Flavor inhaler or aerosol generation device, control method therefor, and program therefor

Abstract

The present invention provides a flavor inhaler and the like capable of retaining sufficient electric power in advance for next inhalation. Provided is a method for controlling a device that is a flavor inhaler or an aerosol generation device comprising: a heating unit that heats a flavor source or an aerosol source; a power supply unit for applying a voltage to the heating unit; a storage unit that stores a heating profile; and a control unit that executes a session in accordance with the heating profile, the method including: a step of causing, by the control unit, the heating unit to start preliminary heating before inhalation in accordance with the start of heating in the heating profile in the session; a step of identifying, by the control unit, a first voltage at a timing of a first voltage drop that occurs when the preliminary heating starts and a second voltage at a timing of a second voltage drop that occurs when a voltage applied to the heating unit is changed after the preliminary heating starts; a step of calculating, by the control unit, a difference between the first voltage and the second voltage; and a step of determining, by the control unit, whether the difference is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold.

Description

Flavor inhaler or aerosol generator, its control method and program

[0001] The present invention relates to a flavor inhaler or an aerosol generating device (hereinafter referred to as "flavor inhaler, etc.").

[0002] Flavor inhalation devices, such as heated tobacco products, which heat a stick-type smoking article containing an aerosol source and inhale the resulting aerosol, have become popular as an alternative to cigarettes. Such flavor inhalation devices can be charged once and used to inhale multiple smoking articles. However, if the flavor inhalation device runs out of power while a user is inhaling, the battery will run out before the aerosol source contained in the smoking article is used up, making it impossible to continue inhalation. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a technology for determining, when a user attempts to inhale a smoking article, whether sufficient power remains to inhale until the aerosol source contained in the smoking article is used up.

[0003] International Publication No. WO2022 / 230322

[0004] The technology disclosed in Patent Document 1 determines whether sufficient power remains to inhale until the aerosol source contained in the smoking article is used up when the user attempts to start inhaling. However, it would be more convenient for the user if it were possible to determine whether sufficient power remains for the next inhalation at the end of the inhalation. In view of this problem, the present invention aims to provide a flavor inhalation device or the like that can ensure sufficient power remains in advance for the next inhalation.

[0005] In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, one aspect of the present invention is a device that is a flavor inhaler or an aerosol generating apparatus, comprising: a heating unit that heats a flavor source or an aerosol source; a power supply unit that applies a voltage to the heating unit; a sensor unit that detects the voltage applied to the heating unit; a memory unit that stores a heating profile that defines a time series transition of a target temperature of the heating unit over a session; and a control unit that executes the session in accordance with the heating profile, wherein the control unit is configured to start pre-heating before inhalation in response to the start of heating in the heating profile, identify a first voltage at the timing of a first voltage drop that occurs at the start of the pre-heating and a second voltage at the timing of a second voltage drop that occurs when the voltage applied to the heating unit is changed after the start of the pre-heating, calculate the difference between the first voltage and the second voltage, and determine whether the difference is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold. Note that in this specification, "pre-heating" and "pre-heating" are used interchangeably.

[0006] In another aspect of the present invention, the device further includes a notification unit that executes processing to notify a user when the control unit determines that the difference between the first voltage and the second voltage is equal to or greater than the predetermined threshold.In another aspect of the present invention, the notification unit executes processing to notify the user when the suction ends.

[0007] Another aspect of the present invention is the above-mentioned device, wherein, instead of determining whether the difference between the first voltage and the second voltage is greater than or equal to the predetermined threshold, the control unit determines whether the difference between the second voltage and a third voltage, which is the voltage immediately before power is supplied to the heating unit 121 before suction, is greater than or equal to a predetermined threshold.

[0008] Another aspect of the present invention is a control method for a device that is a flavor inhaler or an aerosol generating apparatus, the device comprising: a heating unit that heats a flavor source or an aerosol source; a power supply unit that applies a voltage to the heating unit; a sensor unit that detects the voltage applied to the heating unit; a memory unit that stores a heating profile that defines the time series progression of the target temperature of the heating unit over a session; and a control unit that executes the session in accordance with the heating profile, the method including: a step in which the control unit causes the heating unit to start pre-heating before inhalation in response to the start of heating in the heating profile; a step in which the control unit identifies a first voltage at the timing of a first voltage drop that occurs at the start of the pre-heating and a second voltage at the timing of a second voltage drop that occurs when the voltage applied to the heating unit is changed after the start of the pre-heating; a step in which the control unit calculates the difference between the first voltage and the second voltage; and a step in which the control unit determines whether the difference is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold.

[0009] Another aspect of the present invention is a program that causes a processor of a device that is a flavor inhalation instrument or an aerosol generating apparatus, the device including a heating unit that heats a flavor source or an aerosol source, a power supply unit that applies a voltage to the heating unit, a sensor unit that detects the voltage applied to the heating unit, a memory unit that stores a heating profile that defines the time series progression of the target temperature of the heating unit over a session, and a control unit that executes the session in accordance with the heating profile, to execute, in the session, the steps of causing the heating unit to start pre-heating before inhalation in response to the start of heating in the heating profile, identifying a first voltage at the timing of a first voltage drop that occurs at the start of the pre-heating and a second voltage at the timing of a second voltage drop that occurs when the voltage applied to the heating unit is changed after the start of the pre-heating, calculating the difference between the first voltage and the second voltage, and determining whether the difference is greater than or equal to a predetermined threshold.

[0010] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing a configuration example of a flavor inhaler etc. according to one embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing a configuration example of a flavor inhaler etc. according to one embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of a heating profile; FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of a drop voltage at the start of a check period and at the end of a check period; FIG. 5 is a flow chart showing an example of a process flow executed by a flavor inhaler etc. according to one embodiment of the present invention; and FIG. 6 is a flow chart showing an example of a more detailed process flow executed by a flavor inhaler etc. according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0011] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

[0012] The flavor inhalation device or the like according to this embodiment is a flavor inhalation device or an aerosol generating device, which generates a substance to be inhaled by a user. The substance generated by the flavor inhalation device or the like may be an aerosol or a gas that is not an aerosol. The flavor inhalation device is a device for inhaling flavors, and may be, for example, but not limited to, a device for electronic cigarettes, heated tobacco, conventional cigarettes, etc. The aerosol generating device is a device for inhaling the generated aerosol, and may be, for example, but not limited to, a device for electronic cigarettes, heated tobacco, medical nebulizers, etc. The flavor inhalation device or the like includes so-called reduced-risk products (RRPs). (Configuration of the flavor inhalation device or the like) (First configuration example)

[0013] FIG. 1A is a schematic diagram illustrating a first configuration example of a flavor inhaler or the like. As shown in FIG. 1A, a flavor inhaler or the like 100A according to this configuration example includes, as an example, a power supply unit 110, a cartridge 120, and a flavor imparting cartridge 130. The power supply unit 110 includes a power supply unit 111A, a sensor unit 112A, a notification unit 113A, a memory unit 114A, a communication unit 115A, and a control unit 116A. The cartridge 120 includes a heating unit 121A, a liquid guide unit 122, and a liquid storage unit 123. The flavor imparting cartridge 130 includes a flavor source 131 and a mouthpiece 124. An air flow path 180 is formed in the cartridge 120 and the flavor imparting cartridge 130.

[0014] The cartridge 120 and the flavoring cartridge 130 are examples of so-called "refills." At least a portion of one or both of the refills 120 and 130 may be colored according to the type of the refill. Furthermore, the coloring according to the type is not limited to the refill, and may be any component attached to the flavor inhaler 100A.

[0015] The power supply unit 111A stores power and supplies power to each component of the flavor inhaler 100A under the control of the control unit 116A. The power supply unit 111A may be formed of a rechargeable battery such as a lithium-ion secondary battery.

[0016] The sensor unit 112A acquires various types of information related to the flavor inhaler 100A. The sensor unit 112A may include a pressure sensor such as a microphone capacitor, a flow rate sensor, or a temperature sensor. The sensor unit 112A may also include an input device such as a button or a switch that accepts information input from a user.

[0017] The notification unit 113A has a function of notifying the user of various information related to the flavor inhaler 100A. The notification unit 113A may include, for example, a display device that displays messages or images, a light-emitting device or light-emitting element such as a light-emitting diode (LED) that emits light, a sound output device or acoustic element that outputs sound, a vibration device that vibrates, or the like.

[0018] The storage unit 114A stores various information for the operation of the flavor inhaler 100A. The storage unit 114A is configured with a non-volatile storage medium such as a flash memory. The storage unit 114A may include a volatile memory that provides a working area for control by the control unit 116A. The storage unit 114A may also store data for controlling the heating profile.

[0019] The communication unit 115A may be a communication interface capable of performing communication in accordance with any wired or wireless communication standard. Examples of such communication standards include Wi-Fi (registered trademark) and Bluetooth (registered trademark). The communication unit 115A may also include a communication interface (including a communication module) that complies with a specific LPWA wireless communication standard or a wireless communication standard with similar restrictions. Examples of such communication standards that may be adopted include Sigfox and LoRA-WAN.

[0020] The control unit 116A functions as a processing unit and a control device, and controls the overall operation of the flavor inhaler 100A according to various programs. The control unit 116A can be realized by an electronic circuit such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) and a microprocessor. For example, the control unit 116A can execute control for executing a heating process of the aerosol source in the heating unit 121A. As an example, the control unit 116A can control the heating process according to a heating profile that indicates how the aerosol source should be heated.

[0021] The liquid storage unit 123 stores an aerosol source. The aerosol source is atomized to generate an aerosol. The aerosol source is a liquid such as a polyhydric alcohol, such as glycerin or propylene glycol, or water. The aerosol source may contain a tobacco-derived or non-tobacco-derived flavor component. When the flavor inhalation device 100A is a medical inhaler, such as a nebulizer, the aerosol source may contain a drug.

[0022] The liquid guide portion 122 guides and holds the aerosol source, which is a liquid stored in the liquid storage portion 123, from the liquid storage portion 123. The liquid guide portion 122 is, for example, a wick formed by twisting a fiber material such as glass fiber or a porous material such as porous ceramic. In this case, the aerosol source stored in the liquid storage portion 123 is guided by the capillary effect of the wick.

[0023] The heating unit 121A generates aerosol by heating the aerosol source and atomizing the aerosol source. In the example shown in FIG. 1A , the heating unit 121A is configured as a coil and is wound around the liquid guide unit 122. When the heating unit 121A generates heat, the aerosol source held in the liquid guide unit 122 is heated and atomized, generating aerosol. The heating unit 121A generates heat when power is supplied from the power supply unit 111A. For example, power may be supplied when the sensor unit 112A detects that the user has started inhaling, that predetermined information has been input, that the user has operated a button or switch at any timing, or the like. Then, power supply may be stopped when the sensor unit 112A detects that the user has stopped inhaling and / or that predetermined information has been input.

[0024] The flavor source 131 is a component for imparting flavor components to the aerosol. The flavor source 131 may contain flavor components derived from tobacco or non-tobacco. As will be described later, this embodiment is configured so that the flavor components are imparted to the aerosol by passing a mixture of the generated aerosol and air through the flavor source 131. However, in another embodiment, a flavor source that generates a flavored aerosol when heated may be employed.

[0025] The air flow path 180 is a path for air inhaled by the user. The air flow path 180 has a tubular structure with an air inlet 181, which is an entrance for air into the air flow path 180, and an air outlet 182, which is an exit for air from the air flow path 180, at both ends. A liquid guide section 122 is disposed on the upstream side (closer to the air inlet 181) of the air flow path 180, and a flavor source 131 is disposed on the downstream side (closer to the air outlet 182). Air flowing in through the air inlet 181 as the user inhales is mixed with the aerosol generated by the heating section 121A and, as shown by arrow 190, is transported through the flavor source 131 to the air outlet 182. When the mixed fluid of the aerosol and air passes through the flavor source 131, flavor components contained in the flavor source 131 are imparted to the aerosol.

[0026] The mouthpiece 124 is a member that is held in the mouth of the user when inhaling. An air outlet hole 182 is arranged in the mouthpiece 124. By holding the mouthpiece 124 in the mouth and inhaling, the user can take in a mixed fluid of the aerosol and air into the oral cavity. The above describes an example configuration of the flavor inhaler 100A. Of course, the configuration of the flavor inhaler 100A is not limited to the above, and various configurations such as those exemplified below may be used.

[0027] As an example, the flavor inhalation device 100A may not include the flavor-imparting cartridge 130. In that case, the cartridge 120 is provided with the mouthpiece 124.

[0028] As another example, the flavor inhaler 100A may include multiple aerosol sources. Multiple aerosols generated from the multiple aerosol sources may be mixed in the air flow path 180 to cause a chemical reaction, thereby generating additional aerosols. (Second Configuration Example)

[0029] 1B is a schematic diagram showing a second configuration example of a flavor inhaler, etc. As shown in FIG. 1B, a flavor inhaler, etc. 100B according to this configuration example includes, for example, a power supply unit 111B, a sensor unit 112B, a notification unit 113B, a storage unit 114B, a communication unit 115B, a control unit 116B, a heating unit 121B, a holding unit 140, and a heat insulating unit 144.

[0030] Each of the power supply unit 111B, the sensor unit 112B, the notification unit 113B, the memory unit 114B, the communication unit 115B, and the control unit 116B is substantially identical to the corresponding component included in the flavor inhalation device etc. 100A relating to the first configuration example.

[0031] The holding part 140 has an internal space 141 and holds the stick-shaped substrate 150 while accommodating a portion of the stick-shaped substrate 150 in the internal space 141. The stick-shaped substrate 150 is also an example of a so-called "refill." The holding part 140 has an opening 142 that connects the internal space 141 to the outside, and holds the stick-shaped substrate 150 inserted into the internal space 141 through the opening 142. For example, the holding part 140 is a cylindrical body with the opening 142 and a bottom 143 as its bottom surface, and defines a columnar internal space 141. The holding part 140 also has the function of defining a flow path for air to be supplied to the stick-shaped substrate 150. An air inlet, which is an entrance for air to this flow path, is located in the bottom 143, for example. On the other hand, an air outlet, which is an exit for air from this flow path, is the opening 142.

[0032] The stick-type substrate 150 includes a substrate portion 151 and a mouthpiece portion 152. The substrate portion 151 includes an aerosol source. The aerosol source may be solid or liquid and is atomized by heating to generate an aerosol. The aerosol source may be tobacco-derived, such as a processed product obtained by molding cut tobacco or tobacco raw materials into granules, sheets, or powder. The aerosol source may also include non-tobacco-derived aerosol sources made from plants other than tobacco (e.g., mint and herbs). For example, the aerosol source may contain a flavoring component such as menthol. When the flavor inhalation device 100B is a medical inhaler, the aerosol source may contain a medication to be inhaled by the patient. When the stick-type substrate 150 is held in the holding portion 140, at least a portion of the substrate portion 151 is accommodated in the internal space 141, and at least a portion of the mouthpiece portion 152 protrudes from the opening 142. When the user holds the suction mouth portion 152 protruding from the opening 142 in their mouth and sucks, air flows into the internal space 141 through an air inlet hole (not shown) and reaches the user's mouth along with the aerosol generated from the base portion 151.

[0033] The heating unit 121B has a configuration similar to that of the heating unit 121A according to the first configuration example. However, in the example shown in FIG. 1B, the heating unit 121B is configured in a film-like shape and is arranged to cover the outer periphery of the holding unit 140. When the heating unit 121B generates heat, the substrate unit 151 of the stick-shaped substrate 150 is heated from the outer periphery, generating an aerosol. The heat insulating unit 144 prevents heat transfer from the heating unit 121B to other components. For example, the heat insulating unit 144 is made of a vacuum insulating material, an aerogel insulating material, or the like. The above describes a configuration example of the flavor inhaler 100B. Of course, the configuration of the flavor inhaler 100B is not limited to the above, and various configurations such as those exemplified below may be used.

[0034] As one example, the heating unit 121B may be configured in a blade shape and disposed so as 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 substrate 151 of the stick-shaped substrate 150 and heats the substrate 151 of the stick-shaped substrate 150 from the inside. As another example, the heating unit 121B may be disposed so as to cover the bottom 143 of the holding unit 140. Furthermore, the heating unit 121B may be configured as a combination of two or more of a first heating unit covering the outer periphery of the holding unit 140, a blade-shaped second heating unit, and a third heating unit covering the bottom 143 of the holding unit 140.

[0035] As another example, the holding unit 140 may include an opening / closing mechanism such as a hinge that opens and closes a portion of the outer shell that forms the internal space 141. The holding unit 140 may then open and close a portion of the outer shell to clamp the stick-shaped substrate 150 inserted into the internal space 141. In this case, the heating unit 121B may be provided at the clamping location in the holding unit 140, and may heat the stick-shaped substrate 150 while pressing it.

[0036] The flavor inhaler 100B may further include the heating unit 121A, the liquid guide unit 122, the liquid storage unit 123, and the air flow path 180 according to the first configuration example, and the air outlet hole 182 of the air flow path 180 may also serve as an air inlet hole to the internal space 141. In this case, the mixed fluid of the aerosol and air generated by the heating unit 121A flows into the internal space 141 and is further mixed with the aerosol generated by the heating unit 121B, and reaches the user's oral cavity. (Heating Profile)

[0037] The control unit 116 controls the operation of the heating unit 121 based on the heating profile. The control of the operation of the heating unit 121 is achieved by controlling the power supply from the power supply unit 111 to the heating unit 121. The heating unit 121 uses the power supplied from the power supply unit 111 to heat the aerosol source contained in the cartridge 120 and the flavoring cartridge 130, or the stick-type substrate 150 (hereinafter referred to as the stick-type substrate 150, etc.).

[0038] The heating profile is control information for controlling the temperature at which the aerosol source is heated. The heating profile may be control information for controlling the temperature of the heating unit 121. As an example, the heating profile may include a target value for the temperature of the heating unit 121 (hereinafter also referred to as the target temperature). The target temperature may change depending on the elapsed time from the start of heating. In this case, the heating profile includes information specifying the time series progression of the target temperature. As another example, the heating profile may include parameters (hereinafter also referred to as power supply parameters) that specify the method of supplying power to the heating unit 121. The power supply parameters include, for example, the voltage applied to the heating unit 121, ON / OFF of power supply to the heating unit 121, or the feedback control method to be adopted. The ON / OFF of power supply to the heating unit 121 may be regarded as ON / OFF of the heating unit 121.

[0039] The control unit 116 controls the operation of the heating unit 121 so that the temperature of the heating unit 121 changes in the same manner as the target temperature defined in the heating profile. By controlling the operation of the heating unit 121 based on the heating profile, the flavor that the user tastes can change.

[0040] The temperature control of the heating unit 121 can be achieved by, for example, known feedback control. In this embodiment, the feedback control is PID control. The control unit 116 can supply power from the power supply unit 111 to the heating unit 121 in the form of pulses generated by, for example, pulse width modulation (PWM). In this case, the control unit 116 can control the temperature of the heating unit 121 by adjusting the duty ratio of the power pulses in the feedback control.

[0041] The temperature of the heating unit 121 can be quantified, for example, by measuring or estimating the electrical resistance of the heating unit 121 (more precisely, the heating resistor that constitutes the heating unit 121). This is because the electrical resistance of the heating resistor changes depending on the temperature. The electrical resistance of the heating resistor can be estimated, for example, by measuring the amount of voltage drop across the heating resistor. The amount of voltage drop across the heating resistor can be measured by a voltage sensor that measures the potential difference applied to the heating resistor. In another example, the temperature of the heating unit 121 can be measured by a temperature sensor such as a thermistor installed near the heating unit 121.

[0042] The period from the start to the end of the process of generating aerosol from the aerosol source contained in the stick-shaped substrate 150 or the like is also referred to as a session below. In other words, a session is a period during which power supply to the heating unit 121 is controlled based on the heating profile. The start of a session is the timing when heating based on the heating profile starts. The end of a session is the timing when a sufficient amount of aerosol is no longer generated. A session includes a pre-heating period and an inhalable period following the pre-heating period. The inhalable period is a period during which a sufficient amount of aerosol is expected to be generated. The pre-heating period is a period during which the aerosol source is heated before the user inhales, and is the period from the start of heating to the start of the inhalable period. Heating performed during the pre-heating period is also referred to as pre-heating or preheating.

[0043] 2 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of a heating profile that can be realized in one session. The horizontal axis in the diagram represents the elapsed time from the start of power supply to the heating unit 121, and the vertical axis represents the temperature of the heating unit 121. The thick broken line represents an example heating profile 40. The heating profile 40 consists of an initial preheating period (T0 to T2) and an inhalation period (T2 to T8) that follows the preheating period. As an example, the entire inhalation period may be about 5 minutes long. Note that T0, T1, ..., T8 represent each point in time during the session.

[0044] The preheating period includes a temperature rise section (T0 to T1) in which the temperature of the heating unit 121 is rapidly raised from the ambient temperature H0 to a first temperature H1, and a temperature maintenance section (T1 to T2) in which the temperature of the heating unit 121 is maintained at the first temperature H1. In this way, by first rapidly heating the heating unit 121 to the first temperature H1, heat can be quickly and sufficiently distributed throughout the stick-shaped substrate 150, etc., and good quality aerosol can be provided to the user more quickly.

[0045] The inhalable period includes a maintenance period (T2 to T3) in which the temperature of the heating unit 121 is maintained at a first temperature H1, a temperature reduction period (T3 to T4) in which the temperature of the heating unit 121 is reduced to a second temperature H2, and a maintenance period (T4 to T5) in which the temperature of the heating unit 121 is maintained at the second temperature H2. In this way, by reducing the temperature of the heating unit 121, which has once risen to the first temperature H1, to the second temperature H2, the user can enjoy a stable inhalation with a good smoking taste for a longer period. During the temperature reduction period, the supply of power from the power supply unit 111 to the heating unit 121 may be stopped. The inhalable period further includes a temperature increase section (T5 to T6) in which the temperature of the heating section 121 is gradually increased from the second temperature H2 to the third temperature H3, a temperature maintenance section (T6 to T7) in which the temperature of the heating section 121 is maintained at the third temperature H3, and a temperature decrease section (T7 to T8) in which the temperature of the heating section 121 is decreased toward the ambient temperature H0. In this way, by increasing the temperature of the heating section 121 again in the latter half of the inhalable period, it is possible to suppress deterioration in the smoking taste in a situation in which the aerosol source (or flavor source; the same applies below) contained in the stick-shaped substrate 150 or the like is decreasing, and to provide the user with a highly satisfying experience until the end of the inhalable period.

[0046] As an example, the first temperature H1 may be 320° C., the second temperature H2 may be 230° C., and the third temperature H3 may be 260° C. However, different heating profiles may be designed, for example, according to manufacturer design guidelines, user preferences, or the characteristics of different brands of tobacco articles.

[0047] When attempting to rapidly increase the temperature of the heating unit 121 during a session, as in heating profile 40, the amount of output current from the power supply unit 111 increases significantly during the rapid temperature increase. As the amount of output current from the power supply unit 111 increases, the voltage drop at the internal resistance of the power supply unit 111 increases accordingly, and the power supply voltage also temporarily drops significantly. The flavor inhalation device 100 of this embodiment uses this voltage drop to determine whether sufficient power remains in the power supply unit 111 (battery, etc.) for the next time the user will inhale until the aerosol source contained in the stick-shaped substrate 150, etc. is used up. Note that, hereinafter, this voltage drop may be referred to as a "drop voltage." (Determining whether inhalation is possible)

[0048] The flavor inhaler 100 according to the present embodiment determines whether sufficient power remains in the power supply unit 111 (hereinafter also referred to as a "battery") for the user to inhale the aerosol source contained in the stick-shaped substrate 150 or the like until it is completely consumed the next time, based on the difference between a first voltage, which is the drop voltage at the start of the check period, and a second voltage, which is the drop voltage at the end of the check period. The "end of the check period" refers, for example, to immediately before the end of the check period. Furthermore, the "time when the voltage applied to the heating unit 121 is changed after the start of preheating" may refer to "immediately before the voltage applied to the heating unit 121 is changed after the start of preheating." First, in the flavor inhaler 100 according to the present embodiment, for example, the voltage applied to the heating unit 121 is 5 V (volts) during the period 0 to T3 in FIG. 2 , and the control parameters are switched so that the voltage applied to the heating unit 121 is changed from 5 V to 4.5 V during the subsequent period T3 to T4, and the voltage applied to the heating unit 121 is set to 4.5 V from T4. In this embodiment, the period from 0 to T3 during which the voltage applied to the heating unit 121 is 5 V before switching is referred to as the "check period." That is, the "check period" in this embodiment refers to a period during which the value of the voltage applied to the heating unit 121 at the start of heating for preheating the flavor inhaler 100 before inhalation is maintained. Note that the applied voltages during the period from 0 to T3 and after time T4 are not limited to 5 V and 4.5 V, respectively. If the power supply is a boost power supply, it is sufficient that both applied voltages have values ​​greater than those of the power supply unit.

[0049] In the flavor inhalation device 100 according to the present embodiment, if the difference (potential difference) between the first voltage, which is the drop voltage at the start of the check period, and the second voltage, which is the drop voltage at the end of the check period, is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold, the power supply unit 111 determines that there is insufficient power remaining for the next user to inhale until the aerosol source contained in the stick-shaped substrate 150 or the like is depleted. If the remaining battery charge is sufficient, the difference in drop voltage between the start of the check period and the end of the check period will be close to zero. This is because, as preheating progresses, the electrical resistance of the heating unit 121 increases, reducing the discharge current, resulting in no significant difference in drop voltage between the start of the check period and the end of the check period. Furthermore, the heating unit 121 cools during the period T3-T4, and voltage application to the heating unit 121 is interrupted during this period. Therefore, if a determination is made regarding the difference between the first voltage and the second voltage at time T3, the potential difference can be more accurately compared than after switching the applied voltage by measuring the first voltage using the same applied voltage. This is because different applied voltages change the load conditions on the battery, making it difficult to correctly determine the drop voltage. Also, applying 5 V to a battery or the like tends to result in a higher load than applying 4.5 V after time T4, so it can be thought that a voltage drop due to a decrease in the remaining capacity of the battery or the like is more likely to occur.

[0050] The "predetermined threshold" is, for example, 0.05 V. The threshold may be determined taking noise and the like into consideration. The threshold may also be set depending on the type (nickel manganese cadmium, nickel metal hydride battery, etc.) and model (peak current value) of the battery that is the power supply unit 111, the battery temperature state, and the like. The threshold may also be set to an appropriate value through experimentation.

[0051] FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of the voltage drop at the start and end of the check period. Note that FIG. 3 mainly shows the change in voltage applied to the power supply unit 111 during the check period, and omits a portion of the inhalable period. In this example, the voltage drop at the start of the check period, indicated by the solid arrow, is 2.70 V. The voltage drop at the end of the check period, indicated by the dashed arrow, is 2.60 V. Therefore, in this example, the difference between the two is 0.1 V, which is greater than the threshold value of 0.05 V. In such a case, the control unit 116 of the flavor inhaler 100 determines that the power supply unit 111 does not have enough power to allow the user to inhale until the aerosol source contained in the stick-shaped substrate 150 or the like is completely used up the next time. The control unit 116 then controls the notification unit 113 to notify the user that the aerosol source contained in the smoking article cannot be inhaled until the aerosol source is completely used up the next time, i.e., that charging is required. This allows the user to charge the flavor inhalation device 100 in advance, and avoids situations where the user is unable to inhale before the aerosol source contained in the stick-shaped substrate 150, etc. is used up the next time they inhale.

[0052] The notification method may be any of the following methods: displaying a message on a display device, emitting light by an LED or the like, outputting a sound, vibrating, etc. In this embodiment, the timing of the notification is when inhalation ends (when heating according to the heating profile ends (including when the user terminates the heating profile midway)). This is because the flavor inhaler 100 is often located near the user's face during inhalation, and it is thought that the user would not notice the notification if it were made during inhalation. However, this is not limiting. For example, the notification may be made immediately after the determination process for the next inhalation at the end of the check period or while the user is inhaling thereafter.

[0053] In this embodiment, the determination of whether the next inhalation is possible is based on the difference in drop voltage between the start and end of the check period. Alternatively, the determination of whether the next inhalation is possible can be based on the difference between the voltage immediately before power is supplied to the heating unit 121 for heating (referred to herein as OCV (open circuit voltage)) indicated by the dashed-dotted arrow in Figure 3 and the drop voltage at the end of the check period. Even in this case, the flavor inhaler 100 may determine that there is insufficient power remaining in the power supply unit 111 for the next inhalation by the user if the difference between the OCV at the start of the check period and the drop voltage at the end of the check period is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold. (Flow Diagram) Figure 4 is a flow diagram illustrating an example of the flow of processing executed by the flavor inhaler 100 according to this embodiment.

[0054] First, the control unit 116 determines whether the current time is the start of a check period (step S102). For example, the control unit 116 executes a process (such as a command or control, or signal control) for supplying power to the heating unit 121 to start preheating based on the heating profile. The control unit 116 can determine that the current is the start of a check period when the process is executed. If the control unit 116 determines that the current is the start of a check period (step S102: Yes), the control unit 116 measures a first voltage, which is a drop voltage at the start of the check period (step S104). More specifically, for example, the control unit 116 controls the heating unit 121 to supply current for a certain period of time before starting preheating, and measures the voltage (first voltage) of the heating unit 121 at this time. The control unit 116 then starts preheating.

[0055] Thereafter, the control unit 116 determines whether the check period has ended (step S106). The term "end of the check period" includes the time immediately before the end of the check period. For example, if the control unit 116 determines that the voltage applied to the heating unit 121 is about to be changed after the start of preheating, the control unit 116 can determine that the check period is about to end. Because the way in which the voltage applied to the heating unit 121 is changed is set in the heating profile, the control unit 116 can determine whether the applied voltage is about to be changed (immediately before the end of the check period) by referring to the heating profile. Step S106 is repeated until the control unit 116 determines that the check period has ended (step S106: No). If the control unit 116 determines that the check period has ended (step S106: Yes), the control unit 116 measures the second voltage, which is the drop voltage at the end of the check period (step S108). More specifically, the control unit 116 controls the heating unit 121 to supply current for a certain period at the end of the check period (time T3), and measures the voltage (second voltage) of the heating unit 121 at this time. The certain period during which the current is supplied to the heating unit 121 at this time is preferably the same period as the period during which the first voltage is measured in step S104.

[0056] The control unit 116 determines whether the difference between the first voltage measured in step S104 and the second voltage measured in step S108 is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold (step S110). If the difference is less than the threshold (step S110: No), the control unit 116 determines that there is enough power remaining in the power supply unit 111 to allow the user to inhale until the aerosol source contained in the stick-shaped substrate 150 or the like is used up the next time, and ends the process. On the other hand, if the difference is equal to or greater than the threshold value (step S110: Yes), the control unit 116 determines that there is not enough power remaining in the power supply unit 111 for the user to use up the aerosol source contained in the stick-shaped substrate 150 or the like the next time, and waits until the suction is completed (until heating by the heating profile is completed (including when the user terminates the heating profile midway)) (step S112: No). If it is determined that the suction is completed (step S112: Yes), the notification unit 113 notifies the user of this by displaying a message on the display device, emitting light from an LED or the like, outputting sound, vibrating, or the like (step S114).

[0057] In this example, the user is notified when suction ends (steps S112 and S114), but the user may be notified during suction. Also, instead of measuring the first voltage in step S104 of this example, control unit 116 may measure a third voltage, which is the voltage immediately before power is supplied to heating unit 121 before suction, and instead of determining in step S110 whether the difference between the first voltage and the second voltage is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold, control unit 116 may determine whether the difference between the third voltage and the second voltage is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold.

[0058] FIG. 5 is a more specific example of a flow diagram. The control unit 116 measures the first voltage at the timing of the first voltage drop that occurs when preheating begins (step S202). Then, the control unit 116 causes the heating unit 121 to start preheating before suction in accordance with the start of heating in the heating profile (step S204). More specifically, for example, the control unit 116 controls the heating unit 121 to supply current for a certain period before the start of preheating and measures the voltage (first voltage) of the heating unit 121 at this time. Then, the control unit 116 starts preheating. Next, the control unit 116 determines whether it is time to change the voltage applied to the heating unit 116 after the start of preheating (step S206). "When the applied voltage is changed" also includes the time immediately before the applied voltage is changed. Because the heating profile specifies how the voltage applied to the heating unit 121 is changed, the control unit 116 can determine whether it is time to change the applied voltage by referring to the heating profile. If the control unit 116 determines that it is time to change the voltage applied to the heating unit 116 after the start of preheating (step S206: Yes), the control unit 116 measures the second voltage at the timing of the second voltage drop that occurs when the applied voltage is changed (step S208).

[0059] The control unit 116 calculates the difference between the first voltage measured in step S204 and the second voltage measured in step S208 (step S210). The control unit 116 determines whether the difference calculated in step S210 is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold (step S212). If the difference is less than the threshold (step S212: No), the control unit 116 determines that there is enough power remaining in the power supply unit 111 to allow the user to inhale until the aerosol source contained in the stick-shaped substrate 150 or the like is used up the next time, and ends the process. On the other hand, if the difference is equal to or greater than the threshold value (step S212: Yes), the control unit 116 determines that there is not enough power remaining in the power supply unit 111 for the user to use up the aerosol source contained in the stick-shaped substrate 150 or the like the next time, and waits until the suction is completed (until heating by the heating profile is completed (including when the user terminates the heating profile midway)) (step S214: No). If it is determined that the suction is completed (step S214: Yes), the notification unit 113 notifies the user of this by displaying a message on the display device, emitting light from an LED or the like, outputting sound, vibrating, or the like (step S216).

[0060] In this example, the user is notified when suction ends (steps S214 and S216), but the user may be notified during suction. Furthermore, instead of measuring the first voltage in step S204 of this example, the control unit 116 may measure a third voltage, which is the voltage immediately before power is supplied to the heating unit 121 before suction. Instead of calculating the difference between the first voltage and the second voltage in step S210, the control unit 116 may calculate the difference between the third voltage and the first voltage. Instead of determining whether the difference between the first voltage and the second voltage is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold in step S212, the control unit 116 may determine whether the difference between the third voltage and the second voltage is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold.

[0061] The flavor inhalation device 100 according to the present embodiment can avoid situations such as interrupting the next inhalation due to insufficient power before the aerosol source contained in the smoking article is completely used up. Furthermore, if the flavor inhalation device 100 has a function for determining whether sufficient power remains at the start of inhalation to inhalate until the aerosol source contained in the smoking article is completely used up, as disclosed in Patent Document 1, if the flavor inhalation device 100 is insufficiently charged, the flavor inhalation device must be charged when the user attempts to start inhaling. In such cases, the user may be dissatisfied because they have to wait until the flavor inhalation device is fully charged, even though they want to start inhaling immediately. However, the flavor inhalation device 100 according to the present embodiment can avoid such situations.

[0062] Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described above, it goes without saying that the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments and may be embodied in various different forms within the scope of the technical concept thereof.

[0063] Furthermore, the scope of the present invention is not limited to the exemplary embodiments shown and described, but includes all embodiments that achieve equivalent effects to those intended by the present invention. Furthermore, the scope of the present invention is not limited to the combination of inventive features defined by each claim, but can be defined by any desired combination of specific features from among all the respective disclosed features.

[0064] The following configurations also fall within the technical scope of the present invention: (1) A device that is a flavor inhaler or an aerosol generating apparatus, comprising: a heating unit that heats a flavor source or an aerosol source, a power supply unit that applies a voltage to the heating unit, a sensor unit that detects the voltage applied to the heating unit, a memory unit that stores a heating profile that defines a time series transition of a target temperature of the heating unit over a session, and a control unit that executes the session in accordance with the heating profile, wherein the control unit is configured to: start pre-heating before inhalation in the heating unit in response to the start of heating in the heating profile, identify a first voltage at the timing of a first voltage drop that occurs at the start of the pre-heating and a second voltage at the timing of a second voltage drop that occurs when the voltage applied to the heating unit is changed after the start of the pre-heating, calculate a difference between the first voltage and the second voltage, and determine whether the difference is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold. (2) The device according to (1), further comprising a notification unit that executes processing to notify a user when the control unit determines that the difference between the first voltage and the second voltage is equal to or greater than the predetermined threshold. (3) The device according to (1) or (2), wherein the notification unit executes processing to notify the user when the suction ends. (4) The device according to any of (1) to (3), wherein the control unit determines whether a difference between the second voltage and a third voltage, which is a voltage immediately before power is supplied to the heating unit 121 before suction, is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold, instead of determining whether the difference between the first voltage and the second voltage is equal to or greater than the predetermined threshold.(5) A control method for a device that is a flavor inhaler or an aerosol generating apparatus, the device comprising: a heating unit that heats a flavor source or an aerosol source; a power supply unit that applies a voltage to the heating unit; a sensor unit that detects the voltage applied to the heating unit; a memory unit that stores a heating profile that defines a time series transition of a target temperature of the heating unit over a session; and a control unit that executes the session in accordance with the heating profile, the control unit causing the heating unit to start pre-heating before inhalation in response to the start of heating in the heating profile in the session; the control unit specifying a first voltage at the timing of a first voltage drop that occurs at the start of the pre-heating and a second voltage at the timing of a second voltage drop that occurs when the voltage applied to the heating unit is changed after the start of the pre-heating; the control unit calculating a difference between the first voltage and the second voltage; and the control unit determining whether the difference is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold. (6) A program that causes a processor of a device that is a flavor inhalation instrument or an aerosol generating apparatus, the device comprising: a heating unit that heats a flavor source or an aerosol source; a power supply unit that applies a voltage to the heating unit; a sensor unit that detects the voltage applied to the heating unit; a memory unit that stores a heating profile that defines the time series transition of the target temperature of the heating unit over a session; and a control unit that executes the session in accordance with the heating profile, to execute the following steps in the session: causing the heating unit to start pre-heating before inhalation in response to the start of heating in the heating profile; identifying a first voltage at the timing of a first voltage drop that occurs at the start of the pre-heating and a second voltage at the timing of a second voltage drop that occurs when the voltage applied to the heating unit is changed after the start of the pre-heating; calculating the difference between the first voltage and the second voltage; and determining whether the difference is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold.

[0065] 40...Heating profile 100A, 100B...Flavor inhalation device, etc. 110...Power supply unit 111A, 111B...Power supply section 112A, 112B...Sensor section 113A, 113B...Notification section 114A, 114B...Memory section 115A, 115B...Communication section 116A, 116B...Control section 120...Cartridge 121A, 121B...Heating section 122...Liquid guiding section 123...Liquid storage section 124...Mouthpiece 130...Flavor imparting cartridge 131...Flavor source 140...Retaining section 141...Internal space 142...Opening 143...Bottom 144...Insulating section 150...Stick-shaped substrate 151...Substrate section 152...Suction mouth section 180...Air flow path 181...Air inlet hole 182...Air outlet hole

Claims

1. A device which is a fragrance attracting device or an aerosol generating device, comprising: a heating unit that heats a fragrance source or an aerosol source; a power supply unit for applying a voltage to the heating unit; a sensor unit that detects the voltage applied to the heating unit; a storage unit that stores a heating profile defining the time-series change of the target temperature of the heating unit over a session; and a control unit that executes the session according to the heating profile, wherein the control unit: starts preheating before suction to the heating unit in response to the start of heating in the heating profile during the session; identifies a first voltage at the timing of a first voltage drop occurring at the start of the preheating and a second voltage at the timing of a second voltage drop occurring when the voltage applied to the heating unit changes after the start of the preheating; calculates a difference between the first voltage and the second voltage; and is configured to determine whether the difference is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold value.

2. The device according to claim 1, further comprising a notification unit that executes a process for notifying the user when the control unit determines that the difference between the first voltage and the second voltage is equal to or greater than the predetermined threshold value.

3. The device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the notification unit executes a process for notifying the user when the suction ends.

4. Instead of determining whether the difference between the first voltage and the second voltage is equal to or greater than the predetermined threshold value, the control unit determines whether the difference between a third voltage, which is the voltage immediately before power supply to the heating unit 121 is performed before suction, and the second voltage is equal to or greater than the predetermined threshold value. The device according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

5. A control method for a device which is a flavor suction device or an aerosol generating device, comprising a heating unit for heating a flavor source or an aerosol source, a power supply unit for applying a voltage to the heating unit, a sensor unit for detecting the voltage applied to the heating unit, a storage unit for storing a heating profile defining a time-series transition of a target temperature of the heating unit over a session, and a control unit for executing the session according to the heating profile, the method comprising: a step in which the control unit causes the heating unit to start preheating before suction in response to the start of heating in the heating profile in the session; a step in which the control unit identifies a first voltage at a timing of a first voltage drop occurring at the start of the preheating and a second voltage at a timing of a second voltage drop occurring at the time of changing the voltage applied to the heating unit after the start of the preheating; a step in which the control unit calculates a difference between the first voltage and the second voltage; and a step in which the control unit determines whether the difference is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold value.

6. A program for causing a processor of a device which is a flavor suction device or an aerosol generating device, comprising a heating unit for heating a flavor source or an aerosol source, a power supply unit for applying a voltage to the heating unit, a sensor unit for detecting the voltage applied to the heating unit, a storage unit for storing a heating profile defining a time-series transition of a target temperature of the heating unit over a session, and a control unit for executing the session according to the heating profile, to execute, in the session: a step of causing the heating unit to start preheating before suction in response to the start of heating in the heating profile; a step of identifying a first voltage at a timing of a first voltage drop occurring at the start of the preheating and a second voltage at a timing of a second voltage drop occurring at the time of changing the voltage applied to the heating unit after the start of the preheating; a step of calculating a difference between the first voltage and the second voltage; and a step of determining whether the difference is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold value.

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