Flavor inhalation device or aerosol generating device, its operating method and program

Abstract

Provided are an aerosol generation device, etc., the aerosol generation device being configured such that when battery voltage temporarily drops due to power consumption by a heater, limitation of power supply can be avoided.　A device that is a flavor inhaler or an aerosol generation device comprising a heating unit configured to heat a flavor source and / or an aerosol source, a power supply, and a control unit configured to control the supply of power from the power supply to be limited on the basis of determining that the voltage of the power supply is below or equal to a preset voltage, except for a preset period of time, characterized in that the aforesaid preset period of time includes at least a part of the period of time during which the heating by the heating unit is performed by the power from the power supply.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a flavor suction instrument or aerosol generating device that generates one or both of flavor and aerosol (hereinafter referred to as "aerosol, etc.") by heating one or both of a flavor source and an aerosol source (hereinafter referred to as "aerosol source, etc.") (hereinafter referred to as "aerosol generating device, etc."). Background Art

[0002] As aerosol generating devices and the like, suction devices that generate substances to be sucked by users, such as electronic cigarettes and nebulizers, are widely spread. For example, the suction device generates aerosol imparted with a flavor component using a base material including an aerosol source for generating aerosol and a flavor source for imparting a flavor component to the generated aerosol. A user can enjoy the flavor by sucking the aerosol imparted with the flavor component generated by the suction device.

[0003] Further, a device having a storage mode for low power consumption has been proposed (for example, Patent Document 1).

[0004] Furthermore, some suction devices detect an error based on battery voltage and shift to a mode that suppresses power consumption from the battery. Prior Art Documents Patent Documents

[0005] Patent Document 1 Japanese National Publication of International Patent Application No. 2016-528910 Summary of the Invention Problem to be Solved by the Invention

[0006] In recent years, attempts have been made to increase the maximum temperature of heaters used to heat aerosol sources in aerosol generators and other devices compared to conventional designs. To increase the maximum heater temperature, it is necessary to increase the power supplied to the heater from the battery.

[0007] However, generally, as the output from the battery increases, the battery's operating voltage (the voltage between both terminals of the battery when electricity is flowing) decreases. Therefore, in an aerosol generator configured as described above, which detects errors based on battery voltage, attempting to increase the maximum heater temperature may cause the system to mistakenly determine that an error occurred during power supply to the heater, leading to an incorrect transition to the above mode. If the system transitions to the above mode in such a case, the heater will stop heating even though no error has occurred, hindering the proper use of the aerosol generator.

[0008] This disclosure has been made in view of the above, and its objective is to provide an aerosol generating device, etc., that can avoid limitations on power supply when the voltage of a power source such as a battery temporarily drops due to power consumption by a heating element including a heater, etc. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] To solve the above-mentioned problems, an embodiment of the present disclosure provides a flavor inhalation device or aerosol generating device comprising: a heating unit configured to heat one or both of a flavor source and an aerosol source; a power supply; and a control unit configured to restrict the supply of power from the power supply based on the determination that the voltage of the power supply is less than or equal to a predetermined voltage, except for a predetermined period, wherein the predetermined period includes at least a portion of the period during which heating is performed by the heating unit using power from the power supply.

[0010] One embodiment of the device has a mode that reduces power consumption from the power source and is not released until a first predetermined operation is performed, and the restriction of power supply from the power source may be achieved by transitioning to the mode.

[0011] In one embodiment, the first predetermined operation may include connecting the device to an external power source in order to charge the power supply.

[0012] One embodiment of the device further includes a power supply IC for the power supply, wherein the control unit transmits a predetermined command to the power supply IC, thereby causing the device to transition to the mode, and the control unit may be further configured not to transmit the predetermined command to the power supply IC for the predetermined period of time.

[0013] In one embodiment, the control unit may be further configured not to acquire the voltage of the power supply or to not compare the voltage of the power supply with the predetermined voltage during the predetermined period.

[0014] In one embodiment, the predetermined voltage may be a voltage used to determine whether or not the power supply is in an over-discharge state.

[0015] In one embodiment, the threshold value for determining whether the power supply is in an over-discharged state may be 2.8V.

[0016] In one embodiment, the predetermined period may include the entire period during which heating is performed by the heating unit using power from the power source.

[0017] In one embodiment, the predetermined period may include the period from when a second predetermined operation is performed in the apparatus to indicate the start of heating by the heating unit, until a third predetermined operation is performed in the apparatus to indicate that one or both of the flavor source and the aerosol source are absent.

[0018] One embodiment of the apparatus further comprises a cover configured such that the apparatus can hold a substrate containing one or both of the flavor source and the aerosol source only when it is open, and a button for receiving an instruction to start heating by the heating unit, wherein the second predetermined operation includes pressing the button, and the third predetermined operation includes closing the cover.

[0019] In one embodiment, the predetermined period may include a period during which the control unit controls the heating unit according to the heating profile.

[0020] In one embodiment, the predetermined period may include a period during which the control unit controls the heating unit according to the heating profile, during which the target temperature of the heating unit is greater than or equal to the predetermined temperature.

[0021] To solve the above-mentioned problems, an embodiment of the present disclosure provides a method performed by a control unit of a flavor inhalation device or aerosol generating device, which includes a heating unit configured to heat one or both of a flavor source and an aerosol source, and a power supply, the method comprising the step of controlling the supply of power from the power supply to be limited based on the determination that the voltage of the power supply is less than or equal to a predetermined voltage, except for a predetermined period, wherein the predetermined period includes at least a portion of the period during which heating is performed by the heating unit using power from the power supply.

[0022] To solve the above-mentioned problems, a program is provided that causes the control unit of a flavor inhalation device or aerosol generating device, which includes a heating unit configured to heat one or both of a flavor source and an aerosol source, and a power supply, to perform a step of controlling the supply of power from the power supply to be limited based on the determination that the voltage of the power supply is less than or equal to a predetermined voltage, except for a predetermined period, wherein the predetermined period includes at least a portion of the period during which heating is performed by the heating unit using power from the power supply. [Effects of the Invention]

[0023] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, it is possible to avoid restriction on power supply when a power supply voltage temporarily drops due to power consumption by a heating unit. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0024] [Figure 1A] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram schematically showing a first configuration example of an aerosol generating device or the like. [Figure 1B] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram schematically showing a second configuration example of an aerosol generating device or the like. [Figure 2] FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram schematically showing a more detailed configuration example of a part of an aerosol generating device or the like. [Figure 3] FIG. 4 is a flowchart of an exemplary process for appropriately restricting power supply. [Figure 4A] FIG. 5 is a flowchart of a first exemplary process for controlling power supply restriction. [Figure 4B] FIG. 6 is a flowchart of a second exemplary process for controlling power supply restriction. [Figure 5A] FIG. 7 is a flowchart of a first exemplary process for setting and canceling a flag for determining whether a period is a predetermined period. [Figure 5B] FIG. 8 is a flowchart of a second exemplary process for setting and canceling a flag for determining whether a period is a predetermined period. [Figure 5C] FIG. 9 is a flowchart of a third exemplary process for setting and canceling a flag for determining whether a period is a predetermined period. [Figure 6] FIG. 10 is an exemplary heating profile. [Figure 7] FIG. 11 is another exemplary heating profile. MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

[0025] In this disclosure, the aerosol source includes a substance that is also a flavor source, and the flavor source includes a substance that is also an aerosol source. Furthermore, in this disclosure, the flavor inhalation device may generate aerosols in addition to flavor, and the aerosol generating device may generate flavor in addition to aerosol.

[0026] 1. One Embodiment of the Present Disclosure The first embodiment of this disclosure is an aerosol generating apparatus, etc., that can avoid limitations on power supply when the power supply voltage temporarily drops due to power consumption by the heating unit.

[0027] 1-1 Example of configuration of aerosol generating device, etc. Figure 1A is a schematic diagram illustrating a first configuration example of an aerosol generating device, etc. As shown in Figure 1A, the aerosol generating device, etc. 100A according to this configuration example includes a power supply unit 111, a sensor unit 112, a notification unit 113, a storage unit 114, a communication unit 115, a control unit 116, a heating unit 121A, a holding unit 140, and a heat insulating unit 144.

[0028] The power supply unit 111 stores power and supplies power to each component of the aerosol generator 100A, etc., based on control by the control unit 116. The power supply unit 111 may include, for example, a rechargeable battery such as a lithium-ion secondary battery as a power source. Therefore, the power supply unit 111 may include a charging mechanism for charging the rechargeable battery. This charging mechanism may be a charging terminal or a coil for contactless charging, etc.

[0029] The sensor unit 112 acquires various information related to the aerosol generator, etc. 100. The sensor unit 112 may include pressure sensors such as microphone condensers, flow sensors, or temperature sensors, and acquires values ​​associated with user inhalation. The sensor unit 112 may also include input devices such as buttons or switches that accept information input from the user. Furthermore, the sensor unit 112 may include vibration sensors such as accelerometers for detecting vibrations. In addition, the sensor unit 112 may include sensors such as microswitches or Hall sensors to detect whether the cover, which is opened and closed when inserting or removing the substrate 150 (described later) from the aerosol generator, etc. 100, is open or closed.

[0030] The notification unit 113 notifies the user of information. The notification unit 113 may include a vibration device configured to generate vibrations that the user can perceive. The purpose of the vibrations is arbitrary and may be, but is not limited to, providing stimulation to the user or notifying them of some information. The notification unit 113 may also include devices configured to provide other stimuli to the user, such as devices including acoustic elements or light-emitting elements. Furthermore, the notification unit 113 may include a display device that displays a message.

[0031] The memory unit 114 stores various information for the operation of the aerosol generator 100A. The memory unit 114 is composed of a non-volatile storage medium, such as flash memory. The memory unit 114 may also include volatile memory that provides a work area for control by the control unit 116.

[0032] The communication unit 115 may be a communication interface (including communication modules and electronic circuits for communication, which may include antennas; the same applies hereinafter) capable of performing communication in accordance with any wired or wireless communication standard. Examples of such communication standards include Wi-Fi®, Bluetooth®, Sigfox, or LoRA-WAN. The communication unit 115 may be configured to communicate with external devices (not shown).

[0033] The control unit 116 functions as an arithmetic processing unit and control unit, and controls the overall operation of the aerosol generator 100A, etc., according to various programs. The control unit 116 is implemented by an electronic circuit including, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit) or a microprocessor (hereinafter referred to as "processor").

[0034] In the aerosol generating device 100A, a base material 150 is used. In Figure 1A, the base material 150 is in the shape of a stick, but the shape of the base material 150 is not limited to this. The base material 150 includes a base material part 151 and a mouthpiece part 152. The base material part 151 includes an aerosol source, etc. In this example configuration, the aerosol source, etc. is not limited to a liquid, but may be a solid. When the base material 150 is held in the holding part 140, at least a part of the base material part 151 is housed in the internal space 141, and at least a part of the mouthpiece part 152 protrudes from the opening 142. When the user puts the mouthpiece part 152 protruding from the opening 142 in their mouth and sucks, air flows into the internal space 141 from an air inlet hole (not shown), and reaches the user's mouth together with the aerosol, etc. generated from the base material part 151. The base material 150 may include multiple types of aerosol sources, etc. Multiple types of aerosols generated from multiple types of aerosol sources may be mixed and undergo a chemical reaction to generate even more types of aerosols.

[0035] The holding portion 140 has an internal space 141 and holds the base material 150 while accommodating a portion of the base material 150 within the internal space 141. The holding portion 140 has an opening 142 that communicates the internal space 141 with the outside and holds the base material 150 inserted into the internal space 141 from the opening 142. For example, the holding portion 140 is a cylindrical body with the opening 142 and bottom portion 143 as its base surface, defining a columnar internal space 141. The holding portion 140 also has the function of defining a flow path for air supplied to the base material 150. An air inlet hole, which is the entrance for air to such a flow path, is located, for example, at the bottom portion 143. On the other hand, the air outlet hole, which is the exit for air from such a flow path, is the opening 142.

[0036] The heating unit 121A includes a heater for generating aerosols by heating the substrate 150 to atomize an aerosol source, etc. In the example shown in Figure 1A, the heating unit 121A is configured in a film shape and is arranged to cover the outer circumference of the holding unit 140. When the heating unit 121A generates heat, the substrate portion 151 of the substrate 150 is heated from the outer circumference, and aerosols are generated. The heating unit 121A generates heat when power is supplied from the power supply unit 111. For example, power may be supplied when the sensor unit 112 detects that the user has started suctioning and / or that predetermined information has been input. Power may be stopped when the sensor unit 112 detects that the user has finished suctioning and / or that predetermined information has been input.

[0037] The heat insulating section 144 prevents heat transfer from the heating section 121A to other components. For example, the heat insulating section 144 is made of a vacuum insulating material or an aerogel insulating material.

[0038] Figure 1B is a schematic diagram illustrating a second configuration example of an aerosol generator, etc. In Figure 1B, components that are substantially the same as those in the aerosol generator, etc. 100A are denoted by the same reference numerals. As shown in Figure 1B, the aerosol generator, etc. 100B according to this configuration example includes some components that are substantially the same as those in the aerosol generator, etc. 100A, and a heating unit 121B.

[0039] The heating unit 121B has a configuration similar to that of the heating unit 121A in the first configuration example. However, in the example shown in Figure 1B, the heating unit 121B is configured in a blade shape and is positioned to protrude from the bottom 143 of the holding unit 140 into the internal space 141. In this case, the blade-shaped heating unit 121B is inserted into the base material portion 151 of the base material 150. When the heating unit 121B generates heat, the base material portion 151 of the base material 150 is heated from the inside, and an aerosol or the like is generated.

[0040] The above describes examples of the configurations of the aerosol generating apparatus 100A and 100B (hereinafter referred to as "aerosol generating apparatus 100"). Of course, the configuration of the aerosol generating apparatus 100 is not limited to the above, and can take various configurations as exemplified below.

[0041] As an example, the aerosol generating device 100 may include a heating element that, unlike the heating elements 121A and 121B, is positioned to cover the bottom 143 of the holding element 140. Furthermore, the aerosol generating device 100 may include a heating element configured as a combination of two or more of the following: a first heating element (heating element 121A) covering the outer circumference of the holding element 140, a blade-shaped second heating element (heating element 121B), and a third heating element covering the bottom 143 of the holding element 140.

[0042] As another example, the holding part 140 may include an opening and closing mechanism such as a slider or hinge that opens and closes a part of the outer shell that forms the internal space 141, i.e., a cover. The holding part 140 may be configured such that the base material 150 can be inserted into and removed from the aerosol generating device 100 by opening the cover. The cover may also be configured so that it cannot be closed when the base material 150 is inserted. In other words, the cover may be configured such that the base material can only be held in the aerosol generating device 100 when it is open.

[0043] As another example, the housing section 140 may include an opening and closing mechanism, such as a hinge, that opens and closes a part of the outer shell forming the internal space 141. The housing section 140 may then house the stick-shaped base material 150 inserted into the internal space 141 while clamping it by opening and closing the outer shell. In this case, the heating section 121B may be provided at the clamping location in the housing section 140 and may heat the stick-shaped base material 150 while pressing it.

[0044] Furthermore, the means for atomizing the aerosol source is not limited to heating by the heating unit 121B. For example, the means for atomizing the aerosol source may be induction heating. In that case, the suction device 100B has at least an electromagnetic induction source, such as a coil that generates a magnetic field, instead of the heating unit 121B. The susceptor that generates heat by induction heating may be provided in the suction device 100B or may be included in the stick-type substrate 150.

[0045] 1-2 Shipment Mode The aerosol generator etc. 100 has a mode (hereinafter referred to as "shipment mode" by those skilled in the art) that reduces battery consumption during transportation after the product has been shipped or when an error occurs. In shipment mode, the power supply from the power supply unit 111 to other components of the aerosol generator etc. 100 is zero or nearly zero. Furthermore, the shipment mode may be a mode that is not deactivated until a predetermined operation is performed.

[0046] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram illustrating a more detailed configuration example of some of the aerosol generators 100, etc., for realizing the shipment mode.

[0047] 210 indicates a power supply which is a rechargeable battery, 220 indicates a charging mechanism for charging the power supply 210, and 230 indicates a power supply IC for managing the power supply in the aerosol generator etc. 100. The power supply IC 230 may be configured to measure or acquire the state of the power supply 210 (e.g., voltage, current, temperature, state of charge (SOC), state of health (SOH), and relative state of charge (RSOC)).

[0048] The thick lines in Figure 2 indicate the power supply path. Therefore, the power supply 210 is configured to supply power to each component of the aerosol generator 100, including the control unit 116, via the power supply IC 230. The charging mechanism 220 is configured to supply power for charging to the power supply 210 via the power supply IC 230 (i.e., it applies a charging voltage and supplies a charging current). The power supply IC 230 may be configured to step down or step up the voltage from one or both of the power supply 210 and the charging mechanism 220 to stabilize it so that a constant voltage is output. The power supply IC 230 may also be configured to output various voltages so that an appropriate voltage is applied to each component.

[0049] On the other hand, the thin lines in Figure 2 indicate the transmission paths of various signals, including control signals. Therefore, the power supply IC 230 is controlled by the control unit 116 via control signals and is configured to provide the state of the power supply 210 as a signal to the control unit 116.

[0050] According to the above configuration, the power supply IC 230 can stop supplying power to each component of the aerosol generator, etc. 100, including the control unit 116, based on the transmission of a predetermined command from the control unit 116 via a control signal. In other words, the above configuration makes it possible to realize shipment mode in the aerosol generator, etc. 100.

[0051] Furthermore, according to the above configuration, the control unit 116 can obtain the voltage of the power supply 210 and, based on the determination that the voltage is less than or equal to a predetermined threshold, transmit the predetermined command to the power supply IC 230.

[0052] Furthermore, according to the above configuration, the power supply IC 230 can detect that the aerosol generator etc. 100 is connected to an external power source via the charging mechanism 220 by detecting, for example, the voltage for charging the power supply 210 from the charging mechanism 220. Therefore, according to the above configuration, the aerosol generator etc. 100 can resume power supply to each component of the aerosol generator etc. 100 based solely on the operation of connecting the aerosol generator etc. 100 to an external power source via, for example, a USB (universal Serial Bus) cable. Note that the power supply IC 230 may also resume power supply to each component of the aerosol generator etc. 100 based on another operation. For example, if a control signal transmission path (not shown) is provided between the power supply IC 230 and an input device included in the sensor unit 112, and the power supply IC 230 is configured to always supply power to such an input device, the power supply IC 230 can resume power supply to each component of the aerosol generator etc. 100 based solely on an operation on the input device. In other words, the power supply IC 230 can be configured to release the shipment mode only based on predetermined operations (hereinafter referred to as "first predetermined operations"), such as connecting the aerosol generator 100 to an external power supply or operating on the input device described above. In other words, it can be configured not to release the shipment mode until the first predetermined operation is performed.

[0053] 1-3 Processing performed by the control unit 116 1-3-1 Processes for appropriately limiting power supply Figure 3 is a flowchart of an example process 300 for appropriately limiting power supply. Note that the execution of the example process 300 may be started at any time. For example, the execution of the example process 300 may be started in response to the release of shipment mode, but the timing of the start of the execution of the example process 300 is not limited to this. Furthermore, the example process 300 may be executed independently of other processes. In other words, other processes may be executed without waiting for the completion of the example process 300.

[0054] 310 indicates a step in which control is performed to limit the power supply from the power supply 210 based on the determination that the voltage of the power supply 210 is below a predetermined voltage, except for a predetermined period.

[0055] The following describes the specific process for achieving step 310.

[0056] 1-3-1-1 First exemplary process for controlling power supply restrictions Figure 4A is a flowchart of a first exemplary process 400A for controlling power supply limitations, which may be included in step 310.

[0057] Step 410A indicates a step to obtain the voltage of the power supply 210. As described above, the control unit 116 can obtain the voltage of the power supply 210 by communicating with the power supply IC 230. Alternatively, the control unit 116 can obtain the voltage of the power supply 210 from, for example, a battery level indicator that monitors the voltage. As long as power is supplied from the power supply 210 to operate the control unit 116, the voltage obtained in step 410A is the operating voltage of the power supply 210.

[0058] Step 420A indicates a step in which it is determined whether the voltage of the power supply 210 obtained in step 410A is less than a predetermined voltage ("less than" may also be "less than or equal to"). The predetermined voltage in step 420A may be a voltage used to determine whether the power supply 210 is in an over-discharge state. If the power supply 210 is a lithium-ion secondary battery, such a predetermined voltage may be 2.8V. If it is determined that the voltage of the power supply 210 is less than the predetermined voltage, the process proceeds to step 430A; otherwise, the process returns to step 410A. Note that in step 420A, the process may be configured to proceed to step 430A only if the voltage of the power supply 210 is less than the predetermined voltage for a predetermined number of consecutive times. The predetermined number of times may be any number, for example, 3 times.

[0059] 430A indicates a step to determine whether there is a predetermined period during which the voltage of the power supply 210 may mistakenly fall below a predetermined voltage, and therefore a false determination may occur that the power supply 210 is over-discharged even though there is sufficient remaining power in the power supply 210. Accordingly, such a predetermined period may be a period during which a large amount of power is supplied from the power supply 210 to the heating unit 121A or 121B (hereinafter referred to as "heating unit 121") and the operating voltage of the power supply 210 may temporarily decrease.

[0060] The method for determining whether a predetermined period has been reached is arbitrary. For example, whether a predetermined period has been reached may be determined based on flags set by example processes 500A to 500C described later, but the method for determining whether a predetermined period has been reached is not limited to this.

[0061] If it is determined that the predetermined period has elapsed, the process returns to step 410A; otherwise, the process proceeds to step 440A.

[0062] 440A shows the step of sending a predetermined command to the power supply IC 230 to transition to shipment mode.

[0063] According to the first example process 400A, it will be understood that step 310 is achieved using shipment mode.

[0064] 1-3-1-2 Second exemplary process for controlling power supply limitations Figure 4B is a flowchart of a second exemplary process 400B for controlling power supply limitations, which may be included in step 310. The second exemplary process 400B includes similar steps to the first exemplary process 400A, but the execution order of the steps is slightly different. The main differences are described below.

[0065] According to the second example process 400B, first, step 430B is performed to determine if it is a predetermined period. If it is determined to be a predetermined period, the process proceeds to step 410B; otherwise, the process repeats step 430B. In addition, in step 420B, if it is determined that the voltage of the power supply 210 is below a predetermined threshold ("below" may also be "less than or equal to"), a step is performed to immediately send a predetermined command to the power supply IC 230 to switch to shipment mode.

[0066] According to the second example process 400B, it will be understood that step 310 is realized using shipment mode. Furthermore, according to the second example process 400B, it will be understood that during the predetermined period, i.e., the predetermined period, the voltage of the power supply 210 is not acquired, and no comparison is made between that voltage and the predetermined voltage.

[0067] 1-3-1-3 Third exemplary process for controlling power supply limitations Those skilled in the art will understand that in the second example process 400B, the step corresponding to 410B for obtaining the voltage of the power supply 210 may be modified to be performed immediately before the step 430B for determining whether a predetermined period has elapsed.

[0068] According to this third example of processing with such modifications, it will be understood that step 310 is realized by utilizing shipment mode. Furthermore, according to this third example of processing, it will be understood that the comparison between the voltage of the power supply 210 and the predetermined threshold is not performed during the predetermined period, i.e., the predetermined period.

[0069] 1-3-2 Process for setting and clearing a flag to determine if a predetermined period has elapsed. 1-3-2-1 First Exemplary Procedure Figure 5A is a flowchart of the first exemplary process 500A for setting and clearing a flag to determine if a predetermined period has elapsed. The execution of the first exemplary process 500A may be started at any time. The first exemplary process 500A may be started, for example, in response to the opening of the cover described above in order to insert the substrate 150 into the aerosol generating device 100, but the timing of the start of the execution of the first exemplary process 500A is not limited to this. The control unit 116 can detect that the cover is open by sensors, including the sensor unit 112.

[0070] Step 510A indicates a step in determining whether a second predetermined operation has been performed in the aerosol generating device 100. The second predetermined operation in the first example process 500A may be an instruction to start heating by the heating unit 121. The second predetermined operation may be, for example, an input device included in the sensor unit 112, such as pressing (including long-pressing) a button, but is not limited to this. If it is determined that the second predetermined operation has been performed, the process proceeds to step 520A; otherwise, step 510A is repeated. Note that if the aerosol generating device 100 can automatically detect the insertion of the substrate 150, the second predetermined operation may be the detection of the insertion of the substrate 150. The aerosol generating device 100 can automatically start heating by the heating unit 121 in response to the automatic detection of the insertion of the substrate 150. The insertion of the substrate 150 can be performed by various methods, such as detecting the presence of the substrate 150 using an optical sensor, detecting pressure changes during the insertion of the substrate 150 using a pressure sensor, detecting changes in heater temperature due to the insertion of the substrate 150, or detecting induced current due to the insertion of the substrate 150.

[0071] 520A shows a step of setting a flag to determine whether a predetermined period has elapsed. The method of setting the flag is arbitrary. Setting the flag may, for example, involve storing a predetermined value, such as 1, in the area corresponding to the flag in the storage unit 114, but is not limited to this. Note that the area corresponding to the flag in the storage unit 114 may be initialized with a value other than the predetermined value, such as 0, before the start of execution of the first example process 500A.

[0072] Step 530A indicates the start of control of the heating unit 121 according to the heating profile. The heating profile and the control of the heating unit 121 according to it will be described later. Note that the control of the heating unit 121 according to the heating profile is performed independently of the first example process 500A. In other words, once the control of the heating unit 121 according to the heating profile is started in step 530A, the process proceeds to step 540A without waiting for the end of said control.

[0073] 540A indicates a step in determining whether a third predetermined operation has been performed in the aerosol generator etc. 100. The third predetermined operation may indicate that there is no aerosol source etc. in the aerosol generator etc. 100. The third predetermined operation may also be, for example, detection of the removal of the substrate 150 if the aerosol generator etc. 100 can automatically detect the insertion of the substrate 150. The aerosol generator etc. 100 can automatically terminate heating by the heating unit 121 in response to the automatic detection of the removal of the substrate 150. The removal of the substrate 150 can be performed by various methods, such as detection of the absence of the substrate 150 by an optical sensor, detection of pressure change when the substrate 150 is removed by a pressure sensor, detection by temperature change of the heater based on the removal of the substrate 150, or detection of change in induced current due to the removal of the substrate 150. The third predetermined operation may also be, for example, closing the cover described above. This is because, by configuring the cover to hold the base material 150 only when it is open, the aerosol generator 100 can be configured so that when the cover is closed, it indicates that the base material 150 is not present, and therefore neither the flavor source nor the aerosol source is present. The control unit 116 can detect that the cover is closed by the sensor, which includes the sensor unit 112. In any case, the third predetermined operation is not limited to this. If it is determined that the third predetermined operation has been performed, the process proceeds to step 550A; otherwise, the process returns to step 540A.

[0074] Step 550A indicates a step to clear a flag used to determine if a predetermined period has elapsed. For example, in the storage unit 114, this may involve storing a value other than the predetermined value in step 520A, such as 0, in the area corresponding to the flag, but is not limited to this.

[0075] 1-3-2-2 Second Exemplary Processing Figure 5B is a flowchart of the second example process 500B for setting and clearing a flag to determine if a predetermined period has elapsed. The second example process 500B is a variation of the first example process 500A, and its execution start timing is the same as that of the first example process 500A.

[0076] Step 510B indicates a step to determine whether a predetermined operation has been performed in the aerosol generator, etc. 100. The predetermined operation is the same as the second predetermined operation in step 510A. If it is determined that the predetermined operation has been performed, the process proceeds to step 520B; otherwise, step 510B is repeated.

[0077] Step 520B is a step similar to step 520A, which involves setting a flag to determine if a predetermined period has elapsed.

[0078] Step 530B indicates a step in which control of the heating section 121 according to the heating profile is initiated, and is similar to step 530A.

[0079] Step 540B indicates a step to determine whether the control of the heating unit 121 according to the heating profile has ended. The method for determining whether the control of the heating unit 121 according to the heating profile has ended is arbitrary. For example, the control of the heating unit 121 according to the heating profile, which is executed independently of the second example process 500B, can be configured to set a flag indicating that the control has ended when it is finished, and it can be determined that the control of the heating unit 121 according to the heating profile has ended based on the fact that this flag is set at the time of execution of step 540B. Alternatively, it can be determined that the control of the heating unit 121 according to the heating profile has ended based on the fact that the target temperature in the heating profile is 0°C at the time of execution of step 540B or thereafter. In any case, the method for determining whether the control of the heating unit 121 according to the heating profile has ended is not limited to these. If it is determined that the control of the heating unit 121 according to the heating profile has ended, the process proceeds to step 550B; otherwise, step 540B is repeated.

[0080] Step 550B is a step similar to step 550A, which involves clearing a flag to determine if a predetermined period has been reached.

[0081] 1-3-2-3 Third Exemplary Treatment Figure 5C is a flowchart of the third example process 500C for setting and clearing a flag to determine if a predetermined period has elapsed. The third example process 500C is a variation of the second example process 500B, and its execution start timing is the same as that of the second example process 500B.

[0082] Step 510C indicates a step in which it is determined whether a predetermined operation has been performed in the aerosol generator, etc. 100, and is the same as step 510B. If it is determined that the predetermined operation has been performed, the process proceeds to step 520C; otherwise, step 510C is repeated.

[0083] Step 520C indicates a step in which control of the heating section 121 according to the heating profile is initiated, and is similar to step 530B.

[0084] Step 530C indicates a step in which it is determined whether the current target temperature of the heating unit 121 is greater than the first predetermined temperature ("greater than" may be "greater than or equal to"). The current target temperature of the heating unit 121 is the target temperature of the heating unit 121 in the heating profile at the time of execution of step 530C. As will be described later, the higher the target temperature of the heating unit 121, the lower the operating voltage of the power supply 210 may be. The first predetermined temperature may be a temperature lower than the temperature at which the operating voltage of the power supply 210 may fall below or equal to a predetermined voltage for determining that the power supply 210 is in an over-discharge state, for example, 300°C. If it is determined that the target temperature of the heating unit 121 is greater than the first predetermined temperature, the process proceeds to step 535C; otherwise, the process proceeds to step 540C. Note that in step 530C, instead of determining whether the target temperature is greater than the first predetermined temperature, it may be determined that one of the following (1) to (3) is true. Step 530C may also determine (1) whether the heating profile used to control the heating unit 121 is a predetermined heating profile. If it is determined that the heating profile used to control the heating unit 121 is a predetermined heating profile, the process proceeds to step 535C; otherwise, the process proceeds to step 540C. Step 530C may also determine (2) whether the voltage applied to the heater is above a predetermined threshold. If it is determined that the voltage applied to the heater is above a predetermined threshold, the process proceeds to step 535C; otherwise, the process proceeds to step 540C. Step 530C may also determine (3) whether the power applied to the heater is above a predetermined threshold. If it is determined that the power applied to the heater is above a predetermined threshold, the process proceeds to step 535C; otherwise, the process proceeds to step 540C.

[0085] Step 535C is a step similar to step 520A, in which a flag is set to determine if a predetermined period has occurred. However, if the flag has already been set, step 535C may be a step in which no action is taken.

[0086] Step 540C indicates a step in determining whether the current target temperature of the heating unit 121 is below a second predetermined temperature (the term "below" may also be "less than or equal to"). The second predetermined temperature may be a temperature lower than the temperature at which the operating voltage of the power supply 210 may be below or equal to a predetermined voltage used to determine that the power supply 210 is in an over-discharge state, for example, 300°C. The second predetermined temperature may be the same as or different from the first predetermined temperature. If it is determined that the current target temperature of the heating unit 121 is below the second predetermined temperature, the process proceeds to step 545C; otherwise, the process proceeds to step 550C.

[0087] Step 545C is a step that clears a flag used to determine if a predetermined period has elapsed, and is similar to step 550B. However, if the flag has already been cleared, step 545C may be a step that does nothing.

[0088] Step 550C is a step that determines whether the control of the heating unit 121 according to the heating profile has finished, and is similar to step 540B. If it is determined that the control of the heating unit 121 according to the heating profile has finished, the third exemplary process 500C ends; otherwise, the process returns to step 530C.

[0089] 1-4 Heating profile and control of the heating unit 121 thereunder In this disclosure, the heating profile is a graph representing the time change of the target temperature for control of the heating unit 121 (for example, the graph shown as a solid line in Figure 6). Temperature control of the heating unit 121 can be achieved, for example, by known feedback control. Specifically, the control unit 116 of the aerosol generator etc. 100 can supply power from the power supply 210 to the heating unit 121 in the form of pulses by pulse width modulation (PWM) or pulse frequency modulation (PFM) via the power supply IC 230. In this case, the control unit 116 can control the temperature of the heating unit 121 by adjusting the duty cycle of the power pulses.

[0090] In feedback control, the control unit 116 measures or estimates the temperature of the heating unit 121 and controls the power supplied to the heating unit 121, such as the duty cycle, based on the difference between the measured or estimated temperature of the heating unit 121 and the target temperature. The feedback control may be, for example, PID control. The temperature of the heating unit 121 can be quantified, for example, by measuring or estimating the electrical resistance of the heat-generating resistor that constitutes the heating unit 121. This is because the electrical resistance of the heat-generating resistor changes with temperature. The electrical resistance of the heat-generating resistor can be estimated, for example, by measuring the voltage drop across the heat-generating resistor. The voltage drop across the heat-generating resistor can be measured by a voltage sensor that measures the potential difference applied to the heat-generating resistor. In another example, the temperature of the heating unit 121 can be measured by a temperature sensor installed near the heating unit 121, which is included in the sensor unit 112.

[0091] In other words, the control of the heating unit 121 according to the heating profile in this disclosure means controlling the power supplied to the heating unit 121 so that the actual temperature of the heating unit 121 at a given time approaches the target temperature at the corresponding time in the heating profile.

[0092] In the example heating profile shown in Figure 6, upon receiving a heating start instruction from the heating unit 121, and when power is supplied from the power supply 210 to the heating unit 121, the control unit 116 first controls the temperature of the heating unit 121 toward the first target temperature TA1 during the first period P1. That is, the control unit 116 heats the heating unit 121 toward the first target temperature TA1 from the initial temperature. In the first period P1, once the heating unit 121 reaches the first target temperature TA1, the control unit 116 controls the temperature of the heating unit 121 to maintain the temperature of the first target temperature TA1.

[0093] By setting the first target temperature TA1 relatively high during the first period P1, the heating rate of the heating unit 121 can be increased. By increasing the heating rate of the heating unit 121, the time from when power is supplied to the heating unit 121 until aerosol suction becomes possible can be shortened.

[0094] In this embodiment, the first target temperature TA1 may be approximately 320°C. Here, a target temperature of approximately 320°C is higher than a conventional target temperature, for example, approximately 300°C, and the power supply 210 needs to output more power than conventionally required to bring the heating unit 121 to that temperature. When attempting to output more power, the power supply 210 tries to flow a larger current, which leads to a larger voltage drop due to the internal resistance of the power supply 210, and consequently, a further decrease in the operating voltage of the power supply 210. Therefore, even if there are no problems with conventional target temperatures, in the process of bringing the heating unit 121 to a target temperature of approximately 320°C in this embodiment, there is a risk that the operating voltage of the power supply 210 may fall below or equal to the predetermined voltage used to determine whether or not an over-discharge state is occurring, even though an over-discharge state is not occurring.

[0095] The first period P1 varies depending on the heating state of the heating unit 121 and the substrate 150, the ambient temperature, etc., but is typically in the range of 35 to 55 seconds. However, it is preferable that the control unit 116 is configured to change the length of the first period P1 based on the rate at which the temperature of the heating unit 121 rises during the first period P1. More specifically, the initial heating period P1a of the first period P1 may be configured to be changeable based on the rate at which the temperature of the heating unit 121 rises. Specifically, it is preferable that the control unit 116 is configured to shorten the length of the first period P1 as the period from when the heating unit 121 starts heating until it reaches a predetermined temperature becomes shorter.

[0096] In this embodiment, the first period P1 ends when a predetermined period (P1b) has elapsed since the temperature of the heating unit 121 reached the first target temperature TA1. That is, if the temperature of the heating unit 121 rises quickly, the period P1a from the time T0 when power is supplied to the heating unit 121 to the time when the temperature of the heating unit 121 reaches the first target temperature TA1 becomes shorter. The predetermined period (P1b) is preferably 25 to 41 seconds, and is typically 33 seconds.

[0097] Thus, if the temperature of the heating unit 121 rises rapidly, the power consumption used during the preheating period can be reduced by shortening the preheating period.

[0098] The variable range of the first period P1, more specifically the variable range of P1a + P1b, preferably has a predetermined upper limit. For example, the upper limit of P1a + P1b is preferably 40 to 60 seconds, and typically 50 seconds. This prevents the control unit 116 from continuing preheating without transitioning to the second period P2 if the temperature of the heating unit 121 does not reach the first target temperature TA1.

[0099] Next, the control unit 116 controls the temperature of the heating unit 121 during the second period P2 following the first period P1, aiming for a second target temperature TA2 that is lower than the first target temperature TA1. That is, the control unit 116 controls the heating unit 121 to lower its temperature from the first target temperature TA1 and maintain it at the second target temperature TA2.

[0100] The second target temperature TA2 is preferably in the range of 190 to 210°C, and may typically be 200°C. The second period P2 is preferably in the range of 100 to 160 seconds, and may typically be 130 seconds. The second period P2 is preferably longer than the first period P1 and the third period P3 described later. Since the second period is maintained at a higher temperature than the third period P3, it becomes a period during which aerosols can be supplied stably. This makes it possible to relatively extend the period during which aerosols can be supplied stably.

[0101] By lowering the target temperature during the second period P2, the power consumption during the second period P2 can be reduced.

[0102] The control unit 116 may have a first off period during which it stops supplying power to the heating unit 121 from the end of the first period P1 to the beginning of the second period P2. By providing the first off period, the temperature decrease from the first target temperature TA1 to the second target temperature TA2 can be achieved in the shortest possible time. The control unit 116 can continue measuring the temperature of the heating unit 121 even during the first off period. In this case, the control unit 116 can be configured to resume supplying power to the heating unit 121 when the temperature of the heating unit 121 has decreased to near the second target temperature TA2.

[0103] The first off period is preferably a time interval such that a typical user does not perform suction operations two or more times. If a user performs suction operations two or more times during the off period, the temperature of the heating unit 121 may drop rapidly and fall significantly below the second target temperature TA2. In this case, the amount of aerosol etc. generated from the substrate 150 may decrease. Assuming that the time interval for normal suction operations by a typical user is about 20 seconds, the first off period is preferably in the range of 15 to 20 seconds. The first target temperature TA1 and the second target temperature TA2 can be set so that the temperature decrease from the first target temperature TA1 to the second target temperature TA2 due to natural cooling during the first off period occurs within the above time range. Alternatively, the control unit 116 can be configured to measure the elapsed time of the first off period and forcibly restart the power supply to the heating unit 121 when the first off period reaches a predetermined upper limit. In this case, the upper limit of the first off period is preferably 15 to 20 seconds.

[0104] Next, the control unit 116 controls the temperature of the heating unit 121 towards a third target temperature TA3 that is lower than the second target temperature TA2 during the third period P3 following the second period P2. That is, the control unit 116 controls the heating unit 121 to further lower its temperature from the second target temperature TA1 and maintain it at the third target temperature TA3. The third target temperature TA3 is preferably in the range of 175 to 190°C, and may typically be 185°C. The third period P3 is preferably in the range of 30 to 90 seconds, and may typically be 60 seconds. By further lowering the target temperature during the third period P3, the power consumed during the third period P3 can be further reduced.

[0105] It is preferable that the temperature difference (ΔT12) between the first target temperature TA1 and the second target temperature TA2 is greater than the temperature difference (ΔT23) between the second target temperature TA2 and the third target temperature TA3. Since the power consumption of the heating unit 121 is greater in the second period P2 than in the third period P3, making the temperature difference (ΔT12) when transitioning from the first period P1 to the second period P2 greater than the temperature difference (ΔT23) when transitioning from the second period P2 to the third period P3 leads to a reduction in power consumption throughout the entire period. For this reason, it is preferable that ΔT12 / ΔT23 is greater than 1. On the other hand, if ΔT12 is made excessively large relative to ΔT23, the target temperature TA2 in the second period P2, which is intended for stable aerosol supply, becomes relatively low, which may lead to unstable aerosol generation in the second period P2. For this reason, it is preferable that ΔT12 / ΔT23 has a predetermined upper limit. The upper limit of ΔT12 / ΔT23 may be, for example, 2.5. ΔT12 / ΔT23 is preferably 1.0 to 2.5, and is typically 2.0.

[0106] The control unit 116 may have a second off period during which it stops supplying power to the heating unit 121 from the end of the second period P2 to the beginning of the third period P3. By providing a second off period, the temperature decrease from the second target temperature TA2 to the third target temperature TA3 can be achieved in the shortest possible time. The control unit 116 can continue measuring the temperature of the heating unit 121 even during the second off period. In this case, the control unit 116 can be configured to resume supplying power to the heating unit 121 when the temperature of the heating unit 121 has decreased to around the third target temperature TA3. The second off period, like the first off period, is preferably a time interval that does not cause a typical user to perform two or more suction operations, for example, preferably in the range of 15 to 20 seconds. The second target temperature TA2 and the third target temperature TA3 can be set so that the temperature decrease from the second target temperature TA2 to the third target temperature TA3 due to natural cooling during the second off period occurs within the above time range. Alternatively, the control unit 116 may be configured to measure the elapsed time of the second off period and forcibly restart the power supply to the heating unit 121 when the second off period reaches a predetermined upper limit.

[0107] As mentioned above, from the viewpoint of reducing power consumption, it is preferable that the temperature difference (ΔT12) between the first target temperature TA1 and the second target temperature TA2 is greater than the temperature difference (ΔT23) between the second target temperature TA2 and the third target temperature TA3. This relationship is also preferable from the viewpoint of making the first off period and the second off period as close as possible. According to Newton's law of cooling, the rate of temperature decrease during natural cooling is greater in the high-temperature range than in the low-temperature range. Therefore, in order to make the first off period and the second off period as close as possible, it is necessary to make the temperature difference (ΔT12) between the first target temperature TA1 and the second target temperature TA2, which belong to the high-temperature range, relatively large. If we were to make the temperature difference (ΔT12) between the first target temperature TA1 and the second target temperature TA2 equal to the temperature difference (ΔT23) between the second target temperature TA2 and the third target temperature TA3, or if we made the former temperature difference (ΔT12) smaller than the latter temperature difference (ΔT23), then the first off period would always be shorter than the second off period, making it theoretically impossible to make the two off periods the same.

[0108] Furthermore, the ratio of the difference between the first target temperature TA1 and the second target temperature TA2 to the difference between the second target temperature TA2 and the third target temperature TA3 is preferably less than 2.5. This is to ensure that aerosols can be stably generated in the middle of the puffing period by not making the difference between the first target temperature TA1 and the second target temperature TA2 too large.

[0109] Furthermore, from the perspective of reducing power consumption, it may be preferable to control the heating unit 121 at the third target temperature TA3 without going through the second target temperature TA2 from the first target temperature TA1. However, in that case, the period from the first target temperature TA1 to the third target temperature TA3 (second off period) becomes relatively longer. Since the power supply to the heating unit 121 is stopped during the period from the first target temperature TA1 to the third target temperature TA3, if the user performs multiple inhalation operations during this period, the temperature of the heating unit 121 may fall significantly below the third temperature. By going through the second target temperature TA2 between the first target temperature TA1 and the third target temperature TA2 before transitioning from the first target temperature TA1 to the third target temperature TA3, the period required to transition from one target temperature range to another can be shortened. As a result, the continuous time of the off period during which the power supply to the heating unit 121 is stopped is relatively shortened, which prevents the temperature of the smoking item from dropping excessively due to multiple inhalation operations, thereby preventing unstable aerosol generation.

[0110] The control unit 116 stops supplying power to the heating unit 121 at the end of the third period P3. Even after the power supply to the heating unit 121 is stopped, the user can still enjoy the aerosol by using the residual heat from the heating unit 121 and the substrate 150 until a predetermined period has elapsed.

[0111] After the heating unit 121 has gone through the first period P1, second period P2, and third period P3 of the heating profile, the heat from the heating unit 121 is sufficiently transferred to the interior of the substrate 150. Therefore, during the period from the end of the third period P3 until the end of the suction period, i.e., the fourth period P4 in Figure 6, a certain amount of aerosol can be generated using only the residual heat of the heating unit 121 and the substrate 150. However, since aerosol generation tends to be unstable during the fourth period P4, just like during the first and second off periods, it is preferable that the time interval be such that the user does not perform suction operations two or more times. For this reason, the fourth period P4 is preferably 5 to 15 seconds, and typically may be 10 seconds.

[0112] In Figure 6, T1 corresponds to the time when it is determined that the second predetermined operation in step 510A has been performed, and T2 corresponds to the time when it is determined that the third predetermined operation in step 540A has been performed. Therefore, p1 corresponds to the predetermined period determined according to the first example process 500A for setting and clearing a flag for determining whether it is a predetermined period.

[0113] Furthermore, T3 in Figure 6 corresponds to the point in step 540B when it is determined that control of the heating unit 121 according to the heating profile has ended. Therefore, p2 corresponds to a predetermined period determined according to the second exemplary process 500B for setting and clearing a flag for determining whether a predetermined period has been reached.

[0114] Furthermore, Th in Figure 6 corresponds to the first predetermined temperature in step 530C, and therefore T4 corresponds to the time in step 530C when it is determined that the current target temperature of the heating unit 121 is greater than the first predetermined temperature. Also, Th corresponds to the second predetermined temperature in step 540C, and therefore T5 corresponds to the time in step 540C when it is determined that the current target temperature of the heating unit 121 is less than the second predetermined temperature. Accordingly, p3 corresponds to a predetermined period determined according to the third exemplary process 500C for setting and clearing a flag for determining whether it is a predetermined period.

[0115] It will be understood that each of the predetermined periods p1, p2, and p3 includes at least a portion of the period (P1+P2+P3) during which heating is performed by the heating unit 121 using power from the power supply 210. In particular, it will be understood that the predetermined period p1 includes the entire period (P1+P2+P3) during which heating is performed by the heating unit 121 using power from the power supply 210.

[0116] Figure 7 shows another example of a heating profile. In the other example of a heating profile shown in Figure 7, when the heating unit 121 receives an instruction to start heating and the power supply 210 starts supplying power to the heating unit 121, the control unit 116 first controls the temperature of the heating unit 121 toward a first target temperature TA1 during the first period P1. That is, the control unit 116 heats the heating unit 121 toward the first target temperature TA1 from the initial temperature. During the first period P1, once the heating unit 121 reaches the first target temperature TA1, the control unit 116 controls the temperature of the heating unit 121 to maintain the temperature of the first target temperature TA1.

[0117] By setting the first target temperature TA1 relatively high during the first period P1, the heating rate of the heating unit 121 can be increased. By increasing the heating rate of the heating unit 121, the time from when power is supplied to the heating unit 121 until aerosol suction becomes possible can be shortened.

[0118] In this embodiment, the first target temperature TA1 may be approximately 320°C. Here, a target temperature of approximately 320°C is higher than a conventional target temperature, for example, approximately 300°C, and the power supply 210 needs to output more power than conventionally required to bring the heating unit 121 to that temperature. When attempting to output more power, the power supply 210 tries to flow a larger current, which leads to a larger voltage drop due to the internal resistance of the power supply 210, and consequently, a further decrease in the operating voltage of the power supply 210. Therefore, even if there are no problems with conventional target temperatures, in the process of bringing the heating unit 121 to a target temperature of approximately 320°C in this embodiment, there is a risk that the operating voltage of the power supply 210 may fall below or equal to the predetermined voltage used to determine whether or not an over-discharge state is occurring, even though an over-discharge state is not occurring.

[0119] The first period P1 varies depending on the heating state of the heating unit 121 and the substrate 150, the ambient temperature, etc., but is typically in the range of 20 to 60 seconds. However, it is preferable that the control unit 116 is configured to change the length of the first period P1 based on the rate at which the temperature of the heating unit 121 rises during the first period P1. More specifically, the initial heating period P1a of the first period P1 may be configured to be changeable based on the rate at which the temperature of the heating unit 121 rises. Specifically, it is preferable that the control unit 116 is configured to shorten the length of the first period P1 as the period from when the heating unit 121 starts heating until it reaches a predetermined temperature becomes shorter.

[0120] In this embodiment, the first period P1 ends when a predetermined period (P1b) has elapsed since the temperature of the heating unit 121 reached the first target temperature TA1. That is, if the temperature of the heating unit 121 rises quickly, the period P1a from the time T0 when power is supplied to the heating unit 121 to the time when the temperature of the heating unit 121 reaches the first target temperature TA1 becomes shorter. The predetermined period (P1b) is preferably 10 to 40 seconds, and is typically 20 seconds.

[0121] Thus, if the temperature of the heating unit 121 rises rapidly, the power consumption used during the preheating period can be reduced by shortening the preheating period.

[0122] The variable range of the first period P1, more specifically the variable range of P1a + P1b, preferably has a predetermined upper limit. For example, the upper limit of P1a + P1b is preferably 40 to 60 seconds, and typically 50 seconds. This prevents the control unit 116 from continuing preheating without transitioning to the second period P2 if the temperature of the heating unit 121 does not reach the first target temperature TA1.

[0123] Next, the control unit 116 controls the temperature of the heating unit 121 during the second period P2 following the first period P1, so that it is lower than the first target temperature TA1, towards the second target temperature TA2. That is, the control unit 116 controls the heating unit 121 so that its temperature is lowered from the first target temperature TA1 to the second target temperature TA2.

[0124] The second target temperature TA2 is preferably in the range of 210 to 250°C, and may typically be 230°C. The second period P2 is preferably in the range of 10 to 40 seconds, and may typically be 20 seconds. By lowering the target temperature during the second period P2, the power consumed during the second period P2 can be reduced.

[0125] The control unit 116 may have a first off period during which it stops supplying power to the heating unit 121 from the end of the first period P1 to the beginning of the second period P2. By providing the first off period, the temperature decrease from the first target temperature TA1 to the second target temperature TA2 can be achieved in the shortest possible time. The control unit 116 can continue measuring the temperature of the heating unit 121 even during the first off period. In this case, the control unit 116 can be configured to resume supplying power to the heating unit 121 when the temperature of the heating unit 121 has decreased to near the second target temperature TA2.

[0126] Next, the control unit 116 controls the temperature of the heating unit 121 during the third period P3 following the second period P2, aiming for a third target temperature TA3 that is higher than the second target temperature TA2. That is, the control unit 116 controls the heating unit 121 to raise its temperature from the second target temperature TA1 and maintain it at the third target temperature TA3. The third target temperature TA3 is preferably in the range of 230 to 320°C, and may typically be 270°C. The third period P3 is preferably in the range of 120 to 360 seconds, and may typically be 240 seconds.

[0127] After the heating unit 121 has gone through the first period P1, second period P2, and third period P3 of the heating profile, the heat from the heating unit 121 is sufficiently transferred to the interior of the substrate 150. Therefore, during the period from the end of the third period P3 until the end of the suction period, i.e., the fourth period P4 in Figure 6, a certain amount of aerosol can be generated using only the residual heat of the heating unit 121 and the substrate 150.

[0128] In Figure 7, T1 corresponds to the time when it is determined that the second predetermined operation in step 510A has been performed, and T2 corresponds to the time when it is determined that the third predetermined operation in step 540A has been performed. Therefore, p1 corresponds to the predetermined period determined according to the first example process 500A for setting and clearing a flag for determining whether it is a predetermined period.

[0129] Furthermore, T3 in Figure 7 corresponds to the point in step 540B when it is determined that control of the heating unit 121 according to the heating profile has ended. Therefore, p2 corresponds to a predetermined period determined according to the second exemplary process 500B for setting and clearing a flag for determining whether a predetermined period has been reached.

[0130] Furthermore, Th in Figure 7 corresponds to the first predetermined temperature in step 530C, and therefore T4 corresponds to the time in step 530C when it is determined that the current target temperature of the heating unit 121 is greater than the first predetermined temperature. Also, Th corresponds to the second predetermined temperature in step 540C, and therefore T5 corresponds to the time in step 540C when it is determined that the current target temperature of the heating unit 121 is less than the second predetermined temperature. Accordingly, p3 corresponds to a predetermined period determined according to the third exemplary process 500C for setting and clearing a flag for determining whether it is a predetermined period.

[0131] It will be understood that each of the predetermined periods p1, p2, and p3 includes at least a portion of the period (P1 and P3) during which heating is performed by the heating unit 121 using power from the power supply 210.

[0132] 2. Other Embodiments of the Disclosure A second embodiment of the present disclosure is a method that includes step 310 in which a control unit 116 of an aerosol generator etc. 100 determines that the voltage of the power supply 210 is below a predetermined voltage, except for a predetermined period, and controls the supply of power from the power supply 210 to be restricted.

[0133] A third embodiment of this disclosure is a program that causes the control unit 116 of an aerosol generator 100 to execute a step 310 that controls the supply of power from the power supply 210 to be limited, based on the determination that the voltage of the power supply 210 is below a predetermined voltage, except for a predetermined period of time. As mentioned above, the control unit 116 is implemented by an electronic circuit including a processor, so this program is equivalent to a computer program.

[0134] A fourth embodiment of this disclosure is a computer-readable storage medium or non-temporary computer-readable medium storing the above program. 3. Conclusion

[0135] While embodiments of this disclosure have been described so far, it goes without saying that this disclosure is not limited to the embodiments described above and may be implemented in various different forms within the scope of its technical idea.

[0136] Furthermore, the scope of this disclosure is not limited to the illustrative and described exemplary embodiments, but also includes all embodiments that produce effects equivalent to those intended by this disclosure. Moreover, the scope of this disclosure is not limited to the combination of features of the invention defined by each claim, but may be defined by any desired combination of specific features from all disclosed features.

[0137] Finally, some of the features of this disclosure are listed below.

[0138] [Feature 1] A heating unit configured to heat one or both of the flavor source and the aerosol source, Power supply and A control unit configured to restrict the supply of power from the power supply based on the determination that the voltage of the power supply is below or equal to a predetermined voltage, except for a predetermined period. A device that is a flavor inhalation device or aerosol generating device equipped with, The predetermined period includes at least a portion of the period during which heating is performed by the heating unit using power from the power source. A device characterized by the following features.

[0139] [Feature 2] The apparatus described in Feature 1, The device has a mode that reduces power consumption from the power supply and is not released until a first predetermined operation is performed. Limiting the power supply from the aforementioned power source is achieved by transitioning to the aforementioned mode. Device.

[0140] [Feature 3] The apparatus according to Feature 2, wherein the first predetermined operation includes connecting the apparatus to an external power source in order to charge the power supply.

[0141] [Feature 4] The apparatus described in feature 2 or 3, The device further includes a power supply IC for the power supply, wherein the control unit transmits a predetermined command to the power supply IC, causing the device to transition to the mode. The control unit is further configured not to transmit the predetermined command to the power supply IC during the predetermined period. Device.

[0142] [Feature 5] An apparatus according to any one of features 1 to 4, wherein the control unit is further configured not to acquire the voltage of the power supply or to compare the voltage of the power supply with the predetermined voltage during the predetermined period.

[0143] [Feature 6] A device according to any one of the features 1 to 5, wherein the predetermined voltage is a voltage for determining whether or not the power supply is in an over-discharge state.

[0144] [Feature 7] The apparatus according to Feature 6, wherein the threshold for determining whether the power supply is in an over-discharge state is 2.8V.

[0145] [Feature 8] An apparatus according to any one of the features 1 to 7, wherein the predetermined period includes the entire period during which heating is performed by the heating unit using power from the power supply.

[0146] [Feature 9] The apparatus according to Feature 8, wherein the predetermined period includes the period from when a second predetermined operation indicating the start of heating by the heating unit is performed in the apparatus until a third predetermined operation indicating the absence of one or both of the flavor source and the aerosol source in the apparatus is performed.

[0147] [Feature 10] The apparatus described in Feature 9, The aforementioned device is A cover configured such that the device can hold a base material containing one or both of the flavor source and the aerosol source only when it is open, A button for receiving an instruction to start heating by the aforementioned heating unit. Furthermore, The second predetermined operation includes pressing the button, and the third predetermined operation includes closing the cover. Device.

[0148] [Feature 11] An apparatus according to any one of features 1 to 7, wherein the predetermined period includes a period during which the control unit controls the heating section according to the heating profile.

[0149] [Feature 12] An apparatus according to any one of features 1 to 7, wherein the predetermined period includes a period during which the control unit controls the heating unit according to the heating profile, during which the target temperature of the heating unit is greater than or equal to the predetermined temperature.

[0150] [Feature 13] A method performed by the control unit of a device that is a flavor inhalation device or aerosol generating device, which is equipped with a heating unit configured to heat one or both of a flavor source and an aerosol source, and a power supply, A step of controlling the power supply to be restricted based on the determination that the voltage of the power supply is below or equal to a predetermined voltage, except for a predetermined period. Includes, The predetermined period includes at least a portion of the period during which heating is performed by the heating unit using power from the power source. A method characterized by the following:

[0151] [Feature 14] A control unit of a flavor inhalation device or aerosol generating device, which includes a heating unit configured to heat one or both of a flavor source and an aerosol source, and a power supply, A step of controlling the power supply to be restricted based on the determination that the voltage of the power supply is below or equal to a predetermined voltage, except for a predetermined period. A program that executes, The predetermined period includes at least a portion of the period during which heating is performed by the heating unit using power from the power source. A program characterized by the following features. [Explanation of symbols]

[0152] 100A, 100B... Aerosol generating equipment, etc. 121A, 121B...Heating section 140...Holding part 141... Interior space 142...Aperture 143…Bottom 144...Insulation section 150...Base material 151...Base material part 152...Suction part TA1…1st target temperature TA2…Second target temperature TA3…Third target temperature Th...First predetermined temperature, second predetermined temperature ΔT12…Temperature difference between the first target temperature and the second target temperature ΔT23…Temperature difference between the second target temperature and the third target temperature P1…Phase 1 P2…Second period P3... Third Period P4…4th period P1a...Initial temperature rise period P1b... for a specified period T1…The point in time when it is determined that the second prescribed operation has been performed. T2…The point in time when it is determined that the third prescribed operation has been performed. T3…The point at which it is determined that control of the heating section according to the heating profile has ended. T4…The point at which it is determined that the current target temperature of the heating section is greater than the first predetermined temperature. T5…The point at which it is determined that the current target temperature of the heating section is below the second predetermined temperature. p1... A predetermined period determined according to the first exemplary process for setting and clearing a flag to determine if it is a predetermined period. p2... A predetermined period determined according to the second exemplary process for setting and clearing a flag to determine if it is a predetermined period. p3... A predetermined period determined according to the third exemplary process for setting and clearing a flag to determine if it is a predetermined period.

Claims

1. A heating unit configured to heat one or both of the flavor source and the aerosol source, Power supply and A control unit configured to restrict the supply of power from the power supply based on the determination that the voltage of the power supply is below or equal to a predetermined voltage, except for a predetermined period. A device that is a flavor inhalation device or aerosol generating device equipped with, The predetermined period includes at least a portion of the period during which heating is performed by the heating unit using power from the power source. A device characterized by the following features.

2. The apparatus according to claim 1, The device has a mode that reduces power consumption from the power supply and is not released until a first predetermined operation is performed. Limiting the power supply from the aforementioned power source is achieved by transitioning to the aforementioned mode. Device.

3. The apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the first predetermined operation includes connecting the apparatus to an external power source in order to charge the power source.

4. The apparatus according to claim 2 or 3, The device further includes a power supply IC for the power supply, wherein the control unit transmits a predetermined command to the power supply IC, causing the device to transition to the mode. The control unit is further configured not to transmit the predetermined command to the power supply IC during the predetermined period. Device.

5. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the control unit is further configured not to acquire the voltage of the power supply or to not compare the voltage of the power supply with the predetermined voltage during the predetermined period.

6. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the predetermined voltage is a voltage for determining whether or not the power supply is in an over-discharge state.

7. The apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the voltage for determining whether the power supply is in an over-discharge state is 2.8V.

8. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the predetermined period includes the entire period during which heating by the heating unit is performed by power from the power supply.

9. The apparatus according to claim 8, wherein the predetermined period includes the period from when a second predetermined operation indicating the start of heating by the heating unit is performed in the apparatus until a third predetermined operation indicating that one or both of the flavor source and the aerosol source are absent in the apparatus.

10. The apparatus according to claim 9, The aforementioned device is A cover configured such that the device can hold a base material containing one or both of the flavor source and the aerosol source only when it is open, A button for receiving an instruction to start heating by the aforementioned heating unit. Furthermore, The second predetermined operation includes pressing the button, and the third predetermined operation includes closing the cover. Device.

11. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the predetermined period includes a period during which the control unit controls the heating unit according to a heating profile.

12. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the predetermined period includes a period during which the control unit controls the heating unit according to a heating profile, during which the target temperature of the heating unit is greater than or equal to the predetermined temperature.

13. A method performed by the control unit of a device that is a flavor inhalation device or aerosol generating device, which is equipped with a heating unit configured to heat one or both of a flavor source and an aerosol source, and a power supply, A step of controlling the power supply to be restricted based on the determination that the voltage of the power supply is below or equal to a predetermined voltage, except for a predetermined period. Includes, The predetermined period includes at least a portion of the period during which heating is performed by the heating unit using power from the power source. A method characterized by the following:

14. A control unit of a flavor inhalation device or aerosol generating device, which includes a heating unit configured to heat one or both of a flavor source and an aerosol source, and a power supply, A step of controlling the power supply to be restricted based on the determination that the voltage of the power supply is below or equal to a predetermined voltage, except for a predetermined period. A program that executes, The predetermined period includes at least a portion of the period during which heating is performed by the heating unit using power from the power source. A program characterized by the following features.

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