Aerosol aspirator power supply unit

Abstract

A power source (10) for an aerosol inhaler is provided with: a power source (12) capable of discharging electricity to a first load (21) for heating an aerosol source and a second load (31) for heating a flavor source; and an MCU (50) for controlling the electric discharge to at least one of the first load (21) and the second load (31). The MCU (50) has a plurality of control profiles, and is configured to be able to control the electric discharge to the control target load on the basis of any of the plurality of control profiles and to change the control profile used to control the electric discharge to the control target load on the basis of a change instruction from a user. The MCU (50) restricts changes to the control profile during the electric discharge to the first load (21).

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a power supply unit for an aerosol inhaler. [Background technology]

[0002] Patent Document 1 describes an apparatus that can add flavor components contained in the flavor source to the aerosol generated by heating a liquid and passing the aerosol through a flavor source, and allow a user to inhale the aerosol containing the flavor components. Patent Document 2 describes an inhalation device that allows the heating profile of a heater to be changed. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japan Special Publication No. 2017-511703 [Patent Document 2] International Publication No. 2019 / 104227 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] By allowing a user to change the control profile used to control the discharge from the power source to the load that heats the aerosol source or the flavor source, the user can change the amount of aerosol generated or the amount of flavor components added to the aerosol by changing the control profile. Therefore, if the control profile can be changed appropriately, the user can obtain the desired flavor and taste, and the marketability of the aerosol inhaler is thought to be improved. However, on the other hand, changing the control profile may give the user a sense of discomfort or deteriorate the flavor and taste.

[0005] The present invention provides a power supply unit that enables appropriate changes to the control profile and improves the marketability of an aerosol inhaler. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The first invention is, A power supply unit for an aerosol inhaler that adds a flavor component of a flavor source to an aerosol generated by heating an aerosol source by passing a flavor source through the aerosol, a power source capable of discharging to a first load, the first load being a load for heating the aerosol source, and a second load, the second load being a load for heating the flavor source; A control device that controls discharge from the power source to a controlled load including at least one of the first load and the second load; Equipped with The control device includes: having a plurality of control profiles, and controlling discharge to the controlled load based on any one of the plurality of control profiles; The control profile used for controlling discharge to the controlled load can be changed based on a change instruction from a user, When changing the control profile used to control the discharge to the controlled load, a discharge mode to the controlled load after changing to the control profile after the change is made is determined based on a cumulative number of discharges or a cumulative discharge time from the power source to a load that heats the aerosol source and the control profile after the change is made; During discharge to the first load, the control profile is changed. Don't do this Restrict.

[0007] The second invention is, A power supply unit for an aerosol inhaler that adds a flavor component of a flavor source to an aerosol generated by heating an aerosol source by passing a flavor source through the aerosol, a power source capable of discharging to a load to heat the aerosol source; A control device that controls discharge from the power source to a controlled load including the load; Equipped with The control device includes: having a plurality of control profiles, and controlling discharge to the controlled load based on any one of the plurality of control profiles; The control profile used for controlling discharge to the controlled load can be changed based on a change instruction from a user, When changing the control profile used to control the discharge to the controlled load, a discharge mode to the controlled load after changing to the control profile after the change is made is determined based on a cumulative number of discharges or a cumulative discharge time from the power source to a load that heats the aerosol source and the control profile after the change is made; During discharge to the load, the control profile is changed. Don't do this Restrict.

[0008] The third invention is A power supply unit for an aerosol inhaler that adds a flavor component of a flavor source to an aerosol generated by heating an aerosol source by passing a flavor source through the aerosol, a power source capable of discharging to a load that heats the flavor source; A control device that controls discharge from the power source to a controlled load including the load; Equipped with The control device includes: having a plurality of control profiles, and controlling discharge to the controlled load based on any one of the plurality of control profiles; The control profile used for controlling discharge to the controlled load can be changed based on a change instruction from a user, when changing the control profile used for controlling the discharge to the controlled load, determining a discharge mode to the controlled load after changing to the control profile after changing based on a cumulative number of discharges or a cumulative discharge time from the power source to the load that heats the flavor source and the control profile after changing; During discharge to the load, the control profile is changed. Don't do this Restrict. Effect of the Invention

[0009] According to the present invention, a power supply unit can be provided that enables appropriate changes to the control profile and improves the marketability of an aerosol inhaler. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0010] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a schematic configuration of an aerosol inhalator. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is another perspective view of the aerosol inhalator of FIG. 1. [Diagram 3] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the aerosol inhalator of FIG. 1. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a power supply unit in the aerosol inhalator of FIG. 1. [Diagram 5]FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing the hardware configuration of the aerosol inhalator of FIG. 1. [Figure 6] 6 is a diagram showing a specific example of the power supply unit shown in FIG. 5. [Figure 7] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a specific example of a control profile in the aerosol inhalator of FIG. 1. [Figure 8] 2 is a flowchart (part 1) for explaining the operation of the aerosol inhalator of FIG. 1 when generating an aerosol. [Figure 9] 2 is a flowchart (part 2) for explaining the operation of the aerosol inhalator of FIG. 1 when generating an aerosol. [Figure 10] 4 is a flowchart for explaining an operation for changing a control profile in the aerosol inhalator of FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

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

[0012] (Aerosol inhaler) The aerosol inhaler 1 is a device for generating an aerosol to which flavor components have been added without combustion and making it inhalable, and has a rod shape extending along a predetermined direction (hereinafter referred to as the longitudinal direction X) as shown in Figs. 1 and 2. The aerosol inhaler 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 inhaler 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 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, and a temperature detection element T2 including a voltage sensor 54 and a current sensor 55 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, an MCU 50, which is an example of a control device, 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 notification unit 45, and a communication unit 46, and performs various controls of the aerosol inhaler 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, near 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 in the longitudinal direction X of the power supply unit case 11 (the side opposite to the first cartridge 20). 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, a microUSB terminal, or the like.

[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 these. 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, a microUSB terminal, or the like, and may have the above-mentioned power receiving unit.

[0021] In the power supply unit case 11, an operation unit 14 that can be operated by the user 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 composed of a button-type switch, a touch panel, or the like.

[0022] 3, an intake sensor 15 for detecting an inhalation (puffing) operation 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 inside 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 inhalation 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, a flow rate sensor, or the like, instead of a pressure sensor.

[0025] When the output value of the intake sensor 15 exceeds a threshold value during the suction operation, the MCU 50 determines that an aerosol generation request has been made, and when the output value of the intake sensor 15 falls below the threshold value thereafter, the MCU 50 determines that the aerosol generation request has been terminated. Note that, in the aerosol inhaler 1, in order to prevent the first load 21 from overheating, etc., the period during which the aerosol generation request is made is set to a first preset value t upper When the time period (e.g., 2.4 seconds) is reached, it is determined that the aerosol generation request has ended, regardless of the output value of the intake sensor 15. In this manner, the output value of the intake sensor 15 is used as a signal indicating the aerosol generation request. Therefore, the intake sensor 15 constitutes a sensor that outputs the aerosol generation request.

[0026] Instead of the inhalation sensor 15, the request for generating aerosol may be detected based on the operation of the operation unit 14. For example, when the user performs a predetermined operation on the operation unit 14 to start inhaling the aerosol, the operation unit 14 may be configured to output a signal indicating a request for generating aerosol to the MCU 50. In this case, the operation unit 14 constitutes a sensor that outputs the request for generating aerosol.

[0027] 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.

[0028] (1st cartridge) As shown in FIG. 3, the first cartridge 20 includes, inside a cylindrical cartridge case 27, a reservoir 23 for storing an aerosol source 22, a first load 21 for atomizing and / or vaporizing the aerosol source 22, a wick 24 for drawing the aerosol source from the reservoir 23 to the first load 21, an aerosol flow path 25 through which the aerosol generated by atomizing and / or vaporizing the aerosol source 22 by the first load 21 flows toward the second cartridge 30, an end cap 26 for accommodating a portion of the second cartridge 30, and a second load 31 provided on the end cap 26 for heating the second cartridge 30.

[0029] The reservoir 23 is partitioned and formed so as to surround the periphery of the aerosol flow path 25, and stores (i.e., contains) the aerosol source 22. The reservoir 23 may contain a porous body such as a resin web or cotton, and the porous body may be impregnated with the aerosol source 22. The reservoir 23 may not contain the resin web or the porous body on the cotton, and may store only the aerosol source 22. The aerosol source 22 contains a liquid such as glycerin, propylene glycol, or water. The aerosol source 22 may also contain a flavoring such as menthol.

[0030] The wick 24 is a liquid retention member that draws the aerosol source 22 from the reservoir 23 into the first load 21 by using capillary action. The wick 24 is made of, for example, glass fiber or porous ceramic.

[0031] First load 21 atomizes and / or vaporizes (hereinafter simply referred to as atomization) aerosol source 22 by heating aerosol source 22 without combustion using power supplied from power source 12 via discharge terminal 41. First load 21 is formed, for example, 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, a load having a PTC (Positive Temperature Coefficient) characteristic in which the electrical resistance increases with an increase in temperature is used as the first load 21. Alternatively, a load having an NTC (Negative Temperature Coefficient) characteristic in which the electrical resistance decreases with an increase in temperature may be used as the first load 21.

[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 portion 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 26a. The second load 31 heats the second cartridge 30 (more specifically, the flavor source 33 contained therein) housed in the cartridge housing 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] A load having a correlation between temperature and electrical resistance is used as the second load 31. For example, a load having a PTC characteristic is used as the second load 31. Alternatively, a load having a NTC (Negative Temperature Coefficient) characteristic in which the electrical resistance decreases with an increase in temperature may be used as the second load 31.

[0038] (2nd cartridge) The second cartridge 30 stores (i.e., contains) the flavor source 33. The second cartridge 30 is heated by the second load 31, whereby the flavor source 33 stored in the second cartridge 30 is heated. The second cartridge 30 is detachably contained in the cartridge containing section 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 of the flavor source 33 to the aerosol by passing the aerosol generated by atomizing the aerosol source 22 by the first load 21 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.). The flavor source 33 may also contain a flavoring such as menthol.

[0040] The aerosol inhaler 1 generates an aerosol to which a flavor component has been added by the aerosol source 22 and the flavor source 33. In other words, the aerosol source 22 and the flavor source 33 constitute an aerosol generation source that generates an aerosol to which a flavor component has been added.

[0041] The aerosol generating source in the aerosol inhaler 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. The first cartridge 20 and the second cartridge 30 may be integrated into one cartridge.

[0042] In the aerosol inhaler 1 configured in this manner, as shown by the 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 in 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 inhalator 1 is also provided with a notification unit 45 that notifies various pieces of information (see FIG. 5). The notification unit 45 may be composed of a light-emitting element (including various displays), a vibration element, or a sound output element. The notification unit 45 may be composed of a combination of two or more elements among a light-emitting element, a vibration element, and a sound output element. For example, in the aerosol inhalator 1, the periphery of the operation unit 14 has translucency and is illuminated by a light-emitting element such as an LED that constitutes the notification unit 45.

[0044] The notification unit 45 may be provided in any of the power supply unit 10, the first cartridge 20, and the second cartridge 30, but is preferably provided in the power supply unit 10, which is replaced least frequently in the aerosol inhalator 1. This reduces the manufacturing costs of the first cartridge 20 and the second cartridge 30, which are replaced more frequently than the power supply unit 10, and makes it possible to provide them to users at low cost.

[0045] (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.

[0046] The DC / DC converter 51 is a boost circuit capable of boosting an input voltage and outputting the boosted input voltage, and is configured to be able to supply the input voltage or a voltage obtained by boosting 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 be output as is without boosting it by controlling the switching element.

[0047] The MCU 50 is configured to acquire the temperature of the flavor source 33 in order to control the discharge to the second load 31 described below. 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 and the aerosol source 22, and to precisely control the amount of the aerosol source 22 atomized by the first load 21.

[0048] 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 the resistance value of the second load 31 based on the outputs of the voltage sensor 52 and the current sensor 53, and obtains the 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. For this reason, the temperature detection element T1 constitutes a temperature detection element for detecting the temperature of the flavor source 33.

[0049] 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.

[0050] 5, in order to obtain the temperature of the second cartridge 30 (flavor source 33), it is preferable to provide a temperature detection element T1 in the power supply unit 10, which is replaced least frequently in the aerosol inhaler 1. This makes it possible to reduce the manufacturing costs of the first cartridge 20 and the second cartridge 30, which are replaced more frequently than the power supply unit 10, and to provide them to users at low cost.

[0051] 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.

[0052] Fig. 6 is a diagram showing a specific example of the power supply unit 10 shown in Fig. 5. Fig. 6 shows a specific example of a configuration that does not have a current sensor 53 as the temperature detection element T1 and does not have a current sensor 55 as the temperature detection element T2.

[0053] As shown in FIG. 6, the power supply unit 10 includes a power supply 12, an MCU 50, and an LDO (Low The MCU 50 includes a voltage sensor 54 including an operational amplifier OP1 and an analog-to-digital converter (hereinafter, referred to as ADC) 50c, and a voltage sensor 52 including an operational amplifier OP2 and an ADC 50b. At least one of the operational amplifier OP1 and the operational amplifier OP2 may be provided inside the MCU 50.

[0054] The resistive element described in this specification may be any element having a fixed electrical resistance, such as a resistor, a diode, a transistor, etc. In the example of Fig. 6, the resistive element R1 and the resistive element R2 are each a resistor.

[0055] The switches described in this specification are switching elements such as transistors that switch between interruption and conduction of a wiring path, and can be, for example, bipolar transistors such as insulated gate bipolar transistors (IGBTs) or field effect transistors such as metal-oxide-semiconductor field-effect transistors (MOSFETs). In the example of Fig. 6, the switches SW1 to SW4 are each a transistor.

[0056] The LDO regulator 60 is connected to a main positive bus LU connected to the positive electrode of the power supply 12. The MCU 50 is connected to the LDO regulator 60 and a main negative bus LD connected to the negative electrode of the power supply 12. The MCU 50 is also connected to each of the switches SW1 to SW4 and controls their opening and closing. The LDO regulator 60 steps down and outputs the voltage from the power supply 12. The output voltage V1 of the LDO regulator 60 is also used as an operating voltage for each of the MCU 50, the DC / DC converter 51, the operational amplifier OP1, and the operational amplifier OP2. Alternatively, at least one of the MCU 50, the DC / DC converter 51, the operational amplifier OP1, and the operational amplifier OP2 may use the output voltage of the power supply 12 itself as an operating voltage. Alternatively, at least one of the MCU 50, the DC / DC converter 51, the operational amplifier OP1, and the operational amplifier OP2 may use a voltage output by a regulator (not shown) other than the LDO regulator 60 as an operating voltage. The output voltage of this regulator may be different from or the same as V1.

[0057] The DC / DC converter 51 is connected to the main positive bus LU. The first load 21 is connected to the main negative bus LD. The parallel circuit C1 is connected to the DC / DC converter 51 and the first load 21.

[0058] The parallel circuit C2 is connected to the main positive bus LU. The second load 31 is connected to the parallel circuit C2 and the main negative bus LD.

[0059] A non-inverting input terminal of the operational amplifier OP1 is connected to a connection node between the parallel circuit C1 and the first load 21. An inverting input terminal of the operational amplifier OP1 is connected to each of the output terminal of the operational amplifier OP1 and the main negative bus LD via a resistive element.

[0060] A non-inverting input terminal of the operational amplifier OP2 is connected to a connection node between the parallel circuit C2 and the second load 31. An inverting input terminal of the operational amplifier OP2 is connected to each of the output terminal of the operational amplifier OP2 and the main negative bus LD via a resistive element.

[0061] The ADC 50c is connected to the output terminal of the operational amplifier OP1. The ADC 50b is connected to the output terminal of the operational amplifier OP2. The ADC 50c and the ADC 50b may be provided outside the MCU 50.

[0062] (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, a notification control unit, and a communication control unit as functional units that are realized by a processor executing a program prestored in a ROM (not shown), a memory 50a (see FIG. 5), or the like.

[0063] The temperature detection unit obtains the temperature of the flavor source 33 (i.e., the temperature of the second load 31) based on the output of the temperature detection element T1. The temperature detection unit also obtains the temperature of the first load 21 based on the output of the temperature detection element T2.

[0064] 6, the temperature detection unit controls the switch SW1, the switch SW3, and the switch SW4 to an off state, and controls the DC / DC converter 51 to output a predetermined constant voltage. Furthermore, the temperature detection unit acquires an output value (a voltage value applied to the first load 21) of the ADC 50c while the switch SW2 is controlled to a conductive state, and acquires the temperature of the first load 21 based on this output value.

[0065] Alternatively, the non-inverting input terminal of the operational amplifier OP1 may be connected to the terminal of the resistor element R1 on the DC / DC converter 51 side, and the inverting input terminal of the operational amplifier OP1 may be connected to the terminal of the resistor element R1 on the switch SW2 side. In this case, the temperature detection unit controls the switches SW1, SW3, and SW4 to an interrupted state, and controls the DC / DC converter 51 to output a predetermined constant voltage. Furthermore, the temperature detection unit acquires the output value of the ADC 50c (the voltage value applied to the resistor element R1) with the switch SW2 controlled to a conductive state, and can acquire the temperature of the first load 21 based on this output value.

[0066] 6, the temperature detection unit controls the switches SW1, SW2, and SW3 to an off state, and controls elements such as a DC / DC converter (not shown) to output a predetermined constant voltage. Furthermore, the temperature detection unit obtains an output value (voltage value applied to the second load 31) of the ADC 50b with the switch SW4 controlled to a conductive state, and obtains the temperature of the second load 31 as the temperature of the flavor source 33 based on this output value.

[0067] Alternatively, the non-inverting input terminal of the operational amplifier OP2 may be connected to a terminal of the resistor element R2 on the main positive bus LU side, and the inverting input terminal of the operational amplifier OP2 may be connected to a terminal of the resistor element R2 on the switch SW4 side. In this case, the temperature detection unit controls the switches SW1, SW2, and SW3 to an interrupted state, and controls elements such as a DC / DC converter (not shown) to output a predetermined constant voltage. Furthermore, the temperature detection unit acquires an output value of the ADC 50b (a voltage value applied to the resistor element R2) with the switch SW4 controlled to a conductive state, and can acquire the temperature of the second load 31 as the temperature of the flavor source 33 based on this output value.

[0068] The notification control unit controls the notification unit 45 to notify various kinds of information. For example, the notification control unit controls the notification unit 45 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.

[0069] The communication control unit controls a communication unit 46 provided in the power supply unit 10 so as to communicate various information between an external communication device 100 and the power supply unit 10. The communication device 100 is, for example, a smartphone or a tablet terminal, and includes an input device (for example, a touch panel) that can be operated by a user, and an output device (for example, various displays including a touch panel) that can notify the user of information. The communication unit 46 is, for example, a network module that can communicate with the communication device 100 via a predetermined network such as Bluetooth (registered trademark), and functions as an interface for the MCU 50 to communicate with the communication device 100.

[0070] The power control unit controls the discharge from the power source 12 to the first load 21 (hereinafter also simply referred to as the discharge to the first load 21) and the discharge from the power source 12 to the second load 31 (hereinafter also simply referred to as the discharge to the second load 31) in response to a signal indicating a request for aerosol generation output from the intake sensor 15.

[0071] In the case of the circuit example shown in Fig. 6, the power control unit can discharge to the first load 21 by controlling the switches SW2, SW3, and SW4 to the cutoff state and the switch SW1 to the conductive state. This allows the aerosol source 22 to be heated and atomized by the first load 21. The power control unit can also discharge to the second load 31 by controlling the switches SW1, SW2, and SW4 to the cutoff state and the switch SW3 to the conductive state. This allows the flavor source 33 to be heated by the second load 31.

[0072] In this way, in the aerosol inhaler 1, the flavor source 33 can be heated by discharging to the second load 31. If the power supplied to the first load 21 is the same, by heating the flavor source 33, the amount of flavor component added to the aerosol can be increased compared to when the flavor source 33 is not heated.

[0073] The weight [mg] of the aerosol generated in the first cartridge 20 and passing through the flavor source 33 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 referred to as the atomization power P liqui d The atomization power P liquid The time during which the load is supplied to the first load 21 is referred to as a supply time t sense This supply time t sense is the first default value t upper The weight [mg] of the flavor component contained in the flavor source 33 is expressed as the remaining flavor component W capsule The information about the temperature of the flavor source 33 is written as a 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 specifically the temperature of the flavor source 33 and the second load 31 acquired based on the output of the temperature detection element T1.

[0074] Flavor ingredient amount W flavor is the remaining amount of flavor components W capsule , temperature parameter T ca psule , and the aerosol weight W aerosol It has been experimentally proven that the amount of flavor components W flavor can be modeled by the following equation (1):

[0075] W flavor = β × (W capsule × T capsule) × γ × W aer osol (1)

[0076] In the above formula (1), 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 the above formula (1), γ is a coefficient that is determined experimentally. capsule and remaining flavor component W capsule can vary, but in this model, γ is introduced to treat them as constant values.

[0077] In addition, the remaining flavor component W capsule decreases every time a puff is taken. Therefore, the remaining flavor component amount W capsule is inversely proportional to the number of inhalations (in other words, the cumulative number of times discharge to the first load 21 is performed to generate aerosol in response to a request to generate aerosol. Hereinafter, this is also referred to as the cumulative number of discharges). cap sule The longer the time during which the discharge to the first load 21 is performed to generate the aerosol in response to inhalation, the more the flavor component remaining amount W capsule is also inversely proportional to the cumulative value of the time during which discharge to first load 21 is performed to generate aerosol in response to inhalation (hereinafter also referred to as cumulative discharge time).

[0078] As can be seen from the model in equation (1) above, the amount of aerosol per inhalation W aerosol Assuming that the amount of flavor components is controlled to be almost constant, W flavor In order to stabilize the flavor component remaining amount W capsule In accordance with a decrease in the number of puffs or an increase in the cumulative discharge time, the temperature of the flavor source 33 needs to be increased.

[0079] Therefore, the power control unit determines the target temperature of the flavor source 33 (target temperature T cap_target) is increased. Then, the power control unit controls the discharge from the power source 12 to the second load 31 based on the output of the temperature detection element T1 so that the temperature of the flavor source 33 converges to the target temperature. This heats the flavor source 33, increasing the amount of flavor components W flavor It is possible to increase and stabilize the amount of

[0080] Specifically, the power control unit controls the discharge to the second load 31 according to a control profile prestored in the ROM, memory 50a, etc. Here, the control profile represents a discharge mode from the power source 12 to the second load 31 according to the number of inhalations (i.e., the cumulative number of discharges) or the cumulative discharge time. Details will be described later using FIG. 7 etc., but in this embodiment, the control profile is information that associates the number of inhalations with a target temperature of the flavor source 33 as an example of a discharge mode to the second load 31, and represents the target temperature of the flavor source 33 to be set according to the number of inhalations.

[0081] As described above, by increasing the temperature of the flavor source 33, the amount of flavor component W added to the aerosol is increased. flavor Therefore, for example, if the user is allowed to change the target temperature of the flavor source 33 as needed, the amount of flavor components W flavor Therefore, the user can appropriately change the amount of flavor components W so as to obtain a desired flavor and taste, taking into consideration, for example, the user's preference, the mood during inhalation, the brand of the second cartridge 30, etc. flavor This will allow the user to adjust the amount of airflow, which is believed to improve the marketability of the aerosol inhaler 1.

[0082] Therefore, the MCU 50 has a plurality of control profiles, and based on any one of the plurality of control profiles, controls the discharge to the second load 31. Furthermore, the MCU 50 is configured to be able to change the control profile used for controlling the discharge to the second load 31 (hereinafter also referred to as the control profile in use) based on a change instruction from the user.

[0083] Specifically, the MCU 50 sets the control profile selected by the user via the operation unit 14, the communication device 100, etc. as the control profile to be used, for example, when the first cartridge 20 or the second cartridge 30 is attached or detached (e.g., replaced) in the aerosol inhalator 1. Furthermore, the MCU 50 may automatically set a predetermined control profile from among the multiple control profiles as the control profile to be used, when the first cartridge 20 or the second cartridge 30 is attached or detached in the aerosol inhalator 1.

[0084] Furthermore, the user can appropriately issue a change instruction to the MCU 50 via the operation unit 14, the communication device 100, etc. The change instruction is issued, for example, by the user selecting (designating) a new control profile to be set as the usage control profile. When a change instruction is received, the MCU 50 changes the usage control profile to the new control profile selected by the user, and thereafter controls the discharge to the second load 31 according to this control profile. This allows the MCU 50 to make the discharge mode to the second load 31 (here, the target temperature of the flavor source 33) different before and after the usage control profile is changed. The change of the control profile will be specifically described below.

[0085] (Example of control profile) First, a specific example of a control profile will be described with reference to Fig. 7. As shown in Fig. 7, the MCU 50 has a control profile Pr1 and a control profile Pr2. The control profile Pr1 and the control profile Pr2 are configured by associating the number of puffs with the target temperature of the flavor source 33, and represent the target temperature of the flavor source 33 to be set according to the number of puffs.

[0086] Specifically, the control profile Pr1 indicates that the target temperature of the flavor source 33 is 30° C. when the number of puffs is 0 to 24, and that the target temperature of the flavor source 33 is 40° C. when the number of puffs is 25 to 54. The control profile Pr1 also indicates that the target temperature of the flavor source 33 is 50° C. when the number of puffs is 55 to 74, and that the target temperature of the flavor source 33 is 60° C. when the number of puffs is 75 to 89. The control profile Pr1 also indicates that the target temperature of the flavor source 33 is 70° C. when the number of puffs is 90 to 99, and that the target temperature of the flavor source 33 is 80° C. when the number of puffs is 100 to 120.

[0087] Control profile Pr2 also indicates that the target temperature of the flavor source 33 is 50° C. when the number of puffs is 0 to 29, and that the target temperature of the flavor source 33 is 60° C. when the number of puffs is 30 to 49. Control profile Pr2 also indicates that the target temperature of the flavor source 33 is 70° C. when the number of puffs is 50 to 64, and that the target temperature of the flavor source 33 is 80° C. when the number of puffs is 65 to 120.

[0088] In this way, the target temperature of the flavor source 33 when the number of puffs is 0 to 99 is higher in the control profile Pr2 than in the control profile Pr1. As a result, when the MCU 50 controls the discharge to the second load 31 according to the control profile Pr2, the MCU 50 increases the temperature of the flavor source 33 and the amount of flavor components W flavor can be increased.

[0089] Therefore, by selecting the control profile Pr2 as the usage control profile, the user can generate an aerosol that feels stronger when drawn (for example, has a stronger kick) than when the control profile Pr1 is selected as the usage control profile. In other words, by selecting the control profile Pr1 as the usage control profile, the user can generate an aerosol that feels gentler when drawn than when the control profile Pr2 is selected as the usage control profile.

[0090] Here, the control profile Pr1 and the control profile Pr2 represent the target temperature of the flavor source 33 according to the number of puffs, but are not limited to this. The control profile Pr1 and the control profile Pr2 may correspond to the target temperature of the flavor source 33 with the accumulated discharge time instead of the number of puffs. In this case, for example, the accumulated discharge time may be set to a first preset value t upper Divide by t, or set the number of suctions to the first default value t upper By multiplying by , it is possible to convert between the cumulative discharge time and the number of suctions. The number of suctions in the following description can also be converted into the cumulative discharge time in the same manner.

[0091] (Example of changing the usage control profile) Next, an example of changing the use control profile will be described. For example, it is assumed that the new first cartridge 20 and second cartridge 30 are mounted in the aerosol inhalator 1, and the control profile Pr1 is set as the use control profile first. Then, it is assumed that x number of inhalations (i.e., generation of aerosol) is performed in this state. Here, as an example, x is a natural number of 1 or more. Note that, in the following, for ease of explanation, an example is described in which the number of inhalations used by the MCU 50 for control is a natural number, but this is not limited thereto. For example, as described above, when the MCU 50 performs control based on the accumulated discharge time, it is possible that the number of inhalations corresponding to this accumulated discharge time is not an integer. Therefore, the number of inhalations used by the MCU 50 for control is not limited to a natural number, and may be a value including, for example, a decimal point. Similarly, the number of inhalations possible and the inhalation time, which will be described later, may also be a value including, for example, a decimal point.

[0092] Assume that after x number of inhalations, a change instruction is given to change the control profile to Pr2, i.e., a change instruction is given to change the control profile in use to the control profile Pr2. In this case, the MCU 50 changes the control profile in use from the control profile Pr1 to the control profile Pr2, for example, as shown by the arrow (11) in Fig. 7. Then, the MCU 50 controls the discharge to the second load 31 according to the control profile Pr2 when aerosol is generated in response to the x+1th or subsequent inhalation from the time when the new first cartridge 20 and second cartridge 30 are attached, for example, as shown by the arrow (12) in Fig. 7.

[0093] Specifically, in this case, when there is a request to generate an aerosol by the x+1th inhalation, the MCU 50 sets the target temperature of the flavor source 33 to a temperature corresponding to the x+1th inhalation in the control profile Pr2, and controls the discharge to the second load 31. Similarly, thereafter, when there is a request to generate an aerosol by the x+jth inhalation (for example, j is a natural number equal to or greater than 2), the MCU 50 sets the target temperature of the flavor source 33 to a temperature corresponding to the x+jth inhalation in the control profile Pr2, and controls the discharge to the second load 31.

[0094] In this way, the MCU 50 does not reset the number of inhalations to 0 (zero, i.e., the initial value) when the usage control profile is changed, but continues to inherit the number of inhalations from before the change even after the usage control profile is changed. Then, when a request for aerosol generation is made after the usage control profile is changed, the MCU 50 determines the target temperature of the flavor source 33 based on the number of inhalations inherited from before the change and the usage control profile after the change.

[0095] As described above, when changing the control profile in use, the MCU 50 determines the discharge mode to the second load 31 after changing to the control profile after the change ...

[0096] As another example, when changing the usage control profile, the MCU 50 determines the remaining amount of the flavor component contained in the flavor source 33 (i.e., the remaining amount W capsule) and determine the manner of discharging to the second load 31 after changing to the target control profile based on the derived remaining amount of the flavor component.

[0097] Suction is n puff times (for example, 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 ), the remaining flavor component amount W capsule (n puff ) can be modeled by the following equation (2):

[0098]

number

[0099] In the above formula (2), δ is a coefficient obtained experimentally. capsule (n puff ) may vary, but in this model, this is treated as a constant value, and so δ is introduced. Note that the remaining amount W capsule (n puff = 0), hereafter, W initial Also written as W. initial is a predetermined value determined by, for example, the manufacturer of the aerosol inhalator 1. initial may differ depending on the brand of the second cartridge 30, etc.

[0100] For example, assume that new first cartridge 20 and second cartridge 30 are attached to the aerosol inhaler 1, and that the control profile Pr1 is set as the control profile in use. Then, assume that y inhalations (i.e., aerosol generation) are performed in this state. Here, y is a natural number equal to or greater than 1. In addition, the remaining amount W of flavor component when y inhalations are performed with the control profile Pr1 in use is capsule (n puff= y) is defined as Wy. Wy can be calculated based on the above formula (2), for example.

[0101] Then, assume that an instruction is given to change the control profile Pr2 to the new control profile. In this case, the MCU 50 calculates the remaining amount W capsule is closest to the above Wy. Here, as a result of this determination, when the control profile used is the control profile Pr2, the flavor component remaining amount W when z inhalations (for example, z is a natural number equal to or greater than 1, and z≠y) are performed is capsule (n puff =z) is the closest value with the smallest absolute value of the difference with Wy, and as a specific example, it is assumed that it is determined to be equal to the above Wy (that is, Wz=Wy).

[0102] In this case, the MCU 50 changes the control profile in use from control profile Pr1 to control profile Pr2, for example, as indicated by the arrow (21) in Fig. 7. Then, the MCU 50 controls the discharge to the second load 31 in accordance with control profile Pr2 when aerosol is generated in response to the y+1th inhalation or later from the time when the new first cartridge 20 and second cartridge 30 are attached, for example, as indicated by the arrow (22) in Fig. 7.

[0103] Specifically, in this case, when there is a request to generate an aerosol by the y+1th inhalation, the MCU 50 sets the target temperature of the flavor source 33 to a temperature corresponding to the z+1th inhalation in the control profile Pr2, and controls the discharge to the second load 31. Similarly, thereafter, when there is a request to generate an aerosol by the y+kth inhalation (for example, k is a natural number equal to or greater than 2), the MCU 50 sets the target temperature of the flavor source 33 to a temperature corresponding to the z+kth inhalation in the control profile Pr2, and controls the discharge to the second load 31.

[0104] As described above, when changing the control profile in use, the MCU 50 may determine the discharge mode to the second load 31 after changing to the control profile to which the change is made, based on the remaining amount of flavor components contained in the flavor source 33. This allows the MCU 50 to determine the discharge mode to the second load 31 after changing to the control profile to which the change is made, taking into consideration the remaining amount of flavor components in the flavor source 33 that has decreased with the generation of aerosol before changing to the control profile to which the change is made. Therefore, even after changing to the control profile to which the change is made, the discharge to the second load 31 can be appropriately controlled, and a decrease in flavor and taste due to the change in the control profile can be suppressed.

[0105] For example, the aerosol weight W generated by a single inhalation by a user aerosol Even if the temperature of the flavor source 33 is the same, the specifications of the tobacco granules (W according to the brand of the second cartridge 30, etc.) initial The amount of flavor components added to the aerosol W flavor It is assumed that the amount of flavor components contained in the flavor source 33 and the amount of flavor components contained in the flavor source 33 are different from each other. Therefore, as described above, the MCU 50 determines the discharge mode to the second load 31 after the change to the new control profile based on the remaining amount of flavor components contained in the flavor source 33, thereby making it possible to more appropriately control the discharge to the second load 31 even after the change to the new control profile, compared to a case in which the discharge mode to the second load 31 after the change to the new control profile is determined simply based on the number of inhalations (i.e., the accumulated number of discharges to the first load 21) or the accumulated discharge time.

[0106] As described above, the MCU 50 can change the usage control profile to make the discharge mode (here, the target temperature of the flavor source 33) to the second load 31, which is the control mode load, different before and after the change. In other words, in the aerosol inhaler 1, when the usage control profile is changed by the MCU 50, the target temperature of the second load 31, which is the control mode load, and the number of inhalations or the inhalation time after the change may change. Therefore, the user can achieve the desired flavor, the number of inhalations, or the inhalation time by changing the usage control profile according to, for example, his / her own preferences or mood during inhalation, thereby improving the marketability of the aerosol inhaler 1. Note that the discharge mode of the control mode load that can be changed with the change of the usage control profile is not limited to the target temperature of the control mode load, and may be the power supplied to the control mode load, etc.

[0107] (An example of when the second cartridge is reinstalled) For example, it is conceivable that a user may wish to change the flavor added to the aerosol, and then replace the second cartridge 30 attached to the aerosol inhaler 1 with another second cartridge 30, and then reattach the second cartridge 30 that was attached before the replacement. capsule It is conceivable that the second cartridge 30 with a reduced amount is attached to the aerosol inhalator 1.

[0108] In this way, the remaining flavor component W capsule Even when the second cartridge 30 with a reduced flavor component remaining amount W is re-installed, capsule When the discharge to the second load 31 is controlled in the same manner as when the second cartridge 30 is installed, the amount of flavor component W flavor This may result in a decrease in flavor and aroma.

[0109] Therefore, when the second cartridge 30 that has been previously installed in the aerosol inhaler 1 is re-installed, the MCU 50 calculates the remaining amount W of the flavor component contained in the flavor source 33 of the second cartridge 30. capsuleThe remaining amount information indicating the amount of flavor of the second cartridge 30 may be acquired, and the manner of discharging the second load 31 after the second cartridge 30 is reattached (ie, the target temperature of the flavor source 33) may be determined based on the acquired remaining amount information.

[0110] For example, assume that new first cartridge 20 and second cartridge 30 are attached to the aerosol inhalator 1, and the control profile Pr1 is set as the control profile to be used first. Then, assume that x number of inhalations (i.e., generation of aerosol) are performed in this state.

[0111] Thereafter, before the x+1th inhalation is performed, the second cartridge 30 attached to the aerosol inhalator 1 is temporarily replaced with another second cartridge 30, and then the second cartridge 30 is reattached to the aerosol inhalator 1.

[0112] In this case, when the second cartridge 30 is reattached to the aerosol inhaler 1, the MCU 50 sets the control profile in use to the control profile Pr1 similar to that used at the previous attachment, as indicated by the arrow (31) in Fig. 7, and resumes discharge control to the second load 31 from the x+1th time onward in the control profile Pr1. This allows the MCU 50 to determine the discharge mode to the second load 31 after reattachment, taking into consideration the remaining amount of flavor component of the flavor source 33 that was reduced with the generation of aerosol before reattachment. Therefore, even after the second cartridge 30 is reattached, it is possible to appropriately control discharge to the second load 31, and to suppress deterioration of the flavor and taste.

[0113] The MCU 50 may use any method to detect the attachment / detachment, replacement, or reattachment of the first cartridge 20 or the second cartridge 30. For example, the MCU 50 may detect the attachment / detachment, replacement, or reattachment of the first cartridge 20 or the second cartridge 30 based on an operation received from a user via the operation unit 14, the communication device 100, or the like.

[0114] Also, for example, the MCU 50 can detect the attachment / detachment of the first cartridge 20 based on the electrical resistance value between the pair of discharge terminals 41. That is, when the first cartridge 20 is attached, the first load 21 or the like is electrically connected between the discharge terminals 41, and the discharge terminals 41 are in a conductive state. On the other hand, when the first cartridge 20 is removed, the discharge terminals 41 are insulated by air. Therefore, in each of these states, the electrical resistance value between the discharge terminals 41 that the MCU 50 can obtain is different. Therefore, the MCU 50 can detect the attachment / detachment of the first cartridge 20 based on the electrical resistance value between the discharge terminals 41.

[0115] Also, for example, the MCU 50 can identify each of the first cartridges 20 from the difference in the electrical resistance value between the discharge terminals 41 when each of the first cartridges 20 is attached. Also, instead of the electrical resistance value, each of the first cartridges 20 can be identified using another physical quantity that can be detected by providing a predetermined sensor, such as the remaining amount of the aerosol source 22 in the first cartridge 20.

[0116] Furthermore, for example, if the MCU 50 stores the remaining amount of aerosol source 22 of each first cartridge 20 in a memory 50a, etc., when a first cartridge 20 that has been attached to the aerosol inhaler 1 is re-attached, it can detect that the first cartridge 20 has been re-attached from the remaining amount of aerosol source 22 of the first cartridge 20 stored in the memory 50a, etc. and the detected remaining amount of aerosol source 22 of the first cartridge 20.

[0117] Furthermore, for example, when the second cartridge 30 is attached or detached, stress is applied to the discharge terminals 41 due to the attachment or detachment. This stress causes fluctuations in the electrical resistance value between the pair of discharge terminals 41. Therefore, the MCU 50 may detect the attachment or detachment of the second cartridge 30 based on the fluctuations in the electrical resistance value between the discharge terminals 41.

[0118] In addition, the first cartridge 20 and the second cartridge 30 may be provided with a storage medium that stores identification information (e.g., an ID) for identifying each individual first cartridge 20 and second cartridge 30, and the MCU 50 may detect the attachment / detachment, replacement, or re-attachment of the first cartridge 20 or the second cartridge 30 based on this identification information.

[0119] For example, when the information stored in these storage media transitions from a state in which the MCU 50 can acquire (read) the information to a state in which the information cannot be acquired, the MCU 50 detects the removal of the first cartridge 20 or the second cartridge 30. Also, when the information stored in these storage media transitions from a state in which the MCU 50 cannot acquire the information to a state in which the information can be acquired, the MCU 50 detects the attachment of the first cartridge 20 or the second cartridge 30.

[0120] In addition, the MCU 50 stores the identification information of the installed first cartridge 20 or second cartridge 30 in memory 50a or the like, and can detect that the first cartridge 20 or the second cartridge 30 has been replaced based on the fact that the newly acquired identification information has changed from the identification information stored in memory 50a or the like.

[0121] Furthermore, by storing the identification information of the first cartridge 20 and the second cartridge 30 that have been attached to the aerosol inhalator 1 in the memory 50a, etc., the MCU 50 can detect that the first cartridge 20 or the second cartridge 30 that have been attached to the aerosol inhalator 1 have been re-attached.

[0122] For example, the MCU 50 stores in the memory 50a or the like the number of inhalations (i.e., the cumulative number of discharges to the first load 21) or the cumulative discharge time when the second cartridge 30 is attached, in association with the identification information of the second cartridge 30 that has been attached to the aerosol inhaler 1, thereby determining the remaining amount W capsule It is possible to obtain remaining amount information indicating the remaining amount.

[0123] Similarly, the MCU 50 may store in the memory 50a or the like the number of inhalations (i.e., the cumulative number of discharges to the first load 21) or the cumulative discharge time when the first cartridge 20 is attached, in association with the identification information of the first cartridge 20 that has been attached to the aerosol inhaler 1. In this way, when the first cartridge 20 is reattached, it is possible to obtain information indicating the remaining amount of the aerosol source 22 of the first cartridge 20. Then, the MCU 50 may determine the discharge mode to the first load 21 or the second load 31 after the first cartridge 20 is reattached, based on the remaining amount of the aerosol source 22 of the reattached first cartridge 20.

[0124] (Limiting changes to control profiles) However, if the control profile is changed during discharging to the first load 21 (i.e., during generation of the aerosol), the amount of flavor component W added to the aerosol will decrease due to the change in the target temperature of the flavor source 33 caused by the change. flavor The aerosol inhalator 1 may suddenly change, causing the user to feel uncomfortable. Such discomfort may lead to a decrease in the marketability of the aerosol inhalator 1.

[0125] Therefore, the MCU 50 limits the change of the control profile during discharging to the first load 21. As a result, the MCU 50 controls the amount of flavor component W added to the aerosol during the inhalation action by the user. flavor Therefore, it is possible to appropriately change the control profile, thereby improving the marketability of the aerosol inhalator 1.

[0126] For example, even if the MCU 50 receives a change instruction during discharging to the first load 21, the MCU 50 does not change the control profile based on this change instruction at that time, and changes the control profile based on the change instruction after discharging to the first load 21 is completed. In this way, the MCU 50 can restrict the control profile from being changed during discharging to the first load 21.

[0127] Furthermore, when a change instruction is received via the communications device 100, the MCU 50 may restrict the change of the control profile by transmitting, to the communications device 100, information that indicates that an operation for issuing a change instruction cannot be accepted. Specifically, in this case, the MCU 50 transmits, to the communications device 100, information that indicates that an operation for issuing a change instruction cannot be accepted when discharging to the first load 21. Upon receiving this information, the communications device 100, for example, grays out an operation button for issuing a change instruction displayed on the touch panel of the communications device itself, and does not accept an operation on the operation button (i.e., an operation for issuing a change instruction) even if the operation is performed.

[0128] In this way, MCU 50 transmits information to communications device 100 that the operation to issue a change instruction cannot be accepted, thereby enabling communications device 100 to indicate to the user that the operation to issue a change instruction cannot be accepted, thereby improving user convenience.

[0129] Furthermore, the MCU 50 may restrict the change of the control profile by refusing to receive, from the communications device 100, information indicating that a change instruction has been received, or by ignoring information indicating that a change instruction has been received from the communications device 100. In this way, the MCU 50 can restrict the change of the control profile with simple control.

[0130] (An example of the operation of the aerosol inhalator 1) Next, a description will be given of an example of the operation of the aerosol inhalator 1. Each operation of the aerosol inhalator 1 described below can be realized, for example, by the processor of the MCU 50 executing a program prestored in the ROM, memory 50a, or the like.

[0131] (Action for generating aerosol) First, an example of an operation for generating an aerosol by the aerosol inhalator 1 will be described with reference to Fig. 8 and Fig. 9. As shown in Fig. 8, when the aerosol inhalator 1 is turned on by operating the operation unit 14 or the like (step S0: YES), the MCU 50 sets the target temperature T cap_target is determined (set) (step S1).

[0132] Next, the MCU 50 detects the current temperature T cap_sense is acquired based on the output of the temperature detection element T1 (step S2).

[0133] 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_ta rget 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 of the first load 31.

[0134] 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.

[0135] 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 Tcap_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_se nse is the target temperature T cap_target This increases the possibility of reaching the target temperature T cap_target may have hysteresis.

[0136] After step S3, the MCU 50 judges whether or not there is a request to generate aerosol (step S4). If the MCU 50 does not detect a request to generate aerosol (step S4: 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 S5. If the no-operation time has reached a predetermined time (step S5: YES), the MCU 50 ends discharging to the second load 31 (step S6) and transitions to a sleep mode in which power consumption is reduced (step S7). If the no-operation time is less than the predetermined time (step S5: NO), the MCU 50 transitions to the process in step S2.

[0137] When the MCU 50 detects a request to generate an aerosol (step S4: YES), the MCU 50 ends the discharge to the second load 31 for heating the flavor source 33, and the temperature T c ap_sense Based on the output of the temperature detection element T1 (step S8), the MCU 50 acquires the temperature T cap_sense is the target temperature T cap_target It is determined whether or not it is equal to or greater than that (step S9).

[0138] temperature T cap_sense is the target temperature T cap_target If it is equal to or greater than the predetermined atomization power P liquidto the first load 21 to start heating the first load 21 (heating for atomizing the aerosol source 22) (step S10). After starting heating of the first load 21 in step S10, the MCU 50 continues heating if the aerosol generation request has not ended (step S11: NO), and stops power supply to the first load 21 if the aerosol generation request has ended (step S11: YES) (step S14).

[0139] temperature T cap_sense is the target temperature T cap_target If it is less than (step S9: NO), the MCU 50 liquid The power increased by a predetermined amount is supplied to the first load 21 to start heating the first load 21 (step S12). The increase in power here is, for example, cap_sense and the target temperature T cap_target The heating is performed according to a table that associates the temperature difference and the amount of power increase. After starting heating of the first load 21 in step S12, the MCU 50 continues heating if the request for aerosol generation has not ended (step S13: NO), and stops the power supply to the first load 21 if the request for aerosol generation has ended (step S13: YES) (step S14).

[0140] 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 generating aerosol is made, the amount of aerosol generated can be increased by performing the process of step S12. 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.

[0141] After step S14, the MCU 50 updates the number of suctions or the accumulated discharging time stored in the memory 50a (step S15).

[0142] Next, the MCU 50 judges whether the updated number of suctions or the accumulated discharge time exceeds a threshold value (step S16). If the updated number of suctions or the accumulated discharge time is equal to or less than the threshold value (step S16: NO), the MCU 50 proceeds to step S19. If the updated number of suctions or the accumulated discharge time exceeds the threshold value (step S16: YES), the MCU 50 causes the notification unit 45 to issue a notification to prompt the user to replace the second cartridge 30 (step S17). Then, the MCU 50 resets the number of suctions or the accumulated discharge time to an initial value (=0) and sets the target temperature T cap_target (Step S18). The target temperature T cap_t arget The initialization of the target temperature T cap_ target As a specific example, when the MCU 50 uses the profile of the target temperature shown in FIG. 9, instead of this initialization, the lowest target temperature (50° C.) is set as the target temperature T cap_target In this case, the process of step S1 performed immediately after this process may be omitted.

[0143] After step S18, if the power is not turned off (step S19: NO), the MCU 50 returns the process to step S1, and if the power is turned off (step S19: YES), the MCU 50 ends the process.

[0144] (Actions for changing control profile) Next, an example of the operation for changing the control profile by the aerosol inhalator 1 will be described with reference to Fig. 10. As shown in Fig. 10, when there is an instruction to change the control profile (step S20: YES), the MCU 50 stops discharging to the first load 21 (i.e., the atomization power P liquid It is determined whether the power is being supplied to the first load 21 (step S21).

[0145] If the first load 21 is being discharged (step S21: YES), the MCU 50 waits until the discharge to the first load 21 is completed. This enables the MCU 50 to limit the change of the control profile during the discharge to the first load 21.

[0146] Note that, in this example, if discharging to the first load 21 is in progress when an instruction to change the control profile is given, the MCU 50 waits for the end of discharging to the first load 21, but this is not limited thereto. For example, if discharging to the first load 21 is in progress when an instruction to change the control profile is given, the MCU 50 may notify the user via the communications device 100 that the control profile cannot be changed, and then end the processing shown in Fig. 10. Even in this manner, the MCU 50 can restrict the change of the control profile during discharging to the first load 21.

[0147] Also, as described above, when discharging to the first load 21, the MCU 50 may transmit, to the communications device 100, information that indicates that an operation for issuing a change instruction cannot be accepted, thereby preventing the MCU 50 from accepting an operation for issuing a change instruction while discharging to the first load 21. Furthermore, while discharging to the first load 21, the MCU 50 may restrict the change of the control profile by refusing to receive from the communications device 100 information indicating that a change instruction has been issued, or by ignoring information received from the communications device 100 indicating that a change instruction has been issued.

[0148] On the other hand, when discharging to the first load 21 is not in progress (step S21: NO), the MCU 50 may proceed to the process of step S26 and change the control profile, but it is preferable to perform the processes of steps S22 to S25 described below. By performing these processes, it is possible to increase the convenience for the user and further improve the marketability of the aerosol inhalator 1.

[0149] The MCU 50 determines the remaining amount W of the flavor component contained in the flavor source 33 based on the number of inhalations (i.e., the cumulative number of discharges to the first load 21) or the cumulative discharge time. capsule(Step S22). capsule can be calculated, for example, from the above formula (2).

[0150] Then, the MCU 50 calculates the remaining flavor component amount W capsule Based on the control profile after the change, the number of possible inhalations after the change to the control profile after the change is predicted (step S23). For example, when the control profile after the change is the control profile Pr2, the remaining amount of flavor component W capsule In this case, the MCU 50 can predict that the number of times suction is possible after changing to the control profile Pr2 will be 120 times (the upper limit of the number of times suction is possible in the control profile Pr2)-z times.

[0151] Then, the MCU 50 notifies the user of the possible number of suctions predicted in step S22, for example, via the communication device 100, and asks the user whether or not to change the control profile (step S24). If the user gives permission to change (step S25: Yes), the MCU 50 changes to the target control profile (step S26).

[0152] Then, as described above, the MCU 50 determines the target temperature T cap_target is determined (step S27), and the process shown in FIG. 10 ends.

[0153] Note that if the user does not permit the change within a predetermined period of time after confirming with the user whether the control profile can be changed, the MCU 50 may end the process shown in Fig. 10 without changing the control profile. Furthermore, if the user performs an operation not permitting the change as a result of confirming with the user whether the control profile can be changed, the MCU 50 may end the process shown in Fig. 10 without changing the control profile.

[0154] In this way, the MCU 50 predicts the number of possible inhalations after changing to the new control profile and notifies the user of the predicted number of possible inhalations, thereby making it possible to inform the user of how many inhalations will be possible after changing to the new control profile. In other words, it is conceivable that the number of possible inhalations will decrease as a result of changing the control profile. For this reason, by informing the user in advance of the number of possible inhalations after changing to the new control profile, the MCU 50 is able to notify the user of the remaining amount of flavor component W at a timing unexpected by the user. capsule This can prevent the battery from running out, improving user convenience.

[0155] Then, if an operation permitting a change to the target control profile is performed after the notification of the possible number of suctions, the MCU 50 changes to the target control profile, so that it is possible to prevent a change to the control profile against the user's will. For example, the user may take into consideration the notified possible number of suctions and perform an operation permitting a change to the target control profile only if the user desires to change to the target control profile.

[0156] Although one embodiment of the present invention has been described above with reference to the accompanying drawings, it goes without saying that the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment. It is clear that a person skilled in the art can come up with various modified or revised examples within the scope of the claims, and it is understood that these also naturally belong to the technical scope of the present invention. In addition, the components in the above-described embodiment may be arbitrarily combined within the scope of the invention.

[0157] For example, in the above-described embodiment, the load to be controlled by the control profile is the second load 31, and the discharge to the second load 31 is controlled by the control profile, but this is not limited to the above. For example, the load to be controlled by the control profile may be the first load 21, and the discharge to the first load 21 may be controlled by the control profile.

[0158] Specifically, in this case, the control profile is changed to the target temperature of the flavor source 33 described above, and the applied voltage to the first load 21 and the atomization power P when a request for generating aerosol is made are changed. liqui d In this case, the user can change the control profile to control the weight of aerosol W generated in response to one inhalation action of the user. aeros ol In this case, the user can change the aerosol weight W ae rosol By changing the amount of flavor component W added to the aerosol generated in response to one inhalation action of the user, flavor It is also possible to change the

[0159] Note that even when the load to be controlled by the control profile is the first load 21 and discharging to the first load 21 is controlled by the control profile, the MCU 50 limits changes to the control profile during discharging to the first load 21. This makes it possible to appropriately change the control profile, improving the marketability of the aerosol inhaler.

[0160] In the above embodiment, the load to be controlled by the control profile is the second load 31, and the MCU 50 restricts the change of the control profile during discharging to the first load 21, but this is not limited to the above. For example, the load to be controlled by the control profile may be the second load 31, and the MCU 50 may restrict the change of the control profile during discharging to the second load 31. As a specific example, when the flavor source 33 itself includes the aerosol source 22, the aerosol inhaler 1 may be configured to have only the second load 31 without the first load 21. In such a case, if the load to be controlled by the control profile is the second load 31, and the MCU 50 restricts the change of the control profile during discharging to the second load 31, it is possible to appropriately change the control profile as in the above embodiment, and the marketability of the aerosol inhaler can be improved.

[0161] In addition, both the first load 21 and the second load 31 may be set as loads to be controlled by the control profile, and a control profile for the first load 21 and a control profile for the second load 31 may be provided. In this way, the user can easily determine the aerosol weight W aerosol and flavor component amount W flavor can be changed more flexibly.

[0162] Furthermore, the control profile may represent a combination of a discharge mode to the first load 21 and a discharge mode to the second load 31. Specifically, in this case, the control profile may represent a combination of a voltage applied to the first load 21 when an aerosol generation request is made and a target temperature of the flavor source 33. In this way, the user can easily set an appropriate combination of a discharge mode to the first load 21 and the second load 31.

[0163] In addition, the user can select the desired aerosol weight W aerosol and flavor component amount W flavo r The amount of flavor components W flavor When this is set, the amount of flavor component W flavor The MCU 50 may automatically set a control profile for the second load 31 that can realize the aerosol weight W aerosol Once this aerosol weight W aerosol The MCU 50 may automatically set a control profile for the first load 21 that can realize the aerosol weight W set by the user. aerosol The MCU 50 may automatically set a control profile for the second load 31 for adding an appropriate flavor component to the aerosol of the weight W a erosol is set, and the amount of flavor component W flavor If no specification is made for the aerosol weight W, the MCU 50 will calculate the aerosol weight W according to the user's settings. aerosol The same amount of flavor components as before the change W flavorThe discharge to the second load 31 may be controlled so as to be equal to or smaller than the first load 31.

[0164] In the above embodiment, the control profile is data in a table format, but this is not limiting. For example, the control profile may be defined by a predetermined calculation formula. Specifically, in this case, for example, the aerosol weight W aerosol and flavor component amount W flavo r Or flavor component remaining amount W capsule A formula capable of calculating the target temperature of the flavor source 33 to be set according to the above may be provided as a control profile for the second load 31. aerosol and flavor component amount W flavor Or flavor component remaining amount W capsule The applied voltage to the first load 21 and the atomization power P should be set according to the above. liquid A formula capable of calculating the above may be provided as a control profile for first load 21.

[0165] Furthermore, a different control profile may be provided for each individual first cartridge 20 or second cartridge 30, or two control profiles, such as for regular and menthol, may be provided. For example, the control profile for regular may represent a discharge mode to first load 21 or second load 31 that is suitable for a case in which aerosol source 22 or flavor source 33 does not contain menthol. The control profile for menthol may represent a discharge mode to first load 21 or second load 31 that is suitable for a case in which aerosol source 22 or flavor source 33 contains menthol.

[0166] In addition, the aerosol weight W aerosol and flavor component amount W flavor Or flavor component remaining amount W capsule The formulas for calculating the above may be stored in advance in the communication device 100, and the MCU 50 may transmit information required for calculating these to the communication device 100 as appropriate. The MCU 50 may then transmit the aerosol weight W calculated by the communication device 100. a erosoland flavor component amount W flavor Or flavor component remaining amount W capsule Information indicating the above may be received from the communications device 100. In this way, the amount of calculation by the MCU 50 can be reduced, and the power consumption of the power supply unit 10 can be reduced.

[0167] In the above embodiment, the aerosol inhalator 1 includes the first load 21 and the second load 31, and is configured to be able to heat both the aerosol source 22 and the flavor source 33, but is not limited thereto. For example, the aerosol inhalator 1 may include the first load 21 that heats the aerosol source 22, but may not include the second load 31 that heats the flavor source 33. In this case, the control profile represents a discharge mode to the first load 21.

[0168] In the above-described embodiment, the user is notified of the number of possible inhalations after changing to the target control profile, but this is not limited to the above. For example, in addition to or instead of the number of possible inhalations, the MCU 50 may predict the possible inhalation time after changing to the target control profile and notify the user of the possible inhalation time. Furthermore, the MCU 50 may also notify the user of predetermined information (e.g., the drawability, the strength of the menthol feeling, etc.) corresponding to the flavor and aroma after changing the control profile. The MCU 50 may also, for example, notify the user of the aerosol weight W before and after changing the control profile. aerosol In the case where the aerosol weight W after the control profile change is changed, aerosol The user may be notified of this.

[0169] In the above embodiment, the MCU 50 determines the remaining amount W capsu le is obtained by deriving based on the number of inhalations (i.e., the cumulative number of discharges to the first load 21), but this is not limited to this. For example, capsule Based on the detection result of the sensor, the MCU 50 determines the remaining amount of flavor component W capsuleSimilarly, a sensor capable of detecting the remaining amount of the aerosol source 22 may be provided, and the MCU 50 may acquire the remaining amount of the aerosol source 22 based on the detection result of this sensor. capsule The remaining amount of the aerosol source 22 may be obtained via a sensor capable of detecting these.

[0170] Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, 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.

[0171] In the above embodiment, the first load 21 and the second load 31 are heaters that generate heat by the power discharged from the power source 12, but the first load 21 and the second load 31 may be Peltier elements that can both generate heat and cool by the power discharged from the power source 12. By configuring the first load 21 and the second load 31 in this way, the degree of freedom in controlling the temperature of the aerosol source 22 and the temperature of the flavor source 33 is increased, so that the amount of flavor component W flavor It becomes possible to control the above in a more advanced manner.

[0172] Also, the first load 21 may be configured with an element capable of atomizing the aerosol source 22 without heating the aerosol source 22 by ultrasonic waves or the like. The element usable for the first load 21 is not limited to the above-mentioned heater, Peltier element, and ultrasonic element, and various elements or combinations thereof may be used as long as they are capable of atomizing the aerosol source 22 by consuming power supplied from the power source 12. Similarly, the second load 31 may be configured with an element capable of changing the amount of flavor components added to the aerosol by the flavor source 33 without heating the flavor source 33 by ultrasonic waves or the like. The element usable for the second load 31 is not limited to the above-mentioned heater, Peltier element, and ultrasonic element, and various elements or combinations thereof may be used as long as they are capable of changing the amount of flavor components added to the aerosol by consuming power supplied from the power source 12.

[0173] 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.

[0174] (1) A power supply unit (power supply unit 10) of an aerosol inhaler (aerosol inhaler 1) that adds a flavor component of a flavor source (flavor source 33) to an aerosol generated by heating an aerosol source (aerosol source 22) by passing the aerosol through the flavor source, a power source (power source 12) capable of discharging to a first load (first load 21) which is a load that heats the aerosol source, and a second load (second load 31) which is a load that heats the flavor source; A control device (MCU 50) that controls discharge from the power source to a controlled load including at least one of the first load and the second load; Equipped with The control device includes: A control device includes a plurality of control profiles (a control profile Pr1, a control profile Pr2), and controls discharge to the controlled load based on one of the plurality of control profiles; The control profile used for controlling discharge to the controlled load can be changed based on a change instruction from a user, limiting the change in the control profile during discharge to the first load. Aerosol aspirator power supply unit.

[0175] According to (1), since the change of the control profile is limited during discharging to the first load, it is possible to suppress the change of the control profile that may give the user a sense of discomfort, such as a sudden change in the amount of aerosol generated or the amount of flavor component added to the aerosol during the generation of the aerosol (i.e., during the user's inhalation action). Therefore, it is possible to appropriately change the control profile, and the marketability of the aerosol inhaler can be improved.

[0176] (2) A power supply unit (power supply unit 10) of an aerosol inhaler (aerosol inhaler 1) that adds a flavor component of a flavor source (flavor source 33) to an aerosol generated by heating an aerosol source (aerosol source 22) by passing the flavor source through the aerosol, a power source (power source 12) capable of discharging to a load (first load 21) that heats the aerosol source; A control device (MCU 50) that controls discharge from the power source to a controlled load including the load; Equipped with The control device includes: A control device includes a plurality of control profiles (a control profile Pr1, a control profile Pr2), and controls discharge to the controlled load based on one of the plurality of control profiles; The control profile used for controlling discharge to the controlled load can be changed based on a change instruction from a user, limiting changes to the control profile during discharge to the load; Aerosol aspirator power supply unit.

[0177] According to (2), since the change of the control profile is limited during discharge to the load that heats the aerosol source, it is possible to suppress the change of the control profile that may cause the user to feel uncomfortable, such as a sudden change in the amount of aerosol generated or the amount of flavor components added to the aerosol during the generation of the aerosol (i.e., during the user's inhalation action). Therefore, it is possible to appropriately change the control profile, and the marketability of the aerosol inhaler can be improved.

[0178] (3) A power supply unit for the aerosol inhaler according to (1) or (2), The control device includes: When changing the control profile used for controlling the discharge to the controlled load, a discharge mode to the controlled load after changing to the control profile after the change is made is determined based on a cumulative number of discharges or a cumulative discharge time from the power source to the load that heats the aerosol source and the control profile after the change. Aerosol aspirator power supply unit.

[0179] According to (3), when changing the control profile used to control the discharge to the controlled load, the discharge mode to the controlled load after changing to the changed control profile is determined based on the cumulative number of discharges or cumulative discharge time to the load that heats the aerosol source and the changed control profile. This makes it possible to determine the discharge mode to the controlled load after changing to the changed control profile, taking into account the decrease in flavor components of the aerosol source or flavor source associated with the generation of aerosol before changing to the changed control profile. Therefore, the discharge to the controlled load can be appropriately controlled even after changing to the changed control profile, and the deterioration of the flavor and aroma associated with the change of the control profile can be suppressed.

[0180] (4) A power supply unit for an aerosol inhaler according to any one of (1) to (3), The control device includes: When changing the control profile used for controlling the discharge to the controlled load, a discharge mode to the controlled load after changing to the control profile after changing is determined based on the remaining amount of the aerosol source or the remaining amount of a flavor component contained in the flavor source. Aerosol aspirator power supply unit.

[0181] According to (4), when changing the control profile used to control the discharge to the controlled load, the discharge mode to the controlled load after changing to the control profile to which the change is made is determined based on the remaining amount of the aerosol source or the remaining amount of the flavor component contained in the flavor source. This makes it possible to determine the discharge mode to the controlled load after changing to the control profile to which the change is made, taking into account the remaining amount of the flavor component of the aerosol source or flavor source that has decreased with the generation of aerosol before changing to the control profile to which the change is made. Therefore, the discharge to the controlled load can be appropriately controlled even after changing to the control profile to which the change is made, and the deterioration of the flavor and aroma associated with the change in the control profile can be suppressed.

[0182] (5) A power supply unit for the aerosol inhaler according to (1) or (2), The control device includes: When the change instruction is received, predicting the number of inhalations or the duration of inhalations after the change to the control profile after the change based on the remaining amount of the aerosol source or the remaining amount of the flavor component contained in the flavor source and the control profile after the change; notifying the user of the predicted number of possible suctions or the predicted possible suction time; Aerosol aspirator power supply unit.

[0183] According to (5), when a change instruction is received, the number of possible suctions or the possible suction time after changing to the target control profile is predicted, and the predicted number of possible suctions or the possible suction time is notified to the user. This makes it possible to inform the user in advance how much suction will be possible after changing to the target control profile, thereby improving user convenience.

[0184] (6) A power supply unit for the aerosol inhaler according to (5), The control device includes: when an operation to permit a change to the target control profile is performed after the notification of the available number of suctions or the available suction time, changing to the target control profile. Aerosol aspirator power supply unit.

[0185] According to (6), if an operation is performed to allow a change to a target control profile after notification of the number of possible suctions or the available suction time, the control profile is changed to the target control profile, thereby preventing a change to the control profile against the user's will.

[0186] (7) A power supply unit for the aerosol inhaler according to (1) or (2), The cartridge (second cartridge 30) containing the flavor source is configured to be detachably attached, The control device includes: when the cartridge is re-attached, a discharge mode to the controlled load after the cartridge is re-attached is determined based on remaining amount information indicating a remaining amount of the flavor component contained in the flavor source contained in the cartridge. Aerosol aspirator power supply unit.

[0187] According to (7), when a cartridge containing a flavor source is reattached, the discharge mode to the controlled load after the cartridge is reattached is determined based on remaining amount information indicating the remaining amount of flavor components contained in the flavor source contained in the cartridge. This makes it possible to determine the discharge mode to the controlled load after reattachment, taking into account the remaining amount of flavor components in the flavor source that was reduced with the generation of aerosol before reattachment. Therefore, it is possible to appropriately control the discharge to the controlled load even after the cartridge is reattached.

[0188] (8) A power supply unit for the aerosol inhaler according to (1) or (2), A cartridge (first cartridge 20) containing the aerosol source is configured to be detachably attached, The control device includes: When the cartridge is reattached, a discharge mode to the controlled load after the cartridge is reattached is determined based on remaining amount information indicating a remaining amount of the aerosol source contained in the cartridge. Aerosol aspirator power supply unit.

[0189] According to (8), when a cartridge containing an aerosol source is reattached, the discharge mode to the controlled load after the cartridge is reattached is determined based on remaining amount information indicating the remaining amount of the aerosol source contained in the cartridge. This makes it possible to determine the discharge mode to the controlled load after reattachment, taking into account the remaining amount of the aerosol source that has decreased due to the generation of aerosol before reattachment. Therefore, it is possible to appropriately control the discharge to the controlled load even after the cartridge is reattached.

[0190] (9) A power supply unit for the aerosol inhaler according to (1) or (2), The communication device 100 is configured to be capable of communicating with a communication device operable by the user, and is capable of receiving the change instruction via the communication device; The control device includes: restricting the change of the control profile by transmitting, to the communication device, information that indicates that the operation for issuing the change instruction cannot be accepted; Aerosol aspirator power supply unit.

[0191] According to (9), the change of the control profile is restricted by transmitting information indicating that the operation to issue a change instruction cannot be accepted to a communication device that the user can operate. This enables the communication device that has received the information indicating that the operation to issue a change instruction cannot be accepted to indicate to the user that the operation to issue a change instruction cannot be accepted, thereby improving user convenience.

[0192] (10) A power supply unit for the aerosol inhaler according to (1) or (2), The communication device 100 is configured to be capable of communicating with a communication device operable by the user, and is capable of receiving the change instruction via the communication device; The control device includes: restricting the change of the control profile by refusing to receive from the communication device the information indicating that the change instruction has been received, or ignoring the information indicating that the change instruction has been received from the communication device; Aerosol aspirator power supply unit.

[0193] According to (10), changes to the control profile can be limited with simple control.

[0194] (11) A power supply unit (power supply unit 10) of an aerosol inhaler (aerosol inhaler 1) that adds a flavor component of a flavor source (flavor source 33) to an aerosol generated by heating an aerosol source (aerosol source 22) by passing the aerosol through the flavor source, a power source (power source 12) capable of discharging to a load (second load 31) that heats the flavor source; A control device (MCU 50) that controls discharge from the power source to a controlled load including the load; Equipped with The control device includes: A control device includes a plurality of control profiles (a control profile Pr1, a control profile Pr2), and controls discharge to the controlled load based on one of the plurality of control profiles; The control profile used for controlling discharge to the controlled load can be changed based on a change instruction from a user, limiting changes to the control profile during discharge to the load; Aerosol aspirator power supply unit.

[0195] According to (11), since the change of the control profile is limited during discharging to the load that heats the flavor source, it is possible to suppress the change of the control profile that may cause the user to feel uncomfortable. Therefore, it is possible to appropriately change the control profile, and the marketability of the aerosol inhaler can be improved. [Explanation of symbols]

[0196] 1 Aerosol Aspirator 10 Power supply unit 12 Power supply 20 First Cartridge 21 1st load 30 2nd Cartridge 31 2nd load 50 MCU (control unit) 100 Communication Equipment Pr1, Pr2 control profile

Claims

1. A power supply unit for an aerosol inhaler that adds a flavor component of a flavor source to an aerosol generated by heating an aerosol source by passing a flavor source through the aerosol, a power source capable of discharging to a first load, the first load being a load for heating the aerosol source, and a second load, the second load being a load for heating the flavor source; A control device that controls discharge from the power source to a controlled load including at least one of the first load and the second load; Equipped with The control device includes: having a plurality of control profiles, and controlling discharge to the controlled load based on any one of the plurality of control profiles; The control profile used for controlling discharge to the controlled load can be changed based on a change instruction from a user, When changing the control profile used to control the discharge to the controlled load, a discharge mode to the controlled load after changing to the control profile after the change is made is determined based on a cumulative number of discharges or a cumulative discharge time from the power source to a load that heats the aerosol source and the control profile after the change is made; restricting the change in the control profile from being performed during discharging to the first load; Aerosol aspirator power supply unit.

2. A power supply unit for an aerosol inhaler that adds a flavor component of a flavor source to an aerosol generated by heating an aerosol source by passing a flavor source through the aerosol, a power source capable of discharging to a load to heat the aerosol source; A control device that controls discharge from the power source to a controlled load including the load; Equipped with The control device includes: having a plurality of control profiles, and controlling discharge to the controlled load based on any one of the plurality of control profiles; The control profile used for controlling discharge to the controlled load can be changed based on a change instruction from a user, When changing the control profile used to control the discharge to the controlled load, a discharge mode to the controlled load after changing to the control profile after the change is made is determined based on a cumulative number of discharges or a cumulative discharge time from the power source to a load that heats the aerosol source and the control profile after the change is made; restricting the change in the control profile from being performed during discharging to the load; Aerosol aspirator power supply unit.

3. A power supply unit for an aerosol inhaler according to claim 1 or 2, The control device includes: When changing the control profile used to control the discharge to the controlled load, the remaining amount of the aerosol source or the remaining amount of the flavor components contained in the flavor source is derived based on the cumulative number of discharges or cumulative discharge time from the power source to a load that heats the aerosol source, and the discharge mode to the controlled load after changing to the new control profile is determined based on the derived remaining amount of the aerosol source or the remaining amount of the flavor components contained in the flavor source and the new control profile. Aerosol aspirator power supply unit.

4. A power supply unit for an aerosol inhaler according to claim 1 or 2, The control device includes: When the change instruction is received, predicting the number of inhalations or the duration of inhalations after the change to the control profile after the change based on the remaining amount of the aerosol source or the remaining amount of the flavor component contained in the flavor source and the control profile after the change; notifying the user of the predicted number of possible suctions or the predicted possible suction time; Aerosol aspirator power supply unit.

5. A power supply unit for an aerosol inhaler according to claim 4, The control device includes: when an operation to permit a change to the target control profile is performed after the notification of the available number of suctions or the available suction time, changing to the target control profile. Aerosol aspirator power supply unit.

6. A power supply unit for an aerosol inhaler according to claim 1 or 2, A cartridge containing the flavor source is detachably configured, The control device includes: when the cartridge is re-attached, a discharge mode to the controlled load after the cartridge is re-attached is determined based on remaining amount information indicating a remaining amount of the flavor component contained in the flavor source contained in the cartridge. Aerosol aspirator power supply unit.

7. A power supply unit for an aerosol inhaler according to claim 1 or 2, A cartridge that contains the aerosol source is detachably configured, The control device includes: When the cartridge is reattached, a discharge mode to the controlled load after the cartridge is reattached is determined based on remaining amount information indicating a remaining amount of the aerosol source contained in the cartridge. Aerosol aspirator power supply unit.

8. A power supply unit for an aerosol inhaler according to claim 1 or 2, a communication device operable by the user, the communication device being configured to be capable of communicating with the user and capable of receiving the change instruction via the communication device; The control device includes: restricting the change of the control profile by transmitting, to the communication device, information that indicates that the operation for issuing the change instruction cannot be accepted; Aerosol aspirator power supply unit.

9. A power supply unit for an aerosol inhaler according to claim 1 or 2, a communication device operable by the user, the communication device being configured to be capable of communicating with the user and capable of receiving the change instruction via the communication device; The control device includes: restricting the change of the control profile by refusing to receive from the communication device the information indicating that the change instruction has been received, or ignoring the information indicating that the change instruction has been received from the communication device; Aerosol aspirator power supply unit.

10. A power supply unit for an aerosol inhaler that adds a flavor component of a flavor source to an aerosol generated by heating an aerosol source by passing a flavor source through the aerosol, a power source capable of discharging to a load to heat the flavor source; A control device that controls discharge from the power source to a controlled load including the load; Equipped with The control device includes: having a plurality of control profiles, and controlling discharge to the controlled load based on any one of the plurality of control profiles; The control profile used for controlling discharge to the controlled load can be changed based on a change instruction from a user, when changing the control profile used for controlling the discharge to the controlled load, determining a discharge mode to the controlled load after changing to the control profile after changing based on a cumulative number of discharges or a cumulative discharge time from the power source to the load that heats the flavor source and the control profile after changing; restricting the change in the control profile from being performed during discharging to the load; Aerosol aspirator power supply unit.

Images