Circuit unit of aerosol generation device, aerosol generation device, and program

Abstract

To provide an aerosol generation device that suppresses liquid shortage during suction regardless of a user's usage.SOLUTION: The circuit unit of the aerosol generation device is provided with a control unit that controls the supply of power to the load that heats the aerosol source. When the interval between the inhalations of the aerosol is shorter than the first period, the controller controls the amount of power supplied to the load to generate the aerosol to be smaller than the reference value. The first period is determined to suppress occurrence of liquid depletion during inhalation of the aerosol.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a circuit unit for an aerosol generation device, an aerosol generation device, and a program. [Background technology]

[0002] In aerosol generators that generate aerosols by heating a liquid containing a fragrance or the like, electricity is applied to the heater in response to the detection of a user's inhalation, and the liquid in a glass fiber called a wick is atomized (aerosolized). The aerosol is generated when the temperature of the liquid in the wick reaches its boiling point. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] US Patent Application Publication No. 2020 / 0329776 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In the aerosol generating device, the heater power-on time is designed assuming a standard inhalation behavior. However, if the interval between puffs (hereinafter also referred to as "puff interval") is shorter than that of a standard inhalation behavior, heating of the liquid will begin before the liquid temperature in the wick has sufficiently decreased. If the liquid temperature is high at the start of power-on, evaporation of the liquid will be promoted. As a result, the amount of liquid consumed after power-on is greater than that during a standard inhalation behavior. On the other hand, the supply of liquid to the wick depends on capillary action. Therefore, if suction actions with short puff intervals are repeated, the supply of liquid to the wick may not be enough. If the supply of liquid is not enough, aerosol generation will stop even if the heater continues to be energized. This phenomenon is called liquid starvation.

[0005] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, a technology is provided that suppresses liquid drying up during inhalation regardless of the method of use by a user of an aerosol generating device. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a circuit unit of an aerosol generating device having a control unit that controls the supply of power to a load that heats a liquid aerosol source, wherein the control unit controls the amount of power supplied to the load to generate aerosol to be less than a reference value when the interval between aspirations of the aerosol is shorter than a first period, and the first period is determined so as to suppress the occurrence of liquid depletion during aspiration of the aerosol. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to an aspect of the present disclosure, a technology can be provided that suppresses liquid drying up during inhalation regardless of the method of use by a user of an aerosol generating device. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of the external configuration of an aerosol generation device assumed in the first embodiment. FIG. [Figure 2] FIG. 1 is a diagram schematically illustrating the internal configuration of an aerosol generation device assumed in the first embodiment. [Figure 3] 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of control of the main heating time by the control unit used in the first embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating the relationship between the puff interval and the main heating time setting in the first embodiment. [Figure 5] 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of control of the main heating time by the control unit used in the second embodiment. [Figure 6] 10A and 10B are diagrams illustrating the relationship between puff intervals and main heating time settings in embodiment 2. (A) shows an example of suction (puff) timing, and (B) shows an example of main heating time settings. [Figure 7]11 is a flowchart illustrating an example of control of the main heating time by the control unit used in the third embodiment. [Figure 8] 10A and 10B are diagrams illustrating the relationship between puff intervals and main heating time settings in embodiment 3. (A) shows an example of suction (puff) timing, and (B) shows an example of main heating time settings. [Figure 9] 13 is a flowchart illustrating an example of control of the main heating time by the control unit used in the fourth embodiment. [Figure 10] 10A and 10B are diagrams illustrating the relationship between puff intervals and main heating time settings in embodiment 4. (A) shows an example of suction (puff) timing, and (B) shows an example of main heating time settings. [Figure 11] FIG. 10 is a diagram schematically illustrating the internal configuration of an aerosol generation device assumed in the fifth embodiment. [Figure 12] 13 is a flowchart illustrating an example of control of the main heating time by the control unit used in the fifth embodiment. [Figure 13] 10A and 10B are diagrams illustrating the relationship between puff intervals and main heating time settings in embodiment 5. (A) shows an example of suction (puff) timing, (B) shows temperature changes in the heating unit, and (C) shows an example of main heating time settings. [Figure 14] FIG. 20 is a diagram schematically illustrating the internal configuration of an aerosol generation device assumed in a sixth embodiment. [Figure 15] 13 is a flowchart illustrating an example of control of the main heating time by the control unit used in the sixth embodiment. [Figure 16] 13A and 13B are diagrams illustrating the relationship between the puff interval and the setting of the main heating time in embodiment 6. (A) shows an example of the timing of suction (puffing), (B) shows the change in the resistance value of the heating unit, and (C) shows an example of the setting of the main heating time. [Figure 17] FIG. 12 is a diagram schematically illustrating the internal configuration of an aerosol generation device assumed in a seventh embodiment. [Figure 18] 13 is a flowchart illustrating an example of control of the main heating time by the control unit used in the seventh embodiment. [Figure 19]10A and 10B are diagrams illustrating the relationship between the puff interval and the setting of the main heating time in embodiment 7. (A) shows an example of the timing of suction (puffing), (B) shows the change in temperature of the liquid guiding part, and (C) shows an example of the setting of the main heating time. [Figure 20] FIG. 13 is a diagram schematically illustrating the internal configuration of an aerosol generation device assumed in the eighth embodiment. [Figure 21] 13 is a flowchart illustrating an example of control of the main heating time by the control unit used in the eighth embodiment. [Figure 22] 13A and 13B are diagrams illustrating the relationship between puff intervals and main heating time settings in embodiment 8. (A) shows an example of the timing of inhalation (puffing), (B) shows changes in ambient air temperature, and (C) shows an example of the main heating time settings. [Figure 23] 13 is a flowchart illustrating an example of control of the main heating time by the control unit used in the ninth embodiment. [Figure 24] 13A and 13B are diagrams illustrating the relationship between the puff interval and the setting of the main heating time in embodiment 9. (A) shows an example of the timing of inhalation (puffing), (B) shows an example of the setting of the main heating time when the predicted puff interval is equal to or longer than the first period, and (C) shows an example of the setting of the main heating time when the predicted puff interval is shorter than the first period. [Figure 25] 22 is a flowchart illustrating an example of control of the main heating time by the control unit used in the tenth embodiment. [Figure 26] 13A and 13B are diagrams illustrating the relationship between puff intervals and main heating time settings in embodiment 10. (A) shows an example of the timing of inhalation (puffing), (B) shows an example of the main heating time settings when the number of consecutive short puffs is equal to or less than a first number, and (C) shows an example of the main heating time settings when the number of consecutive short puffs is greater than or equal to the first number. [Figure 27] 23 is a flowchart illustrating an example of control of the main heating time by the control unit used in the eleventh embodiment. [Figure 28] 23 is a flowchart illustrating an example of control of the main heating time by the control unit used in the twelfth embodiment. [Figure 29]FIG. 22 is a diagram schematically illustrating the internal configuration of an aerosol generating device assumed in embodiment 13. [Figure 30] 23 is a flowchart illustrating an example of control of the main heating time by the control unit used in the thirteenth embodiment. [Figure 31] 1 is a diagram illustrating the preheating time, where (A) shows the relationship between the preheating time and the position of the main heating time, and (B) shows the temperature change of the aerosol source. [Figure 32] 1A and 1B are diagrams illustrating examples of setting the main heating time depending on whether preheating is performed and the length of the puff interval. (A) shows the case without preheating, and (B) shows the case with preheating. [Figure 33] 23 is a flowchart illustrating an example of control of the main heating time by the control unit used in the fourteenth embodiment. [Figure 34] 23 is a flowchart illustrating an example of control of the main heating time by the control unit used in the fifteenth embodiment. [Figure 35] 23 is a flowchart illustrating an example of control of the main heating time by the control unit used in the sixteenth embodiment. [Figure 36] 23 is a flowchart illustrating an example of control of the main heating time by the control unit used in the seventeenth embodiment. [Figure 37] FIG. 22 is a diagram illustrating an example of the external configuration of an aerosol generating device assumed in embodiment 18. [Figure 38] FIG. 22 is a diagram schematically illustrating an example of the internal configuration of an aerosol generating device assumed in the nineteenth embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In each drawing, the same parts are designated by the same reference numerals.

[0010] <First Embodiment> <Exterior configuration> FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of the external configuration of an aerosol generation device 1 assumed in the first embodiment. The aerosol generation device 1 shown in Fig. 1 is a form of electronic cigarette, which generates flavored aerosol without combustion. The electronic cigarette shown in Fig. 1 has a roughly cylindrical shape. The aerosol generating device 1 shown in Fig. 1 is composed of multiple units, which are a power supply unit 10, a cartridge 20 containing an aerosol source, and a cartridge 30 containing a flavor source.

[0011] In the present embodiment, the cartridge 20 is detachable from the power supply unit 10, and the cartridge 30 is detachable from the cartridge 20. In other words, both the cartridge 20 and the cartridge 30 are replaceable. The power supply unit 10 has built-in electronic circuits and the like. The power supply unit 10 is a type of circuit unit. Incidentally, a power button 11 is provided on the side of the power supply unit 10. The power button 11 is an example of an operation unit used to input user instructions to the power supply unit 10.

[0012] The cartridge 20 incorporates a liquid storage section that stores the liquid that is the aerosol source, a liquid guide section that draws the liquid from the liquid storage section by capillary action, and a heating section that heats and vaporizes the liquid held in the liquid guide section. An air inlet hole (hereinafter referred to as "air inlet hole") 21 is provided on the side of the cartridge 20. Air that flows in through the air inlet hole 21 passes through the cartridge 20 and is discharged from the cartridge 20. The cartridge 20 is also called an atomizer. A flavor unit that adds flavor to the aerosol is built into the cartridge 30. The cartridge 30 is provided with a mouthpiece 31.

[0013] <Internal structure> FIG. 2 is a diagram schematically showing the internal configuration of the aerosol generation device 1 assumed in the first embodiment. The aerosol generating device 1 is composed of a power supply unit 10 and cartridges 20 and 30. The power supply unit 10 includes a power supply unit 111, a puff sensor 112, a power button sensor 113, a notification unit 114, a storage unit 115, a communication unit 116, and a control unit 117 built therein. The cartridge 20 includes a heating section 211, a liquid guide section 212, and a liquid storage section 213 built therein.

[0014] The cartridge 30 contains a flavor source 311. One end of the cartridge 30 is used as a mouthpiece 31. An air flow path 40 connected to the air inlet hole 21 is formed inside the cartridges 20 and 30 . The power supply unit 111 is a device that stores the power required for operation. The power supply unit 111 supplies power to each component of the aerosol generation device 1 under the control of the control unit 117. The power supply unit 111 is configured by a rechargeable battery such as a lithium ion secondary battery.

[0015] Puff sensor 112 is a sensor that detects the inhalation of aerosol by a user, and is configured by, for example, a flow rate sensor. Puff sensor 112 is an example of a first sensor. The power button sensor 113 is a sensor that detects an operation on the power button 11 (see FIG. 1), and is configured by, for example, a pressure sensor. Note that the power supply unit 10 is provided with various sensors in addition to the puff sensor 112 and the power button sensor 113. The notification unit 114 is a device used to notify the user of information, and may be, for example, a light emitting device, a display device, a sound output device, or a vibration device.

[0016] The storage unit 115 is a device that stores various types of information necessary for the operation of the aerosol generation device 1. For the storage unit 115, a non-volatile storage medium such as a flash memory is used. The communication unit 116 is a communication interface that complies with a wired or wireless communication standard, such as Wi-Fi (registered trademark) or Bluetooth (registered trademark). The control unit 117 is a device that functions as an arithmetic processing unit or a control device, and controls the overall operation of the aerosol generation device 1 through the execution of various programs. The control unit 117 is realized by electronic circuits such as a CPU (=Central Processing Unit) and an MPU (=Micro Processing Unit).

[0017] The liquid storage unit 213 is a tank that stores an aerosol source. The aerosol source stored in the liquid storage unit 213 is atomized to generate an aerosol. The aerosol source may include a liquid such as a polyhydric alcohol, such as glycerin or propylene glycol, or water, and may include tobacco-derived or non-tobacco-derived flavoring ingredients. When the aerosol generating device 1 is a medical inhaler such as a nebulizer, the aerosol source may contain a medicament.

[0018] Liquid guide 212 is a member that guides and holds the aerosol source, which is a liquid, from liquid storage 213 to the heating region. A member called a wick, which is made of a fiber material such as glass fiber or a porous material such as porous ceramic, is used for liquid guide 212. When liquid guide 212 is made of a wick, the aerosol source stored in liquid storage 213 is guided to the heating region by capillary action of the wick.

[0019] Heating unit 211 is a member that generates an aerosol by heating the aerosol source held in a heating region and atomizing the aerosol source. 2, heating unit 211 is a coil that is wound around liquid guiding unit 212. The region of liquid guiding unit 212 around which the coil is wound becomes the heating region. Due to the heat generated by heating unit 211, the temperature of the aerosol source held in the heating region rises to the boiling point, and an aerosol is generated. The heating unit 211 generates heat when power is supplied from the power supply unit 111. Power supply to the heating unit 211 starts when a predetermined condition is met. The predetermined condition may be, for example, the user starting inhalation, pressing the power button 11 a predetermined number of times, or inputting predetermined information. However, in the present embodiment, power supply to the heating unit 211 starts when inhalation is detected.

[0020] The power supply to the heating unit 211 is stopped when a predetermined condition is satisfied. The predetermined condition may be, for example, the user finishing suction, the end of the main heating time described below, a long press of the power button 11, or the input of predetermined information. However, in the present embodiment, the power supply to the heating unit 211 is stopped when suction finishes. Here, the heating unit 211 is an example of a load that consumes power.

[0021] Flavor source 311 is a component that imparts flavor components to the aerosol generated within cartridge 20. Flavor source 311 includes tobacco-derived or non-tobacco-derived flavor components. The air flow path 40 that passes through the interior of the cartridge 20 and the cartridge 30 is a flow path for the air and aerosol inhaled by the user. The air flow path 40 has a tubular structure with the air inlet hole 21 as the air inlet and the air outlet hole 42 as the air outlet. A liquid guide section 212 is disposed on the upstream side of the air flow path 40, and a flavor source 311 is disposed on the downstream side.

[0022] As the user inhales, air flowing in from air inlet 21 is mixed with the aerosol generated by heating unit 211. The mixed gas passes through flavor source 311 and is transported to air outlet 42, as shown by arrow 41. As the mixed gas of aerosol and air passes through flavor source 311, the flavor components of flavor source 311 are imparted to the gas. It is also possible to use the flavor source 311 without attaching it to the cartridge 30 .

[0023] Mouthpiece 31 is a member that is held in the user's mouth when inhaling. Mouthpiece 31 is provided with air outlet holes 42. By holding mouthpiece 31 in the mouth and inhaling, the user can take in a mixture of aerosol and air into the oral cavity. An example of the internal configuration of the aerosol generation device 1 has been described above, but the configuration shown in FIG. 2 is merely one embodiment. For example, the aerosol generation device 1 may be configured without including the cartridge 30. In that case, the cartridge 20 is provided with a mouthpiece 31.

[0024] The aerosol generating device 1 may also include multiple types of aerosol sources. Multiple types of aerosols generated from the multiple types of aerosol sources may be mixed in the air flow path 40 to cause a chemical reaction, thereby generating yet another type of aerosol. Furthermore, the means for atomizing the aerosol source is not limited to heating by the heating unit 211. For example, induction heating technology may be used to atomize the aerosol source.

[0025] <Controlling the length of the main heating time> 3 is a flowchart illustrating an example of control of the main heating time by the control unit 117 (see FIG. 2) used in the first embodiment. The control by the control unit 117 is realized through the execution of a program. Therefore, the control unit 117 is a form of a computer. In FIG. 3, the symbol S is used to mean a step. In this embodiment, the term "main heating time" is used to mean the time during which the aerosol source held in the liquid guiding section 212 (see FIG. 2) is heated and atomized to generate the aerosol.

[0026] In this embodiment, the supply of power to the heating unit 211 coincides with the inhalation of the aerosol generation device 1 (see FIG. 1) by the user. Hereinafter, the inhalation of the aerosol generation device 1 by the user will also be referred to as "inhalation of the aerosol" generated from the aerosol source. The temperature of the heating unit 211 rises when the supply of power starts and falls when the supply of power stops. In this embodiment, the temperature of the heating unit 211 rises above the boiling point of the aerosol when the supply of power starts and falls below the boiling point of the aerosol when the supply of power stops.

[0027] In this embodiment, it is assumed that the time for which power is supplied to heating unit 211 and the time for which aerosol is generated from liquid guiding unit 212 are substantially the same. Strictly speaking, however, the power consumed immediately after the start of supply is used to increase the temperature of the aerosol source held in liquid guide portion 212. Therefore, there is a time lag between the time when the liquid temperature of the aerosol source reaches the boiling point and the time when aerosol generation starts. However, since this time lag is very small, it is ignored in this embodiment.

[0028] First, the control unit 117 determines whether or not the start of inhalation has been detected by the puff sensor 112 (step 1). If the start of inhalation of the aerosol by the user is not detected, the control unit 117 obtains a negative result in step 1. While a negative result is obtained in step 1, the control unit 117 repeats the determination in step 1. On the other hand, if the start of inhalation of aerosol by the user is detected, the control unit 117 obtains a positive result in step 1. If a positive result is obtained in step 1, the control unit 117 starts main heating (step 1100), and then obtains the immediately preceding puff interval (step 2).

[0029] In this embodiment, the previous puff interval is given as the time from the end of the previous puff to the start of the current puff. The puff interval may be measured, for example, by a timer, or may be calculated as the difference between the end time of the previous puff and the start time of the current puff. The time is obtained, for example, from a timer built into the control unit 117 or an integrated circuit that implements a timer function. When the puff interval is acquired, the control unit 117 determines whether the puff interval is shorter than the first period (step 3). The first period here is set taking into account the supply capacity of the aerosol source by the liquid guide section 212 and the time it takes for the liquid to dry up. In the case of this embodiment, the first period is set to, for example, 10 seconds. Of course, this value is just one example. Note that the first period is not an absolute value, and varies depending on the heating mode employed, etc., as will be explained in other embodiments below.

[0030] If the puff interval is equal to or greater than the first period, the control unit 117 obtains a negative result in step 3. In this case, the control unit 117 sets the current main heating time to the reference time LT1 (step 4). The reference time LT1 here is an example of the second period. In the present embodiment, for example, 2.4 seconds is used as the reference time. Of course, this value is only an example of the reference time. The reference time is set to a time at which the liquid will not run dry due to the inhalation of the aerosol by an assumed standard user when the puff interval is longer than the threshold value. On the other hand, if the puff interval is shorter than the threshold, the control unit 117 obtains a positive result in step 3. This case is called a "short puff."

[0031] A short puff refers to a state in which the puff interval is shorter than the first period. At this time, control unit 117 sets the main heating time this time to a time LT2 that is shorter than the reference time (step 5). In the present embodiment, only the main heating time is shortened, and the voltage value and current value supplied to heating unit 211 are the same regardless of the puff interval. In this embodiment, the time LT2 is set to, for example, 1.7 seconds. Of course, this value is an example of the main heating time for a short puff. The shorter the time LT2, the less likely it is that the liquid drying-up phenomenon, in which no aerosol is generated even when the aerosol source is heated, will occur.

[0032] After setting the main heating time in step 4 or step 5, the control unit 117 determines whether it is time to end the main heating (step 6). In this embodiment, the main heating ends, for example, when the set main heating time expires, when the user stops inhaling the aerosol, or when a forced termination operation is performed. Therefore, even if the set main heating time remains, when it is determined that the main heating has ended, the supply of power to the heating unit 211 ends. The passage of the main heating time is monitored based on the elapsed time from the start of power supply to the heating unit 211. The forced shutdown operation is performed, for example, by pressing and holding the power button 11 (see FIG. 1). Pressing and holding the power button 11 means that the power button 11 is held down for a predetermined period of time or longer. For example, if the power button 11 is pressed for three seconds or longer, the control unit 117 determines that a long press operation has been performed.

[0033] As long as a negative result is obtained in step 6, the control unit 117 repeats the determination in step 6. During this time, the supply of power to the heating unit 211 continues. On the other hand, if a positive result is obtained in step 6, the control unit 117 ends the main heating (step 7). That is, it stops supplying power to the heating unit 211. This completes one cycle of suction. In the case of a short puff, the main heating time is shorter than the reference time, and therefore the amount of power supplied to the heating unit 211 during one suction cycle is smaller than the amount of power supplied in the case of the reference time.

[0034] FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating the relationship between the puff interval and the setting of the main heating time in the first embodiment. (A) shows an example of the timing of inhalation (puffing), and (B) shows an example of the setting of the main heating time. The vertical axis in FIG. 4(A) represents the puff intensity, the vertical axis in FIG. 4(B) represents the heating intensity, and the horizontal axis in FIGS. 4(A) and (B) represents time. The puff intensity is detected by a puff sensor. In the present embodiment, the puff intensity is detected by the presence or absence of a puff, but may also be defined as the amount of air inhaled. The heating intensity is the amount of power, and is given by the product of the voltage value and the current value supplied to the heating unit 211. In the cases of Figures 4(A) and (B), the number of puffs was five. In the case of FIG. 4(A), the interval between the first and second puffs is IT1, the interval between the second and third puffs is IT2, the interval between the third and fourth puffs is IT3, and the interval between the fourth and fifth puffs is IT4. In this example, the intervals between the third and fourth puffs, IT3 and IT4, are shorter than the first period. That is, the intervals between the third and fourth puffs are determined to be short puffs. Therefore, the intervals between the first and second puffs, IT1 and IT2, are not short puffs.

[0035] Therefore, the main heating times for the first, second, and third puffs are set to the reference time LT1, while the main heating times for the fourth and fifth puffs are set to a time LT2 that is shorter than the reference time LT1. As a result, even if the puff interval until the start of the fourth puff is short and the amount of aerosol source supplied to heating unit 211 before the start of suction is small, the actual heating time is shorter than reference time LT2, so the liquid will not run out during the fourth puff. The same applies to the fifth puff. In the sixth or subsequent puffs, if the immediately preceding puff interval is longer than the threshold value, the main heating time for that inhalation is again set to the reference time LT1.

[0036] Incidentally, in FIG. 4, the period during which the user inhales the aerosol and the heating time of the heating unit 211 are matched within a preset main heating time, but the main heating may be started by turning on the power button 11, or the main heating may be continued until the main heating time has elapsed even after the user has finished inhaling. In these cases, the puff interval does not coincide with the time during which main heating is stopped, but like the control example described above, liquid drying up during short puffs can be effectively suppressed.

[0037] <Embodiment 2> In the second embodiment, the puff interval is defined as a period during which the supply of power to the heating unit 211 (see FIG. 2) is stopped. In this embodiment, power supply to the heating unit 211 is started by a predetermined operation on the power button 11 (see FIG. 1), and power supply to the heating unit 211 is ended when a preset main heating time has elapsed or when the user forcibly terminates power supply. However, as in the first embodiment, power may be supplied to the heating unit 211 in accordance with the inhalation of the aerosol by the user.

[0038] Other configurations of the aerosol generation device 1 (see FIG. 1) in this embodiment are the same as those in embodiment 1. That is, the external configuration and internal configuration of the aerosol generation device 1 are the same as those in embodiment 1. Fig. 5 is a flowchart illustrating an example of control of the main heating time by the control unit 117 (see Fig. 2) used in the second embodiment. In Fig. 5, parts corresponding to those in Fig. 3 are assigned the same reference numerals. The control by the control unit 117 is realized through the execution of a program.

[0039] In this embodiment, the control unit 117 determines whether or not it has detected the start of heating by the heating unit 211 (step 11). That is, it is determined whether or not main heating has started. The start of heating by the heating unit 211 is detected, for example, by the turning on of the power button 11 (see FIG. 1), the start of suction by the user, or the like. The on operation here is an operation to instruct the start of power supply to the heating unit 211, and refers to, for example, pressing the power button 11 for a long time. The start of heating of the aerosol source by the heating unit 211 may be detected by detecting the current for main heating, detecting the voltage for main heating, a change in the resistance value of the heating unit 211, a temperature increase in the liquid guiding unit 212, or the like.

[0040] If the start of heating by the heating unit 211 is not detected, the control unit 117 obtains a negative result in step 11. While a negative result is obtained in step 11, the control unit 117 repeats the determination in step 11. On the other hand, if the start of heating by heating unit 211 is detected, control unit 117 obtains a positive result in step 11. If a positive result is obtained in step 11, control unit 117 starts the main heating (step 11), and then acquires the immediately preceding heating stop time (step 12). The immediately preceding heating stop time is given as the elapsed time from the end of heating in the previous suction cycle to the start of heating in the current suction cycle. The heating stop time may be measured by a timer, for example, or may be calculated as the difference between the time when the previous heating ended and the time when the current heating started.

[0041] When the heating stop time is acquired, the control unit 117 determines whether the heating stop time is shorter than the first period (step 13). As in the first embodiment, the first period here is set taking into account the supply capacity of the aerosol source by the liquid guide section 212 and the time it takes for the liquid to dry up. In the present embodiment, the first period is set to, for example, 10 seconds. Of course, this value is just one example. Note that the first period is not an absolute value, and varies depending on the heating mode employed, etc., as will be explained in other embodiments below.

[0042] If the heating stop time is equal to or longer than the first period, the control unit 117 obtains a negative result in step 13. In this case, the control unit 117 sets the current main heating time to the reference time LT1 (step 4). On the other hand, if the heating stop time is shorter than the first period, that is, if the condition for a short puff is met, the control unit 117 sets the current main heating time to a time LT2 that is shorter than the reference time (step 5). After setting the main heating time in step 4 or step 5, the control unit 117 executes steps 6 and 7 in order, completing one cycle of suction.

[0043] As described above, in this embodiment, control unit 117 focuses on the heating stop time, which is the period during which aerosol generation stops, and detects the occurrence of short puffs that cause liquid depletion. Therefore, the occurrence of liquid depletion can be effectively suppressed. In this embodiment as well, in the case of a short puff, the main heating time is shorter than the reference time, so the amount of power supplied to heating unit 211 during one suction cycle is smaller than the amount of power supplied in the case of the reference time.

[0044] Figure 6 is a diagram illustrating the relationship between the puff interval and the setting of the main heating time in embodiment 2. (A) shows an example of the timing of inhalation (puffing), and (B) shows an example of the setting of the main heating time. In Figure 6, parts corresponding to those in Figure 4 are indicated by the same reference numerals. The vertical axis in Figure 6(A) represents the puff intensity, the vertical axis in Figure 6(B) represents the heating intensity, and the horizontal axis in Figures 6(A) and (B) represents time. 6(A) and (B) show a case where the heating period of the heating unit 211 does not coincide with the period of inhalation by the user. That is, the case where heating of the heating unit 211 starts by turning on the power button 11 or the like, and heating ends after a preset main heating time has elapsed. However, as mentioned above, it is also possible to make the heating period of the heating unit 211 coincide with the period of inhalation of the aerosol by the user.

[0045] In the cases of FIGS. 6(A) and (B), the number of puffs was also five. In the case of Figure 6(A), the heating stop time that provides the interval between the first and second puffs is IT11, the heating stop time that provides the interval between the second and third puffs is IT12, the heating stop time that provides the interval between the third and fourth puffs is IT13, and the heating stop time that provides the interval between the fourth and fifth puffs is IT14. In this example, the interval between the third and fourth puffs is shorter than the first period. That is, the interval between the third and fourth puffs is determined to be a short puff.

[0046] Therefore, the main heating times for the first, second, and third puffs are set to the reference time LT1, while the main heating times for the fourth and fifth puffs are set to a time LT2 that is shorter than the reference time LT1. As a result, even if the puff interval until the start of the fourth puff is short and the amount of aerosol source supplied to heating unit 211 before the start of suction is small, the actual heating time is shorter than reference time LT2, so the liquid will not run out during the fourth puff. The same applies to the fifth puff. In the sixth or subsequent puffs, if the immediately preceding puff interval is longer than the first period, the main heating time for that inhalation is again set to the reference time LT1.

[0047] <Third Embodiment> In the third embodiment, the puff interval is defined as the elapsed time from the stop of the previous power supply to the heating unit 211 (see FIG. 2) until the start of the current suction. In other words, this corresponds to a combined control of the first and second embodiments. Other configurations of the aerosol generation device 1 (see FIG. 1) in this embodiment are the same as those in embodiment 1. That is, the external configuration and internal configuration of the aerosol generation device 1 are the same as those in embodiment 1. Fig. 7 is a flowchart illustrating an example of control of the main heating time by the control unit 117 (see Fig. 2) used in the third embodiment. In Fig. 7, parts corresponding to those in Fig. 3 and Fig. 5 are assigned the same reference numerals. The control by the control unit 117 is realized through the execution of a program.

[0048] In this embodiment, the control unit 117 determines whether or not the start of heating by the heating unit 211 has been detected (step 11). If the start of heating by the heating unit 211 is not detected, the control unit 117 obtains a negative result in step 11. While a negative result is obtained in step 11, the control unit 117 repeats the determination in step 11. On the other hand, if the start of heating by heating unit 211 is detected, control unit 117 obtains a positive result in step 11. If a positive result is obtained in step 11, control unit 117 obtains the end time of the previous heating (step 21). In the present embodiment, the end time of heating refers to the time when the main heating is ended.

[0049] Next, the control unit 117 determines whether or not the start of inhalation has been detected by the puff sensor 112 (step 1). If the start of inhalation of the aerosol by the user is not detected, the control unit 117 obtains a negative result in step 1. While a negative result is obtained in step 1, the control unit 117 repeats the determination in step 1. On the other hand, if the start of inhalation of aerosol by the user is detected, the control unit 117 obtains a positive result in step 1. If a positive result is obtained in step 1, the control unit 117 acquires the start time of the current puff (step 22). The start time of the current puff is the time when a positive result is obtained in step 1.

[0050] Next, the control unit 117 calculates the elapsed time from the end time of the previous heating to the start time of the current puff (step 23). When the elapsed time is calculated, the control unit 117 determines whether the elapsed time is shorter than the first period (step 24). If the elapsed time is equal to or greater than the first period, the control unit 117 obtains a negative result in step 24. In this case, the control unit 117 sets the current main heating time to the reference time LT1 (step 4). On the other hand, if the elapsed time is shorter than the first period, the control unit 117 obtains a positive result in step 24. In this case, the control unit 117 sets the current main heating time to a time LT2 that is shorter than the reference time (step 5).

[0051] After setting the main heating time in step 4 or step 5, the control unit 117 executes steps 6 and 7 in order, completing one cycle of suction. As described above, in this embodiment, control unit 117 focuses on the time elapsed between the end of the previous heating and the start of the current aerosol inhalation, and detects the occurrence of a short puff, which can cause liquid depletion. Therefore, the occurrence of liquid depletion can be effectively suppressed. In this embodiment as well, in the case of a short puff, the main heating time is shorter than the reference time, so the amount of power supplied to heating unit 211 during one suction cycle is smaller than the amount of power supplied in the case of the reference time.

[0052] Figure 8 is a diagram illustrating the relationship between the puff interval and the setting of the main heating time in embodiment 3. (A) shows an example of the timing of inhalation (puffing), and (B) shows an example of the setting of the main heating time. In Figure 8, parts corresponding to those in Figure 4 are indicated by the same reference numerals. The vertical axis in Figure 8(A) represents the puff intensity, the vertical axis in Figure 8(B) represents the heating intensity, and the horizontal axis in Figures 8(A) and (B) represents time. 8(A) and (B) also show a case where the heating period of the heating unit 211 does not coincide with the period of inhalation by the user. That is, they show a case where heating of the heating unit 211 starts when the power button 11 is turned on, and heating ends after a preset main heating time has elapsed. However, as mentioned above, it is also possible to make the heating period of the heating unit 211 coincide with the period of inhalation of the aerosol by the user.

[0053] In the cases of FIGS. 8(A) and (B), the number of puffs is also five. In the case of Figure 8(A), the elapsed time giving the interval between the first and second puffs is IT21, the elapsed time giving the interval between the second and third puffs is IT22, the elapsed time giving the interval between the third and fourth puffs is IT23, and the elapsed time giving the interval between the fourth and fifth puffs is IT24. In this example, the interval between the third and fourth puffs is shorter than the first period. That is, the interval between the third and fourth puffs is determined to be a short puff.

[0054] Therefore, the main heating times for the first, second, and third puffs are set to the reference time LT1, while the main heating times for the fourth and fifth puffs are set to a time LT2 that is shorter than the reference time LT1. As a result, even if the puff interval until the start of the fourth puff is short and the amount of aerosol source supplied to heating unit 211 before the start of suction is small, the actual heating time is shorter than reference time LT2, so the liquid will not run out during the fourth puff. The same applies to the fifth puff. In the sixth or subsequent puffs, if the immediately preceding puff interval is longer than the threshold value, the main heating time for that inhalation is again set to the reference time LT1.

[0055] <Fourth Embodiment> In the fourth embodiment, the puff interval is defined as the period from the on operation to the off operation of the power button 11 (see FIG. 1). In the present embodiment as well, power supply to the heating unit 211 is started by the on operation of the power button 11, and power supply to the heating unit 211 ends when a preset main heating time has elapsed or when the user performs an off operation. In this embodiment, the end of power supply due to the lapse of a preset main heating time is considered to be the end of power supply due to an off operation by the user.

[0056] Other configurations of the aerosol generation device 1 (see FIG. 1) in this embodiment are the same as those in embodiment 1. That is, the external configuration and internal configuration of the aerosol generation device 1 are the same as those in embodiment 1. Fig. 9 is a flowchart illustrating an example of control of the main heating time by the control unit 117 (see Fig. 2) used in the fourth embodiment. In Fig. 9, parts corresponding to those in Fig. 3 are assigned the same reference numerals. The control by the control unit 117 is realized through the execution of a program. In this embodiment, the control unit 117 determines whether or not an ON operation of the power button 11 has been detected (step 31).

[0057] If an ON operation of the power button 11 is not detected, the control unit 117 obtains a negative result in step 31. While a negative result is obtained in step 31, the control unit 117 repeats the determination in step 31. On the other hand, if an ON operation of the power button 11 is detected, the control unit 117 obtains a positive result in step 31. If a positive result is obtained in step 31, the control unit 117 obtains the time of this ON operation (step 32). When the time of the ON operation is acquired, the control unit 117 acquires the time of the immediately preceding OFF operation (step 33).

[0058] Next, the control unit 117 calculates the elapsed time from the immediately preceding OFF operation to the current ON operation (step 34). When the elapsed time is calculated, the control unit 117 determines whether the elapsed time is shorter than the first period (step 35). If the elapsed time is equal to or greater than the first period, the control unit 117 obtains a negative result in step 35. In this case, the control unit 117 sets the current main heating time to the reference time LT1 (step 4). If the elapsed time is shorter than the first period, the control unit 117 obtains a positive result in step 35. In this case, the control unit 117 sets the current main heating time to a time LT2 that is shorter than the reference time (step 5).

[0059] After setting the main heating time in step 4 or step 5, the control unit 117 executes steps 6 and 7 in order, completing one cycle of suction. In this embodiment, the control unit 117 detects the occurrence of a short puff, which is a cause of liquid depletion, based on the relationship between the elapsed time from the OFF operation to the ON operation of the power button 11 and the first period. Therefore, the occurrence of liquid depletion can be effectively suppressed. In this embodiment as well, in the case of a short puff, the main heating time is shorter than the reference time, so the amount of power supplied to heating unit 211 during one suction cycle is smaller than the amount of power supplied in the case of the reference time.

[0060] Figure 10 is a diagram illustrating the relationship between the puff interval and the setting of the main heating time in embodiment 4. (A) shows an example of the timing of inhalation (puffing), and (B) shows an example of the setting of the main heating time. In Figure 10, parts corresponding to those in Figure 4 are indicated with the same symbols. The vertical axis in Figure 10(A) represents the puff intensity, the vertical axis in Figure 10(B) represents the heating intensity, and the horizontal axis in Figures 10(A) and (B) represents time. 10(A) and (B) also show a case where the heating period of the heating unit 211 does not coincide with the user's inhalation period. That is, they show a case where the user inhales the aerosol during any period within the main heating period that starts by turning on the power button 11.

[0061] In the cases of FIGS. 10(A) and (B), the number of suctions (puffs) is also five. In the case of Figure 10(A), the elapsed time giving the interval between the first and second puffs is IT31, the elapsed time giving the interval between the second and third puffs is IT32, the elapsed time giving the interval between the third and fourth puffs is IT33, and the elapsed time giving the interval between the fourth and fifth puffs is IT34. In this example, the interval between the third and fourth puffs is shorter than the first period. That is, the interval between the third and fourth puffs is determined to be a short puff.

[0062] Therefore, the main heating times for the first, second, and third puffs are set to the reference time LT1, while the main heating times for the fourth and fifth puffs are set to a time LT2 that is shorter than the reference time LT1. As a result, even if the puff interval until the start of the fourth puff is short and the amount of aerosol source supplied to heating unit 211 before the start of suction is small, the actual heating time is shorter than reference time LT2, so the liquid will not run out during the fourth puff. The same applies to the fifth puff.

[0063] In the sixth or subsequent puffs, if the immediately preceding puff interval is longer than the first period, the main heating time for that inhalation is again set to the reference time LT1. In this embodiment, the on and off operations of the power button 11 are detected, but if the supply of power to the heating unit 211 is performed through the operation of another button or GUI, the control operation described in this embodiment can be performed by detecting these operations.

[0064] <Fifth Embodiment> In the fifth embodiment, an example of a method for indirectly detecting the occurrence of a short puff will be described. As described above, when the puff interval is short, reheating of the aerosol source starts before the liquid temperature of the aerosol source in the liquid guiding section 212 has sufficiently dropped. In the present embodiment, attention is focused on this phenomenon. In the present embodiment, the external configuration of the aerosol generation device 1 is the same as that in embodiment 1. However, the internal configuration of the aerosol generation device 1 assumed in this embodiment is partially different from that in embodiment 1. Fig. 11 is a diagram schematically showing the internal configuration of the aerosol generation device 1 assumed in the embodiment 5. In Fig. 11, parts corresponding to those in Fig. 2 are assigned the same reference numerals.

[0065] The aerosol-generating device 1 shown in Fig. 11 differs from the aerosol-generating device 1 shown in Fig. 2 in that a coil temperature sensor 113A is provided. The heating part 211 is a coil. The coil temperature sensor 113A is, for example, a thermistor. The thermistor is disposed near the coil. The coil temperature sensor 113A is an example of a second sensor. However, instead of using the coil temperature sensor 113A, the value of the current flowing through the heating unit 211 may be measured, or the voltage appearing across a resistor connected in series to the heating unit 211 may be measured. When the puff interval is short, the temperature of the heating unit 211 at the start of inhalation is higher than when the puff interval is long, and the resistance value of the heating unit 211 is higher. Therefore, when the puff interval is short, it is more difficult for current to flow than when the puff interval is long.

[0066] Therefore, the temperature of the heating section 211 can be detected by monitoring the value of the current flowing through the heating section 211 (i.e., the "current value") and the value of the voltage appearing across a resistor connected in series to the heating section 211 (i.e., the "voltage value"). For example, if a table is prepared that associates the relationship between current values ​​or voltage values ​​and the temperature of the heating unit 211, the control unit 117 reads out the temperature corresponding to the measured current value or voltage value from the table. Furthermore, for example, if a conversion formula for the current value or voltage value and the temperature of the heating unit 211 is prepared, the control unit 117 substitutes the measured current value or voltage value into a variable to calculate the corresponding temperature.

[0067] Fig. 12 is a flowchart illustrating an example of control of the main heating time by the control unit 117 (see Fig. 2) used in the fifth embodiment. In Fig. 12, parts corresponding to those in Fig. 3 are assigned the same reference numerals. The control by the control unit 117 is realized through the execution of a program. In this embodiment, control unit 117 determines whether or not the start of inhalation has been detected by puff sensor 112 (step 1). This determination is made when main heating is started by the user starting inhalation. Note that, as in the second embodiment, it may be determined whether or not heating unit 211 has started heating, or as in the fourth embodiment, it may be determined whether or not power button 11 (see FIG. 1) has been turned on.

[0068] If the start of inhalation of the aerosol by the user is not detected, the control unit 117 obtains a negative result in step 1. While a negative result is obtained in step 1, the control unit 117 repeats the determination in step 1. On the other hand, if the start of inhalation of aerosol by the user is detected, the control unit 117 obtains a positive result in step 1. If a positive result is obtained in step 1, the control unit 117 starts main heating (step 1100), and then obtains the temperature of the coil at the start of inhalation (step 41). The temperature of the coil is the temperature of the heating unit 211. When the coil temperature is acquired, the control unit 117 determines whether the coil temperature at the start of suction is higher than a first temperature (step 42). The first temperature is set to an intermediate value between the temperature occurring in the case of a short puff and the temperature occurring in the case of a non-short puff.

[0069] If the temperature of the coil is equal to or lower than the first temperature, the control unit 117 obtains a negative result in step 42. In this case, the control unit 117 sets the current main heating time to the reference time LT1 (step 4). On the other hand, if the temperature of the coil is higher than the first temperature, the control unit 117 obtains a positive result in step 42. In this case, the control unit 117 sets the current main heating time to a time LT2 that is shorter than the reference time (step 5). After setting the main heating time in step 4 or step 5, the control unit 117 executes steps 6 and 7 in order, completing one cycle of suction.

[0070] In the present embodiment, control unit 117 focuses on the temperature of heating unit 211 that generates the aerosol and detects the occurrence of short puffs that cause liquid depletion. As a result, the occurrence of liquid depletion can be effectively suppressed. In this embodiment as well, in the case of a short puff, the main heating time is shorter than the reference time, so the amount of power supplied to heating unit 211 during one suction cycle is smaller than the amount of power supplied in the case of the reference time.

[0071] Fig. 13 is a diagram illustrating the relationship between the puff interval and the setting of the main heating time in embodiment 5. (A) shows an example of the timing of suction (puffing), (B) shows the temperature change of the heating unit 211, and (C) shows an example of the setting of the main heating time. In Fig. 13, parts corresponding to those in Fig. 4 are indicated by the same reference numerals. The vertical axis in Fig. 13(A) is the puff intensity, the vertical axis in Fig. 13(B) is the temperature, and the vertical axis in Fig. 13(C) is the heating intensity. The horizontal axis in Figs. 13(A) to (C) is time. 13(A) and (B) also show a case where the heating time of the heating unit 211 does not coincide with the period of inhalation by the user. That is, they show a case where the user inhales the aerosol during any period within the heating period that starts by turning on the power button 11.

[0072] In the cases of FIGS. 13(A) and (B), the number of suctions (puffs) is also five. In the case of Figure 13(A), the intervals between the first and second puffs, the intervals between the second and third puffs, and the intervals between the fourth and fifth puffs are not short puffs, but the interval between the third and fourth puffs is assumed to be a short puff. 13(B), the temperature TA of the heating unit 211 at the start of the second puff, the start of the third puff, and the start of the fifth puff is lower than the first temperature. However, the temperature TB of the heating unit 211 at the start of the fourth puff is higher than the first temperature.

[0073] Therefore, in the example shown in FIG. 13(C), the main heating times for the first puff, second puff, third puff, and fifth puff are set to the reference time LT1, while the main heating time for the fourth puff is set to a time LT2 that is shorter than the reference time LT1. As a result, even if the puff interval until the start of the fourth puff is short and the amount of aerosol source supplied to the heating unit 211 before the start of suction is small, the actual heating time is shorter than the reference time LT2, so that liquid does not run out during the fourth puff.

[0074] <Sixth Embodiment> An example of a method for indirectly detecting the occurrence of a short puff will also be described in embodiment 6. In this embodiment, it is detected through a change in resistance value that heating unit 211 is in a high temperature state at the start of suction. In the present embodiment, the external configuration of the aerosol generation device 1 is the same as that in embodiment 1. However, the internal configuration of the aerosol generation device 1 assumed in this embodiment is partially different from that in embodiment 1. Fig. 14 is a diagram schematically showing the internal configuration of the aerosol generation device 1 assumed in the embodiment 6. In Fig. 14, parts corresponding to those in Fig. 2 are assigned the same reference numerals.

[0075] 2 in that a resistance value sensor 113B is provided in the aerosol-generating device 1 shown in Fig. 14. The resistance value sensor 113B measures the resistance value of the heating unit 211. The resistance value sensor 113B detects the resistance value of the heating unit 211, for example, by measuring the value of a current flowing through the heating unit 211. This method detects a change in the resistance value caused by a change in the temperature of the heating unit 211 as a change in the current value.

[0076] Furthermore, the resistance value sensor 113B detects a change in the resistance value of the heating unit 211, for example, by measuring a voltage value appearing across both ends of a resistor connected in series to the heating unit 211. This method detects a change in the resistance value of the heating unit 211 caused by a temperature change through a change in voltage appearing across both ends of the resistor connected in series to the heating unit 211.

[0077] Fig. 15 is a flowchart illustrating an example of control of the main heating time by the control unit 117 (see Fig. 2) used in the sixth embodiment. In Fig. 15, parts corresponding to those in Fig. 3 are assigned the same reference numerals. The control by the control unit 117 is realized through the execution of a program. Control unit 117 in this embodiment also determines whether the start of inhalation has been detected by puff sensor 112 (step 1). This determination is made when main heating is started by the user starting inhalation. Note that, as in the second embodiment, it may determine whether heating unit 211 has started heating, or as in the fourth embodiment, it may determine whether power button 11 (see FIG. 1) has been turned on.

[0078] If the start of inhalation of the aerosol by the user is not detected, the control unit 117 obtains a negative result in step 1. While a negative result is obtained in step 1, the control unit 117 repeats the determination in step 1. On the other hand, if the start of inhalation of the aerosol by the user is detected, the control unit 117 obtains a positive result in step 1. If a positive result is obtained in step 1, the control unit 117 starts main heating (step 1100), and then obtains the resistance value of the coil at the start of inhalation (step 51). The resistance value of the coil is the resistance value of the heating unit 211. When the resistance value of the coil is acquired, the control unit 117 determines whether the resistance value of the coil at the start of inhalation is greater than the first resistance value (step 52). The first resistance value is determined based on an actual measurement value of the change in resistance value according to the elapsed time since the end of power supply to the heating unit 211. The first resistance value is set to an intermediate value between the resistance value that appears in the case of a short puff and the resistance value that appears in the case of a non-short puff.

[0079] If the resistance value of the coil is equal to or less than the first resistance value, the control unit 117 obtains a negative result in step 52. In this case, the control unit 117 sets the current main heating time to the reference time LT1 (step 4). On the other hand, if the resistance value of the coil is greater than the first resistance value, the control unit 117 obtains a positive result in step 52. In this case, the control unit 117 sets the current main heating time to a time LT2 that is shorter than the reference time (step 5). After setting the main heating time in step 4 or step 5, the control unit 117 executes steps 6 and 7 in order, completing one cycle of suction.

[0080] In this embodiment, control unit 117 focuses on the resistance value of heating unit 211 that generates the aerosol and detects the occurrence of short puffs that cause liquid depletion, thereby effectively suppressing the occurrence of liquid depletion. In this embodiment as well, in the case of a short puff, the main heating time is shorter than the reference time, so the amount of power supplied to heating unit 211 during one suction cycle is smaller than the amount of power supplied in the case of the reference time.

[0081] Fig. 16 is a diagram illustrating the relationship between the puff interval and the setting of the main heating time in embodiment 6. (A) shows an example of the timing of inhalation (puffing), (B) shows the change in the resistance value of the heating unit 211, and (C) shows an example of the setting of the main heating time. In Fig. 16, parts corresponding to those in Fig. 4 are assigned the same symbols. The vertical axis in Fig. 16(A) represents the puff intensity, the vertical axis in Fig. 16(B) represents the resistance value, and the vertical axis in Fig. 16(C) represents the heating intensity. The horizontal axis in Figs. 16(A) to (C) represents time. 16(A) and (B) also show a case where the heating period of the heating unit 211 does not coincide with the user's inhalation period. That is, they show a case where the user inhales the aerosol during any period within the main heating period that starts by turning on the power button 11.

[0082] In the cases of Figures 16(A) and (B), the number of suctions (puffs) is also five. In the case of Figure 16(A), the intervals between the first and second puffs, the intervals between the second and third puffs, and the intervals between the fourth and fifth puffs are not short puffs, but the interval between the third and fourth puffs is assumed to be a short puff. 16(B), the resistance value RA of the coil is lower than the first resistance value at the start of the second puff, the start of the third puff, and the start of the fifth puff. This is because the temperature of the coil has dropped and the resistance value has also dropped as time has passed since the end of the previous heating.

[0083] However, the resistance value RB of the coil at the start of the fourth puff is higher than the first resistance value because the interval between the third and fourth puffs is short and the temperature of the heating unit 211 has not yet dropped sufficiently. Therefore, in the example shown in Figure 16(C), the main heating times for the first, second, third and fifth puffs are set to the reference time LT1, while the main heating time for the fourth puff is set to a time LT2 which is shorter than the reference time LT1. As a result, even if the puff interval until the start of the fourth puff is short and the amount of aerosol source supplied to the heating unit 211 before the start of suction is small, the actual heating time is shorter than the reference time LT2, so that liquid does not run out during the fourth puff.

[0084] <Seventh Embodiment> An example of a method for indirectly detecting the occurrence of a short puff will also be described in embodiment 7. In this embodiment, it is detected from the temperature change of the liquid guiding portion 212 that the heating portion 211 is in a high temperature state at the start of suction. In the present embodiment, the external configuration of the aerosol generation device 1 is the same as that in embodiment 1. However, the internal configuration of the aerosol generation device 1 assumed in this embodiment is partially different from that in embodiment 1. Fig. 17 is a diagram schematically showing the internal configuration of the aerosol generation device 1 assumed in the seventh embodiment. In Fig. 17, parts corresponding to those in Fig. 2 are assigned the same reference numerals.

[0085] The aerosol generation device 1 shown in Fig. 17 differs from the aerosol generation device 1 shown in Fig. 2 in that it is provided with a liquid temperature sensor 113C. The liquid temperature sensor 113C measures the temperature of the liquid guiding section 212. For this reason, the liquid temperature sensor 113C is disposed in the vicinity of the liquid guiding section 212. For example, a temperature sensor or a thermistor is used as the liquid temperature sensor 113C. The liquid temperature sensor 113C is an example of a third sensor. Fig. 18 is a flowchart illustrating an example of control of the main heating time by the control unit 117 (see Fig. 2) used in the seventh embodiment. In Fig. 18, parts corresponding to those in Fig. 3 are assigned the same reference numerals. The control by the control unit 117 is realized through the execution of a program.

[0086] Control unit 117 in this embodiment also determines whether the start of inhalation has been detected by puff sensor 112 (step 1). This determination is made when main heating is started by the user starting inhalation. Note that, as in the second embodiment, it may determine whether heating unit 211 has started heating, or as in the fourth embodiment, it may determine whether power button 11 (see FIG. 1) has been turned on. If the start of inhalation of the aerosol by the user is not detected, the control unit 117 obtains a negative result in step 1. While a negative result is obtained in step 1, the control unit 117 repeats the determination in step 1.

[0087] On the other hand, if the start of inhalation of the aerosol by the user is detected, the control unit 117 obtains a positive result in step 1. If a positive result is obtained in step 1, the control unit 117 starts main heating (step 1100), and then acquires the liquid temperature at the start of inhalation (step 61). The liquid temperature is the temperature of the liquid guide unit 212. When the temperature of the liquid guiding unit 212 is acquired, the control unit 117 determines whether the liquid temperature at the start of suction is higher than the second temperature (step 62). The second temperature is determined based on the actual measurement value of the change in the liquid temperature according to the elapsed time from the end of the supply of power to the heating unit 211.

[0088] If the liquid temperature is equal to or lower than the second temperature, the control unit 117 obtains a negative result in step 62. In this case, the control unit 117 sets the current main heating time to the reference time LT1 (step 4). On the other hand, if the liquid temperature is higher than the second temperature, the control unit 117 obtains a positive result in step 62. In this case, the control unit 117 sets the current main heating time to a time LT2 that is shorter than the reference time (step 5). After setting the main heating time in step 4 or step 5, the control unit 117 executes steps 6 and 7 in order, completing one cycle of suction.

[0089] In this embodiment, control unit 117 focuses on the liquid temperature of heating unit 211 that generates the aerosol, and detects the occurrence of short puffs that cause liquid depletion. Therefore, the occurrence of liquid depletion can be effectively suppressed. In this embodiment as well, in the case of a short puff, the main heating time is shorter than the reference time, so the amount of power supplied to heating unit 211 during one suction cycle is smaller than the amount of power supplied in the case of the reference time.

[0090] Fig. 19 is a diagram illustrating the relationship between the puff interval and the setting of the main heating time in embodiment 7. (A) shows an example of the timing of suction (puffing), (B) shows the change in temperature of the liquid guiding portion 212, and (C) shows an example of the setting of the main heating time. In Fig. 19, parts corresponding to those in Fig. 4 are indicated by the same reference numerals. The vertical axis in Fig. 19(A) is the puff intensity, the vertical axis in Fig. 19(B) is the liquid temperature, and the vertical axis in Fig. 19(C) is the heating intensity. The horizontal axis in Figs. 19(A) to (C) is time. 19(A) and (B) also show cases where the heating time of the heating unit 211 does not coincide with the period of inhalation by the user. That is, they show cases where the user inhales the aerosol during any period within the main heating period that starts by turning on the power button 11. Fig. 19(B) shows how the liquid temperature starts to rise simultaneously with the start of main heating.

[0091] In the cases of Figures 19(A) and (C), the number of suctions (puffs) is also five. In the case of Figure 19(A), the intervals between the first and second puffs, the intervals between the second and third puffs, and the intervals between the fourth and fifth puffs are not short puffs, but the interval between the third and fourth puffs is assumed to be a short puff. 19(B), the liquid temperature TA at the start of the second puff, the liquid temperature TC at the start of the third puff, and the liquid temperature TC at the start of the fifth puff are all lower than the second temperature. This is because heating is started when the liquid temperature has dropped to room temperature or close to room temperature as a result of the passage of time since the end of the previous heating.

[0092] However, the liquid temperature TB at the start of the fourth puff is higher than the second temperature because the interval between the third and fourth puffs is short and the temperature of the liquid guiding portion 212 has not yet dropped sufficiently. Therefore, in the example shown in Figure 19(C), the main heating times for the first puff, second puff, third puff, and fifth puff are set to the reference time LT1, while the main heating time for the fourth puff is set to a time LT2 that is shorter than the reference time LT1.

[0093] As a result, even if the puff interval until the start of the fourth puff is short and the amount of aerosol source supplied to the heating unit 211 before the start of suction is small, the actual heating time is shorter than the reference time LT2, so that liquid does not run out during the fourth puff. In this embodiment, it is assumed that the user's puff is detected almost simultaneously with the start of heating by the heating unit 211, but the liquid temperature at the time when heating by the heating unit 211 starts may also be acquired. The liquid temperature at the time when heating by the heating unit 211 starts is the timing when the temperature is lowest in one cycle. In this case, a value lower than that in the example of FIG. 19 is used for the second temperature.

[0094] <Embodiment 8> In this embodiment, it is assumed that the temperature of the environment in which the aerosol generation device 1 is used is low. In countries or regions at high latitudes, the outside temperature is low in winter. When the outside temperature is low, the temperature of the aerosol source liquid stored in the liquid storage unit 213 of the aerosol generation device 1 also drops, and at the same time, the viscosity increases. When the viscosity increases, the aerosol liquid delivery speed decreases compared to when the temperature is high, not only when the puff interval is short but also when the puff interval is long. As a result, if the amount of aerosol source supplied to the heating unit 211 before the start of suction falls below the amount of liquid necessary to generate aerosol, a phenomenon similar to liquid depletion occurs. Therefore, in this embodiment, attention is focused on the temperature of the environment or atmosphere in which the aerosol generation device 1 is used.

[0095] In the present embodiment, the external configuration of the aerosol generation device 1 is the same as that in embodiment 1. However, the internal configuration of the aerosol generation device 1 assumed in this embodiment is partially different from that in embodiment 1. Fig. 20 is a diagram schematically showing the internal configuration of the aerosol generation device 1 assumed in the embodiment 8. In Fig. 20, parts corresponding to those in Fig. 2 are assigned the same reference numerals. The aerosol generation device 1 shown in Fig. 20 differs from the aerosol generation device 1 shown in Fig. 2 in that it is provided with an air temperature sensor 113D. The air temperature sensor 113D measures the ambient air temperature. For this reason, it is desirable to place the air temperature sensor 113D as far away as possible from the heat source within the device. However, since the viscosity of the aerosol source depends on the temperature of the liquid in the aerosol source stored in the liquid storage unit 213, a liquid temperature sensor may be placed near the liquid storage unit 213.

[0096] Fig. 21 is a flowchart illustrating an example of control of the main heating time by the control unit 117 (see Fig. 2) used in the eighth embodiment. In Fig. 21, parts corresponding to those in Fig. 3 are assigned the same reference numerals. The control by the control unit 117 is realized through the execution of a program. Control unit 117 in this embodiment also determines whether or not the start of inhalation has been detected by puff sensor 112 (Step 1). This determination is made when main heating is started by the user starting to inhale.

[0097] As in the second embodiment, it may be determined whether heating by the heating unit 211 has started, or as in the fourth embodiment, it may be determined whether the power button 11 (see FIG. 1) has been turned on. If the start of inhalation of the aerosol by the user is not detected, the control unit 117 obtains a negative result in step 1. While a negative result is obtained in step 1, the control unit 117 repeats the determination in step 1.

[0098] On the other hand, if the start of inhalation of aerosol by the user is detected, the control unit 117 obtains a positive result in step 1. If a positive result is obtained in step 1, the control unit 117 starts main heating (step 1100), and then acquires the air temperature at the start of inhalation (step 71). The air temperature is the air temperature around the aerosol generation device 1. When the ambient temperature is acquired, the control unit 117 determines whether the temperature at the start of suction is lower than a threshold value for determining the temperature (hereinafter referred to as the "temperature threshold") (step 72). The temperature threshold is determined according to the relationship between the viscosity of the aerosol source and the temperature.

[0099] If the air temperature is equal to or higher than the air temperature threshold, the control unit 117 obtains a negative result in step 72. In this case, the control unit 117 sets the current main heating time to the reference time LT1 (step 4). On the other hand, if the air temperature is lower than the air temperature threshold, the control unit 117 obtains a positive result in step 72. In this case, the control unit 117 sets the current main heating time to a time LT2 that is shorter than the reference time (step 5). After setting the main heating time in step 4 or step 5, the control unit 117 executes steps 6 and 7 in order, completing one cycle of suction.

[0100] In this embodiment, the control unit 117 focuses on the ambient temperature at which the aerosol generation efficiency decreases, and detects use in an environment where liquid depletion occurs. This makes it possible to effectively prevent liquid depletion from occurring. FIG. 22 is a diagram illustrating the relationship between the puff interval and the setting of the main heating time in the eighth embodiment. (A) shows an example of the timing of inhalation (puffing), (B) shows the change in the ambient air temperature, and (C) shows an example of the setting of the main heating time. In FIG. 22, the parts corresponding to those in FIG. 4 are indicated by the same reference numerals. The vertical axis in FIG. 22(A) is the puff intensity, the vertical axis in FIG. 22(B) is the air temperature, and the vertical axis in FIG. 22(C) is the heating intensity. The horizontal axis in FIGS. 22(A) to (C) is time.

[0101] 22(A) and (C) also illustrate cases where the heating time of the heating unit 211 does not coincide with the user's inhalation period. That is, they illustrate cases where the user inhales aerosol during any period within the heating period that starts by turning on the power button 11. FIG. 22(B) illustrates changes in the ambient temperature in which the aerosol generation device 1 is used. FIG. 22(B) illustrates a situation in which, as a result of moving from a heated indoor space to an outdoor space in winter, the temperature drops enough to affect the viscosity of the aerosol source.

[0102] In the case of Figure 22(A), the number of inhalations (puffs) is also 5. However, in the case of Figure 22(A), the interval between the first and second puffs, the interval between the second and third puffs, the interval between the third and fourth puffs, and the interval between the fourth and fifth puffs are not short puffs. However, the first, second, and third puffs are performed indoors, while the fourth and fifth puffs are performed outdoors, so in Figure 22(B), the temperature drops between the third and fourth puffs.

[0103] Note that there is enough time between the third and fourth puffs for the liquid temperature of the aerosol source to drop, and as a result, the liquid temperature of the aerosol source approaches the air temperature by the time the fourth puff begins. Also, it is assumed that the liquid temperature of the aerosol source at that time has dropped to a value lower than the air temperature threshold. Therefore, in the example shown in FIG. 22(C), the main heating times for the first, second, and third puffs are set to the reference time LT1, while the main heating times for the fourth and fifth puffs are set to LT2, which is shorter than the reference time LT1. As a result, in the fourth and fifth puffs, even if the amount of aerosol source supplied to the heating unit 211 before the start of suction is small due to low ambient temperature, the actual heating time is shorter than the reference time LT2, so liquid drying up does not occur.

[0104] <Ninth Embodiment> In this embodiment, a case will be described in which the occurrence of liquid drying up is predicted and the main heating time is controlled. The other configurations of the aerosol generation device 1 (see FIG. 1) in this embodiment are the same as those in the first embodiment. That is, the external configuration and internal configuration of the aerosol generation device 1 are the same as those in the first embodiment. Fig. 23 is a flowchart illustrating an example of control of the main heating time by the control unit 117 (see Fig. 2) used in the ninth embodiment. In Fig. 23, parts corresponding to those in Fig. 3 are assigned the same reference numerals. The control by the control unit 117 is realized through the execution of a program. In this embodiment, control unit 117 determines whether or not the start of suction has been detected (step 1). If the start of inhalation of the aerosol by the user is not detected, the control unit 117 obtains a negative result in step 1. While a negative result is obtained in step 1, the control unit 117 repeats the determination in step 1.

[0105] On the other hand, if the start of inhalation of aerosol by the user is detected, the control unit 117 obtains a positive result in step 1. If a positive result is obtained in step 1, the control unit 117 starts main heating (step 1100), and then acquires a history of the past multiple puff intervals (step 81). The number of puff interval histories to be acquired is set in advance. For example, a history of 3 to 5 times is acquired. Since the purpose is to prevent the liquid from drying up in the next suction, increasing the number of acquired histories will not reveal the most recent suction trends. On the other hand, increasing the number of acquired histories will enable analysis of the user's suction trends over a long period of time. Once the history of the past puff intervals has been acquired, the control unit 117 predicts the next puff interval (step 82). In the above-described embodiment, the latest puff interval is acquired each time a new inhalation is started, but in this embodiment, the puff interval is predicted before the next inhalation is started.

[0106] Subsequently, the control unit 117 determines whether the predicted next puff interval is shorter than the first period (step 83). If the predicted next puff interval is equal to or greater than the first period, the control unit 117 obtains a negative result in step 83. In this case, the control unit 117 sets the current main heating time to the reference time LT1 (step 4). On the other hand, if the predicted next puff interval is shorter than the first period, the control unit 117 obtains a positive result in step 83. In this case, the control unit 117 sets the current main heating time to a time LT2 that is shorter than the reference time (step 5). After setting the main heating time in step 4 or step 5, the control unit 117 executes steps 6 and 7 in order, completing one cycle of suction.

[0107] In this embodiment, if the predicted value satisfies the condition for a short puff, the control unit 117 preemptively shortens the main heating time. As a result, if the puff interval immediately before the start of the next inhalation is a short puff, the next main heating time will be the same as in the other embodiments described above. On the other hand, if the puff interval immediately before the start of the next inhalation is not a short puff, the main heating time is shorter than in the other embodiments described above, which effectively lengthens the puff interval until the next inhalation, making it less likely that the liquid will run out. In this embodiment as well, if the predicted value is a short puff, the main heating time will be shorter than the reference time, and therefore the amount of power supplied to the heating unit 211 during one suction cycle will be less than the amount of power supplied in the case of the reference time.

[0108] Fig. 24 is a diagram illustrating the relationship between the puff interval and the setting of the main heating time in the ninth embodiment. (A) shows an example of the timing of inhalation (puffing), (B) shows an example of the setting of the main heating time when the predicted puff interval is equal to or greater than the threshold, and (C) shows an example of the setting of the main heating time when the predicted puff interval is shorter than the threshold. In Fig. 24, parts corresponding to those in Fig. 4 are indicated by the same reference numerals. The vertical axis in Fig. 24(A) represents the puff intensity, and the vertical axes in Figs. 24(B) and (C) represent the heating intensity. The horizontal axis in Figs. 24(A) to (C) represents time. In FIG. 24(A), before the (M+1)th puff starts, the next puff interval is predicted from the puff intervals of N puffs. In the example of FIG. 24(B), the predicted puff interval is not a short puff, so the main heating time is set to the reference time LT1. In the example of FIG. 24(C), the predicted puff interval is a short puff, so the main heating time is set to a time LT2 that is shorter than the reference time. In this embodiment, the interval between the next suctions is predicted based on the trends of the past several suctions, but it is also possible to predict the interval between the next suctions and subsequent suctions (i.e., suctions from the next suction onwards) and control the power supplied to the predicted suctions.

[0109] <Tenth Embodiment> In this embodiment, the main heating time is also set using the puff intervals of the past several times. However, in this embodiment, the main heating time of the ongoing suction is set after the start of the current suction, rather than being predicted, as in the first to seventh embodiments. Other configurations of the aerosol generation device 1 (see FIG. 1) in this embodiment are the same as those in embodiment 1. That is, the external configuration and internal configuration of the aerosol generation device 1 are the same as those in embodiment 1.

[0110] Fig. 25 is a flowchart illustrating an example of control of the main heating time by the control unit 117 (see Fig. 2) used in the tenth embodiment. In Fig. 25, parts corresponding to those in Fig. 3 are assigned the same reference numerals. The control by the control unit 117 is realized through the execution of a program. In this embodiment, control unit 117 determines whether or not the start of suction has been detected (step 1). If the start of inhalation of the aerosol by the user is not detected, the control unit 117 obtains a negative result in step 1. While a negative result is obtained in step 1, the control unit 117 repeats the determination in step 1.

[0111] On the other hand, if the start of inhalation of aerosol by the user is detected, the control unit 117 obtains a positive result in step 1. If a positive result is obtained in step 1, the control unit 117 starts main heating (step 1100), and then acquires a history of multiple past puff intervals, including the current puff interval (step 91). In the present embodiment, an actual measurement value is used instead of a prediction, so the current puff interval is also measured. The number of puff interval histories to be acquired is set in advance. For example, 3 to 5 histories are acquired. The number of puff interval histories to be acquired is set within a range that allows the most recent inhalation tendency to be detected. When the history of the past multiple puff intervals is acquired, control unit 117 acquires the number of consecutive puff intervals that are shorter than the threshold value up to this point (step 92). The more consecutive puff intervals there are, the higher the possibility that the liquid temperature of the aerosol source will be high at the start of inhalation, and the higher the possibility that the supply of the aerosol source will not be able to keep up during main heating. It is also possible to find the maximum number of consecutive occurrences within the acquired history, rather than the number of consecutive occurrences up to this point. Even if there are not consecutive occurrences up to this point, it is possible to know that the liquid temperature is high.

[0112] Subsequently, the control unit 117 determines whether the number of consecutive times is greater than the first number of times (step 93). When the number of consecutive times is less than or equal to the first number of times, the control unit 117 obtains a negative result in step 93. In this case, the control unit 117 sets the current main heating time to the reference time LT1 (step 4). On the other hand, when the number of consecutive times is greater than the first number of times, the control unit 117 obtains an affirmative result in step 93. In this case, the control unit 117 sets the current main heating time to a shorter time LT3 (<LT1) as the number of times increases (step 94). In the case of this embodiment, the control unit 117 sets the time LT3 to a shorter value step by step as the number of consecutive times increases. For example, the main heating time is shortened by 0.2 seconds × the number of consecutive times. This example is an example of linearly shortening the time LT3 according to the number of consecutive times. However, the time LT3 may be non-linearly shortened according to a quadratic curve or the like.

[0113] After setting the main heating time by step 4 or step 94, the control unit 117 sequentially executes steps 6 and 7 to end one cycle of suction. In the case of this embodiment, the control unit 117 shortens the main heating time as the number of consecutive appearances of short puffs increases. This is because as the number of consecutive short puffs increases, the main heating in a state where the liquid temperature of the aerosol source is high continues, and liquid depletion is likely to occur due to an increase in the amount of aerosol generated. However, in this embodiment, since the main heating time becomes shorter as the number of consecutive short puffs increases, liquid depletion is effectively suppressed.

[0114] FIG. 26 is a diagram for explaining the relationship between the puff interval and the setting of the main heating time in Embodiment 10. (A) shows an example of the timing of suction (puff), (B) shows an example of the setting of the main heating time when the number of consecutive short puffs is less than or equal to the first number of times, and (C) shows an example of the setting of the main heating time when the number of consecutive short puffs is greater than the first number of times. In Fig. 26, the parts corresponding to those in Fig. 4 are assigned the same reference numerals. The vertical axis in Fig. 26(A) represents puff intensity, the vertical axis in Fig. 26(B) and (C) represents heating intensity, and the horizontal axis in Fig. 26(A) to (C) represents time. FIG. 26(A) illustrates how the number of consecutive short puffs up to this point among the N puff intervals up to the (M+1)th puff is acquired. In the example of FIG. 26(B), the number of consecutive times is equal to or less than the first number of times, so the main heating time is set to the reference time LT1. In the example of FIG. 26(C), the number of consecutive times is greater than the first number of times, so the main heating time is set to a time LT3 that is shorter than the reference time.

[0115] <Embodiment 11> In this embodiment, a modification of embodiment 10 will be described. In embodiment 10, the number of consecutive short puffs is counted, but if the puff interval exceeds a threshold even slightly, the number is reset. However, in order to prevent liquid from drying up, it may be preferable to consider even inhalations that exceed the threshold as short puffs. For example, this applies to users whose puff intervals slightly exceed the threshold or whose puff intervals fluctuate slightly around the threshold. For these users, even if the number of puffs acquired in step 92 (see FIG. 25) is small, the liquid temperature at the start of main heating is likely to be high, just as in the case of many consecutive short puffs. In this embodiment, a countermeasure against this type of phenomenon will be described. Other configurations of the aerosol generation device 1 (see FIG. 1) in this embodiment are the same as those in embodiment 1. That is, the external configuration and internal configuration of the aerosol generation device 1 are the same as those in embodiment 1.

[0116] Fig. 27 is a flowchart illustrating an example of control of the main heating time by the control unit 117 (see Fig. 2) used in embodiment 11. In Fig. 27, parts corresponding to those in Fig. 25 are assigned the same reference numerals. The control by the control unit 117 is realized through the execution of a program. In this embodiment, control unit 117 detects the start of suction (step 1). If the start of aerosol inhalation by the user is not detected, the control unit 117 obtains a negative result in step 1. While a negative result is obtained in step 1, the control unit 117 repeats the determination in step 1. On the other hand, if the start of aerosol inhalation by the user is detected, the control unit 117 obtains a positive result in step 1. When a positive result is obtained in step 1, the control unit 117 starts the main heating (step 1100), and then acquires the history of puff intervals for a plurality of past times including the current puff interval (step 91). In the case of this embodiment, since measured values are used instead of predictions, the current puff interval is also measured.

[0117] When the history of puff intervals for a plurality of past times is acquired, the control unit 117 acquires the number of consecutive times that the puff interval is shorter than the value obtained by adding a margin to the threshold for short puff determination (shown as "threshold + α" in FIG. 27) (step 101). The value obtained by adding a margin to the threshold for short puff determination is a pseudo-threshold for short puff determination. The value α of the margin is given in advance through an empirical rule or the like. The value α of the margin is an example of the third period. The number obtained in step 1 is likely to be larger than the number obtained in step 92 (see FIG. 25). Subsequently, the control unit 117 determines whether the number of consecutive times is greater than the first number (step 93).

[0118] When the number of consecutive times is less than or equal to the first number, the control unit 117 obtains a negative result in step 93. In this case, the control unit 117 sets the current main heating time to the reference time LT1 (step 4). On the other hand, when the number of consecutive times is greater than the first number, the control unit 117 obtains a positive result in step 93. In this case, the control unit 117 sets the current main heating time to a shorter time LT3 (<LT1) as the number of times increases. (Step 94). After setting the main heating time by step 4 or step 94, the control unit 117 executes steps 6 and 7 in order to end one cycle of inhalation. In the case of this embodiment, control unit 117 counts the number of consecutive puffs including pseudo short puffs, so liquid drying up is effectively suppressed even if pseudo short puffs occur consecutively.

[0119] <Embodiment 12> In this embodiment, a modification of the first to seventh embodiments will be described. In the first embodiment, the main heating time when a short puff is determined is a fixed value. That is, it is a predetermined time LT2. In other words, the amount of power supplied to the heating unit 211 (see FIG. 2) during a short puff is always constant. In this embodiment, the amount of power supplied to the heating unit 211 during a short puff is made smaller as the interval between the immediately preceding puffs becomes shorter. Other configurations of the aerosol generation device 1 (see FIG. 1) in this embodiment are the same as those in embodiment 1. That is, the external configuration and internal configuration of the aerosol generation device 1 are the same as those in embodiment 1.

[0120] FIG. 28 is a flowchart illustrating an example of control of the main heating time by the control unit 117 (see FIG. 2) used in the twelfth embodiment. In FIG. 28, parts corresponding to those in FIG. 3 are assigned the same reference numerals. The control by the control unit 117 is realized through the execution of a program. That is, FIG. 28 illustrates a modified example of the first embodiment. In the present embodiment as well, control unit 117 determines whether or not the start of suction has been detected (step 1). If the start of inhalation of the aerosol by the user is not detected, the control unit 117 obtains a negative result in step 1. While a negative result is obtained in step 1, the control unit 117 repeats the determination in step 1.

[0121] On the other hand, if the start of inhalation of aerosol by the user is detected, the control unit 117 obtains a positive result in step 1. If a positive result is obtained in step 1, the control unit 117 starts main heating (step 1100), and then obtains the immediately preceding puff interval (step 2). When the puff interval is acquired, the control unit 117 determines whether the puff interval is shorter than the first period (step 3). When the puff interval is longer than or equal to the first period, the control unit 117 obtains a negative result in step 3. In this case, the control unit 117 sets the current main heating time to the reference time LT1 (step 4).

[0122] On the other hand, when the puff interval is shorter than the first period, the control unit 117 obtains an affirmative result in step 3. In this case, the control unit 117 sets the current main heating time to a time LT3 (<LT1) that is shorter as the previous puff interval is shorter (step 111). Note that the time LT3 may be shortened linearly according to the number of consecutive times, or may be shortened non-linearly such as a quadratic curve. After setting the main heating time by step 4 or step 111, the control unit 117 sequentially executes steps 6 and 7 to end one cycle of suction. In the case of this embodiment, as the previous puff interval is shorter, the amount of electric power supplied to the heating unit 211 in the main heating time is reduced, so the possibility of liquid depletion is suppressed.

[0123] When applying the method of this embodiment to the method of embodiment 2, the shorter the time from the end of the previous heating to the start of the current heating, the shorter the length of the main heating time. When applying the method of this embodiment to the method of embodiment 3, the shorter the time from the end of the previous heating to the start of the current suction, the shorter the length of the main heating time. When applying the method of this embodiment to the method of embodiment 4, the shorter the time from the off operation of the power button 11 in the previous time to the on operation in the current time, the shorter the length of the main heating time. When applying the method of this embodiment to the method of embodiment 5, the higher the temperature of the heating unit 211 at the start of suction, the shorter the length of the main heating time. When applying the method of this embodiment to the method of embodiment 6, the higher the resistance value of the heating unit 211 at the start of suction, the shorter the length of the main heating time. When applying the method of this embodiment to the method of embodiment 7, the higher the temperature of the liquid guiding unit 212 at the start of suction, the shorter the length of the main heating time.

[0124] <Embodiment 13> In this embodiment, a control method that focuses on the amount of liquid remaining in the aerosol source at the start of main heating will be described. As described above, the supply of the aerosol source to the liquid guide portion 212 is due to capillary action. In this embodiment, a control method will be described for the case where the speed of the liquid delivery due to capillary action depends on the amount of remaining liquid. For example, in a situation where the liquid supply speed is reduced due to a decrease in the amount of remaining liquid, a control example will be described for the case where the amount of liquid from the aerosol source that can be supplied during one suction is less than when the amount of remaining liquid is large. In this case, not enough aerosol will be generated during one suction. Therefore, if the main heating time is the same regardless of the amount of remaining liquid, the supply of the aerosol source may not be enough, and a phenomenon similar to liquid drying up may occur. Therefore, in this embodiment, the length of the main heating time is controlled taking into consideration the amount of remaining liquid.

[0125] In the present embodiment, the external configuration of the aerosol generation device 1 is the same as that in embodiment 1. However, the internal configuration of the aerosol generation device 1 assumed in this embodiment is partially different from that in embodiment 1. Fig. 29 is a diagram schematically showing the internal configuration of the aerosol generation device 1 assumed in the embodiment 13. In Fig. 29, parts corresponding to those in Fig. 2 are assigned the same reference numerals. The aerosol generation device 1 shown in FIG. 29 differs from the aerosol generation device 1 shown in FIG. 2 in that a remaining liquid amount sensor 113E is provided.

[0126] The remaining liquid level sensor 113E may be, for example, a level switch, a level gauge, a capacitance sensor, or a sensor that measures the distance to the liquid level. The distance to the liquid level can be measured by, for example, the time it takes for an ultrasonic wave, an electromagnetic wave, or a laser to be reflected by the liquid surface and return. However, the amount of remaining liquid to be finally used is corrected by the control unit 117 using information on the attitude of the aerosol generation device 1. For example, an output signal from a gyro sensor is used as the information on the attitude. In this embodiment, residual liquid amount sensor 113E is used, but it is also possible to calculate the residual liquid amount by calculation. For example, the amount of liquid consumed per suction can be calculated as a function of the amount of power supplied to heating unit 211, and the residual liquid amount at each time point can be calculated by subtracting the integral value from the initial value.

[0127] Fig. 30 is a flowchart illustrating an example of control of the main heating time by the control unit 117 (see Fig. 2) used in embodiment 13. In Fig. 13, parts corresponding to those in Fig. 3 are assigned the same reference numerals. The control by the control unit 117 is realized through the execution of a program. In the present embodiment as well, control unit 117 determines whether or not the start of suction has been detected (step 1). If the start of inhalation of the aerosol by the user is not detected, the control unit 117 obtains a negative result in step 1. While a negative result is obtained in step 1, the control unit 117 repeats the determination in step 1. On the other hand, if the start of inhalation of aerosol by the user is detected, the control unit 117 obtains a positive result in step 1. If a positive result is obtained in step 1, the control unit 117 starts main heating (step 1100), and then obtains the immediately preceding puff interval (step 2).

[0128] Next, control unit 117 acquires the amount of remaining liquid in liquid storage unit 213 (step 121). The amount of remaining liquid may be acquired using the measurement value of remaining liquid amount sensor 113E, or may be calculated using the amount of power supplied for each suction. When the remaining liquid amount is acquired, the control unit 117 determines whether the remaining liquid amount is less than a first remaining amount (step 122). The first remaining amount is set in advance. If the remaining amount is equal to or greater than the first remaining amount, the control unit 117 obtains a negative result in step 122. In this case, the remaining amount is large, and the same control as in the first embodiment and the like described above is executed. That is, the control unit 117 determines whether the puff interval is shorter than the first period (step 3), and if a negative result is obtained in step 3, executes step 4, and if a positive result is obtained in step 3, executes step 5.

[0129] On the other hand, when the amount of remaining liquid is less than the first remaining amount, the control unit 117 obtains an affirmative result in step 122. Next, the control unit 117 determines whether the puff interval is shorter than the first period (step 3A). However, the threshold value used for the determination in step 3A may be different from that in step 3. For example, the threshold value used for the determination in step 3A may be smaller than the threshold value used for the determination in step 3. If the amount of remaining liquid is less than the first remaining amount but it is not a short puff, the control unit 117 obtains a negative result in step 3A. In this case, the control unit 117 sets the current main heating time to a time LT2 shorter than the reference time (step 5). However, the main heating time when a negative result is obtained in step 3A only needs to be shorter than the reference time LT1, and does not necessarily have to be LT2. In other words, when the amount of remaining liquid is small but it is not a short puff, the control unit 117 controls the length of the main heating time to be shorter compared to the case where the amount of remaining liquid is large. Thereby, the possibility of liquid depletion is suppressed.

[0130] When the amount of remaining liquid is less than the first remaining amount and it is a short puff, the control unit 117 obtains an affirmative result in step 123. In this case, the control unit 117 sets the current main heating time to a time LT3 (<LT1) that is shorter as the amount of remaining liquid is less (step 123). In other words, when the amount of remaining liquid is small and it is a short puff, the control unit 117 controls the length of the main heating time to be shorter as the puff interval is shorter. Also here, the main heating time is shortened stepwise, for example. However, it may be shortened non-linearly according to a quadratic curve or the like. In any case, even if the liquid supply ability of the aerosol source decreases, the occurrence of liquid depletion can be effectively suppressed. After setting the main heating time according to step 4, or step 5, or step 123, the control unit 117 sequentially executes steps 6 and 7 to end one cycle of suction.

[0131] When the method of this embodiment is applied to the method of the second embodiment, the time from the end of the previous heating to the start of the current heating may be used as the puff interval. When the method of this embodiment is applied to the method of the third embodiment, the time from the end of the previous heating to the start of the current suction may be used as the puff interval. When the method of this embodiment is applied to the method of the fourth embodiment, the time from the immediately preceding OFF operation of the power button 11 to the current ON operation may be used as the puff interval. When the method of this embodiment is applied to the method of the fifth embodiment, the temperature of the heating unit 211 at the start of suction and the step for determining the puff interval may be used as the step for determining the puff interval. When the method of this embodiment is applied to the method of the sixth embodiment, the resistance value of the heating unit 211 at the start of suction and the determination step thereof may be used for the puff interval and the determination step thereof. When the method of this embodiment is applied to the method of the seventh embodiment, the temperature of the liquid guiding portion 212 at the start of suction and the step for determining the puff interval may be used as the step for determining the puff interval.

[0132] <Embodiment 14> In this embodiment, it is assumed that the heating unit 211 (see FIG. 2) has a function of preliminarily heating the heating unit 211 prior to the main heating. Figure 31 is a diagram illustrating the preheating time LT0. (A) shows the relationship between the preheating time LT0 and the position of the main heating time LT11, and (B) shows the temperature change of the aerosol source. The vertical axis in Figure 31(A) is the heating intensity, the vertical axis in Figure 31(B) is the temperature, and the horizontal axes in Figures 31(A) and (B) are time. The preheating time LTO is a time for preheating, and is placed immediately before the main heating time LT11. The preheating is provided to preheat the liquid temperature of the aerosol source in the liquid guiding section 212 (see FIG. 2) to above room temperature and below the boiling point. The preheating is a technique that shortens the delay time from when the supply of power to the heating section 211 starts to when the aerosol is generated.

[0133] By means of preheating, the liquid temperature of the aerosol source can be raised in advance. Therefore, the power supplied during the main heating time LT11 can be allocated to the generation of the aerosol rather than to the increase in the liquid temperature of the aerosol source. As a result, the generation of the aerosol becomes possible immediately after the start of the main heating time, and consequently, it becomes possible to increase the total amount of the aerosol generated within the main heating time. The time from the start of the main heating time LT11 until the temperature of the aerosol source reaches the boiling point is TD1 when preheating is not used, but can be shortened to TD2 (< TD1) when preheating is used. Therefore, if the length of the main heating time LT11 is the same as when preheating is not used, it is possible to generate more aerosol when preheating is used.

[0134] However, in FIGS. 31(A) and (B), the main heating time LT11 when preheating is used is made shorter than the main heating time LT1 when preheating is not used. This is to make the total amount of the aerosol generated within the main heating time the same. In other words, when controlling the aerosol generation amount to be the same as when there is no preheating, it becomes possible to make the main heating time LT11 when preheating is used shorter than the main heating time LT1 when there is no preheating. Incidentally, the reason why the generation of the aerosol is promoted by preheating may be that the viscosity of the aerosol source at the start of the main heating time is lower than when preheating is not used. The lower the viscosity of the aerosol source, the higher the liquid feeding speed to the liquid guiding portion 212, and as a result, the liquid supply amount increases. However, as the preheating time becomes longer, the amount of power consumed increases accordingly. Therefore, the length of the preheating time needs to be set in consideration of the balance with the amount of power consumed during the main heating time.

[0135] Figure 32 is a diagram illustrating an example of setting the main heating time depending on whether preheating is performed and the length of the puff interval. (A) shows the case without preheating, and (B) shows the case with preheating. Here, "without preheating" and "with preheating" do not refer to the presence or absence of the preheating function, but rather to whether or not the preheating function is used. The setting example of the main heating time shown in Fig. 32(A) is the same as that in embodiment 1 etc. That is, when the puff interval is long, the main heating time is set to 2.4 seconds, and when the puff interval is short, the main heating time is set to 1.7 seconds. On the other hand, as shown in Figure 32(B), when preheating is used, the main heating time is set shorter than when preheating is not used, regardless of whether the puff interval is long or short. For example, when "preheating is used" and the puff interval is long, the main heating time is 1.7 seconds. On the other hand, when "preheating is used" and the puff interval is short, the main heating time is 1.2 seconds. However, the main heating times shown in Figures 32(A) and (B) are just examples, and the main heating time when "preheating is on" and the puff interval is long can be made shorter or longer than 1.7 seconds.

[0136] Fig. 33 is a flowchart illustrating an example of control of the main heating time by the control unit 117 (see Fig. 2) used in embodiment 14. In Fig. 33, parts corresponding to those in Fig. 3 are assigned the same reference numerals. In this embodiment, the control unit 117 first determines whether or not preheating is performed (step 131). If a negative result is obtained in step 131, control unit 117 executes the same operation as in embodiment 1 etc. That is, control unit 117 sets the main heating time according to the flowchart shown in FIG.

[0137] On the other hand, if a positive result is obtained in step 131, control unit 117 determines whether puff sensor 112 has detected the start of inhalation (step 1A). This determination is repeated until a positive result is obtained in step 1A. If a positive result is obtained in step 1A, control unit 117 starts main heating after pre-heating is completed (step 1100A), then obtains the immediately preceding puff interval (step 2A), and then determines whether the obtained puff interval is shorter than the first period (step 3A).

[0138] If a negative result is obtained in step 3A, the control unit 117 proceeds to step 5 and sets the main heating time this time to a time LT2 that is shorter than the reference time. As described above, it is also possible to set a time other than LT2 as the main heating time. If a positive result is obtained in step 3A, the control unit 117 sets the main heating time this time to a time LT11 that is shorter than the reference time (step 132). The time LT11 here is, for example, 1.2 seconds, which is shorter than the main heating times set in steps 4 and 5. After setting the main heating time in step 4, step 5, or step 132, the control unit 117 executes steps 6 and 7 in order, completing one cycle of suction. In this embodiment, as in the thirteenth embodiment, the threshold value used for the judgment in step 3A may be different from that in step 3. Furthermore, when a negative result is obtained in step 3A, the main heating time does not have to be LT2 as long as it is shorter than the reference time LT1.

[0139] <Embodiment 15> In this embodiment, a control operation when overheating is detected during the main heating time will be described. In this embodiment, the external configuration of the aerosol generation device 1 is the same as in embodiment 1. Note that this embodiment can be combined with any of embodiments 1 to 7, except for the provision of a coil temperature sensor 113A (see FIG. 11). Fig. 34 is a flowchart illustrating an example of control of the main heating time by the control unit 117 (see Fig. 2) used in the fifteenth embodiment. In Fig. 34, parts corresponding to those in Fig. 12 are assigned the same reference numerals. The control by the control unit 117 is realized through the execution of a program. In this embodiment, control unit 117 determines whether or not the start of inhalation has been detected by puff sensor 112 (step 1).

[0140] While a negative result is obtained in step 1, control unit 117 repeats the determination in step 1. If a positive result is obtained in step 1, control unit 117 starts main heating (step 1100), and then acquires the temperature of the coil at the start of suction (step 41). That is, the temperature of heating unit 211 (see FIG. 2) is acquired. When the coil temperature is acquired, control unit 117 determines whether the coil temperature at the start of suction is higher than a third temperature (step 141). The third temperature is a threshold value for determining overheating.

[0141] If the acquired temperature is higher than the third temperature, the control unit 117 obtains a positive result in step 141. In this case, the control unit 117 forcibly ends the main heating (step 142). That is, the control unit 117 ends the supply of power to the heating unit 211 even if the set main heating time remains. Even after the supply of power is stopped, the temperature of the heating unit 211 remains high for a while, and therefore the generation of aerosol continues for a while.

[0142] By terminating heating before the set main heating time expires, the cooling time until the next inhalation can be extended compared to when heating is continued until the main heating time expires. As a result, the liquid temperature of the aerosol source at the start of the next inhalation is likely to be lower than when the control according to this embodiment is not adopted. Furthermore, by eliminating overheating, it becomes possible to continue using the aerosol generation device 1 within the design temperature range. On the other hand, if a negative result is obtained in step 141, the control unit 117 continues heating according to the set main heating time (step 143).

[0143] <Embodiment 16> In this embodiment, other control operations when overheating is detected during the main heating time will be described. In this embodiment, the external configuration of the aerosol generation device 1 is the same as in embodiment 1. Note that this embodiment can be combined with any of embodiments 1 to 7, except for the provision of a liquid temperature sensor 113C (see FIG. 17). Fig. 35 is a flowchart illustrating an example of control of the main heating time by the control unit 117 (see Fig. 2) used in the sixteenth embodiment. In Fig. 35, parts corresponding to those in Fig. 18 are assigned the same reference numerals. The control by the control unit 117 is realized through the execution of a program. Control unit 117 in this embodiment also determines whether or not the start of inhalation has been detected by puff sensor 112 (step 1).

[0144] While a negative result is obtained in step 1, control unit 117 repeats the determination in step 1. If a positive result is obtained in step 1, the control unit 117 starts the main heating (step 1100), and then acquires the liquid temperature at the start of suction (step 61). The liquid temperature here is the temperature of the liquid guide unit 212. When the liquid temperature is acquired, the control unit 117 determines whether the liquid temperature at the start of suction is higher than a fourth temperature (step 151). The fourth temperature is a threshold value for determining overheating.

[0145] If the acquired liquid temperature is higher than the fourth temperature, the control unit 117 obtains a positive result in step 151. In this case, the control unit 117 forcibly ends the main heating (step 152). That is, the control unit 117 ends the supply of power to the heating unit 211 even if the set main heating time remains. Even after the supply of power is stopped, the temperature of the heating unit 211 remains high for a while, and therefore the generation of aerosol continues for a while.

[0146] By terminating heating before the set main heating time expires, the cooling time until the next inhalation can be extended compared to when heating is continued until the main heating time expires. As a result, the liquid temperature of the aerosol source at the start of the next inhalation is likely to be lower than when the control according to this embodiment is not adopted. Furthermore, by eliminating overheating, it becomes possible to continue using the aerosol generation device 1 within the design temperature range. On the other hand, if a negative result is obtained in step 151, the control unit 117 continues heating according to the set main heating time (step 153).

[0147] <Embodiment 17> In this embodiment, when a short puff is detected, the main heating time is not shortened, but the voltage value or current value applied to the heating unit 211 is set to a low value, thereby suppressing the occurrence of liquid drying up. Other configurations of the aerosol generation device 1 (see FIG. 1) in this embodiment are the same as those in embodiment 1. That is, the external configuration and internal configuration of the aerosol generation device 1 are the same as those in embodiment 1. Fig. 36 is a flowchart illustrating an example of control of the main heating time by the control unit 117 (see Fig. 2) used in embodiment 17. In Fig. 36, parts corresponding to those in Fig. 3 are assigned the same reference numerals. The control by the control unit 117 is realized through the execution of a program.

[0148] Control unit 117 in this embodiment also determines whether or not the start of inhalation has been detected by puff sensor 112 (step 1). While a negative result is obtained in step 1, control unit 117 repeats the determination in step 1. If a positive result is obtained in step 1, the control unit 117 starts main heating (step 1100), and then acquires the immediately preceding puff interval (step 2). Next, the control unit 117 determines whether or not the puff interval is shorter than the first period (step 3), that is, whether or not the most recent puff interval is a short puff.

[0149] If a negative result is obtained in step 3, the control unit 117 sets the maximum voltage value to be applied during this main heating time to the reference voltage value (step 161). The reference voltage value here is the same as the voltage value used in the first embodiment and the like. The reference voltage value here is an example of a second maximum voltage value. As mentioned above, it is also possible to specify a current value. If a positive result is obtained in step 3, the control unit 117 sets the maximum voltage value to be applied during this main heating period to a value smaller than the reference voltage value (step 162). That is, instead of shortening the main heating time, the maximum voltage value is set to a lower value. The maximum voltage value set in step 162 is an example of a first maximum voltage value. As a result, the power supplied to the heating unit 211 during the main heating time is smaller than when the puff interval is not short. In other words, it is smaller than the reference value. Note that the lower the maximum voltage value is set relative to the reference voltage value, the smaller the power supplied to the heating unit 211 during the main heating time. Of course, it is also possible to specify a current value instead of a voltage value.

[0150] <Embodiment 18> In the above embodiment, the aerosol generation device 1 having the power button 11 (see FIG. 1) has been described, but the present invention can also be applied to an aerosol generation device 1 that does not have the power button 11. Fig. 37 is a diagram illustrating an example of the external configuration of the aerosol generation device 1 assumed in the embodiment 18. In Fig. 37, parts corresponding to those in Fig. 1 are assigned the same reference numerals. In the present embodiment, when the start of inhalation by the user is detected, the supply of power to the heating unit 211 (see FIG. 2) is started.

[0151] <Embodiment 19> In this embodiment, an aerosol generating device 1 having a mechanism for heating the aerosol source as a liquid, as well as a mechanism for heating the substrate containing the aerosol, will be described. Fig. 38 is a diagram schematically showing an example of the internal configuration of the aerosol generation device 1 assumed in the embodiment 19. In Fig. 38, parts corresponding to those in Fig. 2 are assigned the same reference numerals. The aerosol generating device 1 shown in Figure 38 includes a power supply unit 111, a puff sensor 112, a power button sensor 113, a notification unit 114, a memory unit 115, a communication unit 116, a control unit 117, a heating unit 211, a liquid guide unit 212, and a liquid storage unit 213, as well as a holding unit 301 used to hold the stick-shaped substrate 400, a heating unit 302 arranged on the outer periphery of the holding unit 301, and a heat insulating unit 303 arranged on the outer periphery of the heating unit 302.

[0152] 38 shows a state in which the stick-shaped substrate 400 is attached to the holding part 301. With the stick-shaped substrate 400 inserted in the holding part 301, the user performs a suction operation. The aerosol generation device 1 is formed with an air flow path 40 that transports air flowing in from the air inlet 21 through the liquid guide portion 212 to the bottom portion 301C of the holding portion 301. Therefore, as the user inhales, the air flowing in from the air inlet 21 flows through the air flow path 40 along the arrow 500. The aerosol generated in the heating portion 211 and the aerosol generated in the heating portion 302 are mixed with this air flow. In this embodiment, the control unit 117 controls the heating operation of the heating unit 302 in addition to the heating operation of the heating unit 211. In this case, the control unit 117 acquires information such as the temperature of the heating unit 302 using a sensor (not shown).

[0153] The holding part 301 has a roughly cylindrical shape. Therefore, the inside of the holding part 301 is hollow. This hollow is called the internal space 301A. The internal space 301A has roughly the same diameter as the stick-shaped substrate 400, and accommodates the stick-shaped substrate 400 inserted through the opening 301B in a state of contact with the tip of the stick-shaped substrate 400. In other words, the stick-shaped substrate 400 is held in the internal space 301A. The holder 301 has a bottom 301C on the opposite side of the opening 301B. The bottom 301C is connected to the air flow path 40.

[0154] The inner diameter of the holding part 301 is configured to be smaller than the outer diameter of the stick-shaped substrate 400 in at least a portion of the height direction of the cylindrical body. Therefore, the outer peripheral surface of the stick-shaped substrate 400 inserted into the internal space 301A from the opening 301B is compressed by the inner wall of the holding part 301. Due to this compression, the stick-shaped substrate 400 is held by the holding part 301. The holding portion 301 also has the function of defining an air flow path that passes through the stick-shaped substrate 400. The bottom portion 301C here is an air inlet for the holding portion 301, and the opening 301B is an air outlet for the holding portion 301.

[0155] Stick-shaped substrate 400 is a generally cylindrical member. Stick-shaped substrate 400 assumed in this embodiment is composed of substrate part 401 and mouthpiece part 402. The substrate 401 contains an aerosol source. The aerosol source is a substance that is atomized by heating to generate an aerosol. The aerosol source contained in the substrate 401 may be a tobacco-derived substance, such as cut tobacco or a processed product obtained by molding tobacco raw materials into granules, sheets, or powder. However, the aerosol source contained in the substrate 401 may also include non-tobacco-derived substances made from plants other than tobacco (e.g., mint and herbs). For example, the aerosol source may contain a flavoring component such as menthol.

[0156] When the aerosol generating device 1 is a medical inhaler, the aerosol source of the stick-shaped substrate 400 may contain a medicine to be inhaled by a patient. Note that the aerosol source is not limited to a solid, and may be a liquid such as a polyhydric alcohol such as glycerin or propylene glycol, or water. At least a portion of the substrate part 401 is accommodated in the internal space 301A of the holder 301 when the stick-shaped substrate 400 is held by the holder 301.

[0157] The suction mouth part 402 is a member that is held in the user's mouth when suctioning. At least a part of the suction mouth part 402 protrudes from the opening 301B when the stick-shaped substrate 400 is held by the holder 301. When the user holds suction mouthpiece 402 protruding from opening 301B in their mouth and sucks, as described above, air flows into bottom 301C of holding part 301 from air inlet hole 21. The flowing air passes through internal space 301A of holding part 301 and base part 401, and reaches the inside of the user's mouth. Note that the gas passing through internal space 301A of holding part 301 and base part 401 is mixed with aerosol generated from base part 401.

[0158] Heating unit 302 generates aerosol by atomizing the aerosol source contained in base member 401 by heating the aerosol source. Heating unit 302 is made of any material such as metal or polyimide. For example, heating unit 302 is made in the form of a film and is arranged to cover the outer periphery of holding unit 301. When the heating section 302 generates heat, the aerosol source contained in the stick-shaped substrate 400 is heated from the outer periphery of the stick-shaped substrate 400 and atomized, generating an aerosol.

[0159] The heating unit 302 generates heat when power is supplied from the power supply unit 111. For example, when a predetermined user input is detected by a sensor or the like (not shown), power supply to the heating unit 302 is started and an aerosol is generated. When the temperature of the stick-shaped substrate 400 reaches a predetermined temperature due to heating by the heating unit 302, aerosol generation begins, and the user can inhale it. Thereafter, when a sensor or the like (not shown) detects that a predetermined user input has been made, power supply to the heating unit 302 is stopped. It should be noted that while the puff sensor 112 detects the user's inhalation, power supply to the heating unit 302 may continue, and aerosol may be generated.

[0160] <Other embodiments> Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the technical scope of the present invention is not limited to the scope of the above-described embodiments. It is clear from the claims that various modifications and improvements to the above-described embodiments are also included in the technical scope of the present invention.

[0161] <Additional Notes> (((1))) A circuit unit of an aerosol generating device having a control unit that controls the supply of power to a load that heats a liquid aerosol source, wherein the control unit controls the amount of power supplied to the load to generate an aerosol to be less than a reference value when the interval between aerosol suctions is shorter than a first period, and the first period is determined so as to suppress the occurrence of liquid depletion during aerosol suction. (((2))) The circuit unit of the aerosol generating device described in (((1))) further comprises a first sensor that detects the inhalation of aerosol by a user, and the control unit shortens the time for supplying power to the load to less than the second period when the time from the end of the previous inhalation detected by the first sensor to the start of the current inhalation is shorter than the first period. (((3))) The control unit of the aerosol generating device described in (((1))) shortens the time for supplying power to the load to less than the second period when the time from the end of the heating cycle immediately before the end of aerosol generation from the aerosol source to the start of the current heating cycle is shorter than the first period. (((4))) The circuit unit of the aerosol generating device described in (((1))) further comprises a first sensor that detects the inhalation of aerosol by a user, and the control unit shortens the time for supplying power to the load to less than the second period when the time from the end of heating immediately before the end of aerosol generation from the aerosol source to the start of the current inhalation detected by the first sensor is shorter than the first period. (((5))) an operation unit that receives a user's operation regarding supplying and stopping the supply of power to the load, and the control unit, when a time from stopping the previous power supply due to a user's operation on the operation unit to starting the current power supply is shorter than the first period, shortens the time for supplying power to the load to be shorter than the second period; A circuit unit of the aerosol generating device according to claim 1. (((6))) A circuit unit of an aerosol generating device described in (((1))) further comprising a first sensor that detects inhalation of an aerosol by a user and a second sensor that detects the temperature of the load, and the control unit shortens the time for supplying power to the load to less than the second period if the temperature detected by the second sensor at the start of inhalation of the aerosol detected by the first sensor is higher than the first temperature. (((7))) The circuit unit of the aerosol generating device described in (((1))) further comprises a first sensor that detects the inhalation of aerosol by a user, and the control unit shortens the time for supplying power to the load to be shorter than the second period when the resistance value of the load at the start of inhalation of the aerosol detected by the first sensor is higher than the first resistance value. (((8))) A circuit unit of an aerosol generating device described in (((1))) further comprising a first sensor that detects inhalation of an aerosol by a user and a third sensor that detects the temperature of an aerosol source, wherein the control unit shortens the time for supplying power to the load to be shorter than the second period if the temperature detected by the third sensor at the start of inhalation of the aerosol detected by the first sensor is higher than the second temperature. (((9))) The control unit predicts the next or subsequent intervals based on trends in the intervals between aerosol inhalations over the past several inhalations, and if the predicted interval is shorter than the first period, sets the time for supplying power to the load in the predicted inhalation to be shorter than the second period.This is a circuit unit of the aerosol generating device described in (((1))). (((10))) The control unit acquires multiple past measurements of the interval between aerosol inhalations, and if the number of consecutive measurements shorter than the first period exceeds the first number, controls the time for supplying power to the load in subsequent inhalations to be gradually shorter than the second period as the number of consecutive measurements increases.This is the circuit unit of the aerosol generating device described in (((1))). (((11))) The control unit controls the amount of power supplied to the load to be smaller as the interval between aerosol suctions becomes shorter than the first period. (((12))) The control unit controls the amount of power supplied to the load to be smaller as the remaining amount of the aerosol source decreases when the remaining amount of the aerosol source is smaller than a first remaining amount. (((13))) A circuit unit of an aerosol generating device described in any one of (((1))) to (((8))), wherein, when the aerosol source is heated in a temperature range that does not involve the generation of aerosol prior to heating the aerosol source that involves the generation of aerosol, the control unit controls the amount of power supplied to the load when the interval between aerosol suctions is shorter than the first period to a value smaller than the amount of power when only heating is performed that involves the generation of aerosol. (((14))) A circuit unit of an aerosol generating device described in any one of (((1))) to (((8))), further comprising a second sensor that detects the temperature of the load, and wherein the control unit forcibly terminates heating of the load when the temperature detected by the second sensor reaches a third temperature. (((15))) A circuit unit of an aerosol generating device described in any one of (((1))) to (((8))), further comprising a third sensor that detects the temperature of the aerosol source, and wherein the control unit forcibly terminates heating of the load when the temperature detected by the third sensor reaches a fourth temperature. (((16))) A circuit unit of an aerosol generating device described in any one of (((1))) to (((8))), wherein the control unit controls a first maximum voltage value supplied to the load to generate an aerosol when the interval between aerosol suctions is shorter than the first period to a value smaller than a second maximum voltage value supplied to the load when the interval between aerosol suctions is longer than the first period. (((17))) An aerosol generating device having a control unit that controls the supply of power to a load that heats a liquid aerosol source, wherein the control unit controls the amount of power supplied to the load to generate an aerosol to be less than a reference value when the interval between aspirations of the aerosol is shorter than a first period, and the first period is determined so as to suppress the occurrence of liquid depletion during aspiration of the aerosol. (((18))) A program for causing a computer that controls the supply of power to a load that heats a liquid aerosol source to realize a function of controlling the amount of power supplied to the load to generate aerosol to be less than a reference value when the interval between aerosol suctions is shorter than a first period, wherein the first period is determined so as to suppress the occurrence of liquid depletion during aerosol suction.

[0162] According to the circuit unit of the aerosol generation device described in (((1))), it is possible to provide a technology for suppressing liquid drying up during inhalation, regardless of the method of use of the aerosol generation device by the user. According to the circuit unit of the aerosol generation device described in (((2))), it is possible to prevent the liquid from running out even when the user's inhalation interval is short. According to the circuit unit of the aerosol generation device described in (((3))), it is possible to prevent the liquid from running out even when the user's inhalation interval is short. According to the circuit unit of the aerosol generating device described in (((4))), it is possible to prevent the liquid from running out even when the user's inhalation interval is short. According to the circuit unit of the aerosol generating device described in (((5))), it is possible to prevent the liquid from running out even when the user's inhalation interval is short. According to the circuit unit of the aerosol generating device described in (((6))), it is possible to prevent the liquid from running out even when the user's inhalation interval is short. According to the circuit unit of the aerosol generating device described in (((7))), it is possible to prevent the liquid from running out even when the user's inhalation interval is short. According to the circuit unit of the aerosol generating device described in (((8))), it is possible to prevent the liquid from running out even when the user's inhalation interval is short. According to the circuit unit of the aerosol generation device described in (((9))), when it is detected that the user's inhalation intervals tend to be short, control can be performed to prevent the liquid from running out. According to the circuit unit of the aerosol generating device described in (((10))), if it is confirmed that the user tends to have short inhalation intervals, control can be performed to prevent the liquid from running out. According to the circuit unit of the aerosol generating device described in (((11))), it is possible to prevent the liquid from running out even when the user's inhalation interval is short. According to the circuit unit of the aerosol generating device described in (((12))), it is possible to prevent the liquid from running out even when the user's inhalation interval is short. According to the circuit unit of the aerosol generating device described in (((13))), even when the aerosol source is heated prior to heating that accompanies the generation of aerosol in order to promote the generation of aerosol, it is possible to prevent liquid from drying up when the user's inhalation interval is short. According to the circuit unit of the aerosol generating device described in (((14))), liquid depletion can be suppressed even when an environment in which liquid depletion is likely to occur is detected. According to the circuit unit of the aerosol generating device described in (((15))), liquid depletion can be suppressed even when an environment in which liquid depletion is likely to occur is detected. According to the circuit unit of the aerosol generating device described in (((16))), it is possible to prevent the liquid from running out even when the user's inhalation interval is short. According to the aerosol generating device described in (((17))), a technique can be provided that prevents liquid from drying up during inhalation, regardless of the method of use by the user of the aerosol generating device. According to the program described in (((18))), a technique can be provided for suppressing liquid drying up during inhalation regardless of the method of use of the aerosol generating device by the user. [Explanation of symbols]

[0163] 1...aerosol generating device, 10...power supply unit, 11...power button, 20, 30...cartridge, 21...air inlet hole, 40...air flow path, 42...air outlet hole, 112...puff sensor, 113...power button sensor, 113A...coil temperature sensor, 113B...resistance value sensor, 113C...liquid temperature sensor, 113D...air temperature sensor, 113E...residual liquid amount sensor, 117...control unit, 211, 302...heating unit, 212...liquid guide unit, 213...liquid storage unit

Claims

1. a control unit that controls the supply of power to a load that heats the liquid aerosol source; the control unit controls the amount of power supplied to the load for generating the aerosol to be smaller than a reference value when an interval between suctions of the aerosol is shorter than a first period. A circuit unit of an aerosol generating device, The first period is determined to suppress the occurrence of liquid drying up during inhalation of the aerosol. Circuit unit of the aerosol generator.

2. a first sensor for detecting inhalation of the aerosol by a user; the control unit, when a time period from the end of the previous suction to the start of the current suction detected by the first sensor is shorter than the first period, shortens a time period for supplying power to the load to be shorter than a second period. A circuit unit for the aerosol generating device according to claim 1 .

3. the control unit, when a time period from the end of heating immediately before the end of generation of aerosol from the aerosol source to the start of heating this time is shorter than the first time period, shortens a time period for supplying power to the load to be shorter than the second time period; A circuit unit for the aerosol generating device according to claim 1 .

4. a first sensor for detecting inhalation of the aerosol by a user; the control unit, when a time from the end of heating immediately before the end of generation of aerosol from the aerosol source to the start of a current suction detected by the first sensor is shorter than the first time period, shortens a time period for supplying power to the load to be shorter than the second time period; A circuit unit for the aerosol generating device according to claim 1 .

5. an operation unit that receives a user's operation regarding supplying and stopping the supply of power to the load; the control unit, when a time period from the previous power supply stop due to a user's operation on the operation unit to the current power supply start time is shorter than the first time period, shortens a time period for supplying power to the load to be shorter than the second time period; A circuit unit for the aerosol generating device according to claim 1 .

6. a first sensor for detecting inhalation of the aerosol by a user and a second sensor for detecting a temperature of the load; the control unit, when the temperature detected by the second sensor at the start of suction of the aerosol detected by the first sensor is higher than the first temperature, shortens the time for supplying power to the load to be shorter than the second period; A circuit unit for the aerosol generating device according to claim 1 .

7. a first sensor for detecting inhalation of the aerosol by a user; the control unit, when the resistance value of the load at the start of suction of the aerosol detected by the first sensor is higher than a first resistance value, shortens the time for supplying power to the load to be shorter than the second period; A circuit unit for the aerosol generating device according to claim 1 .

8. a first sensor for detecting inhalation of the aerosol by a user and a third sensor for detecting a temperature of the aerosol source; the control unit, when the temperature detected by the third sensor at the start of suction of the aerosol detected by the first sensor is higher than the second temperature, shortens the time for supplying power to the load to be shorter than the second period; A circuit unit for the aerosol generating device according to claim 1 .

9. the control unit predicts the next or subsequent intervals based on trends in the intervals between aerosol inhalations in the past several times, and if the predicted interval is shorter than the first period, sets the time for supplying power to the load in the predicted inhalation to be shorter than the second period. A circuit unit for the aerosol generating device according to claim 1 .

10. the control unit acquires past measurement values ​​of the interval between inhalations of the aerosol, and when the number of consecutive times that measurement values ​​shorter than the first period appear exceeds the first number, controls the time for supplying power to the load in subsequent inhalations to be shorter than the second period in a stepwise manner as the number of consecutive times increases. A circuit unit for the aerosol generating device according to claim 1 .

11. When an interval between suctions of the aerosol is shorter than the first period, the control unit controls the amount of power supplied to the load to be smaller as the interval becomes shorter. A circuit unit for the aerosol generating device according to any one of claims 1 to 8.

12. When the remaining amount of the aerosol source is less than a first remaining amount, the control unit controls the amount of power supplied to the load to be smaller as the remaining amount becomes smaller. A circuit unit for the aerosol generating device according to any one of claims 1 to 8.

13. when the aerosol source is heated in a temperature range not involving generation of aerosol prior to heating of the aerosol source involving generation of aerosol, the control unit controls the amount of power supplied to the load when an interval between suctions of the aerosol is shorter than the first period to a value smaller than the amount of power when only heating is performed involving generation of aerosol. A circuit unit for the aerosol generating device according to any one of claims 1 to 8.

14. a second sensor for detecting a temperature of the load; When the temperature detected by the second sensor reaches a third temperature, the control unit forcibly ends heating of the load at that time. A circuit unit for the aerosol generating device according to any one of claims 1 to 8.

15. a third sensor for detecting a temperature of the aerosol source; the control unit forcibly ends heating of the load when the temperature detected by the third sensor reaches a fourth temperature. A circuit unit for the aerosol generating device according to any one of claims 1 to 8.

16. the control unit controls a first maximum voltage value to be supplied to the load to generate the aerosol when the interval between aerosol suctions is shorter than the first period to a value smaller than a second maximum voltage value to be supplied to the load when the interval between aerosol suctions is longer than the first period; A circuit unit for the aerosol generating device according to any one of claims 1 to 8.

17. a control unit that controls the supply of power to a load that heats the liquid aerosol source; the control unit controls the amount of power supplied to the load for generating the aerosol to be smaller than a reference value when an interval between suctions of the aerosol is shorter than a first period. an aerosol generating device, The first period is determined to suppress the occurrence of liquid drying up during inhalation of the aerosol. Aerosol generator.

18. a computer that controls the supply of power to a load that heats the liquid aerosol source; a function of controlling the amount of power supplied to the load for generating the aerosol to be less than a reference value when the interval between aerosol suctions is shorter than the first period; It is a program to achieve The first period is determined to suppress the occurrence of liquid drying up during inhalation of the aerosol. program.

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