EP4094598A1 - Cartridge and power unit for aerosol generating device, and method for determining cartridge type - Google Patents
Cartridge and power unit for aerosol generating device, and method for determining cartridge type Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- EP4094598A1 EP4094598A1 EP20915269.3A EP20915269A EP4094598A1 EP 4094598 A1 EP4094598 A1 EP 4094598A1 EP 20915269 A EP20915269 A EP 20915269A EP 4094598 A1 EP4094598 A1 EP 4094598A1
- Authority
- EP
- European Patent Office
- Prior art keywords
- cartridge
- power supply
- supply unit
- frictional resistance
- force sensor
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Withdrawn
Links
- 239000000443 aerosol Substances 0.000 title claims abstract description 96
- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 title claims description 36
- 238000001514 detection method Methods 0.000 claims description 40
- 230000004044 response Effects 0.000 claims description 22
- 230000009471 action Effects 0.000 claims description 19
- 238000010276 construction Methods 0.000 description 27
- 239000002775 capsule Substances 0.000 description 25
- 230000004048 modification Effects 0.000 description 23
- 238000012986 modification Methods 0.000 description 23
- 239000000796 flavoring agent Substances 0.000 description 20
- 235000019634 flavors Nutrition 0.000 description 20
- 238000007599 discharging Methods 0.000 description 15
- 239000000463 material Substances 0.000 description 7
- 230000004913 activation Effects 0.000 description 5
- 239000007789 gas Substances 0.000 description 5
- 230000003213 activating effect Effects 0.000 description 4
- 238000000889 atomisation Methods 0.000 description 4
- 238000010586 diagram Methods 0.000 description 4
- 241000208125 Nicotiana Species 0.000 description 3
- 235000002637 Nicotiana tabacum Nutrition 0.000 description 3
- DNIAPMSPPWPWGF-UHFFFAOYSA-N Propylene glycol Chemical compound CC(O)CO DNIAPMSPPWPWGF-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 3
- 238000004891 communication Methods 0.000 description 3
- 238000005485 electric heating Methods 0.000 description 3
- 238000003780 insertion Methods 0.000 description 3
- 230000037431 insertion Effects 0.000 description 3
- 239000007788 liquid Substances 0.000 description 3
- 239000011347 resin Substances 0.000 description 3
- 229920005989 resin Polymers 0.000 description 3
- PEDCQBHIVMGVHV-UHFFFAOYSA-N Glycerine Chemical compound OCC(O)CO PEDCQBHIVMGVHV-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 2
- 239000000919 ceramic Substances 0.000 description 2
- 230000008859 change Effects 0.000 description 2
- 239000008373 coffee flavor Substances 0.000 description 2
- 238000002485 combustion reaction Methods 0.000 description 2
- 239000003814 drug Substances 0.000 description 2
- 239000003571 electronic cigarette Substances 0.000 description 2
- 238000010438 heat treatment Methods 0.000 description 2
- 238000005259 measurement Methods 0.000 description 2
- 230000007246 mechanism Effects 0.000 description 2
- 239000008368 mint flavor Substances 0.000 description 2
- 239000006199 nebulizer Substances 0.000 description 2
- 230000008569 process Effects 0.000 description 2
- 239000002994 raw material Substances 0.000 description 2
- NOOLISFMXDJSKH-UTLUCORTSA-N (+)-Neomenthol Chemical compound CC(C)[C@@H]1CC[C@@H](C)C[C@@H]1O NOOLISFMXDJSKH-UTLUCORTSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 229920000742 Cotton Polymers 0.000 description 1
- NOOLISFMXDJSKH-UHFFFAOYSA-N DL-menthol Natural products CC(C)C1CCC(C)CC1O NOOLISFMXDJSKH-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 241000196324 Embryophyta Species 0.000 description 1
- HBBGRARXTFLTSG-UHFFFAOYSA-N Lithium ion Chemical compound [Li+] HBBGRARXTFLTSG-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 235000006679 Mentha X verticillata Nutrition 0.000 description 1
- 235000002899 Mentha suaveolens Nutrition 0.000 description 1
- 235000001636 Mentha x rotundifolia Nutrition 0.000 description 1
- XUIMIQQOPSSXEZ-UHFFFAOYSA-N Silicon Chemical compound [Si] XUIMIQQOPSSXEZ-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 230000002159 abnormal effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 125000003118 aryl group Chemical group 0.000 description 1
- 239000003990 capacitor Substances 0.000 description 1
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- 230000002950 deficient Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000000694 effects Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000005674 electromagnetic induction Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000003365 glass fiber Substances 0.000 description 1
- 235000011187 glycerol Nutrition 0.000 description 1
- 229910001416 lithium ion Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 229940041616 menthol Drugs 0.000 description 1
- 238000012545 processing Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000001007 puffing effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000004065 semiconductor Substances 0.000 description 1
- 229910052710 silicon Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 239000010703 silicon Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000012546 transfer Methods 0.000 description 1
- XLYOFNOQVPJJNP-UHFFFAOYSA-N water Substances O XLYOFNOQVPJJNP-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 238000004804 winding Methods 0.000 description 1
Images
Classifications
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A24—TOBACCO; CIGARS; CIGARETTES; SIMULATED SMOKING DEVICES; SMOKERS' REQUISITES
- A24F—SMOKERS' REQUISITES; MATCH BOXES; SIMULATED SMOKING DEVICES
- A24F40/00—Electrically operated smoking devices; Component parts thereof; Manufacture thereof; Maintenance or testing thereof; Charging means specially adapted therefor
- A24F40/50—Control or monitoring
- A24F40/51—Arrangement of sensors
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A24—TOBACCO; CIGARS; CIGARETTES; SIMULATED SMOKING DEVICES; SMOKERS' REQUISITES
- A24F—SMOKERS' REQUISITES; MATCH BOXES; SIMULATED SMOKING DEVICES
- A24F40/00—Electrically operated smoking devices; Component parts thereof; Manufacture thereof; Maintenance or testing thereof; Charging means specially adapted therefor
- A24F40/10—Devices using liquid inhalable precursors
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A24—TOBACCO; CIGARS; CIGARETTES; SIMULATED SMOKING DEVICES; SMOKERS' REQUISITES
- A24F—SMOKERS' REQUISITES; MATCH BOXES; SIMULATED SMOKING DEVICES
- A24F40/00—Electrically operated smoking devices; Component parts thereof; Manufacture thereof; Maintenance or testing thereof; Charging means specially adapted therefor
- A24F40/50—Control or monitoring
- A24F40/53—Monitoring, e.g. fault detection
Definitions
- the present disclosure relates to a power supply unit and a cartridge of an aerosol generation device and a method for judging types of cartridges.
- Aerosol generation devices such as an electronic cigarette, a nebulizer, and so on which generate gases, to which flavor components which are to be inhaled by users have been added, have been widely spread.
- Components which contribute to generation of a flavor-component-added gas for example, an aerosol source for generating aerosol, a flavor source for adding flavor to the aerosol, and so on, are attached to an aerosol generation device.
- the contents stored in the above components are consumed every time when a gas is generated.
- sucking a flavor-component-added gas in the following description, this action may also be referred to as puffing
- a user can taste the flavor together with the gas.
- one of objects of the present disclosure is to make it possible, by improving mechanisms of components and an aerosol generation device, to judge types of the components easily when a component is attached to the aerosol generation device. Also, one of objects of the present disclosure is to make it possible to control, according to the type, operation of the aerosol generation device.
- a power supply unit for an aerosol generation device comprises: a frictional force sensor installed in a contact surface, that is to be brought into contact with a cartridge, of the power supply unit; and a controller for judging, when or after the power supply unit is connected to the cartridge, the type of the cartridge based on frictional resistance that is detected as a result that the frictional force sensor is brought into contact with a friction part installed in the cartridge.
- the type of a cartridge can be judged easily, at low cost, and precisely. Further, operation of the aerosol generation device can be controlled according to the type. Thus, it becomes possible to provide a user with sufficient suction experience.
- a power supply unit comprises the power supply unit according to the first aspect, wherein: the frictional force sensor detects frictional resistance generated by the friction part during above contact, wherein quantities of the generated frictional resistance are different according to the types of the cartridges, respectively; and the controller judges the type of the cartridge based on the quantity of frictional resistance.
- a power supply unit comprises the power supply unit according to the first aspect or the second aspect, wherein: the frictional force sensor detects a quantity of frictional resistance generated by friction parts arranged in an arrangement pattern during above contact, wherein arrangement patterns of the friction parts are different according to the types of the cartridges, respectively, and quantities of frictional resistance generated in relation to the arrangement patterns are accordingly different according to the types of the cartridges, respectively; the controller judges the type of the cartridge based on the quantity of frictional resistance; and each of the arrangement patterns is formed by a combination of plural kinds of members.
- a power supply unit comprises the power supply unit according to one of the first aspect to the third aspect, wherein: the frictional force sensor detects frictional resistance generated by a first friction part and a second friction part during above contact, wherein quantities of frictional resistance generated by the first friction parts and the second friction parts are different according to the types of the cartridges, respectively; the controller judges the type of the cartridge based on the quantities of frictional resistance; and, with respect to the friction parts, the quantity of frictional resistance generated by the first friction part and the quantity of frictional resistance generated by the second friction part are different from each other.
- a power supply unit comprises the power supply unit according to one of the first aspect to the fourth aspect, wherein: when the power supply unit is connected to the cartridge, the controller makes, in response to detection of frictional resistance of a first quantity, the frictional force sensor start operation for detecting the cartridge, and, thereafter, makes, in response to detection of frictional resistance of a second quantity, the frictional force sensor terminate the above operation.
- a power supply unit comprises the power supply unit according to one of the first aspect to the fifth aspect, and further comprises a physical switch, wherein the physical switch is pressed by the cartridge when the power supply unit is connected to the cartridge, and the controller activates the frictional force sensor in response to an event that the physical switch is pressed.
- a power supply unit comprises the power supply unit according to the sixth aspect, wherein the controller deactivates the frictional force sensor in response to an event that the physical switch is pressed again by the cartridge.
- a power supply unit comprises the power supply unit according to one of the first aspect to the seventh aspect, wherein the controller makes, in response to completion of judgment of the type of the cartridge, the frictional force sensor terminate the operation for detecting the cartridge.
- a power supply unit comprises the power supply unit according to one of the first aspect to the eighth aspect, wherein the controller judges, when frictional resistance of a predetermined quantity is not detected by the frictional force sensor for a predetermined period of time after starting of the operation for detecting the cartridge, that connection of the power supply unit to the cartridge is failed, and makes the frictional force sensor terminate the operation for detecting the cartridge.
- a power supply unit comprises the power supply unit according to the ninth aspect, and further comprises a notifier, wherein the controller makes the notifier notify the failure of connection.
- a power supply unit comprises the power supply unit according to the tenth aspect, wherein the notifier uses the notification of the failure of connection to prompt a user to again perform action to connect the power supply unit to the cartridge.
- a power supply unit comprises the power supply unit according to one of the first aspect to the eleventh aspect, wherein the controller prohibits supplying of electric power to the cartridge in the case that the type of the cartridge cannot be judged.
- a power supply unit comprises the power supply unit according to one of the first aspect to the twelfth aspect, wherein the friction force sensor is a tactile sensor.
- a cartridge which is to be connected to the power supply unit according to the first aspect to the thirteenth aspect and has a friction part having a frictional characteristic, is provided; wherein the frictional characteristics of the friction parts are different according to the types of the cartridges, respectively.
- a cartridge for an aerosol generation device comprises a friction part for generating frictional resistance, wherein quantities of frictional resistance generated by the friction parts are different according to the types of the cartridges, respectively, wherein: when or after the cartridge is connected to the power supply unit, the cartridge is detected as a result that a frictional force sensor installed on a contact surface, that is to be brought into contact with the cartridge, of the power supply unit is brought into contact with the friction part, and the type of the cartridge is judged based on detected frictional resistance.
- a cartridge according to a sixteenth aspect comprises the cartridge according to the fifteenth aspect, wherein:
- a cartridge according to a seventeenth aspect comprises the cartridge according to the fifteenth aspect or the sixteenth aspect, wherein: the aerosol generation device comprises a cartridge case which holds the cartridge and is attached to the power supply unit in an axial direction; when viewed from the axial direction, a cross section of the cartridge has a concave shape that corresponds to a convex shape of a cross section of part of a hollow part of the cartridge case; and the cross section of the cartridge is aligned, in a circumferential direction, with the cross section of the part of the hollow part of the cartridge case, so that the cartridge may be inserted in the hollow part of the cartridge case in the axial direction.
- a method for judging the type of a cartridge comprises steps, that are performed by a power supply unit of an aerosol generation device when or after the cartridge is connected in an axial direction to the power supply unit, for: detecting contact between a frictional force sensor installed on a contact surface, that is to be brought into contact with the cartridge, of the power supply unit and a friction part installed on the cartridge; and judging the type of the cartridge based on frictional resistance detected during above contact; wherein the respective friction parts are those from which quantities of frictional resistance, that are different from one another, are generated, according to the respective types of the respective cartridges.
- a method according to a nineteenth aspect comprises the method according to the eighteenth aspect, wherein: arrangement patterns of plural members in the friction parts are different according to the types of the cartridges, respectively; and the arrangement patterns comprise combinations of different kinds of the members from which quantities of frictional resistance, that are different from one another, are generated at the time of above contact.
- a method according to a twentieth aspect comprises the method according to the eighteenth aspect or the nineteenth aspect, wherein: the power supply unit comprises a first friction part and a second friction part, and, in the friction parts, the quantity of frictional resistance generated by the first friction part and the quantity of frictional resistance generated by the second friction part are different from each other.
- aerosol generation devices comprise an electronic cigarette and a nebulizer in the embodiments of the present disclosure
- the aerosol generation devices are not limited to those listed above. That is, the aerosol generation devices may comprise various inhalers, each generating aerosol or flavor-added aerosol sucked by a user. Further, the generated inhaled component source may include invisible vapor, in addition to aerosol.
- FIG. 1 to Fig. 5 shows an aerosol generation device 1 to which a power supply unit 10 has been attached.
- Figs. 1 and 2 is a perspective view of the aerosol generation device 1
- Fig. 3 is a cross-section view of the aerosol generation device 1.
- Fig. 4 is a perspective view of the power supply unit 10 included in the aerosol generation device 1
- Fig. 5 is a block diagram showing a construction example of the power supply unit 10.
- the aerosol generation device 1 is an apparatus for making a user suck flavor without requiring combustion, and has a stick shape extending in a predetermined direction (hereinafter, the direction will be referred to as a longitudinal direction A). As shown in Figs. 1 and 2 , the aerosol generation device 1 comprises the power supply unit 10, a cartridge unit 20, and a capsule unit 30 arranged in the longitudinal direction A in this order.
- the cartridge unit 20 is attachable/detachable to/from the power supply unit 10
- the capsule unit 30 is attachable/detachable to/from the cartridge unit 20. In other words, the cartridge unit 20 and the capsule unit 30 are exchangeable with each other.
- the power supply unit 10 in the present embodiment includes, in the inside of a power supply unit case 11 having a cylindrical shape, a power supply 12, a charger 13, a controller 50, various kinds of sensors, and so on.
- the power supply 12 is a chargeable secondary battery, an electric double layer capacitor, or the like, and, preferably, is a lithium-ion battery.
- a top part 11a positioned in the side of one of ends, in the longitudinal direction A, of the power supply unit case 11 (the side close to the cartridge unit 20) is provided with discharging terminals 41.
- the discharging terminals 41 are constructed in such a manner that they protrude toward the cartridge unit 20 from the top surface of the top part 11a, and can be electrically connected to a load 21 in the cartridge unit 20.
- an air supplying part 42 for supplying air to the load 21 in the cartridge unit 20 is constructed in a part close to the discharging terminals 41 on the top surface of the top part 11a.
- the top surface of the top part 11a is further provided with a frictional force sensor 17 for detecting contact with an object.
- connection cap forms a connection surface whereat the power supply unit 10 connects to the cartridge unit 20 in the longitudinal direction A.
- the connection cap is formed by using resin material that is softer than silicon resin and has elasticity; and the tip side of each of the discharging terminals 41 and the air supplying part 42 protrudes toward the cartridge unit 20 from the connection cap.
- a bottom part 11b positioned in the side of the other of the ends, in the longitudinal direction, of the power supply unit case 11 (the side opposite to the cartridge unit 20) is provided with a charging terminal 43 which can be electrically connected to an external electric power source (not shown in the figure) which can charge the power supply 12.
- the charging terminal 43 is constructed in the side surface of the bottom part 11b, and can be connected to at least one of a USB terminal, a microUSB terminal, and a Lightning terminal.
- the charging terminal 43 may be an electric power receiver which can receive, in a noncontact manner, electric power transmitted from an external electric power source.
- the charging terminal 43 (the electric power receiver) may comprise an electric power receiving coil.
- the type of the system for transmitting electric power in a noncontact manner may be an electromagnetic induction type or a magnetic resonance type.
- the charging terminal 43 may be an electric power receiver which can receive, in a contactless manner, electric power transmitted from an external terminal.
- the charging terminal 43 may be that which can be connected to at least one of a USB terminal, a microUSB terminal, and a Lightning terminal, and also has the above-explained electric power receiver.
- the discharging terminal 41 and the charging terminal 43 are constructed as separate components and positioned apart from each other in the longitudinal direction A, so that it is constructed in such a manner that an external electric power source can be electrically connected to the charging terminal 43 during the state that discharging of the power supply 12 via the discharging terminals 41 is possible.
- an operation unit 14 which can be manipulated by a user, is constructed in a side surface of the top part 11a in such a manner that it faces a side opposite to a side to which the charging terminal 43 faces.
- the operation unit 14 and the charging terminal 43 have point symmetric relationship with respect to an intersection point of a straight line connecting the operation unit 14 and the charging terminal 43 and a center axial line L of the power supply unit 10 in the longitudinal direction A.
- the operation unit 14 comprises a button-type switch, a touch panel, or the like, and is used when operation for activating/shutting-down the controller 50 and various kinds of sensors, or other operation, is performed to reflect intention, with respect to use, of a user.
- the controller 50 and an inhalation sensor 15 for detecting a puff action are arranged in a position close to the operation unit 14.
- the charger 13 is positioned close to the charging terminal 43, and controls charging electric power inputted from the charging terminal 43 to the power supply 12.
- the charger 13 comprises a converter for converting direct current from an inverter and so on, which are installed on a charging cable connected to the charging terminal 43 and convert alternate current to direct current, to direct current having different magnitude, a voltmeter, an ammeter, a processor, and so on.
- the controller 50 is connected to the operation unit 14, the inhalation sensor 15 for detecting a puff (inhalation) action, a voltage sensor 16 for measuring a voltage of the power supply 12, the frictional force sensor 17, and a memory 18 for storing the number of times of puff actions or the length of time of energization to the load 21, and so on, and performs control of various kinds of operation of the aerosol generation device 1.
- the inhalation sensor 15 may be constructed by using a condenser microphone, a pressure sensor, or the like.
- the frictional force sensor 17 measures stress in a sliding direction relative to a reference surface (shear stress), in addition to detecting contact with an object.
- the controller 50 is a processor (computer). More specifically, the structure of the processor comprises an electric circuit formed by combining circuit elements such as a semiconductor element and so on. Details of the controller 50 will be explained later.
- the power supply unit case 11 is provided with an air taking-in opening (not shown in the figure) for taking the outside air in the inside thereof.
- the air taking-in opening may be formed in a circumference area of the operation unit 14, or may be formed in a circumference area of the charging terminal 43.
- the cartridge unit 20 comprises, in the inside of a cylindrical cartridge case 27, a reservoir 23 for storing an aerosol source 22, the electrical load 21 for atomizing the aerosol source 22, a wick 24 for drawing the aerosol source from the reservoir 23 to the load 21, an aerosol flow path 25 through which aerosol, that is generated as a result of atomization of the aerosol source 22, flows toward the capsule unit 30, and an end cap 26 which can house a part of the capsule unit 30.
- a member comprising the reservoir 23, the load 21, the wick 24, and the aerosol flow path 25 may be constructed as a cartridge 200.
- the cartridge 200 one end thereof can be connected to the power supply unit 10 and the other end thereof can be connected to the end cap 26.
- the compartment for the reservoir 23 is formed to surround the periphery of the aerosol flow path 25, and stores the aerosol source 22.
- a porous body comprising a resin web, cotton, or the like may be included in the reservoir 23, and the porous body may be impregnated with the aerosol source 23.
- the aerosol source 22 includes a liquid such as glycerin, propylene glycol, water, or the like.
- the wick 24 is a liquid holding member for drawing the aerosol source 22 from the reservoir 23 to the load 21 by capillary effect, and comprises glass fibers, porous ceramics, or the like, for example.
- the load atomizes, without combustion, the aerosol source 22 by using electric power supplied from the power supply 12 via the discharging terminals 41.
- the load 21 comprises a wound electric heating wire (a coil) having a predetermined winding pitch.
- the load 21 can be any element which can generate aerosol by atomizing the aerosol source 22, for example, a heater element or an ultrasonic generator. Examples of the heater elements that can be listed are a heating resistor, a ceramic heater, an induction-heating-type heater, and so on.
- the aerosol flow path 25 is formed in the area downstream the load 21 and along the axial line L of the power supply unit 10.
- the end cap 26 comprises a cartridge housing part 26a for housing a part of the capsule unit 30 and a communication path 26b for communication between the aerosol flow path 25 and the cartridge housing part 26a.
- An end of the capsule unit 30, which is in the side close to the cartridge unit 20, is housed in an attachable/detachable manner in the cartridge housing part 26a formed in the end cap 26 of the cartridge unit 20.
- the other end of the capsule unit 30, which is opposite to the side close to the cartridge unit 20, is constructed as a mouthpiece 32 for a user.
- the mouthpiece 32 is not limited to that integrally formed with the capsule unit 30, and may be that constructed to be attachable/detachable to/from the capsule unit 30.
- the capsule unit 30 adds flavor to the aerosol, which has been generated as a result of atomization of the aerosol source 22 by the load 21, by making the aerosol pass through a flavor source 31.
- Shredded tobacco or formed products which are made by processing tobacco raw material to have granular forms, may be used as raw-material pieces which are components of the flavor source 31.
- the flavor source 31 may also be constructed by using plant other than tobacco (for example, mint, a Chinese medicine, a herb, or the like). An aromatic such as menthol or the like may also be added to the flavor source 31.
- the aerosol generation device 1 can generate flavor-added aerosol by using the aerosol source 22, the flavor source 31, and the load 21. That is, the aerosol source 22 and the flavor source 31 can be regarded as an aerosol generation source from which aerosol is generated.
- the construction of the aerosol generation source used in the aerosol generation device 1 may be a construction wherein the aerosol source 22 and the flavor source 31 are integrally constructed, a construction wherein the flavor source 31 is omitted and material which may be included in the flavor source 31 is added to the aerosol source 22, a construction wherein medicine or the like is added, in place of the flavor source 31, to the aerosol source 22, or the like.
- the air flown therein through a taking-in opening (not shown in the figure) constructed in the power supply unit case 11 passes, from the air supplying part 42, through a space near the load 21 in the cartridge unit 20.
- the load 21 atomizes the aerosol source 22 drawn by the wick 24 from the reservoir 23.
- the aerosol generated as a result of atomization flows through the aerosol flow path 25 together with the air taken from the taking-in opening, and is supplied to the capsule unit 30 via the communication path 26b.
- flavor is added thereto as a result that it has passed through the flavor source 31, and the resultant aerosol is supplied to the mouthpiece 32.
- the controller 50 comprises an aerosol-generation-request detector 51, an operation detector 52, an electric power controller 53, a notification controller 54, and a cartridge detection judging unit 55.
- the aerosol-generation-request detector 51 detects, based on output result of the inhalation sensor 15, a request for aerosol generation.
- the inhalation sensor 15 is constructed to output a value representing change in pressure, that occurs due to suction by a user through the mouthpiece 31, in the power supply unit 10.
- the inhalation sensor 15 is a pressure sensor which outputs an output value (for example, a voltage value or a current value) corresponding to air pressure that changes in response to the quantity of the air sucked from the taking-in opening toward the mouthpiece 32 (i.e., puff action of a user).
- the operation detector 52 detects manipulation of the operation unit 14 performed by a user.
- the electric power controller 53 controls discharging, via the discharging terminals 41, of the power supply 12 when a request for aerosol generation is detected by the aerosol-generation-request detector 51.
- the electric power controller 53 performs control in such a manner that the quantity of aerosol generated as a result of atomization of an aerosol source by the load 21 is maintained to be that within a desired range, that is, the quantity of electric power supplied from the power supply 12 to the load 21 is maintained to be that within a certain range.
- the electric power controller 53 may perform control by performing PWN (Pulse Width Modulation) control or PFM (Pulse Frequency Modulation) control. Output result of the voltage sensor 16 may also be used.
- PWN Pulse Width Modulation
- PFM Pulse Frequency Modulation
- the electric power controller 53 detects electrical connection between the charging terminal 43 and the external electric power source 60, and controls charging of electric power via the charging terminal 43 to the power supply 12.
- the notification controller 54 controls a notifier 45 to make it notify various kinds of information.
- the notification controller 54 controls the notifier 45 to make it notify, in response to detection of the time when the capsule unit 30 is expected to be replaced, the time when the capsule unit 30 is expected to be replaced.
- the notification controller 54 makes, based on the number of times of puff actions or the accumulated length of time of energization to the load 21 stored in the memory 18, the time when the capsule unit 30 is expected to be replaced be notified.
- Notification to be performed is not limited to that of the time when the capsule unit 30 is expected to be replaced, and the notification controller 54 may make the time when the cartridge 30 is expected to be replaced be notified, and may make the time when the power supply 12 is expected to be replaced, the time when the power supply 12 is expected to be charged, an error occurred during operation, and so on be notified.
- the notifier 45 may comprise a light emitting element, or may comprise a vibration element, or may comprise a sound outputting element. Further, the notifier 45 may comprise a combination comprising two or more elements in a light emitting element, a vibration element, and a sound outputting element.
- the notifier 45 may be installed in one of the power supply unit 10, the cartridge unit 20, and the capsule unit 30, it is preferable that it be installed in the power supply unit 10.
- it is constructed in such a manner that the periphery of the operation unit 14 is made to be translucent and light is emitted through it from a light emitting element such as an LED or the like.
- the cartridge detection judging unit 55 detects the cartridge 200 when the frictional force sensor 17 is brought into contact with a friction part 220 constructed on the cartridge 200. Further, the cartridge detection judging unit 55 judges, based on frictional resistance detected during contact with the friction part 220, the type of the connected cartridge 200.
- FIG. 6 is an exploded view of the aerosol generation device 1.
- the aerosol generation device 1 is constructed by assembling the power supply unit 10, the cartridge case 27, the cartridge 200, the end cap 26, and the capsule unit (capsule) 30.
- the cartridge case 27 of the cartridge unit 20 is attached to the power supply unit 10 (Procedure A). Specifically, the inner side of the cartridge case 27 is fitted, along the axial line L, to a first rotating connection part 110 of the power supply unit 10, and, thereafter, the cartridge case 27 is rotated about the axial line L relative to the power supply unit 10.
- the power supply unit 10 and the cartridge case 27 are assembled with each other, in the state that alignment of them with respect to the axial direction and the circumferential direction has been completed.
- a reverse procedure of the above procedure can be performed when removing the cartridge case 27 from the power supply unit 10.
- the cartridge 200 is inserted in the cartridge case 27 (Procedure B). Specifically, in the state that a connection electrode part 210 constructed on the bottom surface of the cartridge 200 faces the side of the cartridge 27, the cartridge 200 is inserted in the hollow part in the cartridge case 27. As a result, the cartridge 200 is attached to the power supply unit 10.
- connection electrode part 210 As a result of contact between the discharging terminals 41 of the power supply unit 10 and the connection electrode part 210 of the cartridge 200, they are connected with each other. Via the connection electrode part 210, electric power can be supplied to the electric heating wire in the load 21. Further, a buffer space is formed between the power supply unit 10 and the cartridge 200, by the connection surface of the power supply unit 10, the electrode surface of the cartridge 200, and the cartridge case 27.
- a guide (not shown in the figure) for alignment is constructed in the inner surface of the hollow part of the cartridge case 27.
- the end cap 26 is attached to the cartridge case 27 by using a second rotating connection part 260 (Procedure C). Specifically, a male screw part of the end cap 26 is screwed into a female screw part constructed in the inner wall of the cartridge case 27. As a result that the end cap 26 is fastened in the above state, the cartridge 200 is held in the cartridge case 27 in the state that the cartridge 200 is being pushed in the axial direction toward the side of the power supply unit 10.
- a surface, whereat the end cap 26 is to be brought into contact with the cartridge 200 is provided with an anti-slipping member 261 for making the cartridge 200 be rotated relative to the power supply unit 10 about the axial line L.
- the anti-slipping member 261 comes in contact with the bottom surface of the cartridge 200 in the middle of the procedure for connecting the end cap 26 to the cartridge case 27. Thereafter, during the state that the anti-slipping member 261 is being in contact with the cartridge 200, the cartridge 200 can be rotated together with the end cap 26 about the axial line L.
- the cartridge 200 rotates relative to the power supply unit 10, within a predetermined range, about the axial line L.
- a series of judgment processes, that is associated with detection of the cartridge 200, according to the present embodiment is performed. It is constructed in such a manner that, as a result that the cartridge 200 rotates within a predetermined range, an engaging concave part (not shown in the figure) of the cartridge 200 and an engaging convex part (not shown in the figure) of the power supply unit 10 are aligned with each other, and the cartridge 200 and the power supply unit 10 are engaged with each other.
- the anti-slipping member 261 of the end cap 26 pushes the cartridge 200 to the power supply unit 10.
- the cartridge 200 is fixed relative to the power supply unit 10.
- the capsule unit 30 is inserted to the end cap 26 (Procedure D). Specifically, in the state that a mesh-type opening 310 faces the end cap 26, the capsule unit 30 is fitted in the end cap 26. By performing the above procedures, assembling of the aerosol generation device 1 is completed.
- Fig. 7 is a schematic figure showing operation of a frictional force sensor 17 and a friction part 220 in a cartridge 200.
- Fig. 8A is a schematic perspective view of the power supply unit 10, which comprises the frictional force sensor 17, in the present embodiment; and
- Fig. 8B is a top view of the power supply unit 10 viewed, in the axial direction, from the side of the cartridge 200.
- each of Figs. 9A and 9B is an example of a top view of the cartridge 200, which is connected to the power supply unit 10 in the present embodiment, viewed from an axial direction.
- Fig. 10 is an example of an arrangement pattern of plural members which are components of a friction part 220.
- Fig. 11 is a flowchart showing a method for judging the type of the cartridge 200 by using the power supply unit 10 and the cartridge 200 explained above.
- judging of the type of a cartridge 200 by the controller 50 is performed mainly through operation for detecting a cartridge in response to contact between the power supply unit 10 and the cartridge 200 (the friction part 220) at a contact surface, and, especially, measuring the quantity of frictional resistance generated during above contact.
- the frictional force sensor 17 is constructed on a contact surface 80 (the above-explained connection cap) that is to be brought into contact with a cartridge.
- the frictional force sensor 17 detects contact with the friction part 220 which is constructed on the cartridge 200. Specifically, it detects force (that is, pressing force F1) in a direction along that the cartridge 200 is pushed.
- the power supply unit 10 can detect contact with the cartridge 200.
- stress that is, sliding frictional resistance force F2 exerted in relation to a sliding direction (an arrow with a dotted line) is detected. Further, by measuring the sliding frictional resistance force F2, a frictional characteristic that the friction part 220 has can be identified.
- the cartridge 200 rotates relative to the power supply unit 10 about the axial line L within a predetermined range, while it is being brought into contact with the frictional force sensor 17 at the contact surface 80 (Fog. 6: Procedure C). During rotation, the friction part 220 of the cartridge 200 passes over the frictional force sensor 17.
- the respective friction parts 220 of the respective cartridges 200 are designed to have different frictional characteristics (for example, friction coefficients) corresponding to the respective types of respective cartridges 200, so that the respective quantities of the sliding frictional resistance force F2 are different from one another according to the respective types of the respective cartridges 200.
- frictional resistance is generated during the time when the frictional force sensor 17 is being in contact with a friction part 220, wherein respective quantities of generated frictional resistance are set to be different from one another to make them correspond to the respective types of the respective cartridges 200.
- the frictional resistance in the present case is dynamic friction resistance. In this regard, it is designed in such a manner that, during the time when the frictional force sensor 17 is being in contact with a friction part 220, each of the pressing force F1 and the sliding frictional resistance force F2 is maintained to be constant.
- the frictional force sensor 17 detects, during contact, frictional resistance generated by the friction part 220, wherein the quantities of frictional resistance are different from one another according to the types of the cartridges 200, respectively; and, based on the quantity of the frictional resistance, the type of the cartridge is judged.
- the frictional force sensor 17 comprise a tactile sensor.
- a MEMS (Micro-Electro-Mechanical System) tactile sensor may be adopted.
- the frictional force sensor 17 is constructed on the connection surface 80, for connection with the cartridge 200, of the power supply unit 10.
- the frictional force sensor 17 is positioned in an area that is close to the periphery of the connection surface 80 and does not overlap with the areas of the discharging terminals 41 and the air supplying part 42.
- the distance from the axial line L to the frictional force sensor 17 in a radial direction is set in relation to the distance from the axial line L on the electrode surface of the cartridge 200 to the friction part 220 in a radial direction.
- the frictional force sensor 17 is installed in the power supply unit 10 rather than the cartridge 200 which is an article of consumption. That is, compared with the construction wherein the frictional force sensor 17 is installed in the cartridge 200 side, the cost relating to the frictional force sensor 17 (for example, the initial cost and/or the running cost) can be reduced. Further, as a result that the frictional force sensor 17 is installed in the power supply unit 10, the frictional force sensor 17 is positioned apart from the positions of the load 21 and the reservoir 23 in the cartridge 200, and, accordingly, is less subject to heat, liquid leakage, and so on, and can operate stably. Further, the risk of failure thereof can be reduced.
- the position where the frictional force sensor 17 is arranged on the connection surface 80 and the shape of the frictional force sensor 17 are not limited to those shown in the figures.
- the power supply unit 10 may comprise plural frictional force sensors 17, and some of the plural frictional force sensors 17 may be positioned in the cartridge case 27 side.
- a friction part 220 is constructed on an electrode surface 280 of the cartridge 200, wherein the friction part 220 is that which generates frictional resistance when it is brought into contact with the frictional force sensor 17 installed on the connection surface 80 of the power supply unit 10.
- One or more friction parts 220 have a frictional characteristic, wherein the respective frictional characteristics are set to be different from one another according to the respective types of the respective cartridges.
- it may be constructed to include one or more members (two members 221 1 and 221 2 in the example shown in the figure), and each member may be constructed by using a material having a specific frictional characteristic.
- a pair of connection electrode parts 210 is constructed for making it be in contact with the pair of discharging terminals 41 in the side of the power supply unit 10 to allow electric conduction between them.
- the friction part 220 is positioned in an area, on the electrode surface 280, that does not overlap with the area occupied by the connection electrode part 210.
- friction part areas ARi and AR 2 which are positioned opposite to each other with respect to the center of the electrode surface 280 (the axial line L), are provided, and the single member 221 1 is arranged in the friction part area ARi and the single member 221 2 is arranged in the friction part area AR 2 .
- it is not necessary to arrange the members 221 1 and 221 2 in all of the friction part areas ARi and AR 2 and they can be constructed to have any sizes and can be arranged in any positions.
- the distance in the radial direction from the axial line L to each of the members 221 1 and 221 2 relates to the distance in the radial direction from the axial line L to the frictional force sensor 17 in the connection surface 80 of the power supply unit 10.
- the respective friction parts 220 are designed to generate different quantities of frictional resistance corresponding to the respective types of respective cartridges 200, when each of the friction part 220 is being brought into contact with the frictional force sensor 17.
- elements having different frictional characteristics for example, friction coefficients
- a member having a large friction coefficient A is adopted in the friction parts 220; and, in the case of a "coffee-flavor cartridge” type, a member having a small friction coefficient B ( ⁇ A) is adopted in the friction parts 220.
- ⁇ A small friction coefficient B
- both the members 221 1 and 221 2 in the friction parts 220 are constructed by using the same material.
- the members 221 1 and 221 2 in the friction parts 220 are constructed by using different materials.
- it is constructed in such a manner that the frictional resistance generated by the member 221 1 of the first friction part 220 and the frictional resistance generated by the member 221 2 of the second friction part 220 are different from one another.
- the friction part(s) 220 can be constructed in such a manner that the type of a cartridge 200 can be judged precisely and efficiently, by identifying the quantity or quantities of frictional resistance of any one or more members in plural members which have specific friction coefficients.
- Fig. 10 is an enlarged view of the member 221 1 of the first friction part 220 in Fig. 9A or 9B .
- it is constructed in the friction part area ARi that the arrangement patterns of three members 222 a-c are made to be different from one another according to the types of the cartridges, respectively. That is, the arrangement patter is constructed by a combination of three different kinds of members 221 a-c which generate different quantities of frictional resistance during the time when they are being in contact with the frictional force sensor 17.
- the member 221 a positioned in the left side area in the friction part area ARi has a friction coefficient a
- the member 221 b positioned in the center area has a friction coefficient b (>a)
- the member 221 c positioned in the right side area has a friction coefficient c (>b>a).
- any materials can be used in the members 221 and/or any arrangement patterns of the members 221 can be adopted. Further, by constructing the members of the friction part 220 as explained above, it becomes possible to make the cartridge detection judging unit 55 in the controller 50 be able to easily judge the type of a cartridge 200 based on the measured quantity of frictional resistance. That is, according to the present embodiment, operation for judging the type of a cartridge 200, that is realized as a result of cooperation of the friction part 220 and the frictional force sensor 17 in the power supply unit 10, can be facilitated, and accuracy of judgment can be improved.
- Fig. 11 shows a series of actions relating to judgment of the type of a cartridge 200.
- the series of actions is performed by the cartridge detection judging unit 55 and the notification controller 54 mainly, in cooperation with the frictional force sensor 17, the memory 18, and the notifier 45, when the cartridge 200 is connected to the power supply unit 10 of the aerosol generation device 1 in the direction of the axial line L.
- step S10 insertion of the cartridge 200 is detected. Specifically, in the state that the cartridge case 27 is being attached to the power supply unit 10 ( Fig. 6 : Procedure A), the cartridge 200 is inserted in the cartridge caser 27, and a state that cartridge 200 is brought to be in contact with the power supply unit 10 ( Fig. 6 : Procedure B) is detected. More specifically, the cartridge detection judging unit 55 may detect a state that the discharging terminals 41 of the power supply unit 10 are brought in contact with the connection electrode part 210 of the cartridge 200 and energization to the electric heating wire of the load 21 is allowed. In this regard, the cartridge 200 is guided by the cartridge case 27 in such a manner that the electrode surface 280 is aligned relative to the connection surface 80 of the power supply unit 10 in the circumferential direction and the cartridge 200 is inserted in the cartridge case 27.
- the frictional force sensor 17 which is installed on the contact surface 80, that is to be brought into contact with the cartridge 200, of the power supply unit 10 is activated in step S20. That is, it becomes possible to perform detection of the pressing force F1 and/or the sliding frictional resistance force F2 generated in relation to the friction part 220 ( Fig. 7 ), by using an event that the power supply unit 10 is connected to the cartridge 200 as a trigger to allow above detection.
- the cartridge detection judging unit 55 starts detection operation for judging the type of the cartridge 200. More specifically, during action for fastening the end cap 26 and rotating the cartridge 200 relative to the power supply unit 10 about the axial line L by a predetermined distance ( Fig. 6 : Procedure C), the cartridge detection judging unit 55 makes the frictional force sensor 17 detect contact between it and the friction part 220.
- the quantity of frictional resistance detected by the frictional force sensor 17 in the friction part 220 is different from that in the part other than the friction part 220.
- the state that the friction part 220 is being aligned with the frictional force sensor 17 can be detected.
- the timing to perform the action for activating the frictional force sensor 17 in step S20 may be set to be the same as or different from the timing to perform action for starting detection of the friction part 220 in step S30. (An example wherein action in step S30 is performed in response to a specific trigger that is different from that for performing action in step S20 will be explained later as a modification example.)
- step S40 it is judged whether the frictional force sensor 17 has detected, as a result that the friction part 220 has been aligned with and brought into contact with the frictional force sensor 17, frictional resistance of a predetermined quantity generated by the friction part 220. For example, it is preferable to judge whether a quantity, that is within a predefined quantity range of quantities, of frictional resistance is detected.
- step S50 the quantity of the frictional resistance is measured in step S50.
- the quantity of the frictional resistance measured herein is the quantity of sliding frictional resistance force F2 in the sliding direction. Regarding measuring of the quantity of frictional resistance, it may be continued repeatedly until rotation of the cartridge 200 relative to the power supply unit 10 by a predetermined distance is completed.
- the type of the cartridge 200 is judged based on the frictional resistance in step S60.
- the friction parts 220 of the respective cartridges 200 generate frictional resistance, wherein generated quantities of the frictional resistance are different from one another according to the types of the cartridges 200, respectively. That is, the cartridge detection judging unit 55 can judged the type of a cartridge 200 by identifying the quantity of frictional resistance such as that explained above.
- a rule for judging types of cartridges 200 has been defined in advance; and, in an example, in terms of the respective types of the respective cartridges 200, values of strength of frictional resistance may be related by using ranges.
- the rule may be constructed to have a table form, and stored in the memory 18 in advance. That is, in the present embodiment, if the value of a frictional characteristic (for example, the quantity of frictional resistance, or a friction coefficient), that the friction members 221 of the friction part 220 have, could be identified, the cartridge detection judging unit 55 can easily judge the type of a cartridge 200 by determining a range within that the identified value belongs. It should be reminded that matters stored in the memory is not limited to the ranges of values of signal strength, and matters such as ranges of values of friction coefficients associated with quantities of frictional resistance and so on may be stored, additionally or alternatively, in the memory.
- step S70 in response to completion of judging of the type of the cartridge 200 in step S60, the cartridge detection judging unit 55 terminates operation for detecting the cartridge 200.
- the frictional force sensor 17 is deactivated. In this manner, by limiting the point in time when operation of the frictional force sensor 17 is terminated to the point in time when judging of the type of the cartridge 200 is completed, operation control of the frictional force sensor 17 can be automated. By adopting the above construction, electric power consumption relating to operation of the frictional force sensor 17 can be reduced.
- step S80 judgment as to whether the result of judgment of the type of the cartridge 200 in step S60 is normal is performed. For example, there is a case that the result of judgment of the type is abnormal, in the case that the cartridge is a replica manufactured by a third person or the like.
- the cartridge detection judging unit 55 performs additional judgment as to whether the type of the cartridge 200 was actually judged based on the rule stored in advance in the memory 18, i.e., whether the type was uniquely identified.
- the cartridge detection judging unit 55 cooperates with the electric power controller 53 to prohibit supplying of electric power to the load 21 in the connected cartridge 200, in step S85.
- the type of the cartridge 200 cannot be judged although the cartridge 200 is being connected to the power supply unit 10 as explained above, there is a high possibility that the cartridge 200 is a replica or a defective product. If electric power is supplied to a cartridge 200 such as that explained above, occurrence of failure in the aerosol generation device 1 may be considered. For preventing occurrence of such failure, it is preferable to prohibit supplying of electric power to the load 21 in the cartridge 200.
- step S90 setting of profile information, that has been stored in the memory 18, according to the type is performed in following step S90.
- the cartridge detection judging unit 55 perform setting of a heating profile corresponding to the type of the cartridge 200 and setting for managing the life.
- an appropriate quantity of flavor components that corresponds to the type of the cartridge 200, can be added and delivered to a user. Further, by managing the number of times of suction actions with respect to each cartridge 200, the life of each cartridge 200 can be notified at appropriate timing, even in the case that a cartridge 200 is replaced by the other by a user.
- the case that a cartridge 200 is not detected for a predetermined period of time includes the case that frictional resistance of a predetermined quantity is not detected by the frictional force sensor 17 and judgment of the type of the cartridge 200 is not performed accordingly.
- the cartridge detection judging unit 55 terminate operation for detecting the cartridge 200, and deactivate the frictional force sensor 17. That is, even in the case that the cartridge 200 is not detected, electric power consumption relating to operation of the frictional force sensor 17 can be reduced by deactivating the frictional force sensor 17.
- the notifier 45 is operated to notify failure with respect to connection of the cartridge 200 to the power supply unit 10, in step S95.
- the cartridge detection judging unit 55 cooperates with the notification controller 54 to present a user with information representing occurrence of connection failure, through use of an arbitrarily selected combination of a light emitting element, a vibration element, a sound outputting element, and so on in the notifier 45.
- the type of the cartridge 200 can easily be judged, by detecting the cartridge 200 by the frictional force sensor 17 installed in the power supply unit 10 in cooperation with the friction part 220 of the cartridge 200. That is, a method for highly precisely judging the type of a cartridge, while reducing costs, can be provided.
- the members 221 in the friction parts 220 are constructed in such a manner that the generated quantities of frictional resistance thereof are different from one another according to the types of the cartridges 200.
- Fig. 10 it is explained that it is allowed to adopt the construction wherein arrangement patterns of plural members 221 are different from one another according to the types of the cartridges 200.
- the frictional force sensor 17 is activated ( Fig. 11 : S20), and, in response to detection of contact between it and the friction part 220, the cartridge detection judging unit 55 starts operation for detecting a cartridge 200 for judging the type thereof ( Fig. 11 : S30).
- the cartridge detection judging unit 55 performs operation, by using an event that frictional resistance of a specific (first) quantity such as that generated from the member 221 a in Fig. 10 is detected as a trigger of the operation, that makes the frictional force sensor 17 start operation for detecting a cartridge 200.
- the cartridge detection judging unit 55 performs operation, by using an event that frictional resistance of a specific (second) quantity such as that generated from the member 221 c in Fig. 10 is detected as a trigger of the operation, that makes the frictional force sensor 17 terminate operation for detecting a cartridge 200.
- the timing to start and terminate operation for detecting a cartridge 200 can be further restricted, so that operation for detecting the cartridge 200 and operation, that relates to the detection operation, for judging the type of the cartridge 200 can be performed precisely and efficiently.
- the frictional force sensor 17 is constructed on the connection surface 80, which faces the cartridge 200, of the power supply unit 10.
- a convex-shape groove for accepting the friction part 220 may be constructed in the connection surface 80, which faces the cartridge 200, of the power supply unit 10
- the frictional force sensor 17 may be installed on a surface of the groove.
- it may be constructed in such a manner that a groove extending in a downward direction from the connection surface 80 is constructed in the connection surface 80 of the power supply unit 10, and the frictional force sensor(s) 17 is(are) installed on a bottom surface and/or a side surface of the groove.
- the friction part 220 of the cartridge 200 moves in the groove, while it is being in contact with the groove, and generates friction in a sliding direction. Thereafter, the type of the cartridge may be judged based on measurement of the quantity of the frictional resistance in the sliding direction at the time.
- Fig. 12A is a cross-section view of a cartridge case 27' in a modification example viewed from an axial direction.
- Fig. 12B is a cross-section view of a cartridge 200' in a modification example viewed from an axial direction.
- the cartridge case 27' comprises two convex parts 27ci and 27c 2 which are formed, in an axial direction, in parts of the inner wall of the hollow part to face each other. It is preferable that the positions on the inner wall on which the convex parts 27ci and 27c 2 are arranged be positions in the side close to the end cap 26, which is opposite to the side of the power supply unit 10, in the axial direction (i.e., positions close to the opening for inserting the capsule unit 30).
- the cartridge 200' comprises, in the axial direction, two concave parts 200c 1 and 200c 2 which face each other.
- the cartridge 200' is constructed in such a manner that the cross section thereof has concave shapes corresponding to the above convex shapes in the cross section of the cartridge case 27'.
- the cross section of the cartridge 200' is aligned with the cross section of the cartridge case 27' in the circumferential direction.
- the electrode surface 280 of the cartridge 200' can be aligned further surely with the connection surface 80 of the power supply unit 10 in the circumferential direction, and the position at the time of a start of activation of the frictional force sensor 17 ( Fig. 11 : S20) can be aligned more accurately.
- Fig. 13 is a schematic perspective view of a modification example of the power supply unit 10 which is provided with a physical switch 19. Similar to the frictional force sensor 17, the discharging terminals 41, and the air supplying part 42, the physical switch 19 is constructed on the connection surface 80 in such a manner that it protrudes in the axial direction L. It is preferable that the physical switch 19 be arranged in a position on the connection surface 80 in such a manner that it is pressed right after a start of rotation of the cartridge 200 relative to the power supply unit 10 ( Fig. 6 : Procedure C).
- step S20 in Fig. 11 it is preferable that the cartridge detection judging unit 55 activate the frictional force sensor 17, in response to pressing of the physical switch 19.
- the cartridge detection judging unit 55 makes a judgment affirming an event that the physical switch 19 is being pressed by the cartridge 200 when the power supply unit 10 is being connected to the cartridge 200, and, by using the above event as a trigger, activates the frictional force sensor 17, that is, makes the frictional force sensor 17 start its operation.
- the power supply unit 10 in the case that the power supply unit 10 is provided with the physical switch 19, it may be constructed in such a manner that, in response to an event that the physical switch 19 is pressed again after activation of the frictional force sensor 17, the cartridge detection judging unit 55 deactivates the frictional force sensor 17. Specifically, it may be constructed in such a manner that, when the cartridge 200 rotates relative to power supply unit 10, the physical switch 19 is pressed again by the protrusion in the cartridge 200, and, as a result, the frictional force sensor 17 is deactivated and the operation of the frictional force sensor 17 is terminated.
- a physical switch used for deactivating the frictional force sensor 17 may be the same as, or may have a body separate from, the physical switch 19 used for activating the frictional force sensor 17.
- the physical switch 19 is arranged in a position on the connection surface 80 in such a manner that the physical switch 19 is pressed again by the cartridge 200 just before engagement between the cartridge 200 and the power supply unit 10 ( Fig. 6 : Procedure C).
- activation of the frictional force sensor 17 is commenced at timing when the electrode surface 280 of the cartridge 200 is aligned, in the circumferential direction, relative to the connection surface 80 of the power supply unit 10 and the cartridge 200 is inserted in the cartridge case 27 ( Fig. 11 : step S20).
- it may be constructed in such a manner that activation of the frictional force sensor 17 is commenced, after connection of the cartridge 200 to the power supply unit 10, in response to pressing of the operation unit 14 by a user. That is, after connection of the cartridge 200 to the power supply unit 10, the controller 50 may activate the frictional force sensor 17 at timing when the operation unit 14 is pressed by a user for performing puff action, and perform a series of actions for judging the type of the cartridge.
- Fig. 14 is a block diagram showing a construction example of a power supply unit 10a in an aerosol generation device 1 in a different embodiment of the present disclosure.
- the power supply unit 10a comprises a controller 50a, a frictional force sensor 17a, and a memory 18a.
- the frictional force sensor 17a and the memory 18a correspond to the frictional force sensor 17 and the memory 18 in the embodiment of the present disclosure shown in Fig. 5 , respectively.
- the controller 50a corresponds to a part of the controller 50 in the embodiment of the present disclosure shown in Fig. 5 .
- the cartridge detection judging unit 55a corresponds to the cartridge detection judging unit 55 in the embodiment of the present disclosure shown in Fig. 5 .
- the frictional force sensor 17a is installed on a contact surface, that is to be brought into contact with the cartridge, of the power supply unit, and performs measuring of the quantity of sliding frictional resistance in the sliding direction, in addition to detecting of contact with an object.
- the controller 50a is constructed to judge the type of the cartridge 200, based on frictional resistance that is detected as a result that the frictional force sensor 17a is brought into contact with the friction part 220 constructed on the cartridge 200, when or after the power supply unit 10a is connected to the cartridge 200.
- Aerosol generation device 10, 10a ... Power supply unit: 11 ... Power supply unit case: 110 ... First rotating connection part: 12 ... Power supply: 14 ... Operation unit: 15 ... Inhalation sensor: 16 ... Voltage sensor: 17, 17a ... frictional force sensor: 18, 18a ... Memory: 19 ... Physical switch: 45 ... Notifier: 50, 50a ... Controller: 51 ... Aerosol-generation-request detector 51: 52 ... Operation detector: 53 ... Electric power controller: 54 ... Notification controller: 55, 55a ... Cartridge detection judging unit: 80 ... Connection surface: 20 ... Cartridge unit: 27, 27' ... Cartridge case: 27ci, 27c 2 ... Convex part: 200, 200'...
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Abstract
Description
- The present disclosure relates to a power supply unit and a cartridge of an aerosol generation device and a method for judging types of cartridges.
- Aerosol generation devices, such as an electronic cigarette, a nebulizer, and so on which generate gases, to which flavor components which are to be inhaled by users have been added, have been widely spread. Components which contribute to generation of a flavor-component-added gas, for example, an aerosol source for generating aerosol, a flavor source for adding flavor to the aerosol, and so on, are attached to an aerosol generation device. The contents stored in the above components are consumed every time when a gas is generated. By sucking a flavor-component-added gas (in the following description, this action may also be referred to as puffing) which has been generated by the aerosol generation device, a user can taste the flavor together with the gas.
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- PTL 1:
Japanese Patent Application Public Disclosure No. 2018-512141 - PTL 2:
Japanese Patent Application Public Disclosure No. 2017-538420 - PTL 3:
Japanese Patent Application Public Disclosure No. 2012-513750 - PTL 4:
Japanese Patent Application Public Disclosure No. 2015-535760 - PTL 5:
Japanese Patent Application Public Disclosure No. 2019-500898 - It is desirable to effectively utilize components while providing a user with sufficient suction experience. Accordingly, one of objects of the present disclosure is to make it possible, by improving mechanisms of components and an aerosol generation device, to judge types of the components easily when a component is attached to the aerosol generation device. Also, one of objects of the present disclosure is to make it possible to control, according to the type, operation of the aerosol generation device.
- For achieving the above-explained object, according to a first aspect, a power supply unit for an aerosol generation device is provided. The power supply unit comprises: a frictional force sensor installed in a contact surface, that is to be brought into contact with a cartridge, of the power supply unit; and a controller for judging, when or after the power supply unit is connected to the cartridge, the type of the cartridge based on frictional resistance that is detected as a result that the frictional force sensor is brought into contact with a friction part installed in the cartridge.
- According to the power supply unit of the aerosol generation device, the type of a cartridge can be judged easily, at low cost, and precisely. Further, operation of the aerosol generation device can be controlled according to the type. Thus, it becomes possible to provide a user with sufficient suction experience.
- A power supply unit according to a second aspect comprises the power supply unit according to the first aspect, wherein: the frictional force sensor detects frictional resistance generated by the friction part during above contact, wherein quantities of the generated frictional resistance are different according to the types of the cartridges, respectively; and the controller judges the type of the cartridge based on the quantity of frictional resistance.
- A power supply unit according to a third aspect comprises the power supply unit according to the first aspect or the second aspect, wherein: the frictional force sensor detects a quantity of frictional resistance generated by friction parts arranged in an arrangement pattern during above contact, wherein arrangement patterns of the friction parts are different according to the types of the cartridges, respectively, and quantities of frictional resistance generated in relation to the arrangement patterns are accordingly different according to the types of the cartridges, respectively; the controller judges the type of the cartridge based on the quantity of frictional resistance; and each of the arrangement patterns is formed by a combination of plural kinds of members.
- A power supply unit according to a fourth aspect comprises the power supply unit according to one of the first aspect to the third aspect, wherein: the frictional force sensor detects frictional resistance generated by a first friction part and a second friction part during above contact, wherein quantities of frictional resistance generated by the first friction parts and the second friction parts are different according to the types of the cartridges, respectively; the controller judges the type of the cartridge based on the quantities of frictional resistance; and, with respect to the friction parts, the quantity of frictional resistance generated by the first friction part and the quantity of frictional resistance generated by the second friction part are different from each other.
- A power supply unit according to a fifth aspect comprises the power supply unit according to one of the first aspect to the fourth aspect, wherein: when the power supply unit is connected to the cartridge, the controller makes, in response to detection of frictional resistance of a first quantity, the frictional force sensor start operation for detecting the cartridge, and, thereafter, makes, in response to detection of frictional resistance of a second quantity, the frictional force sensor terminate the above operation.
- A power supply unit according to a sixth aspect comprises the power supply unit according to one of the first aspect to the fifth aspect, and further comprises a physical switch, wherein the physical switch is pressed by the cartridge when the power supply unit is connected to the cartridge, and the controller activates the frictional force sensor in response to an event that the physical switch is pressed.
- A power supply unit according to a seventh aspect comprises the power supply unit according to the sixth aspect, wherein the controller deactivates the frictional force sensor in response to an event that the physical switch is pressed again by the cartridge.
- A power supply unit according to a eighth aspect comprises the power supply unit according to one of the first aspect to the seventh aspect, wherein the controller makes, in response to completion of judgment of the type of the cartridge, the frictional force sensor terminate the operation for detecting the cartridge.
- A power supply unit according to a ninth aspect comprises the power supply unit according to one of the first aspect to the eighth aspect, wherein the controller judges, when frictional resistance of a predetermined quantity is not detected by the frictional force sensor for a predetermined period of time after starting of the operation for detecting the cartridge, that connection of the power supply unit to the cartridge is failed, and makes the frictional force sensor terminate the operation for detecting the cartridge.
- A power supply unit according to a tenth aspect comprises the power supply unit according to the ninth aspect, and further comprises a notifier, wherein the controller makes the notifier notify the failure of connection.
- A power supply unit according to an eleventh aspect comprises the power supply unit according to the tenth aspect, wherein the notifier uses the notification of the failure of connection to prompt a user to again perform action to connect the power supply unit to the cartridge.
- A power supply unit according to a twelfth aspect comprises the power supply unit according to one of the first aspect to the eleventh aspect, wherein the controller prohibits supplying of electric power to the cartridge in the case that the type of the cartridge cannot be judged.
- A power supply unit according to a thirteenth aspect comprises the power supply unit according to one of the first aspect to the twelfth aspect, wherein the friction force sensor is a tactile sensor.
- According to a fourteenth aspect, a cartridge, which is to be connected to the power supply unit according to the first aspect to the thirteenth aspect and has a friction part having a frictional characteristic, is provided; wherein the frictional characteristics of the friction parts are different according to the types of the cartridges, respectively.
- Further, according to a fifteenth aspect, a cartridge for an aerosol generation device is provided. The cartridge comprises a friction part for generating frictional resistance, wherein quantities of frictional resistance generated by the friction parts are different according to the types of the cartridges, respectively, wherein: when or after the cartridge is connected to the power supply unit, the cartridge is detected as a result that a frictional force sensor installed on a contact surface, that is to be brought into contact with the cartridge, of the power supply unit is brought into contact with the friction part, and the type of the cartridge is judged based on detected frictional resistance.
- A cartridge according to a sixteenth aspect comprises the cartridge according to the fifteenth aspect, wherein:
- arrangement patterns of plural members in the friction parts are different according to the types of the cartridges, respectively; and
- the arrangement patterns comprise combinations of different kinds of the members from which quantities of frictional resistance, that are different from one another, are generated at the time of above contact.
- A cartridge according to a seventeenth aspect comprises the cartridge according to the fifteenth aspect or the sixteenth aspect, wherein: the aerosol generation device comprises a cartridge case which holds the cartridge and is attached to the power supply unit in an axial direction; when viewed from the axial direction, a cross section of the cartridge has a concave shape that corresponds to a convex shape of a cross section of part of a hollow part of the cartridge case; and the cross section of the cartridge is aligned, in a circumferential direction, with the cross section of the part of the hollow part of the cartridge case, so that the cartridge may be inserted in the hollow part of the cartridge case in the axial direction.
- According to an eighteenth aspect, a method for judging the type of a cartridge is provided. The method comprises steps, that are performed by a power supply unit of an aerosol generation device when or after the cartridge is connected in an axial direction to the power supply unit, for: detecting contact between a frictional force sensor installed on a contact surface, that is to be brought into contact with the cartridge, of the power supply unit and a friction part installed on the cartridge; and judging the type of the cartridge based on frictional resistance detected during above contact; wherein the respective friction parts are those from which quantities of frictional resistance, that are different from one another, are generated, according to the respective types of the respective cartridges.
- A method according to a nineteenth aspect comprises the method according to the eighteenth aspect, wherein: arrangement patterns of plural members in the friction parts are different according to the types of the cartridges, respectively; and the arrangement patterns comprise combinations of different kinds of the members from which quantities of frictional resistance, that are different from one another, are generated at the time of above contact.
- A method according to a twentieth aspect comprises the method according to the eighteenth aspect or the nineteenth aspect, wherein: the power supply unit comprises a first friction part and a second friction part, and, in the friction parts, the quantity of frictional resistance generated by the first friction part and the quantity of frictional resistance generated by the second friction part are different from each other.
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Fig. 1 is a perspective view of an aerosol generation device. -
Fig. 2 is the other perspective view of the aerosol generation device inFig. 1 . -
Fig. 3 is a cross-section view of the aerosol generation device inFig. 1 . -
Fig. 4 is a perspective view of a power supply unit in an embodiment. -
Fig. 5 is a block diagram of a power supply unit in an embodiment. -
Fig. 6 is an exploded view of an aerosol generation device. -
Fig. 7 shows schematic operation of a cartridge and a frictional force sensor constructed in a power supply unit in an embodiment. -
Fig. 8A is a schematic perspective view of a power supply unit in an embodiment. -
Fig. 8B is a top view of the power supply unit inFig. 8A viewed from an axial direction. -
Fig. 9A is an example of a top view of a cartridge viewed from an axial direction in an embodiment. -
Fig. 9B is an example of a top view of a cartridge viewed from an axial direction in an embodiment. -
Fig. 10 is an example of an arrangement pattern of plural members which are components of a friction part. -
Fig. 11 is a flowchart showing operation for judging the type of a cartridge according to an embodiment. -
Fig. 12A is a cross-section view of acartridge case 27 in a modification example viewed from an axial direction. -
Fig. 12B is a cross-section view of acartridge 200 in a modification example viewed from an axial direction. -
Fig. 13 is a modification example of a power supply unit which is provided with a physical switch. -
Fig. 14 is a block diagram of a power supply unit in a different embodiment. - In the following description, embodiments of the present disclosure will be explained with reference to figures. In the attached figures, the same or similar reference symbols are assigned to the same or similar components, and overlapping explanation of the same or similar components may be omitted in the explanation of respective embodiments. Further, a characteristic shown in each embodiment can be applied to the other embodiment as long as they are not contradictory to each other. Further, the figures are drawn in a schematic manner, so that actual sizes, ratios, and so on may not always coincide with those in the figures. Also, in the figures, a figure may include a part wherein relationship in terms of the size, the ratio, or the like is different from that relating to a corresponding part in the other figure.
- It should be reminded that, although aerosol generation devices comprise an electronic cigarette and a nebulizer in the embodiments of the present disclosure, the aerosol generation devices are not limited to those listed above. That is, the aerosol generation devices may comprise various inhalers, each generating aerosol or flavor-added aerosol sucked by a user. Further, the generated inhaled component source may include invisible vapor, in addition to aerosol.
- Each of
Fig. 1 to Fig. 5 shows anaerosol generation device 1 to which apower supply unit 10 has been attached. Each ofFigs. 1 and2 is a perspective view of theaerosol generation device 1, andFig. 3 is a cross-section view of theaerosol generation device 1.Fig. 4 is a perspective view of thepower supply unit 10 included in theaerosol generation device 1, andFig. 5 is a block diagram showing a construction example of thepower supply unit 10. - The
aerosol generation device 1 is an apparatus for making a user suck flavor without requiring combustion, and has a stick shape extending in a predetermined direction (hereinafter, the direction will be referred to as a longitudinal direction A). As shown inFigs. 1 and2 , theaerosol generation device 1 comprises thepower supply unit 10, acartridge unit 20, and acapsule unit 30 arranged in the longitudinal direction A in this order. Thecartridge unit 20 is attachable/detachable to/from thepower supply unit 10, and thecapsule unit 30 is attachable/detachable to/from thecartridge unit 20. In other words, thecartridge unit 20 and thecapsule unit 30 are exchangeable with each other. - As shown in
Figs. 3 and4 , thepower supply unit 10 in the present embodiment includes, in the inside of a powersupply unit case 11 having a cylindrical shape, apower supply 12, acharger 13, acontroller 50, various kinds of sensors, and so on. Thepower supply 12 is a chargeable secondary battery, an electric double layer capacitor, or the like, and, preferably, is a lithium-ion battery. - A
top part 11a positioned in the side of one of ends, in the longitudinal direction A, of the power supply unit case 11 (the side close to the cartridge unit 20) is provided with dischargingterminals 41. The dischargingterminals 41 are constructed in such a manner that they protrude toward thecartridge unit 20 from the top surface of thetop part 11a, and can be electrically connected to aload 21 in thecartridge unit 20. - Further, an
air supplying part 42 for supplying air to theload 21 in thecartridge unit 20 is constructed in a part close to the dischargingterminals 41 on the top surface of thetop part 11a. As will be explained later, in thepower supply unit 10 of the present embodiment, the top surface of thetop part 11a is further provided with africtional force sensor 17 for detecting contact with an object. - The
top part 11a is capped by a connection cap (not shown in the figure). The connection cap forms a connection surface whereat thepower supply unit 10 connects to thecartridge unit 20 in the longitudinal direction A. The connection cap is formed by using resin material that is softer than silicon resin and has elasticity; and the tip side of each of the dischargingterminals 41 and theair supplying part 42 protrudes toward thecartridge unit 20 from the connection cap. - A
bottom part 11b positioned in the side of the other of the ends, in the longitudinal direction, of the power supply unit case 11 (the side opposite to the cartridge unit 20) is provided with a chargingterminal 43 which can be electrically connected to an external electric power source (not shown in the figure) which can charge thepower supply 12. The chargingterminal 43 is constructed in the side surface of thebottom part 11b, and can be connected to at least one of a USB terminal, a microUSB terminal, and a Lightning terminal. - In this regard, the charging
terminal 43 may be an electric power receiver which can receive, in a noncontact manner, electric power transmitted from an external electric power source. In such a case, the charging terminal 43 (the electric power receiver) may comprise an electric power receiving coil. The type of the system for transmitting electric power in a noncontact manner (Wireless Power Transfer) may be an electromagnetic induction type or a magnetic resonance type. Further, the chargingterminal 43 may be an electric power receiver which can receive, in a contactless manner, electric power transmitted from an external terminal. In a different example, the chargingterminal 43 may be that which can be connected to at least one of a USB terminal, a microUSB terminal, and a Lightning terminal, and also has the above-explained electric power receiver. - That is, in the
power supply unit 10, the dischargingterminal 41 and the chargingterminal 43 are constructed as separate components and positioned apart from each other in the longitudinal direction A, so that it is constructed in such a manner that an external electric power source can be electrically connected to the chargingterminal 43 during the state that discharging of thepower supply 12 via the dischargingterminals 41 is possible. - Further, in the power
supply unit case 11, anoperation unit 14, which can be manipulated by a user, is constructed in a side surface of thetop part 11a in such a manner that it faces a side opposite to a side to which the chargingterminal 43 faces. In more detail, theoperation unit 14 and the chargingterminal 43 have point symmetric relationship with respect to an intersection point of a straight line connecting theoperation unit 14 and the chargingterminal 43 and a center axial line L of thepower supply unit 10 in the longitudinal direction A. Theoperation unit 14 comprises a button-type switch, a touch panel, or the like, and is used when operation for activating/shutting-down thecontroller 50 and various kinds of sensors, or other operation, is performed to reflect intention, with respect to use, of a user. Thecontroller 50 and aninhalation sensor 15 for detecting a puff action are arranged in a position close to theoperation unit 14. - The
charger 13 is positioned close to the chargingterminal 43, and controls charging electric power inputted from the chargingterminal 43 to thepower supply 12. Thecharger 13 comprises a converter for converting direct current from an inverter and so on, which are installed on a charging cable connected to the chargingterminal 43 and convert alternate current to direct current, to direct current having different magnitude, a voltmeter, an ammeter, a processor, and so on. - As shown in
Fig. 5 , thecontroller 50 is connected to theoperation unit 14, theinhalation sensor 15 for detecting a puff (inhalation) action, avoltage sensor 16 for measuring a voltage of thepower supply 12, thefrictional force sensor 17, and amemory 18 for storing the number of times of puff actions or the length of time of energization to theload 21, and so on, and performs control of various kinds of operation of theaerosol generation device 1. Theinhalation sensor 15 may be constructed by using a condenser microphone, a pressure sensor, or the like. As will be explained later, thefrictional force sensor 17 measures stress in a sliding direction relative to a reference surface (shear stress), in addition to detecting contact with an object. - Specifically, the
controller 50 is a processor (computer). More specifically, the structure of the processor comprises an electric circuit formed by combining circuit elements such as a semiconductor element and so on. Details of thecontroller 50 will be explained later. - Further, the power
supply unit case 11 is provided with an air taking-in opening (not shown in the figure) for taking the outside air in the inside thereof. In this regard, the air taking-in opening may be formed in a circumference area of theoperation unit 14, or may be formed in a circumference area of the chargingterminal 43. - As shown in
Fig. 3 , thecartridge unit 20 comprises, in the inside of acylindrical cartridge case 27, areservoir 23 for storing anaerosol source 22, theelectrical load 21 for atomizing theaerosol source 22, awick 24 for drawing the aerosol source from thereservoir 23 to theload 21, anaerosol flow path 25 through which aerosol, that is generated as a result of atomization of theaerosol source 22, flows toward thecapsule unit 30, and anend cap 26 which can house a part of thecapsule unit 30. - In the present case, a member comprising the
reservoir 23, theload 21, thewick 24, and theaerosol flow path 25 may be constructed as acartridge 200. Regarding thecartridge 200, one end thereof can be connected to thepower supply unit 10 and the other end thereof can be connected to theend cap 26. - The compartment for the
reservoir 23 is formed to surround the periphery of theaerosol flow path 25, and stores theaerosol source 22. A porous body comprising a resin web, cotton, or the like may be included in thereservoir 23, and the porous body may be impregnated with theaerosol source 23. Theaerosol source 22 includes a liquid such as glycerin, propylene glycol, water, or the like. - The
wick 24 is a liquid holding member for drawing theaerosol source 22 from thereservoir 23 to theload 21 by capillary effect, and comprises glass fibers, porous ceramics, or the like, for example. - The load atomizes, without combustion, the
aerosol source 22 by using electric power supplied from thepower supply 12 via the dischargingterminals 41. Theload 21 comprises a wound electric heating wire (a coil) having a predetermined winding pitch. In this regard, theload 21 can be any element which can generate aerosol by atomizing theaerosol source 22, for example, a heater element or an ultrasonic generator. Examples of the heater elements that can be listed are a heating resistor, a ceramic heater, an induction-heating-type heater, and so on. - The
aerosol flow path 25 is formed in the area downstream theload 21 and along the axial line L of thepower supply unit 10. - The
end cap 26 comprises acartridge housing part 26a for housing a part of thecapsule unit 30 and acommunication path 26b for communication between theaerosol flow path 25 and thecartridge housing part 26a. - An end of the
capsule unit 30, which is in the side close to thecartridge unit 20, is housed in an attachable/detachable manner in thecartridge housing part 26a formed in theend cap 26 of thecartridge unit 20. The other end of thecapsule unit 30, which is opposite to the side close to thecartridge unit 20, is constructed as amouthpiece 32 for a user. In this regard, themouthpiece 32 is not limited to that integrally formed with thecapsule unit 30, and may be that constructed to be attachable/detachable to/from thecapsule unit 30. By constructing themouthpiece 32 as a component separate from thepower supply unit 10 and thecartridge unit 20 as explained above, the sanitary state of themouthpiece 32 can be maintained. - The
capsule unit 30 adds flavor to the aerosol, which has been generated as a result of atomization of theaerosol source 22 by theload 21, by making the aerosol pass through aflavor source 31. Shredded tobacco or formed products, which are made by processing tobacco raw material to have granular forms, may be used as raw-material pieces which are components of theflavor source 31. Theflavor source 31 may also be constructed by using plant other than tobacco (for example, mint, a Chinese medicine, a herb, or the like). An aromatic such as menthol or the like may also be added to theflavor source 31. - The
aerosol generation device 1 can generate flavor-added aerosol by using theaerosol source 22, theflavor source 31, and theload 21. That is, theaerosol source 22 and theflavor source 31 can be regarded as an aerosol generation source from which aerosol is generated. - Instead of the construction wherein the
aerosol source 22 and theflavor source 31 are constructed as separate components, the construction of the aerosol generation source used in theaerosol generation device 1 may be a construction wherein theaerosol source 22 and theflavor source 31 are integrally constructed, a construction wherein theflavor source 31 is omitted and material which may be included in theflavor source 31 is added to theaerosol source 22, a construction wherein medicine or the like is added, in place of theflavor source 31, to theaerosol source 22, or the like. - As shown by an arrow B in
Fig. 3 , in theaerosol generation device 1 constructed as explained above, the air flown therein through a taking-in opening (not shown in the figure) constructed in the powersupply unit case 11 passes, from theair supplying part 42, through a space near theload 21 in thecartridge unit 20. Theload 21 atomizes theaerosol source 22 drawn by thewick 24 from thereservoir 23. The aerosol generated as a result of atomization flows through theaerosol flow path 25 together with the air taken from the taking-in opening, and is supplied to thecapsule unit 30 via thecommunication path 26b. Regarding the aerosol supplied to thecapsule unit 30, flavor is added thereto as a result that it has passed through theflavor source 31, and the resultant aerosol is supplied to themouthpiece 32. - Next, the construction of the
controller 50 will be explained tangibly with reference toFig. 5 . Thecontroller 50 comprises an aerosol-generation-request detector 51, anoperation detector 52, anelectric power controller 53, anotification controller 54, and a cartridgedetection judging unit 55. - The aerosol-generation-
request detector 51 detects, based on output result of theinhalation sensor 15, a request for aerosol generation. Theinhalation sensor 15 is constructed to output a value representing change in pressure, that occurs due to suction by a user through themouthpiece 31, in thepower supply unit 10. For example, theinhalation sensor 15 is a pressure sensor which outputs an output value (for example, a voltage value or a current value) corresponding to air pressure that changes in response to the quantity of the air sucked from the taking-in opening toward the mouthpiece 32 (i.e., puff action of a user). - The
operation detector 52 detects manipulation of theoperation unit 14 performed by a user. - The
electric power controller 53 controls discharging, via the dischargingterminals 41, of thepower supply 12 when a request for aerosol generation is detected by the aerosol-generation-request detector 51. In an example, theelectric power controller 53 performs control in such a manner that the quantity of aerosol generated as a result of atomization of an aerosol source by theload 21 is maintained to be that within a desired range, that is, the quantity of electric power supplied from thepower supply 12 to theload 21 is maintained to be that within a certain range. - In more detail, the
electric power controller 53 may perform control by performing PWN (Pulse Width Modulation) control or PFM (Pulse Frequency Modulation) control. Output result of thevoltage sensor 16 may also be used. - Further, the
electric power controller 53 detects electrical connection between the chargingterminal 43 and the externalelectric power source 60, and controls charging of electric power via the chargingterminal 43 to thepower supply 12. - The
notification controller 54 controls anotifier 45 to make it notify various kinds of information. For example, thenotification controller 54 controls thenotifier 45 to make it notify, in response to detection of the time when thecapsule unit 30 is expected to be replaced, the time when thecapsule unit 30 is expected to be replaced. Thenotification controller 54 makes, based on the number of times of puff actions or the accumulated length of time of energization to theload 21 stored in thememory 18, the time when thecapsule unit 30 is expected to be replaced be notified. Notification to be performed is not limited to that of the time when thecapsule unit 30 is expected to be replaced, and thenotification controller 54 may make the time when thecartridge 30 is expected to be replaced be notified, and may make the time when thepower supply 12 is expected to be replaced, the time when thepower supply 12 is expected to be charged, an error occurred during operation, and so on be notified. - It should be reminded that the
aerosol generation device 1 is provided with thenotifier 45, that cooperates with thenotification controller 54, for providing notification of various kinds of information. Thenotifier 45 may comprise a light emitting element, or may comprise a vibration element, or may comprise a sound outputting element. Further, thenotifier 45 may comprise a combination comprising two or more elements in a light emitting element, a vibration element, and a sound outputting element. Although it is possible to install thenotifier 45 in one of thepower supply unit 10, thecartridge unit 20, and thecapsule unit 30, it is preferable that it be installed in thepower supply unit 10. For example, it is constructed in such a manner that the periphery of theoperation unit 14 is made to be translucent and light is emitted through it from a light emitting element such as an LED or the like. - As will be explained later, when the
power supply unit 10 and thecartridge 200 are connected to each other, the cartridgedetection judging unit 55 detects thecartridge 200 when thefrictional force sensor 17 is brought into contact with afriction part 220 constructed on thecartridge 200. Further, the cartridgedetection judging unit 55 judges, based on frictional resistance detected during contact with thefriction part 220, the type of theconnected cartridge 200. - A method for assembling the
aerosol generation device 1 will be explained.Fig. 6 is an exploded view of theaerosol generation device 1. As shown in the figure, theaerosol generation device 1 is constructed by assembling thepower supply unit 10, thecartridge case 27, thecartridge 200, theend cap 26, and the capsule unit (capsule) 30. - First, the
cartridge case 27 of thecartridge unit 20 is attached to the power supply unit 10 (Procedure A). Specifically, the inner side of thecartridge case 27 is fitted, along the axial line L, to a firstrotating connection part 110 of thepower supply unit 10, and, thereafter, thecartridge case 27 is rotated about the axial line L relative to thepower supply unit 10. - As a result, the
power supply unit 10 and thecartridge case 27 are assembled with each other, in the state that alignment of them with respect to the axial direction and the circumferential direction has been completed. In this regard, a reverse procedure of the above procedure can be performed when removing thecartridge case 27 from thepower supply unit 10. - Next, the
cartridge 200 is inserted in the cartridge case 27 (Procedure B). Specifically, in the state that aconnection electrode part 210 constructed on the bottom surface of thecartridge 200 faces the side of thecartridge 27, thecartridge 200 is inserted in the hollow part in thecartridge case 27. As a result, thecartridge 200 is attached to thepower supply unit 10. - In more detail, as a result of contact between the discharging
terminals 41 of thepower supply unit 10 and theconnection electrode part 210 of thecartridge 200, they are connected with each other. Via theconnection electrode part 210, electric power can be supplied to the electric heating wire in theload 21. Further, a buffer space is formed between thepower supply unit 10 and thecartridge 200, by the connection surface of thepower supply unit 10, the electrode surface of thecartridge 200, and thecartridge case 27. - In this regard, for aligning the electrode surface of the
cartridges 200 with the connection surface of thepower supply unit 10 in the circumferential direction when thecartridge 200 is connected to thepower supply unit 10, a guide (not shown in the figure) for alignment is constructed in the inner surface of the hollow part of thecartridge case 27. - Next, the
end cap 26 is attached to thecartridge case 27 by using a second rotating connection part 260 (Procedure C). Specifically, a male screw part of theend cap 26 is screwed into a female screw part constructed in the inner wall of thecartridge case 27. As a result that theend cap 26 is fastened in the above state, thecartridge 200 is held in thecartridge case 27 in the state that thecartridge 200 is being pushed in the axial direction toward the side of thepower supply unit 10. - In more detail, a surface, whereat the
end cap 26 is to be brought into contact with thecartridge 200, is provided with ananti-slipping member 261 for making thecartridge 200 be rotated relative to thepower supply unit 10 about the axial line L. Theanti-slipping member 261 comes in contact with the bottom surface of thecartridge 200 in the middle of the procedure for connecting theend cap 26 to thecartridge case 27. Thereafter, during the state that theanti-slipping member 261 is being in contact with thecartridge 200, thecartridge 200 can be rotated together with theend cap 26 about the axial line L. - In the present case, when the
end cap 26 is fastened by rotating theend cap 26, thecartridge 200 rotates relative to thepower supply unit 10, within a predetermined range, about the axial line L. As will be explained later, during the above procedure, a series of judgment processes, that is associated with detection of thecartridge 200, according to the present embodiment is performed. It is constructed in such a manner that, as a result that thecartridge 200 rotates within a predetermined range, an engaging concave part (not shown in the figure) of thecartridge 200 and an engaging convex part (not shown in the figure) of thepower supply unit 10 are aligned with each other, and thecartridge 200 and thepower supply unit 10 are engaged with each other. - After engagement of the
cartridge 200 and thepower supply unit 10, movement of thecartridge 200 relative to thepower supply unit 10 in the circumferential direction is restricted. That is, it is constructed in such a manner that, due to the frictional force existing between theanti-slipping member 261 of theend cap 26 and thecartridge 200, thecartridge 200 does not rotate together with theend cap 26. - Further, in the state that the
end cap 26 has been screwed to thecartridge case 26 and attached thereto, theanti-slipping member 261 of theend cap 26 pushes thecartridge 200 to thepower supply unit 10. As a result, thecartridge 200 is fixed relative to thepower supply unit 10. - Finally, the
capsule unit 30 is inserted to the end cap 26 (Procedure D). Specifically, in the state that a mesh-type opening 310 faces theend cap 26, thecapsule unit 30 is fitted in theend cap 26. By performing the above procedures, assembling of theaerosol generation device 1 is completed. - Judgment of the type of the
cartridge 200 connected to thepower supply unit 10 will be explained with reference toFig. 7 to Fig. 11 , by using the present embodiment.Fig. 7 is a schematic figure showing operation of africtional force sensor 17 and afriction part 220 in acartridge 200.Fig. 8A is a schematic perspective view of thepower supply unit 10, which comprises thefrictional force sensor 17, in the present embodiment; andFig. 8B is a top view of thepower supply unit 10 viewed, in the axial direction, from the side of thecartridge 200. Further, each ofFigs. 9A and 9B is an example of a top view of thecartridge 200, which is connected to thepower supply unit 10 in the present embodiment, viewed from an axial direction. Further,Fig. 10 is an example of an arrangement pattern of plural members which are components of afriction part 220. Finally,Fig. 11 is a flowchart showing a method for judging the type of thecartridge 200 by using thepower supply unit 10 and thecartridge 200 explained above. - According the present embodiment, judging of the type of a
cartridge 200 by thecontroller 50 is performed mainly through operation for detecting a cartridge in response to contact between thepower supply unit 10 and the cartridge 200 (the friction part 220) at a contact surface, and, especially, measuring the quantity of frictional resistance generated during above contact. - As shown in
Fig. 7 , in thepower supply unit 10, thefrictional force sensor 17 is constructed on a contact surface 80 (the above-explained connection cap) that is to be brought into contact with a cartridge. Regarding thecontact surface 80 of thepower supply unit 10, thefrictional force sensor 17 detects contact with thefriction part 220 which is constructed on thecartridge 200. Specifically, it detects force (that is, pressing force F1) in a direction along that thecartridge 200 is pushed. By the above construction, thepower supply unit 10 can detect contact with thecartridge 200. Further, regarding thecontact surface 80 of the power supply unit, stress (that is, sliding frictional resistance force F2) exerted in relation to a sliding direction (an arrow with a dotted line) is detected. Further, by measuring the sliding frictional resistance force F2, a frictional characteristic that thefriction part 220 has can be identified. - In more detail, when the
power supply unit 10 is connected to thecartridge 200, thecartridge 200 rotates relative to thepower supply unit 10 about the axial line L within a predetermined range, while it is being brought into contact with thefrictional force sensor 17 at the contact surface 80 (Fog. 6: Procedure C). During rotation, thefriction part 220 of thecartridge 200 passes over thefrictional force sensor 17. Therespective friction parts 220 of therespective cartridges 200 are designed to have different frictional characteristics (for example, friction coefficients) corresponding to the respective types ofrespective cartridges 200, so that the respective quantities of the sliding frictional resistance force F2 are different from one another according to the respective types of therespective cartridges 200. That is, frictional resistance is generated during the time when thefrictional force sensor 17 is being in contact with afriction part 220, wherein respective quantities of generated frictional resistance are set to be different from one another to make them correspond to the respective types of therespective cartridges 200. The frictional resistance in the present case is dynamic friction resistance. In this regard, it is designed in such a manner that, during the time when thefrictional force sensor 17 is being in contact with afriction part 220, each of the pressing force F1 and the sliding frictional resistance force F2 is maintained to be constant. That is, thefrictional force sensor 17 detects, during contact, frictional resistance generated by thefriction part 220, wherein the quantities of frictional resistance are different from one another according to the types of thecartridges 200, respectively; and, based on the quantity of the frictional resistance, the type of the cartridge is judged. - In an example, it is preferable that the
frictional force sensor 17 comprise a tactile sensor. Especially, a MEMS (Micro-Electro-Mechanical System) tactile sensor may be adopted. By using the above senor, the sliding frictional resistance force F2 can be measured more precisely. - Further, as shown in
Figs. 8A and 8B , thefrictional force sensor 17 is constructed on theconnection surface 80, for connection with thecartridge 200, of thepower supply unit 10. Thefrictional force sensor 17 is positioned in an area that is close to the periphery of theconnection surface 80 and does not overlap with the areas of the dischargingterminals 41 and theair supplying part 42. In theconnection surface 80, the distance from the axial line L to thefrictional force sensor 17 in a radial direction is set in relation to the distance from the axial line L on the electrode surface of thecartridge 200 to thefriction part 220 in a radial direction. - As explained above, in the present embodiment, the
frictional force sensor 17 is installed in thepower supply unit 10 rather than thecartridge 200 which is an article of consumption. That is, compared with the construction wherein thefrictional force sensor 17 is installed in thecartridge 200 side, the cost relating to the frictional force sensor 17 (for example, the initial cost and/or the running cost) can be reduced. Further, as a result that thefrictional force sensor 17 is installed in thepower supply unit 10, thefrictional force sensor 17 is positioned apart from the positions of theload 21 and thereservoir 23 in thecartridge 200, and, accordingly, is less subject to heat, liquid leakage, and so on, and can operate stably. Further, the risk of failure thereof can be reduced. - In this regard, a person skilled in the art can understand that the position where the
frictional force sensor 17 is arranged on theconnection surface 80 and the shape of thefrictional force sensor 17 are not limited to those shown in the figures. Further, thepower supply unit 10 may comprise pluralfrictional force sensors 17, and some of the pluralfrictional force sensors 17 may be positioned in thecartridge case 27 side. - As shown in
Figs. 9A, 9B , and10 , afriction part 220 is constructed on anelectrode surface 280 of thecartridge 200, wherein thefriction part 220 is that which generates frictional resistance when it is brought into contact with thefrictional force sensor 17 installed on theconnection surface 80 of thepower supply unit 10. One ormore friction parts 220 have a frictional characteristic, wherein the respective frictional characteristics are set to be different from one another according to the respective types of the respective cartridges. For example, it may be constructed to include one or more members (twomembers electrode surface 280, a pair ofconnection electrode parts 210 is constructed for making it be in contact with the pair of dischargingterminals 41 in the side of thepower supply unit 10 to allow electric conduction between them. - The
friction part 220 is positioned in an area, on theelectrode surface 280, that does not overlap with the area occupied by theconnection electrode part 210. In the example shown inFigs. 9A and 9B , friction part areas ARi and AR2, which are positioned opposite to each other with respect to the center of the electrode surface 280 (the axial line L), are provided, and thesingle member 2211 is arranged in the friction part area ARi and thesingle member 2212 is arranged in the friction part area AR2. In this regard, it is not necessary to arrange themembers electrode surface 280, the distance in the radial direction from the axial line L to each of themembers frictional force sensor 17 in theconnection surface 80 of thepower supply unit 10. - In the present embodiment, for judging the type of a
cartridges 200, therespective friction parts 220 are designed to generate different quantities of frictional resistance corresponding to the respective types ofrespective cartridges 200, when each of thefriction part 220 is being brought into contact with thefrictional force sensor 17. In more detail, regarding materials of thefriction parts 220, elements having different frictional characteristics (for example, friction coefficients) that are selected according to the respective types ofrespective cartridges 200 are adopted. Specifically, in the case of a "mint-flavor cartridge" type, a member having a large friction coefficient A is adopted in thefriction parts 220; and, in the case of a "coffee-flavor cartridge" type, a member having a small friction coefficient B (<A) is adopted in thefriction parts 220. Thereafter, by identifying the frictional characteristic, judgment as to whether the type is the "mint-flavor cartridge" type or the "coffee-flavor cartridge" type is performed. - In the example shown in
Fig. 9A , both themembers friction parts 220 are constructed by using the same material. On the other hand, in the example shown inFig. 9A , themembers friction parts 220 are constructed by using different materials. In more detail, in the example inFig. 9B , it is constructed in such a manner that the frictional resistance generated by themember 2211 of thefirst friction part 220 and the frictional resistance generated by themember 2212 of thesecond friction part 220 are different from one another. That is, for example, the friction part(s) 220 can be constructed in such a manner that the type of acartridge 200 can be judged precisely and efficiently, by identifying the quantity or quantities of frictional resistance of any one or more members in plural members which have specific friction coefficients. -
Fig. 10 is an enlarged view of themember 2211 of thefirst friction part 220 inFig. 9A or 9B . In this example, it is constructed in the friction part area ARi that the arrangement patterns of three members 222a-c are made to be different from one another according to the types of the cartridges, respectively. That is, the arrangement patter is constructed by a combination of three different kinds ofmembers 221a-c which generate different quantities of frictional resistance during the time when they are being in contact with thefrictional force sensor 17. In an example, themember 221a positioned in the left side area in the friction part area ARi has a friction coefficient a, themember 221b positioned in the center area has a friction coefficient b (>a), and themember 221c positioned in the right side area has a friction coefficient c (>b>a). By the above construction, the patters of combinations of members can be further increased, compared with the case ofFig. 9B . That is, for example, the friction part(s) 220 can be constructed in such a manner that the type of acartridge 200 can be judged further precisely and efficiently, by identifying the quantity or quantities of frictional resistance of any one or more members in plural members which have specific friction coefficients. (In this regard, arrangement patterns of the members will be further explained later in relation to a modification example.) - In the present embodiment, as long as frictional resistance of different quantities corresponding to the respective types of
respective cartridges 200 can be generated, any materials can be used in themembers 221 and/or any arrangement patterns of themembers 221 can be adopted. Further, by constructing the members of thefriction part 220 as explained above, it becomes possible to make the cartridgedetection judging unit 55 in thecontroller 50 be able to easily judge the type of acartridge 200 based on the measured quantity of frictional resistance. That is, according to the present embodiment, operation for judging the type of acartridge 200, that is realized as a result of cooperation of thefriction part 220 and thefrictional force sensor 17 in thepower supply unit 10, can be facilitated, and accuracy of judgment can be improved. - In this regard, a person skilled in the art can understand that the positions of the
friction parts 220 and themembers 221 on theelectrode surface 280, the dimension of the friction part area, positional relationship between areas and the number of areas, positional relationship between respective members, the number of members, and the shapes of members are not limited to those shown in the figures. -
Fig. 11 shows a series of actions relating to judgment of the type of acartridge 200. The series of actions is performed by the cartridgedetection judging unit 55 and thenotification controller 54 mainly, in cooperation with thefrictional force sensor 17, thememory 18, and thenotifier 45, when thecartridge 200 is connected to thepower supply unit 10 of theaerosol generation device 1 in the direction of the axial line L. - First, in step S10, insertion of the
cartridge 200 is detected. Specifically, in the state that thecartridge case 27 is being attached to the power supply unit 10 (Fig. 6 : Procedure A), thecartridge 200 is inserted in thecartridge caser 27, and a state thatcartridge 200 is brought to be in contact with the power supply unit 10 (Fig. 6 : Procedure B) is detected. More specifically, the cartridgedetection judging unit 55 may detect a state that the dischargingterminals 41 of thepower supply unit 10 are brought in contact with theconnection electrode part 210 of thecartridge 200 and energization to the electric heating wire of theload 21 is allowed. In this regard, thecartridge 200 is guided by thecartridge case 27 in such a manner that theelectrode surface 280 is aligned relative to theconnection surface 80 of thepower supply unit 10 in the circumferential direction and thecartridge 200 is inserted in thecartridge case 27. - In response to detection of insertion of the
cartridge 200 instep 10, thefrictional force sensor 17 which is installed on thecontact surface 80, that is to be brought into contact with thecartridge 200, of thepower supply unit 10 is activated in step S20. That is, it becomes possible to perform detection of the pressing force F1 and/or the sliding frictional resistance force F2 generated in relation to the friction part 220 (Fig. 7 ), by using an event that thepower supply unit 10 is connected to thecartridge 200 as a trigger to allow above detection. - In response to the event that the
frictional force sensor 17 has detected contact between it and thefriction part 220 of thecartridge 200, the cartridgedetection judging unit 55 starts detection operation for judging the type of thecartridge 200. More specifically, during action for fastening theend cap 26 and rotating thecartridge 200 relative to thepower supply unit 10 about the axial line L by a predetermined distance (Fig. 6 : Procedure C), the cartridgedetection judging unit 55 makes thefrictional force sensor 17 detect contact between it and thefriction part 220. - In an example, as shown in
Figs. 9A and 9B , in theelectrode surface 280 of the cartridge, the quantity of frictional resistance detected by thefrictional force sensor 17 in thefriction part 220 is different from that in the part other than thefriction part 220. Thus, during the time when thecartridge 200 rotates relative to thepower supply unit 10, the state that thefriction part 220 is being aligned with thefrictional force sensor 17 can be detected. - In this regard, the timing to perform the action for activating the
frictional force sensor 17 in step S20 may be set to be the same as or different from the timing to perform action for starting detection of thefriction part 220 in step S30. (An example wherein action in step S30 is performed in response to a specific trigger that is different from that for performing action in step S20 will be explained later as a modification example.) - Thereafter, in step S40, it is judged whether the
frictional force sensor 17 has detected, as a result that thefriction part 220 has been aligned with and brought into contact with thefrictional force sensor 17, frictional resistance of a predetermined quantity generated by thefriction part 220. For example, it is preferable to judge whether a quantity, that is within a predefined quantity range of quantities, of frictional resistance is detected. - If frictional resistance generated by the
friction part 220 is detected (S40: Yes), the quantity of the frictional resistance is measured in step S50. The quantity of the frictional resistance measured herein is the quantity of sliding frictional resistance force F2 in the sliding direction. Regarding measuring of the quantity of frictional resistance, it may be continued repeatedly until rotation of thecartridge 200 relative to thepower supply unit 10 by a predetermined distance is completed. - Next, subsequent to completion of measurement of the quantity of the frictional resistance in step S50, the type of the
cartridge 200 is judged based on the frictional resistance in step S60. As explained above, thefriction parts 220 of therespective cartridges 200 generate frictional resistance, wherein generated quantities of the frictional resistance are different from one another according to the types of thecartridges 200, respectively. That is, the cartridgedetection judging unit 55 can judged the type of acartridge 200 by identifying the quantity of frictional resistance such as that explained above. - In this regard, a rule for judging types of
cartridges 200 has been defined in advance; and, in an example, in terms of the respective types of therespective cartridges 200, values of strength of frictional resistance may be related by using ranges. For example, the rule may be constructed to have a table form, and stored in thememory 18 in advance. That is, in the present embodiment, if the value of a frictional characteristic (for example, the quantity of frictional resistance, or a friction coefficient), that thefriction members 221 of thefriction part 220 have, could be identified, the cartridgedetection judging unit 55 can easily judge the type of acartridge 200 by determining a range within that the identified value belongs. It should be reminded that matters stored in the memory is not limited to the ranges of values of signal strength, and matters such as ranges of values of friction coefficients associated with quantities of frictional resistance and so on may be stored, additionally or alternatively, in the memory. - Next, in step S70, in response to completion of judging of the type of the
cartridge 200 in step S60, the cartridgedetection judging unit 55 terminates operation for detecting thecartridge 200. - At the same time, the
frictional force sensor 17 is deactivated. In this manner, by limiting the point in time when operation of thefrictional force sensor 17 is terminated to the point in time when judging of the type of thecartridge 200 is completed, operation control of thefrictional force sensor 17 can be automated. By adopting the above construction, electric power consumption relating to operation of thefrictional force sensor 17 can be reduced. - Subsequent to the above process, in step S80, judgment as to whether the result of judgment of the type of the
cartridge 200 in step S60 is normal is performed. For example, there is a case that the result of judgment of the type is abnormal, in the case that the cartridge is a replica manufactured by a third person or the like. In more detail, the cartridgedetection judging unit 55 performs additional judgment as to whether the type of thecartridge 200 was actually judged based on the rule stored in advance in thememory 18, i.e., whether the type was uniquely identified. - In the case that the type of the
cartridge 200 was not normally judged (S80: No), the cartridgedetection judging unit 55 cooperates with theelectric power controller 53 to prohibit supplying of electric power to theload 21 in theconnected cartridge 200, in step S85. - In the case that the type of the
cartridge 200 cannot be judged although thecartridge 200 is being connected to thepower supply unit 10 as explained above, there is a high possibility that thecartridge 200 is a replica or a defective product. If electric power is supplied to acartridge 200 such as that explained above, occurrence of failure in theaerosol generation device 1 may be considered. For preventing occurrence of such failure, it is preferable to prohibit supplying of electric power to theload 21 in thecartridge 200. - On the other hand, if it is judged that the type of the
cartridge 200 was normally judged (S80: Yes), setting of profile information, that has been stored in thememory 18, according to the type is performed in following step S90. For example, it is preferable that the cartridgedetection judging unit 55 perform setting of a heating profile corresponding to the type of thecartridge 200 and setting for managing the life. By adopting the above construction, operation of theaerosol generation device 1 can be differently controlled according to the type of thecartridge 200, and the cartridge can be effectively utilized while providing a user with sufficient suction experience. - Specifically, by controlling the temperature to heat the
load 21 according to the type of thecartridge 200, an appropriate quantity of flavor components, that corresponds to the type of thecartridge 200, can be added and delivered to a user. Further, by managing the number of times of suction actions with respect to eachcartridge 200, the life of eachcartridge 200 can be notified at appropriate timing, even in the case that acartridge 200 is replaced by the other by a user. - It should be reminded that, in the case that a
cartridge 200 is not detected for a predetermined period of time set in advance in the memory 18 (S40: No), it is judged that connecting of thecartridge 200 to thepower supply unit 10 is failed. In the present case, the case that acartridge 200 is not detected for a predetermined period of time includes the case that frictional resistance of a predetermined quantity is not detected by thefrictional force sensor 17 and judgment of the type of thecartridge 200 is not performed accordingly. In such a case, it is preferable that the cartridgedetection judging unit 55 terminate operation for detecting thecartridge 200, and deactivate thefrictional force sensor 17. That is, even in the case that thecartridge 200 is not detected, electric power consumption relating to operation of thefrictional force sensor 17 can be reduced by deactivating thefrictional force sensor 17. - Subsequent to step S75, the
notifier 45 is operated to notify failure with respect to connection of thecartridge 200 to thepower supply unit 10, in step S95. Specifically, the cartridgedetection judging unit 55 cooperates with thenotification controller 54 to present a user with information representing occurrence of connection failure, through use of an arbitrarily selected combination of a light emitting element, a vibration element, a sound outputting element, and so on in thenotifier 45. Especially, it is preferable to present a user with information that prompts a user to temporarily release connection between thepower supply unit 10 and thecartridge 200 and perform action to connect them again. - As explained above, in the present embodiment, the type of the
cartridge 200 can easily be judged, by detecting thecartridge 200 by thefrictional force sensor 17 installed in thepower supply unit 10 in cooperation with thefriction part 220 of thecartridge 200. That is, a method for highly precisely judging the type of a cartridge, while reducing costs, can be provided. - It is explained in the above description that the
members 221 in thefriction parts 220 are constructed in such a manner that the generated quantities of frictional resistance thereof are different from one another according to the types of thecartridges 200. Especially, as shown inFig. 10 , it is explained that it is allowed to adopt the construction wherein arrangement patterns ofplural members 221 are different from one another according to the types of thecartridges 200. Further, it is explained that thefrictional force sensor 17 is activated (Fig. 11 : S20), and, in response to detection of contact between it and thefriction part 220, the cartridgedetection judging unit 55 starts operation for detecting acartridge 200 for judging the type thereof (Fig. 11 : S30). - In the present modification example, it is possible to adopt a construction wherein the timing to start operation for detecting the
cartridge 200 in step S30 is identified based on an arrangement pattern ofplural members 221. In more detail, in the state that contact with thefriction part 220 is being detected, the cartridgedetection judging unit 55 performs operation, by using an event that frictional resistance of a specific (first) quantity such as that generated from themember 221a inFig. 10 is detected as a trigger of the operation, that makes thefrictional force sensor 17 start operation for detecting acartridge 200. - Similarly, in the present modification example, it is possible to adopt a construction wherein the timing to terminate operation for detecting the
cartridge 200 in step S70 is identified based on an arrangement pattern ofplural members 221. In more detail, the cartridgedetection judging unit 55 performs operation, by using an event that frictional resistance of a specific (second) quantity such as that generated from themember 221c inFig. 10 is detected as a trigger of the operation, that makes thefrictional force sensor 17 terminate operation for detecting acartridge 200. - By adopting the above construction, the timing to start and terminate operation for detecting a
cartridge 200 can be further restricted, so that operation for detecting thecartridge 200 and operation, that relates to the detection operation, for judging the type of thecartridge 200 can be performed precisely and efficiently. - It is explained in the above description that the
frictional force sensor 17 is constructed on theconnection surface 80, which faces thecartridge 200, of thepower supply unit 10. However, in the present modification example, instead of adopting the above construction, it is possible to adopt a construction wherein a convex-shape groove for accepting thefriction part 220 may be constructed in theconnection surface 80, which faces thecartridge 200, of thepower supply unit 10, and thefrictional force sensor 17 may be installed on a surface of the groove. In more detail, it may be constructed in such a manner that a groove extending in a downward direction from theconnection surface 80 is constructed in theconnection surface 80 of thepower supply unit 10, and the frictional force sensor(s) 17 is(are) installed on a bottom surface and/or a side surface of the groove. Thus, when thecartridge 200 is connected to thepower supply unit 10, thefriction part 220 of thecartridge 200 moves in the groove, while it is being in contact with the groove, and generates friction in a sliding direction. Thereafter, the type of the cartridge may be judged based on measurement of the quantity of the frictional resistance in the sliding direction at the time. - It is explained in the above description that, when the
cartridge 200 is inserted in thecartridge case 27 and connected to the power supply unit 10 (Fig. 6 : Procedure B), theelectrode surface 280 of thecartridge 200 is aligned, in the circumferential direction, relative to theconnection surface 80 of thepower supply unit 10. In the present modification example, for improving accuracy of alignment such as that explained above, mechanisms for alignment may further be provided in thecartridge 200 and the hollow part in thecartridge case 27 which holds thecartridge 200, as shown inFigs. 12A and 12B . -
Fig. 12A is a cross-section view of a cartridge case 27' in a modification example viewed from an axial direction.Fig. 12B is a cross-section view of a cartridge 200' in a modification example viewed from an axial direction. The cartridge case 27' comprises two convex parts 27ci and 27c2 which are formed, in an axial direction, in parts of the inner wall of the hollow part to face each other. It is preferable that the positions on the inner wall on which the convex parts 27ci and 27c2 are arranged be positions in the side close to theend cap 26, which is opposite to the side of thepower supply unit 10, in the axial direction (i.e., positions close to the opening for inserting the capsule unit 30). - Further, the cartridge 200' comprises, in the axial direction, two concave parts 200c1 and 200c2 which face each other. When viewed from the axial direction, the cartridge 200' is constructed in such a manner that the cross section thereof has concave shapes corresponding to the above convex shapes in the cross section of the cartridge case 27'. Thus, when inserting the cartridge 200', the cross section of the cartridge 200' is aligned with the cross section of the cartridge case 27' in the circumferential direction.
- By adopting the above construction, it becomes possible to ensure alignment in the circumferential direction, when the cartridge 200' is inserted in the cartridge case 27' (
Fig. 6 : Procedure B). That is, theelectrode surface 280 of the cartridge 200' can be aligned further surely with theconnection surface 80 of thepower supply unit 10 in the circumferential direction, and the position at the time of a start of activation of the frictional force sensor 17 (Fig. 11 : S20) can be aligned more accurately. - It is explained in the above description that the
frictional force sensor 17 is activated in response to detection of insertion of a cartridge 200 (Fig. 11 : step S20). However, in the present modification example, in addition to the above construction, it is possible to adopt a construction that uses a physical switch to make timing of activation of thefrictional force sensor 17 be identified, as shown inFig. 13 . -
Fig. 13 is a schematic perspective view of a modification example of thepower supply unit 10 which is provided with aphysical switch 19. Similar to thefrictional force sensor 17, the dischargingterminals 41, and theair supplying part 42, thephysical switch 19 is constructed on theconnection surface 80 in such a manner that it protrudes in the axial direction L. It is preferable that thephysical switch 19 be arranged in a position on theconnection surface 80 in such a manner that it is pressed right after a start of rotation of thecartridge 200 relative to the power supply unit 10 (Fig. 6 : Procedure C). - It is sufficient if the state that the
physical switch 19 is being pressed can be perceived by the cartridgedetection judging unit 55. Further, in step S20 inFig. 11 , it is preferable that the cartridgedetection judging unit 55 activate thefrictional force sensor 17, in response to pressing of thephysical switch 19. Specifically, it is preferable to adopt a construction that the cartridgedetection judging unit 55 makes a judgment affirming an event that thephysical switch 19 is being pressed by thecartridge 200 when thepower supply unit 10 is being connected to thecartridge 200, and, by using the above event as a trigger, activates thefrictional force sensor 17, that is, makes thefrictional force sensor 17 start its operation. - In this regard, to correspond to the
physical switch 19 in thepower supply unit 10, it is preferable to provide thecartridge 200 with a protrusion for pressing thephysical switch 19. By adopting the above construction, it becomes possible to limit timing to start operation for activating thefrictional force sensor 17, so that electric power consumption relating to operation of the frictional force sensor can be further reduced. - Similarly, regarding the present modification example, in the case that the
power supply unit 10 is provided with thephysical switch 19, it may be constructed in such a manner that, in response to an event that thephysical switch 19 is pressed again after activation of thefrictional force sensor 17, the cartridgedetection judging unit 55 deactivates thefrictional force sensor 17. Specifically, it may be constructed in such a manner that, when thecartridge 200 rotates relative topower supply unit 10, thephysical switch 19 is pressed again by the protrusion in thecartridge 200, and, as a result, thefrictional force sensor 17 is deactivated and the operation of thefrictional force sensor 17 is terminated. - A physical switch used for deactivating the
frictional force sensor 17 may be the same as, or may have a body separate from, thephysical switch 19 used for activating thefrictional force sensor 17. In the case that the above switches are constructed to have separate bodies, thephysical switch 19 is arranged in a position on theconnection surface 80 in such a manner that thephysical switch 19 is pressed again by thecartridge 200 just before engagement between thecartridge 200 and the power supply unit 10 (Fig. 6 : Procedure C). By adopting the above construction, the timing for terminating operation for deactivating thefrictional force sensor 17 can be limited, so that electric power consumption relating to operation of the frictional force sensor can be further reduced. - It is explained in the above description that activation of the
frictional force sensor 17 is commenced at timing when theelectrode surface 280 of thecartridge 200 is aligned, in the circumferential direction, relative to theconnection surface 80 of thepower supply unit 10 and thecartridge 200 is inserted in the cartridge case 27 (Fig. 11 : step S20). In addition to the above construction, in the present modification example, it may be constructed in such a manner that activation of thefrictional force sensor 17 is commenced, after connection of thecartridge 200 to thepower supply unit 10, in response to pressing of theoperation unit 14 by a user. That is, after connection of thecartridge 200 to thepower supply unit 10, thecontroller 50 may activate thefrictional force sensor 17 at timing when theoperation unit 14 is pressed by a user for performing puff action, and perform a series of actions for judging the type of the cartridge. - A different embodiment of the present disclosure will be explained with reference to
Fig. 14. Fig. 14 is a block diagram showing a construction example of apower supply unit 10a in anaerosol generation device 1 in a different embodiment of the present disclosure. Thepower supply unit 10a comprises acontroller 50a, africtional force sensor 17a, and amemory 18a. - For example, the
frictional force sensor 17a and thememory 18a correspond to thefrictional force sensor 17 and thememory 18 in the embodiment of the present disclosure shown inFig. 5 , respectively. Further, for example, thecontroller 50a corresponds to a part of thecontroller 50 in the embodiment of the present disclosure shown inFig. 5 . Especially, for example, the cartridgedetection judging unit 55a corresponds to the cartridgedetection judging unit 55 in the embodiment of the present disclosure shown inFig. 5 . - The
frictional force sensor 17a is installed on a contact surface, that is to be brought into contact with the cartridge, of the power supply unit, and performs measuring of the quantity of sliding frictional resistance in the sliding direction, in addition to detecting of contact with an object. Thecontroller 50a is constructed to judge the type of thecartridge 200, based on frictional resistance that is detected as a result that thefrictional force sensor 17a is brought into contact with thefriction part 220 constructed on thecartridge 200, when or after thepower supply unit 10a is connected to thecartridge 200. - In the above description, power supply units and cartridges of aerosol generation devices and methods for judging types of cartridges according to some embodiments have been explained with reference to the figures. It can be understood that the present disclosure can be implemented as a program for making a processor perform, when the program is executed by the processor, a method for judging the type of a cartridge, or a computer-readable storage medium which stores the program.
- Further, it should be understood that the embodiments and the modification examples, that have been explained above, of the present disclosure are mere examples, and are not those for limiting the scope of the present disclosure. It should be understood that change, addition, modification, and so on with respect to the embodiments can be performed appropriately, without departing from the gist and the scope of the present disclosure. The scope of the present disclosure should not be limited by any of the above-explained embodiments, and should be defined by the scope of the claims and the equivalent thereof.
- 1 ... Aerosol generation device: 10, 10a ... Power supply unit: 11 ... Power supply unit case: 110 ... First rotating connection part: 12 ... Power supply: 14 ... Operation unit: 15 ... Inhalation sensor: 16 ... Voltage sensor: 17, 17a ... frictional force sensor: 18, 18a ... Memory: 19 ... Physical switch: 45 ... Notifier: 50, 50a ... Controller: 51 ... Aerosol-generation-request detector 51: 52 ... Operation detector: 53 ... Electric power controller: 54 ... Notification controller: 55, 55a ... Cartridge detection judging unit: 80 ... Connection surface: 20 ... Cartridge unit: 27, 27' ... Cartridge case: 27ci, 27c2 ... Convex part: 200, 200'... Cartridge: 200ci, 200c2 ... Concave part: 260 ... Second rotating connection part: 210 ... Connection electrode part: 220 ... friction part: 221 (2211, 2212, 221a, 221b, 221c) ... Member of the friction part: 280 ... Electrode surface: AR1, AR2 ... Friction part area: 26 ... End cap: 261 ... Anti-slipping member: 30 ... Capsule unit: 310 ... Opening
Claims (20)
- A power supply unit for an aerosol generation device, comprising:a frictional force sensor installed in a contact surface, that is to be brought into contact with a cartridge, of the power supply unit; anda controller for judging, when or after the power supply unit is connected to the cartridge, the type of the cartridge based on frictional resistance that is detected as a result that the frictional force sensor is brought into contact with a friction part installed in the cartridge.
- The power supply unit as recited in Claim 1, wherein:the frictional force sensor detects frictional resistance generated by the friction part during above contact, wherein quantities of the generated frictional resistance are different according to the types of the cartridges, respectively; andthe controller judges the type of the cartridge based on the quantity of frictional resistance.
- The power supply unit as recited in Claim 1 or 2, wherein:the frictional force sensor detects a quantity of frictional resistance generated by friction parts arranged in an arrangement pattern during above contact, wherein arrangement patterns of the friction parts are different according to the types of the cartridges, respectively, and quantities of frictional resistance generated in relation to the arrangement patterns are accordingly different according to the types of the cartridges, respectively;the controller judges the type of the cartridge based on the quantity of frictional resistance; andeach of the arrangement patterns is formed by a combination of plural kinds of members.
- The power supply unit as recited in any one of Claims 1-3, wherein:the frictional force sensor detects frictional resistance generated by a first friction part and a second friction part during above contact, wherein quantities of frictional resistance generated by the first friction parts and the second friction parts are different according to the types of the cartridges, respectively;the controller judges the type of the cartridge based on the quantities of frictional resistance; andwith respect to the friction parts, the quantity of frictional resistance generated by the first friction part and the quantity of frictional resistance generated by the second friction part are different from each other.
- The power supply unit as recited in any one of Claims 1-4, wherein: when the power supply unit is connected to the cartridge, the controllermakes, in response to detection of frictional resistance of a first quantity, the frictional force sensor start operation for detecting the cartridge, and, thereafter,makes, in response to detection of frictional resistance of a second quantity, the frictional force sensor terminate the above operation.
- The power supply unit as recited in any one of Claims 1-5, further comprising a physical switch: whereinthe physical switch is pressed by the cartridge when the power supply unit is connected to the cartridge, andthe controller activates the frictional force sensor in response to an event that the physical switch is pressed.
- The power supply unit as recited in Claim 6, wherein:
the controller deactivates the frictional force sensor in response to an event that the physical switch is pressed again by the cartridge. - The power supply unit as recited in any one of Claims 1-7, wherein:
the controller makes, in response to completion of judgment of the type of the cartridge, the frictional force sensor terminate the operation for detecting the cartridge. - The power supply unit as recited in any one of Claims 1-8, wherein:
the controller judges, when frictional resistance of a predetermined quantity is not detected by the frictional force sensor for a predetermined period of time after starting of the operation for detecting the cartridge, that connection of the power supply unit to the cartridge is failed, and makes the frictional force sensor terminate the operation for detecting the cartridge. - The power supply unit as recited in Claim 9, further comprising a notifier, wherein:
the controller makes the notifier notify the failure of connection. - The power supply unit as recited in Claim 10, wherein:
the notifier uses the notification of the failure of connection to prompt a user to again perform action to connect the power supply unit to the cartridge. - The power supply unit as recited in any one of Claims 1-11, wherein:
the controller prohibits supplying of electric power to the cartridge in the case that the type of the cartridge cannot be judged. - The power supply unit as recited in any one of Claims 1-12, wherein the friction force sensor is a tactile sensor.
- A cartridge, which is to be connected to the power supply unit as recited in any one of Claims 1-13, comprising a friction part, wherein the frictional characteristics of friction parts are different according to the types of the cartridges, respectively.
- A cartridge for an aerosol generation device, comprising a friction part for generating frictional resistance, wherein quantities of frictional resistance generated by friction parts are different according to the types of the cartridges, respectively, wherein:
when or after the cartridge is connected to the power supply unit, the cartridge is detected as a result that a frictional force sensor installed on a contact surface, that is to be brought into contact with the cartridge, of the power supply unit is brought into contact with the friction part, and the type of the cartridge is judged based on detected frictional resistance. - The cartridge as recited in Claim 15, wherein:arrangement patterns of plural members in the friction parts are different according to the types of the cartridges, respectively; andthe arrangement patterns comprise combinations of different kinds of the members from which quantities of frictional resistance, that are different from one another, are generated at the time of above contact.
- The cartridge as recited in Claim 15 or 16, wherein:the aerosol generation device comprises a cartridge case which holds the cartridge and is attached to the power supply unit in an axial direction;when viewed from the axial direction, a cross section of the cartridge has a concave shape that corresponds to a convex shape of a cross section of part of a hollow part of the cartridge case; andthe cross section of the cartridge is aligned, in a circumferential direction, with the cross section of the part of the hollow part of the cartridge case, so that the cartridge is inserted in the hollow part of the cartridge case in the axial direction.
- A method for judging the type of a cartridge, comprising steps, that are performed by a power supply unit of an aerosol generation device when or after the cartridge is connected in an axial direction to the power supply unit, for:detecting contact between a frictional force sensor installed on a contact surface, that is to be brought into contact with the cartridge, of the power supply unit and a friction part installed on the cartridge; andjudging the type of the cartridge based on frictional resistance detected during above contact; whereinthe respective friction parts are those from which quantities of frictional resistance, that are different from one another, are generated, according to the respective types of the respective cartridges.
- The method as recited in Claim 18, wherein:arrangement patterns of plural members in friction parts are different according to the types of the cartridges, respectively; andthe arrangement patterns comprise combinations of different kinds of the members from which quantities of frictional resistance, that are different from one another, are generated at the time of above contact.
- The method as recited in Claim 18 or 19, wherein: the power supply unit comprises a first friction part and a second friction part, and
in the friction parts, the quantity of frictional resistance generated by the first friction part and the quantity of frictional resistance generated by the second friction part are different from each other.
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
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PCT/JP2020/001796 WO2021149126A1 (en) | 2020-01-21 | 2020-01-21 | Cartridge and power unit for aerosol generating device, and method for determining cartridge type |
Publications (2)
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EP4094598A1 true EP4094598A1 (en) | 2022-11-30 |
EP4094598A4 EP4094598A4 (en) | 2023-11-01 |
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EP20915269.3A Withdrawn EP4094598A4 (en) | 2020-01-21 | 2020-01-21 | Cartridge and power unit for aerosol generating device, and method for determining cartridge type |
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EP (1) | EP4094598A4 (en) |
JP (1) | JP7300526B2 (en) |
WO (1) | WO2021149126A1 (en) |
Family Cites Families (10)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
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JPH0969960A (en) * | 1995-09-01 | 1997-03-11 | Brother Ind Ltd | Print output device |
EP2201850A1 (en) | 2008-12-24 | 2010-06-30 | Philip Morris Products S.A. | An article including identification information for use in an electrically heated smoking system |
US10046537B2 (en) | 2012-09-28 | 2018-08-14 | Celgard, Llc | Porous membranes, materials, composites, laminates, textiles and related methods |
CN203523809U (en) * | 2013-08-15 | 2014-04-09 | 刘秋明 | Electronic cigarette |
EP3232838B1 (en) | 2014-12-16 | 2021-04-07 | Philip Morris Products S.a.s. | Tobacco sachet for use in a tobacco vaporiser |
EP3280280B1 (en) | 2015-04-07 | 2020-11-04 | Philip Morris Products S.a.s. | Sachet of aerosol-forming substrate, method of manufacturing same, and aerosol-generating device for use with sachet |
BR112018007783B1 (en) | 2015-11-17 | 2021-02-02 | Philip Morris Products S.A | method of making a cartridge suitable for use with an aerosol generating system, cartridge and aerosol generating system |
CN109068736B (en) * | 2017-03-06 | 2021-12-21 | 日本烟草产业株式会社 | Battery pack, fragrance inhaler, method of controlling battery pack, and recording medium |
JP6919369B2 (en) * | 2017-06-30 | 2021-08-18 | Tdk株式会社 | Electronic cigarette smoking equipment and tobacco cartridges used for this |
WO2019020151A1 (en) * | 2017-07-27 | 2019-01-31 | Odin & Thor Aps | Electronic smoking system |
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2020
- 2020-01-21 WO PCT/JP2020/001796 patent/WO2021149126A1/en active Application Filing
- 2020-01-21 EP EP20915269.3A patent/EP4094598A4/en not_active Withdrawn
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EP4094598A4 (en) | 2023-11-01 |
JP7300526B2 (en) | 2023-06-29 |
JPWO2021149126A1 (en) | 2021-07-29 |
WO2021149126A1 (en) | 2021-07-29 |
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