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

Abstract

This circuit unit for an aerosol generation device is provided with a control part that controls supply of electric power to a load for heating an aerosol source. When the remaining quantity of the aerosol source is lower than a first remaining quantity, the control part sets a first period, which is to be utilized for determining whether the length of an interval between the most recent sucking and the current sucking of aerosol is long or not, to a value longer than a reference value.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This Disclosure relates to a circuit unit of an aerosol generating device, an aerosol generating device, and a program.

Background Art

[0002] In an aerosol generating device that generates an aerosol by heating a liquid containing a fragrance or the like, energization of a heater is started in response to detection of a user's suction action, and the liquid in a glass fiber called a wick is atomized (aerosolized). The aerosol is generated when the temperature of the liquid in the wick reaches the boiling point.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] In an aerosol generating device, the energization time of the heater is designed assuming a standard suction action. However, when a suction action with a shorter interval between suctions (hereinafter also referred to as "puff interval") than the standard suction action is repeated compared to the standard suction action, heating of the liquid starts before the liquid temperature in the wick has sufficiently dropped. When the liquid temperature at the start of energization is high, vaporization of the liquid is promoted. As a result, the consumption amount of the liquid after the start of energization increases compared to during a standard suction action. On the other hand, the supply of the liquid to the wick depends on capillary action, and the liquid feeding speed by capillary action depends on the remaining liquid amount. For this reason, in a situation where the liquid feeding speed has decreased due to a decrease in the remaining liquid amount, the amount of aerosol that can be generated during one puff is less than when the remaining liquid amount is large. That is, sufficient aerosol is not generated during one puff. However, if the threshold value used to determine the short puff interval is the same regardless of the remaining liquid amount, heating of the liquid continues even when the liquid supply rate decreases, and the same phenomenon as liquid depletion occurs.

[0005] This Disclosure provides a technique for suppressing liquid depletion during suction when the remaining amount of the aerosol source in the aerosol generating device is small.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] According to one aspect of the present disclosure A circuit unit of an aerosol generating device having a control unit that controls the supply of power to the load for heating the aerosol source, and when the remaining amount of the aerosol source is less than the first remaining amount, the control unit sets a first period used to determine the length of the interval between the previous suction and the current suction of the aerosol to a value longer than the reference value. is provided

Effects of the Invention

[0007] According to claim 1 Disclosure It is possible to suppress liquid depletion during suction when the remaining amount of the aerosol source in the aerosol generating device is small. According to claim 2 Disclosure It is possible to reduce the number of sensors provided in the aerosol generating device. According to claim 3 Disclosure It is possible to realize control based on the actual remaining amount. According to claim 4 Disclosure It is possible to make it easier to determine that the interval between suctions is short as the state where the interval between suctions remains short continues. According to claim 5 Disclosure By making it longer than the most recent interval, it is possible to make it easier to determine that the interval between suctions is short. According to claim 6 Disclosure When heating the aerosol source prior to heating accompanied by the generation of aerosol, even if the remaining amount of the aerosol source is small, it is possible to reduce the number of times of shortening the main heating time. According to claim 7 DisclosureAccording to this, the shorter the interval between aspirations continues, the easier it can be determined that the interval between aspirations is short. According to claim 8 Disclosure According to this, by making it longer than the most recent interval, it can be easily determined that the interval between aspirations is short. According to claim 9 Disclosure According to this, since the generation of aerosol is promoted by the generation of aerosol or by heating the aerosol source prior to heating, the amount of electric power supplied for the generation of aerosol can be reduced. According to claim 10 Disclosure According to this, even when an environment where liquid depletion is likely to occur is detected, liquid depletion can be suppressed. According to claim 11 Disclosure According to this, even when an environment where liquid depletion is likely to occur is detected, liquid depletion can be suppressed. According to claim 12 Disclosure According to this, it is possible to suppress liquid depletion during aspiration when the remaining amount of the aerosol source in the aerosol generating device is small. According to claim 13 Disclosure According to this, it is possible to suppress liquid depletion during aspiration when the remaining amount of the aerosol source in the aerosol generating device is small. According to claim 14 Disclosure According to this, it is possible to suppress liquid depletion during aspiration when the remaining amount of the aerosol source in the aerosol generating device is small.

Brief Description of Drawings

[0008]

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Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

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

[0010] <Embodiment 1> <External appearance configuration> FIG. 1 is a diagram for explaining an example of the external appearance configuration of the aerosol generating device 1 assumed in Embodiment 1. The aerosol generating device 1 shown in FIG. 1 is a form of an electronic cigarette and generates an aerosol with added flavor without combustion. The electronic cigarette shown in FIG. 1 has a substantially cylindrical shape. The aerosol generating device 1 shown in FIG. 1 is composed of a plurality of units. In the case of FIG. 1, the plurality of units are composed of a power supply unit 10, a cartridge 20 containing an aerosol source, and a cartridge 30 containing a flavor source.

[0011] In the case of this embodiment, the cartridge 20 is detachable from the power supply unit 10, and the cartridge 30 is detachable from the cartridge 20. In other words, both the cartridge 20 and the cartridge 30 are replaceable. The power supply unit 10 incorporates an electronic circuit and the like. The power supply unit 10 is a form of a circuit unit. Incidentally, a power button 11 is provided on the side surface of the power supply unit 10. The power button 11 is an example of an operation unit used for inputting a user's instruction to the power supply unit 10.

[0012] The cartridge 20 incorporates a liquid storage portion for storing a liquid that is an aerosol source, a liquid guiding portion for drawing the liquid from the liquid storage portion by capillary action, and a heating portion for heating and vaporizing the liquid held by the liquid guiding portion. An air inlet hole (hereinafter referred to as "air inlet hole") 21 is provided on the side surface of the cartridge 20. The air flowing in from the air inlet hole 21 passes through the inside of the cartridge 20 and is discharged from the cartridge 30. The cartridge 20 is also called an atomizer. The cartridge 30 incorporates a flavor unit for adding flavor to the aerosol. The cartridge 30 is provided with a suction port 31.

[0013] <Internal configuration> Figure 2 is a diagram schematically showing the internal configuration of the aerosol generator 1 assumed in Embodiment 1. The aerosol generator 1 is composed of a power supply unit 10 and cartridges 20 and 30. The power supply unit 10 incorporates a power supply section 111, a puff sensor 112, a power button sensor 113, a notification section 114, a storage section 115, a communication section 116, and a control section 117. The cartridge 20 incorporates a heating section 211, a liquid guiding section 212, and a liquid storage section 213.

[0014] The cartridge 30 incorporates a fragrance source 311. One end of the cartridge 30 is used as a suction port 31. An air flow path 40 connected to the air inlet hole 21 is formed inside the cartridges 20 and 30. The power supply section 111 is a device that accumulates electric power necessary for operation. The power supply section 111 supplies electric power to each part constituting the aerosol generator 1 through control by the control section 117. The power supply section 111 is composed of, for example, a rechargeable battery such as a lithium ion secondary battery.

[0015] The puff sensor 112 is a sensor that detects the suction of aerosol by the user and is composed of, for example, a flow rate sensor. The puff sensor 112 is an example of a first sensor. The power button sensor 113 is a sensor that detects an operation on the power button 11 (see FIG. 1) and is composed of, for example, a pressure sensor. Note that various sensors other than the puff sensor 112 and the power button sensor 113 are provided in the power supply unit 10. The notification section 114 is a device used for notifying information to the user. The notification section 114 includes, for example, a light emitting device, a display device, a sound output device, and a vibration device.

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

[0017] The liquid storage unit 213 is a tank that stores an aerosol source. An aerosol is generated by atomizing the aerosol source stored in the liquid storage unit 213. For the aerosol source, polyhydric alcohols such as glycerin and propylene glycol, and liquids such as water are used. The aerosol source may contain a flavor component derived from tobacco or non-tobacco. When the aerosol generator 1 is a medical inhaler such as a nebulizer, the aerosol source may contain a drug.

[0018] The liquid guiding unit 212 is a member that guides and holds a liquid aerosol source from the liquid storage unit 213 to the heating region. As the liquid guiding unit 212, a member called a wick obtained by twisting a fiber material such as glass fiber or a porous material such as porous ceramic is used. When the liquid guiding unit 212 is composed of a wick, the aerosol source stored in the liquid storage unit 213 is guided to the heating region by the capillary action of the wick.

[0019] The heating unit 211 is a member that generates an aerosol by atomizing the aerosol source by heating the aerosol source held in the heating region. In the case of FIG. 2, the heating unit 211 is a coil and is wound around the liquid guiding unit 212. The region where the coil is wound around the liquid guiding unit 212 becomes the heating region. Due to the heat generation of the heating unit 211, the temperature of the aerosol source held in the heating region rises to the boiling point, and an aerosol is generated. The heating unit 211 generates heat by power supply from the power supply unit 111. The power supply to the heating unit 211 is started when predetermined conditions are satisfied. The predetermined conditions include, for example, the start of suction by the user, pressing the power button 11 a predetermined number of times, and input of predetermined information. However, in the case of this embodiment, the power supply to the heating unit 211 is started by detection of suction.

[0020] The stop of the power supply to the heating unit 211 is executed when predetermined conditions are satisfied. The predetermined conditions include, for example, the end of suction by the user, the end of the main heating time described later, long pressing of the power button 11, and input of predetermined information. However, in the case of this embodiment, the power supply to the heating unit 211 stops due to the end of suction. The heating unit 211 here is an example of a load that consumes power.

[0021] The flavor source 311 is a component that imparts flavor components to the aerosol generated within the cartridge 20. The flavor source 311 contains flavor components derived from tobacco or non-tobacco. The air flow path 40 that penetrates the interiors of the cartridge 20 and the cartridge 30 is a flow path for the air and aerosol that the user inhales. The air flow path 40 has a tubular structure with the air inlet hole 21 as the air inlet and the air outlet hole 42 as the air outlet. A liquid guiding part 212 is arranged on the upstream side of the air flow path 40, and the flavor source 311 is arranged on the downstream side.

[0022] With the user's suction, the air flowing in from the air inlet hole 21 is mixed with the aerosol generated by the heating unit 211. The gas after mixing is transported to the air outlet hole 42 through the flavor source 311 as shown by the arrow 41. When the gas in which the aerosol and air are mixed passes through the flavor source 311, the flavor components of the flavor source 311 are imparted to it. Note that it is also possible to use the flavor source 311 without mounting it on the cartridge 30.

[0023] The suction port 31 is a member that can be held by the user during suction. The suction port 31 is provided with an air outflow hole 42. By holding the suction port 31 and sucking, the user can take in the gas in which the aerosol and air are mixed into the oral cavity. The internal configuration of the aerosol generating device 1 has been described above as an example. However, the configuration shown in FIG. 2 is merely one form. For example, the aerosol generating device 1 may have a configuration that does not include the cartridge 30. In that case, the suction port 31 is provided in the cartridge 20.

[0024] In addition, the aerosol generating device 1 may include a plurality of types of aerosol sources. A plurality of types of aerosols generated from the plurality of types of aerosol sources may be mixed in the air flow path 40 and undergo a chemical reaction to generate another type of aerosol. In addition, the means for atomizing the aerosol source is not limited to heating by the heating unit 211. For example, an induction heating technique may be used for atomizing the aerosol source.

[0025] <Control of the length of the main heating time> <Premise of control> FIG. 3 is a flowchart for explaining an example of the control of the main heating time by the control unit 117 (see FIG. 2) used in the first embodiment. The control by the control unit 117 is realized through the execution of a program. Therefore, the control unit 117 is a form of a computer. In FIG. 3, the symbol S is used in the meaning of steps. In the present embodiment, the "main heating time" is used in the meaning of the time during which the aerosol source held in the liquid guiding portion 212 (see FIG. 2) is heated and atomized to generate an aerosol. The temperature at which the aerosol source is heated during the main heating time is an example of the first temperature.

[0026] In the flowchart shown in FIG. 3, prior to the control of the length of the main heating time, a determination threshold value for the length of the puff interval is set. As described above, the supply of the aerosol source to the liquid guiding portion 212 is due to capillary action. In the present embodiment, a control method in the case where the liquid feeding speed due to capillary action depends on the remaining liquid amount will be described. For example, in a situation where the liquid feeding speed has decreased due to a decrease in the remaining liquid amount, a control method will be described in a case where the amount of liquid of the aerosol source that can be supplied during one suction is less than when the remaining liquid amount is large. If the main heating time is the same regardless of the remaining liquid amount, there is a possibility that the supply of the aerosol source will not be in time and a phenomenon similar to running out of liquid will occur. Therefore, in the present embodiment, a method of controlling the length of the main heating time in consideration of the remaining liquid amount will be described.

[0027] In the present embodiment, the power supply to the heating portion 211 coincides with the suction of the aerosol generating device 1 (see FIG. 1) by the user. Hereinafter, the suction of the aerosol generating device 1 by the user will also be referred to as "suction of aerosol" generated from the aerosol source. Incidentally, the temperature of the heating portion 211 rises with the start of power supply and decreases with the stop of power supply. In the case of the present embodiment, the temperature of the heating portion 211 rises above the boiling point of the aerosol with the start of power supply and decreases below the boiling point of the aerosol with the stop of power supply. However, in the present embodiment, it is considered that the power supply time to the heating portion 211 and the time when the aerosol is generated from the liquid guiding portion 212 are substantially the same.

[0028] However, strictly speaking, immediately after the start of supply, the power is consumed more for raising the temperature of the aerosol source than for vaporizing the aerosol source. For this reason, there is a time lag from the start of power supply until the generation of the aerosol is started. However, since this time difference is very small, in the present embodiment, this time difference will be ignored in the description.

[0029] <Content of control> The control unit 117 in the present embodiment first calculates the remaining liquid amount (that is, the remaining amount) of the aerosol source stored in the liquid storage unit 213 (see FIG. 2) (step 1). In the present embodiment, the control unit 117 calculates the remaining liquid amount at the start time of each suction cycle by integrating the consumption amount of the aerosol source for each suction cycle and subtracting the calculated integrated value from the initial value. Note that the consumption amount of the aerosol source for each suction cycle can be calculated as a function of the power supply amount to the heating unit 211.

[0030] When the remaining liquid amount is calculated, the control unit 117 determines whether the remaining liquid amount is less than the first remaining amount (step 2). The first remaining amount is set in advance. The first remaining amount is determined, for example, based on the relationship between the liquid feeding speed according to the remaining liquid amount and the liquid amount required when the main heating time is the reference time LT1. When the remaining liquid amount is greater than or equal to the first remaining amount, the control unit 117 obtains a negative result in step 2. In this case, the control unit 117 sets the determination threshold value (first period) for the puff interval to the reference value TH22 (step 3).

[0031] On the other hand, when the remaining liquid amount is less than the first remaining amount, the control unit 117 obtains an affirmative result in step 2. In this case, the control unit 117 sets the determination threshold value (first period) for the puff interval to a value TH21 that is longer than the reference value TH22 (step 4). FIG. 4 is a diagram for explaining an example of setting the determination threshold value (first period) according to the remaining liquid amount. In the case of FIG. 4, the determination threshold value (i.e., the value TH22) when the remaining liquid amount is greater than the first remaining amount is 10 seconds, and the determination threshold value (i.e., the value TH21) when the remaining liquid amount is less than the first remaining amount is 15 seconds. The longer the determination threshold value, the easier it is to determine that the puff interval is short even for the same puff interval. Note that the numerical values of the determination threshold values shown in FIG. 4 are not absolute values and vary depending on the heating mode and the like to be adopted, as will also be described in other embodiments described later. Thus, the setting of the determination threshold value for the puff interval is completed.

[0032] Returning to the description of FIG. 3. When the setting of the determination threshold value for the puff interval is completed, the control unit 117 determines whether the start of suction is detected by the puff sensor 112 (step 5). If the start of aerosol inhalation by the user is not detected, the control unit 117 obtains a negative result in step 5. While a negative result is obtained in step 5, the control unit 117 repeats the determination in step 5. On the other hand, if the start of aerosol inhalation by the user is detected, the control unit 117 obtains a positive result in step 5. When a positive result is obtained in step 5, the control unit 117 starts the main heating (step 1100), and then acquires the previous puff interval (step 6).

[0033] In the case of this embodiment, the previous puff interval is given by the time from the end of the previous inhalation (puff) to the start of the current inhalation (puff). The puff interval may be measured by, for example, a timer, or may be calculated as the difference between the end time of the previous inhalation and the start time of the current inhalation. The time is acquired from, for example, a timer built in the control unit 117 or an integrated circuit that realizes a timer function. When the puff interval is acquired, the control unit 117 determines whether the puff interval is shorter than the first period (step 7).

[0034] When the puff interval is equal to or longer than the first period, the control unit 117 obtains a negative result in step 7. In this case, the control unit 117 sets the current main heating time to the reference time LT1 (step 8). In the case of this embodiment, for example, 2.4 seconds is used as the reference time LT1. Of course, this value is an example of the reference time. The reference time LT1 is set to a time during which liquid depletion does not occur due to aerosol inhalation by an assumed standard user when the puff interval is longer than the first period. On the other hand, when the puff interval is shorter than the first period, the control unit 117 obtains a positive result in step 7. This case is referred to as a "short puff".

[0035] When a short puff is detected, the control unit 117 sets the current main heating time to a time LT2 shorter than the reference time LT1 (step 9). In the case of this embodiment, only the main heating time is shortened, and the voltage value and current value supplied to the heating unit 211 are the same regardless of the difference in the puff interval. In the case of this embodiment, for example, 1.7 seconds is used as the time LT2. Of course, this value is an example of the main heating time for short puffs. The shorter the time LT2, the less likely it is that the phenomenon of liquid depletion where no aerosol is generated even when the aerosol source is heated will occur.

[0036] After setting the main heating time in step 8 or step 9, the control unit 117 determines whether it is the end timing of the main heating (step 10). In the case of this embodiment, the main heating ends, for example, at the end of the set main heating time, when the user finishes sucking the aerosol, or by an operation of forced termination. Therefore, even if there is still the set main heating time remaining, when it is determined that the main heating has ended, the power supply to the heating unit 211 ends. The elapse of the main heating time is monitored by the elapsed time from the start of the power supply to the heating unit 211. Note that, for example, a long press of the power button 11 (see FIG. 1) is used as the operation of forced termination. A long press of the power button 11 means that the pressing of the power button 11 continues for a predetermined time or more. For example, when the power button 11 is pressed for 3 seconds or more, the control unit 117 determines that there has been a long press operation.

[0037] While a negative result is obtained in step 10, the control unit 117 repeats the determination in step 10. During this time, the power supply to the heating unit 211 continues. On the other hand, when an affirmative result is obtained in step 10, the control unit 117 ends the main heating (step 11). That is, the power supply to the heating unit 211 is stopped. Thus, one cycle of suction ends. Note that in the case of a short puff, since the main heating time is shorter than the reference time, the amount of electric power supplied to the heating unit 211 during one cycle of suction is smaller than the amount of electric power supplied in the case of the reference time.

[0038] FIG. 5 is a diagram for explaining the relationship between the puff interval and the setting of the main heating time in Embodiment 1. (A) shows an example of the timing of suction (puff), (B) shows an example of the setting of the main heating time when the remaining liquid amount is more than the first threshold value, and (C) shows an example of the setting of the main heating time when the remaining liquid amount is less than the first threshold value. The vertical axis in FIG. 5(A) is the puff intensity, the vertical axis in FIGS. 5(B) and (C) is the heating intensity, and the horizontal axis in FIGS. 5(A) to (C) is time. The puff intensity is detected by a puff sensor. In the case of this embodiment, the puff intensity is detected by the presence or absence of a puff, but it may be defined as the amount of air sucked. The heating intensity is the amount of electric power and is given by the product of the voltage value and the current value supplied to the heating unit 211. The number of times of suction (puff) in FIG. 5(A) is 5 times. In the case of FIG. 5(A), the interval between the first puff and the second puff is IT1, the interval between the second puff and the third puff is IT2, the interval between the third puff and the fourth puff is IT3, and the interval between the fourth puff and the fifth puff is IT4.

[0039] The first puff interval IT1 is longer than the first period (i.e., the reference value TH21) for the case where the remaining liquid amount is small. The second puff interval IT2 is shorter than the first period (i.e., the reference value TH21) for the case where the remaining liquid amount is small, but longer than the first period (i.e., the reference value TH22) for the case where the remaining liquid amount is large. The third and fourth puff intervals IT3 and IT4 are shorter than the first period (i.e., the reference value TH22) for the case where the remaining liquid amount is large. For example, when the remaining liquid amount is more than the first remaining amount, the first period is set to the reference value TH22.

[0040] Therefore, the first puff intervals IT1 and IT2 are determined to be longer than the first period, but the third and fourth puff intervals IT3 and IT4 are determined to be shorter than the first period. That is, the third and fourth puff intervals are determined to be short puffs. As a result, as shown in Fig. 5(B), the main heating time corresponding to the first to third puffs is set to the reference time LT1, and the main heating time corresponding to the fourth and fifth puffs is set to a time LT2 shorter than the reference time LT1. Regarding the fourth and fifth puffs determined to be short puffs, since the main heating time is shortened, even when the supply amount of the aerosol source supplied to the heating unit 211 until the start of suction is small, liquid depletion does not occur during the fourth and fifth puffs.

[0041] On the other hand, when the remaining liquid amount is less than the first remaining amount, the first period is set to a reference value TH21 longer than the reference value TH22. As described above, the first puff interval IT1 is longer than the first period (i.e., the reference value TH21) for the case where the remaining liquid amount is small, but the second puff interval IT2, the third puff interval IT3, and the fourth puff interval IT4 are all shorter than the first period (i.e., the reference value TH21) for the case where the remaining liquid amount is small. For this reason, as shown in Fig. 5(C), the main heating time corresponding to the first and second puffs is set to the reference time LT1, but the main heating time corresponding to the third, fourth, and fifth puffs is set to a time LT2 shorter than the reference time LT1.

[0042] In the present embodiment, when the remaining liquid amount is small, the supply amount of the aerosol source decreases compared to the case where the remaining liquid amount is large. For this reason, in Fig. 5(C), even in the third puff where there was no need to worry about a shortage of the supply amount when the remaining liquid amount was large, it is determined to be a short puff and the main heating time is shortened compared to the reference time LT1. As a result, the time IT11 when the power supply to the heating unit 211 before the fourth puff stops becomes longer than the third puff interval IT3. For this reason, the supply amount of the aerosol source induced in the heating region increases. As a result, not only the fourth and fifth puffs but also the third puff do not experience liquid depletion during the puff.

[0043] Incidentally, in FIGS. 5(A) to 5(C), the aerosol suction period by the user and the heating time of the heating unit 211 are made to coincide within the preset main heating time. However, the main heating may be started by turning on the power button 11, or the main heating may be continued until the main heating time elapses even after the user's suction ends. The puff intervals in these cases do not coincide with the time when the main heating is stopped. However, similar to the control examples described above, it is possible to effectively suppress liquid depletion during short puffs when the remaining liquid amount is small.

[0044] <Embodiment 2> In Embodiment 2, the remaining liquid amount is acquired as a measured value. Note that the external configuration of the aerosol generating device 1 in the present embodiment is the same as that in Embodiment 1. FIG. 6 is a diagram schematically showing the internal configuration of the aerosol generating device 1 assumed in Embodiment 2. In FIG. 6, the corresponding parts to those in FIG. 2 are denoted by the same reference numerals. The aerosol generating device 1 in the present embodiment is provided with a remaining liquid amount sensor 113A. The remaining liquid amount sensor 113A is an example of a first sensor.

[0045] The remaining liquid amount sensor 113A is a sensor that detects the remaining liquid amount of the aerosol source stored in the liquid storage unit 213. For example, a level switch, a level meter, a capacitance sensor, or a sensor that measures the distance to the liquid surface is used. The distance to the liquid surface can be measured, for example, as the time until ultrasonic waves, electromagnetic waves, or laser is reflected by the liquid surface and returns. However, the finally used remaining liquid amount is corrected by the control unit 117 using the information on the posture of the aerosol generating device 1. For example, the output signal of a gyro sensor is used as the posture information.

[0046] FIG. 7 is a flowchart for explaining a control example of the main heating time by the control unit 117 (see FIG. 2) used in Embodiment 2. In FIG. 7, the corresponding parts to those in FIG. 3 are denoted by the same reference numerals. In the case of this embodiment, the control unit 117 acquires the remaining amount of the aerosol source stored in the liquid storage unit 213 (see FIG. 2) from the remaining amount sensor 113A (step 21). Note that the height of the liquid level of the aerosol source stored in the liquid storage unit 213 varies depending on the posture of the aerosol generating device 1 even if the remaining amount of the liquid is the same. Therefore, the control unit 117 corrects the measured remaining amount of the liquid using the posture information of the aerosol generating device 1 and uses it for the determination in step 2. Note that the processing contents after step 2 are the same as those in the first embodiment.

[0047] <Embodiment 3> In Embodiment 3, control for gradually increasing the determination threshold value of the puff interval when the determination of a short puff continues a plurality of times when the remaining amount of the liquid is small will be described. Note that the other configurations of the aerosol generating device 1 (see FIG. 1) in this embodiment are the same as those in the first embodiment. That is, the external configuration and the internal configuration of the aerosol generating device 1 are the same as those in the first embodiment.

[0048] FIG. 8 is a flowchart for explaining an example of control of the main heating time by the control unit 117 (see FIG. 2) used in Embodiment 3. In FIG. 8, reference numerals corresponding to the corresponding parts in FIG. 3 are shown. The control by the control unit 117 is realized through the execution of a program. First, the control unit 117 calculates the remaining amount of the aerosol source (that is, the remaining amount) stored in the liquid storage unit 213 (see FIG. 2) (step 1). Note that in this embodiment, the remaining amount of the liquid is calculated by calculation, but it is also possible to acquire it using the remaining amount sensor 113A as in the second embodiment.

[0049] Next, the control unit 117 determines whether the remaining amount of the liquid is less than the first remaining amount (step 2). If a negative result is obtained in step 2, the control unit 117 sets the determination threshold value (the first period) of the puff interval to the reference value TH22 (step 3). On the one hand, when a positive result is obtained in step 2, the control unit 117 acquires the history of puff intervals for a plurality of past times including the current puff interval (step 31).

[0050] The number of puff interval histories to be acquired is set in advance. For example, histories for 3 to 5 times are acquired. The number of puff interval histories to be acquired is set within a range where the recent suction tendency can be detected. When the histories of puff intervals for a plurality of past times are acquired, the control unit 117 acquires the number of consecutive times that the puff interval is shorter than the first period up to now (step 32). The higher the number of consecutive times, the higher the possibility that the liquid temperature of the aerosol source at the start of suction is high. If the liquid temperature is high, the liquid feeding speed also becomes fast, but there is also a limit to the liquid feeding by capillary action, and it is highly likely that the supply of the aerosol source will not be in time in the latter half of this heating period.

[0051] In the case of this embodiment, for the first period used in step 32, the value set at the time of processing is used. Therefore, when the first period is set to a value longer than the reference value TH22 by steps 4 or 34 executed at the previous suction, that value is used. However, the first period used in step 32 may be fixed to the reference value TH22. In addition, in step 32, instead of the number of consecutive times up to now, the maximum value of the number of consecutive times within the acquired history may be obtained. Even if it is not the number of consecutive times up to now, it is possible to know the possibility that the liquid temperature is high.

[0052] Subsequently, the control unit 117 determines whether the number of consecutive times is greater than the first number of times (step 33). When the number of consecutive times is less than or equal to the first number of times, the control unit 117 obtains a negative result in step 33. In this case, the control unit 117 sets the determination threshold value (first period) of the puff interval to a reference value TH21 longer than the reference value TH22 (step 4). On the other hand, when the number of consecutive times is greater than the first number of times, the control unit 117 obtains an affirmative result in step 33. In this case, the control unit 117 sets the determination threshold value (first period) of the puff interval to a longer reference value TH23 step by step as the number of consecutive short puff intervals increases (step 34). Here, when short puffs are consecutive, since it is a state where liquid depletion is more likely to occur than when short puffs are not consecutive, the reference value TH23 is set to a value longer than the reference value TH21. This is because as the determination threshold value becomes longer, the number of suction times determined as short puffs increases and the main heating time is shortened, and as a result, liquid depletion is less likely to occur.

[0053] In the case of this embodiment, the control unit 117 sets the determination threshold value (first period) to a longer reference value TH23 step by step as the number of consecutive times increases. For example, the determination threshold value is increased by 1 second × the number of consecutive times. In the case of this embodiment, the reference value TH23 is set to a time longer than the reference value TH21. Therefore, the reference value TH23 is set based on the reference value TH21. However, the reference value TH23 may be calculated based on a reference value longer than the reference value TH21. In this embodiment, the determination threshold value is linearly increased according to the number of consecutive times. However, the determination threshold value may be non-linearly increased according to a quadratic curve or the like. After setting the determination threshold value (first period) by step 3, or step 4, or step 34, the control unit 117 sequentially executes steps 5 to 11 to end one cycle of suction.

[0054] In the case of this embodiment, the control unit 117 increases the determination threshold value (first period) as the number of consecutive short puffs increases, making it easier to determine a short puff even with the same puff interval. This is because as the number of consecutive short puffs (hereinafter referred to as "number of consecutive short puffs") increases in a state where the remaining liquid amount is small, the supply of the aerosol source to the heating unit 211 is more likely to become insufficient. That is, it is because liquid depletion is likely to occur. However, in this embodiment, as the number of consecutive short puffs increases, the main heating time also becomes shorter, so liquid depletion is effectively suppressed.

[0055] FIG. 9 is a diagram for explaining an example of setting a determination threshold value (first period) for the puff interval in Embodiment 3. Note that the example shown in FIG. 9 assumes that the number of the first times is two times. First, when the remaining liquid amount is more than the first remaining amount, since there is no problem with the liquid feeding speed of the aerosol source, the determination threshold value is set to 10 seconds which is the reference value TH22. On the other hand, when the remaining liquid amount is less than the first remaining amount, the length of the determination threshold value (first period) differs according to the continuous number of short puffs. In the case of this embodiment, even if the puff interval is short, as long as the continuous number of short puffs is up to two times, the determination threshold value is set to a fixed value (that is, TH21) longer than the reference value. Specifically, it is set to 15 seconds.

[0056] And when the continuous number of short puffs becomes three times or more, the determination threshold value is set to be 1 second longer each time. Specifically, it becomes 16 seconds, 17 seconds... For example, when the continuous number of short puffs is five times, even if the puff interval is 17 seconds, the main heating time is set to a time LT2 shorter than the reference time LT1. If this control is adopted, compared with the case of using a fixed value as the determination threshold value (first period) for the puff interval, the time from the end of the main heating time to the next suction (puff) is more likely to be longer, and it becomes possible to increase the liquid amount of the aerosol source fed until the next suction (puff). Also, if the time until the next suction (puff) becomes longer, the liquid temperature of the aerosol source will drop accordingly, and it becomes difficult for liquid depletion to occur.

[0057] In this embodiment, after comparing the remaining liquid amount with the first remaining amount (that is, after steps 1 and 2), the length of the determination threshold value (first period) is set according to the continuous number of suction times with a short puff interval. However, after comparing the continuous number of suction times with a short puff interval and the number of the first times (that is, steps 31 to 33), the remaining liquid amount may be compared with the first remaining amount, and the length of the determination threshold value (first period) for the puff interval may be set according to the result of the comparison.

[0058] FIG. 9-1 is a flowchart for explaining another control example in Embodiment 3. In FIG. 9-1, reference numerals corresponding to the corresponding parts in FIG. 8 are attached and shown. In the case of FIG. 9-1, steps 31, 32, and 33 are executed in order. When a negative result is obtained in step 33 (that is, when the number of consecutive times is less than or equal to the first number of times), the control unit 117 sets the determination threshold value (first period) of the puff interval to the reference value TH22 (step 3). On the other hand, when an affirmative result is obtained in step 33 (that is, when the number of consecutive times is greater than the first number of times), the control unit 117 calculates the remaining amount of the aerosol source (that is, the remaining amount) stored in the liquid storage unit 213 (see FIG. 2) (step 1), and then determines whether the remaining amount is less than the first remaining amount (step 2).

[0059] In the case of FIG. 9-1, when an affirmative result is obtained in step 2 (that is, when the remaining amount is less than the first remaining amount), the control unit 117 sets the determination threshold value (first period) of the puff interval to the longer reference value TH23 step by step as the number of consecutive short puff intervals increases (step 34). On the other hand, when a negative result is obtained in step 2 (that is, when the remaining amount is more than the first remaining amount), the control unit 117 sets the determination threshold value (first period) of the puff interval to the reference value TH21, which is longer than the reference value TH22 (step 4). After setting the determination threshold value (first period) by step 3, or step 4, or step 34, the control unit 117 executes steps 5 to 11 in order to end one cycle of suction.

[0060] <Embodiment 4> In the present embodiment, instead of setting the determination threshold value (first period) of the puff interval to a fixed value determined for each condition, control for variably setting according to the remaining amount of the aerosol source will be described. That is, in the present embodiment, instead of using either the reference value TH21 or the reference value TH22 as the determination threshold value of the puff interval, the reference value TH21 and a variable value are used. Note that other configurations of the aerosol generator 1 (see Fig. 1) in the present embodiment are the same as those in the first embodiment. That is, the external configuration and the internal configuration of the aerosol generator 1 are the same as those in the first embodiment.

[0061] FIG. 10 is a flowchart for explaining an example of the control of the main heating time by the control unit 117 (see Fig. 2) used in the fourth embodiment. In FIG. 10, reference numerals corresponding to the corresponding parts in FIG. 3 are shown. The control by the control unit 117 is realized through the execution of a program. Also in the case of the present embodiment, the control unit 117 calculates the remaining liquid amount of the aerosol source stored in the liquid storage unit 213 (see Fig. 2) (step 1). When the remaining liquid amount is calculated, the control unit 117 determines whether the remaining liquid amount is less than the first remaining amount (step 2).

[0062] Note that in the present embodiment, the remaining liquid amount is calculated by calculation, but it is also possible to obtain it using the remaining liquid amount sensor 113A as in the second embodiment. When a negative result is obtained in step 2, the control unit 117 sets the determination threshold value (first period) of the puff interval to the reference value TH22 (step 3).

[0063] On the other hand, when an affirmative result is obtained in step 2, the control unit 117 sets the determination threshold value (first period) of the puff interval to a reference value TH24 that is longer than the previous puff interval (step 41). However, the reference value TH24 is set to a value longer than the reference value TH22. This is because if the reference value TH24 is shorter than the reference value TH22 when the remaining liquid amount is small, there is a possibility of liquid depletion. In the case of the present embodiment, for example, if the previous puff interval is 11 seconds, the reference value TH24 is set to 12 seconds. Similarly, if the previous puff interval is 15 seconds, the reference value TH24 is set to 16 seconds. That is, in the present embodiment, the value calculated by adding 1 second to the previous puff interval is used as the reference value TH24. Note that this method of giving the reference value TH24 is just an example.

[0064] As a result, if the puff interval this time is the same length as the previous time, it will surely be determined as a short puff. If it is determined as a short puff, the main heating time is set to a time LT2 shorter than the reference time LT1. For this reason, the period during which power supply to the heating unit 211 is stopped is surely longer than the actual puff interval. That is, it leads to an increase in the supply amount of the aerosol source induced in the heating region, and the occurrence of liquid depletion can be effectively suppressed.

[0065] Note that the reference value TH24 is not limited to being obtained as a value obtained by adding a fixed value (for example, 1 second) to the puff interval of the previous time as described above, and may be calculated using a predetermined function. The function here may be a quadratic function, a cubic function, an exponential function, a logarithmic function, or other functions. Also, the reference value TH24 set according to the puff interval of the previous time may be read from a previously prepared table and used. Also, even for the same puff interval, the reference value TH24 may be varied according to the remaining liquid amount. For example, the smaller the remaining liquid amount, the larger the reference value TH24 may be set even for the same path interval. That is, the smaller the remaining liquid amount, the easier it may be determined as a short puff in step 7 (see FIG. 3).

[0066] <Embodiment 5> In this embodiment, it is assumed that there is a function of preliminarily heating the heating unit 211 (see FIG. 2) prior to the main heating. Note that other configurations of the aerosol generating device 1 (see FIG. 1) in this embodiment are the same as those in Embodiment 1. That is, the external configuration and the internal configuration of the aerosol generating device 1 are the same as those in Embodiment 1.

[0067] FIG. 11 is a diagram for explaining the preheating time. (A) shows the positional relationship between the preheating time and the main heating time, and (B) shows the temperature change of the aerosol source. The vertical axis in FIG. 11(A) is the heating intensity, the vertical axis in FIG. 11(B) is the temperature, and the horizontal axis in FIGS. 11(A) and (B) is the time. The preheating time is the time for preheating and is arranged immediately before the main heating time. Preheating is provided to preheat the liquid temperature of the aerosol source in the liquid guiding portion 212 (see FIG. 2) to a temperature equal to or higher than room temperature and lower than the boiling point. Preheating is a technique for shortening the time lag from the start of power supply to the heating unit 211 until the generation of aerosol. The temperature at which the aerosol source is heated during the preheating time is an example of the second temperature.

[0068] By preheating, the liquid temperature of the aerosol source can be raised in advance. Therefore, it becomes possible to allocate more of the power supplied during the main heating time to the generation of aerosol than to the rise in the liquid temperature of the aerosol source. As a result, aerosol generation becomes possible immediately after the start of the main heating time, and as a result, it becomes possible to increase the total amount of aerosol generated within the main heating time. The time from the start of the main heating time until the temperature of the aerosol source reaches the boiling point is TD1 when preheating is not used, but can be shortened to TD2 (<TD1) when preheating is used. For this reason, if the length of the main heating time is the same as when preheating is not used, it is possible to generate more aerosol when preheating is used.

[0069] However, in FIGS. 11(A) and (B), the main heating time LT11 when preheating is used is made shorter than the main heating time LT1 when preheating is not used. This is to make the total amount of aerosol generated within the main heating time the same. In other words, when controlling the aerosol generation amount to be the same as in the case without preheating, it becomes possible to make the main heating time LT11 when preheating is used shorter than the main heating time LT1 when there is no preheating.

[0070] Incidentally, one reason why preheating promotes aerosol generation is that the viscosity of the aerosol source at the start of the main heating time may be lower than in the case without preheating. The lower the viscosity of the aerosol source, the higher the liquid feeding speed to the liquid guiding portion 212, and as a result, the liquid supply amount increases. However, as the preheating time becomes longer, the amount of power consumed also increases accordingly. Therefore, it is necessary to set the length of the preheating time in consideration of the balance with the amount of power consumed during the main heating time.

[0071] FIG. 12 is a diagram for explaining an example of setting a determination threshold value according to the presence or absence of preheating and the remaining liquid amount. (A) shows the case without preheating, and (B) shows the case with preheating. Here, "without preheating" and "with preheating" do not mean the presence or absence of the preheating function, but rather whether to use the preheating function. The example of setting the determination threshold value shown in FIG. 12(A) is the same as that in the first embodiment. That is, when "without preheating" and the remaining liquid amount is more than the first threshold value, the determination threshold value is set to 10 seconds, and when the remaining liquid amount is less than the first threshold value, the determination threshold value is set to 15 seconds.

[0072] On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 12(B), when "with preheating" and the remaining liquid amount is more than the first threshold value, the determination threshold value is set to 10 seconds, and when the remaining liquid amount is less than the first threshold value, the determination threshold value is set to 12 seconds. In the case of FIG. 12, when the remaining liquid amount is more than the first threshold value, the value of the determination threshold value is 10 seconds both in the case of "without preheating" and in the case of "with preheating". The reason is that if the remaining liquid amount is large, there will be no shortage in the supply of the aerosol source regardless of whether preheating is used or not. On the other hand, when the remaining liquid amount is less than the first threshold value, the value of the determination threshold value is 15 seconds in the case of "without preheating", while it is 12 seconds in the case of "with preheating". When preheating is used, even if the remaining liquid amount decreases, the supply amount of the aerosol source is larger than when preheating is not used, and it is difficult for liquid depletion to occur. Note that the number of seconds shown in FIG. 12 is only an example and is not limited to the illustrated values.

[0073] FIG. 13 is a flowchart for explaining an example of controlling the main heating time by the control unit 117 (see FIG. 2) used in the fifth embodiment. In FIG. 13, reference numerals corresponding to the corresponding parts in FIG. 3 are attached and shown. In this embodiment, the control unit 117 first determines whether preheating is performed (step 51). That is, the control unit 117 determines whether the preheating mode is on or off.

[0074] In other words, in the aerosol generating device 1 of this embodiment, a preheating mode is provided, but whether to use the preheating mode in the on state or the off state depends on the user's selection. For example, turning the preheating mode on or off may be executable by a specific operation on the power button 11 (see FIG. 1), or may be executable by an instruction from an external device such as a smartphone connected via Bluetooth (registered trademark) or USB (= Universal Serial Bus). Alternatively, a button dedicated to turning the preheating mode on and off may be provided on the aerosol generating device 1.

[0075] If a negative result is obtained in step 51, the control unit 117 performs the same operations as in Embodiment 1 and the like. That is, when the preheating mode is off, the control unit 117 sets a threshold value for determining the puff interval and a main heating time according to the flowchart shown in FIG. 3. Specifically, the control unit 117 calculates the remaining amount of the aerosol source stored in the liquid storage unit 213 (see FIG. 2) (step 1). If the remaining amount is more than the first remaining amount, a negative result is obtained in step 2 and step 3 is executed. If the remaining amount is less than the first remaining amount, an affirmative result is obtained in step 2 and step 4 is executed. Thereafter, the control unit 117 sequentially executes steps 5 to 11 to end one cycle of suction. In this embodiment, the remaining amount is calculated by calculation, but as in Embodiment 2, it is also possible to obtain the remaining amount using the remaining amount sensor 113A.

[0076] On the one hand, when a positive result is obtained in step 51, the control unit 117 executes the following processing. That is, when the preheating mode is on, the control unit 117 calculates the remaining amount of the aerosol source stored in the liquid storage unit 213 (step 1A). If the remaining amount is more than the first remaining amount, a negative result is obtained in step 2A and step 3 is executed. The processing up to this point is the same as when there is no preheating. However, the threshold value used for the determination in step 2A may be different from that in step 2. For example, the threshold value used for the determination in step 2A may be smaller than the threshold value used for the determination in step 2. Also, the determination threshold value (first period) when a negative result is obtained in step 2A may be shorter than the determination threshold value (first period) when a negative result is obtained in step 2. However, when a positive result is obtained in step 2A after a positive result is obtained in step 51, the control unit 117 sets the determination threshold value (first period) for the puff interval to a reference value TH23 that is longer than the reference value TH22 (step 52).

[0077] The reference value TH23 here is a value shorter than the reference value TH21 set in step 4. The reference value TH21 here corresponds to 15 seconds in FIG. 12, the reference value TH22 corresponds to 10 seconds in FIG. 12, and the reference value TH23 corresponds to 12 seconds in FIG. 12. When the determination threshold value (first period) is set in step 3, or step 4, or step 52, the control unit 117 sequentially executes steps 5 to 11 to end one cycle of suction. When the preheating mode is on, for the same remaining amount, the liquid feeding ability of the aerosol source is higher than when the preheating mode is off. Therefore, even when the remaining amount is small, the number of executions of the control for shortening the main heating time can be reduced.

[0078] <Embodiment 6> In this embodiment, even when preheating is used, when short puff determinations continue in a state where the remaining amount is small, the determination threshold value (first period) for the puff interval is gradually increased as the number of consecutive times increases, making it easier to shorten the main heating time. This will be described. In other words, this embodiment corresponds to a combined example of Embodiment 3 and Embodiment 5. Note that other configurations of the aerosol generating device 1 (see FIG. 1) in this embodiment are the same as those in Embodiment 1. That is, the external configuration and the internal configuration of the aerosol generating device 1 are the same as those in Embodiment 1.

[0079] FIG. 14 is a flowchart for explaining an example of controlling the main heating time by the control unit 117 (see FIG. 2) used in Embodiment 6. In FIG. 14, reference numerals corresponding to corresponding parts in FIGS. 3, 8, and 13 are shown. The control by the control unit 117 is realized through the execution of a program. The control unit 117 in this embodiment also first determines whether there is preheating (step 51). If a negative result is obtained in step 51, the control unit 117 executes the same operations as in Embodiment 1 and the like. That is, the control unit 117 sets a determination threshold for the puff interval and the main heating time according to the flowchart shown in FIG. 3.

[0080] Specifically, the control unit 117 calculates the remaining liquid amount of the aerosol source stored in the liquid storage unit 213 (see FIG. 2) (step 1). If the remaining liquid amount is more than the first remaining amount, a negative result is obtained in step 2 and step 3 is executed. If the remaining liquid amount is less than the first remaining amount, an affirmative result is obtained in step 2 and step 4 is executed. Thereafter, the control unit 117 sequentially executes steps 5 to 11 to end one cycle of suction. Note that in this embodiment, the remaining liquid amount is calculated by calculation, but it is also possible to obtain it using the remaining liquid amount sensor 113A as in Embodiment 2.

[0081] On the other hand, if an affirmative result is obtained in step 51, the control unit 117 executes the following processing. First, the control unit 117 calculates the remaining amount of the aerosol source stored in the liquid storage unit 213 (step 1A). If the remaining amount is more than the first remaining amount, a negative result is obtained in step 2A. In this case, the control unit 117 proceeds to step 3 and sets the determination threshold value (first period) to the reference value TH22.

[0082] On the other hand, if an affirmative result is obtained in step 2A after an affirmative result is obtained in step 51, the control unit 117 acquires the history of puff intervals for a plurality of past times including the current puff interval (step 31). When the history of puff intervals for a plurality of past times is acquired, the control unit 117 acquires the number of consecutive times that the puff interval is shorter than the first period (step 32). Subsequently, the control unit 117 determines whether the number of consecutive times is greater than the first number (step 33). If the number of consecutive times is less than or equal to the first number, the control unit 117 obtains a negative result in step 33. In this case, the control unit 117 sets the determination threshold value (first period) of the puff interval to a reference value TH23 that is longer than the reference value TH22 (step 61). However, the reference value TH23 here is set to a value shorter than the reference value TH21 used when the remaining amount of liquid is small without preheating. The reference value TH21 and the reference value TH23 here correspond to the relationship shown in FIG. 12.

[0083] On the other hand, if the number of consecutive times is greater than the first number, the control unit 117 obtains an affirmative result in step 33. In this case, the control unit 117 gradually sets the determination threshold value (first period) of the puff interval to a longer reference value TH24 as the number of consecutive short puff intervals increases (step 62). Even when preheating is used, if short puffs continue in a state where the remaining amount of liquid is small, it is easier for the liquid to run out than when short puffs do not continue. The reference value TH24 here is set to a base value longer than the reference value TH23. The initial value of the reference value TH24 may be shorter than the reference value TH21 as long as it is longer than the reference value TH23. However, as the number of consecutive short puffs increases, the reference value TH24 becomes longer than the reference value TH21. After setting the determination threshold value (first period) in step 3, step 4, step 61, or step 62, the control unit 117 sequentially executes steps 5 to 11 and step 1100 to end one cycle of suction.

[0084] Note that also in the case of this embodiment, as described in Embodiment 3, after comparing the number of consecutive suction times with a short puff interval and the first number of times (i.e., steps 31 to 33), the remaining liquid amount and the first remaining amount are compared (i.e., step 1A, step 2A), and the length of the determination threshold value (first period) of the puff interval may be set according to the comparison result. FIG. 14-1 is a flowchart for explaining another control example 1 in Embodiment 6. In FIG. 14-1, reference numerals corresponding to the corresponding parts in FIG. 14 are shown. In the case of FIG. 14-1, when a negative result is obtained in step 51 (i.e., in the case of no preheating), the control unit 117 sequentially executes steps 31, 32, and 33. Then, when a negative result is obtained in step 33 (i.e., when the number of consecutive times is less than or equal to the first number of times), the control unit 117 sets the determination threshold value (first period) of the puff interval to the reference value TH22 (step 3). On the other hand, when an affirmative result is obtained in step 33 (i.e., when the number of consecutive times is greater than the first number of times), the control unit 117 sets the determination threshold value (first period) of the puff interval to the reference value TH21, which is longer than the reference value TH22 (step 4).

[0085] On the contrary, when an affirmative result is obtained in step 51 (i.e., in the case of preheating), the control unit 117 sequentially executes steps 31A, 32A, and 33A. Incidentally, steps 31A, 32A, and 33A respectively correspond to steps 31, 32, and 33. Then, when a negative result is obtained in step 33A (i.e., when the number of consecutive times is less than or equal to the first number of times), the control unit 117 sets the determination threshold value (first period) of the puff interval to the reference value TH22 (step 3). On the other hand, when an affirmative result is obtained in step 33A (that is, when the number of consecutive times is greater than the first number of times), the control unit 117 calculates the remaining amount of the aerosol source stored in the liquid storage unit 213 (step 1A), and determines whether the remaining amount is less than the first remaining amount (step 2A).

[0086] When a negative result is obtained in step 2A (that is, when the remaining amount is greater than the first remaining amount), the control unit 117 sets the threshold value for determining the puff interval (the first period) to a reference value TH23 that is longer than the reference value TH22 (step 61). On the other hand, when an affirmative result is obtained in step 2A (that is, when the remaining amount is less than the first remaining amount), the control unit 117 sets the threshold value for determining the puff interval (the first period) to a gradually longer reference value TH24 as the number of consecutive short puff intervals increases (step 62). Note that after setting the threshold value (the first period) for determination by step 3, or step 4, or step 61, or step 62, the control unit 117 sequentially executes steps 5 to 11 and step 1100 to end one cycle of suction.

[0087] In the case of FIG. 14-1, when a negative result is obtained in step 33A, the process proceeds to step 3, but other reference values may be set. FIG. 14-2 is a flowchart for explaining another control example 2 in the sixth embodiment. In FIG. 14-2, reference numerals corresponding to the corresponding parts in FIG. 14-1 are shown. In the case of FIG. 14-2, when a negative result is obtained in step 33A, the threshold value for determining the puff interval (the second threshold value) is set to a reference value TH22A that is longer than the reference value TH22 (step 63). However, the reference value TH22A is set to a time shorter than the reference value TH23.

[0088] Also, in the case of the present embodiment, the threshold value (the first period) for determination when a negative result is obtained in step 2A shown in FIG. 14 may be shorter than the threshold value (the first period) for determination when a negative result is obtained in step 2. Also, in the case of this embodiment, even when a negative result is obtained in step 2A shown in FIG. 14, the processes of steps 31 to 33 are executed. When an affirmative result is obtained in step 33, the determination threshold value (first period) for the puff interval may be set longer than when a negative result is obtained in step 33. Also, in the case of this embodiment, steps 2 and 2A compare the remaining liquid amount with the first remaining amount. However, in steps 2 and 2A, different remaining amounts may be used as the comparison target. That is, different values may be used as the first remaining amount. For example, when preheating is used, the first remaining amount may be less than when preheating is not used.

[0089] <Embodiment 7> In this embodiment, the case where the length of the determination threshold value is variably set according to the length of the previous puff interval when the remaining liquid amount is small when preheating is used will be described. In other words, this embodiment corresponds to a combination example of Embodiment 4 and Embodiment 5. Note that the other configurations of the aerosol generating device 1 (see FIG. 1) in this embodiment are the same as those in Embodiment 1. That is, the external configuration and the internal configuration of the aerosol generating device 1 are the same as those in Embodiment 1.

[0090] FIG. 15 is a flowchart for explaining an example of controlling the main heating time by the control unit 117 (see FIG. 2) used in Embodiment 7. In FIG. 15, reference numerals corresponding to the corresponding parts in FIGS. 3, 10, and 13 are attached and shown. The control by the control unit 117 is realized through the execution of a program. Also in the case of this embodiment, the control unit 117 first determines whether or not there is preheating (step 51). When a negative result is obtained in step 51, the control unit 117 executes the same operation as in Embodiment 4. That is, the control unit 117 sets the determination threshold value for the puff interval and the main heating time according to the flowchart shown in FIG. 10.

[0091] Specifically, the control unit 117 calculates the remaining amount of the aerosol source stored in the liquid storage unit 213 (see FIG. 2) (step 1). If the remaining amount is more than the first remaining amount, a negative result is obtained in step 2 and step 3 is executed. If the remaining amount is less than the first remaining amount, an affirmative result is obtained in step 2 and step 41 is executed. That is, when the remaining amount is small with the preheating function off, the control unit 117 sets the determination threshold value (first period) for the puff interval to a reference value TH24 that is longer than the previous puff interval, making it easier to determine a short puff when setting the main heating time. If it is determined to be a short puff, the main heating time is set shorter than the reference time LT1, so the possibility of liquid depletion is reduced accordingly. In this embodiment, the remaining amount is calculated by computation. However, as in Embodiment 2, it is also possible to obtain the remaining amount using the remaining amount sensor 113A.

[0092] On the other hand, when an affirmative result is obtained in step 51, the control unit 117 executes the determination threshold value for the puff interval and the main heating time according to the flowchart shown in FIG. 13. That is, the control unit 117 calculates the remaining amount of the aerosol source stored in the liquid storage unit 213 (step 1A). If the remaining amount is more than the first remaining amount, a negative result is obtained in step 2A and step 3 is executed. If the remaining amount is less than the first remaining amount, an affirmative result is obtained in step 2A and step 52A is executed. Note that the value TH23 of the determination threshold value set in step 52A is set to a value smaller than the value TH24 set in step 41.

[0093] In this embodiment, even when the remaining amount is small, importance is attached to the fact that the supply amount of the aerosol source is larger when preheating is used than when it is not used. However, even when preheating is used, if the remaining amount decreases, the possibility of liquid depletion becomes higher than when the remaining amount is large. Therefore, instead of step 52A, the process of step 41 may be executed. That is, when the remaining amount is less than the first remaining amount, whether or not preheating is used, a value longer than the previous puff interval may be set as the determination threshold value (first period) for the puff interval.

[0094] <Embodiment 8> In this embodiment, a case will be described in which the main heating time when the preheating mode is on is controlled to be shorter than the main heating time when the preheating mode is off. Note that other configurations of the aerosol generating device 1 (see FIG. 1) in this embodiment are the same as those in Embodiment 1. That is, the external configuration and the internal configuration of the aerosol generating device 1 are the same as those in Embodiment 1.

[0095] FIG. 16 is a flowchart for explaining an example of controlling the main heating time by the control unit 117 (see FIG. 2) used in Embodiment 8. In FIG. 16, reference numerals corresponding to the corresponding parts of FIGS. 3 and 13 are shown. The control by the control unit 117 is realized through the execution of a program. In the case of this embodiment, prior to step 51 for determining whether or not there is preheating, steps 1-2-3 or steps 1-2-4 described in Embodiment 1 are executed. That is, in this embodiment, after setting the determination threshold value (first period) for the puff interval, it is determined whether or not there is preheating. Note that for setting the determination threshold value (first period) for the puff interval, any one of the aforementioned Embodiments 2 to 7 may be used.

[0096] When a negative result is obtained in step 51, the control unit 117 determines, using the puff sensor 112, whether or not the start of suction has been detected (step 5). When the start of suction of the aerosol by the user is not detected, the control unit 117 obtains a negative result in step 5. While a negative result is obtained in step 5, the control unit 117 repeats the determination in step 5. On the other hand, when the start of suction of the aerosol by the user is detected, the control unit 117 obtains a positive result in step 5. When a positive result is obtained in step 5, the control unit 117 starts main heating (step 1100), and then acquires the immediately preceding puff interval (step 6).

[0097] When the puff interval is acquired, the control unit 117 determines whether the puff interval is shorter than the first period (step 7). If the puff interval is equal to or longer than the first period, the control unit 117 obtains a negative result in step 7. In this case, the control unit 117 sets the current main heating time to the reference time LT1 (step 8). On the other hand, if the puff interval is shorter than the first period, the control unit 117 obtains an affirmative result in step 7. In this case, the control unit 117 sets the current main heating time to a time LT2 shorter than the reference time LT1 (step 9).

[0098] After setting the main heating time in step 8 or step 9, the control unit 117 sequentially executes the processes of step 10 and step 11 to end one cycle of suction. The processing operations shown above, that is, the processing operations when a negative result is obtained in step 51, are the same as those in Embodiment 1.

[0099] On the other hand, when an affirmative result is obtained in step 51, the following processing is executed. First, the control unit 117 determines whether the start of suction is detected by the puff sensor 112 (step 5A). While a negative result is obtained in step 5A, the control unit 117 repeats the determination in step 5A, but when an affirmative result is obtained in step 5A, after the preheating ends, the main heating is started (step 1100A), and then the immediately preceding puff interval is acquired (step 6A).

[0100] When the puff interval is acquired, the control unit 117 determines whether the puff interval is shorter than the first period (step 7A). When the puff interval is equal to or longer than the first period (when a negative result is obtained in step 7A), the current main heating time is set to a time LT2 shorter than the reference time LT1 (step 9). However, the threshold value used for the determination in step 7A may be different from that in step 7. For example, the threshold value used for the determination in step 7A may be smaller than the threshold value used for the determination in step 7. Also, the main heating time when a negative result is obtained in step 7A only needs to be shorter than the reference time LT1 and does not necessarily have to be LT2. On the other hand, when the puff interval is shorter than the first period (when the result is positive in step 7A), the control unit 117 sets the current main heating time to a time LT3 shorter than the reference time LT1 (step 71). However, the time LT3 is a value shorter than the time LT2. That is, when the puff interval is short (i.e., in the case of a short puff), the control unit 117 sets the main heating time to a shorter value than when the preheating mode is off.

[0101] However, even if the length of the main heating time is short, when the preheating mode is on, as described with reference to FIG. 11, since the time until the temperature of the aerosol source reaches the boiling point is shorter than when the preheating mode is off, the substantial difference in the main heating time is less than the set length. Also, since the liquid feeding speed when the preheating mode is on is faster than the liquid feeding speed when the preheating mode is off, if the main heating time is the same, more aerosol can be generated when the preheating mode is on than when the preheating mode is off. Even if the time LT3 set in step 71 is shorter than the time LT2 set in step 9, a drastic decrease in the amount of aerosol generated during the main heating time can be avoided. Also, compared to the case where the main heating time when the preheating mode is on is the same as the main heating time when the preheating mode is off, power consumption can be reduced, and the usage time of the aerosol generating device 1 can be extended. After setting the main heating time in step 71, the control unit 117 sequentially executes the processes of steps 10 and 11 to end one cycle of suction.

[0102] <Embodiment 9> In the present embodiment, a control operation when overheating is detected during the main heating time will be described. Also in the case of the present embodiment, the external configuration of the aerosol generating device 1 is the same as that of Embodiment 1. FIG. 17 is a diagram schematically showing the internal configuration of the aerosol generating device 1 assumed in Embodiment 9. In FIG. 17, the parts corresponding to those in FIG. 2 are denoted by the same reference numerals. The aerosol generating device 1 shown in FIG. 17 is different from the first embodiment in that it includes a coil temperature sensor 113B. The coil temperature sensor 113B is, for example, a thermistor and is disposed near the heating unit 211 composed of a coil. The coil temperature sensor 113B is an example of a second sensor.

[0103] However, instead of the coil temperature sensor 113B, the temperature of the heating unit 211 may be measured through the value of the current flowing through the heating unit 211 or the voltage appearing across a resistor connected in series with the heating unit 211. The overheating countermeasures described in this embodiment can be combined with any of the above-described first to seventh embodiments.

[0104] FIG. 18 is a flowchart for explaining an example of the control of the main heating time by the control unit 117 (see FIG. 2) used in the ninth embodiment. In FIG. 18, reference numerals corresponding to the corresponding parts in FIG. 3 are given. The control by the control unit 117 is realized through the execution of a program. In this embodiment, the control unit 117 determines whether or not the start of suction is detected by the puff sensor 112 (step 5).

[0105] While a negative result is obtained in step 5, the control unit 117 repeats the determination in step 5. When an affirmative result is obtained in step 5, the control unit 117 starts the main heating (step 1100), and then acquires the temperature of the coil at the start of suction (step 81). That is, the temperature of the heating unit 211 (see FIG. 2) is acquired. When the temperature of the coil is acquired, the control unit 117 determines whether or not the temperature of the coil at the start of suction is higher than a third temperature (step 82). The third temperature is a threshold value for determining overheating.

[0106] When the acquired temperature is higher than the third temperature, the control unit 117 obtains an affirmative result in step 82. In this case, the control unit 117 forcibly ends the main heating (step 83). That is, the control unit 117 ends the supply of power to the heating unit 211 even if the set main heating time remains. Even after the power supply ends, the temperature of the heating unit 211 remains high for some time. Therefore, the generation of aerosol continues for some time.

[0107] If the heating ends before the set main heating time elapses, compared to the case where heating continues until the main heating time elapses as it is, it becomes possible to extend the cooling time until the next suction cycle. As a result, the liquid temperature of the aerosol source at the start of the next suction cycle is likely to be lower than in the case where the control according to this embodiment is not adopted. Also, by eliminating overheating, it becomes possible to continue using the aerosol generating device 1 within the design temperature. On the other hand, when a negative result is obtained in step 82, the control unit 117 continues heating according to the set main heating time (step 84).

[0108] <Embodiment 10> In this embodiment, other control operations when overheating is detected during the main heating time will be described. Also in this embodiment, the external configuration of the aerosol generating device 1 is the same as that of Embodiment 1. FIG. 19 is a diagram schematically showing the internal configuration of the aerosol generating device 1 assumed in Embodiment 10. In FIG. 19, reference numerals corresponding to the corresponding parts in FIG. 2 are shown. The aerosol generating device 1 shown in FIG. 19 is different from Embodiment 1 in that it includes a liquid temperature sensor 113C. The liquid temperature sensor 113C measures the temperature of the liquid guiding part 212. Therefore, the liquid temperature sensor 113C is arranged near the liquid guiding part 212. For the liquid temperature sensor 113C, for example, a temperature sensor or a thermistor is used. The liquid temperature sensor 113C is an example of a third sensor. The overheating countermeasures described in this embodiment can be combined with any of the above-described Embodiments 1 to 7.

[0109] FIG. 20 is a flowchart for explaining an example of control of the main heating time by the control unit 117 (see FIG. 2) used in Embodiment 10. In FIG. 20, reference numerals corresponding to corresponding parts in FIG. 3 are shown. The control by the control unit 117 is realized through the execution of a program. The control unit 117 in the present embodiment also determines, by the perfume sensor 112, whether or not the start of suction has been detected (step 5).

[0110] While a negative result is obtained in step 5, the control unit 117 repeats the determination in step 5. When an affirmative result is obtained in step 5, the control unit 117 starts the main heating (step 1100), and then acquires the liquid temperature at the start of suction (step 91). The liquid temperature here is the temperature of the liquid guiding unit 212. When the liquid temperature is acquired, the control unit 117 determines whether or not the liquid temperature at the start of suction is higher than the fourth temperature (step 92). The fourth temperature is a threshold value for determining overheating.

[0111] When the acquired liquid temperature is higher than the fourth temperature, the control unit 117 obtains an affirmative result in step 92. In this case, the control unit 117 forcibly ends the main heating (step 93). That is, the control unit 117 ends the power supply to the heating unit 211 even if the set main heating time remains. Note that even after the power supply is ended, the temperature of the heating unit 211 remains high for a while. For this reason, the generation of the aerosol continues for a while.

[0112] By ending the heating before the set main heating time elapses, it becomes possible to extend the cooling time until the next suction cycle compared to the case where the heating is continued until the main heating time elapses as it is. As a result, the liquid temperature of the aerosol source at the start of the next suction cycle is likely to be lower than in the case where the control according to the present embodiment is not adopted. Further, by eliminating overheating, it becomes possible to continue using the aerosol generator 1 within the designed temperature range. On the other hand, when a negative result is obtained in step 92, the control unit 117 continues heating according to the set main heating time (step 94).

[0113] <Embodiment 11> When a short puff is detected using the determination threshold value (first period) of the puff interval set by the method described in Embodiments 1 to 7, instead of shortening the main heating time, the voltage value or current value applied to the heating unit 211 is set to a low value, and a mode for suppressing the occurrence of liquid depletion will be described. Other configurations of the aerosol generating device 1 (see FIG. 1) in the present embodiment are the same as those in Embodiment 1. That is, the external configuration and internal configuration of the aerosol generating device 1 are the same as those in Embodiment 1.

[0114] FIG. 21 is a flowchart for explaining an example of the control of the main heating time by the control unit 117 (see FIG. 2) used in Embodiment 11. In FIG. 21, the corresponding parts to those in FIG. 3 are denoted by the same reference numerals. The control by the control unit 117 is realized through the execution of a program. First, the control unit 117 executes steps 1 to 6 and step 1100 to set the determination threshold value (first period) of the puff interval. As described above, any of the methods in Embodiments 2 to 7 may be adopted for setting the determination threshold value (first period) of the puff interval. When the setting of the determination threshold value (first period) of the puff interval is completed, the control unit 117 determines whether the puff interval is shorter than the first period (step 7). That is, it is determined whether the most recent puff interval is a short puff.

[0115] When a negative result is obtained in step 7, the control unit 117 sets the maximum voltage value to be applied to the current main heating time to the reference voltage value (step 101). The reference voltage value here is the same as the voltage value used in Embodiment 1 and the like. The reference voltage value here is an example of the second maximum voltage value. As described above, it is also possible to specify the current value. If an affirmative result is obtained in step 7, the control unit 117 sets the maximum voltage value to be applied during the current main heating time to a value smaller than the reference voltage value (step 102). That is, rather than shortening the main heating time, the maximum voltage value is set to a low value. The maximum voltage value set in step 102 is an example of a first maximum voltage value. As a result, the power supplied to the heating unit 211 during the main heating time becomes smaller than when the puff interval is not short. That is, it becomes smaller than the reference value. Note that the lower the maximum voltage value is set below the reference voltage value, the smaller the power supplied to the heating unit 211 during the main heating time becomes. Of course, it is also possible to specify a current value instead of a voltage value.

[0116] <Embodiment 12> In the present embodiment, it is assumed that the temperature of the environment in which the aerosol generating device 1 is used is low. In countries or regions with high latitudes, the outside air temperature is low in winter. When the outside air temperature is low, the liquid temperature of the aerosol source stored in the liquid storage unit 213 of the aerosol generating device 1 also becomes low, and at the same time the viscosity increases. When the viscosity increases, the liquid supply rate of the aerosol decreases compared to when the temperature is high, not only when the puff interval is short but also when the puff interval is long. As a result, if the supply amount of the aerosol source supplied to the heating unit 211 until the start of suction falls below the amount of liquid required for aerosol generation, a phenomenon similar to liquid depletion will occur. Therefore, in the present embodiment, attention is paid to the temperature of the environment or atmosphere in which the aerosol generating device 1 is used.

[0117] Note that also in the case of the present embodiment, the external configuration of the aerosol generating device 1 is the same as that of Embodiment 1. However, the internal configuration of the aerosol generating device 1 assumed in the present embodiment is partially different from that of Embodiment 1. FIG. 22 is a diagram schematically showing the internal configuration of the aerosol generating device 1 assumed in Embodiment 12. In FIG. 22, reference numerals corresponding to the corresponding parts in FIG. 2 are attached and shown. The aerosol generating device 1 shown in Fig. 22 is different from the aerosol generating device 1 shown in Fig. 2 in that a temperature sensor 113D is provided. The temperature sensor 113D is for measuring the ambient temperature. Therefore, it is desirable to place the temperature sensor 113D as far as possible from the heat source inside the device. However, since the viscosity of the aerosol source depends on the liquid temperature of the aerosol source stored in the liquid storage unit 213, a liquid temperature sensor 113C (see Fig. 19) may be arranged near the liquid storage unit 213.

[0118] Fig. 23 is a flowchart for explaining an example of controlling the main heating time by the control unit 117 (see Fig. 2) used in Embodiment 12. In Fig. 23, the corresponding parts to those in Fig. 3 are indicated by corresponding reference numerals. The control by the control unit 117 is realized through the execution of a program. First, the control unit 117 executes step 1-2-3 or step 1-2-4 to set a threshold value (the first period) for determining the puff interval. As described above, any of the methods in Embodiments 2 to 7 may be adopted for setting the threshold value (the first period) for determining the puff interval. Subsequently, the control unit 117 determines whether the start of suction is detected by the puff sensor 112 (step 5). This determination is executed when the main heating is started by the start of the user's suction.

[0119] If the start of the user's aerosol suction is not detected, the control unit 117 obtains a negative result in step 5. While a negative result is obtained in step 5, the control unit 117 repeats the determination in step 5. On the other hand, if the start of the user's aerosol suction is detected, the control unit 117 obtains a positive result in step 5. When a positive result is obtained in step 5, the control unit 117 starts the main heating (step 1100), and then acquires the temperature at the start of suction (step 111). The temperature is the ambient temperature around the aerosol generating device 1. When the ambient temperature is acquired, the control unit 117 determines whether the temperature at the start of suction is lower than a threshold value for temperature determination (hereinafter referred to as the "temperature threshold") (step 112). The temperature threshold is determined according to the relationship between the viscosity of the aerosol source and the temperature.

[0120] When the temperature is equal to or higher than the temperature threshold value, the control unit 117 obtains a negative result in step 112. In this case, the control unit 117 sets the current main heating time to the reference time LT1 (step 8). On the other hand, when the temperature is lower than the temperature threshold value, the control unit 117 obtains an affirmative result in step 112. In this case, the control unit 117 sets the current main heating time to a time LT2 shorter than the reference time LT1 (step 9). After setting the main heating time according to step 8 or step 9, the control unit 117 sequentially executes steps 10 and 11 to end one cycle of suction.

[0121] In the case of this embodiment, the control unit 117 pays attention to the ambient temperature at which the generation efficiency of the aerosol decreases, and detects use in an environment where liquid depletion occurs. Therefore, the occurrence of liquid depletion can be effectively suppressed. FIG. 24 is a diagram for explaining the relationship between the puff interval and the setting of the main heating time in Embodiment 12. (A) shows an example of the timing of suction (puff), (B) shows the change in the ambient temperature, and (C) shows an example of the setting of the main heating time. In FIG. 24, reference numerals corresponding to the corresponding parts in FIG. 5 are shown. The vertical axis in FIG. 24(A) is the puff intensity, the vertical axis in FIG. 24(B) is the temperature, and the vertical axis in FIG. 24(C) is the heating intensity. Note that the horizontal axis in FIGS. 24(A) to (C) is time.

[0122] FIGS. 24(A) and (C) also show the case where the start of heating of the heating unit 211 coincides with the start of suction by the user. FIG. 24(B) shows the change in the ambient temperature at which the aerosol generating device 1 is used. FIG. 24(B) assumes a scenario where the temperature drops so much that it affects the viscosity of the aerosol source as a result of moving from a heated indoor environment to the outdoors in winter.

[0123] Also in the case of Fig. 24(A), the number of puffs (draws) is 5. However, in the case of Fig. 24(A), the intervals between the first puff and the second puff, between the second puff and the third puff, between the third puff and the fourth puff, and between the fourth puff and the fifth puff are not short puffs. However, the first puff, the second puff, and the third puff are performed indoors, while the fourth puff and the fifth puff are performed outdoors. For this reason, in Fig. 24(B), the temperature drops between the third puff and the fourth puff.

[0124] Note that there is a time during which the liquid temperature of the aerosol source drops between the third puff and the fourth puff. As a result, at the start of the fourth puff, it is assumed that the liquid temperature of the aerosol source is approaching the ambient temperature. Also, it is assumed that the liquid temperature of the aerosol source at that time has dropped to a value lower than the temperature threshold. For this reason, in the example shown in Fig. 24(C), the main heating time for the first puff, the second puff, and the third puff is set to the reference time LT1, while the main heating time for the fourth puff and the fifth puff is set to a time LT2 shorter than the reference time LT1. As a result, in the fourth puff and the fifth puff, even when the supply amount of the aerosol source supplied to the heating unit 211 is small until the start of suction due to the low ambient temperature, the main heating time is shortened from the reference time LT2, so that liquid depletion does not occur.

[0125] <Embodiment 13> In the foregoing embodiments, the aerosol generating device 1 having the power button 11 (see Fig. 1) has been described, but it can also be applied to an aerosol generating device 1 that does not have the power button 11. Fig. 25 is a diagram for explaining an example of the external configuration of the aerosol generating device 1 assumed in Embodiment 13. In Fig. 25, the same reference numerals as those corresponding to the corresponding parts in Fig. 1 are shown. In the case of the present embodiment, when the start of suction by the user is detected, the supply of power to the heating unit 211 (see Fig. 2) is started.

[0126] <Embodiment 14> In this embodiment, an aerosol generating device 1 having a mechanism for heating a substrate containing an aerosol in addition to a mechanism for heating an aerosol source as a liquid will be described. FIG. 26 is a diagram schematically showing an example of the internal configuration of the aerosol generating device 1 assumed in Embodiment 14. In FIG. 26, the same reference numerals as the corresponding parts in FIG. 2 are shown. The aerosol generating device 1 shown in FIG. 26 includes a power supply unit 111, a puff sensor 112, a power button sensor 113, a notification unit 114, a storage unit 115, a communication unit 116, a control unit 117, a heating unit 211, a liquid guiding unit 212, a liquid storage unit 213, a holding unit 301 used for holding the stick-shaped substrate 400, a heating unit 302 disposed on the outer periphery of the holding unit 301, and a heat insulating unit 303 disposed on the outer periphery of the heating unit 302.

[0127] In FIG. 26, a state in which the stick-shaped substrate 400 is attached to the holding unit 301 is shown. The user performs a suction operation with the stick-shaped substrate 400 inserted into the holding unit 301. An air flow path 40 is formed in the aerosol generating device 1 to transport the air flowing in from the air inlet hole 21 to the bottom 301C of the holding unit 301 via the liquid guiding unit 212. Therefore, with the user's suction action, the air flowing in from the air inlet hole 21 flows in the air flow path 40 along the arrow 500. The aerosol generated by the heating unit 211 and the aerosol generated by the heating unit 302 are mixed into this air flow. Note that the control unit 117 in this embodiment controls the heating operation of the heating unit 302 in addition to the heating operation of the heating unit 211. At that time, the control unit 117 acquires information such as the temperature of the heating unit 302 by a sensor (not shown).

[0128] The holding unit 301 has a substantially cylindrical shape. Therefore, the inside of the holding unit 301 is hollow. This hollow is referred to as an internal space 301A. The internal space 301A has substantially the same diameter as the stick-shaped substrate 400 and accommodates the tip portion of the stick-shaped substrate 400 inserted from the opening 301B in a state of being in contact therewith. That is, the stick-shaped substrate 400 is held in the internal space 301A. The holding portion 301 has a bottom portion 301C on the side opposite to the opening 301B. The bottom portion 301C is connected to the air flow path 40.

[0129] The inner diameter of the holding portion 301 is configured to be smaller than the outer diameter of the stick-shaped substrate 400 in at least a part of the height direction of the cylindrical body. For this reason, the outer peripheral surface of the stick-shaped substrate 400 inserted into the internal space 301A from the opening 301B is pressed by the inner wall of the holding portion 301. Due to this pressing, the stick-shaped substrate 400 is held by the holding portion 301. The holding portion 301 also has a function of defining an air flow path through the stick-shaped substrate 400. Here, the bottom portion 301C is an air inlet hole for the holding portion 301, and the opening 301B is an air outlet hole from the holding portion 301.

[0130] The stick-shaped substrate 400 is a substantially cylindrical member. The stick-shaped substrate 400 assumed in the present embodiment is composed of a substrate portion 401 and a suction port portion 402. An aerosol source is accommodated in the substrate portion 401. The aerosol source is a substance that is atomized by being heated to generate an aerosol. The aerosol source accommodated in the substrate portion 401 includes, for example, substances derived from tobacco such as shredded tobacco or processed products obtained by molding tobacco raw materials into granular, sheet, or powder forms. However, as the aerosol source accommodated in the substrate portion 401, non-tobacco-derived substances made from plants other than tobacco (for example, mint and herbs, etc.) may be included. For example, the aerosol source may contain a fragrance component such as menthol.

[0131] When the aerosol generating device 1 is a medical inhaler, the aerosol source of the stick-shaped substrate 400 may contain a drug for a patient to inhale. Note that the aerosol source is not limited to a solid, and may be a liquid such as a polyhydric alcohol such as glycerin and propylene glycol, or water. At least a part of the substrate portion 401 is accommodated in the internal space 301A of the holding portion 301 in a state where the stick-shaped substrate 400 is held by the holding portion 301.

[0132] The suction port 402 is a member that is bitten by the user during suction. At least a part of the suction port 402 protrudes from the opening 301B in a state where the stick-shaped base material 400 is held by the holding part 301. When the user bites and suctions the suction port 402 protruding from the opening 301B, as described above, air flows from the air inlet hole 21 into the bottom 301C of the holding part 301. The inflowing air passes through the internal space 301A of the holding part 301 and the base material part 401 and reaches the user's oral cavity. Note that the aerosol generated from the base material part 401 is mixed with the gas passing through the internal space 301A of the holding part 301 and the base material part 401.

[0133] The heating part 302 atomizes the aerosol source by heating the aerosol source contained in the base material part 401 to generate an aerosol. The heating part 302 is made of an arbitrary material such as metal or polyimide. For example, the heating part 302 is formed in a film shape and is arranged so as to cover the outer periphery of the holding part 301. When the heating part 302 generates heat, the aerosol source contained in the stick-shaped base material 400 is heated and atomized from the outer periphery of the stick-shaped base material 400, and an aerosol is generated.

[0134] The heating part 302 generates heat by being supplied with power from the power supply part 111. For example, when a predetermined user input is detected by a sensor (not shown), power supply to the heating part 302 is started, and an aerosol is generated. When the temperature of the stick-shaped base material 400 reaches a predetermined temperature due to the heating of the heating part 302, generation of the aerosol is started, and suction by the user becomes possible. Thereafter, when it is detected by a sensor (not shown) that a predetermined user input has been made, power supply to the heating part 302 is stopped. Note that power supply to the heating part 302 may be continued and an aerosol may be generated while suction by the user is detected by the puff sensor 112.

[0135] <Other Embodiments> Above, Disclosure this DisclosureThe technical scope is not limited to the scope described in the foregoing embodiments. It is obvious from the description of the claims that those with various changes or improvements made to the foregoing embodiments are also included in the technical scope of this Disclosure invention.

[0136] For example, in the foregoing Embodiment 1 etc., the start of suction is detected after setting the threshold value for setting the puff interval (the first period). However, it is also possible to set the threshold value for setting the puff interval (the first period) after detecting the start of suction. Also, for example, in the foregoing Embodiment 5 etc., the case where the user can select whether to use the preheating mode or not has been described. However, the aerosol generating device 1 in which the preheating mode is always used in the on state may also be used.

Description of Reference Numerals

[0137] 1... aerosol generating device, 10... power supply unit, 11... power button, 20, 30... cartridge, 21... air inlet hole, 40... air flow path, 42... air outlet hole, 112... puff sensor, 113... power button sensor, 113A... remaining liquid amount sensor, 113B... coil temperature sensor, 113C... liquid temperature sensor, 113D... air temperature sensor, 117... control unit, 211, 302... heating unit, 212... liquid guiding unit, 213... liquid storage unit

Claims

1. It has a control unit for controlling the supply of power to a load for heating an aerosol source, When the remaining amount of the aerosol source is less than the first remaining amount, the control unit sets a first period used for determining the length of the interval between the previous inhalation and the current inhalation of the aerosol to a value longer than a reference value. A circuit unit of an aerosol generating device.

2. The control unit calculates the remaining amount of the aerosol source and controls the length of the first period based on the calculated remaining amount. The circuit unit of the aerosol generating device according to claim 1.

3. It further has a first sensor for detecting the remaining amount of the aerosol source, The control unit controls the length of the first period based on the remaining amount detected by the first sensor. The circuit unit of the aerosol generating device according to claim 1.

4. When the number of consecutive inhalations in which the interval between inhalations of the aerosol is shorter than the first period exceeds a first number of times, the control unit gradually increases the first period used in subsequent inhalations as the number of times increases. The circuit unit of the aerosol generating device according to claim 1.

5. When the remaining amount of the aerosol is less than the first remaining amount, the control unit controls the first period to a time longer than the interval of the immediately previous time. The circuit unit of the aerosol generating device according to claim 1.

6. When heating the aerosol source at a second temperature lower than the first temperature prior to heating the aerosol source at the first temperature accompanied by the generation of the aerosol, the control unit controls the first period used when the remaining amount of the aerosol is less than the first remaining amount to a value smaller than the first period used only for heating accompanied by the generation of the aerosol and when the remaining amount of the aerosol is less than the first remaining amount. The circuit unit of the aerosol generating device according to claim 1.

7. When the number of consecutive suction times in which the suction of the aerosol and the suction interval are shorter than the first period exceeds the first number of times, the control unit stepwise controls the first period used in the subsequent suction times to be longer as the number of times increases. The circuit unit of the aerosol generating device according to claim 6.

8. When the remaining amount of the aerosol is less than the first remaining amount, the control unit controls the first period to be a longer time than the interval of the immediately previous time. The circuit unit of the aerosol generating device according to claim 6.

9. When the control unit executes heating without aerosol generation, the control unit controls the amount of electric power supplied to the load to generate aerosol to be a value smaller than the amount of electric power supplied to the load when only heating with aerosol generation is executed. The circuit unit of the aerosol generating device according to claim 6.

10. It further has a second sensor for detecting the temperature of the load. When the temperature detected by the second sensor reaches a third temperature, the control unit forcibly terminates the heating of the load. The circuit unit of the aerosol generating device according to any one of claims 1 to 9.

11. It further has a third sensor for detecting the temperature of the aerosol source. When the temperature detected by the third sensor reaches a fourth temperature, at that time, the control unit forcibly terminates the heating of the load. The circuit unit of the aerosol generating device according to any one of claims 1 to 9.

12. When the suction of the aerosol and the interval between suctions are shorter than those in the first period, the control unit controls the first maximum voltage value supplied to the load to generate the aerosol to be a value smaller than the second maximum voltage value supplied to the load when the suction of the aerosol and the interval between suctions are longer than a threshold value. The circuit unit of the aerosol generating device according to any one of claims 1 to 9.

13. It has a control unit that controls the supply of power to a load that heats an aerosol source. When the remaining amount of the aerosol source is less than the first remaining amount, the control unit sets the first period used to determine the length of the interval between the previous suction and the current suction of the aerosol to a value longer than a reference value. An aerosol generating device.

14. In a computer that controls the supply of power to a load that heats an aerosol source, When the remaining amount of the aerosol source is less than the first remaining amount, a function of setting the first period used to determine the length of the interval between the previous suction and the current suction of the aerosol to a value longer than a reference value A program for realizing this.

Images