Fragrance generating device

Abstract

To provide a flavor generation device for acquiring a residual amount value of power accumulated in power source.SOLUTION: A flavor generation device comprises: a first power source; a second power source for receiving supply of power from the first power source; a heating part for receiving supply of power from at least one of the first and second power sources, for heating a flavor source; and a control part for executing first notification related to a residual amount of power, and executing second notification different from the first notification, by controlling notification of a state of a flavor generation device. The second notification is executed when a value related to the residual amount of power is higher than a first threshold, according to user setting, or is suppressed even when the value related to the residual amount of power is higher than the first threshold.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 6

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a flavor generating device. [Background technology]

[0002] A flavor generating device has been known that includes a heating element and a power supply that supplies power to the heating element. The flavor generating device is configured to stop supplying power to the heating element when the remaining charge of the power supply falls below a predetermined level (for example, Patent Document 1). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2015-204833 Summary of the Invention

[0004] The first feature is a flavor generating device comprising: a control unit configured to acquire a remaining value which is a value relating to the remaining amount of power stored in a power source; a generation unit configured to atomize an aerosol source or heat a flavor source; and an auxiliary device different from the generation unit, wherein the generation unit and the auxiliary device are electrically connected to the power source, and the control unit is configured to suppress the supply of power to at least one of the generation unit and the auxiliary device when the remaining value is higher than a discharge end value which indicates the discharge end state of the power source.

[0005] A second feature is summarized in that, in the first feature, the control unit is configured to suppress power supply to at least one of the generation unit and the auxiliary devices when the remaining amount value is higher than the discharge end value and lower than a lower threshold value that is lower than a charge end value that indicates a fully charged state of the power source, and to allow power supply to at least one of the generator and the auxiliary devices when the remaining amount value is higher than the lower threshold value and lower than the charge end value.

[0006] A third feature is summarized as the first or second feature, in which the control unit is configured to suppress power supply to the auxiliary device when the remaining charge value is higher than the discharge end value.

[0007] A fourth feature is summarized as follows: in any of the first to third features, the generation unit includes a heating unit that heats the flavor source; the control unit is configured to suppress the supply of power to the heating unit when the remaining amount value is higher than the discharge end value and is equal to or lower than a first lower threshold; and the first lower threshold is a value defined as a value at which the flavor source cannot deliver flavor to the user's oral cavity by supplying power to the heating unit.

[0008] A fifth feature is summarized as follows: in the fourth feature, the generation unit includes, in addition to the heating unit, an atomization unit that atomizes the aerosol source; and the control unit is configured to permit power supply to both the heating unit and the atomization unit when the remaining amount value is higher than the discharge end value and higher than the first lower threshold, and to suppress power supply to the heating unit and permit power supply to the atomization unit when the remaining amount value is higher than the discharge end value and lower than or equal to the first lower threshold.

[0009] A sixth feature is summarized as follows: in any of the first to third features, the generation unit includes, in addition to the heating unit, an atomization unit that atomizes the aerosol source; and the control unit is configured to permit power supply to the heating unit and the atomization unit when the remaining amount value is higher than the discharge end value and higher than a first lower threshold, and to permit power supply to one selected from the heating unit and the atomization unit when the remaining amount value is higher than the discharge end value and lower than the first lower threshold.

[0010] A seventh feature is summarized as follows: in any of the first to third features, the generation unit is configured to heat an aerosol-generating article including the flavor source and the aerosol source; the control unit is configured to suppress the supply of power to the generation unit when the remaining amount value is higher than the discharge end value and is equal to or less than a second lower threshold; and the second lower threshold is a value defined as a value at which the supply of power to the generation unit prevents the aerosol-generating article from generating a predetermined amount of aerosol or prevents the aerosol-generating article from delivering flavor to the user's oral cavity by supplying power to the generation unit.

[0011] An eighth feature is summarized as follows: in any of the first to third features, the generation unit includes an atomization unit that atomizes the aerosol source, and the control unit is configured to suppress power supply to the atomization unit when the remaining amount value is higher than the discharge end value and is equal to or less than a third lower threshold, and the third lower threshold is a value defined as a value at which a predetermined amount or more of aerosol cannot be generated from the aerosol source by power supply to the atomization unit.

[0012] A ninth feature is summarized as being based on any one of the first to eighth features, wherein the remaining amount value is a charging state of the power source.

[0013] A tenth feature is summarized as the ninth feature, wherein the state of charge of the power source is calculated based on a relationship between the state of charge of the power source and an open-circuit voltage of the power source, or is calculated based on an integrated value of current charged to and discharged from the power source.

[0014] An eleventh feature is summarized as the tenth feature, wherein the control unit is configured to obtain a correction factor including at least one of an internal resistance value of the power source, a deterioration state of the power source, and a temperature of the power source, and the control unit corrects the state of charge of the power source based on the correction factor.

[0015] The twelfth feature is summarized as follows: in the second feature and any of the third to eleventh features that cite the second feature, the auxiliary devices include a first auxiliary device that notifies regarding the remaining amount value and a second auxiliary device different from the first auxiliary device, and when the remaining amount value is lower than the lower threshold, the control unit allows power supply to the first auxiliary device and the second auxiliary device while suppressing power supply to the generation unit.

[0016] A thirteenth feature is summarized as the twelfth feature, in which the second auxiliary device includes at least one of a notification unit, a memory, a detection unit, and a communication unit.

[0017] A fourteenth feature is summarized as the thirteenth feature, in which the second auxiliary device includes two or more second auxiliary devices, and the control unit is configured to increase the number of target auxiliary devices to which power supply should be suppressed from the two or more second auxiliary devices as the remaining charge value decreases.

[0018] A 15th feature is characterized in that, in the 14th feature, the two or more second auxiliary devices include the communication unit and auxiliary devices other than the communication unit, and the control unit allows power supply to the auxiliary devices other than the communication unit at the time when the control unit suppresses power supply to the communication unit.

[0019] A 16th feature is summarized as follows: in any of the first to fifteenth features, the auxiliary device includes a third auxiliary device used to suppress deterioration due to discharging of the power source, and the control unit allows power supply to the generation unit when the remaining amount value is higher than the discharge end value and greater than a lower threshold value that is smaller than a charge end value that indicates a fully charged state of the power source, and the control unit allows power supply to the third auxiliary device when the remaining amount value is higher than a predetermined threshold value that is higher than the lower threshold value.

[0020] A seventeenth feature is summarized in that, in the sixteenth feature, the third auxiliary device includes at least one of a temperature control unit that adjusts the temperature of the power source and an auxiliary power source having a higher output density than the power source.

[0021] The 18th feature is summarized as follows: in any of the first to seventeenth features, the auxiliary devices include a high remaining amount auxiliary device and a low remaining amount auxiliary device; the control unit allows power supply to the generation unit when the remaining amount value is higher than the discharge end value and greater than a lower threshold value that is smaller than the charge end value that indicates a fully charged state of the power source; the control unit allows power supply to the high remaining amount auxiliary device only when the remaining amount value is higher than a predetermined threshold value that is higher than the lower threshold value; and the control unit allows power supply to the low remaining amount auxiliary device when the remaining amount value is lower than the lower threshold value.

[0022] The 19th feature is summarized as a power supply control method including: a step configured to acquire a remaining amount value that is a value related to the remaining amount of power stored in a power supply; a step of atomizing an aerosol source or heating a flavor source by a generation unit electrically connected to the power supply; a step of performing processing other than atomizing the aerosol source or heating the flavor source by an auxiliary device electrically connected to the power supply; and a step of suppressing power supply to at least one of the generation unit and the auxiliary device when the remaining amount value is higher than a discharge end value that indicates a discharge end state of the power supply.

[0023] A twentieth feature is a program that causes a computer to execute the steps recited in the nineteenth feature.

[0024] The 21st feature is summarized as a power supply unit of a flavor generating device that can be electrically connected to a unit having a generation unit configured to atomize an aerosol source or heat a flavor source, and that includes a control unit configured to acquire a remaining amount value that is a value related to the remaining amount of power stored in the power supply, and the control unit is configured to suppress the supply of power to the generation unit and at least one of auxiliary devices other than the generation unit when the remaining amount value is higher than a discharge end value that indicates a discharge end state of the power supply. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0025] [Figure 1]FIG. 1 is an exploded view showing an example of the configuration of a flavor generation device according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of the atomization unit according to the embodiment. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a diagram showing functional blocks of the flavor generation device according to the embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating threshold values ​​according to the embodiment. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a flow diagram showing a power supply control method according to the embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a diagram for explaining threshold values ​​according to the first modification. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0026] Hereinafter, embodiments will be described. In the following description of the drawings, the same or similar parts are denoted by the same or similar reference numerals. However, it should be noted that the drawings are schematic and the ratios of the dimensions may differ from those of the actual parts.

[0027] Therefore, specific dimensions should be determined with reference to the following explanation. Of course, there may be cases where the dimensional relationships and ratios differ between the drawings.

[0028] [Disclosure Summary] In recent years, it has been considered to provide a flavor generating device with various functions other than simply generating an aerosol or a flavor. In such cases, power from a power source is required to realize the various functions. However, the inventors have found, through their investigation, that various inconveniences arise if all functions are uniformly stopped when the remaining charge of the power source falls below a predetermined remaining charge.

[0029] The flavor generating device according to the present disclosure includes a control unit configured to acquire a remaining amount value indicating the remaining amount of power stored in a power source, a generation unit configured to atomize an aerosol source or heat a flavor source, and an auxiliary device different from the generation unit. The generation unit and the auxiliary device are electrically connected to the power source. The control unit is configured to suppress power supply to at least one of the generation unit and the auxiliary device when the remaining amount value is higher than a discharge end value indicating a discharge end state of the power source.

[0030] According to the outline of the disclosure, the flavor generating device suppresses the power supply to at least one of the generating unit and the auxiliary devices when the remaining power value is higher than the discharge end value. With this configuration, all functions are not stopped uniformly. In other words, when the power supply to the generating unit is suppressed, the remaining power supply used by the auxiliary devices that should be operating can be secured even after the operation of the generating unit has stopped. When the power supply to the auxiliary devices is suppressed, by prioritizing the remaining power supply used by the generating unit, the operating time of the generating unit can be extended or the amount of flavor generated by the generating unit can be increased.

[0031] (Configuration example of flavor generating device) An example of the configuration of a flavor generation device according to an embodiment will be described below. Fig. 1 is an exploded view showing an example of the configuration of a flavor generation device according to an embodiment. Fig. 2 is a schematic view of an atomization unit according to an embodiment.

[0032] The flavor generation device 100 may be a non-combustion flavor generation device for inhaling flavor without combustion. Preferably, the flavor generation device 100 may be a portable flavor generation device. The flavor generation device 100 has an air flow path communicating from an inlet 100in to an outlet 100out. The flavor generation device 100 may have a shape extending along a predetermined direction A, which is a direction from the non-suction end E2 toward the mouth end E1. In such a case, the flavor generation device 100 may include one end E1 having a mouth 100out for inhaling flavor, and another end E2 opposite the mouth 141. The flavor generation device 100 has a power supply unit 110 and an atomization unit 120.

[0033] The power supply unit 110 has a connection part 111 that is electrically and mechanically connected to the atomization unit 120. The power supply unit 110 has an inlet 100 in. Note that the inlet 100 in does not necessarily have to be provided on the power supply unit 110, but may be provided on at least one of the power supply unit 110 and the atomization unit 120.

[0034] The power supply unit 110 may include a power supply 112 , a suction sensor 113 , a light emitting element 114 , and a control unit 115 .

[0035] The power source 112 stores power to be supplied to each component of the flavor generation device 100. For example, the power source 112 may be a secondary battery such as a lithium ion battery. The suction sensor 113 detects the user's puffing action. The light-emitting element 114 may be an element that emits light depending on the state of the flavor generation device 100. For example, the light-emitting element 114 may be an LED. The control unit 115 controls each component of the flavor generation device 100. For example, the control unit 115 may be an MCU (Micro Control Unit).

[0036] The atomization unit 120 has a connection part 121 that is electrically and mechanically connected to the power supply unit 110. When the atomization unit 120 and the power supply unit 110 are mechanically connected to each other, the atomization part 122R and the heating part 124R, which will be described later, are electrically connected to the power supply 112. The atomization unit 110 has an outlet 100out.

[0037] An example of the atomization unit 120 will be described below with reference to Fig. 2. The atomization unit 120 may include a reservoir 122P, a wick 122Q, and an atomization part 122R.

[0038] The reservoir 122P may be configured to store a liquid aerosol source. For example, the reservoir 122P may be a porous body made of a material such as a resin web. The wick 122Q may be a liquid retention member that transports the aerosol source from the reservoir 122P to the vicinity of the atomizing unit 122R by using capillary action. For example, the wick 122Q may be made of glass fiber or porous ceramic. The atomizing unit 122R heats the aerosol source held in the wick 122Q. For example, the atomizing unit 122R is made of a resistance heating element (e.g., a heating wire) wound around the wick 122Q.

[0039] The atomization unit 120 may have an inlet 125. Air flowing in from the inlet 125 passes near the atomization section 122R. The aerosol generated in the atomization section 122R is led to the outlet 100out together with the air. Note that if the power supply unit 110 has an inlet 100in, the air flowing in from the inlet 100in also passes near the atomization section 122R. The inlet 125 may be in communication with the inlet 100in.

[0040] The aerosol source may be a liquid at room temperature. For example, a polyhydric alcohol such as glycerin or propylene glycol can be used as the aerosol source. The aerosol source may be composed of multiple substances. For example, the aerosol source may be composed of a mixed solvent of glycerin, propylene glycol, and water. The aerosol source may contain a tobacco material or an extract derived from the tobacco material that releases flavor and aroma components when heated. Although an aerosol source that is a liquid at room temperature has been exemplified here, the aerosol source may also be a solid at room temperature.

[0041] The atomization unit 120 may have a replaceable flavor unit 130. In such a case, the atomization unit 120 has a heating section 124R that heats the flavor source housed in the flavor unit 130. The heating section 124R may be disposed on the outer periphery of the flavor unit 130 (e.g., the cylindrical body 131). For example, the heating section 124R is configured by a resistance heating element (e.g., a heating wire). As another example, the heating section 124R may be disposed inside the flavor unit 130. As yet another example, the heating section 124R may be disposed on the outer periphery and inside the flavor unit 130.

[0042] The flavor unit 130 has a cylindrical body 131, a ventilation member 132, and a ventilation member 133. The ventilation member 132 and the ventilation member 133 may be mesh bodies or filters. A flavor source is accommodated in the space defined by the cylindrical body 131, the ventilation member 132, and the ventilation member 133.

[0043] The flavor source may be solid at room temperature. As an example, the flavor source is composed of raw material pieces of plant material that impart flavor components to the aerosol. The raw material pieces that make up the flavor source may be formed from a granular product of tobacco material such as shredded tobacco or tobacco raw material. Alternatively, the flavor source may be a shaped product of tobacco material formed into a sheet. Furthermore, the raw material pieces that make up the flavor source may be formed from plants other than tobacco (e.g., mint, herbs, etc.). The flavor source may be imparted with a flavoring such as menthol.

[0044] The flavor source may be accommodated movably within the space defined by the cylindrical body 131, the ventilation member 132, and the ventilation member 133. In such a case, the flavor source flows within the flavor unit 130, reducing unevenness of the flavor source contacting the heating section 124R, thereby enabling stable release of flavor components. Furthermore, in such a case, the flavor source flows within the flavor unit 130, improving breathability within the flavor unit 130 and enabling stable release of flavor components. Alternatively, the flavor source may be substantially fixed within the space defined by the cylindrical body 131, the ventilation member 132, and the ventilation member 133. In such a case, heat can be efficiently transferred from the heating section 124R to the flavor source.

[0045] Here, the atomization unit 120 has a flow path 127 that guides the aerosol generated in the atomization section 122R to the flavor unit 130, and a flow path 128 formed within the flavor unit 130. With this configuration, the aerosol passes through the flavor source, and the flavored aerosol is guided to the outlet 100out.

[0046] In the embodiment, the atomization unit 120 may have a heat insulating material 126 provided on the outside of the heating part 124R. With this configuration, it is possible to suppress the heat transfer loss from the heating part 124R to the flavor source, and to suppress the temperature rise of the outer surface of the atomization unit 120 due to the heat generated by the heating part 124R.

[0047] The flavor generating device 100 may include a mouthpiece having an inhalation port through which a user inhales the inhaled components. The mouthpiece may be configured to be detachable from the atomizing unit 120 or the flavor unit 130, or may be configured as an integral unit. The flavor unit 130 may function as the mouthpiece by being configured to be exposed when connected to the atomizing unit 120. With this configuration, the flavor unit 130 is replaced with a new one once the stored flavor source has released a sufficient amount of flavor, thereby keeping the flavor generating device 100 hygienic.

[0048] The atomization unit 120 may have a flow path 129 that leads the aerosol to the outlet 100out without passing through the flavor source, in addition to the flow path 128 that leads the aerosol to the outlet 100out through the flavor source. The atomization unit 120 may have a flow rate adjusting means that adjusts the ratio of the aerosol that passes through the flow path 128 to the aerosol that passes through the flow path 129.

[0049] (Functional block of flavor generating device) The functional blocks of the flavor generation device according to the embodiment will be described below: Fig. 3 is a diagram showing the functional blocks of the flavor generation device according to the embodiment.

[0050] 3, the control unit 115 controls the generation unit 300 and the auxiliary unit 400. The control unit 115, the generation unit 300, and the auxiliary unit 400 operate using power supplied from the power source 112.

[0051] The generation unit 300 has a heating unit 310 that heats the flavor source and an atomization unit 320 that atomizes the aerosol source. The heating unit 124R described above is an example of the heating unit 310, and the atomization unit 122R described above is an example of the atomization unit 320. However, in the embodiment, the configurations of the heating unit 310 and the atomization unit 320 are not particularly limited.

[0052] The auxiliary device 400 may include a temperature adjustment unit 410, an auxiliary power supply 411, a communication unit 412, a notification unit 413, a volatile memory 414, a nonvolatile memory 415, a suction detection unit 416, a battery temperature detection unit 417, an external environment detection unit 418, and an attachment / detachment detection unit 419. The auxiliary device 400 does not need to include all of these auxiliary devices. The auxiliary device 400 may include elements other than these.

[0053] The temperature adjustment unit 410 adjusts the temperature of the power supply 112. The temperature adjustment unit 410 may be a heater that heats the power supply 112, or a cooler that cools the power supply 112. The temperature adjustment unit 410 may have the functions of both a heater and a cooler. The temperature adjustment unit 410 is an example of a third auxiliary device used to suppress deterioration due to discharge of the power supply. The temperature adjustment unit 410 is an example of a high remaining capacity auxiliary device described below.

[0054] The auxiliary power source 411 is a power source that has a power density superior to that of the power source. The power density is expressed as W / m 3 It may be W / kg, which is the output per unit weight. For example, the power stored in the auxiliary power supply 411 is used by the temperature adjustment unit 410. The auxiliary power supply 411 is an example of a third auxiliary device used to suppress deterioration due to discharge of the power supply. The auxiliary power supply 411 is an example of a high remaining capacity auxiliary device, which will be described later.

[0055] The communication unit 412 communicates with external devices other than the flavor generation device 100 (for example, a smartphone, a tablet, a personal computer, etc.). The communication unit 412 may also communicate with a flavor generation device or a nebulizer separate from the flavor generation device 100. The communication unit 412 may be a wireless module that performs wireless communication, or a wired module that performs wired communication. For example, the wireless communication may be communication compliant with a communication method such as Bluetooth (registered trademark) or IrDA. The wired communication may be achieved by a USB cable. The communication unit 412 is an example of a second auxiliary device different from the first auxiliary device. The communication unit 412 is an example of a low-level auxiliary device, which will be described later.

[0056] The notification unit 413 notifies the user of the status of the flavor generation device 100. The notification unit 413 may be a light-emitting element such as an LED, a display unit such as a display, or a vibration mechanism such as a vibrator. The status of the flavor generation device 100 may be the remaining amount of the aerosol source in the atomization unit 120, or the remaining amount of the flavor source in the flavor unit. The remaining amount may be represented by the number of remaining puffs, the remaining power-on time, or the remaining amount of the aerosol source and the flavor source themselves. Alternatively, the status of the flavor generation device 100 may be the remaining amount of the power source 112. The notification of the remaining amount of the power source 112 may be a charging alert that prompts the user to charge the power source 112 when the remaining amount of the power source 112 is equal to or less than the discharge end value. The light-emitting element 114 described above is an example of the notification unit 413. When notifying the user of the remaining amount, the notification unit 413 may be an example of a first auxiliary device that notifies the user of the remaining amount. In the case of issuing a notification other than a notification regarding the remaining amount, the notification unit 413 may be an example of a second auxiliary device different from the first auxiliary device. That is, the terms first auxiliary device and second auxiliary device may be used differently depending on the function executed by the notification unit 413. The notification unit 413 is an example of a low remaining amount auxiliary device, which will be described later.

[0057] The volatile memory 414 is a memory, such as a DRAM or an SRAM, that cannot retain information without power supplied from the power supply 112. The volatile memory 414 is an example of a second auxiliary device that is different from the first auxiliary device. The volatile memory 414 is an example of a low-level auxiliary device, which will be described later.

[0058] Nonvolatile memory 415 is a memory, such as a flash memory, that can retain information even without power supplied from power supply 112. Nonvolatile memory 415 is an example of a second auxiliary device that is different from the first auxiliary device. Nonvolatile memory 415 is an example of a low-level auxiliary device, which will be described later.

[0059] It should be noted that hereinafter, the volatile memory 414 and the nonvolatile memory 415 may be collectively referred to as memory.

[0060] Suction detection unit 416 is a detection unit that detects a puffing action by the user. The above-mentioned suction sensor 113 is an example of suction detection unit 416. Suction detection unit 416 is an example of a second auxiliary device that is different from the first auxiliary device. Suction detection unit 416 is an example of a low-level auxiliary device.

[0061] The battery temperature detection unit 417 is provided near the power source 112 and is a detection unit that detects the temperature of the power source 112. For example, the battery temperature detection unit 417 may be a temperature sensor. For example, the battery temperature detection unit 417 may be a thermistor or a thermopile. Information detected by the battery temperature detection unit 417 may be used for charge / discharge control of the power source 112. For example, the charge / discharge control may be control that suppresses charge / discharge when the temperature is lower than a threshold value, or control that suppresses charge / discharge when the temperature is higher than a threshold value. The information detected by the battery temperature detection unit 417 may be used for control of the temperature adjustment unit 410 described above. The battery temperature detection unit 417 is an example of a second auxiliary unit different from the first auxiliary unit. The battery temperature detection unit 417 is an example of a low-charge auxiliary unit described later.

[0062] The external environment detection unit 418 is a detection unit that detects at least one of the external temperature and humidity. The external environment detection unit 418 may be provided at a position away from the generation unit 300 so as not to be affected by the generation unit 300. For example, the external environment detection unit 418 may be a temperature sensor or a humidity sensor. Information detected by the external environment detection unit 418 may be used to correct the suction detection unit 416. The external environment detection unit 418 is an example of a second auxiliary unit different from the first auxiliary unit. The external environment detection unit 418 is an example of a low remaining amount auxiliary unit, which will be described later.

[0063] The attachment / detachment detection unit 419 is a detection unit that detects whether the atomization unit 120 is attached or not. The attachment / detachment detection unit 419 may also detect whether the flavor unit 130 is attached or not. For example, the attachment / detachment detection unit 419 may detect whether the unit is attached or not based on a change in electrical resistance. The attachment / detachment detection unit 419 is an example of a second auxiliary unit different from the first auxiliary unit. The attachment / detachment detection unit 419 is an example of a low-level auxiliary unit, which will be described later.

[0064] It should be noted that hereinafter, the suction detection unit 416, the battery temperature detection unit 417, the external environment detection unit 418, and the attachment / detachment detection unit 419 may be collectively referred to as the detection unit.

[0065] In this context, the control unit 115 is configured to acquire a remaining amount value relating to the remaining amount of power stored in the power source 112. When the remaining amount value is higher than a discharge end value, the control unit 115 suppresses the power supply to at least one of the generation unit 300 and the auxiliary device 400. The control unit 115 may suppress the power supply to the auxiliary device 400 even when the remaining amount value is higher than the discharge end value. In the following, suppressing the power supply may be a prohibition of power supply or a reduction in the amount of power supply.

[0066] This will be described in detail with reference to Fig. 4. In Fig. 4, when the end-of-charge value > TH D >TH C >TH B >TH A The relationship is: > discharge end value > guaranteed operation value. As shown in FIG. 4, the charge end value, discharge end value, and guaranteed operation value are determined as the remaining capacity state of power source 112 based on the specifications of power source 112 and control unit 115. The charge end value is a value that indicates the fully charged state of power source 112. The discharge end value is a value that indicates the discharge end state of power source 112. The guaranteed operation value is a value that indicates the remaining capacity value that must be secured to guarantee the operation of control unit 115.

[0067] In such a case, the control unit 115 determines whether the remaining amount is greater than the threshold value TH D, the supply of power to all the generating units 300 is permitted, and the supply of power to all the auxiliary devices 400 is permitted (first process). D If the remaining amount is higher than the threshold TH, there is no electrical load to which the power supply is restricted by the control unit 115. D If the remaining amount is higher than the reference value, the remaining amount is sufficient, and there is no need to suppress the power supply to the generation unit 300 or the auxiliary device 400. As a result, it is possible to prevent the user from feeling uncomfortable due to unnecessary suppression of the functions of the flavor generation device 100.

[0068] Deterioration of the power supply 112 is more likely to progress if the power supply 112 is left for a long time with a high remaining amount than if the power supply 112 is left for a long time with a medium remaining amount. Therefore, when the remaining amount is sufficient, the control unit 115 can bring the remaining amount closer to the medium amount by permitting power supply to all of the generation units 300 and all of the auxiliary devices 400. As a result, the deterioration of the power supply 112 can be slowed compared to when the control unit 115 suppresses power supply to some of the generation units 300 and / or auxiliary devices 400.

[0069] The control unit 115 determines whether the remaining amount is greater than the threshold value TH D If the remaining amount is lower than the threshold value TH C If the temperature is higher than the threshold, power supply to all the generation units 300 is permitted, power supply to the auxiliary units other than the third auxiliary unit (the temperature adjustment unit 410 and the auxiliary power supply 411) is permitted, and power supply to the third auxiliary unit is suppressed (second process).

[0070] The temperature adjusting unit 410 and the auxiliary power supply 411 included in the third auxiliary device are configured to adjust the remaining charge amount to a threshold TH D It is called a high residual capacity auxiliary device because it is only allowed to supply power when the residual capacity is higher than this.

[0071] In the embodiment, the threshold value TH D is an example of a predetermined threshold value used to determine whether or not to permit power supply to the third auxiliary device. D If the threshold value TH is lower than 0.001, the power supply to the third auxiliary device is restricted and the power supply to the generating unit 300 is permitted. Dmay be considered to be an example of a lower threshold value that is smaller than the end-of-charge value.

[0072] The temperature adjustment unit 410 and auxiliary power supply 411 belonging to the third auxiliary device can be used for the purpose of suppressing deterioration of the power supply 112. Deterioration of a general power supply during charging and discharging is suppressed most when the temperature of the power supply is room temperature. On the other hand, the lower or higher the temperature of the power supply, the more the power supply deteriorates. Therefore, by adjusting the temperature of the power supply 112, which is low or high, using the temperature adjustment unit 410 so that it is at or near room temperature, deterioration of the power supply 112 can be effectively suppressed.

[0073] Furthermore, the greater the power or current discharged per unit time from a typical power supply, the more rapidly it deteriorates. For example, if power needs to be supplied simultaneously to all elements included in the generation unit 300 and the auxiliary unit 400, and only the power supply 112 supplies power, the power or current discharged per unit time from the power supply 112 increases. As a result, the power supply 112 is more likely to deteriorate. A similar problem can arise when the heating unit 310 or the atomization unit 320 is configured as an electric heater with a high thermal capacity. A similar problem can arise when the elements included in the auxiliary unit 400 consume a large amount of power. This problem can be solved by using multiple power supplies. When the power or current to be discharged per unit time is large, discharging from multiple power supplies simultaneously can reduce the power or current discharged per power supply. Therefore, using an auxiliary power supply 411 electrically connected to the generation unit 300 and the auxiliary unit 400, like the power supply 112, can effectively suppress deterioration of the power supply 112.

[0074] Incidentally, excluding losses that occur in the conductors and switches that electrically connect the power source 112 and the auxiliary power source 411 when power is supplied from the power source 112 to the auxiliary power source 411, the total amount of power possessed by the power source 112 and the auxiliary power source 411 is preserved before and after the power supply. Therefore, if the remaining charge value of the power source 112 is high, actively supplying power from the power source 112 to the auxiliary power source 411 can be performed, thereby preserving the amount of power possessed by the entire flavor generation device 100 and effectively suppressing deterioration of the power source 112 that would otherwise occur if the device were left unused for a long period of time.

[0075] In this way, the temperature adjustment unit 410 and auxiliary power supply 411 belonging to the third auxiliary device can play a role in suppressing deterioration of the power supply 112. However, since the power supply 112 supplies power to the temperature adjustment unit 410 and auxiliary power supply 411, which reduces the remaining capacity of the power supply 112, if the control unit 115 allows this regardless of the remaining capacity of the power supply 112, the operating time of the generation unit 300 will be shortened. D Only when the voltage Vcc is higher than 1 / V, the control unit 115 allows the power supply 112 to supply power to the third auxiliary device. This makes it possible to extend the operating time of the generation unit 300 and effectively suppress deterioration of the power supply 112. The control unit 115 determines whether the remaining amount is greater than the threshold value TH C If the remaining amount is lower than the threshold value TH B If the temperature is higher than the threshold, the power supply to the atomization unit 320 is permitted, the power supply to the accessories other than the third accessory is permitted, and the power supply to the heating unit 310 is suppressed, and the power supply to the third accessory is suppressed (third process).

[0076] In the embodiment, the threshold value TH C is an example of a first lower limit threshold used to determine whether or not to permit power supply to the heating unit 310. C If the threshold value TH is lower than 1, the power supply to the heating unit 310 is restricted, and the power supply to the auxiliary devices other than the third auxiliary device is permitted. C may be considered to be an example of a lower threshold value that is smaller than the end-of-charge value.

[0077] In another example, the threshold value TH C may be a value defined as the value at which power supply to the heating unit 310 is unable to deliver sufficient flavor from the flavor source into the user's oral cavity.

[0078] As described above, the flavor unit 130 may be configured to impart flavor to the aerosol generated by the atomizing unit 320 as the aerosol passes through the flavor unit 130. In this embodiment, by supplying power only to the atomizing unit 320 out of the heating unit 310 and the atomizing unit 320, the flavored aerosol can be delivered to the user's oral cavity. In other words, the heating unit 310 is used to increase the amount of flavor imparted to the aerosol. In such an embodiment, the threshold TH C may be a value defined such that the supply of power to the heating unit 310 does not increase the flavor imparted to the aerosol, or increases it only to an extent that is not perceptible to the user.

[0079] In any embodiment, it is difficult to deliver a flavored aerosol into the user's oral cavity even if power is supplied only to the heating unit 310 out of the heating unit 310 and the atomizing unit 320. Therefore, the threshold value at which power supply to the heating unit 310 is suppressed is preferably equal to or higher than the threshold value at which power supply to the atomizing unit 320 is suppressed. In the flavor generation device 100 that can generate a flavored aerosol even without power supply to the heating unit 310, the threshold value at which power supply to the heating unit 310 is suppressed is more preferably higher than the threshold value at which power supply to the atomizing unit 320 is suppressed.

[0080] The control unit 115 determines whether the remaining amount is greater than the threshold value TH B If the remaining amount is lower than the threshold value TH A If the power supply voltage is higher than the threshold voltage, the power supply to the auxiliary devices other than the third auxiliary device is permitted, and the power supply to all the generating units 300 is restricted, and the power supply to the third auxiliary device is restricted (fourth process).

[0081] In the embodiment, the threshold value TH B is an example of the third lower limit threshold value used to determine whether or not to permit the supply of power to the atomization unit 320. Bis a value defined as preventing the aerosol source from generating more than a predetermined amount of aerosol by power supply to the atomizing unit 320. For example, the predetermined amount may be about 0.2 mg / puff TPM (Total Particulate Matter), which is a level at which the aerosol traps flavor and is delivered to the user's oral cavity. Alternatively, the predetermined amount may be about 0.01 mg / puff TPM, which is a level that can be sensed by the user.

[0082] The remaining amount is the threshold value TH B If the threshold value TH is lower than 0.001, the power supply to the generating unit 300 is restricted, and the power supply to the auxiliary devices (the first auxiliary device and the second auxiliary device) other than the third auxiliary device is permitted. B may be considered to be an example of a lower threshold value that is smaller than the end-of-charge value.

[0083] If the remaining power value of the power supply 112 is too low to generate a predetermined amount of aerosol, supplying power to the atomizing unit 320 will only waste the amount of power stored in the power supply 112. B When the remaining amount of the fuel is lower than the predetermined value, the control unit 115 suppresses the power supply from the power source 112 to the atomization unit 320, thereby avoiding such waste and extending the operating time of the low remaining amount auxiliary device, which will be described later.

[0084] The control unit 115 determines whether the remaining amount is greater than the threshold value TH A If the remaining charge value is lower than the discharge end value and the remaining charge value is higher than the discharge end value, power supply to the auxiliary devices other than the third auxiliary device and the communication unit 412 is permitted, power supply to all the generation units 300 is suppressed, and power supply to the third auxiliary device and the communication unit 412 is suppressed (fifth process).

[0085] In the embodiment, the remaining amount value is equal to or exceeds a threshold value TH A The control unit 115 determines whether to suppress the power supply to the communication unit 412 based on whether the remaining charge value is higher than the remaining charge value. That is, the control unit 115 is configured to increase the number of target auxiliaries to which power supply should be suppressed, out of two or more second auxiliaries, as the remaining charge value decreases. When the control unit 115 suppresses the power supply to the communication unit 412, it allows the power supply to auxiliaries other than the communication unit 412.

[0086] The notification unit 413, memory, and detection unit are closely related to the state of the flavor generation device 100 and the power source 112. On the other hand, the communication unit 412 does not perform such a function. In other words, the communication unit 412 is less important than the notification unit 413, memory, and detection unit. Therefore, when the remaining amount value decreases, it is preferable that the control unit 115 suppresses the power supply before the notification unit 413, memory, and detection unit.

[0087] When the remaining amount value is lower than the discharge end value and higher than the operation guarantee value, the control unit 115 suppresses the power supply to all the generation units 300 and suppresses the power supply to all the auxiliary devices 400. However, the power supply is permitted for the above-mentioned charge alert function (sixth process). Here, the control unit 115 may transition to a sleep state in which power consumption is suppressed after notifying the charge alert for a certain period of time.

[0088] At least some of the second auxiliary devices are allowed to supply power until the remaining capacity value reaches the discharge end value, and are therefore referred to as low remaining capacity auxiliary devices.

[0089] (Power supply control method) The power supply control method according to the embodiment will be described below. Fig. 5 is a flow diagram showing the power supply control method according to the embodiment. The flow shown in Fig. 5 is a flow executed by the flavor generation device 100 (control unit 115).

[0090] As shown in FIG. 5, in step S10, the flavor generation device 100 detects whether the remaining amount is greater than or equal to a threshold value TH D If the result of the determination is YES, the process proceeds to step S15. If the result of the determination is NO, the process proceeds to step S11.

[0091] In step S11, the flavor generation device 100 determines whether the remaining amount is greater than or equal to the threshold value TH CIf the result of the determination is YES, the process proceeds to step S16. If the result of the determination is NO, the process proceeds to step S12.

[0092] In step S12, the flavor generation device 100 determines whether the remaining amount is greater than or equal to the threshold value TH B If the result of the determination is YES, the process proceeds to step S17. If the result of the determination is NO, the process proceeds to step S13.

[0093] In step S13, the flavor generation device 100 determines whether the remaining amount is greater than or equal to the threshold value TH A If the result of the determination is YES, the process proceeds to step S18. If the result of the determination is NO, the process proceeds to step S14.

[0094] In step S14, the flavor generation device 100 determines whether the remaining amount value is higher than the discharge end value. If the determination result is YES, the process proceeds to step S19. If the determination result is NO, the process proceeds to step S20.

[0095] In step S15, the flavor generation device 100 performs the first process described above.

[0096] In step S16, the flavor generation device 100 performs the second process described above.

[0097] In step S17, the flavor generation device 100 performs the third process described above.

[0098] In step S18, the flavor generation device 100 performs the fourth process described above.

[0099] In step S19, the flavor generation device 100 performs the fifth process described above.

[0100] In step S20, the flavor generation device 100 performs the sixth process described above.

[0101] (Action and effect) In the embodiment, the flavor generation device 100 suppresses the power supply to at least one of the generation unit 300 and the auxiliary unit 400 when the remaining power value is higher than the discharge end value. With this configuration, all functions are not stopped uniformly. That is, when the power supply to the generation unit 300 is suppressed, the remaining power supply used by the auxiliary unit 400, which should be operating, can be secured even after the operation of the generation unit 300 has stopped. When the power supply to the auxiliary unit 400 is suppressed, by prioritizing the remaining power supply used by the generation unit 300, the operating time of the generation unit 300 can be extended or the amount of flavor generated by the generation unit can be increased.

[0102] [Change Example 1] Modification 1 of the embodiment will be described below, with differences from the embodiment being described below.

[0103] In the embodiment, no particular priority order is set for the second auxiliary devices other than the communication unit 412. In contrast, in the first modification, a priority order is set for the second auxiliary devices other than the communication unit 412. In FIG. 6, the threshold value TH B In Figure 6, the remaining values ​​greater than TH A >TH R >TH Q >TH P >The relationship between the discharge end value and

[0104] As shown in FIG. 6, the control unit 115 detects whether the remaining amount is greater than or equal to a threshold value TH R When the remaining charge value is lower than the threshold, the power supply to the external environment detection unit 418 and the attachment / detachment detection unit 419 may be restricted. These units are not related to obtaining information about the power source 112 or writing or reading information to or from memory. Therefore, they are less important than the auxiliary devices to which the power supply is restricted at a lower remaining charge value.

[0105] The control unit 115 determines whether the remaining amount is greater than the threshold value TH QIf the power supply voltage is lower than 0.01V, the power supply to the nonvolatile memory 415 may be stopped. As described above, the nonvolatile memory 415 can retain information even when power supply is reduced. Therefore, the nonvolatile memory 415 has less of an effect on the flavor generation device 100 when power supply is reduced than a volatile memory that cannot retain information when power supply is reduced.

[0106] The control unit 115 determines whether the remaining amount is greater than the threshold value TH P If the battery temperature is lower than , the power supply to notification unit 413 (other than the charge alert), volatile memory 414, and battery temperature detection unit 417 may be stopped. When the charge alert is executed, control unit 115 and notification unit 413 consume the remaining power of power supply 112, so it is preferable that the charge alert be executed at an appropriate timing so as to prevent the remaining power of power supply 112 from decreasing. In order to prevent the remaining power from decreasing, the charge alert may be executed when suction detection unit 416 detects suction.

[0107] The control unit 115 may further stop the supply of power to the suction detection unit 416 when the remaining amount value is lower than the discharge end value.

[0108] With this configuration, priority is also assigned to the second auxiliary devices, so that the remaining capacity of the power source 112 used by the second auxiliary device with higher priority is secured, and the operating time of the second auxiliary device with higher priority can be extended.

[0109] The priority order in the second auxiliary devices other than the communication unit 412 may be other than that in the above-described embodiment.

[0110] As another example, the control unit 115 may P The control unit 115 may stop the power supply to the suction detection unit 416 when the remaining power value is lower than the discharge end value. Furthermore, the control unit 115 may stop the power supply to the notification unit 413 (other than the charge alert), the volatile memory 414, and the battery temperature detection unit 417 when the remaining power value is lower than the discharge end value. This allows the control unit 115 to detect the state of the power source 112 until the remaining power value of the power source 112 reaches the discharge end value. This improves the safety of the flavor generation device 100. As another example, the user may be allowed to set the priority of the second auxiliary devices other than the communication unit 412 freely or based on a predetermined algorithm.

[0111] [Change Example 2] The following describes Modification 2 of the embodiment, focusing on differences from the embodiment.

[0112] Although not specifically mentioned in the embodiment, an example of the remaining capacity value of the power source 112 will be described in Modification Example 2. As the remaining capacity value of the power source 112, the state of charge (SOC) of the power source 112 can be used.

[0113] For example, the control unit 112 may calculate the state of charge of the power source 112 based on the relationship between the state of charge of the power source 112 and the open circuit voltage of the power source 112. In particular, the control unit 112 may store in advance the relationship between the state of charge (SOC) and the open circuit voltage (OCV) (SOC-OCV curve or SOC-OCV line), and calculate the state of charge of the power source 112 by measuring the open circuit voltage of the power source 112.

[0114] Alternatively, the control unit 112 may calculate the state of charge of the power source 112 based on an integrated value of the current charged to and discharged from the power source 112. In particular, the control unit 112 measures the current charged to and discharged from the power source 112 to calculate an increase or decrease in the state of charge relative to the current.

[0115] In these cases, the control unit 112 may be configured to obtain a correction factor including at least one of the internal resistance value of the power source 112, the deterioration state of the power source 112, and the temperature of the power source 112. The control unit 112 may correct the state of charge of the power source 112 based on the correction factor. For example, the internal resistance value of the power source 112 is a factor that affects the characteristics of the SOC-OCV curve and the SOC-OCV straight line described above. The deterioration state of the power source 112 is a factor that affects the full charge capacity. The temperature of the power source 112 is a factor that affects the characteristics of the SOC-OCV curve and the SOC-OCV straight line described above.

[0116] [Change Example 3] The third modification of the embodiment will be described below, focusing on differences from the embodiment.

[0117] In the embodiment, the flavor generating device 100 detects whether the remaining amount is greater than the threshold value TH C When the remaining amount is higher than the threshold value TH C If the temperature is lower than the reference temperature, the power supply to the heating unit 310 is suppressed and the power supply to the atomization unit 320 is permitted.

[0118] In contrast, in the third modification, the flavor generation device 100, like the embodiment, C When the remaining amount is higher than the threshold value TH C If the voltage Vcc is lower than 0.001V, power supply to a selected one of the heating unit 310 and the atomizing unit 32 is permitted. Such a selection may be made by the user. Alternatively, such a selection may be made automatically based on past user selections or selections by other users. For example, the automatic selection may be made by AI (Artificial Intelligence).

[0119] [Change Example 4] The fourth modification of the embodiment will be described below, focusing on differences from the embodiment.

[0120] In the embodiment, the case where the flavor source and the aerosol source are separate has been described. In contrast, Modification Example 4 describes a case where an aerosol-generating article including a flavor source and an aerosol source is provided. For example, the aerosol-generating article may be a rod made of a tobacco product. In such a case, the generation unit 300 heats the aerosol-generating article. Note that the generation unit 300 may include either a heating unit 310 or an atomization unit 320.

[0121] In such a case, the flavor generation device 100 (control unit 115) is configured to suppress the power supply to the generation unit 300 when the remaining amount value is higher than the discharge end value and is equal to or less than the second lower threshold. The second lower threshold is a value defined as a value at which the supply of power to the generation unit 300 prevents the aerosol-generating article from generating a predetermined amount of aerosol or prevents the aerosol-generating article from delivering a flavor into the user's oral cavity.

[0122] That is, in the above-described embodiment, the second lower limit threshold is the threshold TH C It can be considered that the threshold value TH B However, it should be noted that in the fourth modification, the heating unit 310 and the atomization unit 320 are not provided separately.

[0123] [Other embodiments] Although the present invention has been described by the above-mentioned embodiments, the descriptions and drawings that form part of this disclosure should not be understood to limit the present invention. From this disclosure, various alternative embodiments, examples, and operating techniques will become apparent to those skilled in the art.

[0124] In the embodiment, the generation unit 300 includes a heating unit 310 and an atomization unit 320. However, the embodiment is not limited thereto. The generation unit 300 may include either the heating unit 310 or the atomization unit 320.

[0125] In the embodiment, the case where the auxiliary devices listed in Fig. 3 are provided as the auxiliary device 400 has been described as an example. However, the embodiment is not limited to this. It is sufficient that at least one of the auxiliary devices listed in Fig. 3 is provided as the auxiliary device 400.

[0126] Although not specifically mentioned in the embodiments, a program may be provided that causes a computer to execute each process performed by the flavor generation device 100 (control unit 115). The program may also be recorded on a computer-readable medium. Using a computer-readable medium makes it possible to install the program on a computer. Here, the computer-readable medium on which the program is recorded may be a non-transitory recording medium. The non-transitory recording medium is not particularly limited, and may be, for example, a recording medium such as a CD-ROM or a DVD-ROM.

[0127] Alternatively, a chip may be provided that is configured by a memory that stores programs for executing the processes performed by the flavor generation device 100 (control unit 115) and a processor that executes the programs stored in the memory.

Claims

1. A flavor generating device, comprising: Power supply and a heating unit that receives power from the power source and heats the flavor source; a plurality of auxiliary devices other than the heating unit that operate by receiving the power supply; a control unit that controls the supply of power and controls notification of a state of the flavor generation device so as to notify the user of the remaining amount of power; Equipped with the notification is a charge alert that prompts charging of the power source when the remaining amount value of the power source is equal to or less than a first threshold value corresponding to a discharge end value of the power source, The control unit When the remaining amount of the power source is lower than a second threshold value that is higher than the first threshold value, the power supply to the heating unit is suppressed; the power supply is suppressed in order from the lowest priority among the plurality of auxiliary devices each time the remaining power value of the power source falls below a plurality of thresholds between the first threshold and the second threshold, in descending order of priority; The priority is determined by a user setting. Flavor generator.

2. The flavor generating device of claim 1 , wherein the notification is performed regardless of the user setting.

3. The flavor generating device according to claim 1 , wherein the notification is performed by a notification unit including at least a light-emitting element, a display, or a vibrator.

4. The flavor generation device according to claim 1 , further comprising a communication unit that performs wireless communication with an external device.

5. The flavor generating device of claim 4 , wherein the external device comprises a smartphone, a tablet, or a personal computer.

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