When heating unit 121A generates heat, the aerosol source held in liquid guiding portion 122 is heated and atomized, thereby generating aerosol. Heating unit 121A generates heat when supplied with power from power supply unit 111A. For example, power can be supplied when sensor unit 112A detects that the user has started inhaling and has entered predetermined information, or when the user has operated a button or switch at any time. Then, power supply can be stopped when sensor unit 112A detects that the user has finished inhaling and / or has entered predetermined information.

[0035] Flavor source 131 is a component for imparting flavor components to an aerosol. Flavor source 131 may include tobacco-derived or non-tobacco-derived flavor components. It should be noted that in this embodiment, flavor components are imparted to the aerosol by passing a mixture of the generated aerosol and air through flavor source 131, as described later. However, in other embodiments, a flavor source that generates flavored aerosols by heating may be employed.

[0036] Airflow path 180 is the flow path of air to be inhaled by the user. Airflow path 180 has a tubular structure with an air inlet 181 and an air outlet 182 at both ends. The air inlet is the entrance for air into airflow path 180, and the air outlet is the exit for air leaving airflow path 180. Midway through airflow path 180, a liquid guide portion 122 is located on the upstream side (closer to the air inlet 181), while a flavor source 131 is located on the downstream side (closer to the air outlet 182). Air flowing in through air inlet 181 when inhaled by the user mixes with the aerosol generated by heating unit 121A and is conveyed through flavor source 131 to air outlet 182, as indicated by arrow 190. As the aerosol-air mixture passes through flavor source 131, flavor components contained in flavor source 131 are added to the aerosol.

[0037] The mouthpiece 124 is a component that is held in the user's mouth during inhalation. An air outlet 182 is provided in the mouthpiece 124. The user holds the mouthpiece 124 in their mouth and inhales, making it possible to draw a mixture of aerosol and air into the oral cavity.

[0038] The configuration examples of flavor inhalers and other 100A devices have been described above. Of course, flavor inhalers and other 100A devices are not limited to the configurations described above, and can adopt various configurations, such as those shown in the examples below.

[0039] As an example, flavored inhalers such as 100A do not need to include flavored cartridges 130. In this case, cartridge 120 is provided with a mouthpiece 124.

[0040] As another example, a flavor inhaler, etc., 100A, may include multiple types of aerosol sources. Multiple types of aerosols generated from these sources can mix within the airflow path 180 to induce a chemical reaction, thereby generating even more other types of aerosols.

[0041] (Second configuration example)

[0042] Figure 1B This is a schematic diagram illustrating a second configuration example of a flavor inhaler, etc. For example, such as Figure 1B As shown, the flavor inhaler 100B according to this configuration example includes: a power supply unit 111B, a sensor unit 112B, a notification unit 113B, a memory unit 114B, a communication unit 115B, a control unit 116B, a heating unit 121B, a holding part 140, and a heat insulation part 144.

[0043] The power supply unit 111B, sensor unit 112B, notification unit 113B, memory unit 114B, communication unit 115B, and control unit 116B are each substantially the same as the corresponding components included in the flavor inhaler, etc., of the first configuration example 100A.

[0044] The retaining portion 140 has an internal space 141 and retains the rod-shaped matrix 150, while also accommodating a portion of the rod-shaped matrix 150 within the internal space 141. Furthermore, the rod-shaped matrix 150 is also an example of a so-called "refill material". The retaining portion 140 has an opening 142, thereby allowing communication between the internal space 141 and the outside, and the retaining portion retains the rod-shaped matrix 150 that has been inserted into the internal space 141 through the opening 142. For example, the retaining portion 140 is cylindrical, including the opening 142 and a bottom portion 143 serving as a bottom surface, and defining a cylindrical internal space 141. The retaining portion 140 also functions to define a flow path for air supplied to the rod-shaped matrix 150. For example, an air inlet is provided in the bottom portion 143, which is an inlet for air to the flow path. Simultaneously, the opening 142 forms an air outlet, which is an outlet for air exiting the flow path.

[0045] The stick-shaped matrix 150 includes a matrix portion 151 and a mouthpiece portion 152. The matrix portion 151 contains an aerosol source. The aerosol source can be solid or liquid and is atomized by heating to generate an aerosol. The aerosol source can be, for example, a tobacco derivative (such as shredded tobacco) or a processed product obtained by shaping tobacco raw materials into granular, flake, or powder form. Furthermore, the aerosol source may also contain non-tobacco derivatives produced from plants other than tobacco (e.g., mint or herbs). As an example, the aerosol source may contain a flavoring component, such as menthol. When the flavored inhaler, etc., 100B is a medical inhaler, the aerosol source may contain a medication to be inhaled by a patient. With the stick-shaped matrix 150 held in the holding portion 140, at least a portion of the matrix portion 151 is accommodated in the internal space 141, and at least a portion of the mouthpiece portion 152 protrudes from the opening 142. Thus, when the user takes the mouthpiece portion 152 protruding from the opening 142 into their mouth and inhales, air flows into the internal space 141 from the air inlet hole (not depicted) and reaches the user's mouth together with the aerosol generated by the matrix portion 151.

[0046] Heating unit 121B has the same configuration as heating unit 121A according to the first configuration example. However, in Figure 1BIn the example shown, the heating unit 121B is configured in the shape of a film and is arranged to cover the outer periphery of the holding portion 140. Thus, when the heating unit 121B generates heat, the matrix portion 151 of the rod-shaped matrix 150 is heated from the outer periphery, thereby generating an aerosol.

[0047] The heat insulation portion 144 prevents heat from being transferred from the heating unit 121B to other components. For example, the heat insulation portion 144 is made of vacuum insulation material or aerogel insulation material.

[0048] The configuration examples of flavor inhalers and other 100B devices have been described above. Of course, flavor inhalers and other 100B devices are not limited to the configurations described above, and can adopt various configurations, such as those shown in the examples below.

[0049] As an example, the heating unit 121B may be in the form of a blade and may be arranged to protrude from the bottom portion 143 of the retaining portion 140 into the internal space 141. In this case, the blade-shaped heating unit 121B is inserted into the matrix portion 151 of the rod-shaped matrix 150 and heated from the inside of the matrix portion 151 of the rod-shaped matrix 150. As another example, the heating unit 121B may be arranged to cover the bottom portion 143 of the retaining portion 140. Furthermore, the heating unit 121B may be configured by a combination of two or more of the following: a first heating unit covering the outer circumference of the retaining portion 140, a blade-shaped second heating unit, and a third heating unit covering the bottom portion 143 of the retaining portion 140.

[0050] For example, the retaining portion 140 may include an opening / closing mechanism (such as a hinge) for opening / closing a portion of the housing forming the internal space 141. Thus, by opening and closing a portion of the housing, the retaining portion 140 can clamp the rod-shaped substrate 150 that has been inserted into the internal space 141. In this case, the heating unit 121B may be disposed on the clamping portion of the retaining portion 140 and can heat the rod-shaped substrate 150 while pressing it.

[0051] Furthermore, the flavor inhaler 100B may additionally include a heating unit 121A, a liquid guiding portion 122, a liquid storage portion 123, and an airflow path 180 according to the first configuration example, and the air outlet 182 of the airflow path 180 may also be used as an air inlet for the internal space 141. In this case, the mixed fluid of aerosol and air generated by the heating unit 121A flows into the internal space 141, and further mixes with the aerosol generated by the heating unit 121B, and reaches the user's mouth.

[0052] (Heating curve)

[0053] Control unit 116 controls the operation of heating unit 121 based on heating curve. The operation of heating unit 121 is controlled by controlling the power supply from power unit 111 to heating unit 121. Heating unit 121 heats the aerosol source or rod matrix 150 (hereinafter referred to as "rod matrix 150") contained in cartridge 120 and flavored cartridge 130 using the power supplied from power unit 111.

[0054] A heating profile is control information used to control the temperature at which the aerosol source is heated. The heating profile can be control information used to control the temperature of heating unit 121. As an example, the heating profile may include a target value for the temperature of heating unit 121 (hereinafter also referred to as the "target temperature"). The target temperature can vary depending on the time elapsed since heating began; in this case, the heating profile includes information defining the time-series transition of the target temperature. As another example, the heating profile may include parameters defining how power is supplied to heating unit 121 (hereinafter also referred to as power supply parameters). Power supply parameters include, for example, the voltage applied to heating unit 121, the on / off state of power supply to heating unit 121, or the feedback control method to be employed. The on / off state of power supply to heating unit 121 can be considered as the on / off state of heating unit 121.

[0055] The control unit 116 controls the operation of the heating unit 121 so that the temperature of the heating unit 121 changes in the same manner as the target temperature defined in the heating curve. The flavor experienced by the user can be varied by controlling the operation of the heating unit 121 based on the heating curve.

[0056] For example, temperature control of heating unit 121 can be achieved using known feedback control. In this embodiment, the feedback control is PID control. For example, control unit 116 can supply power from power supply unit 111 to heating unit 121 in pulse form using pulse width modulation (PWM). In this case, control unit 116 can control the temperature of heating unit 121 by adjusting the duty cycle of the power pulses in the feedback control.

[0057] For example, the temperature of the heating unit 121 can be quantified by measuring or estimating the resistance value of the heating unit 121 (more precisely, the heating resistor element constituting the heating unit 121). This is because the resistance value of the heating resistor element changes with temperature. For example, the resistance value of the heating resistor element can be estimated by measuring the amount of voltage drop at the heating resistor element. The amount of voltage drop at the heating resistor element can be measured by a voltage sensor that measures the potential difference applied to the heating resistor element. In another example, the temperature of the heating unit 121 can be measured by a temperature sensor (such as a thermistor mounted near the heating unit 121).

[0058] The period from the start to the end of the process for generating aerosols from an aerosol source contained in the rod matrix 150, etc., is also referred to hereinafter as the working phase. In other words, the working phase is the period during which power is supplied to the heating unit 121 based on a heating profile. The start of the working phase is the moment when heating begins based on the heating profile. The end of the working phase is the moment when a sufficient amount of aerosol is no longer generated. The working phase includes a preheating period and an inhalation-feasible period following the preheating period. The inhalation-feasible period is the period during which a sufficient amount of aerosol is expected to be generated. The preheating period is the period during which the aerosol source is heated before the user inhales, and it is the period from the start of heating until the start of the inhalation-feasible period. Heating performed during the preheating period is also referred to as preheating or preliminary heating.

[0059] Figure 2 This is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of a heating curve that can be implemented during a working phase. The horizontal axis represents the time elapsed since power was supplied to heating unit 121, and the vertical axis represents the temperature of heating unit 121. The thick line represents heating curve 40 used as an example. Heating curve 40 includes an initial preheating period (T0-T2) and a feasible intake period following the preheating period (T2-T8). For example, the length of the entire feasible intake period can be approximately 5 minutes. Note that T0, T1, ..., T8 represent time points during the working phase.

[0060] The preheating period includes a temperature rise section (T0-T1), during which the temperature of the heating unit 121 rapidly rises from the ambient temperature H0 to a first temperature H1; and a maintenance section (T1-T2), during which the temperature of the heating unit 121 is maintained at the first temperature H1. By rapidly heating the heating unit 121 to the first temperature H1 at the beginning in this way, heat can be sufficiently distributed throughout the entire rod matrix 150 in the early stages, allowing for a faster start in providing high-quality aerosol to the user.

[0061] The feasible inhalation periods include: a maintenance phase (T2-T3), during which the temperature of the heating unit 121 is maintained at a first temperature H1; a temperature reduction phase (T3-T4), during which the temperature of the heating unit 121 is reduced to a second temperature H2; and a maintenance phase (T4-T5), during which the temperature of the heating unit 121 is maintained at the second temperature H2. By reducing the temperature of the heating unit 121 (previously raised to the first temperature H1) to the second temperature H2 in this way, a suitable inhaled flavor can be stably provided to the user for a longer period of time. Power supply from the power unit 111 to the heating unit 121 can be stopped during the temperature reduction phase. The feasible inhalation period further includes: a temperature rise phase (T5-T6), during which the temperature of the heating unit 121 gradually rises from a second temperature H2 to a third temperature H3; a maintenance phase (T6-T7), during which the temperature of the heating unit 121 is maintained at the third temperature H3; and a temperature drop phase (T7-T8), during which the temperature of the heating unit 121 is allowed to drop to the ambient temperature H0. By raising the temperature of the heating unit 121 again in the latter half of the feasible inhalation period in this way, the flavor fading due to the reduction of aerosol sources (or flavor sources; the same below) contained in the rod matrix 150, etc., can be suppressed, thus providing the user with a very satisfactory experience until the end of the feasible inhalation period.

[0062] As an example, the first temperature H1 can be 320°C, the second temperature H2 can be 230°C, and the third temperature H3 can be 260°C. However, different heating profiles can be designed based on manufacturer design guidelines, user preferences, and the characteristics of different brands of tobacco products.

[0063] When the temperature of the heating unit 121 needs to be rapidly increased during the operating phase, as shown in heating curve 40, the current output from the power supply unit 111 increases significantly during the rapid temperature rise. As the current output from the power supply unit 111 increases, the voltage drop across the internal resistance of the power supply unit 111 increases accordingly, and the power supply voltage also drops significantly for a period of time. The flavor inhaler 100 of this embodiment uses this voltage drop to determine whether there is sufficient remaining power in the power supply unit 111 (battery, etc.) for the user's next inhalation, until the aerosol source contained in the stick matrix 150, etc., is depleted. Note that this voltage drop may also be referred to as "voltage drop" hereinafter.

[0064] (Determine if it is safe to inhale)

[0065] According to this embodiment, the flavor inhaler 100 determines whether there is sufficient remaining power in the power supply unit 111 (hereinafter also referred to as "battery, etc.") for the user to inhale during the next use before the aerosol source contained in the rod matrix 150, etc., is exhausted, based on the difference between a first voltage (which is the voltage drop at the beginning of the inspection period) and a second voltage (which is the voltage drop at the end of the inspection period). For example, "at the end of the inspection period" means immediately before the end of the inspection period. In addition, "when the voltage applied to the heating unit 121 changes after the start of preheating" can mean "immediately before the voltage applied to the heating unit 121 changes after the start of preheating". First, for example, in the flavor inhaler 100 according to this embodiment, the voltage applied to the heating unit 121 is... Figure 2 During the period 0-T3, the voltage applied to the heating unit 121 is 5 V. The control parameters are switched so that the voltage applied to the heating unit 121 changes from 5 V to 4.5 V during the subsequent period T3-T4, and the voltage applied to the heating unit 121 is set to 4.5 V from T4. In this embodiment, the period 0-T3, before the switching, when the voltage applied to the heating unit 121 is 5 V, is referred to as the "check period." That is, in this embodiment, the "check period" means the period during which the voltage applied to the heating unit 121 is maintained at the value at the start of heating to preheat the flavor inhaler, etc., 100 before inhalation. It should be noted that the voltage applied during period 0-T3 and at and after time point T4 is not correspondingly limited to 5 V and 4.5 V, and when the power supply is a boost power supply, both applied voltages should have a larger value than the power supply unit.

[0066] When the difference (potential difference) between the first voltage (which is the voltage drop at the beginning of the inspection period) and the second voltage (which is the voltage drop at the end of the inspection period) is equal to or greater than a predefined threshold, according to the flavor inhaler 100 of this embodiment, it is determined that there will not be enough remaining power in the power supply unit 111 for the user's next inhalation before the aerosol source contained in the rod matrix 150, etc., is used up. When the battery has sufficient remaining capacity, the voltage drop difference at the beginning and end of the inspection period is close to zero. This is because the resistance of the heating unit 121 increases and the discharge current decreases as preheating proceeds, and there is no significant difference in voltage drop between the beginning and end of the inspection period. Furthermore, the period T3-T4 is the period during which the temperature of the heating unit 121 decreases and the voltage applied to the heating unit 121 is cut off during the period T3-T4. This means that if a determination related to the difference between the first and second voltages is made at time point T3, the potential difference can be compared more accurately than if a measurement is performed at the same applied voltage as when measuring the first voltage after switching the applied voltage. This is because the load conditions on the battery fluctuate with different applied voltages, making it difficult to accurately determine the voltage drop. Furthermore, compared to applying 4.5 V at time point T4 and thereafter, the load tends to be higher when applying 5 V to the battery, etc., so it is also possible that a voltage drop will occur more likely due to the reduction in the remaining capacity of the battery, etc.

[0067] For example, the "predefined threshold" is 0.05 V. The threshold should be determined while taking into account noise, etc. In addition, the threshold should be set according to the type of battery constituting the power supply unit 111 (nickel-manganese-cadmium battery, nickel-metal hydride battery, etc.), model (peak current value), and battery temperature state, etc. Furthermore, the threshold should be set to an appropriate value based on experiments.

[0068] Figure 3 This is a diagram illustrating an example of voltage drop at the beginning and end of a monitoring period. It should be noted that... Figure 3The diagram primarily illustrates the change in voltage applied to the power supply unit 111 during the inspection period, omitting a portion of the feasible inhalation period. In this example, the voltage drop at the start of the inspection period, indicated by the solid arrow, is 2.70 V. Furthermore, the voltage drop at the end of the inspection period, indicated by the dashed arrow, is 2.60 V. In this example, the difference between the two is therefore 0.1 V, which is greater than the threshold of 0.05 V. In this case, the control unit 116 of the flavor inhaler, etc., 100 will determine that there will not be sufficient remaining power in the power supply unit 111 for the user's next inhalation before the aerosol source contained in the stick matrix 150, etc., is exhausted. Then, the control unit 116 controls the notification unit 113 to notify the user that it will be impossible to inhale again before the aerosol source contained in the smoking product is exhausted, i.e., recharging is required. In this way, the user can pre-charge the flavor inhaler, etc., 100 to avoid situations where, for example, inhalation is unlikely to reach the level where the aerosol source contained in the stick matrix 150 is exhausted during the next inhalation.

[0069] The notification method can be any method, such as displaying a message on a display device, emitting light from an LED, outputting sound, or vibrating. In this embodiment, the notification is given at the end of inhalation (when heating according to the heating curve has ended (including cases where the user has interrupted the heating curve)). This is because the flavor inhaler 100 is typically positioned close to the user's face during inhalation, and if the notification is given during inhalation, the user may have difficulty noticing it. However, this is not limiting. For example, the notification can be given immediately after the determination process related to the next inhalation at the end of the check period or during subsequent user inhalation.

[0070] It should be noted that in this embodiment, the feasibility of the next inhalation is determined based on the voltage drop difference at the beginning and end of the examination period. However, alternatively, it could be based on... Figure 3 The single-point chain arrow indicates the difference between the voltage immediately preceding the power supply to the heating unit 121 for heating (referred to in this specification as "OCV" (open circuit voltage)) and the voltage drop at the end of the inspection period to determine whether the next inhalation is feasible. In this case, when the difference between the OCV at the beginning of the inspection period and the voltage drop at the end of the inspection period is equal to or greater than a predefined threshold, the flavor inhaler 100 can also determine that there will not be enough remaining power in the power supply unit 111 for the user's next inhalation.

[0071] (flow chart)

[0072] Figure 4 This is a flowchart illustrating an example of a processing flow implemented by a flavor inhaler or the like according to this embodiment.

[0073] The control unit 116 first determines whether the current time is the start of the inspection period (step S102). For example, the control unit 116 implements a process (command or control, or signal control, etc.) to supply power to the heating unit 121 in order to start preheating based on the heating curve. The control unit 116 can determine that the implementation time of this process is the start of the inspection period.

[0074] When the control unit 116 has determined that the current time is the start of the inspection period (step S102: Yes), the control unit 116 measures a first voltage, which is the voltage drop at the start of the inspection period (step S104). More specifically, for example, the control unit 116 executes control to cause current to flow to the heating unit 121 during a given period before preheating begins, and measures the voltage of the heating unit 121 at that time (the first voltage). Then, the control unit 116 begins preheating.

[0075] Subsequently, the control unit 116 determines whether the current moment is the end of the inspection period (step S106). "End of inspection period" also includes immediately preceding the end of the inspection period. For example, if the control unit 116 has determined that the current moment is immediately preceding the voltage change applied to the heating unit 121 after the start of preheating, this can be determined as immediately preceding the end of the inspection period. The method of voltage change applied to the heating unit 121 is set in the heating curve, so the control unit 116 can determine whether the current moment is immediately preceding the applied voltage change (immediately preceding the end of the inspection period) by referring to the heating curve. Step S106 is repeated (step S106: No) until the control unit 116 determines that the current moment is the end of the inspection period. When the control unit 116 has determined that the current moment is the end of the inspection period (step S106: Yes), the control unit 116 measures a second voltage, which is the voltage drop at the end of the inspection period (step S108). More specifically, the control unit 116 performs control such that current flows to the heating unit 121 during a given period at the end of the inspection period (time point T3), and measures the voltage (second voltage) of the heating unit 121 at that time. Furthermore, the given period during which the current flows to the heating unit 121 is preferably the same as the period during which the first voltage is measured in step S104.

[0076] Control unit 116 determines whether the difference between the first voltage measured in step S104 and the second voltage measured in step S108 is equal to or greater than a predefined threshold (step S110). If the difference is less than the threshold (step S110: No), control unit 116 determines that there will be sufficient remaining power in power unit 111 for the user's next inhalation before the aerosol source contained in rod matrix 150, etc., is used up, and then terminates the process. Meanwhile, if the difference is equal to or greater than the threshold (step S110: Yes), the control unit 116 determines that there will not be enough remaining power in the power supply unit 111 for the user's next inhalation before the aerosol source contained in the rod matrix 150, etc. is used up, and stands by (step S112: No) until the inhalation has ended (until the heating according to the heating curve has ended (including the case where the user has ended the heating curve in the middle)), and when it is determined that the inhalation has ended (step S112: Yes), the notification unit 113 notifies the user of the determination by displaying a message on the display device, emitting light from the LED, outputting sound, or vibrating (step S114).

[0077] In this example, a notification is given to the user at the end of inhalation (steps S112, S114), but a notification can also be given to the user during inhalation. Furthermore, instead of measuring the first voltage in step S104 in this example, the control unit 116 can measure a third voltage, which is the voltage immediately preceding the power supply to the heating unit 121 before inhalation. And instead of determining in step S110 whether the difference between the first and second voltages is equal to or greater than a predefined threshold, the control unit 116 can determine whether the difference between the third and second voltages is equal to or greater than a predefined threshold.

[0078] Figure 5 These are examples of more specific flowcharts.

[0079] The control unit 116 measures the first voltage at the moment when the first voltage drop occurs at the start of preheating (step S202). Thereafter, the control unit 116 causes the heating unit 121 to begin preheating before intake according to the start-up heating curve (step S204). More specifically, for example, the control unit 116 executes control to cause current to flow to the heating unit 121 during a given period before the start of preheating, and measures the voltage of the heating unit 121 at that time (the first voltage). Then, the control unit 116 begins preheating. Next, the control unit 116 determines whether the current moment is the time of the voltage change applied to the heating unit 116 after the start of preheating (step S206). "The time of the applied voltage change" also includes immediately before the applied voltage change. Since the manner of the voltage change applied to the heating unit 121 is set in the heating curve, the control unit 116 can determine whether the current moment is immediately before the applied voltage change by referring to the heating curve. When the control unit 116 has determined that the current time is the time when the voltage applied to the heating unit 116 changes after the start of preheating (step S206: Yes), the control unit 116 measures the second voltage at the moment when the second voltage drop occurs when the applied voltage changes (step S208).

[0080] Control unit 116 calculates the difference between the first voltage measured in step S204 and the second voltage measured in step S208 (step S210). Control unit 116 determines whether the difference calculated in step S210 is equal to or greater than a predefined threshold (step S212). If the difference is less than the threshold (step S212: No), control unit 116 determines that there will be sufficient remaining power in power unit 111 for the user's next inhalation before the aerosol source contained in rod matrix 150, etc., is used up, and then terminates the process. Meanwhile, if the difference is equal to or greater than the threshold (step S212: Yes), the control unit 116 determines that there will not be enough remaining power in the power supply unit 111 for the user's next inhalation before the aerosol source contained in the rod matrix 150, etc. is used up, and stands by (step S214: No) until the inhalation has ended (until the heating according to the heating curve has ended (including the case where the user has ended the heating curve in the middle)), and when it is determined that the inhalation has ended (step S214: Yes), the notification unit 113 notifies the user of the determination by displaying a message on the display device, emitting light from the LED, outputting sound, or vibrating (step S216).

[0081] In this example, a notification is given to the user at the end of inhalation (steps S214, S216), but a notification can also be given to the user during inhalation. Furthermore, instead of measuring the first voltage in step S204 in this example, the control unit 116 can measure a third voltage, which is the voltage immediately preceding the power supply to the heating unit 121 before inhalation. Then, instead of calculating the difference between the first and second voltages in step S210, the control unit 116 can calculate the difference between the third and first voltages. Instead of determining whether the difference between the first and second voltages is equal to or greater than a predefined threshold in step S212, the control unit can determine whether the difference between the third and second voltages is equal to or greater than a predefined threshold.

[0082] The flavor inhaler 100 according to this embodiment prevents situations where inhalation is interrupted due to lack of power during the next inhalation, for example, before the aerosol source contained in the smoking product is used up. Furthermore, when the flavor inhaler 100 has a function to determine at the start of inhalation whether there is sufficient remaining power for inhalation before the aerosol source contained in the smoking product is used up (such as the function disclosed in PTL 1), if the flavor inhaler 100 is not fully charged, it will need to be charged when the user is about to begin inhalation. In this situation, although the user may want to start inhaling immediately, they may be dissatisfied with having to wait until the flavor inhaler is fully charged; however, the flavor inhaler 100 according to the embodiment can also avoid this situation.

[0083] The embodiments of the present invention have been described so far, but the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments, and it is self-evident that the present invention can be implemented in various different forms within the scope of its technical concept.

[0084] Furthermore, the scope of this invention is not limited to the illustrative embodiments depicted and described, but also includes all embodiments demonstrating effects equivalent to those contemplated by the invention. Additionally, the scope of this invention is not limited to the combination of inventive features defined in the claims, but may be defined by any desired combination of specific features among all the disclosed features.

[0085] It should be noted that the following configurations also fall within the technical scope of this invention.

[0086] (1) An apparatus as a flavor inhaler or aerosol generating device, the apparatus comprising:

[0087] A heating unit for heating a flavor source or an aerosol source;

[0088] A power supply unit, which applies voltage to the heating unit;

[0089] A sensor unit for detecting the voltage applied to the heating unit;

[0090] A memory unit for storing a heating curve that defines the time-series change of the target temperature of the heating unit during the operating phase; and

[0091] Control unit, which is used to implement this working stage according to the heating curve, wherein

[0092] The control unit is configured to:

[0093] Based on the heating start curve used for this working stage, the heating unit begins preheating before intake.

[0094] Identify the first voltage at the moment when a first voltage drop occurs when the preheating begins, and the second voltage at the moment when a second voltage drop occurs after the preheating begins and the voltage applied to the heating unit changes.

[0095] Calculate the difference between the first voltage and the second voltage, and

[0096] Determine whether the difference is equal to or greater than a predefined threshold.

[0097] (2) The apparatus as disclosed in (1) above further includes a notification unit for performing a process of notifying a user when the control unit has determined that the difference between the first voltage and the second voltage is equal to or greater than the predefined threshold.

[0098] (3) The device as disclosed in (1) or (2) above, wherein the notification unit performs the process of notifying the user when the inhalation ends.

[0099] (4) The apparatus as described in any one of (1) to (3) above, wherein, instead of determining whether the difference between the first voltage and the second voltage is equal to or greater than the predefined threshold, the control unit determines whether the difference between the third voltage and the second voltage is equal to or greater than the predefined threshold, the third voltage being the voltage immediately preceding the power supply to the heating unit 121 before inhalation.

[0100] (5) A method for controlling an apparatus as a flavor inhaler or aerosol generating device, the apparatus comprising: a heating unit for heating a flavor source or aerosol source; a power supply unit for applying a voltage to the heating unit; a sensor unit for detecting the voltage applied to the heating unit; a memory unit for storing a heating curve defining a time-series change in a target temperature of the heating unit during an operating phase; and a control unit for implementing the operating phase according to the heating curve, wherein the method includes:

[0101] The control unit initiates a preheating step before intake by initiating heating in the heating curve for this working stage.

[0102] The control unit identifies the first voltage at the moment when a first voltage drop occurs when the preheating begins, and the second voltage at the moment when a second voltage drop occurs when the voltage applied to the heating unit changes after the preheating begins;

[0103] The step of the control unit calculating the difference between the first voltage and the second voltage; and

[0104] The control unit determines whether the difference is equal to or greater than a predefined threshold.

[0105] (6) A program for inducing a processor of a device as a flavor inhaler or aerosol generating device to perform actions, the device comprising: a heating unit for heating a flavor source or aerosol source; a power supply unit for applying a voltage to the heating unit; a sensor unit for detecting the voltage applied to the heating unit; a memory unit for storing a heating curve defining a time-series change in a target temperature of the heating unit during an operating phase; and a control unit for performing the operating phase according to the heating curve to perform:

[0106] The step of preheating the heating unit before intake is performed according to the start heating curve used for this working stage;

[0107] The steps of identifying the first voltage at the moment when the first voltage drop occurs when the preheating begins and the second voltage at the moment when the second voltage drop occurs when the voltage applied to the heating unit changes after the preheating begins;

[0108] The steps of calculating the difference between the first voltage and the second voltage; and

[0109] The step of determining whether the difference is equal to or greater than a predefined threshold.

[0110] List of reference numerals

[0111] 40… Heating curve

[0112] 100A, 100B... Flavored inhalers, etc.

[0113] 110…Power Supply Unit

[0114] 111A, 111B... Power supply units

[0115] 112A, 112B... Sensor Units

[0116] Notification Units 113A, 113B...

[0117] 114A, 114B... memory cells

[0118] 115A, 115B... communication units

[0119] 116A, 116B... Control Unit

[0120] 120…smoke cartridge

[0121] 121A, 121B... Heating Units

[0122] 122…Liquid guiding section

[0123] 123…Liquid storage section

[0124] 124… Suction nozzle

[0125] 130… Flavored Smoke Cartridges

[0126] 131…Flavor Source

[0127] 140… Fixed portion

[0128] 141… Interior Space

[0129] 142…opening

[0130] 143… Bottom section

[0131] 144…Insulation section

[0132] 150… Rod-shaped substrate

[0133] 151…Matrix Part

[0134] 152…Mouth section

[0135] 180… airflow path

[0136] 181…Air inlet hole

[0137] 182… Air outlet hole.

Claims

1. An apparatus as a flavor inhaler or aerosol generating device, the apparatus comprising: A heating unit for heating a flavor source or an aerosol source; A power supply unit, which applies voltage to the heating unit; A sensor unit for detecting the voltage applied to the heating unit; A memory unit for storing a heating curve that defines the time-series change of the target temperature of the heating unit during the operating phase; as well as Control unit, which is used to implement this working stage according to the heating curve, wherein The control unit is configured to: Based on the heating start curve used for this working stage, the heating unit begins preheating before intake. Identify the first voltage at the moment when a first voltage drop occurs when the preheating begins, and the second voltage at the moment when a second voltage drop occurs after the preheating begins and the voltage applied to the heating unit changes. Calculate the difference between the first voltage and the second voltage, and Determine whether the difference is equal to or greater than a predefined threshold.

2. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a notification unit configured to notify a user when the control unit has determined that the difference between the first voltage and the second voltage is equal to or greater than the predefined threshold.

3. The apparatus as claimed in claim 1 or 2, wherein, The notification unit performs the process to notify the user when the inhalation ends.

4. The apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein, Instead of determining whether the difference between the first voltage and the second voltage is equal to or greater than the predefined threshold, the control unit determines whether the difference between the third voltage and the second voltage is equal to or greater than the predefined threshold. The third voltage is the voltage immediately preceding the power supply to the heating unit 121 before suction.

5. A method for controlling an apparatus as a flavor inhaler or aerosol generating device, the apparatus comprising: A heating unit for heating a flavor source or an aerosol source; A power supply unit, which applies voltage to the heating unit; A sensor unit for detecting the voltage applied to the heating unit; a memory unit for storing a heating curve that defines the time-series change of the target temperature of the heating unit during the operating phase; and a control unit, the control unit being used to implement the working stage according to the heating curve, wherein the method includes: The control unit initiates a preheating step before intake by initiating heating in the heating curve for this working stage. The control unit identifies the first voltage at the moment when a first voltage drop occurs when the preheating begins, and the second voltage at the moment when a second voltage drop occurs when the voltage applied to the heating unit changes after the preheating begins; The step of the control unit calculating the difference between the first voltage and the second voltage; and The control unit determines whether the difference is equal to or greater than a predefined threshold.

6. A program for inducing a processor of a device serving as a flavor inhaler or aerosol generating device to perform actions, the device comprising: A heating unit for heating a flavor source or an aerosol source; A power supply unit, which applies voltage to the heating unit; The system includes a sensor unit for detecting the voltage applied to the heating unit; a memory unit for storing a heating curve that defines the time-series change of the target temperature of the heating unit during an operating phase; and a control unit for implementing the operating phase according to the heating curve, to perform: The step of preheating the heating unit before intake is performed according to the start heating curve used for this working stage; The steps of identifying the first voltage at the moment when the first voltage drop occurs when the preheating begins and the second voltage at the moment when the second voltage drop occurs when the voltage applied to the heating unit changes after the preheating begins; The steps for calculating the difference between the first voltage and the second voltage; as well as The step of determining whether the difference is equal to or greater than a predefined threshold.

Images