Control unit of the aerosol generating device

Abstract

To acquire a residual amount or a consumption amount of a flavor source or an aerosol source of an aerosol generation device accurately.SOLUTION: A power unit 10 of an aerosol generation device 1 includes an inhalation sensor 15 and an MCU 50 configured so as to control electric discharge from a power source 12 to a first load 21 for atomizing an aerosol source 22. The MCU 50 acquires an inhalation time, which is the length of each of the inhalation, and a supply time tsense, which is the length of the electric discharge to the first load 21 corresponding to each of the inhalation on the basis of the output of the inhalation sensor 15, and acquires at least one of a residual amount and a consumption amount of a flavor source 33 for imparting a flavor to the aerosol generated from the aerosol source 22 on the basis of the inhalation time and the supply time tsense.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 17

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a control unit of an aerosol generating device. [Background technology]

[0002] Patent Document 1 describes a non-combustion flavor inhaler that includes an atomization unit that atomizes an aerosol source without combustion, a battery that stores power to be supplied to the atomization unit, and a control unit that outputs predetermined instructions to the battery to instruct the battery to ensure that the amount of aerosol atomized by the atomization unit falls within a desired range, and the control unit stops the supply of power from the battery to the atomization unit when a predetermined period of time has elapsed since the start of power supply to the atomization unit.

[0003] Patent document 2 describes an inhalation device that includes an element configured to contribute to the generation of aerosol by consuming accumulated capacity, a sensor configured to detect a predetermined variable, a notification unit configured to notify a person inhaling the aerosol, and causes the notification unit to function when the capacity is less than a threshold value and the variable satisfies a predetermined condition for requesting the generation of aerosol. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] International Publication No. 2016 / 076147 [Patent Document 2] Patent No. 6462965 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] It is desirable for an aerosol generating device that generates an aerosol so that the aerosol can be inhaled to be able to accurately determine the consumption state of a flavor source or an aerosol source in order to stably provide a flavored aerosol to a user.

[0006] It is an object of the present invention to accurately obtain the remaining or consumed amount of a flavor source or aerosol source in an aerosol generating device. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] The control unit of an aerosol generating device of one embodiment of the present invention comprises a sensor capable of outputting a user's inhalation, and a processing device configured to control discharge from a power source to a atomizer that atomizes the aerosol source, and the processing device is configured to obtain an suction time, which is the length of each suction, and a discharge time, which is the length of discharge to the atomizer corresponding to each suction, based on the output of the sensor, and to obtain at least one of the remaining amount of a flavor source that imparts flavor to the aerosol generated from the aerosol source and the consumption amount of the flavor source based on the suction time and the discharge time. Effect of the Invention

[0009] According to the present invention, the remaining or consumed amount of a flavor source or aerosol source can be accurately obtained. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0010] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a schematic configuration of an aerosol generating device. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is another perspective view of the aerosol generating device of FIG. [Diagram 3] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the aerosol generating device of FIG. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a power supply unit in the aerosol generation device of FIG. [Diagram 5] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing the hardware configuration of the aerosol generating device of FIG. [Figure 6] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing a modified example of the hardware configuration of the aerosol generation device in FIG. [Figure 7] 2 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of the aerosol generation device of FIG. [Figure 8] 2 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of the aerosol generation device of FIG. [Figure 9] 11 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a power threshold Pmax and an increase width ΔP. [Figure 10] 9 is a schematic diagram showing atomization power supplied to the first load 21 in step S17 of FIG. 8. FIG. [Figure 11] 9 is a schematic diagram showing atomization power supplied to the first load 21 in step S19 in FIG. 8. FIG. [Figure 12] 13 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a table showing the relationship between the remaining amount of flavor components and the remaining amount of a reservoir. FIG. [Figure 13] 13 is a schematic diagram showing an example of correction data when the suction time is equal to or shorter than the upper limit time tupper. FIG. [Figure 14] 13 is a schematic diagram showing an example of correction data when the suction time exceeds an upper limit time tupper. FIG. [Figure 15] 13 is a schematic diagram showing an example of correction data when the suction time is equal to or shorter than the upper limit time tupper. FIG. [Figure 16] 13 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of the aerosol generation device 1 of the third modified example. [Figure 17] 13 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of the aerosol generation device 1 of the third modified example. [Figure 18] 13 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of the aerosol generation device 1 of the third modified example. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0011] Hereinafter, an aerosol generation apparatus 1, which is one embodiment of the aerosol generation apparatus of the present invention, will be described with reference to Figs.

[0012] (Aerosol generating device) The aerosol generation device 1 is a device for generating an aerosol to which a flavor component is added without combustion and making it inhalable, and has a rod shape extending along a predetermined direction (hereinafter referred to as a longitudinal direction X) as shown in Figs. 1 and 2. The aerosol generation device 1 is provided with a power supply unit 10, a first cartridge 20, and a second cartridge 30 in this order along the longitudinal direction X. The first cartridge 20 is detachable (in other words, replaceable) from the power supply unit 10. The second cartridge 30 is detachable (in other words, replaceable) from the first cartridge 20. As shown in Fig. 3, the first cartridge 20 is provided with a first load 21 and a second load 31. The overall shape of the aerosol generation device 1 is not limited to the shape in which the power supply unit 10, the first cartridge 20, and the second cartridge 30 are arranged in a line as shown in Fig. 1. Any shape, such as a substantially box-like shape, may be adopted as long as the first cartridge 20 and the second cartridge 30 are configured to be replaceable with respect to the power supply unit 10. The second cartridge 30 may be detachable from the power supply unit 10 (in other words, replaceable).

[0013] (Power supply unit) As shown in Figures 3, 4, and 5, the power supply unit 10 accommodates a power supply 12, a charging IC 55A, an MCU (Micro Controller Unit) 50, a DC / DC converter 51, an intake sensor 15, a temperature detection element T1 including a voltage sensor 52 and a current sensor 53, a temperature detection element T2 including a voltage sensor 54 and a current sensor 55, a first notification unit 45, and a second notification unit 46 inside a cylindrical power supply unit case 11.

[0014] The power source 12 is a rechargeable secondary battery, an electric double layer capacitor, or the like, and is preferably a lithium ion secondary battery. The electrolyte of the power source 12 may be one of a gel electrolyte, an electrolytic solution, a solid electrolyte, and an ionic liquid, or a combination of these.

[0015] As shown in Figure 5, the MCU 50 is connected to various sensor devices such as an intake sensor 15, a voltage sensor 52, a current sensor 53, a voltage sensor 54, and a current sensor 55, a DC / DC converter 51, an operation unit 14, a first notification unit 45, and a second notification unit 46, and performs various controls of the aerosol generating device 1.

[0016] The MCU 50 is mainly composed of a processor, and further includes a memory 50a composed of storage media such as a RAM (Random Access Memory) necessary for the operation of the processor and a ROM (Read Only Memory) for storing various information. In this specification, the processor is specifically an electric circuit that combines circuit elements such as semiconductor elements.

[0017] 4, a discharge terminal 41 is provided on a top portion 11a located on one end side (first cartridge 20 side) in the longitudinal direction X of the power supply unit case 11. The discharge terminal 41 is provided so as to protrude from an upper surface of the top portion 11a toward the first cartridge 20, and is configured to be electrically connectable to each of the first load 21 and the second load 31 of the first cartridge 20.

[0018] Further, an air supply unit 42 that supplies air to the first load 21 of the first cartridge 20 is provided on the upper surface of the top portion 11a, in the vicinity of the discharge terminal 41.

[0019] A charging terminal 43 that can be electrically connected to an external power source (not shown) is provided on the bottom portion 11b located on the other end side (opposite the first cartridge 20) in the longitudinal direction X of the power supply unit case 11. The charging terminal 43 is provided on a side surface of the bottom portion 11b, and can be connected to, for example, a Universal Serial Bus (USB) terminal or a microUSB terminal.

[0020] The charging terminal 43 may be a power receiving unit capable of contactlessly receiving power transmitted from an external power source. In such a case, the charging terminal 43 (power receiving unit) may be composed of a power receiving coil. The method of contactless power transmission (Wireless Power Transfer) may be an electromagnetic induction type, a magnetic resonance type, or a combination of the electromagnetic induction type and the magnetic resonance type. The charging terminal 43 may also be a power receiving unit capable of contactlessly receiving power transmitted from an external power source. As another example, the charging terminal 43 may be connectable to a USB terminal or a microUSB terminal, and may have the above-mentioned power receiving unit.

[0021] The power supply unit case 11 has an operation unit 14 that can be operated by the user, which is provided on a side surface of the top portion 11a so as to face the opposite side to the charging terminal 43. More specifically, the operation unit 14 and the charging terminal 43 are in a point-symmetric relationship with respect to the intersection point of a straight line connecting the operation unit 14 and the charging terminal 43 and the center line of the power supply unit 10 in the longitudinal direction X. The operation unit 14 is configured with a button-type switch, a touch panel, or the like. When a predetermined startup operation is performed by the operation unit 14 while the power supply unit 10 is in a power-off state, the operation unit 14 outputs a startup command for the power supply unit 10 to the MCU 50. When the MCU 50 receives this startup command, it starts up the power supply unit 10.

[0022] 3, an intake sensor 15 for detecting a puff (inhalation) action is provided near the operation unit 14. An air intake port (not shown) for taking in outside air is provided in the power supply unit case 11. The air intake port may be provided around the operation unit 14 or around the charging terminal 43.

[0023] The intake sensor 15 is configured to output a value of a pressure (internal pressure) change in the power supply unit 10 caused by the user inhaling through the suction port 32 described below. The intake sensor 15 is, for example, a pressure sensor that outputs an output value (for example, a voltage value or a current value) according to the internal pressure that changes according to the flow rate of air sucked from the air intake port toward the suction port 32 (i.e., the user's puffing action). The intake sensor 15 may output an analog value, or may output a digital value converted from the analog value.

[0024] In order to compensate for the detected pressure, the intake sensor 15 may incorporate a temperature sensor that detects the temperature (outside air temperature) of the environment in which the power supply unit 10 is placed. The intake sensor 15 may be composed of a condenser microphone or the like instead of a pressure sensor.

[0025] When the output value of the inhalation sensor 15 becomes equal to or greater than the output threshold value as a result of the puffing operation, the MCU 50 determines that an aerosol generation request (a command to atomize the aerosol source 22, described later) has been made, and when the output value of the inhalation sensor 15 subsequently falls below this output threshold value, the MCU 50 determines that the aerosol generation request has ended. Note that, in the aerosol generating device 1, in order to prevent the first load 21 from overheating, etc., the period during which the aerosol generation request is made (i.e., the period during which the user's inhalation operation is continued) is set to an upper limit time t upper When the time period (for example, 2.4 seconds) is reached, the discharge for heating the first load 21 is stopped.

[0026] The charging IC 55A is disposed in the vicinity of the charging terminal 43, and controls charging of the power input from the charging terminal 43 to the power source 12. The charging IC 55A may be disposed in the vicinity of the MCU 50.

[0027] (1st cartridge) As shown in FIG. 3, the first cartridge 20 includes, inside a cylindrical cartridge case 27, a reservoir 23 constituting a storage section for storing the aerosol source 22, a first load 21 constituting an atomizer that atomizes the aerosol source 22 to generate an aerosol, a wick 24 that draws the aerosol source 22 from the reservoir 23 to the position of the first load 21, an aerosol flow path 25 that constitutes a cooling passage for adjusting the particle size of the aerosol generated by atomization of the aerosol source 22 to a size suitable for inhalation, an end cap 26 that accommodates a part of the second cartridge 30, and a second load 31 provided on the end cap 26 for heating the second cartridge 30.

[0028] Reservoir 23 is partitioned and formed so as to surround the periphery of aerosol flow path 25, and stores aerosol source 22. Reservoir 23 may contain a porous body such as a resin web or cotton, and the porous body may be impregnated with aerosol source 22. Reservoir 23 may not contain a porous body on the resin web or cotton, and may store only aerosol source 22. Aerosol source 22 contains a liquid such as glycerin, propylene glycol, or water.

[0029] The wick 24 is a liquid holding member that draws the aerosol source 22 from the reservoir 23 to the position of the first load 21 by utilizing capillary action. The wick 24 constitutes a holding portion that holds the aerosol source 22 supplied from the reservoir 23 at a position where the aerosol source 22 can be atomized by the first load 21. The wick 24 is made of, for example, glass fiber or porous ceramic.

[0030] The aerosol source 22 contained in the first cartridge 20 is held in each of the reservoir 23 and the wick 24. In the following, the remaining amount of the aerosol source 22 stored in the reservoir 23 is referred to as the reservoir remaining amount W reservoir is treated as the remaining amount of the aerosol source 22 contained in the first cartridge 20. reservoir The reservoir remaining amount W is set to 100% when the first cartridge 20 is brand new, and decreases as aerosol generation (atomization of the aerosol source 22) proceeds.reservoir is calculated by the MCU 50 and stored in the memory 50a of the MCU 50. reservoir This is sometimes simply referred to as the remaining reservoir capacity.

[0031] First load 21 atomizes aerosol source 22 by heating aerosol source 22 without combustion using power supplied from power source 12 via discharge terminal 41. In principle, the more power supplied from power source 12 to first load 21, the greater the amount of aerosol source that is atomized. First load 21 is formed of an electric heating wire (coil) wound at a predetermined pitch.

[0032] The first load 21 may be any element capable of generating an aerosol by heating the aerosol source 22 and atomizing the aerosol source 22. The first load 21 is, for example, a heating element. Examples of the heating element include a heating resistor, a ceramic heater, and an induction heater.

[0033] A load having a correlation between temperature and electrical resistance is used as the first load 21. For example, the first load 21 has a PTC (Positive Temperature Coefficient) characteristic in which the electrical resistance increases with an increase in temperature.

[0034] The aerosol flow path 25 is provided downstream of the first load 21 and on the center line L of the power supply unit 10. The end cap 26 includes a cartridge accommodating portion 26a that accommodates a part of the second cartridge 30, and a communication passage 26b that communicates between the aerosol flow path 25 and the cartridge accommodating portion 26a.

[0035] The second load 31 is embedded in the cartridge housing portion 26a. The second load 31 heats the second cartridge 30 (more specifically, the flavor source 33 contained therein) housed in the cartridge housing portion 26a by power supplied from the power source 12 via the discharge terminal 41. The second load 31 is formed, for example, of an electric heating wire (coil) wound at a predetermined pitch.

[0036] The second load 31 may be any element capable of heating the second cartridge 30. The second load 31 is, for example, a heating element. Examples of the heating element include a heating resistor, a ceramic heater, and an induction heater.

[0037] The second load 31 has a correlation between temperature and an electric resistance value, and may have, for example, a PTC characteristic.

[0038] (2nd cartridge) The second cartridge 30 stores the flavor source 33. The second cartridge 30 is heated by the second load 31, and the flavor source 33 is heated. The second cartridge 30 is detachably housed in a cartridge housing portion 26a provided in the end cap 26 of the first cartridge 20. The end of the second cartridge 30 opposite to the first cartridge 20 side is a mouthpiece 32 for the user. The mouthpiece 32 is not limited to being integrally and inseparably formed with the second cartridge 30, and may be detachably formed with the second cartridge 30. By forming the mouthpiece 32 separately from the power supply unit 10 and the first cartridge 20 in this way, the mouthpiece 32 can be kept hygienic.

[0039] The second cartridge 30 adds flavor components to the aerosol generated by atomizing the aerosol source 22 by the first load 21 by passing the aerosol through the flavor source 33. The raw material pieces constituting the flavor source 33 may be cut tobacco or a molded product obtained by molding a tobacco raw material into a granular shape. The flavor source 33 may be made of a plant other than tobacco (e.g., mint, Chinese medicine, herbs, etc.). A flavoring such as menthol may be added to the flavor source 33.

[0040] In the aerosol generation device 1, an aerosol to which a flavor component has been added can be generated by the aerosol source 22 and the flavor source 33. In other words, the aerosol source 22 and the flavor source 33 configure an aerosol generation source that generates an aerosol.

[0041] The aerosol generation source in the aerosol generation device 1 is a part that is replaced and used by the user. This part is provided to the user as one set, for example, one first cartridge 20 and one or more (for example, five) second cartridges 30. Note that the first cartridge 20 and the second cartridge 30 may be integrated into one cartridge.

[0042] In the aerosol generating device 1 configured in this manner, as shown by arrow B in Fig. 3, air flowing in from an inlet (not shown) provided in the power supply unit case 11 passes through the vicinity of the first load 21 of the first cartridge 20 from the air supply unit 42. The first load 21 atomizes the aerosol source 22 drawn from the reservoir 23 by the wick 24. The atomized aerosol flows through the aerosol flow path 25 together with the air flowing in from the inlet, and is supplied to the second cartridge 30 via the communication passage 26b. The aerosol supplied to the second cartridge 30 passes through the flavor source 33, whereby flavor components are added, and is supplied to the mouthpiece 32.

[0043] The aerosol generating device 1 is also provided with a first notification section 45 and a second notification section 46 for notifying the user of various information (see FIG. 5). The first notification section 45 is for notifying the user by acting on the user's sense of touch, and is constituted by a vibration element such as a vibrator. The second notification section 46 is for notifying the user by acting on the user's sense of sight, and is constituted by a light-emitting element such as an LED (Light Emitting Diode). As a notification section for notifying various information, a sound output element may be further provided for notifying the user by acting on the user's sense of hearing. The first notification section 45 and the second notification section 46 may be provided in any of the power supply unit 10, the first cartridge 20, and the second cartridge 30, but are preferably provided in the power supply unit 10. For example, the periphery of the operation section 14 is configured to have translucency and emit light by a light-emitting element such as an LED.

[0044] (Power supply unit details) 5, when the first cartridge 20 is attached to the power supply unit 10, the DC / DC converter 51 is connected between the first load 21 and the power supply 12. The MCU 50 is connected between the DC / DC converter 51 and the power supply 12. When the first cartridge 20 is attached to the power supply unit 10, the second load 31 is connected between the MCU 50 and the DC / DC converter 51. Thus, in the power supply unit 10, when the first cartridge 20 is attached, the series circuit of the DC / DC converter 51 and the first load 21 and the second load 31 are connected in parallel to the power supply 12.

[0045] The DC / DC converter 51 is a boost circuit capable of boosting an input voltage, and is configured to be able to supply a boosted voltage of the input voltage or the input voltage to the first load 21. The DC / DC converter 51 can adjust the power supplied to the first load 21, so that the amount of the aerosol source 22 atomized by the first load 21 can be controlled. As the DC / DC converter 51, for example, a switching regulator that converts the input voltage into a desired output voltage by controlling the on / off time of a switching element while monitoring the output voltage can be used. When a switching regulator is used as the DC / DC converter 51, the input voltage can also be output as is without boosting it by controlling the switching element.

[0046] The processor of the MCU 50 is configured to acquire the temperature of the flavor source 33 and the temperature of the second load 31 in order to control the discharge to the second load 31. The processor of the MCU 50 is also preferably configured to acquire the temperature of the first load 21. The temperature of the first load 21 can be used to prevent overheating of the first load 21 or the aerosol source 22, and to precisely control the amount of the aerosol source 22 that the first load 21 atomizes.

[0047] The voltage sensor 52 measures and outputs a voltage value applied to the second load 31. The current sensor 53 measures and outputs a current value flowing through the second load 31. The outputs of the voltage sensor 52 and the current sensor 53 are each input to the MCU 50. The processor of the MCU 50 obtains a resistance value of the second load 31 based on the outputs of the voltage sensor 52 and the current sensor 53, and obtains a temperature of the second load 31 according to this resistance value. The temperature of the second load 31 does not strictly match the temperature of the flavor source 33 heated by the second load 31, but can be considered to be approximately the same as the temperature of the flavor source 33.

[0048] If a constant current is applied to the second load 31 when the resistance value of the second load 31 is acquired, the temperature detection element T1 does not require the current sensor 53. Similarly, if a constant voltage is applied to the second load 31 when the resistance value of the second load 31 is acquired, the temperature detection element T1 does not require the voltage sensor 52.

[0049] 6, instead of the temperature detection element T1, the first cartridge 20 may be provided with a temperature detection element T3 for detecting the temperature of the second cartridge 30 or the second load 31. The temperature detection element T3 is constituted by, for example, a thermistor disposed near the second cartridge 30 or the second load 31. In the configuration of FIG. 6, the processor of the MCU 50 obtains the temperature of the second load 31 or the temperature of the second cartridge 30, in other words, the temperature of the flavor source 33, based on the output of the temperature detection element T3.

[0050] As shown in Fig. 6, by acquiring the temperature of the flavor source 33 using the temperature detection element T3, it is possible to acquire the temperature of the flavor source 33 more accurately than acquiring the temperature of the flavor source 33 using the temperature detection element T1 of Fig. 5. The temperature detection element T3 may be configured to be mounted on the second cartridge 30. According to the configuration shown in Fig. 6 in which the temperature detection element T3 is mounted on the first cartridge 20, it is possible to reduce the manufacturing cost of the second cartridge 30, which is the cartridge that is most frequently replaced in the aerosol generation device 1.

[0051] 5, when the temperature of the flavor source 33 is obtained using the temperature detection element T1, the temperature detection element T1 can be provided in the power supply unit 10, which is replaced least frequently in the aerosol generation device 1. This allows the manufacturing costs of the first cartridge 20 and the second cartridge 30 to be reduced.

[0052] The voltage sensor 54 measures and outputs a voltage value applied to the first load 21. The current sensor 55 measures and outputs a current value flowing through the first load 21. The outputs of the voltage sensor 54 and the current sensor 55 are input to the MCU 50. The processor of the MCU 50 obtains the resistance value of the first load 21 based on the outputs of the voltage sensor 54 and the current sensor 55, and obtains the temperature of the first load 21 according to this resistance value. If a constant current is applied to the first load 21 when the resistance value of the first load 21 is obtained, the current sensor 55 is not required in the temperature detection element T2. Similarly, if a constant voltage is applied to the first load 21 when the resistance value of the first load 21 is obtained, the voltage sensor 54 is not required in the temperature detection element T2.

[0053] (MCU) Next, a description will be given of the functions of the MCU 50. The MCU 50 includes a temperature detection unit, a power control unit, and a notification control unit as functional blocks that are realized by a processor executing a program stored in a ROM.

[0054] The temperature detection unit obtains the temperature of the flavor source 33 based on the output of the temperature detection element T1 (or the temperature detection element T3). The temperature detection unit also obtains the temperature of the first load 21 based on the output of the temperature detection element T2.

[0055] The notification control unit controls the first notification unit 45 and the second notification unit 46 to notify various information. For example, the notification control unit controls at least one of the first notification unit 45 and the second notification unit 46 to issue a notification prompting replacement of the second cartridge 30 in response to detection of the timing to replace the second cartridge 30. The notification control unit is not limited to a notification prompting replacement of the second cartridge 30, and may also issue a notification prompting replacement of the first cartridge 20, a notification prompting replacement of the power source 12, a notification prompting charging of the power source 12, etc.

[0056] The power control unit controls the discharge (discharge required for heating the load) from the power source 12 to at least the first load 21 of the first load 21 and the second load 31 in response to a signal indicating an aerosol generation request output from the inhalation sensor 15. In other words, the power control unit performs at least the first discharge of the first discharge from the power source 12 to the first load 21 for atomizing the aerosol source 22 and the second discharge from the power source 12 to the second load 31 for heating the flavor source 33.

[0057] In this way, in the aerosol generation device 1, it is possible to heat the flavor source 33 by discharging electricity to the second load 31. It has been experimentally found that in order to increase the amount of flavor components added to the aerosol, it is effective to increase the amount of aerosol generated from the aerosol source 22 and to increase the temperature of the flavor source 33.

[0058] Therefore, the power control unit determines a unit amount of flavor (amount of flavor component W described below) which is the amount of flavor component to be added to the aerosol generated for each aerosol generation request based on information about the temperature of the flavor source 33. flavor The discharge for heating from the power source 12 to the first load 21 and the second load 31 is controlled so that the unit flavor amount (amount of flavor component W flavor ) to the target amount, it is possible to converge the unit flavor amount to a target range with a certain degree of width. flavorThe target amount may be expressed in units of weight.

[0059] In addition, the power control unit determines whether the temperature of the flavor source 33 is a target temperature (a target temperature T cap_target The discharge for heating from the power source 12 to the second load 31 is controlled so as to converge to the current I .

[0060] (Various parameters used in aerosol generation) Before proceeding to a description of the specific operation of the MCU 50, various parameters used in the discharge control for generating aerosol will be described below.

[0061] The weight [mg] of the aerosol generated in the first cartridge 20 by one inhalation action by the user is defined as the aerosol weight W aerosol The power required to be supplied to the first load 21 in order to generate this aerosol is expressed as atomization power P liquid The aerosol weight W aerosol Assuming that the aerosol source 22 is sufficiently present, the atomization power P liquid and atomization power P liquid The supply time t sense (In other words, the time during which the current is applied to or the time during which the discharge is performed to the first load 21). Therefore, the aerosol weight W aerosol can be modeled by the following formula (1). In formula (1), α is a coefficient obtained experimentally. Note that the supply time t sense is the upper limit time t upper is set as the upper limit. In addition, the following formula (1) may be replaced with formula (1A). In formula (1A), a positive intercept b is introduced into formula (1). This is because the atomization power P liquid is an optional term that can be introduced considering that a part of is used to heat the aerosol source 22 before atomization in the aerosol source 22. The intercept b can also be determined experimentally.

[0062]

number

[0063] Suction is n puff times(n puff is a natural number equal to or greater than 0), the weight [mg] of the flavor component contained in the flavor source 33 in the state in which the flavor component was removed is expressed as the remaining flavor component W capsule (n puff ) in the flavor source 33 of the second cartridge 30 in a new state. capsule (n puff =0)) to W initial The information about the temperature of the flavor source 33 is referred to as the capsule temperature parameter T capsule The weight [mg] of the flavor component added to the aerosol passing through the flavor source 33 by one inhalation action by the user is represented as the flavor component amount W flavor The information regarding the temperature of the flavor source 33 is, for example, the temperature of the flavor source 33 and the temperature of the second load 31 acquired based on the output of the temperature detection element T1 (or the temperature detection element T3). capsule (n puff ) may be simply referred to as the flavor component remaining amount. capsule (n puff ) may be described as the remaining amount of flavor source 33.

[0064] Flavor ingredient amount W flavor is the remaining amount of flavor components W capsule (n puff ), capsule temperature parameter T capsule , and the aerosol weight W aerosol It has been experimentally proven that the amount of flavor components depends on W flavor can be modeled by the following equation (2):

[0065]

number

[0066] Each time you inhale, the remaining flavor component W capsule (npuff ) is the amount of flavor component W flavor Therefore, n puff The remaining amount of flavor components when W is set to 1 or more capsule (n puff ), i.e., the amount of flavor components remaining after one or more puffs have been taken, can be modeled by the following equation (3):

[0067]

number

[0068] In formula (2), β is a coefficient that indicates the proportion of the flavor component contained in the flavor source 33 that is added to the aerosol in one inhalation, and is determined experimentally. In formula (2), γ and in formula (3), δ are each coefficients that are determined experimentally. During the period when one inhalation is performed, the capsule temperature parameter T capsule and flavor component remaining amount W capsule (n puff ) can vary, but in this model, γ and δ are introduced to treat them as constant values.

[0069] (Operation of the aerosol generating device) 7 and 8 are flow charts for explaining the operation of the aerosol generation device 1 in Fig. 1. When the aerosol generation device 1 is started (powered ON) by operating the operation unit 14 or the like (step S0: YES), the MCU 50 determines whether aerosol has been generated (whether the user has inhaled at least once) after the power has been turned ON or after the second cartridge 30 has been replaced (step S1).

[0070] For example, the MCU 50 receives n puff The puff number counter is built in and counts up from an initial value (for example, 0). The count value of this puff number counter is stored in memory 50a. MCU 50 refers to this count value to determine whether or not the state has been reached after at least one inhalation.

[0071] If it is the first inhalation after the power is turned on, or before the first inhalation after the second cartridge 30 is replaced (step S1: NO), the flavor source 33 has not yet been heated or has not been heated for a while, and the temperature of the flavor source 33 is likely to depend on the external environment. Therefore, in this case, the MCU 50 calculates the temperature of the flavor source 33 obtained based on the output of the temperature detection element T1 (or the temperature detection element T3) as the capsule temperature parameter T capsule The obtained temperature of the flavor source 33 is set as the target temperature T cap_target and stores it in the memory 50a (step S2).

[0072] In addition, when the determination in step S1 is NO, it is highly likely that the temperature of the flavor source 33 is close to the outside air temperature or the temperature of the power supply unit 10. Therefore, in step S2, as a modified example, the outside air temperature or the temperature of the power supply unit 10 is set as the capsule temperature parameter T capsule and set this to the target temperature T cap_target It is also possible to use the following.

[0073] The outside air temperature is preferably obtained, for example, from a temperature sensor built into the intake sensor 15. The temperature of the power supply unit 10 is preferably obtained, for example, from a temperature sensor built into the MCU 50 for managing the internal temperature of the MCU 50. In this case, both the temperature sensor built into the intake sensor 15 and the temperature sensor built into the MCU 50 function as elements that output information regarding the temperature of the flavor source 33.

[0074] In the aerosol generating device 1, as described above, the temperature of the flavor source 33 is set to the target temperature T cap_target Therefore, after the power source 12 is turned on or the second cartridge 30 is replaced, the temperature of the flavor source 33 is converged to the target temperature T cap_targetTherefore, in this case (step S1: YES), the MCU 50 sets the target temperature T cap_target , the capsule temperature parameter T capsule This is then used as the target temperature T cap_target (Step S3). In this case, the memory 50a functions as an element that outputs information related to the temperature of the flavor source 33.

[0075] In step S3, the MCU 50 calculates the temperature of the flavor source 33 obtained based on the output of the temperature detection element T1 (or the temperature detection element T3) as a capsule temperature parameter T capsule The obtained temperature of the flavor source 33 is set as the target temperature T cap_target In this way, the capsule temperature parameter T capsule can be obtained more accurately.

[0076] After step S2 or step S3, the MCU 50 adjusts the set target temperature T cap_target and the remaining flavor component amount W of the flavor source 33 at the present time capsule (n puff ) based on the target flavor component amount W flavor The aerosol weight W required to achieve aerosol is determined by the calculation of equation (4) (step S4). capsule T cap_target This is a modification of equation (2).

[0077]

number

[0078] Next, the MCU 50 calculates the aerosol weight W aerosol The atomization power P required to achieve this liquid t sense The upper limit time t upper The value is determined by the calculation of the formula (1) (step S5).

[0079] In addition, the target temperature T cap_target and flavor component remaining amount W capsule (n puff ) and the atomization power P liquid A table in which the power consumption and the power consumption are associated with each other is stored in the memory 50a of the MCU 50, and the MCU 50 uses this table to calculate the atomization power P liquid This allows the atomization power P liquid can be determined quickly and with low power consumption.

[0080] In the aerosol generating device 1, as described later, if the temperature of the flavor source 33 has not yet reached the target temperature at the time when a request for generating aerosol is detected, the amount of flavor component W flavor The shortage of aerosol weight W aerosol In order to secure the increase in the atomization power, the atomization power determined in step S5 is set to be equal to or smaller than the upper limit P upper It needs to be lower than that.

[0081] Specifically, after step S5, the MCU 50 sets the upper limit value P upper Lower power threshold P max (Step S6a). The MCU 50 sets the atomization power P determined in step S5. liquid This power threshold P max If the temperature exceeds the target temperature T cap_target (step S7), and the process returns to step S4. As can be seen from equation (4), the target temperature T cap_target By increasing the amount of flavor components, the target amount W flavor The aerosol weight W required to achieve aerosol As a result, the atomization power P determined in step S5 can be reduced. liquid By repeating steps S4 to S7, the MCU 50 can change the determination in step S6, which was initially NO, to YES, and move the process to step S8.

[0082] Power Threshold P max Although it may be a single fixed value, it is preferable that it is a variable value. max The atomization power determined in step S5 is set to any one of a plurality of values, as described above, based on the aerosol source 22 (reservoir remaining amount W reservoir ) is sufficiently large. However, even if the atomization power is the same, the remaining reservoir capacity W reservoir When there is a lot of water, the reservoir level W reservoir When the reservoir level W is low, reservoir When the reservoir remaining amount W is small, the amount of the aerosol source 22 supplied to the wick 24 is small, or it takes time for a sufficient amount of the aerosol source 22 to be retained in the wick 24, so that the desired aerosol weight may not be achieved. reservoir If the temperature of the flavor source 33 is low, the required aerosol weight may not be achieved. Therefore, it is preferable to increase the target temperature of the flavor source 33 accordingly to reduce the required aerosol weight.

[0083] From this perspective, in step S6a, the MCU 50 calculates the remaining amount W reservoir and the remaining reservoir volume W reservoir Based on the power threshold P max Specifically, the MCU 50 sets the remaining reservoir capacity W reservoir The higher the power threshold P max In other words, the MCU 50 sets the remaining reservoir amount W reservoir If the first remaining amount is W, the reservoir remaining amount is W reservoir is a second remaining amount different from the first remaining amount (e.g., a remaining amount greater than the first remaining amount), the power threshold P max In this way, the atomization power supplied to the first load 21 is set to a small value. reservoir Therefore, the reservoir remaining amount W reservoir It is therefore possible to achieve the target amount of flavor components without relying on the above.

[0084] Upper limit P upper During discharging from the power source 12 to the first load 21, the current flowing through the first load 21 and the voltage of the power source 12 are I and V, respectively. LIB and the upper limit of the boost rate of the DC / DC converter 51 is set to η upper and the upper limit of the output voltage of the DC / DC converter 51 is set to P DC / DC_upper and the electrical resistance value of the first load 21 in a state where the temperature of the first load 21 reaches the boiling point of the aerosol source 22 is represented as R HTR (T HTR =T B.P. ) is written. When written in this way, the upper limit P upper can be expressed by the following equation (5).

[0085]

number

[0086] In formula (5), Δ=0 is the upper limit P upper is an ideal value. However, in an actual circuit, it is necessary to take into consideration the resistance component of the conductor connected to the first load 21, resistance components other than the resistance component connected to the first load 21, etc. For this reason, an adjustment value Δ is introduced in equation (5) to provide a certain degree of margin.

[0087] In the aerosol generating device 1, the DC / DC converter 51 is not essential and can be omitted. When the DC / DC converter 51 is omitted, the upper limit value P upper can be expressed by the following equation (6).

[0088]

number

[0089] The MCU 50 determines the atomization power P liquid is the power threshold P max If it is equal to or lower than the temperature T cap_senseis acquired based on the output of the temperature detecting element T1 (or the temperature detecting element T3) (step S8).

[0090] And the MCU50 detects the temperature T cap_sense and the target temperature T cap_target Based on the temperature T cap_sense is the target temperature T cap_target Power is supplied to the second load 31 by PID (Proportional-Integral-Differential) control or ON / OFF control so that the power converges to the value obtained by the power supply control.

[0091] PID control is temperature T cap_sense and the target temperature T cap_target The difference between the temperature T cap_sense is the target temperature T cap_target According to PID control, the power is controlled so that the temperature T cap_sense The target temperature T cap_target It should be noted that the MCU 50 may use P (Proportional) control or PI (Proportional-Integral) control instead of PID control.

[0092] ON / OFF control is performed at temperature T cap_sense is the target temperature T cap_target When the temperature is less than T cap_sense is the target temperature T cap_target In the above state, the temperature T cap_sense is the target temperature T cap_target The ON / OFF control stops the power supply to the second load 31 until the temperature T cap_sense is the target temperature T cap_target This increases the possibility of reaching the target temperature T cap_target may have hysteresis.

[0093] After step S9, the MCU 50 judges whether or not there is a request to generate aerosol (step S10). If the MCU 50 does not detect a request to generate aerosol (step S10: NO), the MCU 50 judges the length of time during which no request to generate aerosol has been made (hereinafter, referred to as no-operation time) in step S11. If the no-operation time has reached a predetermined time (step S11: YES), the MCU 50 ends discharging to the second load 31 (step S12) and transitions to a sleep mode in which power consumption is reduced (step S13). If the no-operation time is less than the predetermined time (step S11: NO), the MCU 50 transitions to the process of step S8.

[0094] When the MCU 50 detects a request to generate an aerosol (step S10: YES), the MCU 50 ends the discharge to the second load 31 and detects the temperature T cap_sense Based on the output of the temperature detection element T1 (or the temperature detection element T3) (step S14), the MCU 50 acquires the temperature T cap_sense is the target temperature T cap_target It is determined whether or not the number is equal to or greater (step S15).

[0095] temperature T cap_sense is the target temperature T cap_target If the temperature of the flavor source 33 is insufficient, the MCU 50 increases the atomization power P liquid Specifically, first, the MCU 50 increases the remaining reservoir amount W reservoir Based on this, the increase width ΔP of the atomization power is determined (step S19a), and the atomization power P determined in step S5 is liquid The atomization power P obtained by adding this increase ΔP to liquid ' is supplied to first load 21 to start heating first load 21 (step S19).

[0096] The increase ΔP is the reservoir remaining capacity W reservoir9, the power threshold P max 13 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a combination of and an increase width ΔP.

[0097] In the example of FIG. 9, the increase ΔP is reservoir When the threshold value TH1 is exceeded, the reservoir remaining amount W reservoir When the remaining amount W of the reservoir is equal to or greater than the threshold value TH2 and less than the threshold value TH1, the remaining amount W of the reservoir is smaller than the value P1. reservoir When the threshold value is greater than or equal to TH2 and less than TH1, the remaining reservoir amount W reservoir In the example of FIG. 9, the power threshold P max is the remaining reservoir capacity W reservoir When the threshold value TH1 is exceeded, the reservoir remaining amount W reservoir When the remaining amount W of the reservoir is equal to or greater than the threshold value TH2 and less than the threshold value TH1, the remaining amount W of the reservoir is smaller than the value P2. reservoir When the threshold value is greater than or equal to TH2 and less than TH1, the remaining reservoir amount W reservoir The smaller the power threshold P max The remaining capacity of each reservoir W reservoir The power threshold P max The sum of the increase ΔP is the upper limit P upper The sum of values ​​P1 and P2 is equal to or less than the upper limit P upper The sum of values ​​P1 and P2 is the upper limit P upper It may be less than.

[0098] 9 is a value smaller than the threshold TH1, and is used for making a decision to suppress discharge for heating the first load 21. Suppressing discharge for heating the first load 21 means prohibiting discharge to the first load 21, or setting the power that can be discharged to the first load 21 lower than the minimum value of power supplied to the first load 21 for heating the first load 21 in response to an aerosol generation request.

[0099] For example, the MCU 50 may determine the remaining amount Wreservoir If the remaining amount W of the reservoir is less than the threshold value TH2, the discharge from the power source 12 to the first load 21 is prohibited. In other words, reservoir is controlled to suppress discharge from the power source 12 to the first load 21 compared to when the threshold value TH2 or more is exceeded, and further, control is performed to notify the user of the need to replace the first cartridge 20.

[0100] Alternatively, the MCU 50 may update the remaining amount W reservoir If the remaining amount W of the reservoir 12 stored in the memory 50a is less than the threshold value TH2, the MCU 50 may perform control to prohibit discharge from the power source 12 to the first load 21, and may further perform control to notify the user of the replacement of the first cartridge 20. reservoir Reset to 100%.

[0101] In step S15, the MCU 50 detects the temperature T cap_sense is the target temperature T cap_target If it is equal to or greater than the predetermined value (step S15: YES), the atomization power P liquid is supplied to first load 21 to start heating first load 21, thereby generating an aerosol (step S17).

[0102] After the heating of the first load 21 is started in step S19 or step S17, if the aerosol generation request has not ended (step S18: NO), the MCU 50 determines whether the duration of the aerosol generation request has exceeded the upper limit time t upper If the time limit is less than the upper limit time t upper If the power consumption reaches the predetermined value (step S18a: NO) or if the request for generating aerosol is terminated (step S18: YES), the power supply to the first load 21 is stopped (step S21).

[0103] Based on the output of temperature detection element T2, MCU 50 may control heating of first load 21 in step S17 or step S19. For example, if MCU 50 executes PID control or ON / OFF control with the boiling point of aerosol source 22 as a target temperature based on the output of temperature detection element T2, it is possible to suppress overheating of first load 21 or aerosol source 22, or to precisely control the amount of aerosol source 22 atomized by first load 21.

[0104] Fig. 10 is a schematic diagram showing the atomization power supplied to the first load 21 in step S17 of Fig. 8. Fig. 11 is a schematic diagram showing the atomization power supplied to the first load 21 in step S19 of Fig. 8. As shown in Fig. 11, when a request for generating aerosol is detected, the temperature T cap_sense is the target temperature T cap_target If it does not reach the atomization power P liquid is increased and then supplied to the first load 21.

[0105] In this way, even if the temperature of the flavor source 33 has not yet reached the target temperature at the time when a request for aerosol generation is made, the amount of aerosol generated can be increased by performing the process of step S19. As a result, it is possible to compensate for the decrease in the amount of flavor components added to the aerosol caused by the temperature of the flavor source 33 being lower than the target temperature by increasing the amount of aerosol. Therefore, the amount of flavor components added to the aerosol can be converged to the target amount. Also, the increase amount ΔP of the atomization power increased in step S19 is determined based on the remaining reservoir amount W reservoir Even if the atomization power is increased in step S19, the remaining amount of the reservoir W reservoir The smaller the increase in the reservoir volume W, the smaller the increase in the reservoir volume ΔP. reservoir As a result, the appropriate amount of aerosol can be generated according to the remaining amount of the reservoir W reservoir This can prevent the generation of aerosols with unintended flavors and aromas caused by supplying more power than necessary to the device.

[0106] On the other hand, if the temperature of the flavor source 33 has reached the target temperature at the time when the aerosol generation request is made, the desired amount of aerosol required to achieve the target amount of flavor components is generated by the atomization power determined in step S5. Therefore, the amount of flavor components added to the aerosol can be converged to the target amount.

[0107] After step S21, the MCU 50 determines the supply time t sense (Step S22). Note that the MCU 50 acquires the upper limit time t upper When an aerosol generation request is detected beyond the supply time t sense is the upper limit time t upper Furthermore, the MCU 50 increments the puff number counter by "1" (step S23).

[0108] The MCU 50 receives the supply time t sense The atomization power supplied to the first load 21 in response to the aerosol generation request, and the target temperature T cap_target Based on this, the remaining flavor component amount W of the flavor source 33 is calculated. capsule (n puff ) is updated (step S24).

[0109] When the control shown in FIG. 10 is performed, the amount of flavor component added to the aerosol generated from the start to the end of the aerosol generation request can be calculated by the following formula (7). end -t start ) is the supply time t sense The remaining flavor component amount W capsule (n puff ) is the value immediately before a request for aerosol production is made.

[0110]

number

[0111] When the control shown in FIG. 11 is performed, the amount of flavor component W added to the aerosol generated from the start to the end of the aerosol generation request is flavor can be calculated by the following formula (7A). end -t start ) is the supply time t sense The remaining flavor component amount W of formula (7A) is shown. capsule (n puff ) is the value immediately before a request for aerosol production is made.

[0112]

number

[0113] The amount of flavor component W for each aerosol generation request obtained in this way flavor is stored in the memory 50a, and the amount of flavor component W flavor and the amount of flavor components W flavor Including the past flavor component amount W flavor Substitute the value of into equation (3) (i.e., the past flavor component amount W flavor The integrated value of the values ​​is multiplied by the coefficient δ and the value is W initial By subtracting from the amount of flavor component remaining after the aerosol is generated, capsule (n puff ) can be derived with high accuracy and updated.

[0114] After step S24, the MCU 50 reads the remaining reservoir amount W reservoir The remaining amount of the reservoir W is updated (step S24a). reservoir is the time t of supplying the atomization power to the first load 21 after the first cartridge 20 is replaced with a new one. sense The cumulative value of the reservoir remaining amount W can be calculated based on this cumulative value. reservoir The relationship between them can be experimentally determined.

[0115] In step S24a, the MCU 50 updates the remaining amount W of the flavor component in the second cartridge 30 updated in step S24. capsule (n puff ) based on the remaining reservoir volume W reservoir In this embodiment, five second cartridges 30 can be used for one first cartridge 20. For example, the remaining amount W of the reservoir when one second cartridge 30 is used is reservoir and the remaining amount W of the flavor component in the second cartridge 30 capsule (n puff ) is experimentally obtained. reservoir 12 in which the remaining amount is associated with the above data, and the table is stored in the memory 50a. In step S24a, the MCU 50 calculates the cumulative number of second cartridges 30 used since the first cartridge 20 was replaced with a new one and the remaining amount W of the flavor component acquired in step S24. capsule (n puff ) and the table shown in FIG. 12, the number of second cartridges 30 currently used and the remaining amount W capsule (n puff ) corresponding to the remaining reservoir capacity W reservoir is read from the table, and the remaining reservoir volume W reservoir is stored in the memory 50a as the latest information.

[0116] Next, the MCU 50 calculates the remaining amount of flavor components after updating W capsule (n puff The MCU 50 determines whether the updated flavor component remaining amount W capsule (n puff If the remaining amount W is equal to or greater than the remaining amount threshold (step S25: NO), the process proceeds to step S28. capsule (n puffIf the remaining amount W is less than the remaining amount threshold (step S25: YES), the MCU 50 causes at least one of the first notification unit 45 and the second notification unit 46 to issue a notification to prompt the user to replace the second cartridge 30 (step S26). Then, the MCU 50 resets the puff number counter to an initial value (=0) and returns the amount W flavor The value of is erased, and the target temperature T cap_target is initialized (step S27).

[0117] Target temperature T cap_target The initialization of the target temperature T cap_target This means that the target temperature T is excluded from the set value. As another example, in the case where steps S1 and S2 are omitted and step S3 is always executed, the target temperature T cap_target The initialization of the target temperature T cap_target This means setting the temperature to room temperature.

[0118] After step S27, if the power is not turned off (step S28: NO), the MCU 50 returns the process to step S1, and if the power is turned off (step S28: YES), the MCU 50 ends the process.

[0119] (Effects of the embodiment) As described above, according to the aerosol generation device 1, discharge control from the power source 12 to the first load 21 and the second load 31 is performed so that the amount of flavor components contained in the aerosol converges to a target amount each time the user inhales the aerosol. Therefore, the amount of flavor components provided to the user can be stabilized for each inhalation, thereby increasing the commercial value of the aerosol generation device 1. Moreover, compared to the case where discharge is performed only to the first load 21, it is possible to stabilize the amount of flavor components provided to the user for each inhalation, thereby further increasing the commercial value of the aerosol generation device 1.

[0120] In addition, according to the aerosol generating device 1, the atomization power determined in step S5 is equal to or smaller than the power threshold P maxand it is not possible to generate the aerosol required to achieve the target amount of flavor components, control is performed to discharge from the power source 12 to the second load 31. In this way, since discharge to the second load 31 is performed as needed, it is possible to stabilize the amount of flavor components provided to the user for each inhalation while reducing the amount of power required to achieve this.

[0121] In addition, according to the aerosol generation device 1, the discharge time (t sense ) and T at the time of receiving the generation request cap_target and the power discharged to the first load in response to the generation request (atomization power P liquid , atomization power P liquid ') or power (this power x t sense )), the remaining amount of flavor component is updated in step S24, and the power to be discharged to the first load 21 is determined in steps S4 and S5 based on this remaining amount of flavor component. Therefore, the discharge to the first load 21 can be controlled while appropriately considering the power or the amount of power discharged to the first load 21, which has a large effect on the amount of flavor component that can be added to the aerosol, and further while appropriately considering the temperature of the flavor source 33 when discharging to the first load 21, which has a large effect on the amount of flavor component that can be added to the aerosol. In this way, by controlling the discharge to the first load 21 while appropriately considering the state of the aerosol generation device 1, the amount of flavor component per inhalation can be stabilized with high accuracy, and the commercial value of the aerosol generation device 1 can be increased.

[0122] Furthermore, according to the aerosol generation device 1, the flavor source 33 is heated before detecting a request to generate an aerosol. This allows the flavor source 33 to be warmed before generating an aerosol, thereby shortening the time required from receiving a request to generate an aerosol to which a desired amount of flavor component has been added to being generated.

[0123] Moreover, according to the aerosol generating device 1, after receiving a request to generate an aerosol, discharging to the second load 31 is stopped. Therefore, simultaneous discharging to the first load 21 and the second load 31 is not required, and a shortage of power discharged to the second load 31 can be suppressed. In addition, discharging of a large current from the power source 12 is suppressed. Therefore, deterioration of the power source 12 can be suppressed.

[0124] Furthermore, according to the aerosol generation device 1, after the aerosol is generated, the flavor source 33 can be kept warmed even when aerosols are continuously generated by restarting the discharge to the second load 31. Therefore, a stable amount of flavor component can be provided to the user over a series of multiple inhalations.

[0125] In addition, according to the aerosol generating device 1, the power threshold P max is the remaining reservoir capacity W reservoir Since it changes based on the remaining reservoir W reservoir The atomization power is controlled based on the remaining amount of the aerosol source 22. Therefore, it is possible to supply the first load 21 with an appropriate power based on the remaining amount of the aerosol source 22. Therefore, it is possible to provide the user with an aerosol having an appropriate flavor and aroma, thereby improving the product value.

[0126] In addition, according to the aerosol generating device 1, when the temperature of the flavor source 33 has not yet reached the target temperature, the power supplied to the first load 21 is limited to the reservoir remaining amount W reservoir Therefore, it is possible to provide the user with an aerosol having an appropriate flavor and aroma, thereby improving the product value.

[0127] In addition, according to the aerosol generating device 1, the power threshold P max is the remaining reservoir capacity W reservoir Therefore, the power discharged from the power source 12 to the second load 31 is determined based on the remaining reservoir capacity W reservoirTherefore, it is possible to supply an appropriate amount of power to the second load 31 based on the remaining amount of the aerosol source 22. Therefore, it is possible to provide the user with an aerosol having an appropriate flavor and aroma, thereby improving the product value.

[0128] In addition, according to the aerosol generation device 1, the discharge time (t sense ) in step S24, the flavor component remaining amount is updated based on the flavor component remaining amount, and the reservoir remaining amount W reservoir In this way, the remaining reservoir capacity W reservoir Therefore, a dedicated sensor for measuring the aerosol amount is not required, and therefore the cost increase of the aerosol generation device 1 can be suppressed.

[0129] (First modified example of the aerosol generating device) In the explanation so far, the weight of aerosol generated in response to one inhalation action of the user, W aerosol It is assumed that the entire aerosol is inhaled by the user. However, strictly speaking, the weight of aerosol generated by one inhalation by the user, W aerosol Of the total aerosol produced in one inhalation by the user, the amount of aerosol that reaches the user end of the suction port 32 (hereinafter referred to as aerosol consumption) may vary depending on the inhalation conditions. The aerosol consumption is the amount of aerosol that the user actually inhales out of the total amount of aerosol produced in response to one inhalation by the user.

[0130] This is because aerosol that is generated near the first load 21 and is unable to reach the user side end of the suction mouth 32 re-aggregates in the space inside the suction mouth 32 (the space from the user side end of the suction mouth 32 to the space housing the wick 24 and first load 21) and remains as a liquid aerosol source, the amount of which varies depending on the inhalation conditions. Note that a portion of this remaining aerosol source eventually returns to the wick 24 or the aerosol source 22, and is reused to generate aerosol during subsequent inhalation. Note that the remaining aerosol source is not a phenomenon that always occurs, and depending on the inhalation conditions, the weight W of aerosol generated in response to one inhalation action by the user may increase. aerosol Almost all of the aerosol reaches the user side end of the mouthpiece 32. In other words, depending on the inhalation conditions, the aerosol weight W generated in response to one inhalation by the user may be aerosol Note also that the aerosol consumption is roughly equal to the

[0131] The time during which the user is inhaling (the time during which the output value of the inhalation sensor 15 is equal to or greater than the output threshold value, or the duration of the request to generate aerosol) is referred to as the inhalation time. sense The upper limit (upper limit time t upper ) is provided. The suction time is limited to the upper limit time t upper In the following cases, the suction time and supply time t sense Since the two timings coincide with each other, the suction operation and the supply operation of the atomization power to the first load 21 end at approximately the same time. Therefore, the aerosol generated immediately before the supply of the atomization power to the first load 21 ends remains without being inhaled by the user.

[0132] On the other hand, the suction time is limited to the upper limit time t upper If the suction time exceeds the upper limit time t upperIf the suction time exceeds the upper limit time t upper When the suction time exceeds 100 s, the aerosol consumption amount and the aerosol weight generated by the supply of the atomization power to the first load 21 approximately match when the suction time becomes long to a certain extent.

[0133] Therefore, the supply time t sense By correcting the theoretical aerosol weight (in other words, a value that has a strong correlation with the theoretical value of the aerosol weight generated by the current inhalation action, which is necessary for calculating the amount of flavor component consumed by the user through the current inhalation action) taking into account the difference in the remaining amount of the aerosol source due to such differences in inhalation conditions (in other words, correcting the theoretical value of the aerosol weight to the amount of aerosol actually consumed by the user), it becomes possible to obtain the remaining amount of flavor component more accurately.Then, by using this accurate remaining amount of flavor component, it becomes possible to improve the accuracy of obtaining the remaining amount of the reservoir.

[0134] Specifically, the MCU 50 detects that the suction time is an upper limit time t upper In the following case (in other words, the suction time is longer than the supply time t sense In the following cases, the suction time is limited to the upper limit time t upper If the suction time is longer than the supply time t sense Using different correction data, the supply time t sense Correct the following.

[0135] Figure 13 shows the maximum suction time t upper 13 is a schematic diagram showing an example of correction data in the following cases: The horizontal axis of FIG. 13 represents the supply time t sense The vertical axis of FIG. 13 shows the corrected supply time t sense The suction time is the upper limit time t upper In the following cases, the supply time t sense and suction time are the same.

[0136] Figure 14 shows the maximum suction time t upper 14 is a schematic diagram showing an example of correction data when the supply time t sense The vertical axis of FIG. 14 shows the time difference obtained by subtracting the corrected supply time t sense This shows that.

[0137] The correction data shown in FIG. sense As the supply time t increases, sense As described above, the suction time is set to the upper limit time t upper In the following cases, the aerosol generated immediately before the end of the supply of the atomization power to the first load 21 remains without being inhaled by the user. sense is the upper limit time t upper When the supply time t sense is the upper limit time t upper is corrected to a time t1 that is shorter than the

[0138] In the aerosol generating device 1, the atomization of the aerosol source 22 does not start at the moment when the supply of the atomization power to the first load 21 is started, but the atomization of the aerosol source 22 starts after the first load 21 is heated to a certain temperature. Taking this into consideration, in the correction data shown in FIG. 13, the supply time t sense During the period in which the supply time t is equal to or less than the threshold value THa (the period from when the supply of the atomization power to the first load 21 starts to when the atomization of the aerosol source 22 starts), sense The increase in supply time t sense When exceeds the threshold THa, the corrected supply time t sense In this way, for example, if the inhalation operation is terminated during this period, it can be assumed that the aerosol consumption is almost zero, and the remaining amount of flavor component and the remaining amount of the reservoir can be calculated more accurately.

[0139] The correction data shown in Fig. 13 may be changed to the correction data shown in Fig. 15. The correction data shown in Fig. 15 is a correction data for the supply time t sense and the corrected supply time t sense The difference from FIG. 13 is that the relationship is linear. sense Even when correcting for , it is possible to calculate the remaining amount of flavor component and the remaining amount of reservoir taking into account the remaining aerosol source described above.

[0140] The correction data shown in FIG. 14 is the suction time and the supply time t sense As the time difference between sense Specifically, in the correction data shown in FIG. 14, in a period in which the time difference is greater than 0 and less than the threshold value THb, the corrected supply time t sense is the time from time t1 to the upper limit time t upper When the time difference is equal to or greater than the threshold value THb, the corrected supply time t sense is the upper limit time t upper It is designed to be clipped to.

[0141] The correction data shown in FIGS. 13 to 15 can be experimentally obtained and stored in the memory 50a.

[0142] The operation of the aerosol generation device 1 of the first modified example will be described below. This operation differs from the operation of FIG. 8 only in the processes of steps S24 and S24a, and therefore these processes will be described.

[0143] In step S24 of FIG. 8, if the aerosol generation request is continued, the MCU 50 waits for the aerosol generation request to end, and then acquires the suction time and the supply time t acquired in step S22. sense Based on this suction time, the supply time t sense Specifically, the MCU 50 corrects the suction time and the supply time t sense Compare the suction time with the supply time t sense (Upper limit time t upper) or less, the supply time t sense The MCU 50 corrects the suction time to the supply time t sense (Upper limit time t upper ), the supply time t is adjusted by the first algorithm according to the correction data shown in FIG. sense Then, the MCU 50 corrects the supply time t sense The atomization power supplied to the first load 21 in response to the aerosol generation request, and the target temperature T cap_target Based on this, the remaining flavor component amount W of the flavor source 33 is calculated. capsule (n puff ) to update the

[0144] In step S24a, the MCU 50 calculates the remaining flavor component amount W capsule (n puff ) or the corrected supply time t sense A cumulative value of the above may be obtained, and the remaining amount of the reservoir may be calculated based on this cumulative value.

[0145] In step S24, the remaining flavor component amount W capsule (n puff ) was calculated, but W initial Karako flavor component remaining amount W capsule (n puff ) to obtain the consumption amount of the flavor component contained in the flavor source 33 (hereinafter, referred to as the consumption amount of the flavor source 33). Similarly, it is also possible to obtain the consumption amount of the aerosol source 22 by subtracting the remaining amount of the reservoir calculated in step S24a from the total amount of the aerosol source 22 contained in a new first cartridge 20.

[0146] The aerosol generation device 1 may be configured to calculate only one of the remaining amount of flavor component and the consumption amount of flavor source 33, or may be configured to calculate both of them. The aerosol generation device 1 may be configured to calculate only one of the remaining amount of reservoir and the consumption amount of aerosol source 22, or may be configured to calculate both of them.

[0147] As described above, the aerosol generation device 1 of the first modified example makes it possible to obtain at least one of the remaining amount and the consumed amount of the flavor source 33 while taking into account the remaining amount of the aerosol source. Therefore, at least one of the remaining amount and the consumed amount of the flavor source 33 can be obtained more accurately.

[0148] (Second Modification of Aerosol Generation Device) In the aerosol generation device 1 of the first modification, the remaining amount of flavor components is calculated, and based on this remaining amount of flavor components, a target amount of flavor components W is calculated before a request for generating aerosol is made. flavor The atomization power P required to achieve liquid and the target temperature T cap_target In this modification, the atomization power P is determined before a request for aerosol generation is made. liquid is a constant value, and instead, the target temperature T is set based on the consumption of the flavor source 33. cap_target (Specifically, the more the consumption amount of the flavor source 33 is, the higher the target temperature is) to variably control the amount of the flavor component W flavor We are striving to achieve this.

[0149] In the aerosol generation device 1 of the second modified example, when a request for generating aerosol is detected, if the temperature of the flavor source 33 has not yet reached the target temperature, the amount of flavor component W flavor The shortage of aerosol weight W aerosol In order to secure this increase in the atomization power, the atomization power P liquid is the upper limit P upper is set to be lower than

[0150] The consumption amount of the flavor source 33 has a strong correlation with the cumulative value of the aerosol consumption amount actually inhaled by the user. For this reason, the corrected supply time t sense (hereinafter, referred to as cumulative discharge time ΣLa) can be used as information indicating the consumption amount of the flavor source 33. That is, the MCU 50 obtains the consumption amount of the flavor source 33 by calculating this cumulative discharge time ΣLa.

[0151] As can be seen from the model in equation (2), the aerosol weight per inhalation W aerosol is controlled to be almost constant (atomization power P liquid Assuming that the amount of flavor components W flavor In order to stabilize the temperature of the flavor source 33, it is necessary to increase the temperature of the flavor source 33 in accordance with the decrease in the remaining amount of flavor components (i.e., the increase in the consumption amount (accumulated discharge time ΣLa) of the flavor source 33). In the second modified example, the power control unit of the MCU 50 manages the target temperature according to a table stored in advance in the memory 50a that associates the accumulated discharge time ΣLa with the target temperature of the flavor source 33.

[0152] 16, 17, and 18 are flow charts for explaining the operation of the aerosol generation device 1 of the second modified example. When the power supply of the aerosol generation device 1 is turned on by operating the operation unit 14 or the like (step S30: YES), the MCU 50 calculates the target temperature T cap_target is determined (set) (step S31).

[0153] Next, the MCU 50 detects the current temperature T cap_sense is acquired based on the output of the temperature detecting element T1 (or the temperature detecting element T3) (step S32).

[0154] And the MCU50 detects the temperature T cap_sense and the target temperature T cap_target Based on the temperature Tcap_sense is the target temperature T cap_target Power is supplied to the second load 31 by PID control or ON / OFF control so that the power converges to the value.

[0155] After step S33, the MCU 50 judges whether or not there is a request to generate aerosol (step S34). If the MCU 50 does not detect a request to generate aerosol (step S34: NO), in step S35, the MCU 50 judges the length of the no-operation time during which no request to generate aerosol has been made. Then, if the no-operation time reaches a predetermined time (step S35: YES), the MCU 50 ends discharging to the second load 31 (step S36) and transitions to a sleep mode in which power consumption is reduced (step S37). If the no-operation time is less than the predetermined time (step S35: NO), the MCU 50 transitions to the process of step S32.

[0156] When the MCU 50 detects a request to generate an aerosol (step S34: YES), the MCU 50 ends the discharge to the second load 31 for heating the flavor source 33, and determines the temperature T cap_sense The MCU 50 acquires the temperature T based on the output of the temperature detection element T1 (or the temperature detection element T3) (step S41). cap_sense is the target temperature T cap_target It is determined whether or not the amount of discharge is equal to or greater than the predetermined value (step S42). Note that the MCU 50 may continue discharging the second load 31 for heating the flavor source 33 even after step S34.

[0157] temperature T cap_sense is the target temperature T cap_target If it is equal to or greater than the predetermined atomization power P liquid is supplied to first load 21 to start heating of first load 21 (heating for atomizing aerosol source 22) (step S43).

[0158] temperature T cap_sense is the target temperature T cap_targetIf the amount of the flavor component is less than the predetermined atomization power P liquid Specifically, first, the MCU 50 increases the current remaining reservoir amount W reservoir The remaining reservoir volume W reservoir Based on the atomization power P liquid Then, the MCU 50 determines the increase width ΔPa of the atomization power P liquid The atomization power P obtained by adding this increase ΔPa to liquid ' is supplied to the first load 21 to start heating the first load 21 (step S46). The increase width ΔPa is, for example, the same variable value as the increase width ΔP shown in FIG. 9. reservoir The calculation method of the atomization power P liquid When increasing, the obtained supply time t sense Specifically, the atomization power P liquid The sum of the increase in power and the increase in width ΔPa is the atomization power P liquid Divide by the supply time t sense The value multiplied by is the corrected supply time t sense Then, the subsequent processing may be performed.

[0159] After the heating of the first load 21 is started in step S43 or step S46, if the aerosol generation request has not been terminated (step S44: NO), the MCU 50 determines whether the duration of the aerosol generation request (i.e., the suction time) exceeds the upper limit time t upper If the time limit is less than the upper limit time t upper If the power consumption reaches the predetermined value (step S44a: NO) or if the request for generating aerosol is terminated (step S44: YES), the power supply to the first load 21 is stopped (step S21).

[0160] In this way, even if the atomization power is increased in step S46, the remaining reservoir amount W reservoir The smaller the increase width ΔPa, the smaller the reservoir remaining amount W reservoir As a result, the first load 21 can be supplied with an appropriate amount of power according to the remaining amount W reservoir This can prevent the generation of aerosols with unintended flavors and aromas caused by supplying more power than necessary to the device.

[0161] After step S48, if the aerosol generation request is continued, the MCU 50 waits for the request to end, and then determines the supply time t sense and the suction time of this suction are acquired, and the supply time t sense is corrected (step S49). The correction method is the same as that described above.

[0162] Next, the MCU 50 calculates the corrected supply time t sense The corrected supply time t after the second cartridge 30 is replaced with a new one sense The accumulated discharge time ΣLa is calculated by adding this to the accumulated value of ΣLa, and the accumulated discharge time ΣLa stored in the memory 50a is updated (step S50).

[0163] The accumulated discharge time ΣLa represents the consumption amount of the flavor source 33 in time since the second cartridge 30 was replaced with a new one. Therefore, by comparing the accumulated discharge time ΣLa with a threshold value TH4 indicating the upper limit of the accumulated discharge time ΣLa per second cartridge 30, it is possible to obtain at least one of the consumption amount and the remaining amount of the flavor source 33.

[0164] For example, the remaining amount [%] of the flavor source 33 can be obtained by calculating {(TH4-ΣLa) / TH4}×100. Also, the consumed amount [%] of the flavor source 33 can be obtained by calculating (ΣLa / TH4)×100.

[0165] After step S50, the MCU 50 determines the remaining amount of the reservoir W reservoir Specifically, the MCU 50 updates the corrected supply time t obtained in step S49 (step S51). sense The corrected supply time t after the first cartridge 20 is replaced with a new one sense The cumulative discharge time ΣLb is obtained by adding this to the cumulative value of

[0166] The accumulated discharge time ΣLb is the consumption amount of the aerosol source 22 expressed in time after the first cartridge 20 is replaced with a new one. Therefore, by comparing the accumulated discharge time ΣLb with a threshold value TH5 indicating the upper limit of the accumulated discharge time ΣLb per one first cartridge 20, it is possible to obtain at least one of the consumption amount and remaining amount (i.e., the remaining amount of the reservoir) of the aerosol source 22.

[0167] For example, the reservoir remaining amount [%] can be obtained by calculating {(TH5-ΣLb) / TH5}×100. The MCU 50 stores the reservoir remaining amount thus obtained in the memory 50a and updates the reservoir remaining amount. Also, the consumption amount [%] of the aerosol source 22 can be obtained by calculating (ΣLb / TH5)×100.

[0168] Next, the MCU 50 judges whether the cumulative discharge time ΣLb after update in step S51 is equal to or greater than a threshold value TH5 (step S52). If the cumulative discharge time ΣLb is less than the threshold value TH5 (step S52: NO), the MCU 50 proceeds to step S56. If the cumulative discharge time ΣLb is equal to or greater than the threshold value TH5, i.e., if the remaining amount of the aerosol source 22 is 0% (step S52: YES), the MCU 50 causes at least one of the first notification unit 45 and the second notification unit 46 to issue a notification to prompt the user to replace the first cartridge 20 and the second cartridge 30 (step S53). Then, the MCU 50 resets the cumulative discharge time ΣLa and the cumulative discharge time ΣLb to their initial values ​​(=0), and sets the target temperature T cap_target (Step S54). The target temperature T cap_target The initialization of the target temperature T cap_targetThis means that the value is excluded from the setting.

[0169] Instead of the above-described operation, if the updated cumulative discharge time ΣLb is equal to or greater than the threshold value TH5 in step S51 (step S52: YES), the MCU 50 may determine whether the updated cumulative discharge time ΣLa is equal to or greater than the threshold value TH4 in step S50. Then, only if the updated cumulative discharge time ΣLa is equal to or greater than the threshold value TH4, the MCU 50 may cause at least one of the first notification unit 45 and the second notification unit 46 to issue a notification to prompt the replacement of the first cartridge 20 in step S53. Also, only if the updated cumulative discharge time ΣLa is equal to or greater than the threshold value TH4, the MCU 50 resets the cumulative discharge time ΣLa to an initial value (=0) in step S54 and sets the target temperature T cap_target may be initialized.

[0170] In step S56, the MCU 50 determines whether the cumulative discharge time ΣLa updated in step S50 is equal to or greater than a threshold value TH4. If the cumulative discharge time ΣLa is less than the threshold value TH4 (step S56: NO), the MCU 50 proceeds to step S55. If the cumulative discharge time ΣLa is equal to or greater than the threshold value TH4, i.e., if the remaining amount of the flavor source 33 is 0% (step S56: YES), the MCU 50 causes at least one of the first notification unit 45 and the second notification unit 46 to issue a notification to prompt the user to replace the second cartridge 30 (step S57). Then, the MCU 50 resets the cumulative discharge time ΣLa to an initial value (=0) and sets the target temperature T cap_target is initialized (step S58).

[0171] If the determination in step S54 or step S56 is NO, or after step S58, the MCU 50 returns the process to step S31 unless the power is turned off (step S55: NO), and ends the process if the power is turned off (step S55: YES).

[0172] According to the aerosol generation device 1 of the second modification, it is possible to provide the user with an aerosol having a stable flavor and aroma through simpler control than the aerosol generation device 1 of the first modification. Also, as in the first modification, it is possible to more accurately obtain at least one of the remaining amount and consumed amount of the flavor source 33 and at least one of the remaining amount and consumed amount of the aerosol source 22.

[0173] In the aerosol generating device 1 described so far, the flavor source 33 can be heated, but this configuration is not essential. Even if the flavor source 33 is not heated, the suction time and the supply time t sense Based on this, at least one of the remaining amount and consumed amount of the flavor source 33 and at least one of the remaining amount and consumed amount of the aerosol source 22 can be obtained with high accuracy.

[0174] In the aerosol generation device 1 described so far, the first cartridge 20 is configured to be detachable from the power supply unit 10, but the first cartridge 20 may be configured to be integrated with the power supply unit 10.

[0175] In the aerosol generation device 1 described so far, the first load 21 and the second load 31 are heaters that generate heat by power discharged from the power source 12. However, the first load 21 and the second load 31 may each be a Peltier element that can both generate heat and cool by power discharged from the power source 12. Configuring the first load 21 and the second load 31 in this way increases the degree of freedom in controlling the temperature of the aerosol source 22 and the temperature of the flavor source 33, allowing for more precise control of the unit amount of flavor. Also, first load 21 may be configured with an element that can atomize aerosol source 22 without heating aerosol source 22 by ultrasonic waves or the like. Also, second load 31 may be configured with an element that can change the amount of flavor component that flavor source 33 adds to the aerosol without heating flavor source 33 by ultrasonic waves or the like. When the second load 31 uses, for example, an ultrasonic element, the MCU 50 may control the discharge to the first load 21 and the second load 31 based on the wavelength of the ultrasonic waves applied to the flavor source 33, rather than the temperature of the flavor source 33, as a parameter that affects the amount of flavor component added to the aerosol passing through the flavor source 33. The elements that can be used for the first load 21 are not limited to the heater, Peltier element, and ultrasonic element described above, and various elements or combinations thereof can be used as long as they are elements that can atomize the aerosol source 22 by consuming power supplied from the power source 12. Similarly, the elements that can be used for the second load 31 are not limited to the heater, Peltier element, and ultrasonic element described above, and various elements or combinations thereof can be used as long as they are elements that can change the amount of flavor component added to the aerosol by consuming power supplied from the power source 12.

[0176] This specification describes at least the following items. Note that, in parentheses, components corresponding to those in the above-mentioned embodiment are shown, but the present invention is not limited to these.

[0177] (1) A sensor (inhalation sensor 15) capable of outputting the inhalation of a user; A processing device (MCU 50) configured to be able to control discharge from a power source (power source 12) to a sprayer (first load 21) that sprays an aerosol source (aerosol source 22), The processing device includes: Based on the output of the sensor, a suction time, which is the length of each suction, and a discharge time, which is the length of discharge to the atomizer corresponding to each suction (supply time t sense ) and get Based on the suction time and the discharge time, at least one of a remaining amount of a flavor source (flavor source 33) that imparts flavor to the aerosol generated from the aerosol source and a consumption amount of the flavor source is obtained. Control unit of the aerosol generator.

[0178] According to (1), at least one of the remaining amount and consumed amount of the flavor source is obtained by taking into account the inhalation time and the discharge time, so that the accuracy of obtaining at least one of the remaining amount and consumed amount of the flavor source is improved compared to the case where only the discharge time is used.

[0179] (2) A control unit of the aerosol generating device according to (1), The processing device is configured to obtain at least one of a remaining amount of the flavor source and a consumption amount of the flavor source based on a comparison between the suction time and the discharge time. Control unit of the aerosol generator.

[0180] According to (2), at least one of the remaining amount and consumed amount of the flavor source is obtained based on a comparison of the inhalation time and the discharge time, so that the accuracy of obtaining at least one of the remaining amount and consumed amount of the flavor source is improved compared to the case where only the discharge time is used.

[0181] (3) A control unit of the aerosol generating device according to (1) or (2), The processing device includes: If the inhalation time is longer than the discharge time corresponding to the inhalation time, obtain at least one of a remaining amount of the flavor source and a consumption amount of the flavor source using a first algorithm; When the inhalation time is equal to or less than the discharge time corresponding to the inhalation time, a second algorithm different from the first algorithm is used to obtain at least one of the remaining amount of the flavor source and the consumed amount of the flavor source. Control unit of the aerosol generator.

[0182] According to (3), the aerosol inhaled during aerosol generation and the aerosol inhaled after aerosol generation are separated to obtain at least one of the remaining amount and consumed amount of the flavor source, thereby improving the accuracy of obtaining at least one of the remaining amount and consumed amount of the flavor source.

[0183] (4) A control unit of the aerosol generating device according to (1) or (2), a manner in which the remaining amount of the flavor source is reduced in response to an increase in the inhalation time when the inhalation time is longer than the discharge time corresponding to the inhalation time is different from a manner in which the remaining amount of the flavor source is reduced in response to an increase in the discharge time when the inhalation time is equal to or shorter than the discharge time corresponding to the inhalation time, and / or, the manner in which the consumption of the flavor source increases with an increase in the inhalation time when the inhalation time is longer than the discharge time corresponding to the inhalation time is different from the manner in which the consumption of the flavor source increases with an increase in the inhalation time when the inhalation time is equal to or shorter than the discharge time corresponding to the inhalation time. Control unit of the aerosol generator.

[0184] According to (4), the aerosol inhaled during aerosol generation and the aerosol inhaled after aerosol generation are separated to obtain at least one of the remaining amount and consumed amount of the flavor source, thereby improving the accuracy of obtaining at least one of the remaining amount and consumed amount of the flavor source.

[0185] (5) A control unit of the aerosol generating device according to (1) or (2), The processing device includes: When the inhalation time is longer than the discharge time corresponding to the inhalation time, the remaining amount of the flavor source is decreased in accordance with an increase in the difference between the inhalation time and the discharge time corresponding to the inhalation time, and when the inhalation time is equal to or less than the discharge time corresponding to the inhalation time, the remaining amount of the flavor source is decreased in accordance with an increase in the discharge time corresponding to the inhalation time; and / or configured to increase consumption of the flavor source in accordance with an increase in the difference between the inhalation time and the discharge time corresponding to the inhalation time when the inhalation time is longer than the discharge time corresponding to the inhalation time, and to increase consumption of the flavor source in accordance with an increase in the discharge time corresponding to the inhalation time when the inhalation time is equal to or shorter than the discharge time corresponding to the inhalation time. Control unit of the aerosol generator.

[0186] According to (5), the aerosol inhaled during aerosol generation and the aerosol inhaled after aerosol generation are separated to obtain at least one of the remaining amount and consumed amount of the flavor source, thereby improving the accuracy of obtaining at least one of the remaining amount and consumed amount of the flavor source.

[0187] (6) A control unit of the aerosol generating device according to (1) or (2), The processing device is configured to, when the suction time is equal to or less than the discharge time corresponding to the suction time, monotonically decrease the remaining amount of the flavor source with respect to the discharge time and / or monotonically increase the consumption amount of the flavor source with respect to the discharge time. Control unit of the aerosol generator.

[0188] According to (6), at least one of the remaining amount and consumed amount of the flavor source is obtained by assuming that the aerosol inhaled during aerosol generation increases monotonically, thereby improving the accuracy of obtaining at least one of the remaining amount and consumed amount of the flavor source during inhalation during aerosol generation.

[0189] (7) A control unit of the aerosol generating device according to (6), the processing device is configured to accelerate at least one of a decrease in the remaining amount of the flavor source and an increase in the consumption amount of the flavor source in response to an increase in the discharge time when the suction time is equal to or less than the discharge time corresponding to the suction time and exceeds a threshold value (threshold value THa); Control unit of the aerosol generator.

[0190] According to (7), at least one of the remaining amount and consumed amount of flavor source is obtained by taking into account the time until the amount of aerosol generated begins to increase immediately after inhalation begins (discharge begins), thereby improving the accuracy of obtaining at least one of the remaining amount and consumed amount of flavor source during inhalation during aerosol generation.

[0191] (8) A control unit of the aerosol generating device according to any one of (1), (2), (6), and (7), The processing device includes: When the inhalation time is longer than the discharge time corresponding to the inhalation time, the remaining amount of the flavor source is at least partially monotonically decreased with respect to a difference between the inhalation time and the discharge time corresponding to the inhalation time, and / or the consumption amount of the flavor source is at least partially monotonically increased with respect to the difference. Control unit of the aerosol generator.

[0192] According to (8), for inhalation after aerosol generation, at least one of the remaining amount and consumed amount of flavor source is obtained based on the difference between the inhalation time and the discharge time, thereby improving the accuracy of obtaining at least one of the remaining amount and consumed amount of flavor source for inhalation after aerosol generation.

[0193] (9) A control unit of the aerosol generating device according to any one of (1), (2), (6), and (7), The processing device includes: a manner in which the remaining amount of the flavor source is reduced in accordance with the difference when the inhalation time is longer than the discharge time and the difference between the inhalation time and the discharge time corresponding to the inhalation time is less than a second threshold value (threshold value THb) is different from a manner in which the remaining amount of the flavor source is reduced in accordance with the difference when the inhalation time is longer than the discharge time and the difference is equal to or greater than the second threshold value. and / or configured to differentiate between a manner in which the consumption of the flavor source is increased in accordance with the difference when the inhalation time is longer than the discharge time corresponding to the inhalation time and the difference is less than the second threshold value and a manner in which the consumption of the flavor source is increased in accordance with the difference when the inhalation time is longer than the discharge time and the difference is equal to or greater than the second threshold value. Control unit of the aerosol generator.

[0194] According to (9), the manner in which at least one of the remaining amount and consumed amount of flavor source is obtained is changed between the suction of the aerosol remaining in the flow path after aerosol generation and the suction after the remaining aerosol has been almost completely sucked up, thereby improving the accuracy of obtaining at least one of the remaining amount and consumed amount of flavor source in the suction after aerosol generation.

[0195] (10) A control unit of the aerosol generating device according to (9), The processing device includes: When the inhalation time is longer than the discharge time corresponding to the inhalation time and the difference is less than the second threshold, the remaining amount of the flavor source is monotonically decreased with respect to the difference; when the inhalation time is longer than the discharge time corresponding to the inhalation time and the difference is equal to or greater than the second threshold, the remaining amount of the flavor source is kept constant with respect to the difference; and / or configured to monotonically increase the consumption of the flavor source relative to the difference when the inhalation time is longer than the discharge time corresponding to the inhalation time and the difference is less than the second threshold value, and to keep the consumption of the flavor source constant relative to the difference when the inhalation time is longer than the discharge time corresponding to the inhalation time and the difference is equal to or greater than the second threshold value. Control unit of the aerosol generator.

[0196] According to (10), the manner in which at least one of the remaining amount and consumed amount of flavor source is obtained is changed when suctioning the aerosol remaining in the flow path after aerosol generation and when suctioning after the remaining aerosol has been almost completely sucked up, thereby improving the accuracy of at least one of the remaining amount and consumed amount of flavor source when suctioning after aerosol generation.

[0197] (11) A control unit of the aerosol generating device according to (1), The processing device is configured to obtain at least one of a remaining amount of the aerosol source and a consumption amount of the aerosol source based on the suction time and the discharge time. Control unit of the aerosol generator.

[0198] According to (11), at least one of the remaining amount and the consumed amount of the aerosol source is obtained by taking into account the suction time and the discharge time, so that the accuracy of obtaining at least one of the remaining amount and the consumed amount of the aerosol source is improved compared to the case where only the discharge time is used.

[0199] (12) A sensor (inhalation sensor 15) capable of outputting the inhalation of a user; A processing device (MCU 50) configured to be able to control discharge from a power source (power source 12) to a sprayer (first load 21) that sprays an aerosol source (aerosol source 22), The processing device includes: Based on the output of the sensor, a suction time, which is the length of each suction, and a discharge time, which is the length of discharge to the atomizer corresponding to each suction (supply time t sense ) and get The aerosol source is configured to obtain at least one of a remaining amount of the aerosol source and a consumption amount of the aerosol source based on the suction time and the discharge time. Control unit of the aerosol generator.

[0200] According to (12), at least one of the remaining amount and the consumed amount of the aerosol source is obtained by taking into account the suction time and the discharge time, so that the accuracy of obtaining at least one of the remaining amount and the consumed amount of the aerosol source is improved compared to the case where only the discharge time is used. [Explanation of symbols]

[0201] 1. Aerosol generator T1, T2, T3 Temperature detection elements 10 Power supply unit 11a Top section 11b Bottom section 11 Power supply unit case 12 Power supply 14 Control section 15 Intake Sensor 20 First Cartridge 21 First load 31 Second load 22 Aerosol Sources 23 Reservoir 24 Wick 25 Aerosol flow path 26a Cartridge storage section 26b Communication path 26 End Cap 27 Cartridge Case 30 2nd Cartridge 32 Mouthpiece 33 Flavor source 41 Discharge terminal 42 Air supply section 43 Charging terminal 45 First Notification Department 46 Second Notification Department 50a Memory 50 MCU 51 DC / DC Converter 52,54 Voltage Sensor 53,55 Current sensor 55A charging IC

Claims

1. A sensor capable of outputting a user's suction; and a processing device configured to control discharge from a power source to an atomizer that atomizes the aerosol source; The processing device includes: Based on the output of the sensor, a suction time, which is the length of each suction, and a discharge time, which is the length of discharge to the atomizer corresponding to each suction, are obtained; The aerosol generating device is configured to obtain at least one of a remaining amount of a flavor source that imparts a flavor to the aerosol generated from the aerosol source and a consumption amount of the flavor source based on the suction time and the discharge time. Control unit of the aerosol generator.

2. A control unit of the aerosol generating device according to claim 1, The processing device is configured to obtain at least one of a remaining amount of the flavor source and a consumption amount of the flavor source based on a comparison between the suction time and the discharge time. Control unit of the aerosol generator.

3. A control unit of the aerosol generating device according to claim 1 or 2, The processing device includes: If the inhalation time is longer than the discharge time corresponding to the inhalation time, a first algorithm is used to obtain at least one of a remaining amount of the flavor source and a consumed amount of the flavor source; When the suction time is equal to or shorter than the discharge time corresponding to the suction time, a second algorithm different from the first algorithm is used to obtain at least one of the remaining amount of the flavor source and the consumed amount of the flavor source. Control unit of the aerosol generator.

4. A control unit of the aerosol generating device according to claim 1 or 2, a manner in which the remaining amount of the flavor source is reduced in response to an increase in the inhalation time when the inhalation time is longer than the discharge time corresponding to the inhalation time is different from a manner in which the remaining amount of the flavor source is reduced in response to an increase in the discharge time when the inhalation time is equal to or shorter than the discharge time corresponding to the inhalation time, and / or, a manner in which the consumption of the flavor source increases with an increase in the inhalation time when the inhalation time is longer than the discharge time corresponding to the inhalation time is different from a manner in which the consumption of the flavor source increases with an increase in the inhalation time when the inhalation time is equal to or shorter than the discharge time corresponding to the inhalation time. Control unit of the aerosol generator.

5. A control unit of the aerosol generating device according to claim 1 or 2, The processing device includes: When the inhalation time is longer than the discharge time corresponding to the inhalation time, the remaining amount of the flavor source is decreased according to an increase in the difference between the inhalation time and the discharge time corresponding to the inhalation time, and when the inhalation time is equal to or less than the discharge time corresponding to the inhalation time, the remaining amount of the flavor source is decreased according to an increase in the discharge time corresponding to the inhalation time; and / or configured to increase consumption of the flavor source in response to an increase in the difference between the inhalation time and the discharge time corresponding to the inhalation time when the inhalation time is longer than the discharge time corresponding to the inhalation time, and to increase consumption of the flavor source in response to an increase in the discharge time corresponding to the inhalation time when the inhalation time is equal to or shorter than the discharge time corresponding to the inhalation time. Control unit of the aerosol generator.

6. A control unit of the aerosol generating device according to claim 1 or 2, The processing device is configured to, when the suction time is equal to or less than the discharge time corresponding to the suction time, monotonically decrease the remaining amount of the flavor source with respect to the discharge time and / or monotonically increase the consumption amount of the flavor source with respect to the discharge time. Control unit of the aerosol generator.

7. A control unit of the aerosol generating device according to claim 6, the processing device is configured to accelerate at least one of a decrease in the remaining amount of the flavor source and an increase in the consumption amount of the flavor source in response to an increase in the discharge time when the suction time is equal to or less than the discharge time corresponding to the suction time and exceeds a threshold value; Control unit of the aerosol generator.

8. A control unit of the aerosol generating device according to any one of claims 1, 2, 6 and 7, The processing device includes: When the inhalation time is longer than the discharge time corresponding to the inhalation time, the remaining amount of the flavor source is monotonically decreased at least partially with respect to a difference between the inhalation time and the discharge time corresponding to the inhalation time, and / or the consumption amount of the flavor source is monotonically increased at least partially with respect to the difference. Control unit of the aerosol generator.

9. A control unit of the aerosol generating device according to any one of claims 1, 2, 6 and 7, The processing device includes: a manner in which the remaining amount of the flavor source is reduced in accordance with the difference when the inhalation time is longer than the discharge time and the difference between the inhalation time and the discharge time corresponding to the inhalation time is less than a second threshold value, and a manner in which the remaining amount of the flavor source is reduced in accordance with the difference when the inhalation time is longer than the discharge time and the difference is equal to or greater than a second threshold value. and / or configured to differentiate between a manner in which the consumption of the flavor source is increased in accordance with the difference when the inhalation time is longer than the discharge time corresponding to the inhalation time and the difference is less than the second threshold value and a manner in which the consumption of the flavor source is increased in accordance with the difference when the inhalation time is longer than the discharge time and the difference is equal to or greater than the second threshold value. Control unit of the aerosol generator.

10. A control unit of the aerosol generating device according to claim 9, The processing device includes: When the inhalation time is longer than the discharge time corresponding to the inhalation time and the difference is less than the second threshold value, the remaining amount of the flavor source is monotonically decreased with respect to the difference; when the inhalation time is longer than the discharge time corresponding to the inhalation time and the difference is equal to or greater than the second threshold value, the remaining amount of the flavor source is kept constant with respect to the difference; and / or configured to monotonically increase the consumption of the flavor source with respect to the difference when the inhalation time is longer than the discharge time corresponding to the inhalation time and the difference is less than the second threshold value, and to keep the consumption of the flavor source constant with respect to the difference when the inhalation time is longer than the discharge time corresponding to the inhalation time and the difference is equal to or greater than the second threshold value. Control unit of the aerosol generator.

11. A control unit of the aerosol generating device according to claim 1, The processing device is configured to obtain at least one of a remaining amount of the aerosol source and a consumption amount of the aerosol source based on the suction time and the discharge time. Control unit of the aerosol generator.

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