Flavor generation device

Abstract

To provide a flavor generation device for acquiring a residual amount value of power accumulated in power source.SOLUTION: A flavor generation device comprises: a first power source; a second power source for receiving supply of power from the first power source; a heating part for receiving supply of power from at least one of the first and second power sources, for heating a flavor source; and a control part for executing first notification related to a residual amount of power, and executing second notification different from the first notification, by controlling notification of a state of a flavor generation device. The second notification is executed when a value related to the residual amount of power is higher than a first threshold, according to user setting, or is suppressed even when the value related to the residual amount of power is higher than the first threshold.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 6

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a flavour generating device. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, a flavor generating device is known that has a heating element and a power source that supplies power to the heating element. The flavor generating device is configured not to supply power to the heating element when the remaining charge of the power source falls below a predetermined remaining charge (for example, Patent Document 1). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2015-204833 A Summary of the Invention

[0004] The first feature is a flavor generating device comprising a control unit configured to acquire a remaining value which is a value relating to the remaining amount of power stored in a power source, a generation unit configured to atomize an aerosol source or heat a flavor source, and an auxiliary device different from the generation unit, wherein the generation unit and the auxiliary device are electrically connected to the power source, and the control unit is configured to suppress the supply of power to at least one of the generation unit and the auxiliary device when the remaining value is higher than a discharge end value which indicates a discharge end state of the power source.

[0005] A second feature is summarized in that, in the first feature, the control unit is configured to suppress power supply to at least one of the generation unit and the auxiliary devices when the remaining amount value is higher than the discharge end value and is lower than a lower threshold value that is lower than a charge end value that indicates a fully charged state of the power source, and to allow power supply to the generator and at least one of the auxiliary devices when the remaining amount value is higher than the lower threshold value and is smaller than the charge end value.

[0006] A third feature is based on the first or second feature, and is summarized in that the control unit is configured to suppress power supply to the auxiliary device when the remaining charge value is higher than the discharge end value.

[0007] A fourth feature is that, in any of the first to third features, the generation unit includes a heating unit that heats the flavor source, and the control unit is configured to suppress power supply to the heating unit when the remaining amount value is higher than the discharge end value and is equal to or lower than a first lower threshold, and the first lower threshold is a value defined at which flavor cannot be delivered from the flavor source to the user's oral cavity by power supply to the heating unit.

[0008] A fifth feature is summarized in that, in the fourth feature, the generation unit includes, in addition to the heating unit, an atomization unit that atomizes the aerosol source, and the control unit is configured to permit power supply to both the heating unit and the atomization unit when the remaining amount value is higher than the discharge end value and is higher than the first lower threshold, and to suppress power supply to the heating unit and permit power supply to the atomization unit when the remaining amount value is higher than the discharge end value and is equal to or lower than the first lower threshold.

[0009] A sixth feature is summarized as follows: in any of the first to third features, the generation unit includes, in addition to the heating unit, an atomization unit that atomizes the aerosol source; and the control unit is configured to permit power supply to the heating unit and the atomization unit when the remaining amount value is higher than the discharge end value and higher than a first lower threshold, and to permit power supply to one selected from the heating unit and the atomization unit when the remaining amount value is higher than the discharge end value and lower than the first lower threshold.

[0010] A seventh feature is summarized as follows: in any of the first to third features, the generation unit is configured to heat an aerosol generating article having the flavor source and the aerosol source, and the control unit is configured to suppress the supply of power to the generation unit when the remaining amount value is higher than the discharge end value and is equal to or lower than a second lower threshold, and the second lower threshold is a value defined as a value at which the supply of power to the generation unit prevents the aerosol generating article from generating a predetermined amount or more of aerosol, or a flavor cannot be delivered from the aerosol generating article to a user's oral cavity by the supply of power to the generation unit.

[0011] An eighth feature is summarized as follows: in any of the first to third features, the generation unit includes an atomization unit that atomizes the aerosol source, and the control unit is configured to suppress the supply of power to the atomization unit when the remaining amount value is higher than the discharge end value and is equal to or lower than a third lower threshold, and the third lower threshold is a value defined as a value at which the supply of power to the atomization unit prevents the aerosol source from generating more than a predetermined amount of aerosol.

[0012] A ninth feature is summarized in that in any one of the first to eighth features, the remaining amount value is a charging state of the power source.

[0013] A tenth feature is summarized in that, in the ninth feature, the state of charge of the power source is calculated based on a relationship between the state of charge of the power source and an open circuit voltage of the power source, or is calculated based on an integrated value of a current charged to and discharged from the power source.

[0014] An eleventh feature is summarized in that in the tenth feature, the control unit is configured to obtain a correction factor including at least one of an internal resistance value of the power source, a deterioration state of the power source, and a temperature of the power source, and the control unit corrects a state of charge of the power source based on the correction factor.

[0015] The twelfth feature is characterized in that, in the second feature and any of the third to eleventh features which cite the second feature, the auxiliary device includes a first auxiliary device that provides notification regarding the remaining amount value and a second auxiliary device different from the first auxiliary device, and when the remaining amount value is lower than the lower threshold value, the control unit permits power supply to the first auxiliary device and the second auxiliary device while suppressing power supply to the generation unit.

[0016] A thirteenth feature based on the twelfth feature is summarized as follows: the second auxiliary device includes at least one of a notification unit, a memory, a detection unit, and a communication unit.

[0017] A fourteenth feature is summarized in that, in the thirteenth feature, the second auxiliary device includes two or more second auxiliary devices, and the control unit is configured to increase the number of target auxiliary devices to which power supply should be suppressed for the two or more second auxiliary devices as the remaining charge value decreases.

[0018] A fifteenth feature is characterized in that, in the fourteenth feature, the two or more second auxiliary devices include the communication unit and an auxiliary device other than the communication unit, and the control unit allows power supply to the auxiliary devices other than the communication unit at a time when the control unit suppresses power supply to the communication unit.

[0019] A 16th feature is summarized in that, in any of the first to fifteenth features, the auxiliary device includes a third auxiliary device used to suppress deterioration due to discharging of the power source, and the control unit allows power supply to the generation unit when the remaining amount value is higher than the discharge end value and is greater than a lower threshold value that is smaller than a charge end value that indicates a fully charged state of the power source, and the control unit allows power supply to the third auxiliary device when the remaining amount value is higher than a predetermined threshold value that is higher than the lower threshold value.

[0020] A seventeenth feature is the sixteenth feature, wherein the third auxiliary device includes at least one of a temperature adjustment unit that adjusts a temperature of the power source and an auxiliary power source having a higher output density than the power source.

[0021] The 18th feature is that, in any of the first to seventeenth features, the auxiliary devices include a high remaining amount auxiliary device and a low remaining amount auxiliary device, and the control unit allows power supply to the generation unit when the remaining amount value is higher than the discharge end value and is greater than a lower threshold value that is smaller than the charge end value that indicates a fully charged state of the power source, and the control unit allows power supply to the high remaining amount auxiliary device only when the remaining amount value is higher than a predetermined threshold value that is higher than the lower threshold, and the control unit allows power supply to the low remaining amount auxiliary device when the remaining amount value is lower than the lower threshold.

[0022] The 19th feature is summarized as a power supply control method comprising the steps of: acquiring a remaining value which is a value related to the remaining amount of power stored in a power supply; atomizing the aerosol source or heating the flavor source by a generation unit electrically connected to the power supply; performing processing other than atomizing the aerosol source or heating the flavor source by an auxiliary device electrically connected to the power supply; and suppressing power supply to at least one of the generation unit and the auxiliary device when the remaining value is higher than a discharge end value which indicates a discharge end state of the power supply.

[0023] A twentieth feature is a program that causes a computer to execute the steps recited in the nineteenth feature.

[0024] A 21st feature is summarized as a power supply unit of a flavor generating device that can be electrically connected to a unit having a generation unit configured to atomize an aerosol source or heat a flavor source, and includes a control unit configured to acquire a remaining value that is a value related to the remaining amount of power stored in the power supply, and the control unit is configured to suppress the supply of power to the generation unit and at least one of auxiliary devices other than the generation unit when the remaining value is higher than a discharge end value that indicates a discharge end state of the power supply. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0025] [Figure 1]FIG. 1 is an exploded view showing a configuration example of a flavor generation device according to an embodiment. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of the atomization unit according to the embodiment. [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 is a diagram showing functional blocks of the flavor generation device according to the embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a diagram for explaining the threshold value according to the embodiment. [Diagram 5] FIG. 5 is a flow diagram showing a power supply control method according to the embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a diagram for explaining the threshold value according to the first modification. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0026] Hereinafter, an embodiment will be described. In the following description of the drawings, the same or similar parts are denoted by the same or similar reference numerals. However, it should be noted that the drawings are schematic and the ratio of dimensions may differ from the actual ones.

[0027] Therefore, specific dimensions should be determined with reference to the following description. Of course, the dimensional relationships and ratios of the drawings may differ from one another.

[0028] [Disclosure Summary] In recent years, it has been considered to provide a flavor generating device with various functions in addition to simply generating an aerosol or flavor. In such cases, power from a power source is required to realize the various functions, but the inventors have found through their investigation that various inconveniences will occur if all functions are stopped uniformly when the remaining charge of the power source falls below a predetermined remaining charge.

[0029] The flavor generating device according to the outline of the disclosure includes a control unit configured to obtain a remaining value related to the remaining amount of power stored in a power source, a generating unit configured to atomize an aerosol source or heat a flavor source, and an auxiliary device different from the generating unit. The generating unit and the auxiliary device are electrically connected to the power source. The control unit is configured to suppress power supply to at least one of the generating unit and the auxiliary device when the remaining value is higher than a discharge end value indicating a discharge end state of the power source.

[0030] According to the outline of the disclosure, the flavor generating device suppresses the power supply to at least one of the generating unit and the auxiliary devices when the remaining amount value is higher than the discharge end value. With such a configuration, all functions are not stopped uniformly. In other words, in a case where the power supply to the generating unit is suppressed, the remaining amount of power used by the auxiliary devices that should operate can be secured even after the operation of the generating unit has stopped. In a case where the power supply to the auxiliary devices is suppressed, the remaining amount of power used by the generating unit can be secured preferentially, thereby extending the operating time of the generating unit and increasing the amount of flavor generated by the generating unit.

[0031] (Example of the configuration of a flavor generating device) A configuration example of the flavor generation device according to the embodiment will be described below. Fig. 1 is an exploded view showing a configuration example of the flavor generation device according to the embodiment. Fig. 2 is a schematic view of an atomization unit according to the embodiment.

[0032] The flavor generating device 100 may be a non-combustion flavor generating device for inhaling flavor without combustion. Preferably, the flavor generating device 100 may be a portable flavor generating device. The flavor generating device 100 has an air flow path that communicates from an inlet 100in to an outlet 100out. The flavor generating device 100 may have a shape that extends along a predetermined direction A that is a direction from a non-suction end E2 toward a mouth end E1. In such a case, the flavor generating device 100 may include one end E1 having a mouth 100out for inhaling flavor, and the other end E2 opposite to the mouth 141. The flavor generating device 100 has a power supply unit 110 and an atomization unit 120.

[0033] The power supply unit 110 has a connection part 111 that is electrically and mechanically connected to the atomization unit 120. The power supply unit 110 has an inlet 100in. Note that the inlet 100in does not necessarily have to be provided in the power supply unit 110, and may be provided in at least one of the power supply unit 110 and the atomization unit 120.

[0034] The power supply unit 110 may include a power supply 112 , a suction sensor 113 , a light emitting element 114 , and a control unit 115 .

[0035] The power source 112 accumulates power to be supplied to each component of the flavor generation device 100. For example, the power source 112 may be a secondary battery such as a lithium ion battery. The suction sensor 113 detects a puffing action of a user. The light emitting element 114 may be an element that emits light according to the state of the flavor generation device 100. For example, the light emitting element 114 may be an LED. The control unit 115 controls each component of the flavor generation device 100. For example, the control unit 115 may be an MCU (Micro Control Unit).

[0036] The atomization unit 120 has a connection part 121 that is electrically and mechanically connected to the power supply unit 110. When the atomization unit 120 and the power supply unit 110 are mechanically connected to each other, the atomization part 122R and the heating part 124R, which will be described later, are electrically connected to the power supply 112. The atomization unit 110 has an outlet 100out.

[0037] An example of the atomization unit 120 will be described below with reference to Fig. 2. The atomization unit 120 may include a reservoir 122P, a wick 122Q, and an atomization part 122R.

[0038] The reservoir 122P may be configured to store a liquid aerosol source. For example, the reservoir 122P may be a porous body made of a material such as a resin web. The wick 122Q may be a liquid holding member that transports the aerosol source from the reservoir 122P to the vicinity of the atomizing unit 122R by utilizing capillary action. For example, the wick 122Q may be made of glass fiber or porous ceramic. The atomizing unit 122R heats the aerosol source held in the wick 122Q. For example, the atomizing unit 122R is made of a resistance heating element (for example, a heating wire) wound around the wick 122Q.

[0039] The atomizing unit 120 may have an inlet 125. Air flowing in from the inlet 125 passes near the atomizing section 122R. The aerosol generated in the atomizing section 122R is guided to the outlet 100out together with the air. If the power supply unit 110 has an inlet 100in, the air flowing in from the inlet 100in also passes near the atomizing section 122R. The inlet 125 may be in communication with the inlet 100in.

[0040] The aerosol source may be liquid at room temperature. For example, a polyhydric alcohol such as glycerin or propylene glycol can be used as the aerosol source. The aerosol source may be composed of a plurality of substances. As an example, the aerosol source may be composed of a mixed solvent of glycerin, propylene glycol, and water. The aerosol source may contain a tobacco raw material or an extract derived from a tobacco raw material that releases a flavor component when heated. Here, an aerosol source that is liquid at room temperature is exemplified, but the aerosol source may be solid at room temperature.

[0041] The atomization unit 120 may have a replaceable flavor unit 130. In such a case, the atomization unit 120 has a heating unit 124R that heats the flavor source contained in the flavor unit 130. The heating unit 124R may be disposed on the outer periphery of the flavor unit 130 (e.g., the cylindrical body 131). For example, the heating unit 124R is configured by a resistance heating element (e.g., a heating wire). As another example, the heating unit 124R may be disposed inside the flavor unit 130. As yet another example, the heating unit 124R may be disposed on the outer periphery and inside the flavor unit 130.

[0042] The flavor unit 130 has a cylindrical body 131 having a cylindrical shape, and a ventilation member 132 and a ventilation member 133. The ventilation member 132 and the ventilation member 133 may be a mesh body or a filter. A flavor source is contained in a space defined by the cylindrical body 131, the ventilation member 132, and the ventilation member 133.

[0043] The flavor source may be solid at room temperature. As an example, the flavor source is composed of raw material pieces of a plant material that imparts a flavor component to the aerosol. The raw material pieces constituting the flavor source may be a molded product obtained by molding tobacco material, such as cut tobacco or tobacco raw material, into particles. Alternatively, the flavor source may be a molded product obtained by molding tobacco material into a sheet. The raw material pieces constituting the flavor source may be composed of plants other than tobacco (e.g., mint, herbs, etc.). The flavor source may be imparted with a flavoring such as menthol.

[0044] The flavor source may be accommodated movably within the space partitioned by the cylindrical body 131, the ventilation member 132, and the ventilation member 133. In such a case, the flavor source flows within the flavor unit 130, so that the flavor source in contact with the heating unit 124R is less biased, and the flavor components can be stably released. Furthermore, in such a case, the flavor source flows within the flavor unit 130, so that the breathability within the flavor unit 130 is improved, and the flavor components can be stably released. Alternatively, the flavor source may be substantially fixed within the space partitioned by the cylindrical body 131, the ventilation member 132, and the ventilation member 133. In such a case, heat can be efficiently transferred from the heating unit 124R to the flavor source.

[0045] Here, the atomization unit 120 has a flow path 127 that guides the aerosol generated in the atomization section 122R to the flavor unit 130, and a flow path 128 formed in the flavor unit 130. With this configuration, the aerosol that has been flavored is guided to the outlet 100out by passing through the flavor source.

[0046] In the embodiment, the atomization unit 120 may have a heat insulating material 126 provided on the outside of the heating part 124R. With this configuration, it is possible to suppress the heat transfer loss from the heating part 124R to the flavor source, and to suppress the temperature rise of the outer surface of the atomization unit 120 due to the heat generated by the heating part 124R.

[0047] The flavor generating device 100 may include a mouthpiece having an inhalation port for a user to inhale the inhaled components. The mouthpiece may be configured to be detachable from the atomizing unit 120 or the flavor unit 130, or may be configured as an inseparable unit. The flavor unit 130 may function as a mouthpiece by configuring the flavor unit 130 so as to be exposed when connected to the atomizing unit 120. With this configuration, the flavor unit 130 is replaced with a new one when the stored flavor source releases a sufficient amount of flavor, so that the flavor generating device 100 can be kept hygienic.

[0048] The atomization unit 120 may have a flow path 129 that leads the aerosol to the outlet 100out without passing the aerosol through the flavor source, in addition to the flow path 128 that leads the aerosol through the flavor source to the outlet 100out. The atomization unit 120 may have a flow rate adjustment means that adjusts the ratio of the aerosol passing through the flow path 128 and the aerosol passing through the flow path 129.

[0049] (Functional block of flavor generating device) The functional blocks of the flavor generation device according to the embodiment will be described below. Fig. 3 is a diagram showing the functional blocks of the flavor generation device according to the embodiment.

[0050] 3, the control unit 115 controls the generation unit 300 and the auxiliary unit 400. The control unit 115, the generation unit 300, and the auxiliary unit 400 operate using power supplied from the power source 112.

[0051] The generating unit 300 has a heating unit 310 that heats the flavor source and an atomizing unit 320 that atomizes the aerosol source. The heating unit 124R described above is an example of the heating unit 310, and the atomizing unit 122R described above is an example of the atomizing unit 320. However, in the embodiment, the configurations of the heating unit 310 and the atomizing unit 320 are not particularly limited.

[0052] The auxiliary device 400 may include a temperature adjustment unit 410, an auxiliary power supply 411, a communication unit 412, a notification unit 413, a volatile memory 414, a non-volatile memory 415, a suction detection unit 416, a battery temperature detection unit 417, an external environment detection unit 418, and an attachment / detachment detection unit 419. The auxiliary device 400 does not need to include all of these auxiliary devices. The auxiliary device 400 may include elements other than these.

[0053] The temperature adjustment unit 410 adjusts the temperature of the power source 112. The temperature adjustment unit 410 may be a heater that heats the power source 112, or may be a cooler that cools the power source 112. The temperature adjustment unit 410 may have the functions of both a heater and a cooler. The temperature adjustment unit 410 is an example of a third auxiliary device used to suppress deterioration due to discharge of the power source. The temperature adjustment unit 410 is an example of a high remaining charge auxiliary device described later.

[0054] The auxiliary power source 411 is a power source that has a power density superior to that of the power source. Power density is the power output per unit volume in W / m 3 It may be in W / kg, which is the output per unit weight. For example, the power stored in the auxiliary power supply 411 is used in the temperature adjustment unit 410. The auxiliary power supply 411 is an example of a third auxiliary device used to suppress deterioration due to the discharge of the power supply. The auxiliary power supply 411 is an example of a high remaining capacity auxiliary device, which will be described later.

[0055] The communication unit 412 communicates with an external device other than the flavor generation device 100 (e.g., a smartphone, a tablet, a personal computer, etc.). The communication unit 412 may communicate with a flavor generation device or a nebulizer separate from the flavor generation device 100. The communication unit 412 may be a wireless module that performs wireless communication, or a wired module that performs wired communication. For example, the wireless communication may be communication conforming to a communication method such as Bluetooth (registered trademark) or IrDA. The wired communication may be achieved by a USB cable. The communication unit 412 is an example of a second auxiliary device different from the first auxiliary device. The communication unit 412 is an example of a low remaining amount auxiliary device described later.

[0056] The notification unit 413 notifies the state of the flavor generation device 100. The notification unit 413 may be a light-emitting element such as an LED, a display unit such as a display, or a vibration mechanism such as a vibrator. The state of the flavor generation device 100 may be the remaining amount of the aerosol source in the atomization unit 120, or the remaining amount of the flavor source in the flavor unit. The remaining amount may be represented by the number of remaining puffs, the remaining power-on time, or the remaining amount of the aerosol source and the flavor source itself. Alternatively, the state of the flavor generation device 100 may be the remaining value of the power source 112. The notification of the remaining value of the power source 112 may be a charging alert that prompts charging of the power source 112 when the remaining value of the power source 112 is equal to or less than the discharge end value. The above-mentioned light-emitting element 114 is an example of the notification unit 413. In the case of notifying the remaining value, the notification unit 413 may be an example of a first auxiliary device that notifies the remaining value. In the case of performing a notification other than the notification regarding the remaining amount, the notification unit 413 may be an example of a second auxiliary device different from the first auxiliary device. That is, the terms first auxiliary device and second auxiliary device may be used differently depending on the function executed by the notification unit 413. The notification unit 413 is an example of a low remaining amount auxiliary device described later.

[0057] The volatile memory 414 is a memory such as a DRAM or an SRAM that cannot retain information without power supplied from the power source 112. The volatile memory 414 is an example of a second auxiliary device that is different from the first auxiliary device. The volatile memory 414 is an example of a low remaining capacity auxiliary device, which will be described later.

[0058] The non-volatile memory 415 is a memory that can retain information even without power supplied from the power source 112, such as a flash memory. The non-volatile memory 415 is an example of a second auxiliary device that is different from the first auxiliary device. The non-volatile memory 415 is an example of a low remaining capacity auxiliary device, which will be described later.

[0059] It should be noted that hereinafter, the volatile memory 414 and the non-volatile memory 415 may be collectively referred to as memory.

[0060] The suction detection unit 416 is a detection unit that detects a puffing operation by the user. The above-mentioned suction sensor 113 is an example of the suction detection unit 416. The suction detection unit 416 is an example of a second auxiliary device different from the first auxiliary device. The suction detection unit 416 is an example of a low remaining auxiliary device.

[0061] The battery temperature detection unit 417 is provided near the power source 112 and is a detection unit that detects the temperature of the power source 112. For example, the battery temperature detection unit 417 may be a temperature sensor. For example, the battery temperature detection unit 417 may be a thermistor or a thermopile. Information detected by the battery temperature detection unit 417 may be used for charge / discharge control of the power source 112. For example, the charge / discharge control may be control that suppresses charge / discharge when the temperature is lower than a threshold value, or may be control that suppresses charge / discharge when the temperature is higher than a threshold value. Information detected by the battery temperature detection unit 417 may be used for control of the temperature adjustment unit 410 described above. The battery temperature detection unit 417 is an example of a second auxiliary device different from the first auxiliary device. The battery temperature detection unit 417 is an example of a low remaining battery auxiliary device described later.

[0062] The external environment detection unit 418 is a detection unit that detects at least one of the external temperature and humidity. The external environment detection unit 418 may be provided at a position away from the generation unit 300 so as not to be affected by the generation unit 300. For example, the external environment detection unit 418 may be a temperature sensor or a humidity sensor. Information detected by the external environment detection unit 418 may be used to correct the suction detection unit 416. The external environment detection unit 418 is an example of a second auxiliary unit different from the first auxiliary unit. The external environment detection unit 418 is an example of a low remaining auxiliary unit described later.

[0063] The attachment / detachment detection unit 419 is a detection unit that detects whether the atomization unit 120 is attached or not. The attachment / detachment detection unit 419 may detect whether the flavor unit 130 is attached or not. For example, the attachment / detachment detection unit 419 may detect whether the unit is attached or not by a change in electrical resistance. The attachment / detachment detection unit 419 is an example of a second auxiliary device different from the first auxiliary device. The attachment / detachment detection unit 419 is an example of a low remaining auxiliary device described later.

[0064] It should be noted that hereinafter, the suction detection unit 416, the battery temperature detection unit 417, the external environment detection unit 418, and the attachment / detachment detection unit 419 may be collectively referred to as the detection unit.

[0065] In this context, the control unit 115 is configured to acquire a remaining amount value relating to the remaining amount of power stored in the power source 112. When the remaining amount value is higher than a discharge end value, the control unit 115 suppresses the power supply to at least one of the generation unit 300 and the auxiliary device 400. Even when the remaining amount value is higher than the discharge end value, the control unit 115 may suppress the power supply to the auxiliary device 400. In the following, suppression of the power supply may be a prohibition of the power supply or a reduction in the amount of power supply.

[0066] This will be described in detail with reference to FIG. 4. In FIG. 4, D >TH C >TH B >TH A The relationship is: > discharge end value > operation guarantee value. As shown in Fig. 4, the charging end value, discharging end value, and operation guarantee value are determined as the remaining capacity state of power source 112 based on the specifications of power source 112 and control unit 115. The charging end value is a value that indicates the fully charged state of power source 112. The discharging end value is a value that indicates the discharging end state of power source 112. The operation guarantee value is a value that indicates the remaining capacity value that should be secured in order to guarantee the operation of control unit 115.

[0067] In such a case, the control unit 115 determines whether the remaining amount is greater than the threshold value TH DIf the remaining amount value is higher than the threshold value TH, power supply to all the generating units 300 is permitted, and power supply to all the auxiliary devices 400 is permitted (first process). D If the remaining capacity value is higher than the threshold value TH, there is no electric load to which the power supply is restricted by the control unit 115. D If the remaining amount is higher than , the remaining amount is sufficient, and there is no need to suppress the power supply to the generation unit 300 and the auxiliary device 400. As a result, it is possible to prevent the user from feeling uncomfortable due to the unnecessary suppression of the functions of the flavor generation device 100.

[0068] Deterioration of the power supply 112 is more likely to progress if the power supply 112 is left for a long time with a high remaining amount than if the power supply 112 is left for a long time with a medium remaining amount. Therefore, when the remaining amount is sufficient, the control unit 115 allows power supply to all the generation units 300 and all the auxiliary devices 400, thereby bringing the remaining amount closer to the medium amount. As a result, the deterioration of the power supply 112 can be slowed down compared to the case where the control unit 115 suppresses the power supply to some of the generation units 300 and / or the auxiliary devices 400.

[0069] The control unit 115 determines whether the remaining amount is equal to or smaller than a threshold value TH D If the remaining amount is lower than the threshold value TH C If the temperature is higher than the threshold, power supply to all generation units 300 is permitted, power supply to all auxiliary units other than the third auxiliary unit (temperature adjustment unit 410 and auxiliary power supply 411) is permitted, and power supply to the third auxiliary unit is suppressed (second process).

[0070] The temperature adjustment unit 410 and the auxiliary power supply 411 included in the third auxiliary device are configured to detect a threshold TH D It is called a high residual capacity auxiliary device because it is only allowed to supply power when the residual capacity is higher than this.

[0071] In the embodiment, the threshold value TH D is an example of a predetermined threshold value used to determine whether or not to permit power supply to the third auxiliary device. D When the threshold value TH is lower than the threshold value TH, the power supply to the third auxiliary device is restricted and the power supply to the generating unit 300 is permitted. Dmay be considered as an example of a lower threshold value that is smaller than the end-of-charge value.

[0072] The temperature adjustment unit 410 and auxiliary power supply 411 belonging to the third auxiliary device can be used for the purpose of suppressing deterioration of the power supply 112. Deterioration during charging and discharging of a general power supply is suppressed most when the temperature of the power supply is room temperature. On the other hand, the lower or higher the temperature of the power supply, the more the deterioration of the power supply progresses. Therefore, by adjusting the temperature of the power supply 112, which is low or high, by the temperature adjustment unit 410 so that it is room temperature or close to room temperature, the deterioration of the power supply 112 can be effectively suppressed.

[0073] In addition, the more the power or current discharged per unit time of a general power source is, the more the power or current discharged per unit time progresses. For example, when it is necessary to simultaneously supply power to all elements included in the generating unit 300 and the auxiliary unit 400, if only the power source 112 supplies power, the power or current discharged per unit time by the power source 112 becomes large. As a result, the power source 112 is more likely to deteriorate. A similar problem may occur when the heating unit 310 or the atomizing unit 320 is composed of an electric heater and has a high heat capacity. A similar problem may occur when the power consumption of the elements included in the auxiliary unit 400 is large. This problem can be solved by using multiple power sources. When the power or current to be discharged per unit time is large, the power or current discharged per power source can be reduced by discharging from multiple power sources simultaneously. Therefore, by using an auxiliary power source 411 electrically connected to the generating unit 300 and the auxiliary unit 400 like the power source 112, the deterioration of the power source 112 can be effectively suppressed.

[0074] Incidentally, excluding losses that occur in the conductors and switches that electrically connect the power source 112 and the auxiliary power source 411 when power is supplied from the power source 112 to the auxiliary power source 411, the total amount of power possessed by the power source 112 and the auxiliary power source 411 is preserved before and after the power supply. Therefore, if the remaining charge value of the power source 112 is high, active power supply from the power source 112 to the auxiliary power source 411 can be performed to preserve the amount of power possessed by the entire flavor generation device 100, while also effectively suppressing deterioration of the power source 112 that would be caused by being left unused for a long period of time.

[0075] In this way, the temperature adjustment unit 410 and the auxiliary power supply 411 belonging to the third auxiliary device can play a role in suppressing deterioration of the power supply 112. However, since the power supply 112 supplies power to the temperature adjustment unit 410 and the auxiliary power supply 411, which reduces the remaining power value of the power supply 112, if the control unit 115 allows this regardless of the remaining power value of the power supply 112, the operation time of the generation unit 300 will be shortened. D Only when the voltage Vcc is higher than 1 V, the control unit 115 permits the power supply from the power source 112 to the third auxiliary device. This makes it possible to extend the operation time of the generation unit 300 and effectively suppress deterioration of the power source 112. The control unit 115 determines whether the remaining amount is equal to or smaller than a threshold value TH C If the remaining amount is lower than the threshold value TH B If the detected temperature is higher than the threshold, the power supply to the atomization unit 320 is permitted, the power supply to the auxiliary unit other than the third auxiliary unit is permitted, the power supply to the heating unit 310 is restricted, and the power supply to the third auxiliary unit is restricted (third process).

[0076] In the embodiment, the threshold value TH C is an example of a first lower limit threshold used to determine whether or not to permit power supply to the heating unit 310. C When the threshold value TH is lower than the threshold value TH , the power supply to the heating unit 310 is suppressed, and the power supply to the auxiliary devices other than the third auxiliary device is permitted. C may be considered as an example of a lower threshold value that is smaller than the end-of-charge value.

[0077] In another example, a threshold value TH C may be a value defined as the power supply to the heating portion 310 not being able to deliver sufficient flavor from the flavor source into the user's oral cavity.

[0078] As described above, the flavor unit 130 may be configured to impart flavor to the aerosol generated by the atomizing section 320 as the aerosol passes through the flavor unit 130. In this embodiment, by supplying power only to the atomizing section 320 out of the heating section 310 and the atomizing section 320, the flavored aerosol can be delivered to the user's oral cavity. In other words, the heating section 310 is used to increase the amount of flavor imparted to the aerosol. In such an embodiment, the threshold TH C may be a value defined such that the supply of power to the heating unit 310 does not increase the flavor imparted to the aerosol or increases it only to an extent that is undetectable to the user.

[0079] In any embodiment, even if power is supplied only to the heating unit 310 out of the heating unit 310 and the atomization unit 320, it is difficult to deliver a flavored aerosol into the user's oral cavity. Therefore, the threshold value at which the power supply to the heating unit 310 is suppressed is preferably equal to or higher than the threshold value at which the power supply to the atomization unit 320 is suppressed. In the flavor generation device 100 capable of generating a flavored aerosol even without power supply to the heating unit 310, the threshold value at which the power supply to the heating unit 310 is suppressed is more preferably higher than the threshold value at which the power supply to the atomization unit 320 is suppressed.

[0080] The control unit 115 determines whether the remaining amount is equal to or smaller than a threshold value TH B If the remaining amount is lower than the threshold value TH A If the difference is higher than the threshold value, power supply to the auxiliary devices other than the third auxiliary device is permitted, power supply to all the generating units 300 is restricted, and power supply to the third auxiliary device is restricted (fourth process).

[0081] In the embodiment, the threshold value TH B is an example of a third lower limit threshold value used to determine whether or not to permit the supply of power to the atomization unit 320. Bis a value that defines that the aerosol source cannot generate a predetermined amount or more of aerosol by supplying power to the atomizing unit 320. For example, the predetermined amount may be about 0.2 mg / puff TPM (Total Particulate Matter) as a level at which the aerosol traps flavor and is delivered to the user's oral cavity. Alternatively, the predetermined amount may be about 0.01 mg / puff TPM as a level that the user can sense.

[0082] The remaining amount is the threshold value TH B When the threshold value TH is lower than the threshold value TH, the power supply to the generating unit 300 is suppressed, and the power supply to the auxiliary devices other than the third auxiliary device (the first auxiliary device and the second auxiliary device) is permitted. B may be considered as an example of a lower threshold value that is smaller than the end-of-charge value.

[0083] When the remaining power value of the power source 112 is so low that the predetermined amount of aerosol cannot be generated, supplying power to the atomizing unit 320 will only waste the amount of power stored in the power source 112. B When the remaining amount of the fuel is lower than the limit, the control unit 115 suppresses the power supply from the power source 112 to the atomization unit 320, thereby making it possible to avoid such waste and to extend the operating time of the low remaining amount auxiliary device described later.

[0084] The control unit 115 determines whether the remaining amount is equal to or smaller than a threshold value TH A If the remaining charge value is lower than the discharge end value and the remaining charge value is higher than the discharge end value, power supply to the auxiliary devices other than the third auxiliary device and the communication unit 412 is permitted, power supply to all the generation units 300 is restricted, and power supply to the third auxiliary device and the communication unit 412 is restricted (fifth process).

[0085] In the embodiment, the remaining amount value is equal to or smaller than a threshold value TH A The control unit 115 determines whether to suppress the power supply to the communication unit 412 based on whether the remaining amount value is higher than the remaining amount value. That is, the control unit 115 is configured to increase the number of target auxiliary units to which the power supply should be suppressed, out of two or more second auxiliary units, as the remaining amount value decreases. When the control unit 115 suppresses the power supply to the communication unit 412, the control unit 115 permits the power supply to auxiliary units other than the communication unit 412.

[0086] The notification unit 413, the memory, and the detection unit are closely related to the state of the flavor generation device 100 and the power source 112. On the other hand, the communication unit 412 does not perform such a function. In other words, the communication unit 412 is less important than the notification unit 413, the memory, and the detection unit. Therefore, when the remaining amount value decreases, it is preferable that the control unit 115 suppresses the power supply before the notification unit 413, the memory, and the detection unit.

[0087] When the remaining amount value is lower than the discharge end value and higher than the operation guarantee value, the control unit 115 suppresses the power supply to all the generating units 300 and suppresses the power supply to all the auxiliary devices 400. However, the power supply is permitted for the above-mentioned charging alert function (sixth process). Here, the control unit 115 may transition to a sleep state in which power consumption is suppressed after notifying the charging alert for a certain period of time.

[0088] At least some of the second auxiliary devices are referred to as low-level auxiliary devices because power supply is permitted until the remaining level value reaches the discharge end value.

[0089] (Power supply control method) A power supply control method according to the embodiment will be described below. Fig. 5 is a flow diagram showing the power supply control method according to the embodiment. The flow shown in Fig. 5 is a flow executed by the flavor generation device 100 (control unit 115).

[0090] As shown in FIG. 5, in step S10, the flavor generation device 100 detects whether the remaining amount is greater than or equal to a threshold value TH D If the result of the determination is YES, the process proceeds to step S15. If the result of the determination is NO, the process proceeds to step S11.

[0091] In step S11, the flavor generation device 100 detects whether the remaining amount is greater than or equal to a threshold value TH CIf the result of the determination is YES, the process proceeds to step S16. If the result of the determination is NO, the process proceeds to step S12.

[0092] In step S12, the flavor generation device 100 detects whether the remaining amount is greater than or equal to a threshold value TH B If the result of the determination is YES, the process proceeds to step S17. If the result of the determination is NO, the process proceeds to step S13.

[0093] In step S13, the flavor generation device 100 detects whether the remaining amount is greater than or equal to the threshold value TH A If the result of the determination is YES, the process proceeds to step S18. If the result of the determination is NO, the process proceeds to step S14.

[0094] In step S14, the flavor generation device 100 judges whether the remaining amount value is higher than the discharge end value. If the judgment result is YES, the process proceeds to step S19. If the judgment result is NO, the process proceeds to step S20.

[0095] In step S15, the flavor generation device 100 performs the first process described above.

[0096] In step S16, the flavor generation device 100 performs the second process described above.

[0097] In step S17, the flavor generation device 100 performs the third process described above.

[0098] In step S18, the flavor generation device 100 performs the fourth process described above.

[0099] In step S19, the flavor generation device 100 performs the fifth process described above.

[0100] In step S20, the flavor generation device 100 performs the sixth process described above.

[0101] (Action and Effects) In the embodiment, the flavor generation device 100 suppresses the power supply to at least one of the generation unit 300 and the auxiliary unit 400 when the remaining amount value is higher than the discharge end value. With such a configuration, all functions are not stopped uniformly. That is, in the case where the power supply to the generation unit 300 is suppressed, the remaining amount of power used by the auxiliary unit 400 to operate can be secured even after the operation of the generation unit 300 is stopped. In the case where the power supply to the auxiliary unit 400 is suppressed, the remaining amount of power used by the generation unit 300 can be secured preferentially, thereby extending the operation time of the generation unit 300 or increasing the amount of flavor generated by the generation unit.

[0102] [Change Example 1] Modification 1 of the embodiment will be described below, with differences from the embodiment being described below.

[0103] In the embodiment, no particular priority order is set for the second auxiliary devices other than the communication unit 412. In contrast, in the first modification, a priority order is set for the second auxiliary devices other than the communication unit 412. In FIG. 6, the threshold value TH B Remaining values ​​greater than TH are omitted. A >TH R >TH Q >TH P >The relationship between the discharge end value holds.

[0104] As shown in FIG. 6, the control unit 115 detects whether the remaining amount is greater than or equal to a threshold value TH R When the remaining charge value is lower than , the power supply to the external environment detection unit 418 and the attachment / detachment detection unit 419 may be suppressed. These are not related to obtaining information about the power source 112 or writing or reading to or from the memory. Therefore, they are less important than the auxiliary devices to which the power supply is suppressed at a lower remaining charge value.

[0105] The control unit 115 determines whether the remaining amount is equal to or smaller than a threshold value TH QIf the power supply to the non-volatile memory 415 is lower than the threshold voltage, the power supply to the non-volatile memory 415 may be stopped. As described above, the non-volatile memory 415 can retain information even when the power supply is suppressed. Therefore, the non-volatile memory 415 has less effect on the flavor generation device 100 when the power supply is suppressed, compared to a volatile memory that cannot retain information when the power supply is suppressed.

[0106] The control unit 115 determines whether the remaining amount is equal to or smaller than a threshold value TH P If the battery temperature is lower than , the power supply to notification unit 413 (other than the charging alert), volatile memory 414, and battery temperature detection unit 417 may be stopped. When the charging alert is executed, control unit 115 and notification unit 413 consume the remaining power of power source 112, so it is preferable that the charging alert is executed at an appropriate timing so as to prevent the remaining power of power source 112 from decreasing. In order to prevent the remaining power from decreasing, the charging alert may be executed when suction detection unit 416 detects suction.

[0107] The control unit 115 may further stop the power supply to the suction detection unit 416 when the remaining amount value is lower than the discharge end value.

[0108] According to such a configuration, a priority is also set for the second auxiliary devices, so that the remaining capacity of the power source 112 used by the second auxiliary devices with higher priority is secured, and the operating time of the second auxiliary devices with higher priority can be extended.

[0109] The priority order in the second auxiliary device other than the communication unit 412 may be different from that in the above embodiment.

[0110] As another example, the control unit 115 may detect whether the remaining amount is greater than or equal to a threshold value TH P The control unit 115 may stop the power supply to the suction detection unit 416 when the remaining power value is lower than the discharge end value. Furthermore, the control unit 115 may stop the power supply to the notification unit 413 (other than the charging alert), the volatile memory 414, and the battery temperature detection unit 417 when the remaining power value is lower than the discharge end value. This allows the control unit 115 to detect the state of the power source 112 until the remaining power value of the power source 112 reaches the discharge end value. This improves the safety of the flavor generation device 100. As another example, the user may be allowed to set the priority order of the second auxiliary devices other than the communication unit 412 freely or based on a predetermined algorithm.

[0111] [Change Example 2] The second modification of the embodiment will be described below, with differences from the embodiment being described below.

[0112] Although not specifically mentioned in the embodiment, an example of the remaining capacity value of the power source 112 will be described in the modified example 2. As the remaining capacity value of the power source 112, the state of charge (SOC) of the power source 112 can be used.

[0113] For example, the control unit 112 may calculate the state of charge of the power source 112 based on the relationship between the state of charge of the power source 112 and the open circuit voltage of the power source 112. In particular, the control unit 112 may store in advance the relationship between the state of charge (SOC) and the open circuit voltage (OCV) (SOC-OCV curve or SOC-OCV line), and calculate the state of charge of the power source 112 by measuring the open circuit voltage of the power source 112.

[0114] Alternatively, the control unit 112 may calculate the state of charge of the power source 112 based on an integrated value of the current charged to and discharged from the power source 112. In particular, the control unit 112 measures the current charged to and discharged from the power source 112 to calculate an increase or decrease in the state of charge relative to the current.

[0115] In these cases, the control unit 112 may be configured to obtain a correction factor including at least one of the internal resistance value of the power source 112, the deterioration state of the power source 112, and the temperature of the power source 112. The control unit 112 may correct the state of charge of the power source 112 based on the correction factor. For example, the internal resistance value of the power source 112 is a factor that affects the characteristics of the above-mentioned SOC-OCV curve and SOC-OCV straight line. The deterioration state of the power source 112 is a factor that affects the full charge capacity. The temperature of the power source 112 is a factor that affects the characteristics of the above-mentioned SOC-OCV curve and SOC-OCV straight line.

[0116] [Change Example 3] The third modification of the embodiment will be described below, focusing on the differences from the embodiment.

[0117] In an embodiment, the flavor generating device 100 detects whether the remaining amount is greater than a threshold value TH C When the remaining amount is higher than the threshold value TH C If the temperature is lower than this, the power supply to the heating unit 310 is restricted and the power supply to the atomization unit 320 is permitted.

[0118] In contrast, in the third modification, the flavor generation device 100 determines whether the remaining amount is greater than or equal to the threshold value TH C When the remaining amount value is higher than the threshold value TH C When the voltage Vcc is lower than the threshold voltage Vcc, power supply to the selected one of the heating unit 310 and the atomization unit 32 is permitted. Such a selection may be made by the user. Alternatively, such a selection may be made automatically based on a past user selection or a selection by another user. For example, the automatic selection may be made by AI (Artificial Intelligence).

[0119] [Change Example 4] The fourth modification of the embodiment will be described below, focusing on the differences from the embodiment.

[0120] In the embodiment, the case where the flavor source and the aerosol source are separate has been described. In contrast, in Modification Example 4, a case where an aerosol-generating article including a flavor source and an aerosol source is provided will be described. For example, the aerosol-generating article may be a rod made of a tobacco product. In such a case, the generating unit 300 heats the aerosol-generating article. Note that the generating unit 300 may include either the heating unit 310 or the atomizing unit 320.

[0121] In such a case, the flavor generating device 100 (control unit 115) is configured to suppress the power supply to the generating unit 300 when the remaining amount value is higher than the discharge end value and is equal to or lower than the second lower threshold. The second lower threshold is a value defined as a value at which a predetermined amount or more of aerosol cannot be generated from the aerosol-generating article by supplying power to the generating unit 300, or a flavor cannot be delivered from the aerosol-generating article to the user's oral cavity by supplying power to the generating unit 300.

[0122] In other words, in the above embodiment, the second lower limit threshold is the threshold TH C It may be considered that the threshold value TH B However, it should be noted that in the fourth modified example, the heating unit 310 and the atomization unit 320 are not provided separately.

[0123] [Other embodiments] Although the present invention has been described by the above-mentioned embodiment, the description and drawings forming a part of this disclosure should not be understood as limiting the present invention. From this disclosure, various alternative embodiments, examples and operating techniques will become apparent to those skilled in the art.

[0124] In the embodiment, the generation unit 300 includes a heating unit 310 and an atomization unit 320. However, the embodiment is not limited thereto. The generation unit 300 may include either the heating unit 310 or the atomization unit 320.

[0125] In the embodiment, the case where the auxiliary devices listed in Fig. 3 are provided as the auxiliary device 400 has been described as an example. However, the embodiment is not limited thereto. It is sufficient that at least one of the auxiliary devices listed in Fig. 3 is provided as the auxiliary device 400.

[0126] Although not specifically mentioned in the embodiment, a program may be provided that causes a computer to execute each process performed by the flavor generating device 100 (control unit 115). The program may also be recorded in a computer-readable medium. Using a computer-readable medium, it is possible to install the program in a computer. Here, the computer-readable medium on which the program is recorded may be a non-transient recording medium. The non-transient recording medium is not particularly limited, and may be, for example, a recording medium such as a CD-ROM or a DVD-ROM.

[0127] Alternatively, a chip may be provided that is configured by a memory that stores a program for executing each process performed by the flavor generation device 100 (control unit 115) and a processor that executes the program stored in the memory.

Claims

1. A flavor generating device comprising: A first power source; a second power source that receives power from the first power source; a heating unit that receives power from at least one of the first power source and the second power source to heat a flavor source; a control unit that controls a notification of a state of the flavor generating device so as to execute a first notification regarding the remaining amount of power and a second notification different from the first notification; Equipped with The second notification may be, in response to a user setting: Executed when the value relating to the remaining amount of power is higher than a first threshold value, or The power consumption is suppressed even when the value related to the remaining amount of power is higher than the first threshold value. Flavor generator.

2. The flavor generating device according to claim 1 , wherein the first notification is executed regardless of the user setting.

3. The flavor generating device of claim 1 , wherein the first notification includes an alert that is executed when the remaining amount value is lower than the first threshold value.

4. The flavor generating device according to claim 1 , wherein the first notification and the second notification are performed by a notification unit including at least a light-emitting element, a display, or a vibrator.

5. The flavor generating device of claim 4, wherein the user setting is a setting regarding whether the control unit causes the notification unit to execute the second notification or suppress execution of the second notification based on a comparison between the value regarding the remaining amount and a second threshold value higher than the first threshold value.

6. The flavor generation device according to claim 1 , further comprising a communication unit that performs wireless communication with an external device.

7. The flavor generating device of claim 6 , wherein the external device comprises a smartphone, a tablet, or a personal computer.

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