Fragrance generating device

Abstract

The present invention provides a flavor generator capable of obtaining the remaining amount of power stored in a power source. [Solution] The flavor generating device comprises a first power supply, a second power supply that receives power from the first power supply, a heating unit that receives power from at least one of the first power supply and the second power supply to heat a flavor source, and a control unit that controls notifications of the status of the flavor generating device to execute a first notification regarding the remaining amount of power and a second notification different from the first notification. The second notification is executed when the value regarding the remaining amount of power is higher than a first threshold, or is suppressed even if the value regarding the remaining amount of power is higher than the first threshold, according to user settings.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] This invention relates to a flavor generating device. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, flavor generating devices are known that have a heating element and a power supply that provides power to the heating element. Flavor generating devices are configured not to supply power to the heating element when the remaining charge of the power supply falls below a predetermined amount (for example, Patent Document 1). [Prior art documents] [Patent Documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2015-204833 [Overview of the Initiative]

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

[0005] The second feature is that, in the first feature, the control unit is configured to suppress power supply to at least one of the generator and the auxiliary equipment when the remaining charge value is higher than the discharge termination value and the remaining charge value is lower than a lower threshold value which is lower than the charge termination value which indicates the fully charged state of the power supply, and to permit power supply to at least one of the generator and the auxiliary equipment when the remaining charge value is higher than the lower threshold value and the remaining charge value is lower than the charge termination value.

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

[0007] The fourth feature is summarized in that, in any one of the first to third features, the generating unit includes a heating unit that heats the flavor source, and the control unit suppresses the power supply to the heating unit when the remaining amount value is higher than the discharge end value and the remaining amount value is less than or equal to a first lower threshold value, and the first lower threshold value is a value defined as being unable to deliver the flavor from the flavor source into the user's oral cavity by the power supply to the heating unit.

[0008] The fifth feature is summarized in that, in the fourth feature, the generating unit includes, in addition to the heating unit, an atomizing unit that atomizes the aerosol source, and the control unit permits the power supply to both the heating unit and the atomizing unit when the remaining amount value is higher than the discharge end value and the remaining amount value is higher than the first lower threshold value, and the control unit suppresses the power supply to the heating unit and permits the power supply to the atomizing unit when the remaining amount value is higher than the discharge end value and the remaining amount value is less than or equal to the first lower threshold value.

[0009] The sixth feature is summarized in that, in any one of the first to third features, the generating unit includes, in addition to the heating unit, an atomizing unit that atomizes the aerosol source, and the control unit permits the power supply to the heating unit and the atomizing unit when the remaining amount value is higher than the discharge end value and the remaining amount value is higher than the first lower threshold value, and permits the power supply to one selected from the heating unit and the atomizing unit when the remaining amount value is higher than the discharge end value and the remaining amount value is less than or equal to the first lower threshold value.

[0010] The seventh feature is that in any one of the first to third features, the generating unit is configured to heat an aerosol generating article including the flavor source and the aerosol source, and the control unit is configured to suppress power supply to the generating unit when the remaining amount value is higher than the discharge termination value and the remaining amount value is not more than a second lower threshold value. The second lower threshold value is a value defined as a value at which a predetermined amount or more of aerosol cannot be generated from the aerosol generating article by power supply to the generating unit, or a flavor cannot be delivered into the user's oral cavity from the aerosol generating article by power supply to the generating unit.

[0011] The eighth feature is that in any one of the first to third features, the generating unit includes an atomizing unit that atomizes the aerosol source, and the control unit is configured to suppress power supply to the atomizing unit when the remaining amount value is higher than the discharge termination value and the remaining amount value is not more than a third lower threshold value. The third lower threshold value is a value defined as a value at which a predetermined amount or more of aerosol cannot be generated from the aerosol source by power supply to the atomizing unit.

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

[0013] The tenth feature is that in the ninth feature, the charging state of the power source is calculated based on the relationship between the charging state of the power source and the open-circuit voltage of the power source, or is calculated based on the integrated value of the current charged and discharged to the power source.

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

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

[0016] The thirteenth feature is that, in the twelfth feature, the second auxiliary device includes at least one of a notification unit, a memory, a detection unit, and a communication unit.

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

[0018] The fifteenth feature is that, in the fourteenth feature, the two or more second auxiliary devices include the communication unit and auxiliary devices other than the communication unit, and the control unit permits power supply to the auxiliary devices other than the communication unit when it suppresses power supply to the communication unit.

[0019] The sixteenth feature is characterized in that, in any of the first to fifteenth features, the auxiliary equipment includes a third auxiliary equipment used to suppress deterioration associated with the discharge of the power supply, the control unit permits power supply to the generation unit when the remaining charge value is higher than the discharge termination value and the remaining charge value is greater than a lower threshold value which is lower than the charge termination value which indicates the fully charged state of the power supply, and the control unit permits power supply to the third auxiliary equipment when the remaining charge value is higher than a predetermined threshold value which is higher than the lower threshold value.

[0020] The seventeenth feature is characterized in that, in the sixth feature, the third auxiliary component includes at least one of a temperature control unit for adjusting the temperature of the power supply and an auxiliary power supply having a higher power density than the power supply.

[0021] The 18th feature is characterized in that, in any of the 1st to 17th features, the auxiliary equipment includes a high-residual-power auxiliary equipment and a low-residual-power auxiliary equipment, the control unit permits power supply to the generation unit when the remaining power value is higher than the discharge termination value and the remaining power value is greater than a lower threshold value which is lower than the charge termination value which indicates the fully charged state of the power supply, the control unit permits power supply to the high-residual-power auxiliary equipment only when the remaining power value is higher than a predetermined threshold value which is higher than the lower threshold value, and the control unit permits power supply to the low-residual-power auxiliary equipment when the remaining power value is lower than the lower threshold value.

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

[0023] The 20th feature is a program that causes a computer to perform the steps described in the 19th feature.

[0024] The 21st feature is a power supply unit for a flavor generating device that can be electrically connected to a unit having a generating unit configured to atomize an aerosol source or heat a flavor source, comprising a control unit configured to acquire a remaining value which is a value relating to the remaining amount of power stored in the power supply, wherein the control unit is configured to suppress the supply of power to at least one of the generating unit and an auxiliary device different from the generating unit when the remaining value is higher than a discharge termination value which indicates the discharge termination state of the power supply. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0025] [Figure 1]Figure 1 is an exploded view showing an example of the configuration of a flavor generating device according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of the atomization unit according to the embodiment. [Figure 3] Figure 3 shows the functional block of the flavor generating device according to the embodiment. [Figure 4] Figure 4 is a diagram illustrating the threshold according to the embodiment. [Figure 5] Figure 5 is a flowchart showing a power supply control method according to an embodiment. [Figure 6] Figure 6 is a diagram illustrating the threshold related to change example 1. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0026] Embodiments will be described below. In the following drawings, identical or similar parts are denoted by the same or similar reference numerals. However, it should be noted that the drawings are schematic, and the proportions of the dimensions may differ from those of reality.

[0027] Therefore, specific dimensions should be determined by referring to the following explanation. Furthermore, it is important to note that there may be differences in the relationships and ratios of dimensions between different drawings.

[0028] [Summary of Disclosure] In recent years, there has been consideration of incorporating various functions into flavor generators, not just simply generating aerosols or flavors. In such cases, power is required to realize these various functions, but the inventors have found through their research that if all functions are uniformly shut down when the remaining charge of the power supply falls below a predetermined level, various problems will arise.

[0029] The flavor generating apparatus described in the disclosure outlines a control unit configured to acquire a remaining power value, which is a value relating to the remaining amount of power stored in a power supply; a generating unit configured to atomize an aerosol source or heat a flavor source; and an auxiliary device different from the generating unit. The generating unit and the auxiliary device are electrically connected to the power supply. The control unit is configured to suppress the power supply to at least one of the generating unit and the auxiliary device when the remaining power value is higher than a discharge termination value indicating the discharge termination state of the power supply.

[0030] According to the summary of the disclosure, the flavor generator suppresses power supply to at least one of the generating unit and / or auxiliary equipment when the remaining power level is higher than the discharge termination value. With this configuration, not all functions stop uniformly. That is, in the case where power supply to the generating unit is suppressed, the remaining power supply used by the auxiliary equipment that should be operating can be secured even after the operation of the generating unit has stopped. In the case where power supply to the auxiliary equipment is suppressed, the remaining power supply used by the generating unit can be secured preferentially, thereby extending the operating time of the generating unit or increasing the amount of flavor produced by the generating unit.

[0031] (Example of a flavor generator configuration) The following describes an example of the configuration of a flavor generating device according to an embodiment. Figure 1 is an exploded view showing an example of the configuration of a flavor generating device according to an embodiment. Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of the atomizing unit according to an embodiment.

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

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

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

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

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

[0037] In the following, an example of the atomizing unit 120 will be described with reference to Figure 2. The atomizing unit 120 may have a reservoir 122P, a wick 122Q, and an atomizing section 122R.

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

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

[0040] The aerosol source may be liquid at room temperature. For example, polyhydric alcohols such as glycerin or propylene glycol can be used as the aerosol source. The aerosol source may be composed of multiple substances. For example, the aerosol source may be composed of a mixed solvent of glycerin, propylene glycol, and water. The aerosol source may also contain tobacco raw materials or extracts derived from tobacco raw materials that release flavor components when heated. Here, an aerosol source that is liquid at room temperature has been given as an example, but the aerosol source may also be solid at room temperature.

[0041] The atomizing unit 120 may have a replaceable flavoring unit 130. In such a case, the atomizing unit 120 has a heating section 124R for heating a flavor source housed in the flavoring unit 130. The heating section 124R may be located on the outer circumference of the flavoring unit 130 (e.g., a cylindrical body 131). For example, the heating section 124R is composed of a resistance heating element (e.g., a heating wire). As another example, the heating section 124R may be located inside the flavoring unit 130. As yet another example, the heating section 124R may be located on the outer circumference and inside the flavoring unit 130.

[0042] The flavor unit 130 includes a cylindrical body 131, a ventilation member 132, and a ventilation member 133. The ventilation members 132 and 133 may be mesh bodies or filters. The flavor source is housed in the space partitioned by the cylindrical body 131, the ventilation members 132, and the ventilation members 133.

[0043] The flavor source may be solid at room temperature. For example, the flavor source consists of raw material pieces of plant material that impart flavor components to the aerosol. As the raw material pieces constituting the flavor source, molded bodies made by shaping tobacco materials such as shredded tobacco or tobacco raw materials into granules can be used. Alternatively, the flavor source may be molded bodies made by shaping tobacco materials into sheets. Furthermore, the raw material pieces constituting the flavor source may be made from plants other than tobacco (e.g., mint, herbs, etc.). The flavor source may be imparted with flavorings such as menthol.

[0044] The flavor source may be movably housed within a space partitioned by the cylindrical body 131, ventilation member 132, and ventilation member 133. In such a case, since the flavor source flows within the flavor unit 130, the uneven distribution of the flavor source in contact with the heating section 124R is reduced, allowing for stable release of flavor components. Furthermore, in such a case, since the flavor source flows within the flavor unit 130, the air permeability within the flavor unit 130 is improved, allowing for stable release of flavor components. Alternatively, the flavor source may be substantially fixed within a space partitioned by the cylindrical body 131, ventilation member 132, and ventilation member 133. In such a case, heat can be efficiently transferred from the heating section 124R to the flavor source.

[0045] Here, the atomizing unit 120 has a channel 127 that guides the aerosol generated in the atomizing section 122R to the flavoring unit 130, and a channel 128 formed within the flavoring unit 130. With this configuration, the aerosol passes through the flavoring source, and the flavored aerosol is guided to the outlet 100out.

[0046] In this embodiment, the atomizing unit 120 may have an insulating material 126 provided on the outside of the heating section 124R. With this configuration, heat transfer loss from the heating section 124R to the flavor source can be suppressed, and the temperature rise of the outer surface of the atomizing unit 120 due to the heat generated in the heating section 124R can be suppressed.

[0047] The flavor generator 100 may include a mouthpiece having an inhalation port for the user to inhale the inhaled components. The mouthpiece may be detachably attached to the atomizing unit 120 or the flavor unit 130, or it may be an integral and inseparable part. The flavor unit 130 may also function as a mouthpiece by being configured to be exposed when connected to the atomizing unit 120. With this configuration, the flavor unit 130 is replaced with a new one when the contained flavor source has released sufficient flavor, thus keeping the flavor generator 100 hygienic.

[0048] The atomizing unit 120 may have a flow path 128 that guides the aerosol to the outlet 100out so that it passes through the flavor source, as well as a flow path 129 that guides the aerosol to the outlet 100out without passing it through the flavor source. The atomizing unit 120 may also have a flow rate adjustment means that adjusts the ratio of the aerosol passing through the flow path 128 to the aerosol passing through the flow path 129.

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

[0050] As shown in Figure 3, the control unit 115 controls the generation unit 300 and the auxiliary equipment 400. The control unit 115, the generation unit 300, and the auxiliary equipment 400 are powered by the power supplied from the power supply 112.

[0051] The generating unit 300 includes a heating unit 310 for heating a flavor source and an atomizing unit 320 for atomizing an aerosol source. The heating unit 124R described above is an example of the heating unit 310, and the atomizing unit 122R described above is an example of the atomizing unit 320. However, in this embodiment, the configuration of the heating unit 310 and the atomizing unit 320 is not particularly limited.

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

[0053] The temperature control unit 410 adjusts the temperature of the power supply 112. The temperature control unit 410 may be a heater that warms the power supply 112, or a cooler that cools the power supply 112. The temperature control unit 410 may have both heater and cooler functions. The temperature control unit 410 is an example of a third auxiliary device used to suppress deterioration due to power supply discharge. The temperature control unit 410 is an example of a high-residual-power auxiliary device, which will be described later.

[0054] The auxiliary power supply 411 is a power supply with a higher power density than the main power supply. Power density is the power output per unit volume, or W / m². 3 It may be expressed as power per unit weight, or as power in W / kg. For example, the power stored in the auxiliary power supply 411 is used in the temperature control unit 410. The auxiliary power supply 411 is an example of a third auxiliary device used to suppress degradation due to power supply discharge. The auxiliary power supply 411 is an example of a high-residual-power auxiliary device, which will be described later.

[0055] The communication unit 412 communicates with external devices other than the flavor generator 100 (e.g., smartphones, tablets, personal computers, etc.). The communication unit 412 may also communicate with a separate flavor generator or nebulizer. The communication unit 412 may be a wireless module for wireless communication or a wired module for wired communication. For example, wireless communication may be based on a communication method such as Bluetooth® or IrDA. Wired communication may be implemented by a USB cable. The communication unit 412 is an example of a second accessory, different from the first accessory. The communication unit 412 is an example of a low-residue accessory, which will be described later.

[0056] The notification unit 413 notifies the status of the flavor generator 100. The notification unit 413 may be a light-emitting element such as an LED, a display unit such as a screen, or a vibration mechanism such as a vibrator. The status of the flavor generator 100 may be the remaining amount of aerosol source in the atomizing unit 120, or the remaining amount of flavor source in the flavor unit. The remaining amount may be expressed by the number of remaining puffs, by the remaining energizing time, or by the remaining amounts of aerosol source and flavor source themselves. Alternatively, the status of the flavor generator 100 may be the remaining charge value of the power supply 112. Notification of the remaining charge value of the power supply 112 may be a charging alert prompting charging of the power supply 112 when the remaining charge value of the power supply 112 is below the discharge termination value. The light-emitting element 114 described above is an example of the notification unit 413. When providing notification regarding the remaining charge value, the notification unit 413 may be an example of a first auxiliary device that provides notification regarding the remaining charge value. When providing notifications other than those related to the remaining battery level, the notification unit 413 may be an example of a second auxiliary device different from the first auxiliary device. In other words, the terms first auxiliary device and second auxiliary device may be used interchangeably depending on the function performed by the notification unit 413. The notification unit 413 is an example of a low battery auxiliary device, which will be described later.

[0057] The volatile memory 414 is a type of memory that cannot retain information without power supplied from the power supply 112, similar to DRAM or SRAM. The volatile memory 414 is an example of a second accessory, distinct from the first accessory. The volatile memory 414 is an example of a low-capacity accessory, which will be described later.

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

[0059] Please note that in the following discussion, volatile memory 414 and non-volatile memory 415 may be collectively referred to as "memory."

[0060] The suction detection unit 416 is a detection unit that detects the user's puffing action. The suction sensor 113 described above is an example of the suction detection unit 416. The suction detection unit 416 is an example of a second auxiliary device, different from the first auxiliary device. The suction detection unit 416 is an example of a low-level auxiliary device.

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

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

[0063] The attachment / detachment detection unit 419 is a detection unit that detects whether or not the atomizing unit 120 is attached. The attachment / detachment detection unit 419 may also detect whether or not the flavoring unit 130 is attached. For example, the attachment / detachment detection unit 419 may detect whether or not a unit is attached by a change in electrical resistance. The attachment / detachment detection unit 419 is an example of a second auxiliary device different from the first auxiliary device. The attachment / detachment detection unit 419 is an example of a low-residue auxiliary device, which will be described later.

[0064] Please note that in the following discussion, the suction detection unit 416, the battery temperature detection unit 417, the external environment detection unit 418, and the attachment / detachment detection unit 419 may be collectively referred to as the detection unit.

[0065] Against this backdrop, the control unit 115 is configured to acquire a remaining power value related to the remaining amount of power stored in the power supply 112. When the remaining power value is higher than the discharge termination value, the control unit 115 suppresses the power supply to at least one of the power generation unit 300 and the auxiliary equipment 400. The control unit 115 may also suppress the power supply to the auxiliary equipment 400 even if the remaining power value is higher than the discharge termination value. In the following, the suppression of power supply may be a prohibition of power supply or a reduction in the amount of power supplied.

[0066] Specifically, this will be explained with reference to Figure 4. In Figure 4, the charge termination value > TH. D >TH C >TH B >TH A The relationship > discharge termination value > operating guarantee value holds true. As shown in Figure 4, the charge termination value, discharge termination value, and operating guarantee value are determined as the remaining charge state of the power supply 112 based on the specifications of the power supply 112 and the specifications of the control unit 115. The charge termination value is the value that indicates the fully charged state of the power supply 112. The discharge termination value is the value that indicates the discharge termination state of the power supply 112. The operating guarantee value is the value that indicates the remaining charge that should be maintained to guarantee the operation of the control unit 115.

[0067] In such cases, the control unit 115 determines that the remaining amount is the threshold TH. DWhen it is higher than, permit power supply to all the generation units 300 and permit power supply to all the auxiliary devices 400 (first process). In other words, when the remaining amount value is higher than the threshold value TH D When it is higher than, there is no electrical load whose power supply is suppressed by the control unit 115. When the remaining amount value is higher than the threshold value TH D When it is higher than, since there is enough remaining amount value, there is no need to suppress power supply to the generation unit 300 or the auxiliary device 400. As a result, it is possible to prevent giving the user a sense of discomfort by unnecessarily suppressing the function of the flavor generating device 100.

[0068] When left for a long time in a state where the remaining amount value is high, the deterioration of the power supply 112 progresses more easily than when left for a long time in a state where the remaining amount value is medium. Therefore, when there is enough remaining amount value, by the control unit 115 permitting power supply to all the generation units 300 and all the auxiliary devices 400, the remaining amount value can be made closer to the medium level. As a result, compared with the case where the control unit 115 suppresses power supply to a part of the generation unit 300 and / or the auxiliary device 400, the progress of the deterioration of the power supply 112 can be delayed.

[0069] The control unit 115 is when the remaining amount value is lower than the threshold value TH D and higher than the threshold value TH C In this case, permit power supply to all the generation units 300, permit power supply to the auxiliary devices other than the third auxiliary device (temperature control unit 410 and auxiliary power supply 411), and suppress power supply to the third auxiliary device (second process).

[0070] The temperature control unit 410 and the auxiliary power supply 411 included in the third auxiliary device are called high remaining amount auxiliary devices because power supply is permitted only when the remaining amount value is higher than the threshold value TH D close to the charge termination value.

[0071] In the embodiment, the threshold value TH D is an example of a predetermined threshold value used to determine whether to permit power supply to the third auxiliary device. When the remaining amount value is lower than the threshold value TH D power supply to the third auxiliary device is suppressed and power supply to the generation unit 300 is permitted. Therefore, the threshold value TH DThis can be considered an example of a lower threshold value that is smaller than the charging termination value.

[0072] The temperature control unit 410 and auxiliary power supply 411, which belong to the third auxiliary equipment, can be used to suppress the deterioration of the power supply 112. In general, deterioration during charging and discharging of a power supply is suppressed best when the power supply temperature is at room temperature. On the other hand, the lower or higher the temperature of the power supply, the more the power supply deteriorates. Therefore, by adjusting the temperature of the power supply 112, which is at or near room temperature, using the temperature control unit 410, the deterioration of the power supply 112 can be effectively suppressed.

[0073] Furthermore, in general, the greater the power or current discharged per unit time, the more the power deteriorates. For example, if power supply 112 alone supplies power to all elements in the generation unit 300 and the auxiliary equipment unit 400 simultaneously, the power or current discharged by power supply 112 per unit time will be large. As a result, the power supply 112 will deteriorate more easily. Similar problems can arise if the heating unit 310 and atomizing unit 320 are composed of electric heating elements with high heat capacity. Similar problems can also arise if the power consumption of the elements in the auxiliary equipment unit 400 is high. This problem can be solved by using multiple power supplies. If the power or current to be discharged per unit time is large, discharging from multiple power supplies simultaneously can reduce the power or current discharged by each power supply. Therefore, by using an auxiliary power supply 411 that is electrically connected to the generation unit 300 and the auxiliary equipment unit 400 in the same way as power supply 112, the deterioration of power supply 112 can be effectively suppressed.

[0074] Incidentally, if we exclude the losses that occur in the conductors and switches that electrically connect the power supply 112 to the auxiliary power supply 411 when power is supplied from the power supply 112 to the auxiliary power supply 411, the total amount of energy possessed by the power supply 112 and the auxiliary power supply 411 is preserved before and after power supply. Therefore, if the remaining energy value of the power supply 112 is high, actively supplying power from the power supply 112 to the auxiliary power supply 411 will preserve the total amount of energy possessed by the flavor generating device 100 while effectively suppressing the deterioration of the power supply 112 caused by prolonged inactivity.

[0075] Thus, the temperature control unit 410 and auxiliary power supply 411, which belong to the third auxiliary equipment, can play a role in suppressing the degradation of the power supply 112. However, supplying power from the power supply 112 to the temperature control unit 410 and auxiliary power supply 411 reduces the remaining charge value of the power supply 112. If the control unit 115 allows this regardless of the remaining charge value of the power supply 112, the operating time of the generation unit 300 will be shortened. Therefore, the remaining charge value is set to a threshold TH. D Only when the value is higher than the specified value does the control unit 115 permit power supply from the power supply 112 to the third auxiliary device. This effectively suppresses the degradation of the power supply 112 while extending the operating time of the generation unit 300. The control unit 115 determines when the remaining amount is the threshold TH C If the remaining amount is lower than the threshold TH B If the value is higher than the specified value, power supply to the atomizing unit 320 is permitted, power supply to auxiliary equipment other than the third auxiliary equipment is permitted, power supply to the heating unit 310 is suppressed, and power supply to the third auxiliary equipment is suppressed (third process).

[0076] In an embodiment, threshold TH C This is an example of a first lower threshold used to determine whether or not to allow power supply to the heating unit 310. The remaining amount is the threshold TH. C If the value is lower than the threshold TH, the power supply to the heating unit 310 is suppressed, and power supply to auxiliary components other than the third auxiliary component is permitted. C This can be considered an example of a lower threshold value that is smaller than the charging termination value.

[0077] In another example, the threshold TH C This value may be defined as the point at which sufficient flavor cannot be delivered from the flavor source to the user's mouth due to the power supply to the heating unit 310.

[0078] As described above, the flavoring unit 130 may be configured such that the aerosol generated by the atomizing unit 320 passes through its interior, thereby imparting flavor to the aerosol. In this embodiment, by supplying power only to the atomizing unit 320 of the heating unit 310 and the atomizing unit 320, the flavored aerosol can be delivered to the user's oral cavity. In other words, the heating unit 310 is used to increase the amount of flavor imparted to the aerosol. In such an embodiment, threshold TH C This value may be defined as a value at which the flavor imparted to the aerosol cannot be increased even when power is supplied to the heating unit 310, or can only be increased to an extent that is imperceptible to the user.

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

[0080] The control unit 115 determines when the remaining amount is the threshold TH B If the remaining amount is lower than the threshold TH A If the value is higher than the specified value, power supply to auxiliary components other than the third auxiliary component is permitted, power supply to all generation units 300 is suppressed, and power supply to the third auxiliary component is suppressed (fourth process).

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

[0082] The remaining amount is the threshold TH B If the value is lower than this, the power supply to the generation unit 300 is suppressed, and power supply to the auxiliary equipment other than the third auxiliary equipment (the first and second auxiliary equipment) is permitted. Therefore, the threshold TH B This can be considered an example of a lower threshold value that is smaller than the charging termination value.

[0083] If the remaining charge of power supply 112 is too low to generate a predetermined amount of aerosol, supplying power to the atomizing unit 320 will only waste the power stored in power supply 112. Therefore, the remaining charge should be set to a threshold TH. B When the level is lower than this, the control unit 115 suppresses the power supply from the power supply 112 to the atomizing unit 320, thereby avoiding such waste and extending the operating time of the low-level auxiliary device described later.

[0084] The control unit 115 determines when the remaining amount is the threshold TH A If the value is lower than the discharge termination value, power supply to auxiliary equipment other than the third auxiliary equipment and the communication unit 412 is permitted, while power supply to all generating units 300 is suppressed, and power supply to the third auxiliary equipment and the communication unit 412 is suppressed (fifth process).

[0085] In this embodiment, the remaining amount is the threshold TH A The control unit 115 determines whether or not to suppress the power supply to the communication unit 412 based on whether or not the remaining power is higher than the specified value. In other words, the control unit 115 is configured to increase the number of auxiliary devices for which power supply should be suppressed for two or more second auxiliary devices as the remaining power value decreases. When the control unit 115 suppresses the power supply to the communication unit 412, it allows power supply to auxiliary devices other than the communication unit 412.

[0086] The notification unit 413, memory, and detection unit are closely related to the status of the flavor generator 100 and the power supply 112. On the other hand, the communication unit 412 does not perform such functions. In other words, the communication unit 412 is less important than the notification unit 413, memory, and detection unit. Therefore, when the remaining charge value decreases, it is preferable for the control unit 115 to suppress power supply before the notification unit 413, memory, and detection unit.

[0087] The control unit 115 suppresses power supply to all generating units 300 and all auxiliary equipment 400 when the remaining charge value is lower than the discharge termination value and the remaining charge value is higher than the operating guarantee value. However, it permits power supply for the charging alert function described above (sixth process). Here, the control unit 115 may transition to a sleep state that suppresses power consumption after notifying a charging alert for a certain period of time.

[0088] At least a portion of the second auxiliary equipment is designated as a low-power auxiliary equipment because it is permitted to supply power until the remaining charge value reaches the discharge termination value.

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

[0090] As shown in Figure 5, in step S10, the flavor generating device 100 determines that the remaining amount is the threshold TH. D Determine whether it is higher than or equal to [a certain value]. If the result of the determination is YES, the process in step S15 is performed. If the result of the determination is NO, the process in step S11 is performed.

[0091] In step S11, the flavor generator 100 determines that the remaining amount is the threshold TH. CDetermine whether it is higher than or equal to [a certain value]. If the result of the determination is YES, the process in step S16 is performed. If the result of the determination is NO, the process in step S12 is performed.

[0092] In step S12, the flavor generator 100 determines when the remaining amount is the threshold TH. B Determine whether it is higher than or equal to [a certain value]. If the result of the determination is YES, the process in step S17 is performed. If the result of the determination is NO, the process in step S13 is performed.

[0093] In step S13, the flavor generator 100 determines when the remaining amount is the threshold TH. A Determine whether it is higher than or equal to [a certain value]. If the result of the determination is YES, the process in step S18 is performed. If the result of the determination is NO, the process in step S14 is performed.

[0094] In step S14, the flavor generator 100 determines whether the remaining amount is higher than the discharge termination value. If the determination result is YES, the process in step S19 is performed. If the determination result is NO, the process in step S20 is performed.

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

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

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

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

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

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

[0101] (Mechanism of Action and Effects) In this embodiment, the flavor generator 100 suppresses the power supply to at least one of the generating unit 300 and the auxiliary equipment 400 when the remaining power level is higher than the discharge termination value. With this configuration, not all functions are uniformly stopped. That is, in the case where the power supply to the generating unit 300 is suppressed, the remaining power supply used by the auxiliary equipment 400, which should operate even after the operation of the generating unit 300 has stopped, can be secured. In the case where the power supply to the auxiliary equipment 400 is suppressed, by prioritizing the securing of the remaining power supply used by the generating unit 300, the operating time of the generating unit 300 can be extended or the amount of flavor generated by the generating unit can be increased.

[0102] [Example of change 1] The following describes Example 1 of the modified embodiment. The following describes the differences from the embodiment.

[0103] In this embodiment, no particular priority is set for the second auxiliary components other than the communication unit 412. In contrast, in Modification Example 1, a priority is set for the second auxiliary components other than the communication unit 412. In Figure 6, the threshold TH B Values ​​greater than this are omitted. In Figure 6, TH A >TH R >TH Q >TH P The relationship with the discharge termination value holds true.

[0104] As shown in Figure 6, the control unit 115 determines when the remaining amount is the threshold TH R If the remaining charge is lower than the specified value, power supply to the external environment detection unit 418 and the attachment / detachment detection unit 419 may be suppressed. These are not related to acquiring information about the power supply 112 or writing to or reading from memory. Therefore, they are less important than the auxiliary devices whose power supply is suppressed at lower remaining charge values.

[0105] The control unit 115 determines when the remaining amount is the threshold TH QIf the power supply to the non-volatile memory 415 is lower than the specified value, the power supply to the non-volatile memory 415 may be further stopped. As mentioned above, the non-volatile memory 415 can retain information even when the power supply is suppressed. Therefore, compared to volatile memory, which cannot retain information when the power supply is suppressed, the non-volatile memory 415 has less impact on the flavor generator 100 when the power supply is suppressed.

[0106] The control unit 115 determines when the remaining amount is the threshold TH P If the level is lower than the specified level, power supply to the notification unit 413 (other than the charging alert), the volatile memory 414, and the battery temperature detection unit 417 may be further stopped. When a charging alert is executed, the control unit 115 and the notification unit 413 consume the remaining power of the power supply 112, so it is preferable that the charging alert be executed at an appropriate time to suppress a decrease in the remaining power of the power supply 112. In order to suppress a decrease in remaining power, the charging alert may be executed when the suction detection unit 416 detects suction.

[0107] The control unit 115 may further stop supplying power to the suction detection unit 416 if the remaining charge value is lower than the discharge termination value.

[0108] With this configuration, a priority order can be set for the second auxiliary equipment, ensuring that the remaining power supply 112 used by the second auxiliary equipment with the highest priority is secured, thereby extending the operating time of the second auxiliary equipment with the highest priority.

[0109] Furthermore, the priority order for the second auxiliary equipment other than the communication unit 412 may be different from that of the embodiment described above.

[0110] As another example, the control unit 115 determines that the remaining amount is the threshold TH. P The control unit 115 may stop supplying power to the suction detection unit 416 if the remaining charge value is lower than the discharge termination value. The control unit 115 may also stop supplying power to the notification unit 413 (except for the charging alert), the volatile memory 414, and the battery temperature detection unit 417 if the remaining charge value is lower than the discharge termination value. This allows the control unit 115 to detect the state of the power supply 112 until the remaining charge value of the power supply 112 reaches the discharge termination value. Thus, the safety of the flavor generator 100 is improved. As another example, the user may be allowed to freely set the priority of the second auxiliary equipment other than the communication unit 412, or based on a predetermined algorithm.

[0111] [Example of change 2] The following describes a modified example of the embodiment 2. The differences from the embodiment are described below.

[0112] Although not specifically mentioned in the embodiment, Modification Example 2 describes an example of the remaining charge value of the power supply 112. The remaining charge value of the power supply 112 can be the charge state (SOC: State of Charge) of the power supply 112.

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

[0114] Alternatively, the control unit 112 may calculate the charge state of the power supply 112 based on the integrated value of the current being charged and discharged to the power supply 112. More specifically, the control unit 112 calculates the increase or decrease in the charge state in relation to the current by measuring the current being charged and discharged to the power supply 112.

[0115] In these cases, the control unit 112 may be configured to acquire a correction factor that includes at least one of the following: the internal resistance of the power supply 112, the degradation state of the power supply 112, and the temperature of the power supply 112. The control unit 112 may also correct the charge state of the power supply 112 based on the correction factor. For example, the internal resistance of the power supply 112 is a factor that affects the characteristics of the SOC-OCV curve or SOC-OCV straight line described above. The degradation state of the power supply 112 is a factor that affects the capacity at full charge. The temperature of the power supply 112 is a factor that affects the characteristics of the SOC-OCV curve or SOC-OCV straight line described above.

[0116] [Example of change 3] The following describes a third modified embodiment. The differences from the original embodiment are described below.

[0117] In this embodiment, the flavor generating device 100 has a remaining amount value that is a threshold TH C If the remaining amount is higher than the threshold TH, power supply to both the heating unit 310 and the atomizing unit 320 is permitted, and the remaining amount is greater than the threshold TH. C If the value is lower than the specified value, the power supply to the heating unit 310 is suppressed, and the power supply to the atomizing unit 320 is permitted.

[0118] In contrast, in Modification Example 3, the flavor generating device 100, similar to the embodiment, uses a remaining amount value that corresponds to the threshold TH. C If the remaining amount is higher than the threshold TH, power supply to both the heating unit 310 and the atomizing unit 320 is permitted. C If the value is lower than the specified value, power supply is permitted to the selected unit from the heating unit 310 and the atomizing unit 32. Such a selection may be made by the user. Alternatively, such a selection may be made automatically based on past user selections or selections by other users. For example, the automatic selection may be made by AI (Artificial Intelligence).

[0119] [Example of change 4] The following describes a modified example of the embodiment, specifically example 4. The differences from the embodiment are described below.

[0120] In the embodiments described, a case was described in which the flavor source and the aerosol source are separate. In contrast, Modification Example 4 describes a case in which an aerosol generating article comprising both a flavor source and an aerosol source is provided. For example, the aerosol generating article may be a rod composed of tobacco products. In such a case, the generating unit 300 heats the aerosol generating article. The generating unit 300 may be provided with either a heating unit 310 or an atomizing unit 320.

[0121] In such cases, the flavor generator 100 (control unit 115) is configured to suppress power supply to the generation unit 300 when the remaining amount is higher than the discharge termination value and the remaining amount is below the second lower threshold. The second lower threshold is defined as the value at which power supply to the generation unit 300 prevents the generation of more than a predetermined amount of aerosol from the aerosol generating article, or prevents the delivery of flavor from the aerosol generating article to the user's oral cavity.

[0122] In other words, relating to the embodiment described above, the second lower threshold is the threshold TH shown in Figure 4. C It can be considered that this is the case, and the threshold TH shown in Figure 4 B It is reasonable to consider this to be the case. However, it should be noted that in modification example 4, the heating section 310 and the atomizing section 320 are not provided as separate components.

[0123] [Other embodiments] Although the present invention has been described by the embodiments described above, the descriptions and drawings that constitute part of this disclosure should not be understood as limiting the invention. Various alternative embodiments, examples, and operational techniques will become apparent to those skilled in the art from this disclosure.

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

[0125] In this embodiment, an example was given in which the auxiliary equipment 400 is provided as the auxiliary equipment listed in Figure 3. However, the embodiment is not limited to this. It is sufficient that the auxiliary equipment 400 is provided as at least one of the auxiliary equipment listed in Figure 3.

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

[0127] Alternatively, a chip may be provided comprising a memory for storing programs for executing each process performed by the flavor generating device 100 (control unit 115), and a processor for executing the programs stored in the memory.

Claims

[Claim 1] A flavor generating device, First power supply and A second power source that receives power from the first power source, A heating unit that receives power from at least one of the first power supply and the second power supply to heat the flavor source, A control unit that controls notifications of the status of the flavor generator, such as executing a first notification regarding the remaining amount of power and executing a second notification different from the first notification, Equipped with, The second notification, according to user settings, This is performed when the value relating to the remaining power is higher than the first threshold, or Even if the value relating to the remaining power is higher than the first threshold, it will be suppressed. Flavor generator.

Images