Aerosol generating device, control method, and program

Abstract

This aerosol generating device comprises a sensor for detecting inhalation by a user, a first heating unit for heating a first aerosol source, and a control unit for controlling the supply of electric power to the first heating unit. When the start of inhalation has been detected by the sensor, the control unit supplies, to the first heating unit, electric power having a magnitude that is dependent on the duration that the supply of electric power to the first heating unit was stopped.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an aerosol generating device, a control method, and a program. [Background technology]

[0002] An aerosol generating device (hereinafter referred to as an "aerosol generating device") generates an aerosol by heating an aerosol source containing a fragrance or the like. When the aerosol source is a liquid, the aerosol is generated by heating the aerosol source guided into a glass fiber called a wick with a heater. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Special Publication No. 2013-516159 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] The supply of liquid to the wick depends on capillary action. The amount of liquid supplied by capillary action is basically constant under the same environment. Therefore, if the wick is heated for a long period of time or if the wick is not heated for a short period of time, the supply of liquid to the wick cannot keep up, resulting in a phenomenon in which aerosol is not generated even when the wick is heated. This phenomenon is called liquid starvation. Furthermore, even with a jelly-like or gel-like aerosol source or an aerosol source made of a solid material such as tobacco containing glycerin, if heating by a heater is continued for more than a predetermined period of time, there is a risk of a shortage of aerosol source in the heated area.

[0005] In view of the above-mentioned problems, the present invention provides a technique for suppressing shortage of an aerosol source when the aerosol source is heated. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] According to one aspect of the present invention, an aerosol generating device is provided, comprising a sensor that detects inhalation by a user, a first heating unit that heats a first aerosol source, and a control unit that controls the supply of power to the first heating unit, wherein when the sensor detects the start of inhalation, the control unit supplies to the first heating unit an amount of power corresponding to the length of time that the supply of power to the first heating unit has been stopped.

[0007] the control unit sets a monitoring period of a predetermined length upon detecting inhalation by the user; The length of time during which heating has been stopped may be the length of time from the end of the monitoring period until new suction is detected.

[0008] When the monitoring period ends, the control unit may stop supplying power to the first heating unit even while suction is continuing.

[0009] Even if suction stoppage is detected during the monitoring period, the control unit may use the length of time from the end of the monitoring period until new suction is detected as the length of time that the heating was stopped.

[0010] The control unit may control the power, which has a magnitude corresponding to the length of time during which the supply of power to the first heating unit has been stopped, to a value that gradually decreases as the length of time becomes shorter.

[0011] The device may further have a second heating unit that heats a second aerosol source that is a solid, and when both the first heating unit and the second heating unit are used, the control unit may separate the period in which the first heating unit heats the first aerosol source from the period in which the second heating unit heats the second aerosol source.

[0012] The control unit may control a first power supplied to the first heating unit during a first heating operation in which both the first heating unit and the second heating unit are used to a value greater than a second power supplied to the first heating unit during a second heating operation in which only the first heating unit is used.

[0013] The control unit may control the first power supplied to the first heating unit during the first heating to a value greater than the second power supplied to the first heating unit during the second heating when the length of time during which heating of the first aerosol source is stopped is the same for the first heating that uses both the first heating unit and the second heating unit and the second heating that uses only the first heating unit.

[0014] According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method for controlling an aerosol generating device that generates an aerosol, the method comprising the steps of: detecting inhalation by a user with a sensor; and heating a first aerosol source with a first heating unit; The control unit a step of controlling the supply of power to the first heating unit; and when the sensor detects the start of suction, The control unit and a step of supplying to the first heating unit an amount of power corresponding to the length of time during which the supply of power to the first heating unit has been stopped.

[0015] According to another aspect of the present invention, a program is provided for causing a computer to execute the following steps: a step of detecting inhalation by a user with a sensor; a step of heating a first aerosol source with a first heating unit; a step of controlling the supply of power to the first heating unit; and a step of, when the sensor detects the start of inhalation, supplying to the first heating unit an amount of power corresponding to the length of time that the supply of power to the first heating unit was stopped. [Effects of the Invention]

[0016] According to the present invention, shortage of the aerosol source when the aerosol source is heated can be suppressed. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0017] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of the appearance of an aerosol generation device assumed in the first embodiment. [Figure 2]1 is a diagram for explaining how to attach an aerosol source and the like to the device body assumed in the first embodiment. FIG. [Figure 3] FIG. 1 is a diagram schematically illustrating the internal configuration of an aerosol generation device assumed in the first embodiment. [Figure 4] 1A and 1B are diagrams illustrating a normal mode and a high mode, in which (A) is a diagram illustrating an example of the timing of heating in the normal mode, and (B) is a diagram illustrating an example of the timing of heating in the high mode. [Figure 5] 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of the timing of heating the cartridge and capsule in embodiment 1. (A) shows the period of inhalation, (B) shows an example of the timing of heating the cartridge, and (C) shows an example of the timing of heating the capsule. [Figure 6] 10A and 10B are diagrams illustrating another example of the timing of heating the cartridge and capsule in embodiment 1. (A) shows the period of inhalation, (B) shows an example of the timing of heating the cartridge, and (C) shows an example of the timing of heating the capsule. [Figure 7] 10A and 10B are diagrams illustrating another example of the timing of heating the cartridge and capsule in embodiment 1. (A) shows the period of inhalation, (B) shows an example of the timing of heating the cartridge, and (C) shows an example of the timing of heating the capsule. [Figure 8] 10A and 10B are diagrams illustrating other examples of the timing of heating the cartridge and capsule in embodiment 1. (A) shows the period of inhalation, (B) shows an example of the timing of heating the cartridge, and (C) shows an example of the timing of heating the capsule. [Figure 9] 10A and 10B are diagrams illustrating another example of the timing of heating the cartridge and capsule in embodiment 1. (A) shows the period of inhalation, (B) shows an example of the timing of heating the cartridge, and (C) shows an example of the timing of heating the capsule. [Figure 10] 10A and 10B are diagrams illustrating another example of the timing of heating the cartridge and capsule in embodiment 1. (A) shows the period of inhalation, (B) shows an example of the timing of heating the cartridge, and (C) shows an example of the timing of heating the capsule. [Figure 11] 10 is a flowchart illustrating heating control of the cartridge in the first embodiment. [Figure 12] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a table that associates the length of a heating-off time with the magnitude of power according to a combination of heating modes. [Figure 13] 1A and 1B are diagrams illustrating suction patterns 1 and 2. (A) shows an example of suction pattern 1, and (B) shows an example of suction pattern 2. [Figure 14] 10A and 10B are diagrams illustrating suction patterns 3 and 4. (A) shows an example of suction pattern 3, and (B) shows an example of suction pattern 4. [Figure 15] 10A and 10B are diagrams illustrating suction patterns 5 and 6. (A) shows an example of suction pattern 5, and (B) shows an example of suction pattern 6. [Figure 16] 10A and 10B are diagrams illustrating suction patterns 7 and 8. (A) shows an example of suction pattern 7, and (B) shows an example of suction pattern 8. [Figure 17] 10A and 10B are diagrams illustrating other examples of the heating prohibition time, where (A) is an example in which the length of the heating prohibition time is 0.8 seconds, and (B) is an example in which the length of the heating prohibition time is 0.4 seconds. [Figure 18] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a method for calculating power according to the length of a heating-off time. [Figure 19] 10A and 10B are diagrams illustrating an example of the timing of heating the cartridge and capsule in embodiment 3. (A) shows the period of inhalation, (B) shows an example of the timing of heating the cartridge, and (C) shows an example of the timing of heating the capsule. [Figure 20] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of the appearance of an aerosol generation device assumed in the fourth embodiment. [Figure 21] FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining how to attach an aerosol source and the like assumed in the fourth embodiment. [Figure 22] FIG. 10 is a diagram schematically illustrating the internal configuration of an aerosol generation device assumed in a fourth embodiment. [Figure 23] 10 is a flowchart illustrating the heating control of the cartridge in the fourth embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0018] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In each drawing, the same parts are designated by the same reference numerals.

[0019] <First Embodiment> <Features> The aerosol generating device assumed in the first embodiment is a form of electronic cigarette. In the following description, the substance generated by the aerosol generating device is called an aerosol. An aerosol is a mixture of air or other gases and tiny liquid or solid particles suspended in gas. The aerosol generating device assumed in the first embodiment is capable of generating aerosol without combustion. In the first embodiment, the act of a user inhaling the aerosol generated by the aerosol generation device is simply referred to as "inhaling" or "puffing."

[0020] In the first embodiment, the aerosol generating device is assumed to be a device to which both a liquid aerosol source and a solid aerosol source can be attached. However, the aerosol source is not limited to a liquid or solid, and also includes a jelly or gel aerosol source, and an aerosol source in which a solid such as tobacco is impregnated with glycerin or the like. In the following, a container that contains a liquid aerosol source will be referred to as a "cartridge," and a container that contains a solid aerosol source will be referred to as a "capsule." Both cartridges and capsules are consumables. For this reason, replacement guidelines are set for each cartridge and capsule.

[0021] The aerosol generating device assumed in the first embodiment has a heater for heating a liquid aerosol source to generate an aerosol, and a heater for heating a solid aerosol source to generate an aerosol. The heater is an example of a heating unit, which will be described later. A liquid aerosol source is an example of a first aerosol source, and a solid aerosol source is an example of a second aerosol source. However, the first aerosol source is not limited to a liquid aerosol source, and may also include a solid aerosol source, a jelly or gel aerosol source, or an aerosol source in which a solid material such as tobacco is impregnated with glycerin or the like. Furthermore, the second aerosol source is not limited to a solid aerosol source, and may also include a liquid aerosol source, a jelly or gel aerosol source, or an aerosol source in which a solid material such as tobacco is impregnated with glycerin or the like.

[0022] <Appearance example> FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of the appearance of an aerosol generation device 10 assumed in the first embodiment. The external appearance example shown in FIG. 1 can be obtained by observing the front of the aerosol generation device 10 from diagonally above. The aerosol generation device 10 assumed in this embodiment has a size that can be held in one hand by a user. For example, the aerosol generation device 10 has a width of approximately 32 mm, a height of approximately 60 mm, and a depth of approximately 23 mm. These sizes are merely examples. Furthermore, the width, height, and depth dimensions of the aerosol generation device 10 vary depending on the design.

[0023] 1 shows a state in which a capsule holder 12 is attached to a device main body 11 of the aerosol generation device 10. As will be described later, the capsule holder 12 is detachable from the device main body 11. A display 11A and operation buttons 11B are arranged on the top surface of the device body 11. The display 11A may be, for example, a liquid crystal display or an organic EL (Electro Luminescence) display. The operation buttons 11B are used for, for example, turning the power on or off, checking the remaining amount of the solid aerosol source, checking the remaining battery level, and other operations. The display 11A is an example of a display unit.

[0024] <Examples of attaching aerosol sources, etc.> FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating how to attach the aerosol source and the like to the device body 11 assumed in the first embodiment. An opening (not shown) is provided in the upper part of the device body 11. This opening constitutes the end of a cylindrical body (not shown) provided inside the device body 11. The cartridge 20 is first inserted into the opening of the device body 11, and then the capsule holder 12 is attached.

[0025] When attaching or detaching the capsule holder 12 to or from the opening of the device body 11, the user rotates the capsule holder 12 by, for example, 120° relative to the opening. The capsule holder 12 attached to the device body 11 functions as a retainer to prevent the cartridge 20 inserted into the device body 11 from jumping out. An opening is also provided in the capsule holder 12. The opening constitutes the end of a cylindrical body (not shown) provided inside the capsule holder 12. The capsule 30 is attached to this opening. The capsule 30 can be attached by pushing it into the opening of the capsule holder 12, and can be removed by pulling it out of the opening of the capsule holder 12. In the present embodiment, the cartridge 20 is attached through an opening provided on the top surface of the apparatus main body 11, but a configuration in which it is attached from the bottom surface side of the apparatus main body 11 may also be adopted.

[0026] <Inside the device> 3 is a diagram schematically illustrating the internal configuration of the aerosol generation device 10 assumed in embodiment 1. The internal configuration here includes a cartridge 20 (see FIG. 2) and a capsule 30 (see FIG. 2) attached to the device main body 11. The internal configuration shown in Fig. 3 is intended to explain the components provided inside the device main body 11 and their positional relationships. Therefore, the appearance of the components, etc. shown in Fig. 3 does not necessarily match the appearance diagram described above.

[0027] The aerosol generating device 10 shown in Figure 3 has a power supply unit 111L, a sensor unit 112L, a notification unit 113L, a memory unit 114L, a communication unit 115L, a control unit 116L, a liquid guide unit 122L, a liquid storage unit 123L, a heating unit 121L-1, a heating unit 121L-2, a holding unit 140L, and an insulating unit 144L. An air flow path 180L is formed inside the device body 11. The air flow path 180L functions as a passage for transporting the aerosol generated from the liquid aerosol source stored in the liquid storage unit 123L to the capsule-type container 130L filled with the solid aerosol source.

[0028] The liquid storage section 123L corresponds to the cartridge 20 described above, and the capsule-type container 130L corresponds to the capsule 30 described above. In this embodiment, the user inhales with the capsule-type container 130L attached to the holder 140L. The holder 140L corresponds to the capsule holder 12 (see FIG. 2) and the cylindrical body on the device main body 11 side to which the capsule holder 12 is attached.

[0029] Each part constituting the device main body 11 will be described below. The power supply unit 111L is a device that stores power and supplies power to each component that constitutes the device main body 11. A rechargeable battery such as a lithium ion secondary battery is used as the power supply unit 111L. If the power supply unit 111L is a rechargeable battery, it can be charged any number of times via an external power source connected via a USB (=Universal Serial Bus) cable or the like.

[0030] If the apparatus main body 11 is compatible with wireless power transmission, the power supply unit 111L can be charged in a non-contact state with an external device that is the power transmitting side. If the power supply unit 111L is removable from the device body 11, it is possible to replace a worn-out power supply unit 111L with a new power supply unit 111L.

[0031] The sensor unit 112L is a device that detects information relating to each part of the apparatus main body 11. The sensor unit 112L outputs the detected information to the control unit 116L. The sensor unit 112L provided in the device main body 11 includes, for example, a pressure sensor such as a microphone capacitor, a flow rate sensor, and a temperature sensor. This type of sensor unit 112L is used, for example, to detect inhalation by the user. In this sense, the sensor unit 112L is an example of a sensor that detects inhalation by the user.

[0032] The sensor unit 112L provided in the device main body 11 includes an input device that accepts user operations on, for example, buttons, switches, etc. The buttons here include the operation button 11B (see FIG. 1) described above. This type of sensor unit 112L is used, for example, to accept user operations. The sensor unit 112L provided in the device main body 11 includes, for example, a thermistor. In the present embodiment, the thermistor is used to measure the temperature of the heating unit 121L-2 used to heat the capsule 30, for example.

[0033] The notification unit 113L is a device that notifies the user of information. The notification unit 113L provided in the device main body 11 is, for example, a light-emitting device such as an LED (=Light Emitting Diode). When the notification unit 113L is a light-emitting device, the light-emitting device is controlled to emit light in a pattern according to the content of the information to be notified. For example, the light-emitting device is controlled to emit light in different patterns when notifying the user that the power supply unit 111L needs to be charged, when notifying the user that the power supply unit 111L is being charged, and when notifying the user that an abnormality has occurred.

[0034] The different light emission patterns are a concept that includes differences in color, differences in timing of turning on and off the light, differences in brightness when turned on, and the like. In addition, the notification unit 113L provided in the device main body 11 may include, for example, a display device that displays an image, a sound output device that outputs sound, and a vibration device that vibrates. These devices may be used alone or in combination, and may be used together with the light-emitting device described above or in place of the light-emitting device. An example of the display device here is the display 11A (see FIG. 1).

[0035] The storage unit 114L stores various types of information relating to the operation of the device main body 11. The storage unit 114L is configured by a non-volatile storage medium such as a flash memory. The information stored in the storage unit 114L includes, for example, a program executed by the control unit 116L. The program includes an OS (=Operating System), firmware, and also application programs.

[0036] In addition, the information stored in the storage unit 114L includes, for example, information required by the control unit 116L to control each unit. This information includes information about each component detected by the sensor unit 112L. For example, it also includes information about the user's inhalation and the remaining battery capacity. The information about the user's inhalation includes, for example, the number of times inhalation has occurred, the time when the start and end of inhalation have been detected, the heating-off time, the cumulative time of inhalation, and the heating mode currently being performed. The information here also includes a table for determining the amount of power to be supplied to the heating unit 121L-1 that heats the cartridge 20.

[0037] The communication unit 115L is a communication interface used to send and receive information to and from other devices, and conforms to wired or wireless communication standards. Communication standards include, for example, wireless LAN (=Local Area Network), wired LAN, and mobile communication systems such as 4G and 5G. In this embodiment, Wi-Fi (registered trademark) and Bluetooth (registered trademark) are used.

[0038] The communication unit 115L is used to display, for example, information relating to the user's suction on a smartphone, a tablet terminal, or the like. In addition, the communication unit 115L is used to receive, for example, update data for a program stored in the storage unit 114L from a server.

[0039] The control unit 116L functions as an arithmetic processing unit and a control unit, and controls the operation of each unit constituting the device main body 11 through the execution of a program. The control unit 116L is provided with electronic circuits such as a CPU (=Central Processing Unit) and a microprocessor. In addition, the control unit 116L may be provided with a ROM (=Read Only Memory) for storing programs, calculation parameters, etc., and a RAM (=Random Access Memory) for temporarily storing parameters, etc., which change as appropriate.

[0040] The control unit 116L controls, for example, power supply from the power supply unit 111L to each unit, charging of the power supply unit 111L, detection of information by the sensor unit 112L, notification of information by the notification unit 113L, storage and reading of information by the memory unit 114L, and transmission and reception of information by the communication unit 115L. The control unit 116L also performs processing such as accepting information from user operations and processing based on information output from each unit.

[0041] Liquid storage unit 123L is a container that stores a liquid aerosol source, such as a polyhydric alcohol, such as glycerin or propylene glycol, or water. The liquid aerosol source may include a tobacco material or an extract derived from a tobacco material that releases a flavor component when heated, and may also include a nicotine component.

[0042] The liquid guide 122L is a component that guides and holds the liquid aerosol source stored in the liquid storage 123L from the liquid storage 123L. The liquid guide 122L has a structure in which a fiber material such as glass fiber or a porous material such as porous ceramic is twisted. This type of component is also called a wick. Both ends of the liquid guide portion 122L are connected to the inside of the liquid storage portion 123L. Therefore, the aerosol source stored in the liquid storage portion 123L spreads throughout the entire liquid guide portion 122L due to the capillary effect.

[0043] The heating unit 121L-1 is a component that heats and atomizes the aerosol source held in the liquid guiding unit 122L to generate an aerosol. The heating unit 121L-1 is an example of a first heating unit. The heating unit 121L-1 is not limited to a coil shape as shown in Fig. 3, but may be a film shape, a blade shape, or other shapes. The shape of the heating unit 121L-1 varies depending on the heating method, etc. The heating unit 121L-1 is made of any material such as metal or polyimide.

[0044] The heating unit 121L-1 is disposed adjacent to the liquid guiding unit 122L. In the present embodiment, the heating unit 121L-1 is a metal coil wound around the outer circumferential surface of the liquid guiding unit 122L. Heating unit 121L-1 generates heat when power is supplied from power supply unit 111L, and heats the aerosol source held in liquid guiding unit 122L to a vaporization temperature. The aerosol source that has reached the vaporization temperature is released as a gas from liquid guiding unit 122L into the air, but is cooled by the surrounding air and atomized, becoming an aerosol.

[0045] The power supply to the heating unit 121L-1 that heats the liquid aerosol source is basically linked to the user's inhalation. That is, power is supplied to the heating unit 121L-1 from the start of inhalation by the user to the end of inhalation, and when the user's inhalation ends, the power supply to the heating unit 121L-1 is stopped. In this embodiment, as a measure against liquid drying up, a period may be provided during which the supply of power to the heating unit 121L-1 is stopped even if inhalation by the user is detected. This period will be described later.

[0046] In addition, power supply to the heating unit 121L-1 that heats the liquid aerosol source may start, for example, when a specific button is pressed when no aerosol is being generated, and may stop when a specific button is pressed when aerosol is being generated. The button for instructing the start of aerosol generation and the button for instructing the stop of aerosol generation may be the same physical button or may be different buttons.

[0047] The capsule-type container 130L is a container filled with a solid aerosol source. The solid aerosol source may include a processed product, such as cut tobacco or a tobacco raw material formed into granules, sheets, or powder, which releases a flavor component when heated. That is, the solid aerosol source may include a tobacco-derived substance. The solid aerosol source may also include, for example, a nicotine component. The solid aerosol source may also include non-tobacco-derived substances extracted from plants other than tobacco (e.g., mint, herbs, etc.) The solid aerosol source may also include flavoring ingredients such as menthol.

[0048] The holding part 140L corresponds to, for example, the capsule holder 12 (see FIG. 2), and has an internal space 141L in which the capsule-type container 130L is attached. The holding part 140L is a cylindrical body having a bottom 143L, and defines the columnar internal space 141L. A part of the capsule-type container 130L is held in the holding portion 140L, and the rest is exposed to the outside of the holding portion 140L. The part of the capsule-type container 130L that is exposed from the holding portion 140L is used as a mouthpiece 124L. The mouthpiece 124L is held in the mouth by a user who inhales the aerosol.

[0049] An air inlet (i.e., an air inlet hole) for the holding part 140L is provided, for example, in the bottom part 143L. A hole through which air can flow is formed in the bottom part of the capsule-type container 130L. Therefore, the air flowing in from the bottom part 143L passes through the inside of the capsule-type container 130L and reaches the mouthpiece 124L. In other words, the mouthpiece 124L serves as an air outlet (i.e., an air outlet hole). The bottom 143L is connected to an air outlet hole 182L of an air flow path 180L formed inside the device body 11. Through this air outlet hole 182L, the internal space 141L of the holder 140L and the air flow path 180L are connected to each other.

[0050] The heating unit 121L-2 heats the solid aerosol source filled in the capsule-type container 130L. The heating unit 121L-2 is an example of a second heating unit. The heating part 121L-2 is made of metal, polyimide, etc. The heating part 121L-2 is provided at a position where it comes into contact with the outer circumferential surface of the metal part of the holding part 140L. The heating unit 121L-2 generates heat when power is supplied from the power supply unit 111L, and heats the outer circumferential surface of the capsule-type container 130L that is in contact with the metal portion of the holding unit 140L.

[0051] Therefore, the position close to the outer circumferential surface of the capsule-shaped container 130L is heated first, and then the heated area spreads toward the center. When the aerosol source reaches the vaporization temperature, it is vaporized, but when cooled by the surrounding air, it atomizes and becomes an aerosol. The power supply to the heating unit 121L-2 and the heating that accompanies the power supply are controlled by the control unit 116L.

[0052] The heat insulating portion 144L is a member that prevents heat from being transmitted from the heating portion 121L-2 to other components of the apparatus body 11. The heat insulating portion 144L covers at least the outer peripheral surface of the heating portion 121L-2. The heat insulating section 144L is made of, for example, a vacuum insulating material or an aerogel insulating material. A vacuum insulating material is an insulating material in which glass wool, silica (silicon powder), or the like is wrapped in a resin film and placed in a high vacuum state, thereby reducing the thermal conduction of gas to as close to zero as possible.

[0053] As described above, the air flow path 180L is an air flow path provided inside the device body 11. The air flow path 180L has a tubular structure having, at both ends, an air inlet hole 181L which is an air inlet to the air flow path 180L and an air outlet hole 182L which is an air outlet from the air flow path 180L. When the user inhales, air flows into the air flow path 180L from the air inlet hole 181L, and flows out to the bottom 143L of the holder 140L from the air outlet hole 182L.

[0054] A liquid guide section 122L is disposed midway along the air flow path 180L. The liquid-derived aerosol generated by heating in the heating section 121L-1 is mixed with air flowing in through the air inlet hole 181L. The mixture of the liquid-derived aerosol and air then passes through the inside of the capsule-type container 130L and is output from the mouthpiece 124L into the user's oral cavity. In FIG. 3, this flow path is indicated by an arrow 190L.

[0055] Aerosol derived from solid matter is added to the mixed gas of the liquid-derived aerosol and air as it passes through the capsule-shaped container 130L. The concentration of the aerosol derived from the solid matter increases by combining the heating control of the heating unit 121L-2. As will be described later, in this embodiment, a heating mode that is not combined with the heating control of the heating unit 121L-2 is also provided.

[0056] When the heating control of the heating unit 121L-2 is not combined, the aerosol derived from the liquid is generated by heating the aerosol source of the solid material when the aerosol derived from the liquid passes through the capsule container 130L. However, the amount of solid-derived aerosol generated by heating the liquid-derived aerosol is smaller than when combined with heating control of the heating unit 121L-2.

[0057] <Heating mode> The aerosol generation device 10 assumed in the first embodiment is provided with two types of heating modes. The first heating mode is a first mode in which only the heating unit 121L-1 that heats the aerosol source stored in the cartridge 20 (see FIG. 2) is used. That is, this is a heating mode in which only the cartridge 20 is heated. Hereinafter, this heating mode will be referred to as "normal mode." In normal mode, the heating unit 121L-2 that heats the solid aerosol source is always controlled to be off. Note that in normal mode, the heating unit 121L-2 that heats the solid aerosol source may be controlled to be always off, but the power supplied thereto may be reduced instead. The normal mode is an example of second heating.

[0058] The second heating mode is a second mode that uses both the heating unit 121L-1 that heats the aerosol source stored in the cartridge 20 and the heating unit 121L-2 that heats the aerosol source filled in the capsule 30 (see FIG. 2). That is, this is a heating mode that heats both the cartridge 20 and the capsule 30. Hereinafter, this heating mode will be referred to as "high mode." In high mode, heating of the cartridge 20 by the heating unit 121L-1 and heating of the capsule 30 by the heating unit 121L-2 are alternately performed, or the power supplied to the heating unit 121L-2 is reduced while heating by the heating unit 121L-1. The high mode is an example of the first heating.

[0059] The heating mode can be switched by, for example, pressing and holding the operation button 11B (see FIG. 1) for two seconds or more. For example, if the operation button 11B is pressed for two seconds or more in the high mode, the operation mode switches to the normal mode. On the other hand, if the operation button 11B is pressed for two seconds or more in the normal mode, the operation mode switches to the high mode.

[0060] In the high mode, the heating of the cartridge 20 by the heating unit 121L-1 takes priority over the heating of the capsule 30 by the heating unit 121L-2. That is, while heating is being performed by the heating unit 121L-1, heating by the heating unit 121L-2 is controlled to be stopped or reduced. Also, while heating the capsule 30 by the heating unit 121L-2, if an event occurs that starts heating the cartridge 20, heating by the heating unit 121L-2 is also controlled to be reduced.

[0061] In the case of the aerosol generation device 10 assumed in the first embodiment, the heating of the heating unit 121L-1 and the heating unit 121L-2 are controlled not to be performed simultaneously so as not to exceed the upper limit of the output current of the battery used as the power supply unit 111L. In other words, the heating period of the heating unit 121L-1 and the heating period of the heating unit 121L-2 are separated, or the power supplied to the heating unit 121L-2 is reduced while the heating unit 121L-1 is being heated. The word "simultaneous" here does not mean that the heating timings do not overlap at all, so overlaps caused by errors in operation timing, for example, are allowed.

[0062] In the high mode, the heating unit 121L-2 that heats the solid aerosol source may be controlled to be always off, but the power supplied thereto may be reduced. That is, the heating period by the heating unit 121L-1 and the heating period by the heating unit 121L-2 may be allowed to overlap partially or completely. However, if simultaneous heating is allowed, it is desirable to set the maximum power supplied to the heating units 121L-1 and 121L-2 during simultaneous heating to be smaller than the maximum power supplied when each unit is heating alone, so as not to exceed the upper limit of the battery output current. For example, when heating of the cartridge 20 by the heating unit 121L-1 is started, heating of the capsule 30 by the heating unit 121L-2 is reduced so as not to exceed the upper limit of the output current of the battery.

[0063] 4A and 4B are diagrams illustrating the normal mode and the high mode, where (A) is a diagram illustrating an example of the timing of heating in the normal mode, and (B) is a diagram illustrating an example of the timing of heating in the high mode. FIG. 4(A1) shows the heating timing of the cartridge 20 in the normal mode, and FIG. 4(A2) shows the heating timing of the capsule 30 in the normal mode. The horizontal axis in FIGS. 4(A1) and (A2) represents time, and the vertical axis represents the presence or absence of heating. During periods when heating is present, power is supplied to the corresponding heating section, and during periods when heating is not present, power is not supplied to the corresponding heating section, or the power supplied to the corresponding heating section is reduced.

[0064] Heating control in normal mode is started when the locked state is released. The locked state is a state in which control by control unit 116L is stopped, and therefore, even if the user inhales through mouthpiece 124L (see FIG. 3), no aerosol is generated. The locked state can be released, for example, by pressing the operation button 11B (see FIG. 1) three times in succession within two seconds. The number of presses, the button to be operated, and the time required for the operation are all examples. When the heating control in the normal mode starts, as shown in FIG. 4(A1), the cartridge 20 is heated in conjunction with the suction period. "Linked to the period of suction" means linked to the detection of suction by sensor unit 112L.

[0065] Thus, if suction for one second is detected, cartridge 20 is heated for one second, and if suction for two seconds is detected, cartridge 20 is heated for two seconds. In this embodiment, the heating of the cartridge 20 is controlled in units of a monitoring period of a predetermined length that is initiated upon detection of suction. The monitoring period is, for example, 2.4 seconds. Note that the monitoring period is not limited to 2.4 seconds and can be set to any value. In this embodiment, this monitoring period may be referred to as the "heating-on monitoring time." The heating-on monitoring time is the longest time during which the cartridge 20 can be continuously heated. Therefore, even if suction is continuously detected after the end of the monitoring period, heating of the cartridge 20 is terminated.

[0066] After the end of the monitoring period, a new monitoring period is set by detecting a new suction. In the new monitoring period, heating control similar to that for heating the cartridge 20 during the monitoring period is executed. If the time between the monitoring period and the new monitoring period is less than a predetermined value, the heating of the cartridge 20 during the new monitoring period may be reduced compared to the heating of the cartridge 20 during the monitoring period. In this case, the degree of reduction in heating of the cartridge 20 during the new monitoring period may be determined based on the length of time between the monitoring period and the new monitoring period. Note that the predetermined value is, for example, 10 seconds, but is not limited to 10 seconds and can be set arbitrarily. Based on the length of time between the monitoring period and the new monitoring period, the heating of the cartridge 20 during the new monitoring period is reduced compared to the heating of the cartridge 20 during the monitoring period, so that even if short intervals of inhalation are repeated, time can be ensured to supply the liquid aerosol source to the wick before heating of the cartridge 20 begins. The heating of the cartridge may be controlled in units of "suctions." A suction is a monitoring period that begins when the first suction is detected after the previous suction has ended. One monitoring period is one suction.

[0067] In this embodiment, a period (hereinafter referred to as "heating prohibition time") in which heating of the cartridge 20 is prohibited regardless of detection of suction may be provided after the monitoring period. By providing a monitoring period and a heating-off period, it is possible to ensure that there is time for the liquid aerosol source to be supplied to the wick before heating of the cartridge 20 begins, even if short intervals of suction are repeated (or if suction is detected continuously for a long period of time).

[0068] In the normal mode, as shown in FIG. 4(A2), the capsule 30 is not heated regardless of whether or not inhalation is occurring. In the present embodiment, when a predetermined time has elapsed since the last detection of suction, control unit 116L transitions to the locked state. The heating mode will not change even if the device is locked. The heating mode will not change even when the device is released from the locked state.

[0069] In this embodiment, the predetermined time is set to 6 minutes (i.e., 360 seconds). This time is an example. If 6 minutes have passed since the last inhalation, it is highly likely that the user has stopped inhaling aerosol. Therefore, in this embodiment, the device main body 11 (see FIG. 2) is shifted to a locked state in order to reduce the power consumed by the device main body 11. The same applies to the high mode. That is, when six minutes have passed since the last suction, the aerosol generation device 10 is controlled to a locked state.

[0070] The device also transitions to the locked state when the user instructs it to do so. The user can manually transition to the locked state by, for example, pressing operation button 11B (see FIG. 1) three times in succession within two seconds before six minutes have elapsed since the last suction. The number of presses, the buttons to be operated, and the time required for the operation are all examples.

[0071] FIG. 4(B1) shows the heating timing of the cartridge 20 in the high mode, and FIG. 4(B2) shows the heating timing of the capsule 30 in the high mode. The horizontal axis in FIGS. 4(B1) and (B2) represents time, and the vertical axis represents the presence or absence of heating. As described above, in this embodiment, simultaneous heating of the cartridge 20 and the capsule 30 may be prohibited. Therefore, the heating timing of the cartridge 20 and the heating timing of the capsule 30 do not have to overlap. Furthermore, the power supplied to the capsule 30 may be reduced while the cartridge 20 is being heated. In this case, the heating timing of the cartridge 20 and the heating timing of the capsule 30 may partially overlap. During periods indicating heating, power is supplied to the corresponding heating unit, and during periods indicating no heating, power is not supplied to the corresponding heating unit or the power supplied to the corresponding heating unit is reduced.

[0072] The heating control in the high mode is started when the locked state is released or when the normal mode is switched to the high mode. When the high mode heating control starts, as shown in Fig. 4(B2), heating of the capsule 30 starts. This heating basically continues until inhalation is detected, and heating of the capsule 30 is stopped or reduced during the period in which inhalation is detected. 4(B1) and 4(B2), heating of the capsule 30 is stopped or reduced at the timing when heating of the cartridge 20 is started. The initial temperature of the capsule 30 is, for example, the air temperature of the environment in which the aerosol generation device 10 is used, for example, room temperature.

[0073] In the case of the aerosol generation device 10 of this embodiment, as shown in Figures 4(B1) and (B2), when 30 seconds have passed since the last detection of inhalation, heating of the capsule 30 is stopped or reduced to reduce power consumption. That is, the device enters a sleep state. When the device enters the sleep state, the temperature of the capsule 30 gradually decreases.

[0074] In the sleep state, heating of the capsule 30 is stopped or reduced, but the sensor unit 112L that detects inhalation is operating. Therefore, when inhalation by the user is detected in the sleep state, heating of the cartridge 20 is performed as shown in Fig. 4(B1). Furthermore, when heating of the cartridge 20 is completed, heating of the capsule 30 is started or increased as shown in Fig. 4(B2).

[0075] In the present embodiment, the user is not notified of the transition to the sleep state, but the user may be notified. If the device remains in sleep mode for another 5 minutes and 30 seconds, it will transition to the locked state described above.

[0076] <Heating on monitoring time> In this embodiment, heating of capsule 30 may be turned off or reduced during the monitoring period.

[0077] 5 to 7 show examples of heating timing control when heating of the capsule 30 is stopped or reduced during the monitoring period. Note that the heating control examples described below can be applied to heating of the cartridge 20 (see FIG. 2) in the normal mode, except for heating of the capsule 30 (see FIG. 2). 5 to 7 correspond to different suction patterns.

[0078] 5A and 5B are diagrams illustrating an example of the heating timing of the cartridge 20 and the capsule 30 in embodiment 1. (A) shows the inhalation period, (B) shows an example of the heating timing of the cartridge 20, and (C) shows an example of the heating timing of the capsule 30.

[0079] In this embodiment, the monitoring period may be referred to as a "heating-on monitoring time." In the following description, the monitoring period will be referred to as the "heating-on monitoring time." In the case of FIG. 5, the heating-on monitoring time is 2.4 seconds. Note that the heating-on monitoring time is not limited to 2.4 seconds, and may be 2 seconds or 3 seconds.

[0080] In the case of Fig. 5(A), two suctions are detected during the heating-on monitoring period, and the second suction ends before the heating-on monitoring period elapses. In this case, the heating timing of cartridge 20 coincides with the detected suction periods, as shown in Fig. 5(B). A new heating-on monitoring time is set when new suction is detected after the end of the heating-on monitoring time.Since a new heating-on monitoring time is set when new suction is detected after the end of the heating-on monitoring time, a new heating-on monitoring time is not set even if a second suction is detected during the heating-on monitoring time. In this embodiment, the heating of the capsule 30 is stopped (off-controlled) or reduced during the entire heating-on monitoring time, as shown in Fig. 5(C), and the heating of the capsule 30 is started or increased during a period other than the heating-on monitoring time, as shown in Fig. 5(C).

[0081] In this embodiment, the time from the end time of the heating-on monitoring time to the start time of a new heating monitoring time is used to determine the amount of power to be supplied to the heating unit 121L-1 that heats the cartridge 20. In other words, the time from the end time of the heating-on monitoring time to the detection of a new suction is used to determine the amount of power to be supplied to the heating unit 121L-1 that heats the cartridge 20. Note that application of the determined power is limited to the heating-on monitoring time that is newly started upon detection of suction. In this embodiment, the time between the heating-on monitoring time and the new heating-on monitoring time may be referred to as the "heating-off time." For example, the time from the end of the heating-on monitoring time to the start of the new heating-on monitoring time is referred to as the "heating-off time." In other words, the time from the end of the heating-on monitoring time to the detection of new suction is referred to as the "heating-off time." In FIG. 5(A), the heating off time is 1.8 seconds.

[0082] In this embodiment, the "heating-off time" is used to determine the amount of power to be supplied to the heating unit 121L-1 that heats the cartridge 20. Note that application of the determined power is limited to the heating-on monitoring time that is newly started upon detection of suction. In this embodiment, the magnitude of the power supplied to the heating unit 121L-1 that heats the cartridge 20 is determined based on the time between the heating-on monitoring time and the new heating-on monitoring time (i.e., the "heating-off time"). In other words, the magnitude of the power supplied to the heating unit 121L-1 that heats the cartridge 20 is determined based on the time from the end of the heating-on monitoring time to the detection of new suction (i.e., the "heating-off time"). A specific method for determining the amount of power to be supplied will be described later.

[0083] 6A and 6B are diagrams illustrating another example of the timing of heating the cartridge 20 and the capsule 30 in embodiment 1. (A) shows the period of inhalation, (B) shows an example of the timing of heating the cartridge 20, and (C) shows an example of the timing of heating the capsule 30. In FIG. 6, parts corresponding to those in FIG. 5 are denoted by the same reference numerals. The difference between FIG. 6 and FIG. 5 is that in the case of FIG. 6(A), the second suction during the heating monitor ON time continues beyond the heating ON monitor time.

[0084] In Fig. 6(A), the heating-off time is 1.2 seconds. As shown in Fig. 6(B), even if inhalation continues beyond the heating-on monitoring time, heating of the cartridge 20 is stopped when the heating-on monitoring time has elapsed. Also, as shown in Fig. 6(C), heating of the capsule 30 is started or increased.

[0085] 7A and 7B are diagrams illustrating another example of the timing of heating the cartridge 20 and the capsule 30 in embodiment 1. (A) shows the period of inhalation, (B) shows an example of the timing of heating the cartridge 20, and (C) shows an example of the timing of heating the capsule 30. In FIG. 7, parts corresponding to those in FIG. 5 are denoted by the same reference numerals. The difference between FIG. 7 and FIG. 5 is that the non-suction state continues even after the heating-on monitoring time has elapsed, and the state shifts to the sleep state.

[0086] In Figure 7, the start of the period for transitioning to the sleep state is the end of the heating-on monitoring time, and the sleep state is entered when the non-suction state continues for 30 seconds. Note that the sleep state may also be entered when 30 seconds have elapsed since the end of suction within the heating-on monitoring time, i.e., the end of the second suction in Figure 7(A). In Figure 7(A), the heating-off time is 10 seconds or more. Note that Figures 5(A), 6(A), and 7(A) illustrate the case where the number of suctions detected during the heating-on monitoring time is two, but the number of suctions during the heating-on monitoring time may be one or three or more.

[0087] <Heating on monitoring time and heating prohibited time> In this embodiment, a heating prohibition time may be provided in addition to the heating period (heating-on monitoring time). Specific examples of heating control during the heating-on monitoring time and the heating prohibition time will be described below with reference to Figures 8 to 10. 8 to 10 show examples of controlling the heating timing in embodiment 1. The heating control examples described below are applicable to heating of the cartridge 20 (see FIG. 2) in the normal mode, except for heating of the capsule 30 (see FIG. 2). 8 to 10 correspond to different suction patterns.

[0088] 8A and 8B are diagrams illustrating another example of the heating timing of the cartridge 20 and the capsule 30 in embodiment 1. (A) shows the inhalation period, (B) shows an example of the heating timing of the cartridge 20, and (C) shows an example of the heating timing of the capsule 30. After the end of the heating-on monitoring time, a new heating-on monitoring time is set when new suction is detected. Since a new heating-on monitoring time is set when new suction is detected after the end of the heating-on monitoring time, a new heating-on monitoring time is not set even if a second suction is detected during the heating-on monitoring time. In the case of Figure 8, the heating-on monitoring time is 2.4 seconds. Note that the heating-on monitoring time is not limited to 2.4 seconds, and may be 2 seconds or 3 seconds.

[0089] In the case of Fig. 8(A), two suctions are detected in one suction, and the second suction ends before the heating-on monitoring time has elapsed. In this case, the heating timing of cartridge 20 coincides with the detected suction period, as shown in Fig. 8(B). In this embodiment, the heating of the capsule 30 is stopped (controlled to be off) or reduced for the entire heating on monitoring time, as shown in FIG. 8(C).

[0090] After the heating-on monitoring time has ended, a heating prohibition time of, for example, 1.2 seconds is provided. Note that the heating prohibition time of 1.2 seconds is just an example. The heating prohibition time is a time during which heating of the cartridge 20 is prohibited. Therefore, even if inhalation is detected during the heating prohibition time as shown in Fig. 8(A), heating of the cartridge 20 is not performed as shown in Fig. 8(B). On the other hand, when the heating prohibition time starts, heating of the capsule 30 is started or increased as shown in Fig. 8(C).

[0091] In the example of Fig. 8(A), no inhalation is detected even after the heating prohibition time has elapsed, so the capsule 30 continues to be heated even after the heating prohibition time has elapsed until the next inhalation is detected. If a new inhalation is detected in this state, a new heating-on monitoring time is set, and heating of the cartridge 20 is started and heating of the capsule 30 is stopped or reduced.

[0092] 8 to 10, the "heating-off time" is the time from the end of the heating-on monitoring time (or the start of the heating-prohibited time) to the start of the first suction detected after the end of the heating-prohibited time. In the case of Figure 8(A), the heating-off time is 1.8 seconds. In this embodiment, as described above, the heating-off time is used to determine the amount of power to be supplied to the heating unit 121L-1 that heats the cartridge 20. The application of the determined power is limited to the heating-on monitoring time that is newly started upon detection of suction. In the cases of FIGS. 8 to 10, the amount of power to be supplied to the heating unit 121L-1 that heats the cartridge 20 is determined based on the time from the end of the heating-on monitoring time (or the start of the heating prohibited time) to the start of the first suction detected after the end of the heating prohibited time (i.e., the "heating-off time"). A specific method for determining the amount of power to be supplied will be described later.

[0093] 9A and 9B are diagrams illustrating another example of the timing of heating the cartridge 20 and the capsule 30 in embodiment 1. (A) shows the period of inhalation, (B) shows an example of the timing of heating the cartridge 20, and (C) shows an example of the timing of heating the capsule 30. In FIG. 9, parts corresponding to those in FIG. 8 are denoted by the same reference numerals. The difference between Figure 9 and Figure 8 is that in Figure 9(A), the second suction in one suction session continues beyond the heating-on monitoring time, and the next suction starts within the heating prohibition time.

[0094] Even if suction continues beyond the heating-on monitoring time, the heating prohibition time starts when the heating-on monitoring time has elapsed, and therefore heating of the cartridge 20 is stopped as shown in FIG. 9(B). Furthermore, even if suction starts before the heating prohibition time has elapsed, heating of the cartridge 20 is prohibited. Therefore, a new heating-on monitoring time is started after the heating prohibition time has elapsed. In the case of FIG. 9, the heating off time is 1.2 seconds, which is the same as the heating prohibition time of the cartridge 20.

[0095] 10 is a diagram illustrating another example of the timing of heating the cartridge 20 and the capsule 30 in embodiment 1. (A) shows the period of inhalation, (B) shows an example of the timing of heating the cartridge 20, and (C) shows an example of the timing of heating the capsule 30. In FIG. 10, parts corresponding to those in FIG. 8 are denoted by the same reference numerals. The difference between FIG. 10 and FIG. 8 is that the non-suction state continues even after the heating prohibition time has elapsed, and the state shifts to the sleep state.

[0096] In Figure 10, the start of the period when the sleep mode is entered is set to the time when the heating-on monitoring time ends, i.e., the time when the heating prohibition time begins, and the sleep mode is entered when the non-suction state continues for 28.8 seconds after the end of the heating prohibition time. The device may be configured to transition to a sleep state when 30 seconds have passed since the end of suction within the heating-on monitoring time, that is, the end of the second suction in FIG. 10(A). In the above-mentioned Figures 8(A), 9(A), and 10(A), the number of suctions detected during the heating-on monitoring time is two, but the number of suctions during the heating-on monitoring time may be one or three or more.

[0097] <Heating Control of Cartridge 20 in Normal Mode and High Mode> <Heating control> 11 is a flowchart illustrating the heating control of cartridge 20 in embodiment 1. The symbol S in the figure represents a step. The processing shown in Fig. 11 is realized through the execution of a program. The program here is stored in storage unit 114L (see Fig. 3) and is executed by control unit 116L (see Fig. 3). The control shown in FIG. 11 is executed in both the normal mode and the high mode.

[0098] The control unit 116L determines whether or not the start of suction has been detected as a start event of the heating-on monitoring time (step 1). For example, if the start of suction is detected after the heating-on monitoring time has elapsed, control unit 116L obtains a positive result in step 1 ("YES" in step 1). Furthermore, when a heating prohibition time is set, for example, if the start of suction is detected after the heating prohibition time of cartridge 20 has elapsed, controller 116L may be configured to obtain a positive result in step 1 ("YES" in step 1). The period after the heating prohibition time has elapsed includes the period before entering sleep mode and the period during sleep mode. In this embodiment, if suction is started during the heating prohibition time and continues at the end of the heating prohibition time, it is considered that the start of suction was detected simultaneously with the end of the heating prohibition time. On the other hand, for example, if the start of suction is detected within the heating-on monitoring time, the control unit 116L obtains a negative result ("NO" in step 1) in step 1. In this case, although not shown in Fig. 11, power may be supplied to the heating unit 121L-1 that heats the cartridge 20 until the detected suction ends or until the heating-on monitoring time has elapsed. Furthermore, when a heating prohibition time is set, control unit 116L may be configured to obtain a negative result in step 1 ("NO" in step 1) if the start of suction is detected within the heating prohibition time.

[0099] The pressure sensor used to detect suction requires approximately 60 ms to detect the start of suction. At the shortest, the start of suction can be detected in approximately 20 ms. However, in this embodiment, the accuracy of detecting the start of suction is improved by repeating the 20 ms determination three times. The same applies to detecting the end of suction, which will be described later. That is, the control unit 116L increases the accuracy of detecting the end of suction by repeating the approximately 20 ms determination three times. While a negative result is obtained in step 1 ("NO" in step 1), control unit 116L repeats the determination in step 1.

[0100] If a positive result is obtained in step 1 ("YES" in step 1), control unit 116L sets a heating-on monitoring time (step 2). The length of the heating-on monitoring time is determined in advance. Next, control unit 116L obtains the length of the immediately preceding heating off time (step 3), and further obtains the heating mode (step 4). The length of the heating-off time is calculated as the length of time from the end of the previous heating-on monitoring time to the start of the currently detected suction. Each time is stored in memory unit 114L (see FIG. 3). For example, in the cases of FIGS. 5(A) and 8(A), the length of the heating-off time is 1.8 seconds, and in the cases of FIGS. 6(A) and 9(A), it is 1.2 seconds. Memory unit 114L also stores information about the heating mode currently being executed. Next, the control unit 116L determines the amount of power to be supplied to the heating unit 121L-1 that heats the cartridge 20, depending on the length of the heating-off time and the heating mode (step 5). In this embodiment, the control unit 116L determines the amount of power to be used during the current heating-on monitoring time by referring to a table stored in the storage unit 114L.

[0101] FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating an example of a table that associates the length of the heating-off time with the magnitude of power according to a combination of heating modes. In the table shown in Figure 12, the first column from the left is the "length of heating off time," the second column from the left is the amount of power used in "normal mode," and the third column from the left is the amount of power used in "high mode." In the table shown in Figure 12, the unit of "length of heating off time" is "seconds," and the unit of the amount of power in each heating mode is "watts."

[0102] Each row of the table shown in FIG. 12 is assigned a length of heating off time in 1-second increments. The "0 seconds" row corresponds to 0 seconds. The "1 second" row corresponds to a heating-off time greater than 0 seconds but less than or equal to 1 second. Similarly, the "2 seconds" row corresponds to a heating-off time greater than 1 second but less than or equal to 2 seconds, the "3 seconds" row corresponds to a heating-off time greater than 2 seconds but less than or equal to 3 seconds, ... the "10 seconds" row corresponds to a heating-off time greater than 9 seconds but less than or equal to 10 seconds. The "more than 10 seconds" row corresponds to all heating-off times greater than 10 seconds.

[0103] In this embodiment, the numerical value in the heating mode column corresponding to each row is used as the magnitude of the power to be used for heating the cartridge 20 during the newly started heating-on monitoring period. 12 is in increments of 1 second, but the increments may be smaller, for example, 0.1 seconds or 0.2 seconds. In the table shown in FIG. 12, the minimum value of power supplied in normal mode is 3.9 watts, which corresponds to the row of 0 seconds, and the minimum value of power supplied in high mode is 4.9 watts, which corresponds to the row of 0 seconds. In the present embodiment, the heating inhibition time is 1.2 seconds, so the values ​​corresponding to the 0 second row and the 1 second row are not used.

[0104] For the same heating mode, the longer the off time, the more power is supplied. In normal mode, if the off time exceeds 10 seconds, the maximum power of 5.0 watts is supplied. In high mode, if the off time exceeds 10 seconds, the maximum power of 6.0 watts is supplied. The power value corresponding to the normal mode column is an example of a first power, and the power value corresponding to the high mode column is an example of a second power. In the example of Figure 12, the power supplied increases by 0.1 watts for every second the heat-off time is extended. The example of Figure 12 is merely an example, and the increase in power for every second the heat-off time is extended is not limited to 0.1 watts, and any value can be selected depending on the device and refill. For example, the increase in power for every second the heat-off time is extended may be 0.15 watts.

[0105] Alternatively, the power may be increased by a smaller amount when the heating-off time is short and by a larger amount when the heating-off time is long. For example, when the heating-off time is less than 5.0 seconds, the power may be increased in increments of 0.1 for each additional second of heating-off time, and when the heating-off time is 5.0 seconds or longer, the power may be increased in increments of 0.15 for each additional second of heating-off time. Furthermore, each of the power values ​​corresponding to the length of the heat-off time can be set arbitrarily depending on the device and refill. In the example of Figure 12, the increase in the length of the heat-off time and the increase in the power value are proportional, but this is not necessarily limited to a proportional relationship and may be, for example, a nonlinear relationship. For example, in Figure 12, the power value corresponding to the "1 second" row may be set to 4.0 watts, the power value corresponding to the "2 seconds" row may be set to 4.05 watts, the power value corresponding to the "3 seconds" row may be set to 4.12 watts, and the power value corresponding to the "4 seconds" row may be set to 4.20 watts.

[0106] In the case of the table shown in FIG. 12, when the length of the heating off time is the same, the power supplied in the high mode may be greater than the power supplied in the normal mode. Furthermore, the increase in the power value corresponding to the length of the heat-off time in normal mode and the increase in the power value corresponding to the length of the heat-off time in high mode may be at different rates. For example, in normal mode, the power value may increase in increments of 0.1 for each additional second of heat-off time, and in high mode, the power value may increase in increments of 0.15 for each additional second of heat-off time.

[0107] For this reason, when the heating-off time is the same, the amount of aerosol generated from the liquid is greater in high mode than in normal mode. As mentioned above, in high mode, in addition to liquid-derived aerosols, solid-derived aerosols are also generated, and the concentration of aerosols contained in the mixed air inhaled by the user increases accordingly. However, in this embodiment, the concentration of aerosols contained in the mixed air is increased even with liquid-derived aerosols alone.

[0108] Returning to the explanation of FIG. When the magnitude of the electric power is determined in step 5, the control unit 116L supplies the determined magnitude of electric power to the heating unit 121L-1 that heats the cartridge 20 (step 6). Next, the control unit 116L determines whether the end of suction has been detected (step 7). The detection target here includes the end of suction detected as the start event of the heating-on monitoring time, as well as the end of the second or subsequent suctions detected within the same heating-on monitoring time.

[0109] If the end of suction is detected, the control unit 116L obtains a positive result in step 7 ("YES" in step 7), and stops the supply of power to the heating unit 121L-1 that heats the cartridge 20 (step 8). If a negative result is obtained in step 7 ("NO" in step 7), or after executing step 8, the control unit 116L determines whether the heating-on monitoring time has ended (step 9). In the present embodiment, it is determined whether 2.4 seconds have elapsed since the start of the heating-on monitoring time. If a negative result is obtained in step 9 ("NO" in step 9), control unit 116L determines whether the start of suction has been detected (step 10). The object of detection here is the start of a second or subsequent suction that occurs within the heating-on monitoring time.

[0110] If the start of the second or subsequent suction or the end of the previous suction has not been detected, controller 116L obtains a negative result in step 10 ("NO" in step 10) and returns to step 7. For example, the loop process of step 7-step 9-step 10-step 7 is repeated until the end of suction, which is the start event of the heating-on monitoring time, is detected. For example, after the end of suction, which is the start event of the heating-on monitoring time, is detected, the loop process of step 7-step 9-step 10-step 7 is repeated until the start of new suction is detected.

[0111] If the start of a second or subsequent suction is detected, the control unit 116L obtains a positive result in step 10 ("YES" in step 10) and returns to step 6. In this case, power is supplied to the heating unit 121L-1, which heats the cartridge 20 in conjunction with the start of a new suction, and aerosol generation begins. In this case, the power supplied to the heating unit 121L-1 is the amount determined in step 5. After these loop processes, the control unit 116L detects the end of the heating-on monitoring time, that is, obtains a positive result in step 9 ("YES" in step 9). Next, the control unit 116L determines whether or not suction is continuing (step 11).

[0112] 6(A) or 9(A), that is, when suction is continuing, the control unit 116L obtains a positive result in step 11 ("YES" in step 11) and stops the supply of power to the heating unit 121L-1 that heats the cartridge 20 (step 12). Thereafter, the heating control of the cartridge 20 for the current heating-on monitoring time is terminated. On the other hand, in the case of the suction pattern shown in Figure 5(A) or Figure 8(A), for example, if suction is not continuing, the control unit 116L obtains a negative result in step 11 ("NO" in step 11) and immediately ends the heating control of the cartridge 20 for the current heating on monitoring time.

[0113] <Example of controlling the suction pattern and power supplied to generate a liquid-derived aerosol> 13 to 16, various suction patterns and examples of determining the power to be supplied to generate a liquid-derived aerosol will be described. <Suction Patterns 1 and 2> 13 is a diagram illustrating suction patterns 1 and 2. (A) shows an example of suction pattern 1, and (B) shows an example of suction pattern 2. In FIG. 13, parts corresponding to those in FIG. 5 are assigned the same reference numerals.

[0114] <Suction pattern 1> Suction pattern 1 includes two heating-on monitoring periods. The first heat-on monitoring period includes two suctions, and the second suction continues until the end of the heat-on monitoring period. The heating-off time immediately before the start of the first heating-on monitoring time is more than 10 seconds. Therefore, during the first heating-on monitoring time, the maximum power set for each heating mode is supplied to the heating unit 121L-1 that heats the cartridge 20. In the example of Figure 12, 5.0 watts of power is supplied in normal mode, and 6.0 watts is supplied in high mode.

[0115] On the other hand, the heating-off time immediately before the start of the second heating-on monitoring time is the 1.2 seconds between the first heating-on monitoring time and the second heating-on monitoring time. In other words, it is the 1.2 seconds between the end of the first heating-on monitoring time and the detection of suction. Therefore, in the example of FIG. 12, 4.0 watts of power is supplied in normal mode, and 5.0 watts is supplied in high mode. As shown by the arrow in FIG. 13(A), the magnitude of the power supplied during the second heating-on monitoring period is smaller than the magnitude of the power supplied during the first heating-on monitoring period.

[0116] In this embodiment, the power supplied to the heating unit 121L-1 that heats the cartridge 20 is controlled based on the time between the first heating-on monitoring time and the second heating-on monitoring time. For example, if the time between the first heating-on monitoring time and the second heating-on monitoring time is short, the power supplied to the heating unit 121L-1 during the second heating-on monitoring time is reduced. This reduces the amount of aerosol generated compared to the first heating-on monitoring time, preventing the liquid aerosol source in the liquid guide unit 122L from running dry. In other words, liquid drying up is suppressed, allowing the user to continue inhaling the aerosol.

[0117] <Suction pattern 2> Suction pattern 2 also includes two heating-on monitoring periods. However, the second suction in the first heating-on monitoring period in suction pattern 2 ends before the end of the heating-on monitoring period. The first suction in the second heating-on monitoring period is the same as in suction pattern 1. In the case of suction pattern 2, the length of the heating off time immediately before the start of the first heating on monitoring time and the length of the heating off time immediately before the start of the second heating on monitoring time are the same as those in suction pattern 1.

[0118] Therefore, in the example of Figure 12, even in the case of suction pattern 2, during the second heating on monitoring time, 4.0 watts of power is supplied to the heating section 121L-1 that heats the cartridge 20 in normal mode, and 5.0 watts is supplied in high mode. In the case of suction pattern 2, the actual suction interval is longer than the heating-off time of 1.2 seconds. This results in a discrepancy between the heating-off time used to determine the power and the actual suction interval, but it further reduces the possibility of liquid drying up.

[0119] <Suction patterns 3 and 4> 14 is a diagram illustrating suction patterns 3 and 4. (A) shows an example of suction pattern 3, and (B) shows an example of suction pattern 4. In FIG. 14, parts corresponding to those in FIG. 13 are assigned the same reference numerals.

[0120] <Suction pattern 3> Suction pattern 3 also includes two heating-on monitoring periods. However, the second suction in the first heating-on monitoring period in suction pattern 3 continues even after the first heating-on monitoring period ends. As described above, even if physical suction continues, when the heating-on monitoring time has elapsed, the supply of power to the heating unit 121L-1 that heats the cartridge 20 is stopped.

[0121] In the case of suction pattern 3 shown in Figure 14(A), the second heating-on monitoring period also starts when new suction is detected after the first heating-on monitoring period has elapsed. Therefore, the length of the heating-off period is 1.2 seconds. In this case, the actual suction interval is shorter than the heating-off period. Although the actual suction interval is short, the heating off time is 1.2 seconds, the same as in the other patterns. Therefore, in the example of Figure 12, even in the case of suction pattern 3, during the second heating on monitoring time, 4.0 watts of power is supplied to the heating section 121L-1 that heats the cartridge 20 in normal mode, and 5.0 watts is supplied in high mode.

[0122] <Suction pattern 4> Suction pattern 4 also includes two heating-on monitoring periods. However, in the case of suction pattern 4, the suction period in the first heating-on monitoring period is only one, and the suction period is approximately one-third of the heating-on monitoring period. In this embodiment, the time is measured from the end of the heating-on monitoring time, so the length of the heating-off time is 1.2 seconds, the same as in the other suction patterns. Therefore, in the case of suction pattern 4, in the example of Figure 12, during the second heating on monitoring time, 4.0 watts of power is supplied to the heating section 121L-1 that heats the cartridge 20 in normal mode, and 5.0 watts is supplied in high mode. In the case of suction pattern 4, the actual suction interval is longer than the heating-off time of 1.2 seconds. This results in a discrepancy between the heating-off time used to determine the power and the actual suction interval, but it further reduces the possibility of liquid drying up.

[0123] <Suction patterns 5 and 6> 15 is a diagram illustrating suction patterns 5 and 6. (A) shows an example of suction pattern 5, and (B) shows an example of suction pattern 6. In FIG. 15, parts corresponding to those in FIG. 14 are assigned the same reference numerals.

[0124] <Suction pattern 5> Suction pattern 5 also includes two heating-on monitoring periods. However, the first heating-on monitoring period in suction pattern 5 has only one suction period. However, this suction period differs from suction pattern 4 in that it is approximately 80% of the heating-on monitoring time. In the case of suction pattern 5, the length of the heating-off time used to determine the power to be supplied to the heating unit 121L-1 at the start of the second heating-on monitoring time is also 1.2 seconds, the same as the other suction patterns. Therefore, in the case of suction pattern 5, in the example of Figure 12, during the second heating on monitoring time, 4.0 watts of power is supplied to the heating section 121L-1 that heats the cartridge 20 in normal mode, and 5.0 watts is supplied in high mode.

[0125] <Suction pattern 6> Suction pattern 6 also includes two heat-on monitoring periods. In suction pattern 6, suction is performed only once during the first heating-on monitoring period, but the suction period continues even after the first heating-on monitoring period ends. In the case of suction pattern 6, the length of the heating-off time used to determine the power to be supplied to the heating unit 121L-1 at the start of the second heating-on monitoring time is also 1.2 seconds, the same as in suction pattern 2. Therefore, in the case of suction pattern 6, in the example of Figure 12, during the second heating on monitoring time, 4.0 watts of power is supplied to the heating section 121L-1 that heats the cartridge 20 in normal mode, and 5.0 watts is supplied in high mode.

[0126] <Other suction patterns> In the case of the above-described suction patterns 1 to 6, for the sake of simplicity, the second heating-on monitoring period starts simultaneously with the end of the heating prohibition period, but as illustrated in Figures 5(A), 7(A), 8(A), and 10(A), the timing at which the second heating-on monitoring period starts is arbitrary. Therefore, in reality, the length of the heating-off time from the end of the heating-on start time varies, and the power read out from the table shown in FIG. 12 is supplied to the heating unit 121L-1. For example, when the length of the heating off time is 5 seconds, the heating unit 121L-1 that heats the cartridge 20 is supplied with 4.4 watts of power in the normal mode, and 5.4 watts in the high mode.

[0127] <Other examples of determining power> In this embodiment, the length of the heating-off time is rounded to one second intervals, but the power corresponding to the measured time may be calculated from values ​​in a table. For example, if the length of the heating-off time is 6.5 seconds, the power value associated with 6 seconds and the power value associated with 7 seconds may be divided proportionally to determine the power to be supplied to the heating unit 121L-1 that heats the cartridge 20. When the table of Fig. 12 is used, 4.55 watts of power is supplied in the normal mode, and 5.55 watts is supplied in the high mode.

[0128] <Example of setting the heating prohibition time> Below, an example of determining multiple suction patterns and the power supplied to generate a liquid-derived aerosol when setting a heating prohibition time will be described with reference to FIG.

[0129] <Suction pattern 7> Suction pattern 7 includes two heating-on monitoring periods. The first heat-on monitoring period includes two suctions, and the second suction continues until the end of the heat-on monitoring period. The heating-off time immediately before the start of the first heating-on monitoring time is more than 10 seconds. Therefore, during the first heating-on monitoring time, the maximum power set for each heating mode is supplied to the heating unit 121L-1 that heats the cartridge 20. Specifically, in the example of FIG. 12, 5.0 watts of power is supplied in normal mode, and 6.0 watts is supplied in high mode.

[0130] In suction pattern 7, a heating inhibit time of 1.2 seconds is set after the first heating-on monitoring time has elapsed. Also, in suction pattern 7, a new puff is detected within the heating inhibit time after the first heating-on monitoring time has elapsed. Furthermore, in suction pattern 7, a new puff is detected again 1.2 seconds after the first heating-on monitoring time has elapsed. Therefore, in suction pattern 7, the heating-off period is 1.2 seconds, which is the time from the elapse of the first heating-on monitoring time to the start of the first suction detected after the end of the heating-prohibited period. In other words, even if suction is detected during the heating-prohibited time, heating of cartridge 20 is not performed, and therefore it is not included in the calculation of the heating-off period.

[0131] In suction pattern 7, suction is detected at the end of the heating prohibited period, so the length of the heating prohibited period and the heating off period are the same, 1.2 seconds. If the first suction detected after the end of the heating prohibited period is, for example, 1.0 second later, the heating off time will be 2.2 seconds (2.2 seconds from the end of the first heating on monitoring time to the time when the first suction is detected after the end of the heating prohibited period).

[0132] Since the heating-off time is 1.2 seconds, in the example of FIG. 12, 4.0 watts of power is supplied in normal mode and 5.0 watts in high mode. As shown by the arrow in FIG. 16(A), the magnitude of the power supplied during the second heating-on monitoring period is smaller than the magnitude of the power supplied during the first heating-on monitoring period. In this embodiment, the power supplied to the heating unit 121L-1 that heats the cartridge 20 is controlled based on the time between the first heating-on monitoring time and the second heating-on monitoring time. For example, if the time between the first heating-on monitoring time and the second heating-on monitoring time is short, the power supplied to the heating unit 121L-1 during the second heating-on monitoring time is reduced. This reduces the amount of aerosol generated compared to the first heating-on monitoring time, preventing the liquid aerosol source in the liquid guide unit 122L from running dry. In other words, liquid drying up is suppressed, allowing the user to continue inhaling the aerosol.

[0133] <Suction pattern 8> Suction pattern 8 also includes two heating-on monitoring periods. However, the second suction in the first heating-on monitoring period in suction pattern 8 ends before the end of the heating-on monitoring period. The first suction in the second heating-on monitoring period is the same as in suction pattern 7. In the case of suction pattern 8, the length of the heating off time immediately before the start of the first heating on monitoring time and the length of the heating off time immediately before the start of the second heating on monitoring time are the same as those in suction pattern 7.

[0134] In suction pattern 8, a heating inhibit time of 1.2 seconds is set after the first heating-on monitoring time has elapsed. Also, in suction pattern 8, a new puff is detected within the heating inhibit time after the first heating-on monitoring time has elapsed. Furthermore, in suction pattern 8, a new puff is detected again 1.2 seconds after the first heating-on monitoring time has elapsed. Therefore, in suction pattern 8, the heating-off period is 1.2 seconds, which is the time from the elapse of the first heating-on monitoring time to the start of the first suction detected after the end of the heating-prohibited period. In other words, even if suction is detected during the heating-prohibited time, heating of cartridge 20 is not performed, and therefore it is not included in the calculation of the heating-off period.

[0135] Therefore, even in the case of suction pattern 8, during the second heating on monitoring time, in the example of Figure 12, 4.0 watts of power is supplied to the heating section 121L-1 that heats the cartridge 20 in normal mode and 5.0 watts is supplied in high mode. In the case of suction pattern 8, the actual suction interval is longer than the heating-off time of 1.2 seconds. This results in a discrepancy between the heating-off time used to determine the power and the actual suction interval, but it further reduces the possibility of liquid drying up.

[0136] <Other examples of heating prohibition times> In addition, in this embodiment, the heating prohibition time is set to 1.2 seconds, but this time may be adjustable by the user through the operation of the operation button 11B (see FIG. 1), etc. For example, the setting of the heating prohibition time may be adjustable through an external device such as a smartphone connected via Bluetooth (registered trademark). For example, the heating inhibition time may be changeable from the initial value of 1.2 seconds to 0.8 seconds. The shorter the heating inhibition time, the smaller the amount of liquid from the aerosol source supplied to the liquid guide portion 122L by capillary action. Furthermore, even if the length of the heating prohibition time is short, if the interval from the time when the heating on monitoring time ends to the time when the next suction starts is long, the amount of liquid aerosol source stored in the liquid guide section 122L will increase by the time the next suction is detected.

[0137] Figure 17 is a diagram illustrating another example of the heating prohibition time. (A) is an example where the length of the heating prohibition time is 0.8 seconds, and (B) is an example where the length of the heating prohibition time is 0.4 seconds. In Figure 17, parts corresponding to those in Figure 15 are assigned the same reference numerals. The suction pattern shown in Fig. 17(A) corresponds to suction pattern 6 shown in Fig. 15(B). That is, in the suction pattern shown in Fig. 17(A), suction, which is the starting event of the heating-on monitoring time, continues even after the heating-on monitoring time ends, and the next suction is detected simultaneously with the elapse of the heating prohibition time. Therefore, the heating-off time is 0.8 seconds, which is the heating prohibition time. 0.8 seconds is shorter than the 1.2 seconds described for suction patterns 1 to 8. For this reason, the amount of power supplied to the heating unit 121L-1 is further reduced in Fig. 17(A). In the case of the table shown in Fig. 12, 3.9 watts of power is supplied to the heating unit 121L-1 in normal mode and 4.9 watts in high mode.

[0138] The suction pattern shown in Fig. 17(B) corresponds to suction pattern 4 shown in Fig. 14(B). The suction pattern shown in Fig. 17(B) shows an example in which the first suction period is extremely short, about one-sixth of the heating-on monitoring time, and then a longer suction period occurs several seconds later. In this case, the heating-off time used to determine the power is 0.4 seconds, the same as the heating prohibition time. 0.4 seconds is even shorter than the 0.8 seconds shown in FIG. 17(A). Therefore, in FIG. 17(B), the amount of power supplied to the heating unit 121L-1 is even smaller than in FIG. 17(A). Note that, as described above, this amount of power reflects a difference of less than one second in the length of the heating-off time. If the difference of less than one second in the length of the heating-off time is not reflected in the magnitude of the power, the magnitude of the power in the case shown in FIG. 17(A) and the case shown in FIG. 17(B) will be the same value.

[0139] If the heating prohibition time can be changed, as described above, the heating prohibition time may approach 0 seconds. In this case, the minimum value of the heating off time length is shortened to the heating prohibition time. Even in this case, the magnitude of the power supplied to the heating unit 121L-1 is set to a small value in proportion to the length of the heating-off time, and the aerosol source continues to be supplied by capillary action even during suction, which reduces the possibility of liquid drying up compared to when the magnitude of the power supplied to the heating unit 121L-1 is constant. 12 shows the case where the heating-off time is 0 seconds, but power supply to the heating unit 121L-1 is always stopped when the heating-on monitoring time ends. In this sense, the heating prohibition time is not 0 seconds. For example, the minimum value of the heating prohibition time is 0.1 seconds.

[0140] <Embodiment 2> In this embodiment, an example will be described in which the power to be supplied to the heating unit 121L-1 is calculated based on a formula that uses the measured heating off time as a variable. The external appearance and internal configuration of the aerosol generation device 10 assumed in this embodiment are the same as those of the aerosol generation device 10 described in the first embodiment.

[0141] FIG. 18 is a diagram illustrating a method for calculating the power depending on the length of the heating-off time. 18, the horizontal axis represents the length of the heating-off time in seconds, and the vertical axis represents the magnitude of the power supplied to the heating unit 121L-1 that heats the cartridge 20 in watts. In FIG. 18, a graph of the power supplied according to the length of the heating off time in normal mode is shown by a solid line, and a graph of the power supplied according to the length of the heating off time in high mode is shown by a dashed line. As can be seen from the graph shown in FIG. 18, the power supplied in the high mode is greater than the power supplied in the normal mode.

[0142] The changes in the graph shown in FIG. 18 are also used to calculate the table shown in FIG. Incidentally, if the magnitude of the power supplied to the heating unit 121L-1 is y and the length of the heating off time is x, the power in each operation mode is calculated, for example, by the following formula. In normal mode y=0.1x+3.9 (However, if x is within 10 seconds) y=5.0 (if x is greater than 10 seconds) High mode y=0.1x+4.9 (However, if x is within 10 seconds) y=6.0 (if x is greater than 10 seconds)

[0143] The calculation formula shown in FIG. 18 is an example, and different values ​​may be used as the slope and initial value. 18 is a linear equation, but is not limited to a linear equation as long as the calculated power increases monotonically depending on the length of the heating-off time. For example, a nonlinear equation such as a logarithmic equation may be used. As in the present embodiment, if a calculation formula is prepared in advance, it is necessary to calculate the power each time the heating off time is measured, but it becomes possible to accurately determine the power corresponding to any heating off time.

[0144] <Third Embodiment> In this embodiment, another example of heating control of the capsule 30 used in the high mode will be described. The aerosol generation device 10 (see FIG. 1) assumed in the third embodiment differs from the first embodiment in that the heating of the capsule 30 during the heating-on monitoring time is controlled in conjunction with the heating of the cartridge 20. The external appearance and internal configuration of the aerosol generation device 10 assumed in this embodiment are the same as those of the aerosol generation device 10 described in the first embodiment.

[0145] 19A and 19B are diagrams illustrating an example of the heating timing of the cartridge 20 and the capsule 30 in embodiment 3. (A) shows the inhalation period, (B) shows an example of the heating timing of the cartridge 20, and (C) shows an example of the heating timing of the capsule 30. In FIG. 19, parts corresponding to those in FIG. 8 are denoted by the same reference numerals. The suction pattern shown in Figure 19(A) is the same as the suction pattern shown in Figure 8(A). That is, two suctions are detected during the first heating-on monitoring period, and the second suction ends before the heating-on monitoring period elapses. Therefore, as shown in Figure 19(B), during the heating-on monitoring period, the cartridge 20 is heated twice in conjunction with the detected suction periods.

[0146] The difference is the heating control of the capsule 30. 19(C), in the present embodiment, heating control of the capsule 30 is executed during a period in which heating of the cartridge 20 is controlled to be turned off. Also, when heating of the cartridge 20 is controlled to be turned on, heating of the capsule 30 is stopped (controlled to be turned off) or reduced. That is, heating control of the cartridge 20 takes priority over heating control of the capsule 30. 19(A), the second inhalation ends before the heating-on monitoring time has elapsed, and therefore heating of the capsule 30 begins before the heating-on monitoring time has elapsed. Note that when a heating prohibition time is set, heating of the capsule 30 may continue during the heating prohibition time. When this heating control is adopted, the time for heating the capsule 30 is increased compared to the first embodiment, and therefore the concentration of aerosol derived from solid matter contained in the aerosol inhaled by the user can be increased.

[0147] <Actual form 4> In this embodiment, an aerosol generating device that does not include a heating unit 121L-2 (see FIG. 3) that heats the capsule 30 will be described. <Appearance example> FIG. 20 is a diagram illustrating an example of the appearance of the aerosol generation device 1000 assumed in the fourth embodiment. The aerosol generation device 1000 shown in Fig. 20 is also a form of electronic cigarette. The aerosol generation device 1000 has a roughly cylindrical shape and generates aerosol derived from a liquid without combustion.

[0148] The aerosol generating device 1000 is composed of multiple units. In the case of Fig. 19, the multiple units are composed of a power supply unit 1010, a cartridge cover 1020 to which the cartridge 20 (see Fig. 2) is attached, and a capsule holder 1030 to which the capsule 30 (see Fig. 2) is attached. The cartridge cover 1020 is detachable from the power supply unit 1010, and the capsule holder 1030 is detachable from the cartridge cover 1020. In other words, both the cartridge cover 1020 and the capsule holder 1030 are replaceable.

[0149] The power supply unit 1010 has built-in electronic circuits and the like. An operation button 1011 is provided on the side of the power supply unit 1010. The operation button 1011 is an example of an operation section used to input user instructions to the power supply unit 1010. The operation button 1011 corresponds to the above-mentioned operation button 11B (see FIG. 1). An air inlet hole (hereinafter referred to as "air inlet hole") 1021 is provided on the side surface of the cartridge cover 1020. Air that flows in through the air inlet hole 1021 passes through the inside of the cartridge cover 1020 and is discharged from the capsule holder 1030. The user applies the mouthpiece 1031 of the capsule-holder 1030 and inhales the aerosol.

[0150] <Examples of attaching aerosol sources, etc.> FIG. 21 is a diagram for explaining how to attach the aerosol source and the like assumed in the fourth embodiment. First, the cartridge cover 1020 is attached to the top of the power supply unit 1010. The cartridge cover 1020 is attached to or detached from the power supply unit 1010 by rotating the cartridge cover 1020 relative to the power supply unit 1010 by, for example, 120 degrees.

[0151] The cartridge cover 1020 is a cylindrical body, and the cartridge 20 is attached and detached through the upper end thereof. After the cartridge 20 is attached to the cartridge cover 1020, the lower end of the capsule holder 1030 is attached to the cartridge cover 1020. The capsule holder 1030 can also be attached to and detached from the cartridge cover 1020 by rotating it, for example, by 120°. The capsule holder 1030 attached to the cartridge cover 1020 functions as a presser that prevents the cartridge 20 inserted into the cartridge cover 1020 from jumping out.

[0152] An opening is provided at the upper end of the capsule holder 1030. The opening constitutes the end of a cylindrical body (not shown) provided inside the capsule holder 1030. The capsule 30 is attached to this opening. The capsule 30 can be attached by pushing it into the opening of the capsule holder 1030, and can be removed by pulling it out of the opening of the capsule holder 1030. The upper end of the capsule 30 is used as a mouthpiece 1031.

[0153] <Inside the device> Fig. 22 is a diagram schematically showing the internal configuration of the aerosol-generating device 1000 assumed in the embodiment 4. In Fig. 22, parts corresponding to those in Fig. 3 are assigned the same reference numerals. The internal configuration shown in FIG. 22 also includes the cartridge 20 (see FIG. 2) attached to a cartridge cover 1020, and the capsule 30 (see FIG. 2) attached to a capsule holder 1030. The internal configuration shown in Fig. 22 is also intended to explain the parts provided inside the power supply unit 1010, cartridge cover 1020, and capsule holder 1030 and their positional relationships. For this reason, the appearance of the parts etc. shown in Fig. 21 does not necessarily match the appearance diagram described above. The basic configuration is the same as that of the aerosol generation device 10 (see Figure 3), except that the capsule holder 1030 does not have a heating section 121L-1, a holding section 140L, a heat insulating section 144L, etc.

[0154] <Heating mode> 23 is a flowchart illustrating heating control of cartridge 20 in embodiment 4. In FIG. 23, parts corresponding to those in FIG. 11 are denoted by the same reference numerals. The aerosol generation device 1000 assumed in this embodiment does not have a high mode because it does not have the heating unit 121L-2 that heats the capsule 30. Therefore, there is no need to switch the power depending on the heating mode. Therefore, after executing step 3, the control unit 116L determines the amount of power to be supplied to the heating unit 121L-1 that heats the cartridge 20, depending on the length of the heating-off time (step 21). The difference from the flowchart shown in FIG. 11 is that step 5 is replaced by step 21.

[0155] <Summary> In the case of this embodiment as well, the heating of the cartridge 20 can be stopped or reduced at the end of the heating-on monitoring time, making it possible to prevent the liquid from drying up due to prolonged suction. In addition, by setting the heating prohibition time after the end of the heating on monitoring time, it is possible to ensure that the liquid aerosol source has enough time to be supplied to the liquid guide section 122L by capillary action, even if suction is repeated at short intervals. Furthermore, when a new heating-on monitoring time starts, the amount of power supplied to the heating section 121L-1 that heats the cartridge 20 is varied depending on the length of the heating-off time immediately before that, thereby reducing the amount of aerosol generated during inhalation and preventing liquid drying up.

[0156] <Other embodiments> (1) Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the technical scope of the present invention is not limited to the scope of the above-described embodiments. It is clear from the claims that various modifications and improvements to the above-described embodiments are also included in the technical scope of the present invention.

[0157] (2) In the above-described embodiments, the aerosol generation devices 10 (see FIG. 1) and 1000 (see FIG. 19) are described as electronic cigarettes, but they may also be medical inhalers such as nebulizers. When the aerosol generation device 10 or the like is a nebulizer, the liquid aerosol source or solid aerosol source may contain a drug for inhalation by a patient.

[0158] (3) In the above-described embodiment, the aerosol is generated by heating the liquid aerosol source with the heating unit 121L-1. However, the aerosol may be generated by vibrating the liquid aerosol source with an oscillator. Alternatively, the heating unit 121L-1 may be configured as a susceptor made of a conductive material such as metal, and the susceptor may be induction-heated with an electromagnetic induction source to generate the aerosol.

[0159] (4) In the above-described embodiment, simultaneous heating by the heating unit 121L-1 and the heating unit 121L-2 in high mode is prohibited, but simultaneous heating may be permitted. That is, the heating period by the heating unit 121L-1 and the heating period by the heating unit 121L-2 may be permitted to overlap partially or completely. Note that, when simultaneous heating is permitted, it is desirable to set the maximum value of power supplied to the heating units 121L-1 and 121L-2 during simultaneous heating to be smaller than the maximum value of power supplied when heating independently, so as not to exceed the upper limit of the battery output current.

[0160] (5) In the above-described embodiment, the time from the end of the heating-on monitoring time until the detection of suction, which is the start event of the next heating-on monitoring time, is measured as the heating-off time, and the magnitude of the power to be supplied to the heating unit 121L-1 during the next heating-on monitoring time is determined. However, the time from the end of the last suction detected during the heating-on monitoring time until the detection of suction, which is the start event of the next heating-on monitoring time, may also be used as the heating-off time. [Explanation of symbols]

[0161] 10, 1000... aerosol generating device, 11... device body, 11A... display, 11B... operation button, 12, 1030... capsule holder, 20... cartridge, 30... capsule, 121L-1, 121L-2... heating unit, 1010... power supply unit, 1020... cartridge cover

Claims

1. a sensor that detects inhalation by a user; a first heating unit that heats the first aerosol source; a control unit that controls the supply of power to the first heating unit; and The control unit When the sensor detects the start of suction, power is supplied to the first heating unit at a magnitude corresponding to the length of time during which the supply of power to the first heating unit has been stopped. Aerosol generator.

2. The control unit setting a monitoring period of a predetermined length upon detection of inhalation by the user; The length of time during which heating has been stopped is determined by the length of time from the end of the monitoring period until new suction is detected. The aerosol generating device according to claim 1 .

3. The control unit When the monitoring period ends, the supply of power to the first heating unit is stopped even if suction is continuing. The aerosol generating device according to claim 2 .

4. The control unit Even if the stop of suction is detected during the monitoring period, the length of time during which the heating was stopped is determined to be the length of time from the end of the monitoring period until new suction is detected. The aerosol generating device according to claim 2 or 3.

5. The control unit The magnitude of the power corresponding to the length of time during which the supply of power to the first heating unit has been stopped is controlled to a stepwise smaller value as the length of time becomes shorter. The aerosol generating device according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

6. The second aerosol source may further include a second heating unit configured to heat the second aerosol source, the second aerosol source being a solid material; The control unit When both the first heating section and the second heating section are used, separating a period in which the first heating unit heats the first aerosol source from a period in which the second heating unit heats the second aerosol source; The aerosol generating device according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

7. The control unit A first power supplied to the first heating unit during a first heating in which both the first heating unit and the second heating unit are used is During second heating in which only the first heating unit is used, the second power is controlled to a value greater than the second power supplied to the first heating unit. The aerosol generating device according to claim 6.

8. The control unit When the length of time during which heating of the first aerosol source is stopped is the same in the first heating using both the first heating unit and the second heating unit and the second heating using only the first heating unit, controlling a first power supplied to the first heating unit during the first heating to a value greater than a second power supplied to the first heating unit during the second heating; The aerosol generating device according to claim 6.

9. A method for controlling an aerosol generating device that generates an aerosol, comprising: a sensor detecting inhalation by a user; a first heating unit heating a first aerosol source; a control unit controlling the supply of power to the first heating unit; When the start of suction is detected by the sensor, the control unit supplies, to the first heating unit, electric power of a magnitude corresponding to a length of time during which the supply of electric power to the first heating unit has been stopped; A control method comprising:

10. On the computer, a sensor detecting inhalation by a user; a first heating section heating a first aerosol source; controlling the supply of power to the first heating unit; supplying, when the sensor detects the start of suction, power to the first heating unit at a level corresponding to the length of time during which power supply to the first heating unit has been stopped; A program to execute.

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