CN111511229B

CN111511229B - Aerosol generating device, method for operating same, and storage medium

Info

Publication number: CN111511229B
Application number: CN201780096249.9A
Authority: CN
Inventors: 辻将之; 藤田创; 中野拓磨
Original assignee: Japan Tobacco Inc
Current assignee: Japan Tobacco Inc
Priority date: 2017-10-24
Filing date: 2017-10-24
Publication date: 2024-01-12
Anticipated expiration: 2037-10-24
Also published as: EP3701813A4; KR20200075854A; US20200245687A1; EP3701813B1; RU2749257C1; JPWO2019082262A1; WO2019082262A1; KR102478727B1; CN111511229A; JP6812570B2; EP3701813A1

Abstract

Provided is an aerosol-generating device for suppressing temporary shortage of an aerosol source in a holding section for holding the aerosol source supplied from a storage section of the aerosol source. The aerosol-generating device (100A) comprises: a power supply (110); a load (132) which generates heat upon receiving power from the power supply (110) and atomizes the aerosol source; an element (112) for acquiring a value associated with the temperature of the load (132); a circuit (134) electrically connecting the power source (110) and the load (132); a storage unit (116) for storing the aerosol source; a holding unit (130) that holds the aerosol source supplied from the storage unit (116) in a state that can be heated by a load (132); and a control unit (106) configured to, when a dry state or a precursor of the dry state in which the temperature of the load (132) exceeds the boiling point of the aerosol source is detected, because the aerosol source can be supplied by the storage unit (116) but the aerosol source held by the holding unit (130) is insufficient, execute control to increase the amount of the aerosol source held by the holding unit (130) or control to increase the possibility of the amount of the aerosol source held being increased when the power supply (110) starts to supply power to the load (132) and when the power supply (110) completes supplying power to the load (132).

Description

Aerosol generating device, method for operating same, and storage medium

Technical Field

The present disclosure relates to an aerosol-generating device that generates an aerosol to be inhaled by a user, and a method and a storage medium for operating the same.

Background

In an aerosol generating device such as a general electronic cigarette, a heating cigarette, or a nebulizer (nebuliser) for generating an aerosol to be inhaled by a user, if the user inhales when an aerosol source that is an aerosol due to atomization is insufficient, sufficient aerosol cannot be supplied to the user. Furthermore, in the case of an electronic cigarette or a heated cigarette, there occurs a problem that aerosol having an undesirable flavor may be released.

As a solution to this problem, patent document 1 discloses a technique for detecting exhaustion of an aerosol source based on a change in heater temperature when power is supplied to a heater for heating the aerosol source. Other patent documents 2 to 11 also disclose various techniques for solving the above-mentioned problems or may contribute to solving the above-mentioned problems.

However, these prior art techniques do not specifically determine in which part of the aerosol-generating device the deficiency of the aerosol source is occurring. Accordingly, there is still room for improvement in terms of the structure, operation method, and the like of an aerosol-generating device for performing appropriate control when an aerosol source is insufficient.

Prior art literature

Patent literature

Patent document 1: european patent application publication No. 2654469 specification

Patent document 2 European patent application publication No. 1412829 specification

Patent document 3 European patent application publication No. 2471392 specification

Patent document 4 European patent application publication No. 2257195 specification

Patent document 5 European patent application publication No. 2493342 specification

Patent document 6 European patent application publication No. 2895930 specification

Patent document 7 European patent application publication No. 2797446 specification

Patent document 8 European patent application publication No. 2654471 specification

Patent document 9 European patent application publication No. 2870888 specification

Patent document 10 European patent application publication No. 2654470 specification

Patent document 11 International publication No. 2015/100361

Disclosure of Invention

Problems to be solved by the invention

The present disclosure has been made in view of the above-described aspects.

A first object to be solved by the present disclosure is to provide an aerosol-generating device that performs appropriate control when an aerosol source is insufficient, and a method and a program for operating the same.

A second object of the present disclosure is to provide an aerosol-generating device for suppressing temporary shortage of an aerosol source in a holding portion that holds the aerosol source supplied from a storage portion of the aerosol source, and a method and a program for operating the same.

Means for solving the problems

In order to solve the first problem described above, according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure, there is provided an aerosol-generating device including: a power supply; a load which generates heat when receiving power from the power supply and atomizes the aerosol source; an element for acquiring a value associated with a temperature of the load; a circuit electrically connecting the power supply and the load; a storage unit that stores the aerosol source; a holding unit configured to hold the aerosol source supplied from the storage unit in a state where the aerosol source can be heated by the load; and a control unit configured to distinguish, based on a change in a value associated with a temperature of the load after the circuit is activated, whether the aerosol-generating device is in a first state in which the aerosol source stored in the storage unit is deficient or in a second state in which the storage unit can supply the aerosol source but the aerosol source held by the holding unit is deficient.

In one embodiment, the temperature of the load exceeds the boiling point of the aerosol source or the temperature at which aerosol generation occurs due to evaporation of the aerosol source, either because the aerosol source stored by the storage portion is insufficient in the first state, or because the storage portion is able to supply the aerosol source but the aerosol source held by the holding portion is insufficient in the second state.

In one embodiment, the circuit includes a first path for atomizing the aerosol source and a second path for acquiring a value associated with a temperature of the load, the first path and the second path being connected in parallel to the power supply and the load, and the control unit is configured to cause the first path and the second path to alternately function.

In one embodiment, the first path and the second path each have a switch, and the switch is switched from an off state to an on state to function, and the control unit is configured to set a predetermined interval from when the switch of the first path is switched from the on state to the off state to when the switch of the second path is switched from the off state to the on state.

In one embodiment, the first path has a smaller resistance value than the second path, and the control unit is configured to distinguish the first state from the second state based on a change in a value associated with a temperature of the load after the first path is operated or during the second path is operated.

In one embodiment, the control unit is configured to distinguish the first state from the second state based on a time required from when the first path or the second path is active until a value associated with the temperature of the load reaches a threshold value.

In one embodiment, the time when the first state is determined to occur is shorter than the time when the second state is determined to occur.

In one embodiment, the circuit includes a first path for atomizing the aerosol source and a second path for acquiring a value related to a temperature of the load, the first path being connected in parallel with the load, and the control unit is configured to cause the second path to function after completion of the operation of the first path.

In one embodiment, the control unit is configured to cause the second path to function after the operation of the first path is completed a plurality of times.

In one embodiment, the control unit is configured to reduce the number of times the first path is operated before the second path is operated, as the number of times the load is operated or the amount of operation is increased after the storage unit is replaced with a new one or after the storage unit is replenished with the aerosol source.

In one embodiment, the first path has a smaller resistance value than the second path,

the control unit is configured to distinguish between the first state and the second state based on a change in a value associated with a temperature of the load after the first path is activated or during the second path is activated.

In one embodiment, the first path has a smaller resistance value than the second path, and the control unit is configured to distinguish the first state from the second state based on a change in a value associated with a temperature of the load after completion of the operation of the first path or during the period in which the second path is functioning.

In one embodiment, the first path has a smaller resistance value than the second path, and the control unit is configured to distinguish the first state from the second state based on a time differential value of a value associated with a temperature of the load during a period in which the second path is active.

In one embodiment, the time differential value when the second state is determined to have occurred is smaller than the time differential value when the first state is determined to have occurred.

In an embodiment, the circuit comprises a single path connecting the load in series and for the atomization of the aerosol source and the acquisition of the value associated with the temperature of the load, and an element smoothing the power supplied to the load.

In one embodiment, the circuit includes a single path for atomizing the aerosol source and acquiring a temperature of the load, the aerosol generating device further includes a low-pass filter through which the value associated with the temperature of the load acquired using the element passes, and the control unit is configured to be able to acquire the value associated with the temperature that has passed through the low-pass filter.

In one embodiment, the control unit is configured to distinguish the first state from the second state based on a time required from when the single path is activated until a value associated with the temperature of the load reaches a threshold value.

In one embodiment, the control unit is configured to modify a condition for distinguishing the first state from the second state based on a thermal history of the load when the circuit is operating.

In one embodiment, the control unit is configured to obtain a change in the time sequence of the request based on the request for generating the aerosol, and to modify the condition based on the thermal history of the load obtained from the change in the time sequence of the request.

In one embodiment, the control unit is configured to modify the condition such that the shorter the time interval from the end of the request to the start of the next request is, the less likely it is determined that the first state is generated.

In one embodiment, the control unit is configured to make an influence of an old thermal history included in the thermal history of the load on the modification of the condition smaller than an influence of a new thermal history included in the thermal history of the load on the modification of the condition.

In one embodiment, the control unit is configured to modify the condition based on a thermal history of the load derived from a temperature of the load when the circuit is functioning.

In one embodiment, the control unit is configured to modify the condition such that the higher the temperature of the load when the circuit is operating, the less likely it is determined that the first state has occurred.

Furthermore, according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure, there is provided a method for causing an aerosol-generating device to act, the method comprising: a step of heating the load to atomize the aerosol source; and a step of discriminating, based on a change in a value associated with a temperature of the load, whether the aerosol-generating device is in a first state, which is a state in which the stored aerosol source is insufficient, or in a second state, which is a state in which the stored aerosol source is not insufficient but is kept in a state in which heating by the load is possible.

Furthermore, according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure, there is provided an aerosol-generating device comprising: a power supply; a load which generates heat when receiving power from the power supply and atomizes the aerosol source; an element for acquiring a value associated with a temperature of the load; a circuit electrically connecting the power supply and the load, a storage unit storing the aerosol source; a holding unit configured to hold the aerosol source supplied from the storage unit in a state where the aerosol source can be heated by the load; and a control unit configured to determine whether or not the aerosol-generating device is in a state in which the storage unit is capable of supplying the aerosol source but the aerosol source held by the holding unit is insufficient, based on a change in a value associated with the temperature of the load after the circuit has been operated.

In one embodiment, in the state, the temperature of the load exceeds the boiling point of the aerosol source because the reservoir can supply the aerosol source but the aerosol source held by the holding portion is insufficient.

Furthermore, according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure, there is provided a method for causing an aerosol-generating device to act, the method comprising: a step of heating the load to atomize the aerosol source; and determining whether the aerosol-generating device is in a state in which the stored aerosol-source is not insufficient but the aerosol-source held in a state in which heating by the load is possible is insufficient, based on a change in a value associated with a temperature of the load.

Furthermore, according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure, there is provided an aerosol-generating device comprising: a power supply; a load which generates heat when receiving power from the power supply and atomizes the aerosol source; an element for acquiring a value associated with a temperature of the load; a circuit electrically connecting the power supply and the load; a storage unit that stores the aerosol source; a holding unit configured to hold the aerosol source supplied from the storage unit in a state where the aerosol source can be heated by the load; and a control unit configured to distinguish, based on a change in a value associated with a temperature of the load after the circuit is operated, whether the aerosol-generating device is in a first state due to a shortage of the aerosol source stored in the storage unit or in a second state where the storage unit is capable of supplying the aerosol source but the aerosol source held by the holding unit is shortage, and to distinguish, based on a change in a value associated with a temperature of the load after the circuit is operated, whether the temperature of the load reaches a predetermined temperature that is less than a boiling point of the aerosol source or a temperature at which aerosol generation occurs due to evaporation of the aerosol source, in the first state, or in the second state, in comparison with other states other than the first state and the second state.

Furthermore, according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure, there is provided a method for causing an aerosol-generating device to act, the method comprising: a step of heating the load to atomize the aerosol source; and a step of discriminating, based on a change in a value associated with a temperature of the load, whether the aerosol-generating device is in a first state or in a second state, wherein the first state is a state in which the stored aerosol source is insufficient, and the second state is a state in which the stored aerosol source is not insufficient but is kept in a state in which heating by the load is possible, a temperature of the load reaches earlier than other states other than the first state and the second state to a temperature less than a boiling point of the aerosol source or a temperature at which aerosol generation by evaporation of the aerosol source occurs due to the shortage of the stored aerosol source in the first state or the shortage of the aerosol source in the second state which is not sufficient but is kept in a state in which heating by the load is possible.

Further, according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure, there is provided a program which, if executed by a processor, causes the processor to perform one of the methods described above.

In order to solve the second problem described above, according to a second embodiment of the present disclosure, there is provided an aerosol-generating device including: a power supply; a load which generates heat when receiving power from the power supply and atomizes the aerosol source; an element for acquiring a value associated with a temperature of the load; a circuit electrically connecting the power supply and the load; a storage unit that stores the aerosol source; a holding unit configured to hold the aerosol source supplied from the storage unit in a state where the aerosol source can be heated by the load; and a control unit configured to execute control to increase a holding amount of the aerosol source held by the holding unit or control to increase a possibility of the holding amount when at least one of when the power supply starts supplying power to the load and when the power supply finishes supplying power to the load, in a case where a dry noise state or a precursor of the dry noise state, in which the temperature of the load exceeds a boiling point of the aerosol source, is detected because the storage unit can supply the aerosol source but the aerosol source held by the holding unit is insufficient.

In one embodiment, the aerosol-generating device includes a notification unit configured to notify a user, and the control unit is configured to cause the notification unit to function when the dry noise state or a precursor of the dry noise state is detected.

In one embodiment, the control unit is configured to control the interval from completion of the generation of the aerosol to the next start of the generation of the aerosol to be longer than the previous interval when the dry noise state or a precursor of the dry noise state is detected.

In one embodiment, the aerosol-generating device includes a notification unit configured to notify a user, and the control unit is configured to cause the notification unit to function when the dry noise state or a precursor of the dry noise state is detected, and to control the interval of the next time to be longer than the interval of the previous time when the dry noise state or the precursor of the dry noise state is further detected after the notification unit is caused to function 1 or more times.

In one embodiment, the control unit is configured to modify the length of the interval based on at least 1 of the viscosity of the aerosol source, the remaining amount of the aerosol source, the resistance value of the load, and the temperature of the power supply.

In one embodiment, the aerosol-generating device includes a supply unit configured to be able to adjust at least one of an amount and a speed of the aerosol source supplied from the storage unit to the holding unit. The control unit is configured to control the supply unit so that at least one of the amount and the speed of the aerosol source supplied from the storage unit to the holding unit is increased when the dry noise state or a precursor of the dry noise state is detected.

In one embodiment, the control unit is configured to control the circuit so as to reduce the amount of aerosol generated when the dry noise state or a precursor of the dry noise state is detected.

In one embodiment, the aerosol-generating device comprises a temperature adjustment unit, which is capable of adjusting the temperature of the aerosol source. The control unit is configured to control the circuit so as to heat the aerosol source when the dry noise state or a precursor of the dry noise state is detected.

In one embodiment, the control unit is configured to control the temperature adjustment unit to heat the aerosol source while no aerosol is generated by the load.

In one embodiment, the control unit is configured to use the load as the temperature adjustment unit.

In one embodiment, the aerosol-generating device includes a changing unit configured to change the ventilation resistance in the aerosol-generating device. The control unit is configured to control the changing unit so that the ventilation resistance increases when the noise-reduced state or a precursor of the noise-reduced state is detected.

In an embodiment, the aerosol-generating device comprises a request section that outputs a request for generation of an aerosol. The control unit is configured to control the circuit based on a correlation such that the larger the request is, the larger the amount of aerosol generated, and to modify the correlation such that the amount of aerosol generated corresponding to the size of the request is smaller when the dry noise state or a precursor of the dry noise state is detected.

In one embodiment, the control unit is configured to be capable of executing a first mode in which control is performed such that an interval from completion of generation of the aerosol to next start of generation of the aerosol is longer than a previous interval, and a second mode in which control is performed such that the holding amount is increased or a possibility of the holding amount being increased without performing control of the interval when at least one of supply of the power to the load and supply of the power to the load is completed is performed, and the second mode is executed preferentially over the first mode when the noise-dried state or a precursor of the noise-dried state is detected.

In one embodiment, the control unit is configured to execute the first mode when the dry noise state or a precursor of the dry noise state is further detected after executing the second mode.

In one embodiment, the control unit is configured to detect the noise-dried state based on a temperature change of the load after the circuit is activated.

In an embodiment, the aerosol-generating device comprises a request section that outputs a request for generation of an aerosol. The control unit is configured to detect a precursor of the noise-dried state based on a change in the time sequence of the request.

Furthermore, according to a second embodiment of the present disclosure, there is provided a method for causing an aerosol-generating device to act, the method comprising: a step of heating the load to atomize the aerosol source; and a step of executing control to increase the holding amount of the held aerosol source or control to increase the possibility of increasing the holding amount, at least one of when the power supply to the load is started and when the power supply to the load is completed, in the case where a dry noise state or a precursor of the dry noise state is detected, wherein the dry noise state is a state in which the temperature of the load exceeds the boiling point of the aerosol source because the aerosol source stored is not insufficient but the aerosol source held in a state in which heating by the load is possible.

Furthermore, according to a second embodiment of the present disclosure, there is provided an aerosol-generating device comprising: a power supply; a load which generates heat when receiving power from the power supply and atomizes the aerosol source; an element for acquiring a value associated with a temperature of the load; a circuit electrically connecting the power supply and the load, a storage unit storing the aerosol source; a holding unit configured to hold the aerosol source supplied from the storage unit in a state where the aerosol source can be heated by the load; and a control unit configured to execute control for suppressing generation of an aerosol or control for increasing the possibility of suppressing generation of an aerosol in an interval corresponding to a period from when the generation of an aerosol is completed to when the aerosol source is supplied from the storage unit to the holding unit in an amount equal to or larger than the amount of the aerosol source for generating the aerosol.

In one embodiment, the aerosol-generating device includes a notification unit that notifies a user. The control unit is configured to control the notification unit in a first mode during aerosol generation and to control the notification unit in a second mode different from the first mode during the interval.

In one embodiment, the aerosol-generating device includes a request unit that outputs a request for generating an aerosol. The control unit is configured to control the notification unit in a third mode different from the second mode when the request is acquired during the interval.

In one embodiment, the control unit is configured to control the circuit so as to prohibit generation of aerosol during the interval.

In one embodiment, the aerosol-generating device includes a request unit that outputs a request for generating an aerosol. The control unit is configured to modify the length of the interval based on at least one of the size and the change of the request.

Furthermore, according to a second embodiment of the present disclosure, there is provided a method for causing an aerosol-generating device to act, the method comprising: a step of heating the load to atomize the aerosol source and generate aerosol; and a step of executing control for suppressing the generation of the aerosol or control for increasing the possibility of suppressing the generation of the aerosol in an interval corresponding to a period from when the generation of the aerosol is completed to when the stored amount of the aerosol source is equal to or greater than the amount of the aerosol source for generating the aerosol, the period being a period from when the aerosol source is kept in a state where the aerosol source can be heated by the load.

Furthermore, according to a second embodiment of the present disclosure, there is provided an aerosol-generating device comprising: a power supply; a load which generates heat when receiving power from the power supply and atomizes the aerosol source; an element for acquiring a value associated with a temperature of the load; a circuit electrically connecting the power supply and the load; a storage unit that stores the aerosol source; a holding unit configured to hold the aerosol source supplied from the storage unit in a state where the aerosol source can be heated by the load; and a control unit configured to execute control to increase a holding amount of the aerosol source held by the holding unit or control to increase a possibility of the holding amount when at least one of the power supply starts supplying power to the load and the power supply completes supplying power to the load when the storage unit is capable of supplying the aerosol source but the aerosol source held by the holding unit is insufficient.

Furthermore, according to a second embodiment of the present disclosure, there is provided a method for causing an aerosol-generating device to act, the method comprising: a step of heating the load to atomize the aerosol source; and when the aerosol source stored is not insufficient but the aerosol source held in a state where heating by the load is enabled is insufficient, performing control to increase the held amount of the aerosol source held or control to increase the possibility of the held amount at least one of when power supply to the load is started and when power supply to the load is completed.

Further, according to a second embodiment of the present disclosure, there is provided a program which, if executed by a processor, causes the processor to perform one of the methods described above.

In order to solve the first problem described above, according to a third embodiment of the present disclosure, there is provided an aerosol-generating device including: a power supply; a load which generates heat when receiving power from the power supply and atomizes the aerosol source; an element for acquiring a value associated with a temperature of the load; a circuit electrically connecting the power supply and the load; a storage unit that stores the aerosol source; a holding unit configured to hold the aerosol source supplied from the storage unit in a state where the aerosol source can be heated by the load; and a control unit configured to distinguish, based on a change in a value associated with a temperature of the load after or during an operation of the circuit, whether the aerosol-generating device is in a first state in which the aerosol source stored in the storage unit is deficient or in a second state in which the storage unit can supply the aerosol source but the aerosol source held by the holding unit is deficient, wherein the control unit executes a first control when the first state is detected, and executes a second control different from the first control when the second state is detected.

In an embodiment, the temperature of the load exceeds the boiling point of the aerosol source due to the shortage of the aerosol source stored by the storage portion in the first state, or due to the shortage of the aerosol source which can be supplied by the storage portion but which is held by the holding portion in the second state.

In one embodiment, the second control reduces the aerosol source stored in the storage unit more than the first control.

In one embodiment, the control performed by the control unit in the second control changes a larger number of variables and/or a larger number of algorithms than the control performed by the control unit in the first control.

In an embodiment, the number of jobs requested to the user in the second control to allow aerosol generation is smaller than the number of jobs requested to the user in the first control to allow aerosol generation.

In one embodiment, the control unit is configured to prohibit the generation of the aerosol in the first control and the second control at least for a predetermined period.

In one embodiment, the period during which the generation of the aerosol is prohibited in the second control is shorter than the period during which the generation of the aerosol is prohibited in the first control.

In an embodiment, the first control and the second control each have a return condition for transferring from a state in which generation of aerosol is prohibited to a state in which generation of aerosol is permitted. The return condition in the first control is stricter than the return condition in the second control.

In one embodiment, the number of replacement operations of the components of the aerosol-generating device included in the return condition in the first control is greater than the number of replacement operations of the components of the aerosol-generating device included in the return condition in the second control.

In one embodiment, the aerosol-generating device includes 1 or more notification units for notifying a user. The number of notification sections that function in the first control is greater than the number of notification sections that function in the second control.

In one embodiment, the aerosol-generating device includes 1 or more notification units for notifying a user. The time for which the notification portion is activated in the first control is longer than the time for which the notification portion is activated in the second control.

In one embodiment, the aerosol-generating device includes 1 or more notification units for notifying a user. The amount of electric power supplied from the power source to the notification portion in the first control is larger than the amount of electric power supplied from the power source to the notification portion in the second control.

Furthermore, according to a third embodiment of the present disclosure, there is provided a method for causing an aerosol-generating device to act, the method comprising: a step of heating the load to atomize the aerosol source; a step of discriminating, based on a change in a value associated with a temperature of the load after the aerosol source is atomized or during a period in which the aerosol source is being atomized, whether the aerosol-generating device is in a first state or a second state, wherein the first state is a state in which the stored aerosol source is insufficient, and the second state is a state in which the stored aerosol source is not insufficient but the aerosol source is kept in a state in which heating by the load is possible; and a step of executing a first control if the first state is detected, and executing a second control different from the first control if the second state is detected.

Further, according to a third embodiment of the present disclosure, there is provided a program which, if executed by a processor, causes the processor to perform the above-described method.

Effects of the invention

According to a first embodiment of the present disclosure, there are provided an aerosol-generating device that performs appropriate control when an aerosol source is insufficient, and a method and a program for operating the same.

According to the second embodiment of the present disclosure, it is possible to provide an aerosol-generating device for suppressing temporary shortage of an aerosol source in a holding portion that holds the aerosol source supplied from a storage portion of the aerosol source, and a method and a program for operating the same.

According to the third embodiment of the present disclosure, it is possible to provide an aerosol-generating device that performs appropriate control when an aerosol source is insufficient, and a method and a program for operating the same.

Drawings

Fig. 1A is a schematic block diagram of a structure of an aerosol-generating device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Fig. 1B is a schematic block diagram of a structure of an aerosol-generating device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Fig. 2 is a diagram showing an exemplary circuit configuration related to a part of the aerosol-generating device according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure.

Fig. 3 is a diagram showing another exemplary circuit configuration related to a part of the aerosol-generating device according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure.

Fig. 4 is a flowchart of an exemplary process of detecting an deficiency of an aerosol source, in accordance with a first embodiment of the present disclosure.

Fig. 5 shows an example of the timing of switching of the switches Q1 and Q2 according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure.

Fig. 6 is a flowchart showing a process of detecting a shortage of an aerosol source in an aerosol-generating device according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure.

Fig. 7 is a flowchart showing a process of detecting a shortage of an aerosol source in an aerosol-generating device according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure.

Fig. 8 is a diagram showing an exemplary circuit configuration related to a part of an aerosol-generating device according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure.

Fig. 9 shows the timing of atomization of the aerosol source and the estimation of the remaining amount of the aerosol source using the switch Q1 in the aerosol-generating device including the circuit of fig. 8.

Fig. 10 is a flowchart showing a process of detecting a shortage of an aerosol source in an aerosol-generating device according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure.

Fig. 11 is a graph conceptually showing a change in the time series of the resistance value of the load in the case where the user performs normal suction using the aerosol-generating device.

Fig. 12A is a graph conceptually showing a change in the time series of the resistance value of the load when the interval between the end of suction by the user and the start of the next suction is shorter than the normal interval.

Fig. 12B is a flowchart showing a process of modifying a condition for distinguishing a first state and a second state in a case where attraction by a user is performed at short intervals, according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure.

Fig. 13A is a graph conceptually showing a change in the time series of the resistance value of the load when the time required for cooling the load becomes longer than normal due to degradation of the load or the like.

Fig. 13B is a flowchart showing a process of modifying a condition for distinguishing a first state and a second state in a case where a time required for cooling of a load is longer than normal, according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure.

Fig. 14 is a flowchart showing a process of suppressing temporary shortage of an aerosol source of a holding portion in an aerosol-generating device according to a second embodiment of the present disclosure.

Fig. 15 shows a specific example of the correction of the suction interval performed in the process of fig. 14.

Detailed Description

Embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. In addition, embodiments of the present disclosure include, but are not limited to, an electronic cigarette, a heated cigarette, or an atomizer. Embodiments of the present disclosure may include a wide variety of aerosol-generating devices for generating aerosols to be inhaled by a user.

Fig. 1A is a schematic block diagram of the structure of an aerosol-generating device 100A according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Note that fig. 1A schematically and conceptually illustrates the components included in the aerosol-generating device 100A, and does not illustrate the exact arrangement, shape, size, positional relationship, and the like of the components and the aerosol-generating device 100A.

As shown in fig. 1A, the aerosol-generating device 100A comprises a first component 102 and a second component 104. As shown in the figure, the first component 102 may include a control unit 106, a notification unit 108, a power source 110, a sensor and other elements 112, and a memory 114, as an example. The first component 102 may further include a circuit 134 described later. As an example, the second member 104 may include a reservoir 116, an atomizing unit 118, an air intake passage 120, an aerosol passage 121, a suction port 122, a holding unit 130, and a load 132. A portion of the components contained within the first component 102 may also be contained within the second component 104. A portion of the components contained within the second member 104 may also be contained within the first member 102. The second member 104 may be configured to be detachable from the first member 102. Alternatively, all the components included in the first member 102 and the second member 104 may be included in the same housing instead of being included in the first member 102 and the second member 104.

The reservoir 116 may also be configured as a tank containing liquid. The aerosol source is, for example, a liquid such as a polyol, e.g., glycerin or propylene glycol, water, or the like. In the case where the aerosol-generating device 100A is an electronic cigarette, the aerosol source in the storage 116 may contain a cigarette raw material or an extract derived from the cigarette raw material that releases a flavor component by heating. The holding unit 130 holds an aerosol source. For example, the holding portion 130 is made of fibrous or porous material, and holds an aerosol source as a liquid in gaps between fibers or pores of a porous material. As the fibrous or porous material, cotton, glass fiber, or a cigarette material, for example, can be used. In the case where the aerosol-generating device 100A is a medical inhaler such as a nebulizer, the aerosol source may further include a medicament for inhalation by a patient. As another example, the reservoir 116 may be configured to be able to supplement the consumed aerosol source. Alternatively, the reservoir 116 may be configured to be replaceable when the aerosol source is consumed. The aerosol source is not limited to a liquid, and may be a solid. The reservoir 116 in the case where the aerosol source is a solid may also be a container of a cavity.

The atomizing unit 118 is configured to atomize an aerosol source to generate an aerosol. When the suction operation is detected by the element 112, the atomizing unit 118 generates an aerosol. For example, the holding portion 130 is provided to connect the reservoir portion 116 and the atomizing portion 118. In this case, a part of the holding portion 130 passes through the inside of the reservoir 116 and contacts the aerosol source. Another portion of the holding portion 130 extends toward the atomizing portion 118. The other portion of the holding portion 130 extending toward the atomizing area 118 may be housed in the atomizing area 118, or may pass through the atomizing area 118 and pass through the interior of the reservoir 116 again. The aerosol source is carried from the reservoir 116 to the atomizing area 118 by capillary action of the holding area 130. As an example, the atomizing area 118 includes a heater including a load 132 electrically connected to the power supply 110. The heater is disposed in contact with or in proximity to the holding portion 130. When the suction operation is detected, the control unit 106 controls the heater of the atomizing unit 118 to heat the aerosol source carried through the holding unit 130, and atomize the aerosol source. Another example of the atomizing area 118 may be an ultrasonic atomizer that atomizes an aerosol source by ultrasonic vibration. An air intake passage 120 is connected to the atomizing area 118, and the air intake passage 120 communicates with the outside of the aerosol-generating device 100A. The aerosol generated in the atomizing area 118 is mixed with the air taken in through the air intake passage 120. As indicated by arrow 124, the mixed fluid of aerosol and air is sent out to the aerosol flow path 121. The aerosol flow path 121 has a tubular structure for conveying the mixed fluid of the aerosol generated in the atomizing area 118 and the air to the suction area 122.

The suction port 122 is located at the end of the aerosol flow path 121, and is configured to open the aerosol flow path 121 to the outside of the aerosol-generating device 100A. The user draws in the air containing the aerosol by holding the mouthpiece 122, and draws in the air containing the aerosol into the oral cavity.

The notification unit 108 may include a light emitting element such as an LED, a display, a speaker, a vibrator, or the like. The notification unit 108 is configured to notify the user of some of the light emission, display, sound emission, vibration, and the like, as necessary.

The power supply 110 supplies electric power to the components of the aerosol-generating device 100A, such as the notification unit 108, the element 112, the memory 114, the load 132, and the circuit 134. The power supply 110 may be connected to an external power supply via a predetermined port (not shown) of the aerosol-generating device 100A, and thus may be chargeable. The power supply 110 may be removable from the first member 102 or the aerosol-generating device 100A, or may be replaceable with a new power supply 110. Further, the power supply 110 may be replaced with a new power supply 110 by replacing the entire first member 102 with a new first member 102.

Element 112 is a component for obtaining a value associated with the temperature of load 132. The element 112 may be configured to be used to obtain a value necessary for obtaining a value of a current flowing through the load 132, a resistance value of the load 132, and the like.

The element 112 may include a pressure sensor for detecting a fluctuation in pressure in the air intake passage 120 and/or the aerosol passage 121 or a flow sensor for detecting a flow rate. The element 112 may include a weight sensor for detecting the weight of the component such as the storage unit 116. The element 112 may be configured to count the number of times of suction (throw) performed by the user using the aerosol-generating device 100A. The element 112 may be configured to accumulate the energization time to the atomizing unit 118. The element 112 may be configured to detect the height of the liquid surface in the reservoir 116. The element 112 may be configured to determine or detect an SOC (State of Charge), a current accumulation value, a voltage, or the like of the power supply 110. The SOC may be obtained by a current accumulation method (coulomb counting method) or an SOC-OCV (Open Circuit Voltage ) method. The element 112 may be an operation button or the like that can be operated by a user.

The control unit 106 may be an electronic circuit module configured as a microprocessor or a microcomputer. The control unit 106 may be configured to control the operation of the aerosol-generating device 100A based on a computer-executable command stored in the memory 114. The memory 114 is a storage medium such as ROM, RAM, or flash memory. The memory 114 may store therein setting data and the like necessary for controlling the aerosol-generating device 100A, in addition to the above-described computer-executable commands. For example, the memory 114 may store various data such as a control method (e.g., a manner of emitting light, producing sound, vibrating, etc.) of the notification unit 108, a value acquired and/or detected by the element 112, and a heating history of the atomizing unit 118. The control unit 106 reads data from the memory 114 as needed, and uses the data for control of the aerosol-generating device 100A to store the data in the memory 114 as needed.

Fig. 1B is a schematic block diagram of the structure of an aerosol-generating device 100B according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

As illustrated, the aerosol-generating device 100B includes a third component 126 in addition to the structure included in the aerosol-generating device 100A of fig. 1A. The third component 126 may also contain a fragrance source 128. For example, when the aerosol-generating device 100B is an electronic cigarette or a heated cigarette, the flavor source 128 may include a flavor component included in the cigarette. As illustrated, the aerosol flow path 121 extends across the second component 104 and the third component 126. The suction portion 122 is included in the third member 126.

The flavor source 128 is a component for imparting a flavor to the aerosol. The flavor source 128 is disposed in the middle of the aerosol flow path 121. A mixed fluid of aerosol and air generated by the atomizing area 118 (note that the mixed fluid may be abbreviated as aerosol hereinafter) flows through the aerosol flow channel 121 to the suction port 122. Thus, with respect to the flow of aerosol, the flavor source 128 is disposed downstream of the atomizing area 118. In other words, the flavor source 128 is located closer to the suction port 122 than the atomizing area 118 is. Thus, the aerosol generated by the atomizing area 118 reaches the mouthpiece 122 after passing through the scent source 128. As the aerosol passes through the flavor source 128, the flavor component contained by the flavor source 128 is imparted to the aerosol. For example, when the aerosol-generating device 100B is an electronic cigarette or a heating cigarette, the flavor source 128 may be tobacco-derived material such as cut tobacco or processed product obtained by molding a raw material of the cigarette into a pellet, a tablet, or a powder. The flavor source 128 may be a non-tobacco-derived substance made from a plant other than tobacco (e.g., peppermint, vanilla, etc.). As an example, the flavor source 128 comprises a nicotine component. The flavor source 128 may also contain flavor components such as menthol. In addition to the flavor source 128, the reservoir 116 may also have a substance that includes a flavor component. For example, the aerosol-generating device 100B may be configured to hold a tobacco-derived flavor in the flavor source 128 and include a non-tobacco-derived flavor in the reservoir 116.

The user can draw in air containing the aerosol having a flavor into the oral cavity by sucking the aerosol through the suction portion 122.

The control unit 106 is configured to control the aerosol-generating devices 100A and 100B (hereinafter, also referred to as "aerosol-generating device 100") according to the embodiments of the present disclosure by various methods.

In the aerosol-generating device, if the user attracts the aerosol source when the aerosol source is insufficient, sufficient aerosol cannot be supplied to the user. Furthermore, in the case of an electronic cigarette or a heating cigarette, an aerosol having an undesirable flavor may be released (hereinafter, such a phenomenon is also referred to as "undesirable behavior"). The present inventors have recognized that not only when the aerosol source in the storage unit 116 is insufficient, but also when the aerosol source in the holding unit 130 is temporarily insufficient while sufficient aerosol source remains in the storage unit 116, an unexpected behavior is generated. To solve such problems, the present inventors have found an aerosol-generating device capable of determining whether an aerosol source in the storage unit 116 or an aerosol source in the holding unit 130 is insufficient, and a method and a program for operating the same. The present inventors have also devised an aerosol-generating device that suppresses temporary shortages of an aerosol source in a holding portion that holds the aerosol source supplied from a reservoir of the aerosol source, and a method and a program for operating the same. The present inventors have also devised an aerosol-generating device capable of performing appropriate control and a method and a program for operating the same, in a case of distinguishing whether the aerosol-generating device 100 is in a state where the aerosol source stored in the storage unit 116 is insufficient or in another state where the aerosol source can be supplied to the storage unit 116 but the aerosol source held by the holding unit 130 is insufficient. Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail mainly assuming that the aerosol-generating device has the structure shown in fig. 1A. However, it is apparent to those skilled in the art that the embodiments of the present disclosure can be applied also in the case where the aerosol-generating device has various structures such as the structure shown in fig. 1B.

< first embodiment >, first embodiment

Fig. 2 is a diagram showing an exemplary circuit configuration related to a part of the aerosol-generating device 100A according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure.

The circuit 200 shown in fig. 2 includes a power supply 110, a control portion 106, an element 112, a load 132 (also referred to as a "heater resistor"), a first path 202, a second path 204, a switch Q1 including a first Field Effect Transistor (FET) 206, a constant voltage output circuit 208, a switch Q2 including a second FET210, and a resistor 212 (also referred to as a "shunt resistor"). Those skilled in the art will appreciate that not only FETs can be used as the switches Q1 and Q2, but a wide variety of components such as iGBT, contactors, etc. can also be used as the switches Q1 and Q2.

The circuit 134 shown in fig. 1A electrically connects the power source 110 and the load 132, and may include a first path 202 and a second path 204. The first path 202 and the second path 204 are connected in parallel to the power source 110 (and the load 132). The first path 202 may include a switch Q1. The second path 204 may include a switch Q2, a constant voltage output circuit 208, a resistor 212, and the element 112. The first path 202 may also have a smaller resistance value than the second path 204. In this example, element 112 is a voltage sensor configured to detect a voltage value across resistor 212. However, the structure of the element 112 is not limited thereto. For example, element 112 may be a current sensor, or may detect a value of a current flowing through resistor 212.

As indicated by the broken-line arrows in fig. 2, the control unit 106 can control the switch Q1, the switch Q2, and the like, and can acquire the value detected by the element 112. The control unit 106 may be configured to cause the first path 202 to function by switching the switch Q1 from the off state to the on state, and cause the second path 204 to function by switching the switch Q2 from the off state to the on state. The control unit 106 may be configured to alternately operate the first path 202 and the second path 204 by alternately switching the switches Q1 and Q2. With this configuration, as will be described later, whether the aerosol-generating device 100 is in the first state (state in which the aerosol source stored in the storage unit 116 is insufficient) or in the second state (state in which the aerosol source stored in the storage unit 116 is capable of being supplied but the aerosol source held by the holding unit 130 is insufficient) is discriminated after the aerosol is generated (after the user performs suction) or during the aerosol generation (during the user performs suction), and the shortage of the aerosol source can be detected.

The control unit 106 may be configured to set a predetermined interval after the switch Q1 of the first path 202 is switched from the on state to the off state and before the switch Q2 of the second path 204 is switched from the off state to the on state.

The first path 202 is for atomization of an aerosol source. When the switch Q1 is switched to the on state and the first path 202 is operated, electric power is supplied to the heater (or the load 132 in the heater), and the load 132 is heated. By heating the load 132, the aerosol source held by the holding portion 130 in the atomizing unit 118 is atomized to generate an aerosol.

The second path 204 is used to obtain a value associated with the temperature of the load 132. As an example, consider the case where the element 112 included in the second path 204 is a voltage sensor as shown in fig. 2. When the switch Q2 is turned on and the second path 204 is operated, a current flows through the constant voltage output circuit 208, the switch Q2, the resistor 212, and the load 132. Using the value of the voltage applied to resistor 212 obtained by element 112, and the known resistance value R of resistor 212 _shunt The value of the current flowing through the load 132 can be obtained. Due to the output voltage V based on the constant voltage output circuit 208 _out And the current value, the total value of the resistance values of the resistor 212 and the load 132 can be obtained, so by subtracting the known resistance value R from the total value _shunt The resistance value R of the load 132 can be obtained _HTR . In the case where the load 132 has a positive or negative temperature coefficient characteristic in which the resistance value changes depending on the temperature, the resistance value R of the load 132 is obtained based on the relationship between the resistance value of the load 132 and the temperature of the load 132 measured in advance and the resistance value R of the load 132 obtained as described above _HTR The temperature of the load 132 can be estimated. The value associated with the temperature of load 132 in this example is the voltage applied to resistor 212. However, it is contemplated that one skilled in the art will appreciate that the value of the current flowing through resistor 212 can be used to estimate the temperature of load 132. Therefore, the specific example of the element 112 is not limited to the voltage sensor, and may include other elements such as a current sensor (e.g., hall element).

In fig. 2, the constant voltage output circuit 208 is shown as a Linear Dropout (LDO) regulator, and may include a capacitor 214, a FET216, an error amplifier 218, a reference voltage source 220, resistors 222 and 224, and a capacitor 226. At the voltage of the reference voltage source 220 is V _REF Resistor 222, 224In the case where the resistance values of (1) and (2) are R1 and R2, respectively, the output voltage V of the constant voltage output circuit 208 _OUT Becomes V _OUT ＝(R2/(R1+R2))×V _REF . It is to be understood by those skilled in the art that the configuration of the constant voltage output circuit 208 shown in fig. 2 is an example and can be variously configured.

Fig. 3 is a diagram showing another exemplary circuit configuration related to a part of the aerosol-generating device 100A according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure.

As in the case of fig. 2, the circuit 300 shown in fig. 3 includes the power supply 110, the control unit 106, the element 112, the load 132, the first path 302, the second path 304, the switch Q1 including the first FET306, the switch Q2 including the second FET310, the constant voltage output circuit 308, and the resistor 312. Unlike fig. 2, the constant voltage output circuit 308 is arranged closer to the power supply side than the first path 302. In this example, the constant voltage output circuit 308 is a switching regulator (switching regulator) that includes a capacitor 314, a FET316, an inductor 318, a diode 320, and a capacitor 322. As in the case of fig. 2, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the circuit shown in fig. 3 operates to atomize the aerosol source when the first path 302 is active and to acquire a value associated with the temperature of the load 132 when the second path 304 is active. In the circuit shown in fig. 3, the constant voltage output circuit 308 is a step-up switching regulator (so-called step-up converter) that steps up and outputs an input voltage, but may be a step-down switching regulator (so-called step-down converter) that steps down and outputs an input voltage, or a step-up switching regulator (step-down-step-up converter) that can step up and step down both an input voltage.

Fig. 4 is a flowchart of an exemplary process of detecting an insufficient aerosol source, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. Here, the control unit 106 executes all the steps to explain the description. Note, however, that some of the steps may also be performed by other components of the aerosol-generating device 100. In the present embodiment, the circuit 200 shown in fig. 2 is used as an example, but it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the circuit 300 shown in fig. 3 or other circuits can be used.

Processing begins at step 402. In step 402, the control unit 106 determines whether or not the suction by the user has been detected based on information obtained from the pressure sensor, the flow sensor, and the like. For example, when the output values of the sensors continuously change, the control unit 106 may determine that the suction by the user has been detected. Alternatively, the control unit 106 may determine that the user has detected the suction based on a case where a button for starting the generation of the aerosol is pressed or the like.

If it is determined that suction has been detected (yes in step 402), the process proceeds to step 404. In step 404, the control unit 106 turns on the switch Q1 to activate the first path 202.

The process advances to step 406, and the control unit 106 determines whether or not the suction has ended. If it is determined that the suction has ended (yes in step 406), the process proceeds to step 408.

In step 408, the control unit 106 turns off the switch Q1. In step 410, the control unit 106 turns on the switch Q2 to activate the second path 204.

The process proceeds to step 412, and the control unit 106 detects the current value of the second path 204, for example, as described above. In steps 414 and 416, for example, the control unit 106 derives the resistance value and the temperature of the load 132 by the methods described above.

The process advances to step 418, where the control unit 106 determines whether or not the temperature of the load 132 exceeds a predetermined threshold. When it is determined that the load temperature exceeds the threshold value (yes in step 418), the process proceeds to step 420, and the control unit 106 determines that the aerosol-generating device 100A is deficient in the aerosol-source. On the other hand, if it is determined that the load temperature does not exceed the threshold value (no in step 418), it is not determined that the aerosol source is insufficient.

Note that the process shown in fig. 4 is merely a general flow of determining whether the aerosol source in the aerosol-generating device 100A is insufficient, and does not represent a process for distinguishing between the shortage of the aerosol source in the storage unit 116 and the shortage of the aerosol source in the holding unit 130, which is unique to the embodiment of the present disclosure.

In the present disclosure, the shortage of the aerosol source in the reservoir 116 includes a state in which the aerosol source cannot be sufficiently supplied to the holding portion 130, in addition to a state in which the aerosol source in the reservoir 116 is completely exhausted. In the present disclosure, the shortage of the aerosol source in the holding portion 130 includes a state in which the aerosol source is completely exhausted in a part of the holding portion 130 in addition to a state in which the aerosol source is completely exhausted throughout the entire holding portion 130.

Fig. 5 shows an example of the timing of switching of the switches Q1 and Q2 in the present embodiment. As shown in fig. 5 a, the control unit 106 may switch between the switch Q1 and the switch Q2 while the aerosol source is being atomized (the user is sucking). As shown in fig. 5B, the control unit 106 may turn off the switch Q1 and turn on the switch Q2 after the atomization of the aerosol source is completed (the suction by the user is completed).

Fig. 6 is a flowchart showing a process of detecting a shortage of an aerosol source in the aerosol-generating device 100A according to the present embodiment. In this example, as shown in fig. 5 (a), it is assumed that the switch Q1 and the switch Q2 are switched while the user is attracting. The control unit 106 executes all the steps to explain the description. Note, however, that some of the steps may also be performed by other components of the aerosol-generating device 100.

The process of step 602 is similar to the process of step 402 of fig. 4, and when a predetermined condition is satisfied, the control unit 106 determines that the suction by the user has started.

The process proceeds to step 604, and the control unit 106 turns on the switch Q1 to activate the first path 202. Therefore, power is supplied to the heater (or the load 132 in the heater), and the aerosol source in the holding portion 130 is heated to generate aerosol. Further, in step 605, the control unit 106 starts a timer (not shown). As another example, the timer may be started not when the switch Q1 is set to the on state but when the switch Q2 is set to the on state in step 606 described later.

The process advances to step 606, where the control unit 106 turns off the switch Q1 and turns on the switch Q2. Note that in the example of fig. 6, this process is performed during the time when the user is making an attraction. Through the processing of step 606, the second path 204 functions to obtain, through the element 112, a value associated with the temperature of the load 132 (e.g., a voltage value applied to the resistor 212, a current value flowing through the resistor 212 and the load 132, etc.). As already explained, the temperature of the load 132 is derived based on the acquired values.

If the balance of the aerosol source is sufficient, then the heat applied to the load 132 in step 604 is used for aerosol generation resulting from atomization of the aerosol source. Therefore, the temperature of the load 132 does not significantly exceed the boiling point of the aerosol source or the temperature at which aerosol generation occurs due to evaporation of the aerosol source (e.g., 200 ℃). On the other hand, when the aerosol source in the reservoir 116 and/or the aerosol source in the holder 130 is insufficient, the aerosol source in the holder 130 is completely or partially exhausted by heating the load 132, and the temperature of the load 132 increases.

The process proceeds to step 608, and the control unit 106 determines the temperature of the load 132 (T _HTR ) Whether or not a prescribed temperature (e.g., 350 ℃ C.) is exceeded. In this example, the temperature of the load 132 is compared to a threshold value of temperature. In other embodiments, the resistance value or current value of the load 132 may also be compared to a threshold value of resistance value or a threshold value of current value. In this case, the threshold value of the resistance value, the threshold value of the current value, and the like are set to appropriate values that can sufficiently determine that the aerosol source is insufficient.

If the temperature of the load 132 does not exceed the predetermined temperature (no in step 608), the process proceeds to step 610. In step 610, the control unit 106 determines whether or not a predetermined time has elapsed based on the time indicated by the timer. If the predetermined time has elapsed (yes in step 610), the process proceeds to step 612. In step 612, the control unit 106 determines that the remaining amounts of the aerosol sources in the storage unit 116 and the holding unit 130 are sufficient, and the process ends. If the predetermined time has not elapsed (no in step 610), the process returns to step 608.

If the temperature of the load 132 exceeds the predetermined temperature (yes in step 608), the process proceeds to step 614. In step 614, the control unit 106 determines whether or not the time from the start of the timer to the present is less than a predetermined threshold Δt _thre (e.g., 0.5 seconds).

When the timer starts with the switch Q1 set to the on state as shown in step 605, a predetermined threshold Δt _thre The sum of a first predetermined fixed value (for example, a predetermined time period for which the switch Q1 is turned on) and a second predetermined fixed value (for example, a predetermined time period equal to or less than the time period for which the switch Q2 is turned on) may be used. Alternatively, a predetermined threshold Δt _thre The sum of the time when the switch Q1 is actually turned on and the second predetermined fixed value may be the same.

When the timer is started while the switch Q2 is turned on, a predetermined threshold Δt is set _thre The second predetermined fixed value may be the second predetermined fixed value.

If the aerosol source of the reservoir 116 is insufficient, the time required for the temperature of the load 132 to reach an inadmissible high temperature is shorter in the former case than in the latter case, when the aerosol source can be supplied to the reservoir 116 but the aerosol source held by the holding unit 130 is insufficient. That is, in the former case, since the aerosol source is not supplied to the holding portion 130, the electric power supplied to the load 132 is used for the temperature rise of the load 132, whereas in the latter case, since the aerosol source is supplied to the holding portion 130 from the storage portion 116, the electric power supplied to the load 132 can also be used for the atomization of the aerosol source.

If the time from the start of the timer to the present is less than the predetermined threshold (yes in step 614), the process proceeds to step 616. In step 616, the control unit 106 determines that the aerosol-generating device 100 is in the first state. In the first state, the temperature of the load 132 exceeds the boiling point of the aerosol source or the temperature at which aerosol generation occurs due to evaporation of the aerosol source, because the aerosol source stored in the storage unit 116 is insufficient. On the other hand, when the time from the start of the timer to the present is equal to or greater than the predetermined threshold (no in step 614), the process proceeds to step 624. In step 624, the control unit 106 determines that the aerosol-generating device 100 is in the second state. In the second state, the storage unit 116 can supply the aerosol source but the aerosol source held by the holding unit 130 is insufficient, so that the temperature of the load 132 exceeds the boiling point of the aerosol source or the temperature at which the generation of the aerosol occurs due to the evaporation of the aerosol source. In this way, the control unit 106 can be configured to distinguish the first state from the second state based on the time required from when the first path 202 or the second path 204 is activated until the value associated with the temperature of the load 132 reaches the threshold value.

In the present disclosure, the shortage of the aerosol source in the first state means a state in which the aerosol source in the reservoir 116 is completely exhausted or a state in which the aerosol source cannot be sufficiently supplied to the holding portion 130 due to the small amount of the aerosol source in the reservoir 116. In the present disclosure, the shortage of the aerosol source in the second state means that the storage unit 116 can supply the aerosol source, but the aerosol source is completely exhausted throughout the entire holding unit 130 or the aerosol source is exhausted in a part of the holding unit 130. In either of the first state and the second state, sufficient aerosol cannot be generated.

After step 616, the process proceeds to step 618, and the control unit 106 uses the notification unit 108 or the like to recognize that the user needs to replace the reservoir 116 (or to replenish the aerosol source in the reservoir 116) while the aerosol-generating device 100 is in the first state. The process advances to step 620, and the control unit 106 shifts to the discharge inspection mode. The process advances to step 622, where the control unit 106 determines whether or not the discharge of the storage unit 116 (or the replenishment of the aerosol source) has been detected. When the removal of the storage unit 116 has been detected (yes in step 622), the process ends. In the case where this is not the case (no in step 622), the process returns to before step 618.

After step 624, the process proceeds to step 626, where the control portion 106 uses the notification portion 108 or the like to warn to make the user recognize that the aerosol-generating device 100 is in the second state. The process then ends.

As described above, according to the present embodiment, it is possible to distinguish, based on a change in the value associated with the temperature of the load 132 after the circuit 134 has been operated, whether the aerosol-generating device 100A is in the first state in which the aerosol source stored in the storage unit 116 is insufficient or in the second state in which the aerosol source stored in the storage unit 116 can be supplied but the aerosol source held by the holding unit 130 is insufficient. Therefore, it is possible to accurately determine whether the aerosol source is completely exhausted.

As described above, the timer may be started when the switch Q1 is turned off, or may be started when the switch Q2 is turned on. The control unit 106 can distinguish between the first state and the second state based on a change in a value associated with the temperature of the load 132 after the first path 202 is active or during the period in which the second path 204 is active. Therefore, in a configuration in which the first path 202 for generating the aerosol and the second path 204 for detecting the shortage of the aerosol source are alternately set to the on state, the first state and the second state can be distinguished.

In the modification of the embodiment of fig. 6, the first state may be defined as follows: since the aerosol source stored in the storage unit 116 is insufficient, the temperature of the load 132 reaches a predetermined temperature lower than the boiling point of the aerosol source or the temperature at which aerosol generation occurs due to evaporation of the aerosol source earlier than in the other states other than the first state and the second state. In addition, the second state may also be defined as the following state: since the reservoir 116 is able to supply an aerosol source but the aerosol source held by the holding portion 130 is insufficient, the temperature of the load 132 reaches a given temperature that is less than the boiling point of the aerosol source or the temperature at which aerosol generation occurs due to evaporation of the aerosol source earlier than in other states other than the first state and the second state. In these cases, the accuracy of detecting the shortage of the aerosol source is deteriorated compared to the embodiment of fig. 6 described above, and on the other hand, an earlier detection can be achieved.

As described above, in the embodiment of fig. 6, the control performed in the first state in which the aerosol source stored in the storage unit 116 is insufficient (steps 618 to 622) is different from the control performed in the second state in which the aerosol source can be supplied to the storage unit 116 but the aerosol source held by the holding unit 130 is insufficient (step 626).

Fig. 7 is a flowchart showing another process of detecting a shortage of an aerosol source in the aerosol-generating device 100A according to the present embodiment. In this example, as shown in fig. 5 (B), it is assumed that the switch Q1 is turned off and the switch Q2 is turned on after the suction by the user is completed.

The process of step 702 is the same as the process of step 602 of fig. 6.

The process proceeds to step 704, and the control unit 106 turns on the switch Q1 to activate the first path 202. Therefore, power is supplied to the heater (load 132), and the aerosol source in the holding portion 130 is heated to generate an aerosol.

The process advances to step 706, where the control unit 106 turns off the switch Q1 and turns on the switch Q2. Note that in the example of fig. 7, this process is performed after the end of the attraction performed by the user. Through the process of step 706, the second path 204 functions to obtain a value associated with the temperature of the load 132 through the element 112, and derive the temperature of the load 132 based on the obtained value.

The process advances to step 708, where the control unit 106 starts a timer.

The process proceeds to step 710. The process of step 710 is identical to the process of step 608.

If the temperature of the load 132 does not exceed the predetermined temperature (no in step 710), the process proceeds to step 712. The processing of steps 712 and 714 is the same as the processing of steps 610 and 612.

If the temperature of the load 132 exceeds the predetermined temperature (yes in step 710), the process proceeds to step 716. In step 716, the control unit 106 determines whether or not the time derivative value of the temperature of the load 132 is greater than a predetermined threshold (for example, a value smaller than 0).

If the aerosol source of the holding unit 130 is insufficient during the suction by the user, the time derivative value of the temperature of the load 132 after the end of the suction by the user is larger when the case where the aerosol source of the storage unit 116 is insufficient and the case where the aerosol source that the storage unit 116 can supply but the aerosol source held by the holding unit 130 is insufficient are compared. In the former case, the aerosol source cannot be supplied to the holding unit 130 after the end of the user's suction, so that the temperature of the load 132 rises, stagnates, or gradually continues to decrease, whereas in the latter case, the aerosol source can be supplied from the storage unit 116 to the holding unit 130 after the end of the user's suction, so that the temperature of the load 132 decreases.

If the time differential value of the temperature of the load 132 is greater than the threshold value (yes in step 716), the process proceeds to step 718. In step 718, the control unit 106 determines that the aerosol-generating device 100A is in the first state in which the aerosol-source stored in the storage unit 116 is insufficient. On the other hand, when the time differential value of the temperature of the load 132 is equal to or less than the threshold value (no in step 716), the process proceeds to step 726. In step 726, the control unit 106 determines that the aerosol-generating device 100A is in the second state in which the storage unit 116 can supply the aerosol source but the aerosol source held by the holding unit 130 is insufficient.

The processing from steps 720 to 724 is the same as the processing from steps 618 to 622. The process of step 728 is the same as that of step 626.

In the example of fig. 7, the control unit 106 causes the second path 204 to function after the operation of the first path 202 is completed. Therefore, in the static state in which no aerosol is generated, it is possible to distinguish with high accuracy whether the aerosol-generating device 100 is in the first state or the second state.

Further, according to the example of fig. 7, the control unit 106 can distinguish the first state from the second state based on a change in a value associated with the temperature of the load 132 after the operation of the first path 202 is completed or during the period in which the second path 204 is functioning. Therefore, in the configuration in which the first path 202 for generating the aerosol and the second path 204 for detecting the shortage of the aerosol source are sequentially set to the on state, the first state and the second state can be distinguished.

In the example of fig. 7, the control unit 106 may cause the second path 204 to function after the operation of the first path 202 is completed a plurality of times. For example, the switch Q2 may be turned on after the on/off of the switch Q1 is completed 5 times (the suction by the user is completed 5 times). In this case, the control unit 106 may decrease the number of operations of the first path 202 before the second path 204 is activated as the number of operations or the accumulated operation amount of the load 132 increases after the storage unit 116 is replaced with a new one or after the storage unit 116 is replenished with the aerosol source.

As in the embodiment of fig. 6, in the embodiment of fig. 7, the control performed in the first state (steps 720 to 724) is different from the control performed in the second state (step 728).

Fig. 8 is a diagram showing an exemplary circuit configuration related to a part of the aerosol-generating device 100A according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure.

The circuit 800 shown in fig. 8 includes a power supply 110, a control unit 106, an element 112, a load 132, a single path 802, a switch Q1 including an FET806, a constant voltage output circuit 808, and a resistor 812.

The circuit 134 may also be configured to include a single path 802 as shown in fig. 8. Path 802 is connected in series with respect to load 132. Path 802 may include a switch Q1 and a resistor 812. In this example, the circuit 134 may further include an element (not shown) for smoothing the electric power supplied to the load 132. This reduces the influence of noise or the like caused by the surge current at the time of transition (on and off of the switch), and can accurately distinguish the first state from the second state.

As indicated by the broken-line arrow in fig. 8, the control unit 106 can control the switch Q1 to obtain the value detected by the element 112.

Control unit 106 causes path 802 to function by switching switch Q1 from the off state to the on state.

Path 802 is used for atomization of the aerosol source. When the switch Q1 is switched to the on state and the path 802 is operated, electric power is supplied to the load 132, and the load 132 is heated. By heating the load 132, the aerosol source held by the holding portion 130 in the atomizing unit 118 is atomized to generate an aerosol.

In addition, path 802 is used to obtain a value associated with the temperature of load 132. When the switch Q1 is in an on state and the path 802 is active, a current flows through the constant voltage output circuit 808, the switch Q1, the resistor 812, and the load 132. As described above in connection with fig. 2, when the element 112 is a voltage sensor, the temperature of the load 132 can be estimated using the voltage value applied to the resistor 812 as a value associated with the temperature of the load 132. As in the example of fig. 2, the specific example of the element 112 is not limited to the voltage sensor, and may include other elements such as a current sensor (e.g., hall element).

The aerosol-generating device 100A having the structure shown in fig. 8 may further include a low-pass filter (not shown). The value (current value, voltage value, etc.) associated with the temperature of the load 132 acquired using the element 112 may also pass through the low-pass filter. In this case, the control unit 106 may acquire a value associated with the temperature that has passed through the low-pass filter, and use the value to derive the temperature of the load 132.

As in the case of fig. 2, the constant voltage output circuit 808 is shown as an LDO regulator, and may include a capacitor 814, a FET816, an error amplifier 818, a reference voltage source 820, resistors 822 and 824, and a capacitor 826. The configuration of the constant voltage output circuit 808 is merely an example, and various configurations are possible.

Fig. 9 shows the timing of atomization of the aerosol source and the estimation of the remaining amount of the aerosol source using the switch Q1 in the aerosol-generating device 100A including the circuit 800 of fig. 8. Since the circuit of fig. 8 has only a single path 802, the control unit 106 detects whether the aerosol source is insufficient even during the period in which the aerosol source is atomized (during which the user is inhaling).

Fig. 10 is a flowchart showing a process of detecting a shortage of an aerosol source in the aerosol-generating device 100A according to the present embodiment. In this example, a case is assumed in which the aerosol-generating device 100A includes the circuit 800 shown in fig. 8.

The process of step 1002 is similar to the process of step 602 of fig. 6, and when a predetermined condition is satisfied, the control unit 106 determines that the suction by the user has started.

The process proceeds to step 1004, and control unit 106 turns on switch Q1 to cause path 802 to function. Therefore, power is supplied to the heater (load 132), and the aerosol source in the holding portion 130 is heated to generate an aerosol. The control unit 106 obtains a value (for example, a voltage value applied to the resistor 812, a current value flowing through the load 132, and the like) associated with the temperature of the load 132 through the element 112. As already explained, the temperature of the load 132 is derived based on the acquired values.

In step 1005, the control unit 106 starts a timer (not shown).

The processing from steps 1006 to 1024 is the same as the processing from steps 608 to 626.

As in the embodiment of fig. 6 and 7, in the embodiment of fig. 10, the control performed in the first state (from steps 1016 to 1020) is also different from the control performed in the second state (step 1024).

Fig. 11 is a graph conceptually showing a change in the time series of the resistance value of the load 132 in the case where the user performs normal suction using the aerosol-generating device 100A.

When the suction by the user is detected, power is supplied to the load 132, and the load 132 is heated. The temperature of the load 132 increases from room temperature (e.g., 25 ℃) to the boiling point of the aerosol source or the temperature at which aerosol generation occurs due to evaporation of the aerosol source (e.g., 200 ℃). When a sufficient aerosol source is present in the holding portion 130, the heat applied to the load 132 is used for atomizing the aerosol source, so that the temperature of the load 132 is stabilized around the above temperature as shown in fig. 11. When the suction by the user is completed, the supply of electric power to the load 132 is stopped, and the temperature of the load 132 decreases toward room temperature.

When the interval between the end of the suction by the user and the start of the next suction is sufficiently long, as shown in fig. 11, the load 132 is cooled, and the temperature returns to the room temperature. If a sufficient amount of the aerosol source is stored in the storage unit 116, the sufficient amount of the aerosol source is supplied from the storage unit 116 to the holding unit 130 until the next suction starts. Here, such suction and interval are referred to as "normal" suction and "normal" interval, respectively.

The resistance value of the load 132 varies based on the temperature of the load 132. In the example of fig. 11, the resistance value of the load 132 is changed from R (T) during the period from the room temperature (25 ℃) to the boiling point (200 ℃) of the aerosol source _R.T. Rise to R (T) =25℃) _B.P. =200℃). When the temperature of the load 132 reaches the boiling point of the aerosol source and atomization of the aerosol source starts, the temperature of the load 132 stabilizes, and thus the resistance value of the load 132 stabilizes. The resistance value of the load 132 also decreases during the period when the atomization of the aerosol source is completed and the temperature of the load 132 decreases until room temperature. As described above, in the example of fig. 11, since normal suction is performed, the resistance value of the load 132 returns to R (T _R.T. ＝25℃)。

In the present disclosure, the influence of the change in the resistance value of the load 132 caused by the heating of the load 132 at the previous attraction on the resistance value of the load 132 at the next attraction is referred to as "thermal history" of the load. In the case of the example of fig. 11, since such an influence does not occur, a thermal history does not remain with respect to the resistance value of the load 132.

Fig. 12A is a graph conceptually showing a change in the time series of the resistance value of the load 132 when the interval from the end of suction by the user to the start of the next suction is shorter than the normal interval.

When the interval is short, the next suction starts before the temperature of the load 132 returns to room temperature, and the load 132 is heated again. Fig. 12A (a) is a graph showing this situation. In fig. 12A (a), the state from the start to the end of the initial suction is the same as that in fig. 11The same applies to the case of constant suction. When the initial suction is completed, the temperature of the load 132 decreases, and the resistance value of the load 132 decreases as well. However, since the interval from the end of the initial suction to the start of the second suction is short, the temperature of the load 132 is higher than the room temperature at the start of the second suction, and therefore the resistance value of the load 132 is still larger than the resistance value R (T _R.T. =25℃). That is, unlike the example of fig. 11, in the example of fig. 12A, at the time of the second suction start, a thermal history remains in the load 132. Therefore, if the load 132 is heated for the second suction, the aerosol source in the reservoir 116 and the holding unit 130 is insufficient, and the resistance value of the load 132 may exceed R (T _B.P. Rise by =200℃).

Fig. 12A (b) shows a change in the time sequence of the resistance value of the load 132 in the case where the suction is repeated due to the situation shown in fig. 12A (a). Since the interval from the end of the first suction to the start of the second suction is short, the resistance value of the load 132 at the start of the second suction is larger than the resistance value R (T _R.T. =25℃). Further, since the interval is short, the supply of the aerosol source from the reservoir 116 to the holding portion 130 is not sufficiently performed. Therefore, at the start of the second suction, there is a concern that the aerosol source in the holding portion 130 is less than in the case where the interval having a sufficient length is provided. In this way, since the thermal history of the load 132 remains and the amount of the aerosol source in the holding portion 130 is small, after the load 132 is heated to a state where the aerosol is stably generated in the second suction, the aerosol source in the holding portion 130 is insufficient, and the temperature of the load 132 may exceed the boiling point of the aerosol source as illustrated. Therefore, the resistance of the load 132 may also reach a value greater than R (T _B.P. Values of =200℃. Such actions are repeated, and the temperature of the load 132 can reach the threshold (e.g., 350 ℃) shown in the embodiment described in connection with fig. 6, 7, and 10.

The present inventors invented the following technique: for distinguishing between embodiments described in association with fig. 6, 7 and 10 by thermal history based on load 132The thresholds of the first state and the second state (e.g., Δt in step 614 _thre ) The conditions are modified so that the control of the aerosol-generating device 100A can be more appropriately performed when the aerosol source is insufficient. This technique is described below.

Fig. 12B is a flowchart showing a process of modifying a condition for distinguishing a first state and a second state in the case of performing attraction by a user at a short interval, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

The process starts in step 1202, and the control unit 106 sets the counter n to 0.

The process advances to step 1204, and the control unit 106 sets the suction interval (interval) from the end time of the previous suction to the start time of the current suction _meas ) Metering is carried out.

The process advances to step 1206, where the control unit 106 increments the value of the counter n.

The process advances to step 1208, and the control unit 106 calculates a value (interval) from a preset interval _preset ) Subtracting the interval measured in step 1204 _meas The subsequent value (. DELTA.interval (n)). interval valve _preset The value of (a) may be a time (for example, 1 second) from the boiling point of the aerosol source to the room temperature in the normal suction, or a time after the previous suction is completed until a sufficient amount of the aerosol source is supplied from the storage unit 116 to the holding unit 130.

The process advances to step 1210, and control unit 106 determines whether Δinterval (n) calculated in step 1208 is greater than 0.

In FIG. 12B, the value of Δinterval (n) is 0 or less (interval) _meas Is interval _preset Above) (no in step 1210), the process proceeds to step 1216. However, the process may be repeated a predetermined number of times from steps 1204 to 1210 before returning to step 1204.

At a delta interval (n) greater than 0 (interval) _meas Less than interval _preset ) If (yes in step 1210), the process proceeds to step 1212. In step 1212, the control unit 106 obtains the current valueThe delta interval (n) calculated thus far is accumulated to a value Σ. The calculation formula shown in step 1210 is merely an example. The process of step 1212 can be performed such that the old thermal history included in the thermal history of the load 132 has less effect on the above-described condition (the condition for distinguishing the first state from the second state) than the new thermal history included in the thermal history of the load 132 has on the condition. Thus, even when a plurality of thermal histories are accumulated, the first state and the second state can be distinguished with high accuracy. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that a wide variety of calculations may be performed in step 1212.

The process advances to step 1214, and the control unit 106 obtains the above condition (for example, Δt, based on the cumulative value Σ obtained in step 1212 and a predetermined function _thre ). Fig. 12B shows an example of the predetermined function F (Σ) on the side of step 1214. In this way, in step 1214, the setting may be performed in advance such that Δt becomes larger as the cumulative value Σ becomes larger (as the suction interval becomes smaller) _thre The smaller. Therefore, the conditions are modified so that the shorter the time interval from the end of a request (suction by the user, pressing of a predetermined button, or the like) for generating an aerosol until the start of the next request, the less likely it is determined that the first state has occurred.

On the other hand, when Δinterval (n) is 0 or less (interval _meas Is interval _preset Above) (no in step 1210), the process proceeds to step 1216. In step 1216, the control unit 106 resets the counter n. Further, the process proceeds to step 1218, Δt _thre Is set to a predetermined value. That is, in the case where the interval of attraction is sufficiently large, the condition for distinguishing the first state and the second state is not modified.

As described above, according to the present embodiment, the control unit 106 operates to modify the conditions for distinguishing the first state from the second state based on the thermal history of the load 132 when the circuit 134 is operated. Therefore, even in the case where the thermal history of the load 132 remains, the first state and the second state can be distinguished with high accuracy.

According to the present embodiment, the control unit 106 operates such that the change in time series of the request for generating the aerosol is acquired based on the request, and the condition for distinguishing the first state and the second state is modified based on the thermal history of the load 132 resulting from the change in time series of the request. Therefore, even when abnormal suction is performed, the first state and the second state can be distinguished with high accuracy.

Even when the time of suction by the user is long, when the time of suction is long and the interval is a normal length, the same problem as in the example of fig. 12A (a) and 12B (B) may occur, but this problem can be solved by the present embodiment. That is, even when the suction is performed for a longer time than usual to cause a change in timing of a request for generating an aerosol, the condition for distinguishing the first state and the second state can be modified based on the thermal history of the load 132 derived from the change.

Fig. 13A is a graph conceptually showing a time-series change in the resistance value of the load 132 when the time required for cooling the load 132 is longer than normal due to degradation of the load 132 or the like.

If the time required for cooling the load 132 becomes long, even if the suction interval is set to be normal, there is a possibility that the suction starts next time before the temperature of the load 132 returns to room temperature. The graph of fig. 13A shows such a situation. In fig. 13A, the situation from the start of the initial suction until the end is the same as in the case of the normal suction of fig. 11. When the initial suction is completed, the temperature of the load 132 decreases, and the resistance value of the load 132 decreases accordingly. However, since the temperature of the load 132 decreases slowly, the temperature of the load 132 is higher than the room temperature at the start of the second suction. Therefore, the resistance of the load 132 is also larger than the resistance R (T) _R.T. =25℃). That is, unlike the example of fig. 11, in the example of fig. 13A, at the time of the second suction start, a thermal history remains in the load 132. Therefore, if the load 132 is heated for the second attraction, the resistance value of the load 132 reaches R (T) _B.P. =200℃), and thus more aerosolThe glue source is heated and more aerosol can be generated. Therefore, the aerosol source in the holding portion 130 is liable to become insufficient. Such actions are repeated, and the temperature of the load 132 can reach the threshold (e.g., 350 ℃) shown in the embodiment described in connection with fig. 6, 7, and 10.

The present inventors invented the following technique: even in such a case, the threshold value for distinguishing the first state and the second state in the embodiment described in association with fig. 6, 7, and 10 is explained based on the thermal history of the load 132 (for example, Δt in step 614 _thre ) The conditions are modified so that the control of the aerosol-generating device 100 can be performed more appropriately even when the aerosol source is insufficient. This technique will be described below.

Fig. 13B is a flowchart showing a process of modifying a condition for distinguishing a first state and a second state in a case where a time required for cooling of the load 132 is longer than normal, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

The process starts in step 1302, and the control unit 106 acquires the initial temperature T of the load 132 at which the user starts to attract and the circuit 134 of the aerosol-generating device 100A functions _ini 。

The process advances to step 1304, and the control unit 106 sets the initial temperature T _ini And a predetermined function to obtain the above condition (e.g., Δt _thre ). In FIG. 13B, a prescribed function F (T) is shown on the side of step 1304 _ini ) As an example of (a) is described. Thus, in step 1304, processing may also be performed to cause Δt to be the higher the temperature of the load 132 when the circuit 134 of the aerosol-generating device 100 is functioning _thre The smaller. Therefore, according to the present embodiment, the control unit 106 operates to modify the above-described conditions so that the higher the temperature of the load 132 when the circuit 134 is operating, the less likely it is that the first state is determined to have occurred.

In the above description, the first embodiment of the present disclosure has been described as a method of operating an aerosol-generating device and an aerosol-generating device. However, it will be appreciated that the present disclosure may be implemented as a program that, if executed by a processor, causes the processor to perform the method, or a computer-readable storage medium storing the program.

< second embodiment >

In the aerosol-generating device 100 according to the embodiment of the present disclosure, when the suction is performed at intervals shorter than the normal suction (for example, intervals shorter than the time required to supply a sufficient amount of aerosol from the storage unit 116 to the holding unit 130), even when the storage unit 116 stores a sufficient amount of aerosol source, temporary shortage of the aerosol source in the holding unit 130 may occur. The same problem may occur even when the suction capacity in 1 suction is larger than that in the case of normal suction. The same problem may occur even when the suction time in 1 suction is longer than in the case of normal suction. These are merely examples of attractions where the above-described problems may occur. It is expected that those skilled in the art will appreciate that out of the contemplation of having a wide variety of features, the same problems may result. A second embodiment of the present disclosure is a solution to the above-described problem.

The basic structure of the aerosol-generating device 100 according to the present embodiment is the same as that of the aerosol-generating device 100 shown in fig. 1A and 1B.

The aerosol-generating device 100 according to the present embodiment may further include a supply unit capable of adjusting at least one of the amount and the speed of the aerosol source supplied from the storage unit 116 to the holding unit 130. The supply unit may be controlled by the control unit 106. The supply unit can be realized by various structures such as a pump disposed between the reservoir unit 116 and the holding unit 130, and a mechanism configured to control an opening of the reservoir unit 116 to the atomizing unit 118.

The aerosol-generating device 100 according to the present embodiment may further include a temperature adjusting unit that can adjust the temperature of the aerosol source. The temperature adjusting unit may be controlled by the control unit 106. The temperature adjusting portion can be realized by various structures and arrangements.

The aerosol-generating device 100 according to the present embodiment may further include a changing unit that can change the ventilation resistance in the aerosol-generating device 100. The changing unit may be controlled by the control unit 106. The changing unit can be realized by various configurations and arrangements.

The aerosol-generating device 100 according to the present embodiment may further include a request unit for outputting a request for generating an aerosol. The request unit may be controlled by the control unit 106. The requesting section can be realized by various structures and configurations.

Fig. 14 is a flowchart showing a process of suppressing temporary shortage of the aerosol source of the holding unit 130 in the aerosol-generating device 100 according to the present embodiment.

Processing begins at step 1402. When the process starts, the control unit 106 counts the number n of the counter _err Set to 0. Counter n _err The value of (2) may also represent the number of times an unexpected attraction is detected.

The process advances to step 1404, and the control unit 106 measures the suction interval, the suction capacity, the length of the suction time, and the like. These are merely examples of parameters that may be measured in step 1404. It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the present embodiment may be implemented by measuring various parameters that help to detect unexpected attraction in step 1404.

The process proceeds to step 1406, and the control unit 106 compares the parameter measured in step 1404 with the corresponding parameter in the normal suction, and determines whether or not the suction currently being performed is a suction having an unexpected characteristic. For example, when the measured suction interval is shorter than a predetermined threshold value, the control unit 106 may determine that the current suction is an unexpected suction. In another example, when the measured suction capacity exceeds a predetermined threshold, the control unit 106 may determine that the current suction is an unexpected suction. In another example, when the measured length of the suction time is longer than a predetermined threshold value, the control unit 106 may determine that the current suction is an unexpected suction. Alternatively, the control unit 106 may determine whether or not the current suction is likely to be in a state where the storage unit 116 can supply the aerosol source but the aerosol source held by the holding unit 130 is insufficient (for example, the second state in the first embodiment) by using the technique described in relation to fig. 6, 7, 10, 12B, and 13B in the first embodiment. For example, as described in relation to the first embodiment, the control unit 106 may perform the determination of step 1406 based on a temperature change of the load 132 after the circuit 134 is operated. Alternatively, as described in relation to the first embodiment, the control unit 106 may perform the determination of step 1406 based on a change in the time sequence of the request from the requesting unit.

If the current attraction is not the unexpected attraction (no in step 1406), the process returns to the process before step 1404. Alternatively, the process may end.

If the current suction is an unexpected suction (yes in step 1406), the storage unit 116 may supply the aerosol source but the aerosol source held by the holding unit 130 is in a state insufficient (more specifically, a dry noise state in which the temperature of the load 132 exceeds the boiling point of the aerosol source due to the insufficient aerosol source in the holding unit 130 or a precursor of the dry noise state) is detected. The process advances to step 1408, and the control unit 106 increments the counter n _err Is a value of (2).

The process advances to step 1410, and the control unit 106 determines the counter n _err Whether the value of (2) exceeds a prescribed threshold.

In counter n _err If the value of (a) exceeds the predetermined threshold (yes in step 1410), the process proceeds to step 1414. In step 1414, the control unit 106 performs control for suppressing temporary shortage of the aerosol source in the holding unit 130.

In step 1414, the control unit 106 may perform the following control: at least one of when the power supply 110 starts supplying power to the load 132 and when the power supply 110 completes supplying power to the load 132, the holding amount of the aerosol source held by the holding unit 130 is increased or the possibility of the holding amount being increased is increased. This can suppress the occurrence or recurrence of temporary noise emission in the holding unit 130.

As an example, in step 1414, the control unit 106 may execute the following control: the interval from the completion of aerosol generation to the next start of aerosol generation is set to be longer than the previous interval. Thus, during the extended interval, the generation of aerosol is inhibited, and the time for supplying the aerosol source from the storage unit 116 to the holding unit 130 can be ensured. Therefore, the temporary occurrence or recurrence of the noise in the holding unit 130 can be suppressed. In this example, the control unit 106 may modify the length of the interval based on at least 1 of the viscosity of the aerosol source, the remaining amount of the aerosol source, the resistance value of the load 132, and the temperature of the power supply 110. This can prevent the interval from becoming excessively long, and can suppress deterioration of the user experience.

As an example, in step 1414, the control unit 106 may control the supply unit to increase at least one of the amount and the speed of the aerosol source supplied from the storage unit 116 to the holding unit 130. This can suppress the occurrence or recurrence of temporary noise in the holding unit 130 without causing inconvenience to the user.

As an example, in step 1414, the control unit 106 may control the circuit so that the amount of aerosol generated is reduced.

As an example, in step 1414, the control unit 106 may control the temperature adjustment unit to heat the aerosol source. A typical liquid aerosol source has a property that its viscosity decreases as its temperature increases. That is, if the aerosol source is heated at a temperature at which no aerosol generation occurs, at least one of the amount and the speed of the aerosol source supplied from the storage unit 116 to the holding unit 130 can be increased by the capillary effect. In addition, the control unit 106 may control the temperature adjustment unit to heat the aerosol source while no aerosol is generated by the load 132. Accordingly, the aerosol source is mainly supplied from the storage unit 116 to the holding unit 130 when suction is not performed, and therefore, the heating effect is easily obtained. The control unit 106 may use the load 132 as a temperature adjusting unit. Thus, there is no need to provide a separate heater for heating, and structural simplification and cost reduction can be achieved.

As an example, in step 1414, the control unit 106 may control the changing unit to increase the ventilation resistance in the aerosol-generating device 100.

As an example, the control unit 106 may control the circuit 134 based on a correlation such that the larger the request from the requesting unit (for example, the larger the change in the air pressure detected in relation to the suction), the larger the amount of aerosol generated. In step 1414, the control unit 106 may modify the correlation so that the amount of aerosol generated corresponding to the requested size becomes smaller.

As an example, the control unit 106 may be configured to be capable of executing a first mode in which the interval between completion of generation of the aerosol and the next start of generation of the aerosol is set longer than the interval of the previous time, and a second mode in which at least one of when the power supply 110 starts supplying power to the load 132 and when the power supply 110 completes supplying power to the load 132 is executed, the control to increase the amount of the aerosol source held in the holding unit 130 or the control to increase the possibility of the amount of the aerosol source held without executing the control of the interval. In step 1414, the control unit 106 may execute the second mode preferentially over the first mode. This can suppress the occurrence or recurrence of temporary noise in the holding unit 130 without causing inconvenience to the user.

Further, in the case where the dry noise state of the holding portion 130 or a precursor of the dry noise state is further detected after the second mode is executed, the control portion 106 may execute the first mode. Thus, by means other than the control of the interval that does not impair the user's convenience, the interval control is performed for the first time when the temporary noise emission of the holding unit 130 cannot be suppressed, so that the user's convenience can be ensured and the temporary noise emission or the recurrence of the holding unit 130 can be suppressed at the same time.

In the case where the process 1400 shown in fig. 14 is performed a plurality of times, the control unit 106 may select the process executed in step 1414 from among the various processes described above. For example, among the processes that can be executed in step 1414, a process that places a small burden on the user may be preferentially executed. Even if this process is performed, if the temporary occurrence or recurrence of the noise by the holding unit 130 cannot be suppressed, a process with a greater burden on the user may be performed.

In counter n _err If the value of (a) does not exceed the predetermined threshold (no in step 1410), the process proceeds to step 1412. In step 1412, the control unit 106 alerts the user. Desirably, the alert is the following: the user can easily understand that sufficient aerosol generation cannot be performed due to the influence of the current suction. For example, the control unit 106 may cause the notification unit 108 to function based on the above-described noise-dried state or the detection of a precursor of the noise-dried state. In the case where the notification unit 108 is a light emitting element such as an LED, a display, a speaker, a vibrator, or the like, the control unit 106 may cause the notification unit 108 to perform operations such as light emission, display, sound emission, vibration, or the like. As a result, the user can control the suction, and as a result, the time for supplying the aerosol source from the storage unit 116 to the holding unit 130 can be ensured. Therefore, temporary noise emission, noise emission recurrence, and the like of the holding unit 130 can be suppressed.

As an example, in step 1412, when the notification unit 108 is caused to function one or more times and then the noise-dried state or a precursor of the noise-dried state is further detected, the control unit 106 may execute control to set the interval to be longer than the previous interval. This can suppress the occurrence or recurrence of temporary noise in the holding unit 130 without causing inconvenience to the user from the beginning. In this example, the control unit 106 may modify the length of the interval based on at least 1 of the viscosity of the aerosol source, the remaining amount of the aerosol source, the resistance value of the load 132, and the temperature of the power supply 110.

In one embodiment, the control unit 106 may perform the following control: after the generation of the aerosol is completed, the possibility of suppressing the generation of the aerosol or suppressing the generation of the aerosol is increased in the interval corresponding to the period from the storage unit 116 to the time when the aerosol source of an amount equal to or larger than the amount of the aerosol source for generating the aerosol is supplied from the storage unit 130. This effectively suppresses the occurrence of temporary noise emission in the holding portion 130. In this example, the control unit 106 may control the notification unit 108 in a first mode during the generation of the aerosol, and may control the notification unit 108 in a second mode different from the first mode during the interval. As a result, the user can control the suction, and as a result, the time for supplying the aerosol source from the storage unit 116 to the holding unit 130 can be ensured. Therefore, temporary noise emission, noise emission recurrence, and the like of the holding unit 130 can be suppressed. Further, in the case where the request from the requesting section is acquired during the above-described interval, the control section 106 may control the notifying section 108 in a third mode different from the second mode. The control unit 106 may control the circuit 134 so that the generation of aerosol is inhibited during the above-described interval. Thus, the amount of the aerosol source held by the holding portion 130 becomes difficult to be reduced in the above interval. As a result, the temporary occurrence or recurrence of the noise in the holding unit 130 can be suppressed. The control unit 106 may modify the length of the interval based on at least one of the size and the change of the request from the request unit. Thus, since the length of the interval is corrected based on the suction pattern, the occurrence or recurrence of temporary noise emission of the holding section 130 can be suppressed by the appropriate suction interval.

Fig. 15 shows a specific example of the correction of the suction interval performed in the process 1400 of fig. 14. The control unit 106 can correct the current suction interval a using correction coefficients obtained by various methods.

The control unit 106 may include the suction volume deriving unit 1510, the suction interval deriving unit 1512, the liquid viscosity deriving unit 1514, and the holding unit contact amount deriving unit 1518, or may be configured to function as these components. The aerosol-generating device 100 may also be provided with at least 1 of a flow or flow sensor 1502, a temperature sensor 1506, a current sensor 1508 and a voltage sensor. The aerosol-generating device 100 may further include a mechanism for detecting the liquid property 1504 of the aerosol source.

As shown in fig. 15, the suction capacity deriving unit 1510 derives the suction capacity based on the flow rate or the flow velocity value detected by the flow rate or flow velocity sensor 1502. The control unit 106 obtains the correction coefficient α1 from the derived suction capacity based on a predetermined relationship 1522 between the suction capacity and the correction coefficient α1.

The suction interval deriving unit 1512 derives a suction interval based on the flow rate or flow velocity value detected by the flow rate or flow velocity sensor 1502. The control unit 106 obtains the correction coefficient α2 from the derived suction capacity based on a predetermined relationship 1524 between the suction interval and the correction coefficient α2.

The liquid viscosity deriving unit 1514 derives the liquid viscosity based on the liquid property of the aerosol source and the temperature detected by the temperature sensor 1506. The control unit 106 obtains the correction coefficient α3 from the derived liquid viscosity based on a predetermined relationship 1526 between the liquid viscosity and the correction coefficient α3.

The control unit 106 obtains the correction coefficient α4 from the detected outside air temperature based on a predetermined relationship 1528 between the outside air temperature 1516 detected by the temperature sensor 1506 and the correction coefficient α4.

The holding-section-contact-amount deriving section 1518 derives the holding section contact amount based on the current value detected by the current sensor 1508 and the voltage value detected by the voltage sensor. The holding portion contact amount is an amount indicating how much the holding portion 130 contacts the aerosol source stored in the storage portion 116. Based on the holding portion contact amount, the amount of the aerosol source supplied from the reservoir portion 116 to the holding portion 130 varies by capillary effect. Since the temperature of the load 132 also fluctuates as a result of the change in the amount of the aerosol source supplied to the holding portion 130, the holding portion contact amount can be derived from the resistance value of the load 132 derived using the current sensor 1508 and the voltage sensor. The control unit 106 obtains the correction coefficient α5 from the derived holding unit contact amount based on a predetermined relationship 1530 between the holding unit contact amount and the correction coefficient α5.

The control unit 106 obtains the correction coefficient α6 based on a predetermined relationship 1532 between the heater resistance value 1520 derived from the detected current value and voltage value and the correction coefficient α6.

The control unit 106 can apply the correction coefficients α1 to α6 obtained as described above to the current suction interval a by various methods. For example, the control unit 106 may use a correction coefficient obtained by multiplying a by a value obtained by adding the correction coefficients α1 to α6 as a whole, thereby obtaining the suction interval a' configured.

These are merely examples of methods for deriving correction coefficients, and various methods can be applied. It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the aerosol-generating device 100 may be variously constructed in order to specifically implement the process conceptually illustrated in fig. 15.

In the above description, the second embodiment of the present disclosure has been described as a method of operating the aerosol-generating device and the aerosol-generating device. However, it is to be understood that the present disclosure may be implemented as a program that, if executed by a processor, causes the processor to perform the method, or a computer-readable storage medium storing the program.

< third embodiment >

As described with respect to the first embodiment of the present disclosure, it is possible to realize an aerosol-generating device that can distinguish between a first state in which the aerosol source stored in the storage portion is insufficient, and a second state in which the storage portion is able to supply the aerosol source but the aerosol source held by the holding portion is insufficient. The third embodiment of the present disclosure described below can appropriately control an aerosol-generating device having such features.

As examples of the present embodiment, the configuration (for example, the configuration described in association with fig. 1A, 1B, 2, 3, 8, etc.) and the operation method (for example, the process described in association with fig. 6, 7, 10, 12B, 13B, etc.) of the aerosol-generating device described in relation to the first embodiment of the present disclosure, and the operation method (for example, the process described in association with fig. 14, 15, etc.) of the aerosol-generating device described in relation to the second embodiment of the present disclosure can be used.

In one example, an aerosol-generating device 100 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure comprises: a power supply 110; a load 132 that generates heat upon receiving power from the power supply 110 and atomizes the aerosol source; element 112 for obtaining a value associated with the temperature of load 132; a circuit 134 electrically connecting the power supply 110 and the load 132; a storage unit 116 for storing the aerosol source; a holding unit 130 that holds the aerosol source supplied from the storage unit 116 in a state that can be heated by a load 132; and a control unit 106. The control unit 106 may be configured to distinguish between a first state in which the storage unit 116 is able to supply the aerosol source but the aerosol source held by the holding unit 130 is insufficient and a second state in which the first control is executed when the first state is detected and a second control different from the first control is executed when the second state is detected, based on a change in a value associated with the temperature of the load 132 after the operation of the circuit 134 or during the operation. Thus, since the control in the case where the shortage of the aerosol source of the storage unit 116 is detected is different from the control in the case where the shortage of the aerosol source of the holding unit 130 is detected, appropriate control can be performed in the aerosol-generating device 100 according to the phenomenon that occurs.

In one example, in the first state, the temperature of the load 132 exceeds the boiling point of the aerosol source or the temperature at which aerosol generation occurs due to evaporation of the aerosol source because the aerosol source stored in the storage unit 116 is insufficient. In the second state, the storage unit 116 can supply the aerosol source but the aerosol source held by the holding unit 130 is insufficient, so that the temperature of the load 132 exceeds the boiling point of the aerosol source or the temperature at which the generation of the aerosol occurs due to the evaporation of the aerosol source.

In one example, the second control reduces the amount of the aerosol source stored in the storage unit 116 more than the first control. Thus, the remaining aerosol in the storage unit 116 and the remaining aerosol in the holding unit 130 can be maintained at appropriate values according to the phenomenon.

In one example, the control executed by the control unit 106 in the second control changes the number of variables and/or the algorithm of the larger amount than the control executed by the control unit 106 in the first control. The first control is executed in the case where the first state (the state in which the aerosol source stored by the storage section 116 is insufficient) is detected. Therefore, the first control may include only the replacement of the user instruction reservoir 116 or the replenishment of the aerosol. On the other hand, the second control is executed in the case where the second state (a state in which the storage portion 116 can supply the aerosol source but the aerosol source held by the holding portion 130 is insufficient) is detected. Thus, the second control may include, for example, various controls that may be included in the processing of step 1414 of fig. 14 described in connection with the second embodiment of the present disclosure. For example, the second control may also include the following control: at least one of when the power supply 110 starts supplying power to the load 132 and when the power supply 110 completes supplying power to the load 132, the holding amount of the aerosol source held by the holding unit 130 is increased or the possibility of the holding amount being increased is increased. The second control may include the following control: the interval from the completion of aerosol generation to the next start of aerosol generation is set to be longer than the previous interval. The length of the interval may also be modified based on at least 1 of the viscosity of the aerosol source, the margin of the aerosol source, the resistance value of the load 132, and the temperature of the power supply 110. The second control may include control to increase at least one of the amount and the speed of the aerosol source supplied from the storage unit 116 to the holding unit 130. The second control may control the circuit 134 to reduce the amount of aerosol generated. The second control may control the temperature adjusting unit to heat the aerosol source. The second control may include controlling the temperature adjustment unit to heat the aerosol source during a period when no aerosol is generated by the load 132. The second control may include controlling the changing unit to increase the ventilation resistance in the aerosol-generating device 100. The second control may include controlling the circuit 134 based on a correlation such that the larger the request from the requesting unit is, the larger the amount of aerosol generated is. Further, the second control may include modifying the correlation so that the amount of aerosol generated corresponding to the requested size becomes smaller. In the present embodiment, it is to be understood that, in order to execute the second control, a greater number of variables and/or a greater amount of algorithms need to be changed than the first control.

In one example, the number of tasks requested by the user to allow aerosol generation in the second control is smaller than the number of tasks requested by the user to allow aerosol generation in the first control. For example, in the case of the first control, the user must perform a work of replacing the reservoir 116, a work of replenishing the reservoir 116 with an aerosol source, or the like. On the other hand, the second control may include various controls such as those described above, but these controls can be automatically executed by the components of the aerosol-generating device 100 such as the control unit 106 without requesting a job from the user. From at least these cases, it is desirable to understand that in the present embodiment, the number of jobs requested to the user in order to allow the generation of aerosol in the second control may be made smaller than the number of jobs requested to the user in order to allow the generation of aerosol in the first control.

In one example, the control unit 106 may prohibit the generation of the aerosol in the first control and the second control at least for a predetermined period. In this way, in either of the first state and the second state, the aerosol-generating device 100 can be disabled, so that further increase in the temperature of the load 132 can be suppressed. Disabling means that power is not supplied to the load 132 even if the user operates the aerosol-generating device 100.

The period during which the generation of the aerosol is prohibited in the second control may be shorter than the period during which the generation of the aerosol is prohibited in the first control. In order to return from the first state to the state in which normal control is possible, it is necessary to perform a work such as replacement of the reservoir 116, but in order to return from the second state to the state in which normal control is possible, it is unnecessary to perform such a work. Therefore, it is possible to suppress a situation in which the disabling control is performed for an unnecessarily long time.

In one example, the first control and the second control each have a return condition for shifting from a state in which generation of the aerosol is prohibited to a state in which generation of the aerosol is permitted. The return means a return to a state in which the user operates the aerosol-generating device 100 to be able to supply power to the load 132. The return condition in the first control may be set to be stricter than the return condition in the second control. For example, the return condition in the first control contains a greater number of conditions that should be satisfied than the return condition in the second control. In other examples, the return condition in the first control allows the user to perform more man-hours of the job than the return condition in the second control. In other examples, the return condition in the first control takes more time to execute than the return condition in the second control. In other examples, if only the control by the control unit 106 is performed, the return condition in the first control cannot be completed, and manual work or the like by the user is also required, whereas the return condition in the second control can be completed only by the control unit 106. In other examples, even if the return condition in the second control is satisfied, the return condition in the first control is not satisfied. The number of replacement operations of the components of the aerosol-generating device 100 included in the return condition in the first control may be greater than the number of replacement operations of the components of the aerosol-generating device 100 included in the return condition in the second control.

In one example, the aerosol-generating device 100 may include 1 or more notification units 108. The number of notification portions 108 that function in the first control may be greater than the number of notification portions 108 that function in the second control. Thus, when the user's job is required to return to the normal state, the user can easily recognize the shortage of the aerosol source. As a result, early return can be achieved. In another example, the time for which the notification unit 108 in the first control operates may be longer than the time for which the notification unit 108 in the second control operates. In other examples, the amount of power supplied from the power supply 110 to the notification unit 108 in the first control may be larger than the amount of power supplied from the power supply 110 to the notification unit in the second control.

In the above description, the third embodiment of the present disclosure has been described as a method of operating the aerosol-generating device and the aerosol-generating device. However, it is to be understood that the present disclosure may be implemented as a program that, if executed by a processor, causes the processor to perform the method, or a computer-readable storage medium storing the program.

While the embodiments of the present disclosure have been described above, it should be understood that these are merely examples and are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure. It should be understood that various changes, additions, modifications and the like of the embodiments may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure. The scope of the present disclosure should not be limited to any of the above-described embodiments, but should be defined only by the following patent claims and their equivalents.

Description of the reference numerals

100A, 100B aerosol-generating device, 102 first component, 104 second component, 106 control unit, 108 notification unit, 110 power supply, 112 element, 114 memory, 116 storage unit, 118 aerosolization unit, 120 air intake channel, 121 aerosol channel, 122 inhalation unit, 126 third component, 128 flavor source, 130 holding unit, 132 load, 134 circuit, 202, 302 first path, 204, 304 second path, 206, 210 switch, 208, 308, 808 constant voltage output circuit, 212, 222, 312, 812, 822 resistor, 214, 226, 314, 322, 814, 826 capacitor, 218, 818 error amplifier, 220, 820 reference voltage source, 318 inductor, 320 diode, 802 single path, 1502 flow rate or flow velocity sensor, 1504 liquid property, 1506 temperature sensor, 1508 current sensor, 1510 attraction capacity derivation unit, 1512 attraction interval derivation unit, 1514 liquid viscosity derivation unit, 1516 outside air temperature, 1518 holding unit contact amount derivation unit, 1520 heater resistance value.

Claims

1. An aerosol-generating device comprising:

a power supply;

a load which generates heat when receiving power from the power supply and atomizes the aerosol source;

An element for acquiring a value associated with a temperature of the load;

a circuit electrically connecting the power supply and the load;

a storage unit that stores the aerosol source;

a holding unit configured to hold the aerosol source supplied from the storage unit in a state where the aerosol source can be heated by the load;

a control unit configured to execute control to increase a holding amount of the aerosol source held by the holding unit or control to increase a possibility of the holding amount when at least one of when the power supply starts supplying power to the load and when the power supply completes supplying power to the load is detected in a dry state in which the storage unit is capable of supplying the aerosol source but the aerosol source held by the holding unit is insufficient, and the temperature of the load exceeds a boiling point of the aerosol source; and

at least one of a supply unit, a change unit, and a request unit,

the supply unit is capable of adjusting at least one of an amount and a speed of the aerosol source supplied from the storage unit to the holding unit,

when the aerosol-generating device includes the supply unit, the control unit is configured to control the supply unit to increase at least one of the amount and the speed of the aerosol source supplied from the storage unit to the holding unit when the dry state or a precursor of the dry state is detected,

The changing unit is capable of changing the ventilation resistance in the aerosol-generating device,

in the case where the aerosol-generating device includes the changing unit, the control unit is configured to control the changing unit so that the ventilation resistance increases when the dry state or a precursor of the dry state is detected,

the request unit outputs a request for generating an aerosol, that is, the request corresponding to suction to the aerosol-generating device or pressing of a predetermined button included in the aerosol-generating device,

in the case where the aerosol-generating device is provided with the requesting section, the control section is configured to,

controlling the circuit based on a correlation such that the larger the request is, the more the amount of aerosol is generated;

in the case where the dry state or a precursor of the dry state is detected, the correlation is modified so that the amount of aerosol generated corresponding to the requested size becomes smaller.

2. An aerosol-generating device according to claim 1,

the control unit is configured to reduce the amount of aerosol generated when the dry state or a precursor of the dry state is detected.

3. An aerosol-generating device according to claim 1, comprising:

a temperature adjusting unit capable of adjusting the temperature of the aerosol source,

the control unit is configured to control the temperature adjustment unit so as to heat the aerosol source when the dry state or a precursor of the dry state is detected.

4. An aerosol-generating device according to claim 3,

the control unit is configured to control the temperature adjustment unit to heat the aerosol source while no aerosol is generated by the load.

5. An aerosol-generating device according to claim 3,

the control portion uses the load as the temperature adjusting portion.

6. An aerosol-generating device according to claim 1,

the control section is configured to control the operation of the motor,

a first mode in which control is performed such that an interval from completion of generation of an aerosol to next start of generation of an aerosol is longer than a previous interval, and a second mode in which control is performed such that the holding amount is increased or the possibility of the holding amount being increased without performing control of the interval when the power supply starts supplying power to the load or when the power supply completes supplying power to the load are executable;

In the case where the dry state or a precursor of the dry state is detected, the second mode is preferentially executed over the first mode.

7. An aerosol-generating device according to claim 6,

the control unit is configured to execute the first mode when the dry state or a precursor of the dry state is further detected after executing the second mode.

8. An aerosol-generating device according to claim 1,

the control unit is configured to detect the dry state based on a temperature change of the load after the circuit is activated.

9. An aerosol-generating device according to claim 1,

in the case where the aerosol-generating device includes the request unit, the control unit is configured to detect a precursor of the dry state based on a change in time series of the request.

10. A method for activating an aerosol-generating device, the aerosol-generating device comprising:

a power supply;

a circuit electrically connecting the power supply and the load;

a storage unit that stores the aerosol source;

A holding unit configured to hold the aerosol source supplied from the storage unit in a state where the aerosol source can be heated by the load; and

at least one of a supply unit, a change unit, and a request unit,

the method comprises the following steps:

a step of heating the load to atomize the aerosol source;

a step of executing control of increasing a holding amount of the held aerosol source or control of increasing a possibility of increasing the holding amount at least one of when starting power supply to the load and when finishing power supply to the load, in a case where a dry state in which the aerosol source stored is not insufficient but is held in a state where heating by the load is possible is detected, the temperature of the load exceeding a boiling point of the aerosol source,

in case the aerosol-generating device is provided with the supply, the method further comprises: a step of controlling the supply unit to increase at least one of the amount and the speed of the aerosol source supplied from the storage unit to the holding unit when the dry state or a precursor of the dry state is detected,

in the case where the aerosol-generating device is provided with the modification section, the method further comprises: a step of controlling the changing unit to increase the ventilation resistance when the dry state or a precursor of the dry state is detected,

in case the aerosol-generating device is provided with the requesting part, the method further comprises:

and a step of controlling the circuit based on a correlation such that the larger the request is, the more the amount of aerosol generated, and modifying the correlation such that the amount of aerosol generated corresponding to the size of the request is reduced when the dry state or a precursor of the dry state is detected.

11. An aerosol-generating device comprising:

a power supply;

An element for acquiring a value associated with a temperature of the load;

a circuit electrically connecting the power supply and the load;

a storage unit that stores the aerosol source;

a request unit that outputs a request for generating an aerosol, that is, the request corresponding to suction to the aerosol-generating device; and

and a control unit configured to execute control for suppressing generation of an aerosol or control for increasing the possibility of suppressing generation of an aerosol in an interval corresponding to a period from the storage unit to the holding unit of the aerosol source in an amount equal to or larger than the amount of the aerosol source used for generating the aerosol after completion of generation of the aerosol, and to modify a length of the interval according to the suction pattern based on at least one of the size and the change of the request.

12. An aerosol-generating device according to claim 11, comprising:

a notification unit for notifying the user,

the control section is configured to control the operation of the motor,

controlling the notification portion in a first mode during generation of the aerosol;

The notification portion is controlled in a second mode different from the first mode during the interval.

13. An aerosol-generating device according to claim 12, comprising:

the control unit is configured to control the notification unit in a third mode different from the second mode when the request is acquired during the interval.

14. An aerosol-generating device according to claim 11,

the control unit is configured to control the circuit so as to prohibit generation of aerosol during the interval.

15. A method for causing an aerosol-generating device to act, the method comprising:

a step of heating the load to atomize the aerosol source and generate aerosol;

after the generation of the aerosol is completed, a step of executing control for suppressing the generation of the aerosol or control for increasing the possibility of suppressing the generation of the aerosol in an interval corresponding to a period until the stored aerosol source is maintained in a state where the aerosol source is heatable by the load in an amount equal to or larger than the amount of the aerosol source for generating the aerosol; and

based on at least one of a request for generation of an aerosol, i.e. a size and a change of the request corresponding to an attraction to the aerosol-generating device, a length of the interval is modified according to a pattern of the attraction.

16. An aerosol-generating device comprising:

a power supply;

an element for acquiring a value associated with a temperature of the load;

a circuit electrically connecting the power supply and the load;

a storage unit that stores the aerosol source;

a control unit configured to execute control to increase a holding amount of the aerosol source held by the holding unit or control to increase a possibility of the holding amount when at least one of the power supply starts supplying power to the load and the power supply completes supplying power to the load when the storage unit is capable of supplying the aerosol source but the aerosol source held by the holding unit is insufficient; and

at least one of a supply unit, a change unit, and a request unit,

in the case where the aerosol-generating device includes the supply unit, the control unit is configured to control the supply unit so that at least one of an amount and a speed of the aerosol source supplied from the storage unit to the holding unit is increased when the storage unit is capable of supplying the aerosol source but the aerosol source held by the holding unit is insufficient,

when the aerosol-generating device includes the changing unit, the control unit is configured to control the changing unit so that the ventilation resistance increases when the storage unit can supply the aerosol source but the aerosol source held by the holding unit is insufficient,

when the storage unit is capable of supplying the aerosol source but the aerosol source held by the holding unit is insufficient, the correlation is modified so that the amount of aerosol generated corresponding to the requested size becomes smaller.

17. A method for operating an aerosol-generating device, the aerosol-generating device comprising:

A power supply;

a circuit electrically connecting the power supply and the load;

a storage unit that stores the aerosol source;

at least one of a supply unit, a change unit, and a request unit,

the method comprises the following steps:

a step of heating the load to atomize the aerosol source; and

a step of executing control to increase a holding amount of the held aerosol source or control to increase a possibility of increasing the holding amount when at least one of power supply to the load is started and power supply to the load is completed when the aerosol source stored is not insufficient but the aerosol source held in a state where heating by the load is enabled is insufficient,

in case the aerosol-generating device is provided with the supply, the method further comprises: a step of controlling the supply unit to increase at least one of the amount and the speed of the aerosol source supplied from the storage unit to the holding unit when the aerosol source stored is not insufficient but the aerosol source held in a state where the aerosol source can be heated by the load is insufficient,

in the case where the aerosol-generating device is provided with the modification section, the method further comprises: a step of controlling the changing unit to increase the ventilation resistance when the aerosol source stored is not insufficient but the aerosol source held in a state where the aerosol source can be heated by the load is insufficient,

and a step of controlling the circuit to modify the correlation so that the amount of aerosol generated corresponding to the requested size becomes smaller, when the stored aerosol source is not insufficient but the aerosol source held in a state where the aerosol source is heatable by the load is insufficient, based on the correlation such that the amount of aerosol generated is larger as the request is larger.

18. A computer-readable storage medium storing a program,

the program, if executed by a processor, causes the processor to perform the method of any one of claims 10, 15 and 17.