Aerosol generator power supply unit

Abstract

To provide an aerosol generating device capable of preventing deterioration of flavor and taste due to the presence of moisture. [Solution] The power supply unit 10 of the aerosol generating device 1 comprises a power supply 12 capable of discharging an aerosol source 22 to a first load 21 capable of atomizing the aerosol source 22, a resistive element Rs for detecting the electrical resistance value of the first load 21 configured to be connectable in series to the first load 21, and an MCU 50, and the MCU 50 performs a first discharge control for discharging from the power supply 12 to the first load 21 to generate an aerosol, and a second discharge control for discharging from the power supply 12 to a series circuit of the first load 21 and the resistive element Rs to detect the electrical resistance value of the first load 21, and performs a third discharge control for discharging from the power supply 12 to the series circuit during a specific period other than the period during which the first discharge control and the second discharge control are performed.

Description

[Technical field]

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

[0002] Patent document 1 describes an aerosol generating device that includes a power source, a load that atomizes an aerosol source by generating heat from power supplied from the power source and whose electrical resistance value changes depending on temperature, a first circuit used by the load to atomize the aerosol source, and a second circuit used to detect a voltage that changes depending on temperature changes of the load. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] International Publication No. 2019 / 146062 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In an aerosol generating device, if moisture is present near the element that heats the aerosol source, the moisture evaporates into water vapor when the aerosol is generated, and the water vapor becomes mixed into the aerosol that is generated.

[0005] An object of the present invention is to provide an aerosol generating device capable of preventing the generation of aerosol mixed with water vapor. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] A power supply unit of an aerosol generating device according to one aspect of the present invention includes a power supply capable of discharging to a first load that heats an aerosol source, a resistive element for detecting an electrical resistance value of the first load that is configured to be connectable in series to the first load, and a processing device, wherein the processing device performs a first discharge control for discharging from the power supply to the first load in order to generate an aerosol, and a second discharge control for discharging from the power supply to a series circuit of the first load and the resistive element in order to detect the electrical resistance value of the first load, and performs a fourth discharge control for discharging from the power supply to the first load without passing through the resistive element in order to evaporate moisture near the first load during a specific period other than a period during which the first discharge control and the second discharge control are performed. cormorant, It is something. Effect of the Invention

[0007] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide an aerosol generating device capable of preventing the generation of aerosol mixed with water vapor. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a schematic configuration of an aerosol generating device. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is another perspective view of the aerosol generating device of FIG. [Diagram 3] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the aerosol generating device of FIG. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a power supply unit in the aerosol generation device of FIG. [Diagram 5] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a detailed internal electrical configuration of the aerosol generation device of FIG. [Figure 6] 2 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of the aerosol generation device of FIG. [Figure 7] 4 is a flowchart for explaining a first modified example of the operation of the aerosol generation device in FIG. [Figure 8] 13 is a flowchart for explaining a second modified example of the operation of the aerosol generation device in FIG. [Figure 9]13 is a flowchart for explaining a third modified example of the operation of the aerosol generation device in FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0009] Hereinafter, an aerosol generation apparatus 1, which is one embodiment of the aerosol generation apparatus of the present invention, will be described with reference to Figs.

[0010] (Aerosol generating device) The aerosol generation device 1 is a device for generating an aerosol to which a flavor component is added without combustion and making it inhalable, and has a rod shape extending along a predetermined direction (hereinafter referred to as the longitudinal direction X) as shown in Figs. 1 and 2. The aerosol generation device 1 is provided with a power supply unit 10, a first cartridge 20, and a second cartridge 30 in this order along the longitudinal direction X. The first cartridge 20 is detachable (in other words, replaceable) from the power supply unit 10. The second cartridge 30 is detachable (in other words, replaceable) from the first cartridge 20. As shown in Fig. 3, the first cartridge 20 is provided with a first load 21. The overall shape of the aerosol generation device 1 is not limited to the shape in which the power supply unit 10, the first cartridge 20, and the second cartridge 30 are arranged in a line as shown in Fig. 1. 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, any shape such as a substantially box shape can be adopted.

[0011] (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, an intake sensor 15, a first notification unit 45, and a second notification unit 46 inside a cylindrical power supply unit case 11.

[0012] 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.

[0013] As shown in FIG. 5, the MCU 50 is connected to the inhalation sensor 15, the operation unit 14, the first notification unit 45, and the second notification unit 46, and performs various controls of the aerosol generation device 1.

[0014] 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.

[0015] 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 a first load 21 of the first cartridge 20.

[0016] Further, an air supply unit 42 that supplies air to the first load 21 of the first cartridge 20 is provided on the upper surface of the top portion 11a, in the vicinity of the discharge terminal 41.

[0017] A charging terminal 43 that can be electrically connected to an external power source (not shown) is provided on the bottom portion 11b located on the other end side (opposite the first cartridge 20) in the longitudinal direction X of the power supply unit case 11. The charging terminal 43 is provided on a side surface of the bottom portion 11b, and can be connected to, for example, a Universal Serial Bus (USB) terminal or a microUSB terminal.

[0018] The charging terminal 43 may be a power receiving unit capable of contactlessly receiving power transmitted from an external power source. In such a case, the charging terminal 43 (power receiving unit) may be composed of a power receiving coil. The method of contactless power transmission (Wireless Power Transfer) may be an electromagnetic induction type, a magnetic resonance type, or a combination of the electromagnetic induction type and the magnetic resonance type. The charging terminal 43 may also be a power receiving unit capable of contactlessly receiving power transmitted from an external power source. As another example, the charging terminal 43 may be connectable to a USB terminal or a microUSB terminal, and may have the above-mentioned power receiving unit.

[0019] The power supply unit case 11 has an operation unit 14 that can be operated by the user, which is provided on a side surface of the top part 11a facing the opposite side to the charging terminal 43. The operation unit 14 is configured with a button-type switch, a touch panel, or the like. When the power supply unit 10 is in a power-off state and a predetermined startup operation is performed by the operation unit 14, the operation unit 14 outputs a startup command for the power supply unit 10 to the MCU 50. Upon receiving this startup command, the MCU 50 starts up the power supply unit 10.

[0020] 3, an intake sensor 15 for detecting a puff (inhalation) action is provided near the operation unit 14. An air intake port (not shown) for taking in outside air is provided in the power supply unit case 11. The air intake port may be provided around the operation unit 14 or around the charging terminal 43.

[0021] 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. The intake sensor 15 may output an analog value, or may output a digital value converted from the analog value.

[0022] In order to compensate for the detected pressure, the intake sensor 15 may incorporate a temperature sensor that detects the temperature (outside air temperature) of the environment in which the power supply unit 10 is placed. The intake sensor 15 may be composed of a condenser microphone or the like instead of a pressure sensor.

[0023] When the puffing operation is performed and the output value of the intake sensor 15 becomes equal to or greater than the output threshold, the MCU 50 determines that an aerosol generation request (a command to atomize the aerosol source 22, which will be described later) has been made, and when the output value of the intake sensor 15 subsequently falls below this output threshold, the MCU 50 determines that the aerosol generation request has ended. Note that, in the aerosol generating device 1, in order to prevent overheating of the first load 21, etc., the period during which the aerosol generation request is made is set to an upper limit value t upper When the time period (for example, 2.4 seconds) is reached, it is determined that the request for aerosol generation has ended, regardless of the output value of the intake sensor 15.

[0024] Note that, instead of the inhalation sensor 15, the request for generating an 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 an aerosol to the MCU 50.

[0025] 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.

[0026] (1st cartridge) As shown in FIG. 3, the first cartridge 20 includes, inside a cylindrical cartridge case 27, a reservoir 23 constituting a storage section for storing the aerosol source 22, a first load 21 constituting an atomizer that atomizes the aerosol source 22 to generate an aerosol, a wick 24 that draws the aerosol source 22 from the reservoir 23 to the position of the first load 21, an aerosol flow path 25 that constitutes a cooling passage for adjusting the particle size of the aerosol generated by atomizing the aerosol source 22 to a size suitable for inhalation, and an end cap 26 that accommodates a portion of the second cartridge 30.

[0027] The reservoir 23 is partitioned and formed so as to surround the periphery of the aerosol flow path 25, and stores the aerosol source 22. A porous body such as a resin web or cotton may be accommodated in the reservoir 23, and the aerosol source 22 may be impregnated into the porous body. The reservoir 23 may not accommodate the porous body on the resin web or cotton, and may store only the aerosol source 22. The aerosol source 22 contains water and a liquid other than water, such as glycerin or propylene glycol. The proportion of water in the aerosol source 22 is sufficiently small, for example, 10% or less of the aerosol source 22.

[0028] The wick 24 is a liquid holding member that draws the aerosol source 22 from the reservoir 23 to the position of the first load 21 by utilizing capillary action. The wick 24 constitutes a holding portion that holds the aerosol source 22 supplied from the reservoir 23 at a position where the aerosol source 22 can be atomized by the first load 21. The wick 24 is made of, for example, glass fiber or porous ceramic.

[0029] First load 21 atomizes aerosol source 22 by heating aerosol source 22 without combustion using power supplied from power source 12 via discharge terminal 41. In principle, the more power supplied from power source 12 to first load 21, the greater the amount of aerosol source that is atomized. First load 21 is formed of an electric heating wire (coil) wound at a predetermined pitch.

[0030] 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.

[0031] The first load 21 has a correlation between temperature and electrical resistance. For example, the first load 21 has a PTC (Positive Temperature Coefficient) characteristic in which the electrical resistance increases with an increase in temperature. For example, the first load 21 may have an NTC (Negative Temperature Coefficient) characteristic in which the electrical resistance decreases with an increase in temperature.

[0032] The aerosol flow path 25 is provided downstream of the first load 21 and on the center line L of the power supply unit 10. The end cap 26 includes a cartridge accommodating portion 26a that accommodates a part of the second cartridge 30, and a communication passage 26b that communicates between the aerosol flow path 25 and the cartridge accommodating portion 26a.

[0033] (2nd cartridge) The second cartridge 30 stores a flavor source 33. The second cartridge 30 is removably housed in a cartridge housing portion 26a provided in the end cap 26 of the first cartridge 20. The end of the second cartridge 30 opposite to the first cartridge 20 side is a mouthpiece 32 for the user. The mouthpiece 32 is not limited to being inseparably formed with the second cartridge 30, but may be configured to be removably attached to the second cartridge 30. By configuring the mouthpiece 32 as a separate entity from the power supply unit 10 and the first cartridge 20 in this manner, the mouthpiece 32 can be kept hygienic.

[0034] The second cartridge 30 adds flavor components to the aerosol generated by atomizing the aerosol source 22 by the first load 21 by passing the aerosol through the flavor source 33. The raw material pieces constituting the flavor source 33 may be cut tobacco or a molded product obtained by molding a tobacco raw material into a granular shape. The flavor source 33 may be made of a plant other than tobacco (e.g., mint, Chinese medicine, herbs, etc.). A flavoring such as menthol may be added to the flavor source 33.

[0035] In the aerosol generation device 1, an aerosol to which a flavor component has been added can be generated by the aerosol source 22 and the flavor source 33. In other words, the aerosol source 22 and the flavor source 33 configure an aerosol generation source that generates an aerosol.

[0036] The aerosol generation source in the aerosol generation device 1 is a part that is replaced and used by the user. This part is provided to the user as one set, for example, one first cartridge 20 and one or more (for example, five) second cartridges 30. Note that the first cartridge 20 and the second cartridge 30 may be integrated into one cartridge.

[0037] In the aerosol generating device 1 configured in this manner, as shown by arrow B in Fig. 3, air flowing in from an air 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.

[0038] The aerosol generating device 1 is also provided with a first notification section 45 and a second notification section 46 for notifying the user of various information (see FIG. 5). The first notification section 45 is for notifying the user by acting on the user's sense of touch, and is constituted by a vibration element such as a vibrator. The second notification section 46 is for notifying the user by acting on the user's sense of sight, and is constituted by a light-emitting element such as an LED (Light Emitting Diode). As a notification section for notifying various information, a sound output element may be further provided for notifying the user by acting on the user's sense of hearing. The first notification section 45 and the second notification section 46 may be provided in any of the power supply unit 10, the first cartridge 20, and the second cartridge 30, but are preferably provided in the power supply unit 10. For example, the periphery of the operation section 14 is configured to have translucency and emit light by a light-emitting element such as an LED.

[0039] (Power supply unit details) Fig. 5 is a diagram showing an example of a detailed internal electrical configuration of the power supply unit 10 in a state in which the first cartridge 20 is attached. As shown in Fig. 5, the power supply unit 10 includes a power supply 12, an MCU 50, an LDO (Low Drop Out) regulator 60, a DC / DC converter 51, a switch SW1, a switch SW3, an operational amplifier OP1, an analog-to-digital converter (hereinafter referred to as ADC) 50b, and a resistance element Rs.

[0040] The resistive element described in this specification may be any element having a fixed electrical resistance value, such as a resistor, a diode, a transistor, etc. In the example of Fig. 5, the resistive element Rs is a resistor.

[0041] The switches described in this specification are switching elements such as transistors that switch between interruption and conduction of a wiring path. In the example of Fig. 5, the switches SW1 and SW3 are each a transistor.

[0042] 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 and SW3 and controls them. The LDO regulator 60 steps down the voltage from the power supply 12 and outputs it. The output voltage V1 of the LDO regulator 60 is also used as the operating voltage of each of the MCU 50, the DC / DC converter 51, and the operational amplifier OP1.

[0043] 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 switch SW1 is connected between the DC / DC converter 51 and the first load 21. Hereinafter, the electrical resistance value of the first load 21 is referred to as R1.

[0044] 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. A non-inverting input terminal of the operational amplifier OP1 is connected to a connection node N1 between the switch SW1 and the first load 21. A positive power supply terminal of the operational amplifier OP1 is connected to a power supply line that supplies an output voltage V1 of the LDO regulator 60. A negative power supply terminal of the operational amplifier OP1 is connected to the main negative bus LD. Therefore, the range of differential input voltages that the operational amplifier OP1 can amplify is from 0 V to the output voltage V1.

[0045] The ADC 50b is connected to the output terminal of the operational amplifier OP1. The ADC 50b may be provided outside the MCU 50.

[0046] The resistor Rs is connected to the non-inverting input terminal of the operational amplifier OP1. A connection node N3 between the resistor Rs and the non-inverting input terminal of the operational amplifier OP1 is connected to a connection node N1. Hereinafter, the electrical resistance value of the resistor Rs is referred to as R3.

[0047] The switch SW3 is connected between a power supply line that supplies the output voltage V1 of the LDO regulator 60 and the resistive element Rs.

[0048] The processor of the MCU 50 is configured to acquire the temperature of the first load 21. The temperature of the first load 21 can be used to prevent overheating of the first load 21 or the aerosol source 22, and to provide advanced control over the amount of the aerosol source 22 that the first load 21 atomizes.

[0049] (MCU) Next, a description will be given of the functions of the MCU 50. The MCU 50 includes a temperature detection unit, a power control unit, and a notification control unit as functional blocks that are realized by a processor executing a program stored in a ROM.

[0050] The temperature detection unit obtains the temperature of the first load 21 based on the output of the ADC 50b.

[0051] The temperature detection unit performs a second discharge control to discharge from the power source 12 to the series circuit of the first load 21 and the resistive element Rs in order to detect the electric resistance value R1 of the first load 21. In the second discharge control, the temperature detection unit forms a first state in which the switch SW1 is controlled to the cutoff state and the switch SW3 is controlled to the conductive state. In this first state, the power supply line supplying the output voltage V1 and the main negative bus LD are connected by the series circuit of the resistive element Rs and the first load 21. In this first state, the temperature detection unit obtains the output value of the ADC 50b (the voltage value applied to the first load 21) and obtains the temperature of the first load 21 based on this output value. Specifically, this output value corresponds to a value obtained by amplifying the differential input voltage of the operational amplifier OP1, expressed by {R1 / (R3+R1)}×V1, by a predetermined amplification factor in the operational amplifier OP1. As described above, the first load 21 has a characteristic in which temperature and electrical resistance value are correlated, so that the electrical resistance value of the first load 21 can be derived based on the output value of ADC 50b in the first state, and the temperature of the first load 21 can be obtained from this electrical resistance value.

[0052] The notification control unit controls the first notification unit 45 and the second notification unit 46 to notify various information. For example, the notification control unit controls at least one of the first notification unit 45 and the second notification unit 46 to issue a notification prompting replacement of the second cartridge 30 in response to detection of the timing to replace the second cartridge 30. The notification control unit is not limited to a notification prompting replacement of the second cartridge 30, and may also issue a notification prompting replacement of the first cartridge 20, a notification prompting replacement of the power source 12, a notification prompting charging of the power source 12, etc.

[0053] The power control unit performs a first discharge control for discharging power from the power supply 12 to the first load 21 to generate aerosol in response to a signal indicating an aerosol generation request output from the intake sensor 15. In the first discharge control, the power control unit creates a second state in which the switch SW1 is in a conductive state and the switch SW3 is in a cut-off state, and supplies power from the DC / DC converter 51 to the first load 21. In a state in which the first discharge control is performed, the temperature of the first load 21 rises from room temperature (room temperature defined by the Japanese Industrial Standards) to a high temperature of, for example, about 200°C.

[0054] In the power supply unit 10, when discharging to the series circuit of the resistance element Rs and the first load 21 in a state where the temperature of the first load 21 is sufficiently lower than the temperature at which the aerosol is generated (for example, at room temperature), the electric resistance value R3 of the resistance element Rs and the voltage (output voltage V1) supplied to the series circuit are determined so that the temperature of the first load 21 is in the range of 30° C. or higher and lower than 100° C. As an example, the electric resistance value R3 of the resistance element Rs is a relatively small value of about 10 Ω.

[0055] When detecting the temperature of the first load 21, if a large amount of power is supplied to the first load 21, the first load 21 will be heated. Therefore, when detecting the temperature, the electrical resistance value R3 of the resistive element Rs of the series circuit is generally set to a sufficiently large value such as 100Ω. In contrast, in the power supply unit 10 of the present embodiment, the electrical resistance value R3 of the resistive element Rs is set to a small value of about 10Ω, so that the temperature of the first load 21 will rise slightly when the second discharge control is performed when the first load 21 is at room temperature. Assuming that a general lithium-ion battery is used as the power supply 12, the electrical resistance value R3 is set to be 1 to 30 times, preferably 5 to 20 times, the electrical resistance value R1 of the first load 21 at room temperature, so that the temperature of the first load 21 can be easily set to a range of 30°C to 100°C when the second discharge control is performed when the first load 21 is at room temperature. In addition, by setting the electrical resistance value R3 to a small value in this manner, the temperature detection resolution of the first load 21 can be improved.

[0056] The MCU 50 performs a third discharge control for discharging from the power source 12 to the series circuit in a specific period other than the period in which the first discharge control and the second discharge control are performed. The third discharge control is the same as the second discharge control, but has a different purpose.

[0057] The third discharge control is performed to evaporate moisture present near the first load 21. Moisture absorbed by the first load 21, moisture contained in the aerosol source 22 drawn into the wick 24, moisture in the space in which the first load 21 is provided, and the like are present near the first load 21. As described above, even if the third discharge control is performed with the same content as the second discharge control, the temperature of the first load 21 changes only from room temperature to a range of 30°C or more and less than 100°C. However, if the temperature is within this range, the moisture present near the first load 21 can be evaporated by taking a certain amount of time.

[0058] The timing for detecting the temperature of first load 21 (timing for performing second discharge control) is the period during which the first discharge control is performed and immediately after the end of this period, etc. At such timing, the temperature of first load 21 is sufficiently higher than the above-mentioned range. Therefore, the temperature rise of first load 21 due to performing second discharge control can be ignored.

[0059] (Operation of the aerosol generating device) FIG. 6 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of the aerosol generating device 1 of FIG. When the operation unit 14 is operated to turn on the power supply unit 10 (step S1: YES), the MCU 50 acquires the elapsed time T1 from the previous aerosol generation (step S2). When the MCU 50 ends the first discharge control that was started in response to the aerosol generation request, the MCU 50 stores the aerosol generation end time in the memory 50a. In step S2, the MCU 50 acquires the difference between the aerosol generation end time stored in the memory 50a and the current time as the above-mentioned elapsed time T1.

[0060] Furthermore, when the power supply unit 10 is turned on, the MCU 50 starts the third discharge control (step S3). After that, when the elapsed time from the start of the third discharge control reaches a time T2 corresponding to the elapsed time T1 acquired in step S2 (step S4: YES), the MCU 50 ends the third discharge control (step S5). The longer the elapsed time T1 is, the larger the value set for the time T2.

[0061] After step S5, when the aerosol generation request is started (step S6: YES), the MCU 50 starts the first discharge control (step S7). After that, when the aerosol generation request is ended (step S8: YES), the MCU 50 ends the first discharge control (step S9) and stores the aerosol generation end time in the memory 50a.

[0062] Between steps S7 and S9, the MCU 50 alternately and repeatedly performs, for example, the first discharge control and the second discharge control. As a result, while heating the first load 21, the temperature of the first load 21 is detected to suppress overheating of the first load 21 and adjust the amount of aerosol generated by controlling the power discharged to the first load 21. It is desirable that the MCU 50 does not perform the first discharge control and the second discharge control during periods other than the period from step S7 to step S9.

[0063] After step S9, if the power of the aerosol generation device 1 is turned off, the MCU 50 ends the process, and if the power is not turned off, the MCU 50 returns the process to step S6.

[0064] As described above, according to the aerosol generating device 1, the third discharge control is performed during a specific period during which aerosol generation and detection of the electrical resistance value R1 of the first load 21 are not performed (specifically, during the period from the start of the power supply unit 10 until the start of the first aerosol generation (first discharge control)). Therefore, this third discharge control makes it possible to slightly heat the first load 21 and evaporate moisture present near the first load 21. By evaporating the moisture near the first load 21, it is possible to prevent a large amount of moisture from being contained in the aerosol generated when the later first discharge control is performed, and to suppress deterioration of the flavor and aroma. In addition, the moisture can be evaporated during the period from the start of the power supply unit 10 until the start of the first aerosol generation. Therefore, a sufficient flavor and aroma can be provided to the user from the first inhale after the power is turned on.

[0065] In the aerosol generating device 1, the temperature of the first load 21 during the period from step S3 to step S5 is in the range of 30° C. or more and less than 100° C., and is not as high as when the first discharge control is being performed. Therefore, moisture near the first load 21 can be evaporated without the user being aware of it. In addition, the temperature rise of the power supply unit 10 when suction is not being performed can be prevented, providing a sense of security to the user.

[0066] Furthermore, according to the aerosol generation device 1, after the power supply unit 10 is turned on, while the user is preparing for inhalation, moisture in the vicinity of the first load 21 can be evaporated. Therefore, moisture in the vicinity of the first load 21 can be evaporated without the user being aware of it.

[0067] When the power supply unit 10 is not activated, it is considered that the aerosol generation device 1 is left for a certain period of time. In other words, in this state, it is highly likely that the amount of moisture in the vicinity of the first load 21 has increased due to moisture outside the aerosol generation device 1 or the user's saliva entering through the suction port 32. For this reason, it is particularly effective to evaporate the moisture in the vicinity of the first load 21 after the power supply unit 10 is activated.

[0068] Note that even if there is moisture that is not completely evaporated in the third discharge control during the period from step S3 to step S5, this moisture will be evaporated in the subsequent first discharge control. Therefore, after the power supply unit 10 is started, when the second or subsequent aerosol is generated, there will be almost no moisture near the first load 21. Therefore, by not performing the third discharge control after the first aerosol generation is completed after the power supply unit 10 is started, it is possible to suppress power consumption when suction is not being performed.

[0069] Moreover, according to the aerosol generating device 1, the time for performing the third discharge control is controlled based on the elapsed time T1 from the end of the previous aerosol generation to the start of the third discharge control. The larger the value of the elapsed time T1, the more likely it is that the amount of moisture in the vicinity of the first load 21 is high. In this way, by determining the time for performing the third discharge control based on the elapsed time T1, which has a high correlation with the amount of moisture in the vicinity of the first load 21, appropriate discharge according to the amount of moisture in the vicinity of the first load 21 becomes possible, and power can be used efficiently.

[0070] 6, the time from step S3 to step S5 is a value (=time T2) based on the elapsed time T1, but it is not limited to this and can be a fixed value determined experimentally (for example, 10 to 15 seconds). The possible range of time T2 is, for example, 10 to 15 seconds, but is not limited to this.

[0071] (First modified example of the operation of the aerosol generating device) Fig. 7 is a flowchart for explaining a first modified example of the operation of the aerosol generating device 1 in Fig. 1. The flowchart shown in Fig. 7 is the same as Fig. 6 except that step S2 is deleted and step S4 is changed to steps S4a, S4b, and S4c. The following mainly describes the changes.

[0072] When the power supply unit 10 is turned on (step S1: YES), the MCU 50 starts the third discharge control (step S3). After that, the MCU 50 acquires the electric resistance value of the first load 21 every unit time based on the output of the ADC 50b, and calculates the fluctuation amount (absolute value) of this electric resistance value per unit time (step S4a). Then, the MCU 50 determines whether the fluctuation amount of the electric resistance value of the first load 21 is equal to or greater than a threshold value TH1 (step S4b).

[0073] If the amount of variation is less than the threshold TH1 (step S4b: NO), the MCU 50 determines whether the time elapsed since the start of the third discharge control has reached a predetermined upper limit time (step S4c). If the time elapsed since the start of the third discharge control has not reached the upper limit time (step S4c: NO), the MCU 50 returns to the process of step S4a.

[0074] When the elapsed time from the start of the third discharge control reaches the upper limit time (step S4c: YES), the MCU 50 ends the third discharge control in step S5. When the fluctuation amount becomes equal to or greater than the threshold value TH1 (step S4b: YES), the MCU 50 also ends the third discharge control in step S5.

[0075] When the third discharge control is performed and the temperature of first load 21 rises, and moisture near first load 21 evaporates, the heat of vaporization associated with this evaporation causes a drop in the temperature of first load 21. Therefore, the electrical resistance value of first load 21 varies greatly before and after the evaporation of moisture. For this reason, by ending the third discharge control at the timing when the amount of variation in the electrical resistance value of first load 21 becomes equal to or greater than threshold value TH1 (in other words, the timing when moisture is evaporated), as in the operation of Fig. 7, it is possible to prevent discharge from continuing in the absence of moisture, and suppress power consumption.

[0076] (Second modified example of the operation of the aerosol generating device) Fig. 8 is a flowchart for explaining a second modified example of the operation of the aerosol generating device 1 in Fig. 1. The flowchart shown in Fig. 8 is the same as Fig. 6 except that steps S2 to S5 are deleted and steps S11 to S15 are added. The following mainly describes the changes.

[0077] When the power supply unit 10 is turned on (step S1: YES), the MCU 50 determines whether or not an aerosol generation request has been initiated (step S6). If an aerosol generation request has been initiated (step S6: YES), the process proceeds to step S7 and subsequent steps.

[0078] If the aerosol generation request has not started (step S6: NO), the MCU 50 acquires information on the humidity around the power supply unit 10 (step S11). Any method may be used to acquire the humidity information, and for example, the following first acquisition method, second acquisition method, and third acquisition method may be adopted.

[0079] The first acquisition method is a method of providing a humidity sensor inside the power supply unit 10 and acquiring information detected by the humidity sensor. The second acquisition method is a method of providing an interface inside the power supply unit 10 capable of communicating with an external device (e.g., a user's smartphone) connected to a service server that provides humidity information, and acquiring humidity information at the location where the aerosol generation device 1 is located from the service server via the external device. The third acquisition method is a method of providing an air pressure sensor inside the power supply unit 10 and estimating humidity from information detected by the air pressure sensor and information detected by a temperature sensor provided inside the power supply unit 10.

[0080] After acquiring the humidity information in step S11, the MCU 50 determines whether the acquired humidity exceeds the threshold TH2 (step S12). If the humidity is equal to or lower than the threshold TH2 (step S12: NO), the MCU 50 returns the process to step S6.

[0081] If the humidity exceeds the threshold value TH2 (step S12: YES), the MCU 50 starts the third discharge control (step S13). After the start of the third discharge control, when a predetermined time (for example, 10 to 15 seconds) has elapsed (step S14: YES), the MCU 50 ends the third discharge control (step S15). After step S15, the process proceeds to step S6.

[0082] According to the operation of the second modified example described above, the third discharge control is started in step S13 only when it is assumed that the humidity around the power supply unit 10 is high and that a large amount of moisture is present near the first load 21. In this way, by performing the third discharge control only when necessary, it is possible to reduce power consumption compared to the operations of FIGS. 6 and 7.

[0083] In the operation of Fig. 8, the timing to end the third discharge control started in step S13 may be either the time when the amount of fluctuation in the electrical resistance value of first load 21 becomes equal to or greater than threshold value TH1 or the time when a predetermined time has elapsed since the start of the third discharge control, as described in Fig. 7. Also, the humidity in the vicinity of first load 21 may be obtained, and the third discharge control may be ended when this humidity becomes low.

[0084] (Third modified example of the operation of the aerosol generating device) In the above description of the operation of the aerosol generation device 1, the third discharge control is performed when the power supply unit 10 is ON. However, the third discharge control may be executed in a state in which power can be supplied from an external power supply (such as a mobile battery or an outlet) to the power supply 12. A state in which power can be supplied from an external power supply to the power supply 12 means a state in which the charging terminal 43 and the external power supply are electrically connected, in other words, a state in which the power supply 12 can be charged.

[0085] Fig. 9 is a flowchart for explaining a third modified example of the operation of the aerosol generating device 1 in Fig. 1. The MCU 50 judges whether or not the charging terminal 43 of the power supply unit 10 is connected to an external power supply (step S21). The state in which the charging terminal 43 is connected to an external power supply refers to a state in which power can be supplied to the charging terminal 43 from the external power supply.

[0086] When the charging terminal 43 is connected to an external power source (step S21: YES), the MCU 50 starts charging the power source 12 with the power supplied from the external power source (step S22). When charging starts, the MCU 50 resets an internal timer to an initial value (=0) and starts timing (step S23).

[0087] The MCU 50 determines whether the timer value reaches a predetermined value Tx (step S24), and if the timer value reaches the predetermined value Tx (step S24: YES), starts the third discharge control (step S25).

[0088] When a predetermined time (for example, 10 to 15 seconds) has elapsed since the start of the third discharge control (step S26: YES), the MCU 50 ends the third discharge control (step S27). After step S27, the process proceeds to step S23. In this manner, during the charging period of the power source 12, the third discharge control is performed every time a time of the predetermined value Tx has elapsed. The predetermined value Tx is preferably set to a time long enough to allow moisture to be adsorbed in the vicinity of the first load 21, and is set to any value, such as 1 hour, 2 hours, 4 hours, or 8 hours.

[0089] According to the operation of the third modified example described above, moisture near the first load 21 can be evaporated during the charging period of the power source 12, which is a period during which the user is not using the aerosol generation device 1. Therefore, moisture near the first load 21 can be evaporated without the user being aware of it. In addition, since charging of the power source 12 is performed over a certain amount of time, the amount of moisture near the first load 21 is likely to increase. By periodically performing the third discharge control during such a period during which the amount of moisture is likely to increase, moisture near the first load 21 can be effectively removed.

[0090] In the operation of Fig. 9, the timing to end the third discharge control started in step S25 may be either the earlier of the time when the amount of fluctuation in the electrical resistance value of first load 21 becomes equal to or greater than threshold value TH1, or the time when a predetermined time has elapsed since the start of the third discharge control, as described in Fig. 7. Alternatively, the third discharge control may be ended when the humidity near first load 21 becomes equal to or less than threshold value TH2, as described in Fig. 8. Furthermore, the processes of steps S24 to S27 in Fig. 9 may be performed only when the humidity around power supply unit 10 exceeds threshold value TH2.

[0091] The above-mentioned predetermined value Tx may be variably controlled according to the humidity around the power supply unit 10. For example, when the humidity is high, the predetermined value Tx is set smaller than when the humidity is low. In this way, in a situation where the humidity is high and moisture is likely to collect near the first load 21, the third discharge control can be executed frequently, and the moisture can be effectively removed. The predetermined value Tx may be set to a relatively small value during the period in which the power supply 12 is being charged, and a relatively large value during the period after the charging of the power supply 12 is completed. In this way, the time until the charging of the power supply 12 is completed can be shortened.

[0092] Furthermore, in a state where the charging terminal 43 is connected to an external power source, the third discharge control may not be performed while the power source 12 is being charged, and the third discharge control may be performed only during a period left unused after the charging of the power source 12 is completed. In this manner, charging can be completed early. Also, during the period left unused after the charging is completed, moisture near the first load 21 can be evaporated. Note that, in the power source unit 10, it is preferable not to perform the first discharge control and the second discharge control in a state where the charging terminal 43 is connected to an external power source.

[0093] In the description so far, the MCU 50 performs the third discharge control in a specific period in which neither aerosol generation nor detection of the electrical resistance value R1 of the first load 21 is performed, thereby making it possible to evaporate moisture present near the first load 21. As a variation of this, the MCU 50 may perform the fourth discharge control in a specific period in which neither aerosol generation nor detection of the electrical resistance value R1 of the first load 21 is performed, thereby evaporating moisture present near the first load 21. In the fourth discharge control, in FIG. 5, the switch SW3 is controlled to be in an interrupted state and the switch SW1 is controlled to be in a conductive state, and the control content is very similar to that of the first discharge control. The difference between the first discharge control and the fourth discharge control is that the duration of the fourth discharge control is sufficiently shorter than the duration of the first discharge control. Specifically, the fourth discharge control is executed for a time required for the temperature of the first load 21 to reach about 100° C., which is required for the moisture to evaporate. In this way, the fourth discharge control discharges the first load 21 for a short time without using the resistance element Rs, and the moisture in the vicinity of the first load 21 is evaporated, so that the aerosol generated when the later first discharge control is executed can be prevented from containing a large amount of moisture, and the deterioration of the flavor and aroma can be suppressed.

[0094] 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.

[0095] (1) a power source (power source 12) capable of discharging a first load (first load 21) that heats an aerosol source (aerosol source 22); a resistive element (resistive element Rs) for detecting an electrical resistance value of the first load, the resistive element being configured to be serially connected to the first load; A processing unit (processor of MCU 50), The processing device includes: A first discharge control is performed to discharge the power source to the first load in order to generate an aerosol, and a second discharge control is performed to discharge the power source to a series circuit of the first load and the resistance element in order to detect an electrical resistance value of the first load, A power supply unit of an aerosol generating device that performs a third discharge control for discharging from the power supply to the series circuit during a specific period other than the period during which the first discharge control and the second discharge control are performed.

[0096] According to (1), in a specific period in which aerosol generation and detection of the electrical resistance value of the first load are not performed, discharge is performed to the series circuit of the first load and the resistance element. Therefore, this discharge heats the first load and makes it possible to evaporate moisture present near the first load. By evaporating the moisture near the first load, it is possible to prevent moisture from being included in the aerosol generated when the first discharge control is performed, and to suppress deterioration of the flavor and aroma.

[0097] (2) A power supply unit for the aerosol generating device according to (1), A power supply unit of an aerosol generating device in which the electrical resistance value of the resistive element and the voltage supplied to the series circuit in the third discharge control are determined so that the temperature of the first load while the third discharge control is being performed is in the range of 30°C or higher and less than 100°C.

[0098] According to (2), since the temperature of the first load does not become high while the third discharge control is being performed, the moisture near the first load can be evaporated without the user being aware of it. In addition, the temperature of the power supply unit can be prevented from rising when suction is not being performed, providing the user with a sense of security.

[0099] (3) A power supply unit for the aerosol generating device according to (1) or (2), The processing device is a power supply unit of an aerosol generating device that performs the third discharge control when power from an external power supply can be supplied to the power supply.

[0100] (4) A power supply unit for the aerosol generating device according to (3), The processing device includes a power supply unit of an aerosol generating device that performs the third discharge control while the power supply is being charged.

[0101] According to (3) and (4), moisture can be evaporated while the power source is being charged, which is a period during which the user is not using the aerosol generating device. Therefore, moisture near the first load can be evaporated without the user being aware of it. In addition, since charging of the power source takes a certain amount of time, the amount of moisture near the first load is likely to increase. By performing the third discharge control during such a period during which the amount of moisture is likely to increase, moisture near the first load can be effectively removed.

[0102] (5) A power supply unit for the aerosol generating device according to (1) or (2), The processing device is a power supply unit of an aerosol generating device that performs the third discharge control after the power supply unit is started.

[0103] According to (5), after the power is turned on, moisture can be evaporated while the user is preparing for inhalation. Therefore, moisture near the first load can be evaporated without the user being aware of it. When the power is not turned on, it is considered that the power supply unit has been left for a certain period of time, and there is a high possibility that the amount of moisture near the first load has increased. Therefore, by evaporating moisture after the power is turned on, moisture near the first load can be effectively removed.

[0104] (6) A power supply unit for the aerosol generating device according to (5), The processing device is a power supply unit of an aerosol generating device that performs the third discharge control during a period from start-up of the power supply unit until the first discharge control is first performed.

[0105] According to (6), the moisture can be evaporated before the first aerosol generation starts, so that the user can enjoy a sufficient flavor and taste from the first puff after turning on the power.

[0106] (7) A power supply unit for the aerosol generating device according to (5) or (6), The processing device includes: A power supply unit of the aerosol generation device that controls the time for which the third discharge control is performed based on the elapsed time (elapsed time T1) from the end of the previous aerosol generation to the start of the third discharge control.

[0107] According to (7), the time to perform the third discharge control is determined based on the elapsed time that has a high correlation with the amount of moisture near the first load. This enables appropriate discharge according to the amount of moisture, and allows efficient use of power.

[0108] (8) A power supply unit for the aerosol generating device according to (1) or (2), The processing device includes: A humidity sensor configured to acquire the humidity around the power supply unit, A power supply unit of the aerosol generation device that performs the third discharge control when the humidity exceeds a threshold value (threshold value TH2).

[0109] According to (8), the third discharge control is performed only when the amount of moisture near the first load is expected to be large, thereby reducing power consumption.

[0110] (9) A power supply unit for the aerosol generating device according to any one of (1) to (6) and (8), The processing device includes: A power supply unit of an aerosol generating device that controls the timing for terminating the third discharge control based on the amount of fluctuation in the electrical resistance value of the first load while the third discharge control is being performed.

[0111] According to (9), the time to execute the third discharge control can be appropriately determined. When the first load contains moisture, when the first load is discharged and the moisture evaporates, the temperature of the first load drops due to the heat of vaporization associated with the evaporation, and the fluctuation amount of the electrical resistance value of the first load increases. Therefore, by terminating the third discharge control at the timing when the fluctuation amount increases, it is possible to prevent the discharge from continuing in a state where there is no moisture, and to suppress power consumption.

[0112] (10) A power supply unit for the aerosol generating apparatus according to (9), The processing device is a power supply unit of an aerosol generation device that ends the third discharge control when the amount of fluctuation exceeds a threshold value (threshold value TH1).

[0113] According to (10), since the third discharge control is terminated at the timing when the fluctuation amount becomes large, it is possible to prevent the discharge from continuing in a state where there is no moisture, and thus to suppress power consumption.

[0114] (11) A power supply unit for the aerosol generating device according to any one of (1) to (10), The device includes a main body (power supply unit case 11) in which a container (first cartridge 20) for accommodating the aerosol source is detachably configured, The processing device is a power supply unit of an aerosol generating device that executes the third discharge control when the container is attached to the main body.

[0115] According to (11), the aerosol can be generated in a state where the moisture contained in the container of the aerosol source is evaporated, so that the desired flavor and taste can be provided to the user.

[0116] (12) a power source (power source 12) capable of discharging a first load (first load 21) that heats an aerosol source (aerosol source 22); A processing unit (processor of MCU 50), The processing device includes: performing a first discharge control in which the power source is discharged to the first load to generate an aerosol; and a third discharge control in which the power source is discharged to the first load at a power lower than that of the first discharge control; A power supply unit of an aerosol generating device that performs the third discharge control in a state in which power from an external power supply can be supplied to the power supply.

[0117] (13) A power supply unit for the aerosol generating apparatus according to (12), The processing device is a power supply unit of an aerosol generating device that performs the third discharge control while the power supply is charging.

[0118] According to (12) and (13), during charging of the power source, which is a period during which the user is not using the aerosol generating device, the moisture present near the first load can be evaporated by the third discharge control. Therefore, the moisture near the first load can be evaporated without the user being aware of it. In addition, since charging of the power source takes a certain amount of time, the amount of moisture near the first load is likely to increase. By performing the third discharge control during such a period during which the amount of moisture is likely to increase, the moisture near the first load can be effectively removed.

[0119] (14) a power source (power source 12) capable of discharging a first load (first load 21) that heats an aerosol source (aerosol source 22); a resistive element (resistive element Rs) for detecting an electrical resistance value of the first load, the resistive element being configured to be serially connected to the first load; A processing unit (processor of MCU 50), The processing device includes: A first discharge control is performed to discharge the power source to the first load in order to generate an aerosol, and a second discharge control is performed to discharge the power source to a series circuit of the first load and the resistance element in order to detect an electrical resistance value of the first load, A power supply unit of an aerosol generating device that performs a fourth discharge control, which discharges from the power supply to the first load without passing through the resistance element, during a specific period other than the period during which the first discharge control and the second discharge control are performed.

[0120] According to (14), a discharge is performed to the first load during a specific period when aerosol generation and detection of the electrical resistance value of the first load are not performed. Therefore, this discharge heats the first load and makes it possible to evaporate moisture present near the first load. By evaporating the moisture near the first load, it is possible to prevent moisture from being included in the aerosol generated when the first discharge control is performed, and to suppress deterioration of the flavor and aroma. [Explanation of symbols]

[0121] 1. Aerosol generator 10 Power supply unit 11a Top section 11b Bottom section 11 Power supply unit case 12 Power supply 14 Control section 15 Intake Sensor 20 First Cartridge 21 First load 22 Aerosol Sources 23 Reservoir 24 Wick 25 Aerosol flow path 26a Cartridge storage section 26b Communication path 26 End Cap 27 Cartridge Case 30 2nd Cartridge 32 Mouthpiece 33 Flavor source 41 Discharge terminal 42 Air supply section 43 Charging terminal 45 First Notification Department 46 Second Notification Department 50a Memory 50b ADC 50 MCU 51 DC / DC Converter 55A charging IC 60 LDO Regulators SW1, SW3 switch Rs Resistance element OP1 Operational Amplifier N1, N3 connection nodes

Claims

[Claim 1] a power source capable of discharging to a first load that heats the aerosol source; a resistance element configured to be connected in series to the first load for detecting an electrical resistance value of the first load; A processing device, The processing device includes: A first discharge control is performed to discharge the power source to the first load in order to generate an aerosol, and a second discharge control is performed to discharge the power source to a series circuit of the first load and the resistance element in order to detect an electrical resistance value of the first load, A power supply unit of an aerosol generating device, which performs a fourth discharge control in a specific period other than the period in which the first discharge control and the second discharge control are performed, in which the power supply discharges to the first load without passing through the resistance element in order to evaporate moisture near the first load.

Images