Circuit unit for aerosol generator, aerosol generator, and program

Abstract

A control unit that controls the supply of power to a load that heats an aerosol source is provided in a circuit unit for an aerosol generation device. The control unit controls the amount of power supplied to the load to generate aerosol, to less than a reference value if the interval between aerosol puffs is shorter than a first period.

Description

Technical Field

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

Background Art

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

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] In an aerosol generating device, the energization time of the heater is designed assuming a standard suction action. However, when a suction action with a shorter interval between suctions (hereinafter also referred to as "puff interval") than the standard suction action is repeated, the heating of the liquid starts before the liquid temperature in the wick sufficiently drops. When the liquid temperature at the start of energization is high, the vaporization of the liquid is promoted. As a result, the consumption amount of the liquid after the start of energization increases compared to the case of a standard suction action. On the other hand, the supply of the liquid to the wick depends on capillary action. Therefore, when a suction action with a short puff interval is repeated, a situation may occur where the supply of the liquid to the wick cannot catch up. If the supply of the liquid cannot catch up, the generation of the aerosol stops even if the energization of the heater continues. This phenomenon is called liquid depletion.

[0005] This DisclosureThis technology provides a way to suppress liquid depletion during suction, regardless of how the user of the aerosol generator uses it. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, a circuit unit for an aerosol generator having a control unit that controls the supply of power to a load that heats an aerosol source, wherein the control unit controls the amount of power supplied to the load to generate aerosols to be less than a reference value when the interval between aerosol suctions is shorter than a first period The control unit acquires multiple past measurements of the interval between aerosol aspirations, and if the number of consecutive occurrences of measurements shorter than the first period exceeds the first number, it controls the time for supplying power to the load in subsequent aspirations to be progressively shorter than the second period as the number of occurrences increases. The control unit also includes the measurement of the number of occurrences in the calculation even if the measurement is longer than the first period, as long as the excess time is less than the third period. It will be provided. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to the disclosure in claim 1, if it is confirmed that the user's suction interval tends to be short, control can be implemented to prevent liquid depletion. According to the disclosure in claim 2, if it is confirmed that the user's suction interval tends to be short, control can be implemented to prevent liquid depletion. According to the disclosure in claim 3, if it is confirmed that the user's suction interval tends to be short, control can be implemented to prevent liquid depletion. 。 [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0008] [Figure 1] This figure illustrates an example of the external configuration of the aerosol generating device assumed in Embodiment 1. [Figure 2] This diagram schematically shows the internal configuration of the aerosol generating device assumed in Embodiment 1. [Figure 3] This flowchart illustrates an example of controlling the heating time by the control unit used in Embodiment 1. [Figure 4] This diagram illustrates the relationship between the puffing interval and the setting of the heating time in Embodiment 1. [Figure 5] This flowchart illustrates an example of controlling the heating time by the control unit used in Embodiment 2. [Figure 6]This figure illustrates the relationship between the puff interval and the setting of the main heating time in Embodiment 2. (A) shows an example of the timing of suction (puffing), and (B) shows an example of the setting of the main heating time. [Figure 7] This flowchart illustrates an example of controlling the heating time by the control unit used in Embodiment 3. [Figure 8] This figure illustrates the relationship between the puff interval and the setting of the main heating time in Embodiment 3. (A) shows an example of the timing of suction (puffing), and (B) shows an example of the setting of the main heating time. [Figure 9] This flowchart illustrates an example of controlling the heating time by the control unit used in Embodiment 4. [Figure 10] This figure illustrates the relationship between the puff interval and the setting of the main heating time in Embodiment 4. (A) shows an example of the timing of suction (puffing), and (B) shows an example of the setting of the main heating time. [Figure 11] This diagram schematically shows the internal configuration of the aerosol generator assumed in Embodiment 5. [Figure 12] This flowchart illustrates an example of controlling the heating time by the control unit used in Embodiment 5. [Figure 13] This figure illustrates the relationship between the puff interval and the setting of the main heating time in Embodiment 5. (A) shows an example of the timing of suction (puffing), (B) shows the temperature change of the heating section, and (C) shows an example of the setting of the main heating time. [Figure 14] This diagram schematically shows the internal configuration of the aerosol generator assumed in Embodiment 6. [Figure 15] This flowchart illustrates an example of controlling the heating time by the control unit used in Embodiment 6. [Figure 16] This figure illustrates the relationship between the puff interval and the setting of the heating time in Embodiment 6. (A) shows an example of the timing of suction (puffing), (B) shows the change in the resistance value of the heating section, and (C) shows an example of the setting of the heating time. [Figure 17] This diagram schematically shows the internal configuration of the aerosol generating device assumed in Embodiment 7. [Figure 18]It is a flowchart for explaining an example of controlling the main heating time by the control unit used in Embodiment 7. [Figure 19] It is a diagram for explaining the relationship between the puff interval and the setting of the main heating time in Embodiment 7. (A) shows an example of the timing of suction (puff), (B) shows the change in the temperature of the liquid guiding part, and (C) shows an example of the setting of the main heating time. [Figure 20] It is a diagram schematically showing the internal configuration of the aerosol generating device assumed in Embodiment 8. [Figure 21] It is a flowchart for explaining an example of controlling the main heating time by the control unit used in Embodiment 8. [Figure 22] It is a diagram for explaining the relationship between the puff interval and the setting of the main heating time in Embodiment 8. (A) shows an example of the timing of suction (puff), (B) shows the change in the ambient air temperature, and (C) shows an example of the setting of the main heating time. [Figure 23] It is a flowchart for explaining an example of controlling the main heating time by the control unit used in Embodiment 9. [Figure 24] It is a diagram for explaining the relationship between the puff interval and the setting of the main heating time in Embodiment 9. (A) shows an example of the timing of suction (puff), (B) shows an example of the setting of the main heating time when the predicted puff interval is longer than the first period, and (C) shows an example of the setting of the main heating time when the predicted puff interval is shorter than the first period. [[ID=१९]] [[ID=२०]] [Figure 25] It is a flowchart for explaining an example of controlling the main heating time by the control unit used in Embodiment 10. [Figure 26] It is a diagram for explaining the relationship between the puff interval and the setting of the main heating time in Embodiment 10. (A) shows an example of the timing of suction (puff), (B) shows an example of the setting of the main heating time when the number of consecutive short puffs is less than or equal to the first number, and (C) shows an example of the setting of the main heating time when the number of consecutive short puffs is greater than the first number. <� [Figure 27] It is a flowchart for explaining an example of controlling the main heating time by the control unit used in Embodiment 11. [Figure 28]This flowchart illustrates an example of controlling the heating time by the control unit used in Embodiment 12. [Figure 29] This diagram schematically shows the internal configuration of the aerosol generating device assumed in Embodiment 13. [Figure 30] This flowchart illustrates an example of controlling the heating time by the control unit used in Embodiment 13. [Figure 31] This diagram illustrates the preheating time. (A) shows the relationship between the preheating time and the main heating time, and (B) shows the temperature change of the aerosol source. [Figure 32] This diagram illustrates examples of setting the main heating time based on whether or not preheating is performed and the length of the puffing interval. (A) shows the case without preheating, and (B) shows the case with preheating. [Figure 33] This flowchart illustrates an example of controlling the heating time by the control unit used in Embodiment 14. [Figure 34] This flowchart illustrates an example of controlling the heating time by the control unit used in Embodiment 15. [Figure 35] This flowchart illustrates an example of controlling the heating time by the control unit used in Embodiment 16. [Figure 36] This flowchart illustrates an example of controlling the heating time by the control unit used in Embodiment 17. [Figure 37] This figure illustrates an example of the external configuration of the aerosol generating device assumed in Embodiment 18. [Figure 38] This figure schematically shows an example of the internal configuration of the aerosol generating device assumed in Embodiment 19. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0009] Please refer to the following diagrams. Disclosure Embodiments of this will be described. In each drawing, the same parts are denoted by the same reference numerals.

[0010] <Embodiment 1> <Exterior Configuration> Figure 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of the external configuration of the aerosol generating device 1 assumed in Embodiment 1. The aerosol generator 1 shown in Figure 1 is a form of e-cigarette that generates a flavored aerosol without combustion. The e-cigarette shown in Figure 1 has a generally cylindrical shape. The aerosol generator 1 shown in Figure 1 is composed of multiple units. In Figure 1, the multiple units consist of a power supply unit 10, a cartridge 20 containing an aerosol source, and a cartridge 30 containing a flavor source.

[0011] In this embodiment, cartridge 20 is detachable from the power supply unit 10, and cartridge 30 is detachable from cartridge 20. In other words, both cartridge 20 and cartridge 30 are replaceable. The power supply unit 10 has built-in electronic circuits and the like. The power supply unit 10 is a form of circuit unit. Incidentally, a power button 11 is provided on the side of the power supply unit 10. The power button 11 is an example of an operating unit used to input user instructions to the power supply unit 10.

[0012] The cartridge 20 incorporates a liquid storage section for storing the liquid that serves as the aerosol source, a liquid induction section for drawing the liquid from the liquid storage section by capillary action, and a heating section for heating the liquid held in the liquid induction section and vaporizing it. An air inlet (hereinafter referred to as "air inlet") 21 is provided on the side of the cartridge 20. Air entering through the air inlet 21 passes through the inside of the cartridge 20 and is discharged from the cartridge 30. The cartridge 20 is also called an atomizer. Cartridge 30 contains a flavoring unit that adds flavor to the aerosol. Cartridge 30 is provided with a mouthpiece 31.

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

[0014] Cartridge 30 contains a flavoring agent 311. One end of cartridge 30 is used as the mouthpiece 31. Inside cartridges 20 and 30, an air passage 40 is formed which is connected to the air inlet hole 21. The power supply unit 111 is a device that stores the power necessary for operation. The power supply unit 111 supplies power to each component of the aerosol generator 1 through control by the control unit 117. The power supply unit 111 is composed of a rechargeable battery, such as a lithium-ion secondary battery.

[0015] The puff sensor 112 is a sensor that detects aerosol inhalation by the user and is composed of, for example, a flow sensor. The puff sensor 112 is an example of a first sensor. The power button sensor 113 is a sensor that detects operation on the power button 11 (see Figure 1), and is composed of, for example, a pressure sensor. In addition to the puff sensor 112 and the power button sensor 113, the power unit 10 is also equipped with various other sensors. The notification unit 114 is a device used to notify the user of information. The notification unit 114 may include, for example, a light-emitting device, a display device, a sound output device, and a vibration device.

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

[0017] The liquid storage unit 213 is a tank for storing the aerosol source. Aerosols are generated by atomizing the aerosol source stored in the liquid storage unit 213. The aerosol source may be a liquid such as glycerin, polyhydric alcohols such as propylene glycol, or water. The aerosol source may also contain flavoring components derived from tobacco or non-tobacco. If the aerosol generator 1 is a medical inhaler such as a nebulizer, the aerosol source may contain a drug.

[0018] The liquid guide unit 212 is a component that guides and holds the liquid aerosol source from the liquid storage unit 213 to the heating region. The liquid guide unit 212 uses a component called a wick, which is made by twisting a fibrous material such as glass fiber or a porous material such as porous ceramic. When the liquid guide unit 212 is made of a wick, the aerosol source stored in the liquid storage unit 213 is guided to the heating region by the capillary action of the wick.

[0019] The heating unit 211 is a component that generates an aerosol by heating the aerosol source held in the heating region, thereby atomizing the aerosol source. In Figure 2, the heating element 211 is a coil that is wound around the liquid guide element 212. The area of ​​the liquid guide element 212 around which the coil is wound becomes the heating area. The heat generated by the heating element 211 raises the temperature of the aerosol source held in the heating area to its boiling point, and an aerosol is generated. The heating unit 211 generates heat when power is supplied from the power supply unit 111. Power supply to the heating unit 211 is started when predetermined conditions are met. These predetermined conditions include, for example, the user starting to inhale, pressing the power button 11 a predetermined number of times, or inputting predetermined information. However, in this embodiment, power supply to the heating unit 211 is started when inhalation is detected.

[0020] The power supply to the heating unit 211 is stopped when predetermined conditions are met. These predetermined conditions include, for example, the user ending suction, the end of the heating time described later, pressing and holding the power button 11, and inputting predetermined information. However, in this embodiment, the power supply to the heating unit 211 is stopped when suction ends. The heating unit 211 here is an example of a load that consumes electricity.

[0021] The flavor source 311 is a component that imparts flavor components to the aerosol generated within the cartridge 20. The flavor source 311 contains flavor components derived from tobacco or non-tobacco. The air passage 40, which penetrates the inside of cartridges 20 and 30, is a passage for the air and aerosol that the user inhales. The air passage 40 has a tubular structure with an air inlet 21 as the air inlet and an air outlet 42 as the air outlet. A liquid guide unit 212 is located upstream of the air passage 40, and a flavor source 311 is located downstream.

[0022] As the user inhales, the air flowing in through the air inlet 21 is mixed with the aerosol generated by the heating unit 211. The mixed gas is then transported to the air outlet 42, passing through the flavor source 311, as shown by arrow 41. As the gas, which is a mixture of aerosol and air, passes through the flavor source 311, it is imparted with the flavor components of the flavor source 311. It is also possible to use the Flavor Source 311 without attaching it to the cartridge 30.

[0023] The mouthpiece 31 is a component that the user holds in their mouth when suctioning. The mouthpiece 31 is provided with an air outlet 42. By holding the mouthpiece 31 in their mouth and suctioning, the user can take in a mixture of aerosol and air into their oral cavity. The above describes one example of the internal configuration of the aerosol generator 1, but the configuration shown in Figure 2 is merely one possible form. For example, the aerosol generator 1 can also be configured without the cartridge 30. In that case, the cartridge 20 is provided with an intake port 31.

[0024] Furthermore, the aerosol generator 1 may also include multiple types of aerosol sources. Multiple types of aerosols generated from multiple types of aerosol sources may be mixed in the air channel 40 and undergo a chemical reaction to generate even more types of aerosols. Furthermore, the means for atomizing the aerosol source are not limited to heating by the heating unit 211. For example, induction heating techniques may be used to atomize the aerosol source.

[0025] <Controlling the length of the main heating time> Figure 3 is a flowchart illustrating an example of controlling the heating time by the control unit 117 (see Figure 2) used in Embodiment 1. Control by the control unit 117 is achieved through the execution of a program. Therefore, the control unit 117 is a form of computer. In Figure 3, the symbol S is used to indicate a step. In this embodiment, "main heating time" is used to mean the time during which the aerosol source held in the liquid induction unit 212 (see Figure 2) is heated and atomized, and an aerosol is generated.

[0026] In this embodiment, the power supply to the heating unit 211 coincides with the user's suction of the aerosol generator 1 (see Figure 1). Hereinafter, the user's suction of the aerosol generator 1 will also be referred to as "suction of aerosols" generated from the aerosol source. The temperature of the heating unit 211 rises when power is supplied and falls when power is stopped. In this embodiment, the temperature of the heating unit 211 rises above the boiling point of the aerosol when power is supplied and falls below the boiling point of the aerosol when power is stopped.

[0027] In this embodiment, the power supply time to the heating unit 211 and the time it takes for an aerosol to be generated from the liquid induction unit 212 are assumed to be approximately the same. However, strictly speaking, the power immediately after the start of supply is consumed to raise the temperature of the aerosol source held in the liquid induction unit 212. Therefore, there is a time lag between when the liquid temperature of the aerosol source reaches its boiling point and when aerosol generation begins. However, since this time lag is very small, it is ignored in this embodiment.

[0028] First, the control unit 117 determines whether or not the puff sensor 112 has detected the start of suction (Step 1). If the initiation of aerosol inhalation by the user is not detected, the control unit 117 obtains a negative result in step 1. As long as a negative result is obtained in step 1, the control unit 117 repeats the determination in step 1. On the other hand, if the start of aerosol inhalation by the user is detected, the control unit 117 obtains a positive result in step 1. If a positive result is obtained in step 1, the control unit 117 starts the main heating (step 1100), and then obtains the previous puff interval (step 2).

[0029] In this embodiment, the interval between puffs is given by the time from the end of the previous suction (puff) to the start of the current suction (puff). The puff interval may be measured by a timer, for example, or calculated as the difference between the end time of the previous suction and the start time of the current suction. The time is obtained, for example, from a timer built into the control unit 117 or an integrated circuit that implements a timer function. Once the puff interval is obtained, the control unit 117 determines whether the puff interval is shorter than the first period (step 3). The first period here is set by balancing the supply capacity of the aerosol source by the liquid induction unit 212 with the time at which liquid depletion may occur. In this embodiment, the first period is, for example, 10 seconds. Of course, this value is just an example. Note that the first period is not an absolute value and will vary depending on the heating mode adopted, as will be explained in other embodiments described later.

[0030] If the puff interval is longer than the first period, the control unit 117 obtains a negative result in step 3. In this case, the control unit 117 sets the current heating time to the reference time LT1 (step 4). The reference time LT1 here is an example of the second period. In this embodiment, for example, 2.4 seconds is used as the reference time. Of course, this value is just an example of the reference time. The reference time is set to the time during which liquid depletion does not occur due to aerosol inhalation by a standard user when the puff interval is longer than the threshold. On the other hand, if the puff interval is shorter than the threshold, the control unit 117 obtains a positive result in step 3. This case is called a "short puff".

[0031] A short puff refers to a state in which the puff interval is shorter than the first period. In this case, the control unit 117 sets the current heating time to a time LT2 that is shorter than the reference time (step 5). In this embodiment, only the main heating time is shortened, and the voltage and current values ​​supplied to the heating unit 211 are the same regardless of the difference in puff interval. In this embodiment, for example, 1.7 seconds is used as the time LT2. Of course, this value is just one example of the main heating time for short puffs. The shorter the time LT2, the less likely the liquid depletion phenomenon, where aerosols are not generated even when the aerosol source is heated, will occur.

[0032] After setting the heating time in step 4 or step 5, the control unit 117 determines whether or not it is time to finish heating (step 6). In this embodiment, the heating process ends, for example, when the set heating time is completed, when the user stops inhaling the aerosol, or when a forced termination operation is performed. Therefore, even if there is still time remaining in the set heating process, if it is determined that the heating process has ended, power supply to the heating unit 211 is terminated. The elapsed heating time is monitored by the time elapsed since the start of power supply to the heating unit 211. For example, a forced shutdown operation can be performed by pressing and holding the power button 11 (see Figure 1). Pressing and holding the power button 11 means continuing to press and hold the power button 11 for a predetermined period of time or longer. For example, if the power button 11 is pressed for 3 seconds or more, the control unit 117 determines that a long press operation has occurred.

[0033] While a negative result is obtained in step 6, the control unit 117 repeats the determination in step 6. During this time, power is supplied to the heating unit 211. On the other hand, if a positive result is obtained in step 6, the control unit 117 terminates the heating process (step 7). That is, it stops supplying power to the heating unit 211. This completes one suction cycle. In the case of short puffs, the heating time is shorter than the standard time, so the amount of power supplied to the heating unit 211 during one suction cycle is less than the amount of power supplied during the standard time.

[0034] Figure 4 illustrates the relationship between the puff interval and the setting of the main heating time in Embodiment 1. (A) shows an example of the timing of suction (puff), and (B) shows an example of the setting of the main heating time. In Figure 4(A), the vertical axis is the puff intensity, in Figure 4(B) the vertical axis is the heating intensity, and in Figures 4(A) and (B) the horizontal axis is time. The puff intensity is detected by a puff sensor. In this embodiment, the puff intensity is detected by the presence or absence of a puff, but it may also be defined as the amount of air suctioned. The heating intensity is the amount of energy, which is given by the product of the voltage value and the current value supplied to the heating unit 211. In Figures 4(A) and (B), the number of suction (puff) strokes is 5. In Figure 4(A), the interval between the first and second puffs is IT1, the interval between the second and third puffs is IT2, the interval between the third and fourth puffs is IT3, and the interval between the fourth and fifth puffs is IT4. In this example, the intervals between the third and fourth puffs, IT3 and IT4, are shorter than the first interval. That is, the intervals between the third and fourth puffs are determined to be short puffs. Therefore, the intervals between the first and second puffs, IT1 and IT2, are not short puffs.

[0035] Therefore, the main heating time for the first, second, and third puffs is set to the standard time LT1, while the main heating time for the fourth and fifth puffs is set to a shorter time LT2 than the standard time LT1. As a result, even if the interval between puffs is short and the amount of aerosol source supplied to the heating unit 211 before inhalation begins is small, the heating time is shortened compared to the standard time LT2, so liquid depletion does not occur during the fourth puff. The same applies to the fifth puff. Furthermore, for the sixth puff and beyond, if the interval between puffs exceeds the threshold, the main heating time for that inhalation cycle will be reset to the standard time LT1.

[0036] Incidentally, in Figure 4, the period of aerosol inhalation by the user and the heating time of the heating unit 211 are matched within the pre-set main heating time. However, the main heating may be started by turning on the power button 11, or the main heating may be continued even after the user has finished inhaling until the main heating time has elapsed. In these cases, the puff interval does not coincide with the time when the heating is stopped, but as with the control examples described above, liquid depletion during short puffs can be effectively suppressed.

[0037] <Embodiment 2> In Embodiment 2, the puffing interval is defined as the period during which the power supply to the heating unit 211 (see Figure 2) is stopped. In this embodiment, power is supplied to the heating unit 211 by a predetermined operation of the power button 11 (see Figure 1), and power is supplied to the heating unit 211 after the predetermined heating time has elapsed or after the user has forcibly terminated the power supply. However, as in the first embodiment, power may be supplied to the heating unit 211 in accordance with the user's inhalation of aerosols.

[0038] The other configurations of the aerosol generator 1 (see Figure 1) in this embodiment are the same as those in Embodiment 1. That is, the external and internal configurations of the aerosol generator 1 are the same as those in Embodiment 1. Figure 5 is a flowchart illustrating an example of controlling the heating time by the control unit 117 (see Figure 2) used in Embodiment 2. Figure 5 uses reference numerals corresponding to the parts in Figure 3. Control by the control unit 117 is achieved through program execution.

[0039] In this embodiment, the control unit 117 determines whether or not it has detected the start of heating in the heating unit 211 (step 11). That is, it is determined whether or not the heating has started. The start of heating in the heating unit 211 is detected, for example, by turning on the power button 11 (see Figure 1) or by the user starting suction. The "on" operation here refers to an operation that instructs the start of power supply to the heating unit 211, for example, by pressing and holding the power button 11. The start of heating of the aerosol source by the heating unit 211 may also be detected by detecting the current for heating, detecting the voltage for heating, a change in the resistance value of the heating unit 211, a rise in the temperature of the liquid induction unit 212, etc.

[0040] If the start of heating in the heating unit 211 is not detected, the control unit 117 obtains a negative result in step 11. As long as a negative result is obtained in step 11, the control unit 117 repeats the determination in step 11. On the other hand, if the start of heating in the heating unit 211 is detected, the control unit 117 obtains a positive result in step 11. If a positive result is obtained in step 11, the control unit 117 starts the main heating (step 11), and then obtains the previous heating stop time (step 12). The previous heating stop time is given as the elapsed time from the end of heating in the previous suction cycle to the start of heating in the current suction cycle. The heating stop time can be measured, for example, using a timer, or it can be calculated as the difference between the time the previous heating cycle ended and the time the current heating cycle started.

[0041] Once the heating stop time is obtained, the control unit 117 determines whether the heating stop time is shorter than the first period (step 13). The first period here is set, as in Embodiment 1, by balancing the supply capacity of the aerosol source by the liquid induction unit 212 with the time at which liquid depletion may occur. In this embodiment as well, the first period is set to, for example, 10 seconds. Of course, this value is just an example. Note that the first period is not an absolute value and will vary depending on the heating mode adopted, as will be explained in other embodiments described later.

[0042] If the heating stop time is longer than the first period, the control unit 117 obtains a negative result in step 13. In this case, the control unit 117 sets the current heating time to the reference time LT1 (step 4). On the other hand, if the heating stop time is shorter than the first period, i.e., if the short puff condition is met, the control unit 117 sets the current heating time to a time LT2 that is shorter than the reference time (step 5). After setting the heating time in step 4 or step 5, the control unit 117 executes steps 6 and 7 in order to complete one cycle of suction.

[0043] As described above, the control unit 117 in this embodiment focuses on the heating stop time, which is the period during which aerosol generation stops, and detects the occurrence of short puffs that cause liquid depletion. Therefore, the occurrence of liquid depletion can be effectively suppressed. In this embodiment as well, in the case of short puffs, the heating time is shorter than the standard time, so the amount of power supplied to the heating unit 211 during one cycle of suction is less than the amount of power supplied in the case of the standard time.

[0044] Figure 6 illustrates the relationship between the puff interval and the setting of the main heating time in Embodiment 2. (A) shows an example of the timing of suction (puffing), and (B) shows an example of the setting of the main heating time. Figure 6 is denoted with reference numerals corresponding to the parts that correspond to those in Figure 4. In Figure 6(A), the vertical axis represents the puffing intensity, in Figure 6(B), the vertical axis represents the heating intensity, and in Figures 6(A) and (B), the horizontal axis represents time. Figures 6(A) and (B) illustrate the case where the heating period of the heating unit 211 does not coincide with the user's inhalation period. Specifically, they illustrate the case where heating of the heating unit 211 starts when the power button 11 is turned on, and heating ends after a pre-set heating time has elapsed. However, as mentioned above, it is also possible to synchronize the time when the heating unit 211 is heated with the time when the user inhales the aerosol.

[0045] In the cases of Figures 6(A) and (B), the number of suction (puff) operations is also 5. In Figure 6(A), the heating stop time between the first and second puffs is IT11, the heating stop time between the second and third puffs is IT12, the heating stop time between the third and fourth puffs is IT13, and the heating stop time between the fourth and fifth puffs is IT14. In this example, the interval between the third and fourth puffs is shorter than the first interval. That is, the interval between the third and fourth puffs is determined to be a short puff.

[0046] Therefore, the main heating time for the first, second, and third puffs is set to the standard time LT1, while the main heating time for the fourth and fifth puffs is set to a shorter time LT2 than the standard time LT1. As a result, even if the interval between puffs is short and the amount of aerosol source supplied to the heating unit 211 before inhalation begins is small, the heating time is shortened compared to the standard time LT2, so liquid depletion does not occur during the fourth puff. The same applies to the fifth puff. Furthermore, for the sixth puff and subsequent puffs, if the interval between puffs is longer than the first period, the main heating time for that suction cycle will be set back to the standard time LT1.

[0047] <Embodiment 3> In Embodiment 3, the puff interval is defined as the elapsed time from the cessation of the power supply to the heating unit 211 (see Figure 2) in the previous instance until the start of the current suction. In other words, this corresponds to a combination of control from Embodiment 1 and Embodiment 2. The other configurations of the aerosol generator 1 (see Figure 1) in this embodiment are the same as those in Embodiment 1. That is, the external and internal configurations of the aerosol generator 1 are the same as those in Embodiment 1. Figure 7 is a flowchart illustrating an example of controlling the heating time by the control unit 117 (see Figure 2) used in Embodiment 3. Figure 7 is denoted by reference numerals corresponding to the parts shown in Figures 3 and 5. Control by the control unit 117 is achieved through the execution of a program.

[0048] In this embodiment, the control unit 117 determines whether or not it has detected the start of heating of the heating unit 211 (step 11). If the start of heating in the heating unit 211 is not detected, the control unit 117 obtains a negative result in step 11. As long as a negative result is obtained in step 11, the control unit 117 repeats the determination in step 11. On the other hand, if the start of heating in the heating unit 211 is detected, the control unit 117 obtains a positive result in step 11. If a positive result is obtained in step 11, the control unit 117 obtains the end time of the previous heating cycle (step 21). In this embodiment, the end time of heating refers to the time when this heating cycle is completed.

[0049] Next, the control unit 117 determines whether or not the puff sensor 112 has detected the start of suction (Step 1). If the initiation of aerosol inhalation by the user is not detected, the control unit 117 obtains a negative result in step 1. As long as a negative result is obtained in step 1, the control unit 117 repeats the determination in step 1. On the other hand, if the start of aerosol inhalation by the user is detected, the control unit 117 obtains a positive result in step 1. If a positive result is obtained in step 1, the control unit 117 obtains the puff start time (step 22). The puff start time is the time when the positive result was obtained in step 1.

[0050] Next, the control unit 117 calculates the elapsed time from the end time of the previous heating cycle to the start time of the current puffing cycle (step 23). Once the elapsed time is calculated, the control unit 117 determines whether the elapsed time is shorter than the first period (step 24). If the elapsed time is equal to or greater than the first period, the control unit 117 obtains a negative result in step 24. In this case, the control unit 117 sets the current heating time to the reference time LT1 (step 4). On the other hand, if the elapsed time is shorter than the first period, the control unit 117 obtains a positive result in step 24. In this case, the control unit 117 sets the current heating time to a shorter time LT2 than the reference time (step 5).

[0051] After setting the heating time in step 4 or step 5, the control unit 117 executes steps 6 and 7 in order to complete one cycle of suction. As described above, the control unit 117 in this embodiment focuses on the time elapsed between the end of the previous heating cycle and the start of the current aerosol inhalation, and detects the occurrence of short puffs that cause liquid depletion. Therefore, the occurrence of liquid depletion can be effectively suppressed. In this embodiment as well, in the case of short puffs, the heating time is shorter than the standard time, so the amount of power supplied to the heating unit 211 during one cycle of suction is less than the amount of power supplied in the case of the standard time.

[0052] Figure 8 illustrates the relationship between the puff interval and the setting of the main heating time in Embodiment 3. (A) shows an example of the timing of suction (puffing), and (B) shows an example of the setting of the main heating time. Figure 8 is denoted with reference numerals corresponding to the parts that correspond to those in Figure 4. In Figure 8(A), the vertical axis represents the puffing intensity, in Figure 8(B) the vertical axis represents the heating intensity, and in Figures 8(A) and (B) the horizontal axis represents time. Figures 8(A) and (B) also illustrate the case where the heating period of the heating unit 211 does not coincide with the user's inhalation period. Specifically, they illustrate the case where heating of the heating unit 211 begins when the power button 11 is turned on, and heating ends after the pre-set heating time has elapsed. However, as mentioned above, it is also possible to synchronize the time when the heating unit 211 is heated with the time when the user inhales the aerosol.

[0053] In the cases of Figures 8(A) and (B), the number of suction (puff) operations is also 5. In Figure 8(A), the elapsed time between the first and second puffs is IT21, the elapsed time between the second and third puffs is IT22, the elapsed time between the third and fourth puffs is IT23, and the elapsed time between the fourth and fifth puffs is IT24. In this example, the interval between the third and fourth puffs is shorter than the first interval. That is, the interval between the third and fourth puffs is determined to be a short puff.

[0054] Therefore, the main heating time for the first, second, and third puffs is set to the standard time LT1, while the main heating time for the fourth and fifth puffs is set to a shorter time LT2 than the standard time LT1. As a result, even if the interval between puffs is short and the amount of aerosol source supplied to the heating unit 211 before inhalation begins is small, the heating time is shortened compared to the standard time LT2, so liquid depletion does not occur during the fourth puff. The same applies to the fifth puff. Furthermore, for the sixth puff and beyond, if the interval between puffs exceeds the threshold, the main heating time for that inhalation cycle will be reset to the standard time LT1.

[0055] <Embodiment 4> In Embodiment 4, the puff interval is defined as the period from the ON operation to the OFF operation of the power button 11 (see Figure 1). In this embodiment as well, power supply to the heating unit 211 starts when the power button 11 is turned ON, and power supply to the heating unit 211 ends when the preset heating time has elapsed or when the user turns it OFF. In this embodiment, the termination of power supply due to the elapsed time of the pre-set heating period is considered to be the termination of power supply due to a user-initiated off operation.

[0056] The other configurations of the aerosol generator 1 (see Figure 1) in this embodiment are the same as those in Embodiment 1. That is, the external and internal configurations of the aerosol generator 1 are the same as those in Embodiment 1. Figure 9 is a flowchart illustrating an example of controlling the heating time by the control unit 117 (see Figure 2) used in Embodiment 4. Figure 9 is denoted with reference numerals corresponding to the parts in Figure 3. Control by the control unit 117 is achieved through the execution of a program. In this embodiment, the control unit 117 determines whether or not it has detected the power button 11 being turned on (step 31).

[0057] If the power button 11 is not turned on, the control unit 117 obtains a negative result in step 31. As long as a negative result is obtained in step 31, the control unit 117 repeats the determination in step 31. On the other hand, if the power button 11 is turned ON, the control unit 117 obtains a positive result in step 31. If a positive result is obtained in step 31, the control unit 117 obtains the time of this ON operation (step 32). Once the time of the ON operation is obtained, the control unit 117 obtains the time of the previous OFF operation (step 33).

[0058] Next, the control unit 117 calculates the elapsed time from the previous OFF operation to the current ON operation (step 34). Once the elapsed time is calculated, the control unit 117 determines whether the elapsed time is shorter than the first period (step 35). If the elapsed time is equal to or greater than the first period, the control unit 117 obtains a negative result in step 35. In this case, the control unit 117 sets the current heating time to the reference time LT1 (step 4). If the elapsed time is shorter than the first period, the control unit 117 obtains a positive result in step 35. In this case, the control unit 117 sets the current heating time to a shorter time LT2 than the reference time (step 5).

[0059] After setting the heating time in step 4 or step 5, the control unit 117 executes steps 6 and 7 in order to complete one cycle of suction. In this embodiment, the control unit 117 detects the occurrence of short puffs, which cause liquid depletion, based on the relationship between the elapsed time from the off operation to the on operation of the power button 11 and the first period. Therefore, the occurrence of liquid depletion can be effectively suppressed. In this embodiment as well, in the case of short puffs, the heating time is shorter than the standard time, so the amount of power supplied to the heating unit 211 during one cycle of suction is less than the amount of power supplied in the case of the standard time.

[0060] Figure 10 is a diagram illustrating the relationship between the puff interval and the setting of the main heating time in Embodiment 4. (A) shows an example of the timing of suction (puffing), and (B) shows an example of the setting of the main heating time. Figure 10 is denoted with reference numerals corresponding to the parts that correspond to those in Figure 4. In Figure 10(A), the vertical axis is the puffing intensity, in Figure 10(B) the vertical axis is the heating intensity, and in Figures 10(A) and (B) the horizontal axis is time. Figures 10(A) and (B) also illustrate the case where the heating period of the heating unit 211 does not coincide with the period of user inhalation. In other words, they illustrate the case where the user inhales the aerosol at any time within the heating period that is started by turning on the power button 11.

[0061] In the cases of Figures 10(A) and (B), the number of suction (puff) strokes is also 5. In Figure 10(A), the elapsed time between the first and second puffs is IT31, the elapsed time between the second and third puffs is IT32, the elapsed time between the third and fourth puffs is IT33, and the elapsed time between the fourth and fifth puffs is IT34. In this example, the interval between the third and fourth puffs is shorter than the first interval. That is, the interval between the third and fourth puffs is determined to be a short puff.

[0062] Therefore, the main heating time for the first, second, and third puffs is set to the standard time LT1, while the main heating time for the fourth and fifth puffs is set to a shorter time LT2 than the standard time LT1. As a result, even if the interval between puffs is short and the amount of aerosol source supplied to the heating unit 211 before inhalation begins is small, the heating time is shortened compared to the standard time LT2, so liquid depletion does not occur during the fourth puff. The same applies to the fifth puff.

[0063] Furthermore, for the sixth puff and subsequent puffs, if the interval between puffs is longer than the first period, the main heating time for that suction cycle will be set back to the standard time LT1. In this embodiment, the ON and OFF operations of the power button 11 are the targets for detection. However, if power is supplied to the heating unit 211 through the operation of another button or GUI, the control operation described in this embodiment can be performed by detecting those operations.

[0064] <Embodiment 5> Embodiment 5 describes an example of a method for indirectly detecting the occurrence of short puffs. As mentioned above, when the puff interval is short, reheating of the aerosol source in the liquid induction unit 212 begins before the liquid temperature of the aerosol source has sufficiently decreased. This embodiment focuses on this phenomenon. In this embodiment as well, the external configuration of the aerosol generator 1 is the same as in Embodiment 1. However, the internal configuration of the aerosol generator 1 assumed in this embodiment differs in some respects from that of Embodiment 1. Figure 11 is a schematic diagram showing the internal configuration of the aerosol generator 1 assumed in Embodiment 5. Figure 11 is denoted with reference numerals corresponding to the parts that correspond to those in Figure 2.

[0065] The aerosol generator 1 shown in Figure 11 differs from the aerosol generator 1 shown in Figure 2 in that it is equipped with a coil temperature sensor 113A. The heating section 211 is a coil. For example, a thermistor is used for the coil temperature sensor 113A. The thermistor is placed near the coil. The coil temperature sensor 113A is an example of a second sensor. However, instead of the coil temperature sensor 113A, the current flowing through the heating unit 211 may be measured, or the voltage appearing across the resistor connected in series with the heating unit 211 may be measured. When the puff interval is short, the temperature of the heating element 211 at the start of suction becomes higher than when the puff interval is long, and the resistance value of the heating element 211 increases. Therefore, when the puff interval is short, it becomes more difficult for current to flow than when the puff interval is long.

[0066] Therefore, by monitoring the value of the current flowing through the heating unit 211 (i.e., the "current value") and the value of the voltage appearing across the resistor connected in series with the heating unit 211 (i.e., the "voltage value"), it is possible to detect the temperature of the heating unit 211. For example, if a table is provided that associates the relationship between current values ​​or voltage values ​​and the temperature of the heating unit 211, the control unit 117 reads the temperature corresponding to the measured current value or voltage value from the table. Furthermore, if a conversion formula is provided for, for example, between current values ​​or voltage values ​​and the temperature of the heating unit 211, the control unit 117 substitutes the measured current values ​​or voltage values ​​into variables and calculates the corresponding temperature.

[0067] Figure 12 is a flowchart illustrating an example of controlling the heating time by the control unit 117 (see Figure 2) used in Embodiment 5. Figure 12 is denoted by reference numerals corresponding to the parts in Figure 3. Control by the control unit 117 is achieved through the execution of a program. In this embodiment, the control unit 117 determines whether or not the start of suction has been detected by the puff sensor 112 (Step 1). This determination is performed when the heating is initiated by the user's suction. Alternatively, as in Embodiment 2, it may be determined whether or not heating of the heating unit 211 has started, or as in Embodiment 4, it may be determined whether or not the power button 11 (see Figure 1) has been turned ON.

[0068] If the initiation of aerosol inhalation by the user is not detected, the control unit 117 obtains a negative result in step 1. As long as a negative result is obtained in step 1, the control unit 117 repeats the determination in step 1. On the other hand, if the start of aerosol inhalation by the user is detected, the control unit 117 obtains a positive result in step 1. If a positive result is obtained in step 1, the control unit 117 starts the main heating (step 1100), and then obtains the temperature of the coil at the start of inhalation (step 41). The temperature of the coil is the temperature of the heating unit 211. Once the coil temperature is obtained, the control unit 117 determines whether the coil temperature at the start of suction is higher than the first temperature (step 42). The first temperature is set to an intermediate value between the temperature that appears in the case of short puffs and the temperature that appears in the case of non-short puffs.

[0069] If the coil temperature is below the first temperature, the control unit 117 obtains a negative result in step 42. In this case, the control unit 117 sets the current heating time to the reference time LT1 (step 4). On the other hand, if the coil temperature is higher than the first temperature, the control unit 117 obtains a positive result in step 42. In this case, the control unit 117 sets the current heating time to a shorter time LT2 than the reference time (step 5). After setting the heating time in step 4 or step 5, the control unit 117 executes steps 6 and 7 in order to complete one cycle of suction.

[0070] In this embodiment, the control unit 117 focuses on the temperature of the heating unit 211 that generates aerosols and detects the occurrence of short puffs that cause liquid depletion. Therefore, the occurrence of liquid depletion can be effectively suppressed. In this embodiment as well, in the case of short puffs, the heating time is shorter than the standard time, so the amount of power supplied to the heating unit 211 during one cycle of suction is less than the amount of power supplied in the case of the standard time.

[0071] Figure 13 illustrates the relationship between the puff interval and the setting of the heating time in Embodiment 5. (A) shows an example of the timing of suction (puffing), (B) shows the temperature change of the heating unit 211, and (C) shows an example of the setting of the heating time. Figure 13 is denoted with reference numerals corresponding to the parts that correspond to those in Figure 4. In Figure 13(A), the vertical axis is the puffing intensity, in Figure 13(B) the vertical axis is the temperature, and in Figure 13(C) the vertical axis is the heating intensity. The horizontal axis in Figures 13(A) to (C) is time. Figures 13(A) and (B) also illustrate the case where the heating time of the heating unit 211 does not coincide with the period of user inhalation. In other words, they illustrate the case where the user inhales the aerosol at any time within the heating period that is started by turning on the power button 11.

[0072] In the cases of Figures 13(A) and (B), the number of suction (puff) operations is also 5. In Figure 13(A), the intervals between the first and second puffing, the second and third puffing, and the fourth and fifth puffing are not short puffing intervals, but the interval between the third and fourth puffing is assumed to be a short puffing interval. Therefore, in the example shown in Figure 13(B), the temperature TA of the heating unit 211 at the start of the second, third, and fifth puffs is lower than the first temperature. However, the temperature TB of the heating unit 211 at the start of the fourth puff is higher than the first temperature.

[0073] Therefore, in the example shown in Figure 13(C), the main heating time for the first, second, third, and fifth puffs is set to the standard time LT1, while the main heating time for the fourth puff is set to a shorter time LT2 than the standard time LT1. As a result, even if the interval between puffs is short and the amount of aerosol source supplied to the heating unit 211 before inhalation begins is small, the heating time is shortened compared to the standard time LT2, so liquid depletion will not occur during the fourth puff.

[0074] <Embodiment 6> Embodiment 6 also describes an example of a method for indirectly detecting the occurrence of short puffs. In this embodiment, the fact that the heating unit 211 is in a high-temperature state at the start of suction is detected by a change in the resistance value. In this embodiment as well, the external configuration of the aerosol generator 1 is the same as in Embodiment 1. However, the internal configuration of the aerosol generator 1 assumed in this embodiment differs in some respects from that of Embodiment 1. Figure 14 is a schematic diagram showing the internal configuration of the aerosol generator 1 assumed in Embodiment 6. Figure 14 is denoted with reference numerals corresponding to the parts that correspond to those in Figure 2.

[0075] The aerosol generator 1 shown in Figure 14 differs from the aerosol generator 1 shown in Figure 2 in that it is equipped with a resistance sensor 113B. The resistance sensor 113B measures the resistance of the heating section 211. The resistance sensor 113B detects the resistance of the heating unit 211, for example, by measuring the current flowing through the heating unit 211. This method detects changes in resistance caused by temperature changes in the heating unit 211 as changes in current.

[0076] Furthermore, the resistance sensor 113B detects changes in the resistance of the heating unit 211 by measuring the voltage across a resistor connected in series with the heating unit 211, for example. This method detects changes in the resistance of the heating unit 211 caused by temperature changes through changes in the voltage across a resistor connected in series with the heating unit 211.

[0077] Figure 15 is a flowchart illustrating an example of controlling the heating time by the control unit 117 (see Figure 2) used in Embodiment 6. Figure 15 is denoted with reference numerals corresponding to the parts in Figure 3. Control by the control unit 117 is achieved through the execution of a program. In this embodiment, the control unit 117 also determines whether or not the start of suction has been detected by the puff sensor 112 (Step 1). This determination is performed when the heating is initiated by the user's suction. Alternatively, as in Embodiment 2, it may be determined whether or not heating of the heating unit 211 has started, or as in Embodiment 4, it may be determined whether or not the power button 11 (see Figure 1) has been turned ON.

[0078] If the initiation of aerosol inhalation by the user is not detected, the control unit 117 obtains a negative result in step 1. As long as a negative result is obtained in step 1, the control unit 117 repeats the determination in step 1. On the other hand, if the start of aerosol inhalation by the user is detected, the control unit 117 obtains a positive result in step 1. If a positive result is obtained in step 1, the control unit 117 starts the main heating (step 1100), and then obtains the resistance value of the coil at the start of inhalation (step 51). The resistance value of the coil is the resistance value of the heating unit 211. Once the coil's resistance value is obtained, the control unit 117 determines whether the coil's resistance value at the start of suction is greater than the first resistance value (step 52). The first resistance value is determined according to the measured value of the change in resistance value according to the elapsed time since the end of power supply to the heating unit 211. The first resistance value is set to an intermediate value between the resistance value that appears in the case of short puffs and the resistance value that appears in the case of non-short puffs.

[0079] If the coil's resistance is less than or equal to the first resistance, the control unit 117 obtains a negative result in step 52. In this case, the control unit 117 sets the current heating time to the reference time LT1 (step 4). On the other hand, if the resistance value of the coil is greater than the first resistance value, the control unit 117 obtains a positive result in step 52. In this case, the control unit 117 sets the current heating time to a shorter time LT2 than the reference time (step 5). After setting the heating time in step 4 or step 5, the control unit 117 executes steps 6 and 7 in order to complete one cycle of suction.

[0080] In this embodiment, the control unit 117 focuses on the resistance value of the heating unit 211 that generates aerosols and detects the occurrence of short puffs that cause liquid depletion. Therefore, the occurrence of liquid depletion can be effectively suppressed. In this embodiment as well, in the case of short puffs, the heating time is shorter than the standard time, so the amount of power supplied to the heating unit 211 during one cycle of suction is less than the amount of power supplied in the case of the standard time.

[0081] Figure 16 illustrates the relationship between the puff interval and the setting of the heating time in Embodiment 6. (A) shows an example of the timing of suction (puffing), (B) shows the change in the resistance value of the heating unit 211, and (C) shows an example of the setting of the heating time. Figure 16 is denoted with reference numerals corresponding to the parts that correspond to those in Figure 4. In Figure 16(A), the vertical axis is the puffing intensity, in Figure 16(B), the vertical axis is the resistance value, and in Figure 16(C), the vertical axis is the heating intensity. The horizontal axis in Figures 16(A) to (C) is time. Figures 16(A) and (B) also illustrate the case where the heating period of the heating unit 211 does not coincide with the period of user inhalation. In other words, they illustrate the case where the user inhales the aerosol at any time within the heating period that is started by turning on the power button 11.

[0082] In the cases of Figures 16(A) and (B), the number of suction (puff) steps is also 5. In Figure 16(A), the intervals between the first and second puffing, the second and third puffing, and the fourth and fifth puffing are not short puffing intervals, but the interval between the third and fourth puffing is assumed to be a short puffing interval. Therefore, in the example shown in Figure 16(B), the coil resistance RA is lower than the first resistance at the start of the second, third, and fifth puffs. This is because the coil temperature and resistance decreased as time passed since the end of the previous heating cycle.

[0083] However, the coil resistance RB at the start of the fourth puff is higher than the first resistance. This is because the interval between the third and fourth puffs is short, and the temperature of the heating element 211 has not yet dropped sufficiently. Therefore, in the example shown in Figure 16(C), the main heating time for the 1st, 2nd, 3rd, and 5th puffs is set to the standard time LT1, while the main heating time for the 4th puff is set to a shorter time LT2 than the standard time LT1. As a result, even if the interval between puffs is short and the amount of aerosol source supplied to the heating unit 211 before inhalation begins is small, the heating time is shortened compared to the standard time LT2, so liquid depletion will not occur during the fourth puff.

[0084] <Embodiment 7> Embodiment 7 also describes an example of a method for indirectly detecting the occurrence of short puffs. In this embodiment, the fact that the heating unit 211 is in a high-temperature state at the start of suction is detected through the temperature change of the liquid induction unit 212. In this embodiment as well, the external configuration of the aerosol generator 1 is the same as in Embodiment 1. However, the internal configuration of the aerosol generator 1 assumed in this embodiment differs in some respects from that of Embodiment 1. Figure 17 is a schematic diagram showing the internal configuration of the aerosol generator 1 assumed in Embodiment 7. Figure 17 is denoted with reference numerals corresponding to the parts that correspond to those in Figure 2.

[0085] The aerosol generator 1 shown in Figure 17 differs from the aerosol generator 1 shown in Figure 2 in that it is equipped with a liquid temperature sensor 113C. The liquid temperature sensor 113C measures the temperature of the liquid guide unit 212. For this reason, the liquid temperature sensor 113C is positioned near the liquid guide unit 212. For example, a temperature sensor or a thermistor can be used for the liquid temperature sensor 113C. The liquid temperature sensor 113C is an example of a third type of sensor. Figure 18 is a flowchart illustrating an example of controlling the heating time by the control unit 117 (see Figure 2) used in Embodiment 7. Figure 18 is denoted by reference numerals corresponding to the parts in Figure 3. Control by the control unit 117 is achieved through the execution of a program.

[0086] In this embodiment, the control unit 117 also determines whether or not the start of suction has been detected by the puff sensor 112 (Step 1). This determination is performed when the heating is initiated by the user's suction. Alternatively, as in Embodiment 2, it may be determined whether or not heating of the heating unit 211 has started, or as in Embodiment 4, it may be determined whether or not the power button 11 (see Figure 1) has been turned ON. If the initiation of aerosol inhalation by the user is not detected, the control unit 117 obtains a negative result in step 1. As long as a negative result is obtained in step 1, the control unit 117 repeats the determination in step 1.

[0087] On the other hand, if the start of aerosol inhalation by the user is detected, the control unit 117 obtains a positive result in step 1. If a positive result is obtained in step 1, the control unit 117 starts the main heating (step 1100), and then obtains the liquid temperature at the start of inhalation (step 61). The liquid temperature is the temperature of the liquid induction unit 212. Once the temperature of the liquid induction unit 212 is obtained, the control unit 117 determines whether the liquid temperature at the start of suction is greater than the second temperature (step 62). The second temperature is determined according to the measured value of the change in liquid temperature corresponding to the elapsed time since the end of power supply to the heating unit 211.

[0088] If the liquid temperature is below the second temperature, the control unit 117 obtains a negative result in step 62. In this case, the control unit 117 sets the current heating time to the reference time LT1 (step 4). On the other hand, if the liquid temperature is higher than the second temperature, the control unit 117 obtains a positive result in step 62. In this case, the control unit 117 sets the current heating time to a shorter time LT2 than the reference time (step 5). After setting the heating time in step 4 or step 5, the control unit 117 executes steps 6 and 7 in order to complete one cycle of suction.

[0089] In this embodiment, the control unit 117 focuses on the liquid temperature of the heating unit 211 that generates aerosols and detects the occurrence of short puffs that cause liquid depletion. Therefore, the occurrence of liquid depletion can be effectively suppressed. In this embodiment as well, in the case of short puffs, the heating time is shorter than the standard time, so the amount of power supplied to the heating unit 211 during one cycle of suction is less than the amount of power supplied in the case of the standard time.

[0090] Figure 19 illustrates the relationship between the puff interval and the setting of the heating time in Embodiment 7. (A) shows an example of the timing of suction (puffing), (B) shows the change in temperature of the liquid induction section 212, and (C) shows an example of the setting of the heating time. Figure 19 is denoted with reference numerals corresponding to the parts that correspond to those in Figure 4. In Figure 19(A), the vertical axis is the puffing intensity, in Figure 19(B) the vertical axis is the liquid temperature, and in Figure 19(C) the vertical axis is the heating intensity. The horizontal axis in Figures 19(A) to (C) is time. Figures 19(A) and (B) also illustrate the case where the heating time of the heating unit 211 does not coincide with the period of user inhalation. That is, they illustrate the case where the user inhales an aerosol at any time within the heating period that is started by turning on the power button 11. Figure 19(B) shows how the liquid temperature starts to rise simultaneously with the start of heating.

[0091] In the cases of Figures 19(A) and (C), the number of suction (puff) steps is also 5. In Figure 19(A), the intervals between the first and second puffing, the second and third puffing, and the fourth and fifth puffing are not short puffing intervals, but the interval between the third and fourth puffing is assumed to be a short puffing interval. Therefore, in the example shown in Figure 19(B), the liquid temperature TA at the start of the second puff and the start of the third puff, and the liquid temperature TC at the start of the fifth puff, are lower than the second temperature. This is because heating begins when the liquid temperature has dropped to room temperature or close to room temperature as time has passed since the end of the previous heating cycle.

[0092] However, the liquid temperature TB at the start of the fourth puff is higher than the second temperature. This is because the interval between the third and fourth puffs is short, and the temperature of the liquid induction section 212 has not yet dropped sufficiently. Therefore, in the example shown in Figure 19(C), the main heating time for the first, second, third, and fifth puffs is set to the reference time LT1, while the main heating time for the fourth puff is set to a shorter time LT2 than the reference time LT1.

[0093] As a result, even if the interval between puffs is short and the amount of aerosol source supplied to the heating unit 211 before inhalation begins is small, the heating time is shortened compared to the standard time LT2, so liquid depletion will not occur during the fourth puff. In this embodiment, it is assumed that the user's puff is detected almost simultaneously with the start of heating in the heating unit 211. However, the liquid temperature at the time heating in the heating unit 211 starts may also be obtained. The liquid temperature at the time heating in the heating unit 211 starts is the lowest temperature of one cycle. In this case, a lower value than that used in the example in Figure 19 is used for the second temperature.

[0094] <Embodiment 8> In this embodiment, we assume that the ambient temperature in the environment where the aerosol generator 1 is used is low. In countries and regions at high latitudes, the outside temperature in winter is low. When the outside temperature is low, the liquid temperature of the aerosol source stored in the liquid storage section 213 of the aerosol generator 1 also decreases, and at the same time, the viscosity increases. When the viscosity increases, the liquid delivery rate of the aerosol decreases compared to when the temperature is high, not only when the puff interval is short, but also when the puff interval is long. As a result, if the amount of aerosol source supplied to the heating section 211 before suction starts falls below the amount of liquid required for aerosol generation, the same phenomenon as liquid depletion will occur. Therefore, in this embodiment, we focus on the temperature of the environment or atmosphere in which the aerosol generator 1 is used.

[0095] In this embodiment as well, the external configuration of the aerosol generator 1 is the same as in Embodiment 1. However, the internal configuration of the aerosol generator 1 assumed in this embodiment differs in some respects from that of Embodiment 1. Figure 20 is a schematic diagram showing the internal configuration of the aerosol generator 1 assumed in Embodiment 8. Figure 20 is denoted with reference numerals corresponding to the parts that correspond to those in Figure 2. The aerosol generator 1 shown in Figure 20 differs from the aerosol generator 1 shown in Figure 2 in that it is equipped with a temperature sensor 113D. The temperature sensor 113D measures the ambient temperature. For this reason, it is desirable to place the temperature sensor 113D as far away as possible from heat sources within the device. However, since the viscosity of the aerosol source depends on the liquid temperature of the aerosol source stored in the liquid storage unit 213, the liquid temperature sensor may be placed near the liquid storage unit 213.

[0096] Figure 21 is a flowchart illustrating an example of controlling the heating time by the control unit 117 (see Figure 2) used in Embodiment 8. Figure 21 is denoted by reference numerals corresponding to the parts in Figure 3. Control by the control unit 117 is achieved through the execution of a program. In this embodiment, the control unit 117 also determines whether or not the start of suction has been detected by the puff sensor 112 (step 1). This determination is performed when the heating is initiated by the user's suction.

[0097] Alternatively, as in Embodiment 2, it may be determined whether or not heating of the heating unit 211 has started, or as in Embodiment 4, it may be determined whether or not the power button 11 (see Figure 1) has been turned ON. If the initiation of aerosol inhalation by the user is not detected, the control unit 117 obtains a negative result in step 1. As long as a negative result is obtained in step 1, the control unit 117 repeats the determination in step 1.

[0098] On the other hand, if the start of aerosol inhalation by the user is detected, the control unit 117 obtains a positive result in step 1. If a positive result is obtained in step 1, the control unit 117 starts the main heating (step 1100), and then obtains the temperature at the start of inhalation (step 71). The temperature is the ambient temperature around the aerosol generator 1. Once the ambient temperature is obtained, the control unit 117 determines whether the temperature at the start of suction is lower than a temperature threshold (hereinafter referred to as the "temperature threshold") (step 72). The temperature threshold is determined according to the relationship between the viscosity of the aerosol source and the temperature.

[0099] If the temperature is above the temperature threshold, the control unit 117 obtains a negative result in step 72. In this case, the control unit 117 sets the current heating time to the reference time LT1 (step 4). On the other hand, if the temperature is lower than the temperature threshold, the control unit 117 obtains a positive result in step 72. In this case, the control unit 117 sets the current heating time to a shorter time LT2 than the reference time (step 5). After setting the heating time in step 4 or step 5, the control unit 117 executes steps 6 and 7 in order to complete one cycle of suction.

[0100] In this embodiment, the control unit 117 focuses on ambient temperature, which reduces the efficiency of aerosol generation, and detects use in an environment where liquid depletion occurs. Therefore, the occurrence of liquid depletion can be effectively suppressed. Figure 22 illustrates the relationship between the puff interval and the setting of the heating time in Embodiment 8. (A) shows an example of the timing of suction (puffing), (B) shows the change in ambient temperature, and (C) shows an example of the setting of the heating time. Figure 22 is denoted with reference numerals corresponding to the parts that correspond to those in Figure 4. In Figure 22(A), the vertical axis is the puffing intensity, in Figure 22(B) the vertical axis is the ambient temperature, and in Figure 22(C) the vertical axis is the heating intensity. The horizontal axis in Figures 22(A) to (C) is time.

[0101] Figures 22(A) and (C) also illustrate the case where the heating time of the heating unit 211 does not coincide with the period of user inhalation. That is, they illustrate the case where the user inhales the aerosol at any time within the heating period started by turning on the power button 11. Figure 22(B) shows the change in ambient temperature when the aerosol generator 1 is used. Figure 22(B) assumes a scenario in winter where the temperature drops so much that it affects the viscosity of the aerosol source, resulting from moving from a heated room to the outdoors.

[0102] In the case of Figure 22(A), the number of suction (puffing) is also 5. However, in the case of Figure 22(A), the intervals between the 1st and 2nd puffs, the 2nd and 3rd puffs, the 3rd and 4th puffs, and the 4th and 5th puffs are not short puffs. However, the first, second, and third puffs were carried out indoors, while the fourth and fifth puffs were carried out outdoors. Therefore, in Figure 22(B), the temperature drops between the third and fourth puffs.

[0103] Furthermore, there is a period of time between the third and fourth puffs for the liquid temperature of the aerosol source to decrease, and as a result, the liquid temperature of the aerosol source is assumed to be close to the ambient temperature at the start of the fourth puff. Also, the liquid temperature of the aerosol source at that time is assumed to have decreased to a value lower than the ambient temperature threshold. For this reason, in the example shown in Figure 22(C), the main heating time for the first, second, and third puffs is set to the reference time LT1, while the main heating time for the fourth and fifth puffs is set to a shorter time LT2 than the reference time LT1. As a result, in the fourth and fifth puffs, even if the amount of aerosol source supplied to the heating unit 211 before inhalation begins is small due to the low ambient temperature, the heating time is shortened compared to the standard time LT2, thus preventing liquid depletion.

[0104] <Embodiment 9> This embodiment describes a case in which the heating time is controlled by predicting the occurrence of liquid depletion. The other configurations of the aerosol generator 1 (see Figure 1) in this embodiment are the same as in Embodiment 1. That is, the external and internal configurations of the aerosol generator 1 are the same as in Embodiment 1. Figure 23 is a flowchart illustrating an example of controlling the heating time by the control unit 117 (see Figure 2) used in Embodiment 9. Figure 23 is denoted by reference numerals corresponding to the parts in Figure 3. Control by the control unit 117 is achieved through the execution of a program. In this embodiment, the control unit 117 determines whether or not it has detected the start of suction (step 1). If the initiation of aerosol inhalation by the user is not detected, the control unit 117 obtains a negative result in step 1. As long as a negative result is obtained in step 1, the control unit 117 repeats the determination in step 1.

[0105] On the other hand, if the start of aerosol inhalation by the user is detected, the control unit 117 obtains a positive result in step 1. If a positive result is obtained in step 1, the control unit 117 starts the main heating (step 1100), and then acquires a history of several past puff intervals (step 81). The number of puff interval histories to acquire is predetermined. For example, 3 to 5 histories are acquired. The purpose is to prevent liquid depletion during the next suction session, so increasing the number of data points too much will not reveal recent suction trends. On the other hand, increasing the number of data points collected will allow for analysis of the user's long-term suction trends. Once a history of multiple past puff intervals has been acquired, the control unit 117 predicts the next puff interval (step 82). In the previously described embodiment, the latest puff interval is acquired each time a new suction cycle is started, but in this embodiment, the puff interval is predicted before the next suction cycle is started.

[0106] Next, the control unit 117 determines whether the predicted next puff interval is shorter than the first period (step 83). If the predicted next puff interval is longer than the first period, the control unit 117 obtains a negative result in step 83. In this case, the control unit 117 sets the current heating time to the reference time LT1 (step 4). On the other hand, if the predicted next puff interval is shorter than the first period, the control unit 117 obtains a positive result in step 83. In this case, the control unit 117 sets the current heating time to a shorter time LT2 than the reference time (step 5). After setting the heating time in step 4 or step 5, the control unit 117 executes steps 6 and 7 in order to complete one cycle of suction.

[0107] In this embodiment, the control unit 117 proactively shortens the main heating time when the predicted value satisfies the short puff condition. As a result, if the puff interval immediately before the next suction starts is short, the next main heating time will be the same as in the other embodiments described above. On the other hand, if the puff interval immediately before the next suction begins is not short, the heating time will be shorter than in the other embodiments described above. As a result, the puff interval until the next suction becomes substantially longer, making it less likely for the liquid to run out. In this embodiment as well, if the predicted value is short puff, the heating time will be shorter than the standard time, so the amount of power supplied to the heating unit 211 during one cycle of suction will be less than the amount of power supplied during the standard time.

[0108] Figure 24 is a diagram illustrating the relationship between the puff interval and the setting of the main heating time in Embodiment 9. (A) shows an example of the timing of suction (puffing), (B) shows an example of setting the main heating time when the predicted puff interval is greater than or equal to a threshold, and (C) shows an example of setting the main heating time when the predicted puff interval is shorter than a threshold. Figure 24 is denoted with reference numerals corresponding to the parts corresponding to Figure 4. In Figure 24(A), the vertical axis is the puff intensity, and in Figures 24(B) and (C), the vertical axis is the heating intensity. In Figures 24(A) to (C), the horizontal axis is time. In Figure 24(A), the next puff interval is predicted based on the N puff intervals before the M+1 puff begins. In the example in Figure 24(B), the predicted puff interval is not short, so the main heating time is set to the reference time LT1. In the example in Figure 24(C), since the predicted puff interval is short, the main heating time is set to LT2, which is shorter than the reference time. In this embodiment, the interval between the next suction cycles is predicted based on the trends of several past cycles. However, it is also possible to predict the intervals between the next and subsequent suction cycles (i.e., the suction cycles after the next one) and control the power supplied to the predicted suction cycles.

[0109] <Embodiment 10> In this embodiment as well, the heating time is set using the intervals between multiple past puffs. However, in this embodiment, instead of prediction, the heating time for the current suction is set after the start of the current suction, similar to embodiments 1 to 7. The other configurations of the aerosol generator 1 (see Figure 1) in this embodiment are the same as those in Embodiment 1. That is, the external and internal configurations of the aerosol generator 1 are the same as those in Embodiment 1.

[0110] Figure 25 is a flowchart illustrating an example of controlling the heating time by the control unit 117 (see Figure 2) used in Embodiment 10. Figure 25 is denoted with reference numerals corresponding to the parts in Figure 3. Control by the control unit 117 is achieved through the execution of a program. In this embodiment, the control unit 117 determines whether or not it has detected the start of suction (step 1). If the initiation of aerosol inhalation by the user is not detected, the control unit 117 obtains a negative result in step 1. As long as a negative result is obtained in step 1, the control unit 117 repeats the determination in step 1.

[0111] On the other hand, if the start of aerosol inhalation by the user is detected, the control unit 117 obtains a positive result in step 1. If a positive result is obtained in step 1, the control unit 117 starts the main heating (step 1100), and then acquires a history of multiple past puff intervals, including the current puff interval (step 91). In this embodiment, since measured values ​​are used rather than predictions, the current puff interval is also measured. The number of puff intervals to acquire is pre-set. For example, 3 to 5 entries of history will be acquired. The number of puff intervals to acquire should be set within a range that allows for the detection of the most recent suction trend. Once a history of multiple past puff intervals has been acquired, the control unit 117 acquires the number of consecutive times a puff interval shorter than a threshold has occurred up to the present (step 92). The more consecutive times this has occurred, the higher the likelihood that the liquid temperature of the aerosol source at the start of aspiration is, and the higher the likelihood that the supply of the aerosol source will not be able to keep up during this heating process. Alternatively, instead of looking at consecutive counts up to this point, we can look at the maximum number of consecutive counts within the acquired history. Even if the count is not consecutive up to this point, it can indicate the possibility that the liquid temperature is rising.

[0112] Subsequently, the control unit 117 determines whether the number of consecutive times is greater than the first number of times (step 93). When the number of consecutive times is less than or equal to the first number of times, the control unit 117 obtains a negative result in step 93. In this case, the control unit 117 sets the current main heating time to the reference time LT1 (step 4). On the other hand, when the number of consecutive times is greater than the first number of times, the control unit 117 obtains an affirmative result in step 93. In this case, the control unit 117 sets the current main heating time to a shorter time LT3 (<LT1) as the number of times increases (step 94). In the case of this embodiment, the control unit 117 sets the time LT3 to a shorter value step by step as the number of consecutive times increases. For example, the main heating time is shortened by 0.2 seconds × the number of consecutive times. This example is an example of linearly shortening the time LT3 according to the number of consecutive times. However, the time LT3 may be non-linearly shortened according to a quadratic curve or the like.

[0113] After setting the main heating time in step 4 or step 94, the control unit 117 executes steps 6 and 7 in order to end one cycle of suction. In the case of this embodiment, the control unit 117 shortens the main heating time as the number of consecutive occurrences of short puffs increases. This is because as the number of consecutive short puffs increases, the main heating in a state where the liquid temperature of the aerosol source is high continues, and liquid depletion is likely to occur due to an increase in the amount of aerosol generated. However, in this embodiment, since the main heating time becomes shorter as the number of consecutive short puffs increases, liquid depletion is effectively suppressed.

[0114] FIG. 26 is a diagram for explaining the relationship between the puff interval and the setting of the main heating time in Embodiment 10. (A) shows an example of the timing of suction (puff), (B) shows an example of the setting of the main heating time when the number of consecutive short puffs is less than or equal to the first number of times, and (C) shows an example of the setting of the main heating time when the number of consecutive short puffs is greater than the first number of times. Figure 26 shows corresponding parts with reference numerals, as shown in Figure 4. In Figure 26(A), the vertical axis represents the puffing intensity, in Figures 26(B) and (C), the vertical axis represents the heating intensity, and in Figures 26(A) to (C), the horizontal axis represents time. Figure 26(A) illustrates how the number of consecutive short puffs is obtained within the N puff intervals up to the M+1th puff. In the example in Figure 26(B), the number of consecutive heating cycles is less than or equal to the first cycle, so the main heating time is set to the reference time LT1. In the example in Figure 26(C), since the number of consecutive heating cycles is greater than the number of heating cycles in the first cycle, the main heating time is set to LT3, which is shorter than the reference time.

[0115] <Embodiment 11> This embodiment describes a modification of Embodiment 10. In Embodiment 10, the number of consecutive short puffs is counted, but if the puff interval exceeds a threshold even slightly, the count is reset. However, even if the number of suction cycles exceeds the threshold, it may be preferable to consider them as short puffs in practice to prevent liquid depletion. For example, this is the case for users whose puff intervals are slightly above the threshold or whose puff intervals fluctuate slightly around the threshold. In these cases, even if the number of cycles obtained in step 92 (see Figure 25) is small, the liquid temperature at the start of the heating process tends to be high, just as it is when many short puffs occur consecutively. This embodiment describes countermeasures against this type of phenomenon. The other configurations of the aerosol generator 1 (see Figure 1) in this embodiment are the same as those in Embodiment 1. That is, the external and internal configurations of the aerosol generator 1 are the same as those in Embodiment 1.

[0116] Figure 27 is a flowchart illustrating an example of controlling the heating time by the control unit 117 (see Figure 2) used in Embodiment 11. Figure 27 is denoted with reference numerals corresponding to the parts that correspond to those in Figure 25. Control by the control unit 117 is achieved through the execution of a program. In this embodiment, the control unit 117 detects the start of suction (step 1). If the start of aerosol inhalation by the user is not detected, the control unit 117 obtains a negative result in step 1. While a negative result is obtained in step 1, the control unit 117 repeats the determination in step 1. On the other hand, if the start of aerosol inhalation by the user is detected, the control unit 117 obtains a positive result in step 1. When a positive result is obtained in step 1, the control unit 117 starts the main heating (step 1100), and then acquires the history of puff intervals for a plurality of past times including the current puff interval (step 91). In the case of this embodiment, since measured values rather than predicted values are used, the current puff interval is also measured.

[0117] When the history of puff intervals for a plurality of past times is acquired, the control unit 117 acquires the number of times that the puff intervals shorter than the value obtained by adding a margin to the threshold for short puff determination (shown as "threshold + α" in FIG. 27) have continued up to the present (step 101). The value obtained by adding a margin to the threshold for short puff determination is a pseudo threshold for short puff determination. The value α of the margin is given in advance through empirical rules or the like. The value α of the margin is an example of the third period. The number of times acquired in step 101 is likely to be larger than the number of times acquired in step 92 (see FIG. 25). Subsequently, the control unit 117 determines whether the number of consecutive times is greater than the first number of times (step 93).

[0118] When the number of consecutive times is less than or equal to the first number of times, the control unit 117 obtains a negative result in step 93. In this case, the control unit 117 sets the current main heating time to the reference time LT1 (step 4). On the other hand, when the number of consecutive times is greater than the first number of times, the control unit 117 obtains a positive result in step 93. In this case, the control unit 117 sets the current main heating time to a shorter time LT3 (<LT1) as the number of times is larger. (Step 94). After setting the main heating time in step 4 or step 94, the control unit 117 executes steps 6 and 7 in order to end one cycle of inhalation. In this embodiment, the control unit 117 counts the number of consecutive puffs, including pseudo-short puffs, so that even if pseudo-short puffs are performed consecutively, liquid depletion is effectively suppressed.

[0119] <Embodiment 12> This embodiment describes modifications of embodiments 1 to 7. In embodiment 1, the heating time when a short puff was determined to occur was a fixed value. That is, it was a predetermined time LT2. In other words, the amount of power supplied to the heating unit 211 (see Figure 2) during a short puff was always constant. In this embodiment, the amount of power supplied to the heating unit 211 during short puffing is reduced as the interval between the previous puffing cycles decreases. The other configurations of the aerosol generator 1 (see Figure 1) in this embodiment are the same as those in Embodiment 1. That is, the external and internal configurations of the aerosol generator 1 are the same as those in Embodiment 1.

[0120] Figure 28 is a flowchart illustrating an example of controlling the heating time by the control unit 117 (see Figure 2) used in Embodiment 12. Figure 28 uses reference numerals corresponding to parts in Figure 3. Control by the control unit 117 is achieved through program execution. Specifically, Figure 28 describes a modified example of Embodiment 1. In this embodiment as well, the control unit 117 determines whether or not it has detected the start of suction (step 1). If the initiation of aerosol inhalation by the user is not detected, the control unit 117 obtains a negative result in step 1. As long as a negative result is obtained in step 1, the control unit 117 repeats the determination in step 1.

[0121] On the other hand, if the start of aerosol inhalation by the user is detected, the control unit 117 obtains a positive result in step 1. If a positive result is obtained in step 1, the control unit 117 starts the main heating (step 1100), and then obtains the previous puff interval (step 2). Once the puff interval is obtained, the control unit 117 determines whether the puff interval is shorter than the first period (step 3). When the puff interval is longer than or equal to the first period, the control unit 117 obtains a negative result in step 3. In this case, the control unit 117 sets the current main heating time to the reference time LT1 (step 4).

[0122] On the other hand, when the puff interval is shorter than the first period, the control unit 117 obtains an affirmative result in step 3. In this case, the control unit 117 sets the current main heating time to a time LT3 (<LT1) that is shorter as the previous puff interval is shorter (step 111). Note that the time LT3 may be linearly shortened according to the number of consecutive times, or may be non-linearly shortened such as by a quadratic curve. After setting the main heating time by step 4 or step 111, the control unit 117 sequentially executes steps 6 and 7 to end one cycle of suction. In the case of this embodiment, as the previous puff interval is shorter, the amount of electric power supplied to the heating unit 211 in the main heating time is reduced, so the possibility of liquid depletion occurring is suppressed.

[0123] When applying the method of this embodiment to the method of embodiment 2, the shorter the time from the end of the previous heating to the start of the current heating, the shorter the length of the main heating time. When applying the method of this embodiment to the method of embodiment 3, the shorter the time from the end of the previous heating to the start of the current suction, the shorter the length of the main heating time. When applying the method of this embodiment to the method of embodiment 4, the shorter the time from the off operation of the power button 11 in the previous time to the on operation in the current time, the shorter the length of the main heating time. When applying the method of this embodiment to the method of embodiment 5, the higher the temperature of the heating unit 211 at the start of suction, the shorter the length of the main heating time. When applying the method of this embodiment to the method of embodiment 6, the higher the resistance value of the heating unit 211 at the start of suction, the shorter the length of the main heating time. When applying the method of this embodiment to the method of embodiment 7, the higher the temperature of the liquid guiding unit 212 at the start of suction, the shorter the length of the main heating time.

[0124] <Embodiment 13> In this embodiment, a control method focusing on the amount of residual liquid in the aerosol source at the start of heating will be described. As mentioned above, the supply of the aerosol source to the liquid guide unit 212 is by capillary action. In this embodiment, we will describe a control method when the rate of liquid delivery by capillary action depends on the amount of remaining liquid. For example, we will describe a control example when the liquid supply rate decreases due to a decrease in the amount of remaining liquid, and the amount of aerosol source liquid that can be supplied in one suction is less than when the amount of remaining liquid is large. In this case, sufficient aerosol will not be generated in one suction. Therefore, if the heating time remains the same regardless of the remaining liquid volume, the supply of aerosol sources may not keep up, potentially leading to a phenomenon similar to liquid depletion. Therefore, in this embodiment, the length of the heating time is controlled by also considering the amount of residual liquid.

[0125] In this embodiment as well, the external configuration of the aerosol generator 1 is the same as in Embodiment 1. However, the internal configuration of the aerosol generator 1 assumed in this embodiment differs in some respects from that of Embodiment 1. Figure 29 is a schematic diagram showing the internal configuration of the aerosol generator 1 assumed in Embodiment 13. Figure 29 is denoted with reference numerals corresponding to the parts that correspond to those in Figure 2. The aerosol generator 1 shown in Figure 29 differs from the aerosol generator 1 shown in Figure 2 in that it is equipped with a residual liquid volume sensor 113E.

[0126] The residual liquid level sensor 113E can use, for example, a level switch, a level meter, a capacitance sensor, or a sensor to measure the distance to the liquid surface. The distance to the liquid surface can be measured, for example, by the time it takes for ultrasonic waves, electromagnetic waves, or lasers to reflect off the liquid surface and return. However, the final amount of residual liquid used is corrected by the control unit 117 using information about the attitude of the aerosol generator 1. For example, the output signal of the gyro sensor is used as the attitude information. In this embodiment, a residual liquid volume sensor 113E is used, but it is also possible to calculate the residual liquid volume. For example, the liquid consumption for each suction cycle can be calculated as a function of the amount of power supplied to the heating unit 211, so by subtracting the integral value from the initial value, the residual liquid volume at each point in time can be calculated.

[0127] Figure 30 is a flowchart illustrating an example of controlling the heating time by the control unit 117 (see Figure 2) used in Embodiment 13. 30 The parts corresponding to those in Figure 3 are indicated by corresponding reference numerals. Control by the control unit 117 is achieved through the execution of a program. In this embodiment as well, the control unit 117 determines whether or not it has detected the start of suction (step 1). If the initiation of aerosol inhalation by the user is not detected, the control unit 117 obtains a negative result in step 1. As long as a negative result is obtained in step 1, the control unit 117 repeats the determination in step 1. On the other hand, if the start of aerosol inhalation by the user is detected, the control unit 117 obtains a positive result in step 1. If a positive result is obtained in step 1, the control unit 117 starts the main heating (step 1100), and then obtains the previous puff interval (step 2).

[0128] Next, the control unit 117 acquires the amount of remaining liquid in the liquid storage unit 213 (step 121). The amount of remaining liquid may be acquired using the measurement value of the remaining liquid amount sensor 113E, or it may be calculated using the amount of power supplied for each suction cycle. Once the remaining liquid volume is obtained, the control unit 117 determines whether the remaining liquid volume is less than the first remaining volume (step 122). The first remaining volume is preset. If the remaining liquid volume is greater than or equal to the first remaining volume, the control unit 117 obtains a negative result in step 122. In this case, the remaining liquid volume is large, and the same control as in Embodiment 1 described above is performed. That is, the control unit 117 determines whether the puff interval is shorter than the first period (step 3). If a negative result is obtained in step 3, step 4 is executed. If a positive result is obtained in step 3, step 5 is executed.

[0129] On the other hand, when the remaining liquid amount is less than the first remaining amount, the control unit 117 obtains a positive result in step 122. Next, the control unit 117 determines whether the puff interval is shorter than the first period (step 3A). However, the threshold value used for the determination in step 3A may be different from that in step 3. For example, the threshold value used for the determination in step 3A may be smaller than the threshold value used for the determination in step 3. When the remaining liquid amount is less than the first remaining amount but not a short puff, the control unit 117 obtains a negative result in step 3A. In this case, the control unit 117 sets the current main heating time to a time LT2 shorter than the reference time (step 5). However, the main heating time when a negative result is obtained in step 3A only needs to be shorter than the reference time LT1 and does not necessarily have to be LT2. In other words, when the remaining liquid amount is small but not a short puff, the control unit 117 controls the length of the main heating time to be shorter compared to when the remaining liquid amount is large. Thereby, the possibility of liquid depletion is suppressed.

[0130] When the remaining liquid amount is less than the first remaining amount and it is a short puff, the control unit 117 obtains a positive result in step 123. In this case, the control unit 117 sets the current main heating time to a time LT3 (<LT1) that is shorter as the remaining liquid amount is less (step 123). In other words, when the remaining liquid amount is small and it is a short puff, the control unit 117 controls the length of the main heating time to be shorter as the puff interval is shorter. Also here, the main heating time is, for example, shortened step by step. However, secondary it may be shortened non-linearly according to a curve or the like. In any case, even if the liquid supply ability of the aerosol source decreases, the occurrence of liquid depletion can be effectively suppressed. After setting the heating time in step 4, step 5, or step 123, the control unit 117 executes steps 6 and 7 in order to complete one cycle of suction.

[0131] When applying the method of this embodiment to the method of embodiment 2, the puff interval can be the time from the end of the previous heating cycle to the start of the current heating cycle. When applying the method of this embodiment to the method of Embodiment 3, the time from the end of the previous heating cycle to the start of the current suction cycle may be used as the puff interval. When applying the method of this embodiment to the method of embodiment 4, the time from the previous power button 11 off operation to the current on operation may be used as the puff interval. When applying the method of this embodiment to the method of embodiment 5, the puff interval and its determination step can be replaced with the temperature of the heating unit 211 at the start of suction and its determination step. When applying the method of this embodiment to the method of embodiment 6, the puff interval and its determination step can be replaced with the resistance value of the heating unit 211 at the start of suction and its determination step. When applying the method of this embodiment to the method of embodiment 7, the puff interval and its determination step can be replaced with the temperature of the liquid induction unit 212 at the start of suction and its determination step.

[0132] <Embodiment 14> In this embodiment, we assume a case where the heating unit 211 (see Figure 2) has a function to preheat before the main heating. Figure 31 illustrates the preheating time LT0. (A) shows the relationship between the positions of the preheating time LT0 and the main heating time LT11, and (B) shows the temperature change of the aerosol source. In Figure 31(A), the vertical axis represents the heating intensity, and in Figure 31(B), the vertical axis represents temperature, while the horizontal axis in both Figures 31(A) and (B) represents time. The preheating time LT0 is the time for preheating and is placed immediately before the main heating time LT11. Preheating is provided to preheat the liquid temperature of the aerosol source in the liquid guiding part 212 (see FIG. 2) to a temperature above room temperature and below the boiling point. Preheating is a technology that realizes shortening of the delay time from the start of power supply to the heating part 211 until the generation of aerosol.

[0133] By preheating, the liquid temperature of the aerosol source can be raised in advance. For this reason, it becomes possible to allocate the power supplied during the main heating time LT11 to the generation of aerosol rather than to the rise in the liquid temperature of the aerosol source. As a result, aerosol generation becomes possible immediately after the start of the main heating time, and as a result, it becomes possible to increase the total amount of aerosol generated within the main heating time. The time from the start of the main heating time LT11 until the temperature of the aerosol source reaches the boiling point is TD1 when preheating is not used, but can be shortened to TD2 (<TD1) when preheating is used. For this reason, if the length of the main heating time LT11 is the same as when preheating is not used, more aerosol can be generated when preheating is used.

[0134] However, in FIGS. 31(A) and (B), the main heating time LT11 when preheating is used is made shorter than the main heating time LT1 when preheating is not used. This is to make the total amount of aerosol generated within the main heating time the same. In other words, when controlling the aerosol generation amount to be the same as when there is no preheating, it becomes possible to make the main heating time LT11 when preheating is used shorter than the main heating time LT1 when there is no preheating. Note that one of the reasons why aerosol generation is promoted by preheating is that the viscosity of the aerosol source at the start of the main heating time may be lower than when preheating is not used. The lower the viscosity of the aerosol source, the higher the liquid feeding speed to the liquid guiding part 212, and as a result, the liquid supply amount increases. However, as the preheating time becomes longer, the amount of power consumed also increases accordingly. For this reason, the length of the preheating time needs to be set in consideration of the balance with the amount of power consumed during the main heating time.

[0135] Figure 32 illustrates examples of setting the main heating time based on whether or not preheating is performed and the length of the puffing interval. (A) shows the case without preheating, and (B) shows the case with preheating. Here, "no preheating" and "with preheating" do not mean the presence or absence of the preheating function, but rather whether or not the preheating function is used. The example of setting the heating time shown in Figure 32(A) is the same as in Embodiment 1, etc. That is, when the puffing interval is long, the heating time is set to 2.4 seconds, and when the puffing interval is short, the heating time is set to 1.7 seconds. On the other hand, as shown in Figure 32(B), when preheating is used, the main heating time is set shorter than when preheating is not used, regardless of whether the puffing interval is long or short. For example, when preheating is enabled and the puffing interval is long, the main heating time is 1.7 seconds. On the other hand, when preheating is enabled and the puffing interval is short, the main heating time is 1.2 seconds. However, the heating times shown in Figures 32(A) and (B) are just examples, and it is possible to shorten or lengthen the heating time to less than 1.7 seconds when preheating is enabled and the puffing interval is long.

[0136] Figure 33 is a flowchart illustrating an example of controlling the heating time by the control unit 117 (see Figure 2) used in Embodiment 14. In Figure 33, parts corresponding to those in Figure 3 are indicated by corresponding reference numerals. In this embodiment, the control unit 117 first determines whether or not preheating is performed (step 131). If a negative result is obtained in step 131, the control unit 117 performs the same operations as in Embodiment 1, etc. That is, the control unit 117 sets the heating time according to the flowchart shown in Figure 3.

[0137] On the other hand, if a positive result is obtained in step 131, the control unit 117 determines whether or not the puff sensor 112 has detected the start of suction (step 1A). This determination is repeated until a positive result is obtained in step 1A. If a positive result is obtained in step 1A, the control unit 117 starts main heating after the preheating is completed (step 1100A), then obtains the previous puff interval (step 2A), and then determines whether or not the obtained puff interval is shorter than the first period (step 3A).

[0138] If a negative result is obtained in step 3A, the control unit 117 proceeds to step 5 and sets the current heating time to LT2, which is shorter than the reference time. As mentioned above, it is also possible to set a time other than LT2 as the main heating time. If a positive result is obtained in step 3A, the control unit 117 sets the current heating time to a time LT11 that is shorter than the reference time (step 132). Here, the time LT11 is, for example, 1.2 seconds, which is shorter than the current heating time set in steps 4 and 5. After setting the heating time in step 4, step 5, or step 132, the control unit 117 executes steps 6 and 7 in order to complete one cycle of suction. In this embodiment as well, the threshold used for the determination in step 3A may be different from that used in step 3, just as in embodiment 13. Also, if a negative result is obtained in step 3A, the heating time does not need to be LT2 as long as it is shorter than the reference time LT1.

[0139] <Embodiment 15> This embodiment describes the control operation when overheating is detected during the heating time. In this embodiment as well, the external configuration of the aerosol generator 1 is the same as in Embodiment 1. In this embodiment, except for the provision of the coil temperature sensor 113A (see Figure 11), it can be combined with any of Embodiments 1 to 7. Figure 34 is a flowchart illustrating an example of controlling the heating time by the control unit 117 (see Figure 2) used in Embodiment 15. Figure 34 is denoted by reference numerals corresponding to the parts in Figure 12. Control by the control unit 117 is achieved through the execution of a program. In this embodiment, the control unit 117 determines whether or not the puff sensor 112 has detected the start of suction (Step 1).

[0140] While a negative result is obtained in step 1, the control unit 117 repeats the determination in step 1. If a positive result is obtained in step 1, the control unit 117 starts the heating process (step 1100), and then obtains the temperature of the coil at the start of suction (step 41). That is, the temperature of the heating unit 211 (see Figure 2) is obtained. Once the coil temperature is obtained, the control unit 117 determines whether the coil temperature at the start of suction is higher than the third temperature (step 141). The third temperature is a threshold for determining overheating.

[0141] If the acquired temperature is higher than the third temperature, the control unit 117 obtains a positive result in step 141. In this case, the control unit 117 forcibly terminates the heating (step 142). That is, even if the set heating time remains, the control unit 117 terminates the power supply to the heating unit 211. Even after the power supply is cut off, the temperature of the heating unit 211 will remain high for a while. Therefore, aerosol generation will continue for some time.

[0142] By ending the heating before the set heating time expires, the cooling time until the next suction cycle can be extended compared to continuing heating until the heating time expires. As a result, the liquid temperature of the aerosol source at the start of the next suction cycle tends to be lower than when the control according to this embodiment is not adopted. Furthermore, by eliminating overheating, it becomes possible to continue using the aerosol generator 1 within the design temperature range. On the other hand, if a negative result is obtained in step 141, the control unit 117 continues heating according to the set heating time (step 143).

[0143] <Embodiment 16> This embodiment describes other control operations that occur when overheating is detected during the heating time. In this embodiment as well, the external configuration of the aerosol generator 1 is the same as in Embodiment 1. In this embodiment, except for the addition of a liquid temperature sensor 113C (see Figure 17), it can be combined with any of Embodiments 1 to 7. Figure 35 is a flowchart illustrating an example of controlling the heating time by the control unit 117 (see Figure 2) used in Embodiment 16. Figure 35 is denoted with reference numerals corresponding to the parts that correspond to those in Figure 18. Control by the control unit 117 is achieved through the execution of a program. In this embodiment, the control unit 117 also determines whether or not the puff sensor 112 has detected the start of suction (Step 1).

[0144] While a negative result is obtained in step 1, the control unit 117 repeats the determination in step 1. If a positive result is obtained in step 1, the control unit 117 starts the heating process (step 1100), and then obtains the liquid temperature at the start of suction (step 61). The liquid temperature here is the temperature of the liquid induction unit 212. Once the liquid temperature is obtained, the control unit 117 determines whether the liquid temperature at the start of aspiration is higher than the fourth temperature (step 151). The fourth temperature is a threshold for determining overheating.

[0145] If the acquired liquid temperature is higher than the fourth temperature, the control unit 117 obtains a positive result in step 151. In this case, the control unit 117 forcibly terminates the heating (step 152). That is, even if the set heating time remains, the control unit 117 terminates the power supply to the heating unit 211. Even after the power supply is cut off, the temperature of the heating unit 211 will remain high for a while. Therefore, aerosol generation will continue for some time.

[0146] By ending the heating before the set heating time expires, the cooling time until the next suction cycle can be extended compared to continuing heating until the heating time expires. As a result, the liquid temperature of the aerosol source at the start of the next suction cycle tends to be lower than when the control according to this embodiment is not adopted. Furthermore, by eliminating overheating, it becomes possible to continue using the aerosol generator 1 within the design temperature range. On the other hand, if a negative result is obtained in step 151, the control unit 117 continues heating according to the set heating time (step 153).

[0147] <Embodiment 17> In this embodiment, when a short puff is detected, instead of shortening the heating time, the voltage or current value applied to the heating unit 211 is set to a lower value to suppress the occurrence of liquid depletion. The other configurations of the aerosol generator 1 (see Figure 1) in this embodiment are the same as those in Embodiment 1. That is, the external and internal configurations of the aerosol generator 1 are the same as those in Embodiment 1. Figure 36 is a flowchart illustrating an example of controlling the heating time by the control unit 117 (see Figure 2) used in Embodiment 17. Figure 36 is denoted by reference numerals corresponding to the parts in Figure 3. Control by the control unit 117 is achieved through the execution of a program.

[0148] In this embodiment, the control unit 117 also determines whether or not the puff sensor 112 has detected the start of suction (Step 1). While a negative result is obtained in step 1, the control unit 117 repeats the determination in step 1. If a positive result is obtained in step 1, the control unit 117 starts the heating process (step 1100), and then obtains the previous puff interval (step 2). Next, the control unit 117 determines whether the puff interval is shorter than the first period (step 3). That is, it determines whether the most recent puff interval is a short puff.

[0149] If a negative result is obtained in step 3, the control unit 117 sets the maximum voltage value to be applied during this heating time to the reference voltage value (step 161). The reference voltage value here is the same as the voltage value used in Embodiment 1, etc. The reference voltage value here is an example of a second maximum voltage value. As mentioned above, it is also possible to specify a current value. If a positive result is obtained in step 3, the control unit 117 sets the maximum voltage value to be applied during this heating time to a value smaller than the reference voltage value (step 162). In other words, instead of shortening the heating time, the maximum voltage value is set to a lower value. The maximum voltage value set in step 162 is an example of a first maximum voltage value. As a result, the power supplied to the heating unit 211 during the heating time will be less than when the puff interval is not shortened. In other words, it will be less than the reference value. Note that the lower the maximum voltage value is set compared to the reference voltage value, the less power will be supplied to the heating unit 211 during the heating time. Of course, it is also possible to specify a current value instead of a voltage value.

[0150] <Embodiment 18> In the above-described embodiment, an aerosol generator 1 having a power button 11 (see Figure 1) was explained, but it can also be applied to an aerosol generator 1 that does not have a power button 11. Figure 37 illustrates an example of the external configuration of the aerosol generating device 1 assumed in Embodiment 18. Figure 37 is denoted by reference numerals corresponding to the parts that correspond to those in Figure 1. In this embodiment, when the start of suction by the user is detected, power is supplied to the heating unit 211 (see Figure 2).

[0151] <Embodiment 19> In this embodiment, an aerosol generating apparatus 1 is described that has a mechanism for heating an aerosol source as a liquid, as well as a mechanism for heating a substrate containing an aerosol. Figure 38 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the internal configuration of the aerosol generator 1 assumed in Embodiment 19. Figure 38 is denoted with reference numerals corresponding to the parts that correspond to those in Figure 2. The aerosol generating device 1 shown in Figure 38 includes a power supply unit 111, a puff sensor 112, a power button sensor 113, a notification unit 114, a memory unit 115, a communication unit 116, a control unit 117, a heating unit 211, a liquid induction unit 212, and a liquid storage unit 213, as well as a holding unit 301 used to hold the stick-shaped substrate 400, a heating unit 302 arranged on the outer circumference of the holding unit 301, and a heat insulating unit 303 arranged on the outer circumference of the heating unit 302.

[0152] Figure 38 shows the state in which the stick-type substrate 400 is attached to the holding part 301. The user performs the suction operation with the stick-type substrate 400 inserted into the holding part 301. The aerosol generator 1 has an air channel 40 that transports air flowing in from the air inlet 21 to the bottom 301C of the holding section 301 via the liquid guide section 212. Therefore, as the user inhales, the air flowing in from the air inlet 21 flows through the air channel 40 along the arrow 500. The aerosol generated in the heating section 211 and the aerosol generated in the heating section 302 are mixed in this airflow. In this embodiment, the control unit 117 controls not only the heating operation of the heating unit 211 but also the heating operation of the heating unit 302. At that time, the control unit 117 acquires information such as the temperature of the heating unit 302 using a sensor (not shown).

[0153] The holding portion 301 is generally cylindrical in shape. Therefore, the inside of the holding portion 301 is hollow. This hollow space is called the internal space 301A. The internal space 301A is approximately the same diameter as the stick-shaped base material 400 and accommodates the stick-shaped base material 400 inserted through the opening 301B in contact with its tip. In other words, the stick-shaped base material 400 is held in the internal space 301A. The holding portion 301 has a bottom portion 301C on the opposite side of the opening 301B. The bottom portion 301C is connected to the air passage 40.

[0154] The inner diameter of the holding portion 301 is smaller than the outer diameter of the stick-shaped base material 400 in at least a portion of the height direction of the cylindrical body. Therefore, the outer surface of the stick-shaped base material 400 inserted into the internal space 301A from the opening 301B is compressed by the inner wall of the holding portion 301. This compression holds the stick-shaped base material 400 in place of the holding portion 301. The holding portion 301 also has the function of defining the airflow path through the stick-shaped substrate 400. The bottom portion 301C is an air inlet to the holding portion 301, and the opening 301B is an air outlet from the holding portion 301.

[0155] The stick-type base material 400 is a generally cylindrical member. The stick-type base material 400 assumed in this embodiment consists of a base material portion 401 and a suction port portion 402. The base material section 401 contains an aerosol source. The aerosol source is a substance that is atomized by heating and generates an aerosol. The aerosol source contained in the base material section 401 may be a tobacco-derived substance, such as shredded tobacco or processed products made by molding tobacco raw materials into granules, sheets, or powder. However, the aerosol source contained in the base material section 401 may also include non-tobacco-derived substances made from plants other than tobacco (e.g., mint and herbs). For example, the aerosol source may contain fragrance components such as menthol.

[0156] If the aerosol generator 1 is a medical inhaler, the aerosol source of the stick-type substrate 400 may contain a drug for the patient to inhale. The aerosol source is not limited to a solid, but may also be a liquid such as polyhydric alcohols like glycerin and propylene glycol, or water. At least a portion of the base material portion 401 is housed in the internal space 301A of the holding portion 301 when the stick-shaped base material 400 is held by the holding portion 301.

[0157] The suction port 402 is a component that is held in the user's mouth during suction. At least a portion of the suction port 402 protrudes from the opening 301B when the stick-shaped base material 400 is held by the holding portion 301. When the user puts the mouthpiece 402 protruding from the opening 301B into their mouth and inhales, air flows in from the air inlet hole 21 to the bottom 301C of the holding part 301, as described above. The incoming air passes through the internal space 301A of the holding part 301 and the base material part 401 and reaches the user's mouth. The gas passing through the internal space 301A of the holding part 301 and the base material part 401 is mixed with aerosols generated from the base material part 401.

[0158] The heating unit 302 generates an aerosol by heating the aerosol source contained in the base material 401, thereby atomizing the aerosol source. The heating unit 302 is made of any material such as metal or polyimide. For example, the heating unit 302 is made in the form of a film and is arranged to cover the outer circumference of the holding unit 301. When the heating unit 302 generates heat, the aerosol source contained in the stick-shaped substrate 400 is heated from the outer circumference of the stick-shaped substrate 400 and atomized, generating an aerosol.

[0159] The heating unit 302 generates heat when power is supplied from the power supply unit 111. For example, when a predetermined user input is detected by a sensor (not shown), power is supplied to the heating unit 302, and an aerosol is generated. When the temperature of the stick-shaped substrate 400 reaches a predetermined temperature due to heating by the heating unit 302, aerosol generation begins, and the user can inhale it. Subsequently, if a predetermined user input is detected by a sensor (not shown) or the like, power supply to the heating unit 302 is stopped. Furthermore, while user inhalation is detected by the puff sensor 112, power may be continuously supplied to the heating unit 302 to generate an aerosol.

[0160] <Other Embodiments> That's all. Disclosure Although embodiments of this have been described, Disclosure The technical scope of this invention is not limited to the scope described in the embodiments described above. Various modifications or improvements to the embodiments described above are also included. DisclosureIt is clear from the claims that it falls within the technical scope. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0161] 1...Aerosol generator, 10...Power supply unit, 11...Power button, 20, 30...Cartridge, 21...Air inlet, 40...Air flow path, 42...Air outlet, 112...Puff sensor, 113...Power button sensor, 113A...Coil temperature sensor, 113B...Resistance sensor, 113C...Liquid temperature sensor, 113D...Air temperature sensor, 113E...Remaining liquid level sensor, 117...Control unit, 211, 302...Heating unit, 212...Liquid induction unit, 213...Liquid storage unit

Claims

1. It has a control unit that controls the supply of power to a load that heats an aerosol source, The control unit controls the amount of power supplied to the load to generate aerosols to a value less than a reference value when the interval between aerosol suctions is shorter than the first period. This is a circuit unit for an aerosol generator. The control unit acquires multiple past measurements of the interval between aerosol aspirations, and if the number of consecutive occurrences of measurements shorter than the first period exceeds the first number, it controls the time for supplying power to the load in subsequent aspirations to be progressively shorter than the second period as the number of occurrences increases. Even if the measured value is longer than the first period, the control unit includes it in the calculation if the excess time is less than the third period. Circuit unit for an aerosol generator.

2. It has a control unit that controls the supply of power to a load that heats an aerosol source, The control unit controls the amount of power supplied to the load to generate aerosols to a value less than a reference value when the interval between aerosol suctions is shorter than the first period. The control unit acquires multiple past measurements of the interval between aerosol aspirations, and if the number of consecutive occurrences of measurements shorter than the first period exceeds the first number, it controls the time for supplying power to the load in subsequent aspirations to be progressively shorter than the second period as the number of occurrences increases. Even if the measured value is longer than the first period, the control unit includes it in the calculation if the excess time is less than the third period. Aerosol generator.

3. A computer that controls the power supply to the load that heats the aerosol source, When the interval between aerosol suctions is shorter than the first period, the function controls the amount of power supplied to the load to generate aerosols to be less than a reference value. The system acquires multiple past measurements of the interval between aerosol inhalation, and if the number of consecutive occurrences of measurements shorter than the first period exceeds the first number, it controls the time for supplying power to the load in subsequent inhalation cycles to be progressively shorter than the second period as the number of occurrences increases. Even if the measured value is longer than the first period, if the excess time is less than the third period, the function includes including it in the calculation. A program to achieve this.

Images