EP4248773A1 - Unité d'alimentation électrique de générateur d'aérosol - Google Patents

Unité d'alimentation électrique de générateur d'aérosol Download PDF

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Publication number
EP4248773A1
EP4248773A1 EP21894235.7A EP21894235A EP4248773A1 EP 4248773 A1 EP4248773 A1 EP 4248773A1 EP 21894235 A EP21894235 A EP 21894235A EP 4248773 A1 EP4248773 A1 EP 4248773A1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
menthol
load
aerosol
heater
discharging
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Withdrawn
Application number
EP21894235.7A
Other languages
German (de)
English (en)
Inventor
Yutaka Kaihatsu
Hirofumi Fujikura
Takuma Nakano
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Japan Tobacco Inc
Original Assignee
Japan Tobacco Inc
Priority date (The priority date 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 date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Japan Tobacco Inc filed Critical Japan Tobacco Inc
Publication of EP4248773A1 publication Critical patent/EP4248773A1/fr
Withdrawn legal-status Critical Current

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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
    • A24F40/30—Devices using two or more structurally separated inhalable precursors, e.g. using two liquid precursors in two cartridges
    • 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
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A24—TOBACCO; CIGARS; CIGARETTES; SIMULATED SMOKING DEVICES; SMOKERS' REQUISITES
    • A24B—MANUFACTURE OR PREPARATION OF TOBACCO FOR SMOKING OR CHEWING; TOBACCO; SNUFF
    • A24B15/00—Chemical features or treatment of tobacco; Tobacco substitutes, e.g. in liquid form
    • A24B15/18—Treatment of tobacco products or tobacco substitutes
    • A24B15/28—Treatment of tobacco products or tobacco substitutes by chemical substances
    • A24B15/30—Treatment of tobacco products or tobacco substitutes by chemical substances by organic substances
    • A24B15/34—Treatment of tobacco products or tobacco substitutes by chemical substances by organic substances containing a carbocyclic ring other than a six-membered aromatic ring
    • 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
    • A24F40/40—Constructional details, e.g. connection of cartridges and battery parts
    • A24F40/46—Shape or structure of electric heating means
    • 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
    • A24F40/57—Temperature control
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A24—TOBACCO; CIGARS; CIGARETTES; SIMULATED SMOKING DEVICES; SMOKERS' REQUISITES
    • A24B—MANUFACTURE OR PREPARATION OF TOBACCO FOR SMOKING OR CHEWING; TOBACCO; SNUFF
    • A24B15/00—Chemical features or treatment of tobacco; Tobacco substitutes, e.g. in liquid form
    • A24B15/18—Treatment of tobacco products or tobacco substitutes
    • A24B15/28—Treatment of tobacco products or tobacco substitutes by chemical substances
    • A24B15/281—Treatment of tobacco products or tobacco substitutes by chemical substances the action of the chemical substances being delayed
    • A24B15/283—Treatment of tobacco products or tobacco substitutes by chemical substances the action of the chemical substances being delayed by encapsulation of the chemical substances
    • 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
    • A24F40/20—Devices using solid inhalable precursors

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a power supply unit for an aerosol generation device.
  • Patent Literature 1 discloses an aerosol delivery system 100 (an aerosol generation device) that generates aerosol by vaporizing and/or atomizing an aerosol source by heating the aerosol source.
  • the generated aerosol flows through a second aerosol generation device 400 (an accommodation chamber) that accommodates an aerosol generation element 425 (a flavor source), whereby a flavor component contained in the flavor source is added to the aerosol, and a user can inhale the aerosol containing the flavor component.
  • a second aerosol generation device 400 an accommodation chamber
  • an aerosol generation element 425 a flavor source
  • the aerosol delivery system described in Patent Literature 1 includes a reservoir substrate 214, a space (a heating chamber) that accommodates a liquid transport element 238 and a heat generating element 240, and the second aerosol generation device 400 (an accommodation chamber) that accommodates the aerosol generation element 425.
  • An aerosol precursor composition is stored in the reservoir substrate 214.
  • the liquid transport element 238 transports and holds the aerosol precursor composition from the reservoir substrate 214 to the heating chamber.
  • the aerosol precursor composition held by the liquid transport element 238 is heated by the heat generating element 240 to be aerosolized, passes through the aerosol generation element 425 of the second aerosol generation device 400, is added with the flavor component, and is then supplied to the user.
  • Patent Literature 1 discloses that menthol may be contained in both the aerosol precursor composition of the reservoir substrate 214 and the aerosol generation element of the second aerosol generation device 400.
  • Patent Literature 1 JP2019-150031A
  • the present invention is to make it possible to appropriately control discharging to a first heater for heating an aerosol source and/or a second heater for heating a flavor source depending on whether the aerosol source contains menthol.
  • the present invention relates to a power supply unit for an aerosol generation device including a first connector connectable to a first heater configured to heat an aerosol source, a second connector connectable to a second heater configured to heat a flavor source capable of imparting a flavor to the aerosol source vaporized and/or atomized by being heated with the first heater, a power supply electrically connected to the first connector and the second connector, and a controller capable of controlling discharging from the power supply to the first heater and discharging from the power supply to the second heater.
  • the controller is configured to determine whether the aerosol source and the flavor source contain menthol, control the discharging to the first heater and the discharging to the second heater by a menthol mode upon determination that the aerosol source contains menthol, and control the discharging to the first heater and the discharging to the second heater by a regular mode upon determination that the aerosol source and the flavor source do not contain menthol.
  • a manner of the discharging to the first heater in the menthol mode is different from a manner of the discharging to the first heater in the regular mode, and/or a manner of the discharging to the second heater in the menthol mode is different from a manner of the discharging to the second heater in the regular mode.
  • a power supply unit for an aerosol generation device capable of appropriately controlling discharging to a first heater for heating an aerosol source and/or a second heater for heating a flavor source, depending on whether the aerosol source contains menthol.
  • the aerosol inhaler 1 is an instrument for generating an aerosol without combustion, adding a flavor component to the generated aerosol, and allowing a user to inhale the aerosol containing the flavor component.
  • the aerosol inhaler 1 has a rod shape.
  • the aerosol inhaler 1 includes a power supply unit 10, a cartridge cover 20 that accommodates a cartridge 40 in which an aerosol source 71 is stored, and a capsule holder 30 that accommodates a capsule 50 including an accommodation chamber 53 in which a flavor source 52 is accommodated.
  • the power supply unit 10, the cartridge cover 20, and the capsule holder 30 are provided in this order from one end side to the other end side in a longitudinal direction of the aerosol inhaler 1.
  • the power supply unit 10 has a substantially cylindrical shape centered on a center line L extending in the longitudinal direction of the aerosol inhaler 1.
  • the cartridge cover 20 and the capsule holder 30 have a substantially annular shape centered on the center line L extending in the longitudinal direction of the aerosol inhaler 1.
  • An outer peripheral surface of the power supply unit 10 and an outer peripheral surface of the cartridge cover 20 have a substantially annular shape having substantially the same diameter, and the capsule holder 30 has a substantially annular shape having a slightly smaller diameter than the power supply unit 10 and the cartridge cover 20.
  • the longitudinal direction of the rod-shaped aerosol inhaler 1 is defined as a first direction X.
  • a side of the aerosol inhaler 1 where the power supply unit 10 is disposed is defined as a bottom side
  • a side of the aerosol inhaler 1 where the capsule holder 30 is disposed is defined as a top side for convenience.
  • the bottom side of the aerosol inhaler 1 in the first direction X is denoted by D
  • the top side of the aerosol inhaler 1 in the first direction X is denoted by U.
  • the cartridge cover 20 has a hollow and substantially annular shape of which both end surfaces at the bottom side and the top side are opened.
  • the cartridge cover 20 is made of a metal such as stainless steel.
  • An end portion at the bottom side of the cartridge cover 20 is coupled to an end portion at the top side of the power supply unit 10.
  • the cartridge cover 20 is attachable to and detachable from the power supply unit 10.
  • the capsule holder 30 has a hollow and substantially annular shape of which both end surfaces at the bottom side and the top side are opened.
  • An end portion at the bottom side of the capsule holder 30 is coupled to an end portion at the top side of the cartridge cover 20.
  • the capsule holder 30 is made of a metal such as aluminum.
  • the capsule holder 30 is attachable to and detachable from the cartridge cover 20.
  • the cartridge 40 has a substantially cylindrical shape and is accommodated in the cartridge cover 20. In a state in which the capsule holder 30 is removed from the cartridge cover 20, the cartridge 40 can be accommodated in the cartridge cover 20 and can be taken out from the cartridge cover 20. Therefore, the aerosol inhaler 1 can be used in a manner of replacing the cartridge 40.
  • the capsule 50 has a substantially cylindrical shape, and is accommodated in a hollow portion of the capsule holder 30 that has a hollow and substantially annular shape such that an end portion at the top side of the capsule 50 in the first direction X is exposed in the first direction X from an end portion at the top side of the capsule holder 30.
  • the capsule 50 is attachable to and detachable from the capsule holder 30. Therefore, the aerosol inhaler 1 can be used in a manner of replacing the capsule 50.
  • the power supply unit 10 includes a power supply unit case 11 that has a hollow and substantially annular shape and is centered on the center line L extending in the first direction X.
  • the power supply unit case 11 is made of a metal such as stainless steel.
  • the power supply unit case 11 includes a top surface 11a which is an end surface at the top side of the power supply unit case 11 in the first direction X, a bottom surface 11b which is an end surface at the bottom side of the power supply unit case 11 in the first direction X, and a side surface 11c which extends in the first direction X in a substantially annular shape centered on the center line L from the top surface 11a to the bottom surface 11b.
  • Discharge terminals 12 are provided on the top surface 11a of the power supply unit case 11.
  • the discharge terminals 12 protrude from the top surface 11a of the power supply unit case 11 toward the top side in the first direction X.
  • An air supply portion 13 that supplies air to a heating chamber 43 of the cartridge 40 to be described later is provided on the top surface 11a in the vicinity of the discharge terminals 12.
  • the air supply portion 13 protrudes from the top surface 11a of the power supply unit case 11 toward the top side in the first direction X.
  • a charging terminal 14 that can be electrically connected to an external power supply (not shown) is provided on the side surface 11c of the power supply unit case 11.
  • the charging terminal 14 is, for example, a receptacle that can be connected to a universal serial bus (USB) terminal, a micro USB terminal, or the like, and the charging terminal 14 is provided on the side surface 11c in the vicinity of the bottom surface 11b.
  • USB universal serial bus
  • the charging terminal 14 may be a power receiving unit that can receive power transmitted from the external power supply in a wireless manner.
  • the charging terminal 14 (a power receiving unit) may be implemented by a power receiving coil.
  • a wireless power transfer (WPT) system may be of an electromagnetic induction type, a magnetic resonance type, or a combination of an electromagnetic induction type and a magnetic resonance type.
  • the charging terminal 14 may be a power receiving unit that can receive power transmitted from an external power supply without contact.
  • the charging terminal 14 may include both the power receiving unit described above and the receptacle that can be connected to a USB terminal, a micro USB terminal, or the like.
  • An operation unit 15 that can be operated by the user is provided on the side surface 11c of the power supply unit case 11.
  • the operation unit 15 is provided on the side surface 11c in the vicinity of the top surface 11a.
  • the operation unit 15 is provided at a position about 180 degrees away from the charging terminal 14 centered on the center line L when viewed from the first direction X.
  • the operation unit 15 is a push button type switch having a circular shape when the side surface 11c of the power supply unit case 11 is viewed from the outside.
  • the operation unit 15 may have a shape other than the circular shape, or may be implemented by a switch other than a push button type switch, a touch panel, or the like.
  • the power supply unit case 11 is provided with a notification unit 16 that notifies various kinds of information.
  • the notification unit 16 includes a light emitting element 161 and a vibration element 162 (see Fig. 6 ).
  • the light emitting element 161 is provided inward of the operation unit 15 on the power supply unit case 11.
  • a periphery of the circular operation unit 15 is translucent when the side surface 11c of the power supply unit case 11 is viewed from the outside, and light is emitted by the light emitting element 161.
  • the light emitting element 161 can emit red light, green light, blue light, white light, and purple light.
  • the power supply unit case 11 is provided with an air intake port (not shown) through which outside air is taken into the power supply unit case 11.
  • the air intake port may be provided around the charging terminal 14, may be provided around the operation unit 15, or may be provided in the power supply unit case 11 at a position away from the charging terminal 14 and the operation unit 15.
  • the air intake port may be provided in the cartridge cover 20.
  • the air intake port may be provided at two or more positions of the above-described positions.
  • a power supply 61, an inhalation sensor 62, a micro controller unit (MCU) 63, and a charging integrated circuit (IC) 64 are accommodated in a hollow portion of the power supply unit case 11 that has a hollow and substantially annular shape.
  • a low drop out (LDO) regulator 65, a DC/DC converter 66, a first temperature detection element 67 including a voltage sensor 671 and a current sensor 672, and a second temperature detection element 68 including a voltage sensor 681 and a current sensor 682 are further accommodated in the power supply unit case 11 (see Figs. 6 and 7 ).
  • the power supply 61 is a chargeable and dischargeable power storage device such as a secondary battery or an electric double layer capacitor, and is preferably a lithium ion secondary battery.
  • An electrolyte of the power supply 61 can be implemented by one of or a combination of a gel electrolyte, an electrolytic solution, a solid electrolyte, and an ionic liquid.
  • the inhalation sensor 62 is a pressure sensor that detects a puff (inhaling) operation, and is provided, for example, in the vicinity of the operation unit 15.
  • the inhalation sensor 62 outputs a value of a change in pressure (internal pressure) inside the power supply unit 10 caused by an inhalation of the user through an inhalation port 58 of the capsule 50 to be described later.
  • the inhalation sensor 62 outputs an output value (for example, a voltage value or a current value) corresponding to the internal pressure that changes according to a flow rate of air inhaled from the air intake port toward the inhalation port 58 of the capsule 50 (that is, an inhaling operation of the user).
  • the inhalation sensor 62 may output an analog value, or may output a digital value converted from the analog value.
  • the inhalation sensor 62 may include a temperature sensor that detects a temperature (an outside air temperature) of an environment in which the power supply unit 10 is placed.
  • the inhalation sensor 62 may be implemented by a condenser microphone, a flow rate sensor, or the like, instead of the pressure sensor.
  • the MCU 63 is an electronic component (a controller) that performs various controls of the aerosol inhaler 1.
  • the MCU 63 is mainly implemented by a processor, and further includes a memory 63a implemented by a storage medium such as a random access memory (RAM) necessary for an operation of the processor and a read only memory (ROM) that stores various kinds of information (see Fig. 6 ).
  • the processor in the present description is an electric circuit in which circuit elements such as semiconductor elements are combined.
  • the MCU 63 determines that there is an aerosol generation request. Thereafter, for example, when the user ends the inhaling operation and the output value of the inhalation sensor 62 falls below the threshold, the MCU 63 determines that the aerosol generation request is ended. In this way, the output value of the inhalation sensor 62 is used as a signal indicating an aerosol generation request. Therefore, the inhalation sensor 62 constitutes a sensor that outputs an aerosol generation request.
  • the inhalation sensor 62 may determine whether there is an aerosol generation request, and the MCU 63 may receive a digital value corresponding to a determination result from the inhalation sensor 62.
  • the inhalation sensor 62 may output a high-level signal when it is determined that there is an aerosol generation request, and may output a low-level signal when it is determined that there is no aerosol generation request (that is, the aerosol generation request is ended).
  • the threshold for the MCU 63 or the inhalation sensor 62 to determine that there is an aerosol generation request may be different from the threshold for the MCU 63 or the inhalation sensor 62 to determine that the aerosol generation request is ended.
  • the MCU 63 may detect the aerosol generation request based on an operation performed on the operation unit 15. For example, when the user performs a predetermined operation on the operation unit 15 to start inhalation of aerosol, the operation unit 15 may output a signal indicating an aerosol generation request to the MCU 63. In this case, the operation unit 15 constitutes a sensor that outputs an aerosol generation request.
  • the charging IC 64 is provided in the vicinity of the charging terminal 14.
  • the charging IC 64 controls the charging of the power supply 61 by controlling power input from the charging terminal 14 to charge the power supply 61.
  • the charging IC 64 may be disposed in the vicinity of the MCU 63.
  • the cartridge 40 includes a cartridge case 41 having a substantially cylindrical shape whose axial direction is a longitudinal direction.
  • the cartridge case 41 is made of a resin such as polycarbonate.
  • a storage chamber 42 that stores the aerosol source 71 and the heating chamber 43 that heats the aerosol source 71 are formed inside the cartridge case 41.
  • the heating chamber 43 accommodates a wick 44 that transports the aerosol source 71 stored in the storage chamber 42 to the heating chamber 43 and holds the aerosol source 71 in the heating chamber 43, and a first load 45 that heats the aerosol source 71 held in the wick 44 to vaporize and/or atomize the aerosol source 71.
  • the cartridge 40 further includes a first aerosol flow path 46 through which the aerosol source 71 that is vaporized and/or atomized by being heated with the first load 45 is aerosolized and aerosol is transported from the heating chamber 43 toward the capsule 50.
  • the storage chamber 42 and the heating chamber 43 are formed adjacent to each other in the longitudinal direction of the cartridge 40.
  • the heating chamber 43 is formed on one end side in the longitudinal direction of the cartridge 40, and the storage chamber 42 is formed to be adjacent to the heating chamber 43 in the longitudinal direction of the cartridge 40 and to extend to an end portion on the other end side in the longitudinal direction of the cartridge 40.
  • a connection terminal 47 is provided on an end surface on one end side in the longitudinal direction of the cartridge case 41, that is, an end surface of the cartridge case 41 on a side where the heating chamber 43 is disposed, in the longitudinal direction of the cartridge 40.
  • the storage chamber 42 has a hollow and substantially annular shape whose axial direction is the longitudinal direction of the cartridge 40, and stores the aerosol source 71 in an annular portion.
  • the storage chamber 42 accommodates a porous body such as a resin web or cotton, and the aerosol source 71 may be impregnated in the porous body.
  • the storage chamber 42 may store only the aerosol source 71 without accommodating a porous body such as a resin web or cotton.
  • the aerosol source 71 contains a liquid such as glycerin and/or propylene glycol.
  • the cartridge 40 of a regular type that stores the aerosol source 71 containing no menthol 80 and the cartridge 40 of a menthol type that stores the aerosol source 71 containing the menthol 80 are provided to the user by a manufacturer or the like of the aerosol inhaler 1.
  • Fig. 3 shows an example in which the cartridge 40 of a menthol type is mounted on the aerosol inhaler 1.
  • the menthol 80 is shown in a form of particles in order to facilitate understanding of the description, but in practice, the menthol 80 is dissolved in a liquid such as glycerin and/or propylene glycol that constitutes the aerosol source 71. It should be noted that the menthol 80 shown in Fig.
  • the wick 44 is a liquid holding member that draws the aerosol source 71 stored in the storage chamber 42 from the storage chamber 42 into the heating chamber 43 using a capillary action and holds the aerosol source 71 in the heating chamber 43.
  • the wick 44 is made of, for example, glass fiber or porous ceramic. The wick 44 may extend into the storage chamber 42.
  • the first load 45 is electrically connected to the connection terminal 47.
  • the first load 45 is implemented by an electric heating wire (a coil) wound around the wick 44 at a predetermined pitch.
  • the first load 45 may be an element that can heat the aerosol source 71 held by the wick 44 to vaporize and/or atomize the aerosol source 71.
  • the first load 45 may be, for example, a heat generating element such as a heat generating resistor, a ceramic heater, or an induction heating type heater.
  • a load whose temperature and electric resistance value have a correlation is used.
  • a load having a positive temperature coefficient (PTC) characteristic is used in which an electric resistance value increases as the temperature increases.
  • a load having a negative temperature coefficient (NTC) characteristic may be used in which an electric resistance value decreases as the temperature increases.
  • a part of the first load 45 may be provided outside the heating chamber 43.
  • the first aerosol flow path 46 is formed in a hollow portion of the storage chamber 42 having a hollow and substantially annular shape, and extends in the longitudinal direction of the cartridge 40.
  • the first aerosol flow path 46 is formed by a wall portion 46a that extends in a substantially annular shape in the longitudinal direction of the cartridge 40.
  • the wall portion 46a of the first aerosol flow path 46 is also an inner peripheral side wall portion of the storage chamber 42 having a substantially annular shape.
  • a first end portion 461 of the first aerosol flow path 46 in the longitudinal direction of the cartridge 40 is connected to the heating chamber 43, and a second end portion 462 of the first aerosol flow path 46 in the longitudinal direction of the cartridge 40 is opened to an end surface at the other end side of the cartridge case 41.
  • the first aerosol flow path 46 is formed such that a cross-sectional area thereof does not change or increases from the first end portion 461 toward the second end portion 462 in the longitudinal direction of the cartridge 40.
  • the cross-sectional area of the first aerosol flow path 46 may increase discontinuously from the first end portion 461 toward the second end portion 462, or may increase continuously as shown in Fig. 3 .
  • the cartridge 40 is accommodated in a hollow portion of the cartridge cover 20 having a hollow and substantially annular shape such that the longitudinal direction of the cartridge 40 is the first direction X which is the longitudinal direction of the aerosol inhaler 1. Further, the cartridge 40 is accommodated in the hollow portion of the cartridge cover 20 such that the heating chamber 43 is at the bottom side of the aerosol inhaler 1 (that is, at a power supply unit 10 side) and the storage chamber 42 is at the top side of the aerosol inhaler 1 (that is, at a capsule 50 side) in the first direction X.
  • the first aerosol flow path 46 of the cartridge 40 extends in the first direction X on the center line L of the aerosol inhaler 1 in a state in which the cartridge 40 is accommodated inside the cartridge cover 20.
  • the cartridge 40 When the aerosol inhaler 1 is in use, the cartridge 40 is accommodated in the hollow portion of the cartridge cover 20 so as to maintain a state in which the connection terminal 47 comes into contact with the discharge terminals 12 provided on the top surface 11a of the power supply unit case 11.
  • the first load 45 of the cartridge 40 is electrically connected to the power supply 61 of the power supply unit 10 via the discharge terminals 12 and the connection terminal 47.
  • the cartridge 40 is accommodated in the hollow portion of the cartridge cover 20 such that air flowing in from the air intake port (not shown) provided in the power supply unit case 11 is taken into the heating chamber 43 from the air supply portion 13 provided on the top surface 11a of the power supply unit case 11 as indicated by an arrow B in Fig. 3 .
  • the arrow B is inclined with respect to the center line L in Fig. 3 , and may be in the same direction as the center line L. In other words, the arrow B may be parallel to the center line L.
  • the first load 45 heats the aerosol source 71 held by the wick 44 without combustion using power supplied from the power supply 61 via the discharge terminals 12 provided in the power supply unit case 11 and the connection terminal 47 provided in the cartridge 40.
  • the aerosol source 71 heated by the first load 45 is vaporized and/or atomized.
  • the cartridge 40 is of a menthol type
  • the vaporized and/or atomized aerosol source 71 at this time contains the vaporized and/or atomized menthol 80 and vaporized and/or atomized glycerin and/or propylene glycol, or the like.
  • the aerosol source 71 vaporized and/or atomized in the heating chamber 43 aerosolizes air taken into the heating chamber 43 from the air supply portion 13 of the power supply unit case 11 as a dispersion medium. Further, the aerosol source 71 vaporized and/or atomized in the heating chamber 43 and the air taken into the heating chamber 43 from the air supply portion 13 of the power supply unit case 11 flow through the first aerosol flow path 46 from the first end portion 461 of the first aerosol flow path 46 communicating with the heating chamber 43 to the second end portion 462 of the first aerosol flow path 46, while being further aerosolized.
  • a temperature of the aerosol source 71 vaporized and/or atomized in the heating chamber 43 decreases in the process of flowing through the first aerosol flow path 46, which promotes aerosolization.
  • the aerosol source 71 vaporized and/or atomized in the heating chamber 43 and the air taken into the heating chamber 43 from the air supply portion 13 of the power supply unit case 11 are used to generate aerosol 72 in the heating chamber 43 and the first aerosol flow path 46.
  • the aerosol 72 in the heating chamber 43 and the first aerosol flow path 46 also contains the menthol 80 that is aerosolized and derived from the aerosol source 71.
  • the capsule holder 30 includes a side wall 31 extending in the first direction X in a substantially annular shape, and has a hollow and substantially annular shape of which both end surfaces at the bottom side and the top side are opened.
  • the side wall 31 is formed of a metal such as aluminum.
  • An end portion at the bottom side of the capsule holder 30 is coupled to an end portion at the top side of the cartridge cover 20 by screwing, locking, or the like, and the capsule holder 30 is attachable to and detachable from the cartridge cover 20.
  • An inner peripheral surface 31a of the side wall 31 having a substantially annular shape has an annular shape centered on the center line L of the aerosol inhaler 1, and has a diameter larger than that of the first aerosol flow path 46 of the cartridge 40 and smaller than that of the cartridge cover 20.
  • the capsule holder 30 includes a bottom wall 32 provided at an end portion at the bottom side of the side wall 31.
  • the bottom wall 32 is made of, for example, a resin.
  • the bottom wall 32 is fixed to the end portion at the bottom side of the side wall 31, and closes a hollow portion surrounded by an inner peripheral surface of the side wall 31 at the end portion at the bottom side of the side wall 31 except for a communication hole 33 to be described later.
  • the bottom wall 32 is provided with the communication hole 33 penetrating the bottom wall 32 in the first direction X.
  • the communication hole 33 is formed at a position overlapping the center line L when viewed from the first direction. In a state in which the cartridge 40 is accommodated in the cartridge cover 20 and the capsule holder 30 is mounted on the cartridge cover 20, the communication hole 33 is formed such that the first aerosol flow path 46 of the cartridge 40 is located inside the communication hole 33 when viewed from the top side in the first direction X.
  • a second load 34 is provided on the side wall 31 of the capsule holder 30. As shown in Fig. 5 , the second load 34 is provided at the bottom side of the side wall 31, has an annular shape along the side wall 31 having a substantially annular shape, and extends in the first direction X.
  • the second load 34 heats the storage chamber 53 of the capsule 50 to heat the flavor source 52 accommodated in the accommodation chamber 53.
  • the second load 34 may be an element that can heat the flavor source 52 by heating the accommodation chamber 53 of the capsule 50.
  • the second load 34 may be, for example, a heat generating element such as a heat generating resistor, a ceramic heater, or an induction heating type heater. As the second load 34, a load whose temperature and electric resistance value have a correlation is used.
  • a load having a positive temperature coefficient (PTC) characteristic is used in which an electric resistance value increases as the temperature increases.
  • a load having a negative temperature coefficient (NTC) characteristic may be used in which an electric resistance value decreases as the temperature increases.
  • the second load 34 is electrically connected to the power supply 61 of the power supply unit 10 (see Figs. 6 and 7 ).
  • a discharge terminal 17 (see Fig. 6 ) of the power supply unit 10 and a connection terminal (not shown) of the capsule holder 30 come into contact with each other, whereby the second load 34 of the capsule holder 30 is electrically connected to the power supply 61 of the power supply unit 10 via the discharge terminal 17 and the connection terminal of the capsule holder 30.
  • the capsule 50 has a substantially cylindrical shape and includes a side wall 51 which is opened at both end surfaces and extends in a substantially annular shape.
  • the side wall 51 is formed of a resin such as plastic.
  • the side wall 51 has a substantially annular shape having a diameter slightly smaller than that of the inner peripheral surface 31a of the side wall 31 of the capsule holder 30.
  • the capsule 50 includes the accommodation chamber 53 that accommodates the flavor source 52. As shown in Fig. 3 , the accommodation chamber 53 may be formed in an internal space of the capsule 50 surrounded by the side wall 51. Alternatively, the entire internal space of the capsule 50 excluding an outlet portion 55 to be described later may serve as the accommodation chamber 53.
  • the accommodation chamber 53 includes an inlet portion 54 provided at one end side in a cylindrical axis direction of the capsule 50 extending in a substantially cylindrical shape, and an outlet portion 55 provided at the other end side in the cylindrical axis direction of the capsule 50.
  • the flavor source 52 includes cigarette granules 521 obtained by molding a cigarette raw material into granules.
  • the capsule 50 of a regular type that accommodates the flavor source 52 containing no menthol 80 and the capsule 50 of a menthol type that accommodates the flavor source 52 containing the menthol 80 are provided to the user by the manufacturer or the like of the aerosol inhaler 1.
  • the menthol 80 is adsorbed to the cigarette granules 521 constituting the flavor source 52.
  • the flavor source 52 may include cut tobacco instead of the cigarette granules 521.
  • the flavor source 52 may include a plant (for example, mint, Chinese herb, and herb) other than cigarettes.
  • the flavor source 52 may be added with another flavor in addition to the menthol 80.
  • the inlet portion 54 may be a partition wall that partitions the internal space of the capsule 50 in the cylindrical axis direction of the capsule 50 at a position separated from a bottom portion of the capsule 50 in the cylindrical axis direction of the capsule 50.
  • the inlet portion 54 may be a mesh-like partition wall through which the flavor source 52 cannot pass and through which the aerosol 72 can pass.
  • the bottom portion of the capsule 50 also serves as the inlet portion 54.
  • the outlet portion 55 is a filter member that is filled in the internal space of the capsule 50 surrounded by the side wall 51 at an end portion at the top side of the side wall 51 in the cylindrical axis direction of the capsule 50.
  • the outlet portion 55 is a filter member through which the flavor source 52 cannot pass and through which the aerosol 72 can pass.
  • the outlet portion 55 is provided in the vicinity of the top portion of the capsule 50, and the outlet portion 55 may be provided at a position separated from the top portion of the capsule 50.
  • the accommodation chamber 53 includes a first space 531 in which the flavor source 52 is present and a second space 532 in which the flavor source 52 is not present, the second space 532 being located between the first space 531 and the outlet portion 55 and being adjacent to the outlet portion 55.
  • the first space 531 and the second space 532 are formed adjacent to each other in the cylindrical axis direction of the capsule 50.
  • One end side of the first space 531 in the cylindrical axis direction of the capsule 50 is adjacent to the inlet portion 54, and the other end side of the first space 531 in the cylindrical axis direction of the capsule 50 is adjacent to the second space 532.
  • the first space 531 and the second space 532 may be partitioned by a mesh-like partition wall 56 through which the flavor source 52 cannot pass and through which the aerosol 72 can pass.
  • the first space 531 and the second space 532 may be formed without using such a partition wall 56.
  • the first space 531 and the second space 532 may be formed by accommodating the flavor source 52 in a pressed state in a part of the accommodation chamber 53 and making it difficult for the flavor source 52 to move in the accommodation chamber 53.
  • the first space 531 and the second space 532 may be formed by allowing the flavor source 52 to freely move in the accommodation chamber 53 and moving the flavor source 52 to a bottom side of the accommodation chamber 53 due to gravity when the user performs an inhaling operation through the inhalation port 58.
  • a second aerosol flow path 57 may be formed in the capsule 50 between the bottom portion of the capsule 50 and the inlet portion 54 in the cylindrical axis direction of the capsule 50.
  • the second aerosol flow path 57 is formed by the internal space of the capsule 50 surrounded by the side wall 51 between the bottom portion of the capsule 50 and the inlet portion 54 in the cylindrical axis direction of the capsule 50. Therefore, a first end portion 571 of the second aerosol flow path 57 in the cylindrical axis direction of the capsule 50 is opened at the bottom portion of the capsule 50, and a second end portion 572 of the second aerosol flow path 57 in the cylindrical axis direction of the capsule 50 is connected to the accommodation chamber 53 at the inlet portion 54 of the accommodation chamber 53.
  • An opening area of the communication hole 33 provided in the bottom wall 32 of the capsule holder 30 is larger than a cross-sectional area of the first aerosol flow path 46 of the cartridge 40, and a cross-sectional area of the second aerosol flow path 57 is larger than the cross-sectional area of the first aerosol flow path 46 of the cartridge 40 and the opening area of the communication hole 33 provided in the bottom wall 32 of the capsule holder 30. Therefore, a cross-sectional area of the second end portion 572 of the second aerosol flow path 57 connected to the accommodation chamber 53 of the capsule 50 is larger than a cross-sectional area of the first end portion 461 of the first aerosol flow path 46 connected to the heating chamber 43 of the cartridge 40.
  • An aerosol flow path 90 in the present embodiment includes the first aerosol flow path 46, the communication hole 33, and the second aerosol flow path 57.
  • the cross-sectional area of the first end portion 461 of the first aerosol flow path 46 connected to the heating chamber 43 is smaller than the cross-sectional area of the second end portion 462 of the first aerosol flow path 46 connected to the communication hole 33.
  • the cross-sectional area of the first end portion 461 of the first aerosol flow path 46 connected to the heating chamber 43 is smaller than the cross-sectional area of the communication hole 33.
  • the cross-sectional area of the communication hole 33 is smaller than the cross-sectional area of the second aerosol flow path 57.
  • the cross-sectional area of the second end portion 572 of the second aerosol flow path 57 that constitutes a second end portion connected to the accommodation chamber 53 is larger than the cross-sectional area of the first end portion 461 of the first aerosol flow path 46 that constitutes a first end portion connected to the heating chamber 43.
  • the aerosol flow path 90 is formed such that the cross-sectional area increases from the first end portion toward the second end portion.
  • the aerosol flow path 90 in the present embodiment includes the first aerosol flow path 46 and the communication hole 33.
  • the cross-sectional area of the first end portion 461 of the first aerosol flow path 46 connected to the heating chamber 43 is smaller than the cross-sectional area of the second end portion 462 of the first aerosol flow path 46 connected to the communication hole 33.
  • the cross-sectional area of the first end portion 461 of the first aerosol flow path 46 connected to the heating chamber 43 is smaller than the cross-sectional area of the communication hole 33.
  • the cross-sectional area of the communication hole 33 that constitutes the second end portion connected to the accommodation chamber 53 is also larger than the cross-sectional area of the first end portion 461 of the first aerosol flow path 46 that constitutes the first end portion connected to the heating chamber 43.
  • the aerosol flow path 90 is formed such that the cross-sectional area increases from the first end portion toward the second end portion.
  • the aerosol flow path 90 in the present embodiment includes the first aerosol flow path 46, the communication hole 33, and the space formed between the bottom wall 32 of the capsule holder 30 and the bottom portion of the capsule 50.
  • the cross-sectional area of the first end portion 461 of the first aerosol flow path 46 connected to the heating chamber 43 is smaller than the cross-sectional area of the second end portion 462 of the first aerosol flow path 46 connected to the communication hole 33.
  • the cross-sectional area of the first end portion 461 of the first aerosol flow path 46 connected to the heating chamber 43 is smaller than the cross-sectional area of the communication hole 33.
  • the cross-sectional area of the communication hole 33 is smaller than the cross-sectional area of the space formed between the bottom wall 32 of the capsule holder 30 and the bottom portion of the capsule 50.
  • the cross-sectional area of the space that is formed between the bottom wall 32 of the capsule holder 30 and the bottom portion of the capsule 50 and that constitutes the second end portion connected to the accommodation chamber 53 is also larger than the cross-sectional area of the first end portion 461 of the first aerosol flow path 46 that constitutes the first end portion connected to the heating chamber 43.
  • the aerosol flow path 90 is formed such that the cross-sectional area increases from the first end portion toward the second end portion.
  • the capsule 50 is accommodated in a hollow portion of the capsule holder 30 having a hollow and substantially annular shape such that the cylindrical axis direction of the substantially cylindrical shape is the first direction X which is the longitudinal direction of the aerosol inhaler 1. Further, the capsule 50 is accommodated in the hollow portion of the capsule holder 30 such that the inlet portion 54 is at the bottom side of the aerosol inhaler 1 (that is, a cartridge 40 side) and the outlet portion 55 is at the top side of the aerosol inhaler 1 in the first direction X.
  • the capsule 50 is accommodated in the hollow portion of the capsule holder 30 such that an end portion at the other end side of the side wall 51 is exposed in the first direction X from an end portion at the top side of the capsule holder 30 in a state in which the capsule 50 is accommodated in the hollow portion of the capsule holder 30.
  • the end portion at the other end side of the side wall 51 serves as the inhalation port 58 through which the user performs an inhaling operation when the aerosol inhaler 1 is in use.
  • the end portion at the other end side of the side wall 51 may have a step so as to be easily exposed in the first direction X from the end portion at the top side of the capsule holder 30.
  • a part of the accommodation chamber 53 is accommodated in a hollow portion of the second load 34 that has an annular shape and that is provided in the capsule holder 30.
  • the accommodation chamber 53 in a state of being accommodated in the hollow portion of the cartridge cover 20 in the cylindrical axis direction of the capsule 50, the accommodation chamber 53 includes a heating region 53A in which the second load 34 of the capsule holder 30 is disposed and a non-heating region 53B which is located between the heating region 53A and the outlet portion 55, which is adjacent to the outlet portion 55, and in which the second load 34 of the capsule holder 30 is not disposed.
  • the heating region 53A overlaps at least a part of the first space 531
  • the non-heating region 53B overlaps at least a part of the second space 532 in the cylindrical axis direction of the capsule 50.
  • the first space 531 and the heating region 53A substantially coincide with each other
  • the second space 532 and the non-heating region 53B substantially coincide with each other.
  • the aerosol inhaler 1 having the above configuration is used in a state in which the cartridge cover 20, the capsule holder 30, the cartridge 40, and the capsule 50 are mounted on the power supply unit 10.
  • the aerosol flow path 90 is formed in the aerosol inhaler 1 by at least the first aerosol flow path 46 provided in the cartridge 40 and the communication hole 33 provided in the bottom wall 32 of the capsule holder 30.
  • the second aerosol flow path 57 provided in the capsule 50 also constitutes a part of the aerosol flow path 90.
  • the space formed between the bottom wall of the capsule holder 30 and the bottom portion of the capsule 50 also constitutes a part of the aerosol flow path 90.
  • the aerosol flow path 90 connects the heating chamber 43 of the cartridge 40 and the accommodation chamber 53 of the capsule 50, and is used to transport the aerosol 72 generated in the heating chamber 43 from the heating chamber 43 to the accommodation chamber 53.
  • the aerosol source 71 vaporized and/or atomized in the heating chamber 43 and the air taken into the heating chamber 43 from the air supply portion 13 of the power supply unit case 11 flow through the first aerosol flow path 46 from the first end portion 461 of the first aerosol flow path 46 communicating with the heating chamber 43 to the second end portion 462 of the first aerosol flow path 46, while being further aerosolized.
  • the aerosol 72 generated in this way is introduced from the second end portion 462 of the first aerosol flow path 46 into the accommodation chamber 53 through the inlet portion 54 of the capsule 50 by passing through the communication hole 33 provided in the bottom wall 32 of the capsule holder 30.
  • the aerosol 72 flows through the second aerosol flow path 57 provided in the capsule 50 or flows through the space formed between the bottom wall of the capsule holder 30 and the bottom portion of the capsule 50.
  • the aerosol 72 introduced into the accommodation chamber 53 through the inlet portion 54 passes through the flavor source 52 accommodated in the first space 531 so as to be added with a flavor component from the flavor source 52.
  • a flow direction of the aerosol 72, in the accommodation chamber 53, in which the aerosol 72 flows from the inlet portion 54 to the outlet portion 55 is the cylindrical axis direction of the capsule 50, and is the first direction X of the aerosol inhaler 1.
  • the second load 34 provided in the capsule holder 30 generates heat to heat the heating region 53A of the accommodation chamber 53. Accordingly, the flavor source 52 accommodated in the first space 531 of the accommodation chamber 53 and the aerosol 72 flowing through the heating region 53A of the accommodation chamber 53 are heated.
  • a phenomenon that the amount of the flavor component to be added to the aerosol increases as the temperature of the flavor source 52 increases can be explained based on that the flavor source 52 and a flavor added to the flavor source 52 are more likely to be entrained by the aerosol as the temperature of the flavor source 52 increases.
  • the cigarette granules 521 constituting the flavor source 52 are fairly larger than molecules of the menthol 80, and function as an adsorbent of the menthol 80 which is an adsorbate.
  • the menthol 80 is adsorbed to the cigarette granules 521 by chemical adsorption, and is also adsorbed to the cigarette granules 521 by physical adsorption.
  • the chemical adsorption can be caused by covalent bonding between outermost shell electrons in molecules constituting the cigarette granules 521 and outermost shell electrons in molecules constituting the menthol 80.
  • the physical adsorption may be caused by a Van der Waals force acting between surfaces of the cigarette granules 521 and surfaces of the menthol 80.
  • an adsorption amount of the menthol 80 to the cigarette granules 521 increases, the cigarette granules 521 and the menthol 80 are brought into a state referred to as an adsorption equilibrium state.
  • an amount of the menthol 80 newly adsorbed to the cigarette granules 521 is equal to an amount of the menthol 80 desorbed from the cigarette granules 521.
  • adsorption amount in the adsorption equilibrium state decreases as temperatures of the adsorbent and the adsorbate increase.
  • Both chemical adsorption and physical adsorption proceed in a manner in which adsorption sites at interfaces of the cigarette granules 521 are occupied by the menthol 80, and an adsorption amount of the menthol 80 when the adsorption sites are filled up is referred to as a saturated adsorption amount. It will be easily understood that the adsorption amount in the adsorption equilibrium state described above is less than the saturated adsorption amount.
  • the adsorption amount of the menthol 80 to the cigarette granules 521 in the adsorption equilibrium state between the cigarette granules 521 and the menthol 80 decreases. Therefore, when the flavor source 52 is heated by the second load 34 and the temperature of the flavor source 52 increases, the adsorption amount of the menthol 80 adsorbed to the cigarette granules 521 is reduced, and a part of the menthol 80 adsorbed to the cigarette granules 521 is desorbed.
  • the power supply unit 10 will be described in detail with reference to Fig. 6 .
  • the DC/DC converter 66 which is an example of a voltage converter capable of converting an output voltage of the power supply 61 and applying the converted output voltage to the first load 45 is connected between the first load 45 and the power supply 61 in a state in which the cartridge 40 is mounted on the power supply unit 10.
  • the MCU 63 is connected between the DC/DC converter 66 and the power supply 61.
  • the second load 34 is connected between the MCU 63 and the DC/DC converter 66 in a state in which the cartridge 40 is mounted on the power supply unit 10. In this way, in the power supply unit 10, the second load 34 and a series circuit of the DC/DC converter 66 and the first load 45 are connected in parallel to the power supply 61 in a state in which the cartridge 40 is mounted.
  • the DC/DC converter 66 is controlled by the MCU 63 and is a step-up circuit capable of stepping up an input voltage (for example, an output voltage of the power supply 61) and outputting the stepped-up voltage.
  • the DC/DC converter 66 can apply an input voltage or a voltage obtained by stepping up the input voltage to the first load 45. Since power supplied to the first load 45 can be adjusted by changing a voltage applied to the first load 45 by the DC/DC converter 66, an amount of the aerosol source 71 vaporized or atomized by the first load 45 can be controlled.
  • a switching regulator that converts an input voltage into a desired output voltage by controlling an on/off time of a switching element while monitoring an output voltage is used.
  • the DC/DC converter 66 When a switching regulator is used as the DC/DC converter 66, an input voltage can be output without being stepped up by controlling the switching element.
  • the DC/DC converter 66 is not limited to a step-up type (a boost converter) described above, and may be a step-down type (a buck converter) or a step-up and step-down type converter.
  • the DC/DC converter 66 may be used to set a voltage applied to the first load 45 to V1 to V5 [V] to be described later.
  • the MCU 63 can acquire a temperature of the second load 34, a temperature of the flavor source 52, or a temperature of the accommodation chamber 53 (that is, second temperature T2 to be described later) in order to control discharging to the second load 34 using a switch (not shown).
  • the MCU 63 can preferably acquire a temperature of the first load 45.
  • the temperature of the first load 45 can be used to prevent overheating of the first load 45 and the aerosol source 71 and highly control an amount of the aerosol source 71 vaporized or atomized by the first load 45.
  • the voltage sensor 671 measures a value of a voltage applied to the first load 45 and outputs the value of the voltage.
  • the current sensor 672 measures a value of a current that flows through the first load 45 and outputs the value of the current.
  • An output of the voltage sensor 671 and an output of the current sensor 672 are input to the MCU 63.
  • the MCU 63 acquires a resistance value of the first load 45 based on the output of the voltage sensor 671 and the output of the current sensor 672, and acquires the temperature of the first load 45 based on the acquired resistance value of the first load 45.
  • the voltage sensor 671 and the current sensor 672 may be implemented by an operational amplifier and an analog-to-digital converter. At least a part of the voltage sensor 671 and/or at least a part of the current sensor 672 may be provided inside the MCU 63.
  • the current sensor 672 in the first temperature detection element 67 is unnecessary.
  • the voltage sensor 671 in the first temperature detection element 67 is unnecessary.
  • the voltage sensor 681 measures a value of a voltage applied to the second load 34 and outputs the value of the voltage.
  • the current sensor 682 measures a value of a current that flows through the second load 34 and outputs the value of the current.
  • An output of the voltage sensor 681 and an output of the current sensor 682 are input to the MCU 63.
  • the MCU 63 acquires a resistance value of the second load 34 based on the output of the voltage sensor 681 and the output of the current sensor 682, and acquires a temperature of the second load 34 based on the acquired resistance value of the second load 34.
  • the temperature of the second load 34 does not strictly coincide with the temperature of the flavor source 52 heated by the second load 34, and can be regarded as substantially the same as the temperature of the flavor source 52.
  • the temperature of the second load 34 does not strictly coincide with the temperature of the accommodation chamber 53 of the capsule 50 heated by the second load 34, and can be regarded as substantially the same as the temperature of the accommodation chamber 53 of the capsule 50. Therefore, the second temperature detection element 68 can also be used as a temperature detection element for detecting the temperature of the flavor source 52 or the temperature of the accommodation chamber 53 of the capsule 50.
  • the voltage sensor 681 and the current sensor 682 may be implemented by an operational amplifier and an analog-to-digital converter. At least a part of the voltage sensor 681 and/or at least a part of the current sensor 682 may be provided inside the MCU 63.
  • the current sensor 682 in the second temperature detection element 68 is unnecessary.
  • the voltage sensor 681 in the second temperature detection element 68 is unnecessary.
  • the second temperature detection element 68 is provided in the capsule holder 30 or the cartridge 40, the temperature of the second load 34, the temperature of the flavor source 52, or the temperature of the accommodation chamber 53 of the capsule 50 can be acquired based on an output of the second temperature detection element 68, and the second temperature detection element 68 is preferably provided in the power supply unit 10 with a lowest replacement frequency in the aerosol inhaler 1. In this way, it is possible to reduce the manufacturing cost of the capsule holder 30 and the cartridge 40 and provide, to the user at low cost, the capsule holder 30 and the cartridge 40 whose replacement frequencies are higher than that of the power supply unit 10.
  • Fig. 7 is a diagram showing a specific example of the power supply unit 10 shown in Fig. 6 .
  • Fig. 7 shows a specific example of a configuration in which the current sensor 682 is not provided as the second temperature detection element 68 and the current sensor 672 is not provided as the first temperature detection element 67.
  • the power supply unit 10 includes the power supply 61, the MCU 63, the LDO regulator 65, a parallel circuit C1 including a switch SW1 and a series circuit of a resistance element R1 and a switch SW2 connected in parallel to the switch SW1, a parallel circuit C2 including a switch SW3 and a series circuit of a resistance element R2 and a switch SW4 connected in parallel to the switch SW3, an operational amplifier OP1 and an analog-to-digital converter ADC1 that constitute the voltage sensor 671, and an operational amplifier OP2 and an analog-to-digital converter ADC2 that constitute the voltage sensor 681. At least one of the operational amplifier OP1 and the operational amplifier OP2 may be provided inside the MCU 63.
  • the resistance element described in the present description may be an element having a fixed electric resistance value, for example, a resistor, a diode, or a transistor.
  • each of the resistance element R1 and the resistance element R2 is a resistor.
  • the switch described in the present description is a switching element such as a transistor that switches a wiring path between disconnection and conduction, and for example, the switch may be a bipolar transistor such as an insulated gate bipolar transistor (IGBT) or a field effect transistor such as a metal-oxide-semiconductor field-effect transistor (MOSFET).
  • the switch described in the present description may be implemented by a relay.
  • each of the switches SW1 to SW4 is a transistor.
  • the LDO regulator 65 is connected to a main positive bus LU connected to a positive electrode of the power supply 61.
  • the MCU 63 is connected to the LDO regulator 65 and a main negative bus LD connected to a negative electrode of the power supply 61.
  • the MCU 63 is also connected to each of the switches SW1 to SW4, and controls opening and closing of the switches SW1 to SW4.
  • the LDO regulator 65 steps down the voltage from the power supply 61 and outputs the stepped-down voltage.
  • An output voltage V0 of the LDO regulator 65 is also used as an operation voltage of each of the MCU 63, the DC/DC converter 66, the operational amplifier OP1, the operational amplifier OP2, and the notification unit 16.
  • At least one of the MCU 63, the DC/DC converter 66, the operational amplifier OP1, the operational amplifier OP2, and the notification unit 16 may use the output voltage of the power supply 61 as an operation voltage.
  • at least one of the MCU 63, the DC/DC converter 66, the operational amplifier OP1, the operational amplifier OP2, and the notification unit 16 may use a voltage output from a regulator (not shown) other than the LDO regulator 65 as an operation voltage.
  • the output voltage of the regulator may be different from V0 or may be the same as V0.
  • the DC/DC converter 66 is connected to the main positive bus LU.
  • the first load 45 is connected to the main negative bus LD.
  • the parallel circuit C1 is connected to the DC/DC converter 66 and the first load 45.
  • the parallel circuit C2 is connected to the main positive bus LU.
  • the second load 34 is connected to the parallel circuit C2 and the main negative bus LD.
  • a non-inverting input terminal of the operational amplifier OP1 is connected to a connection node between the parallel circuit C1 and the first load 45.
  • An inverting input terminal of the operational amplifier OP1 is connected to an output terminal of the operational amplifier OP1 and the main negative bus LD via a resistance element.
  • a non-inverting input terminal of the operational amplifier OP2 is connected to a connection node between the parallel circuit C2 and the second load 34.
  • An inverting input terminal of the operational amplifier OP2 is connected to an output terminal of the operational amplifier OP2 and the main negative bus LD via a resistance element.
  • the analog-to-digital converter ADC 1 is connected to the output terminal of the operational amplifier OP1.
  • the analog-to-digital converter ADC2 is connected to the output terminal of the operational amplifier OP2.
  • the analog-to-digital converter ADC 1 and the analog-to-digital converter ADC2 may be provided outside the MCU 63.
  • the MCU 63 includes a temperature detection unit, a power control unit, and a notification control unit as functional blocks implemented by the processor executing a program stored in a ROM.
  • the temperature detection unit acquires a first temperature T1 which is a temperature of the first load 45 based on an output of the first temperature detection element 67.
  • the temperature detection unit acquires a second temperature T2, which is the temperature of the second load 34, the temperature of the flavor source 52, or the temperature of the accommodation chamber 53, based on an output of the second temperature detection element 68.
  • the temperature detection unit controls the switch SW1, the switch SW3, and the switch SW4 to be in a disconnection state, and controls the DC/DC converter 66 to output a predetermined constant voltage. Further, the temperature detection unit acquires an output value (the value of the voltage applied to the first load 45) of the analog-to-digital converter ADC 1 in a state in which the switch SW2 is controlled to be in a conductive state, and acquires the first temperature T1 based on the output value.
  • the non-inverting input terminal of the operational amplifier OP1 may be connected to a terminal of the resistance element R1 on a DC/DC converter 66 side, and the inverting input terminal of the operational amplifier OP1 may be connected to a terminal of the resistance element R1 on a switch SW2 side.
  • the temperature detection unit controls the switch SW1, the switch SW3, and the switch SW4 to be in a disconnection state, and controls the DC/DC converter 66 to output a predetermined constant voltage.
  • the temperature detection unit can acquire an output value of the analog-to-digital converter ADC1 (a value of a voltage applied to the resistance element R1) in a state where the switch SW2 is controlled to be in a conductive state, and acquire the first temperature T1 based on the output value.
  • ADC1 analog-to-digital converter ADC1
  • the temperature detection unit controls the switch SW1, the switch SW2, and the switch SW3 to be in a disconnection state, and controls an element such as a DC/DC converter (not shown) so as to output a predetermined constant voltage. Further, the temperature detection unit acquires an output value (the value of the voltage applied to the second load 34) of the analog-to-digital converter ADC2 in a state in which the switch SW4 is controlled to be in a conductive state, and acquires the second temperature T2 based on the output value.
  • the non-inverting input terminal of the operational amplifier OP2 may be connected to a terminal of the resistance element R2 on a main positive bus line LU side, and the inverting input terminal of the operational amplifier OP2 may be connected to a terminal of the resistance element R2 on a switch SW4 side.
  • the temperature detection unit controls the switch SW1, the switch SW2, and the switch SW3 to be in a disconnection state, and controls an element such as a DC/DC converter (not shown) so as to output a predetermined constant voltage.
  • the temperature detection unit can acquire an output value of the analog-to-digital converter ADC2 (a value of a voltage applied to the resistance element R2) in a state in which the switch SW4 is controlled to be in a conductive state, and acquire the second temperature T2 based on the output value.
  • ADC2 analog-to-digital converter
  • the notification control unit controls the notification unit 16 to notify the user of various kinds of information. For example, when it is detected to be a replacement timing of the capsule 50, the notification control unit controls the notification unit 16 to perform a capsule replacement notification for prompting replacement of the capsule 50. In addition, when it is detected to be a replacement timing of the cartridge 40, the notification control unit controls the notification unit 16 to perform a cartridge replacement notification for prompting replacement of the cartridge 40.
  • the notification control unit may control the notification unit 16 to make a notification for prompting replacement or charging of the power supply 61, or may control the notification unit 16 to make a notification about a control state (for example, a discharge mode to be described later) of the MCU 63 at a predetermined timing.
  • a control state for example, a discharge mode to be described later
  • the power control unit controls discharging from the power supply 61 to the first load 45 (hereinafter, also simply referred to as discharging to the first load 45) and discharging from the power supply 61 to the second load 34 (hereinafter, also simply referred to as discharging to the second load 34).
  • the power control unit can implement the discharging to the first load 45 by setting the switch SW2, the switch SW3, and the switch SW4 to a disconnection state (that is, OFF) and setting the switch SW1 to a conductive state (that is, ON).
  • the power control unit can implement the discharging to the second load 34 by setting the switch SW1, the switch SW2, and the switch SW4 to a disconnection state and setting the switch SW3 to a conductive state.
  • the power control unit When an aerosol generation request from the user is detected based on an output of the inhalation sensor 62 (that is, when the user performs an inhaling operation), the power control unit performs the discharging to the first load 45 and the second load 34. Accordingly, the aerosol source 71 is heated by the first load 45 (that is, aerosol is generated) and the flavor source 52 is heated by the second load 34 in response to the aerosol generation request.
  • the power control unit controls the discharging to the first load 45 and the second load 34 such that an amount of a flavor component added from the flavor source 52 (hereinafter, simply referred to as a flavor component amount, and for example, a flavor component amount W flavor to be described later) to aerosol (vaporized and/or atomized aerosol source 71) generated in response to the aerosol generation request converges to a predetermined target amount.
  • the target amount is a value determined as appropriate, and for example, a target range of the flavor component amount may be determined as appropriate, and a median value in the target range may be determined as the target amount. Accordingly, the flavor component amount converges to the target amount, such that the flavor component amount can converge in the target range having a certain range.
  • a unit of the flavor component amount and the target amount may be weight (for example, [mg]).
  • the cartridge 40 mounted on the aerosol inhaler 1 includes a cartridge of a menthol type in which the aerosol source 71 contains menthol and a cartridge of a regular type in which the aerosol source 71 does not contain menthol.
  • the capsule 50 mounted on the aerosol inhaler 1 includes a capsule of a menthol type in which the flavor source 52 contains menthol and a capsule of a regular type in which the flavor source 52 does not contain menthol.
  • the aerosol inhaler 1 may be in a state in which the cartridge 40 of a menthol type is mounted and the capsule 50 of a menthol type is mounted, in other words, in a state in which both the aerosol source 71 and the flavor source 52 contain menthol.
  • the aerosol inhaler 1 may be in a state in which the cartridge 40 of a menthol type is mounted and the capsule 50 of a regular type is mounted, in other words, in a state in which only the aerosol source 71 contains menthol.
  • the aerosol inhaler 1 may be in a state in which the cartridge 40 of a regular type is mounted, the capsule 50 of a menthol type is mounted, in other words, in a state in which only the flavor source 52 contains menthol.
  • the aerosol inhaler 1 may be in a state in which the cartridge 40 of a regular type is mounted and the capsule 50 of a regular type is mounted, in other words, in a state in which neither the aerosol source 71 nor the flavor source 52 contains menthol.
  • the MCU 63 can determine (identify) types of the cartridge 40 and the capsule 50 mounted on the aerosol inhaler 1, that is, can determine (identify) whether the aerosol source 71 and the flavor source 52 contain menthol.
  • the determination on whether the aerosol source 71 and the flavor source 52 contain menthol may be implemented using any method. For example, as will be described later, the MCU 63 may determine whether the aerosol source 71 and the flavor source 52 contain menthol based on an operation performed on the operation unit 15.
  • the power control unit controls the discharging to the first load 45 and the second load 34 based on a determination result (an identification result) on whether the aerosol source 71 and the flavor source 52 contain menthol.
  • a determination result an identification result
  • the power control unit controls the discharging to the first load 45 and the second load 34 based on a determination result (an identification result) on whether the aerosol source 71 and the flavor source 52 contain menthol.
  • the aerosol inhaler 1 is in a state in which both the aerosol source 71 and the flavor source 52 contain menthol (that is, both the cartridge 40 and the capsule 50 are of a menthol type).
  • the power control unit controls the discharging to the first load 45 and the discharging to the second load 34 by a menthol mode.
  • a manner of the discharging to the first load 45 in the menthol mode in this case is different from a manner of the discharging to the first load 45 in a regular mode to be described later.
  • the manner of the discharging to the first load 45 in the menthol mode in this case is a manner in which a voltage applied to the first load 45 is increased (that is, changed) in a stepwise manner or is increased (that is, changed) continuously, as will be described later with reference to part (b) of Fig. 13 . Accordingly, an amount of aerosol generated by being heated with the first load 45 can be changed. Therefore, an amount of menthol derived from the aerosol source 71 and an amount of menthol derived from the flavor source 52 can be highly controlled.
  • a manner of the discharging to the second load 34 in the menthol mode in a case where both the aerosol source 71 and the flavor source 52 contain menthol is different from a manner of discharging to the second load 34 in the regular mode to be described later.
  • the manner of the discharging to the second load 34 in the menthol mode in this case is a manner in which a target temperature of the second load 34 is decreased (that is, changed) in a stepwise manner or is decreased (that is, changed) continuously, as will be described later with reference to part (a) of Fig. 13 .
  • an appropriate amount of menthol can be supplied to the user and menthol provided to the user can be stabilized at an appropriate amount in a period before the flavor source 52 (specifically, the cigarette granules 521) in the capsule 50 and menthol reach the adsorption equilibrium state and in a period after the flavor source 52 and menthol reach the adsorption equilibrium state, as will be descried later.
  • the aerosol inhaler 1 is in a state in which only the aerosol source 71 contains menthol (that is, the cartridge 40 is of a menthol type and the capsule 50 is of a regular type).
  • the power control unit also controls the discharging to the first load 45 and the discharging to the second load 34 by the menthol mode.
  • a manner of the discharging to the first load 45 in the menthol mode in this case is different from the manner of the discharging to the first load 45 in the menthol mode and the manner of the discharging to the first load 45 in the regular mode in the above-described case where both the aerosol source 71 and the flavor source 52 contain menthol.
  • the manner of the discharging to the first load 45 in the menthol mode in this case is a manner in which a voltage applied to the first load 45 is decreased (that is, changed) in a stepwise manner or is decreased (that is, changed) continuously, as will be described later with reference to part (b) of Fig. 14 . Accordingly, an amount of aerosol generated by being heated with the first load 45 can be changed. Therefore, an amount of menthol derived from the aerosol source 71 and an amount of menthol derived from the flavor source 52 can be highly controlled.
  • the manner of the discharging to the second load 34 in the menthol mode in a case where only the aerosol source 71 contains menthol is the same as, for example, the manner of the discharging to the second load 34 in the menthol mode in a case where both the aerosol source 71 and the flavor source 52 contain menthol. That is, the manner of the discharging to the second load 34 in the menthol mode in this case is a manner in which a target temperature of the second load 34 is decreased (that is, changed) in a stepwise manner or is decreased (that is, changed) continuously (see part (a) of Fig. 13 and part (a) of Fig. 14 ).
  • the manner of the discharging to the second load 34 in the menthol mode in this case is different from the manner of the discharging to the second load 34 in the regular mode. Accordingly, in this case, an appropriate amount of menthol can also be supplied to the user and menthol provided to the user can also be stabilized at an appropriate amount in a period before the flavor source 52 (specifically, the cigarette granules 521) in the capsule 50 and menthol reach the adsorption equilibrium state and in a period after the flavor source 52 and menthol reach the adsorption equilibrium state.
  • the flavor source 52 specifically, the cigarette granules 521
  • the power control unit controls the discharging to the first load 45 and the discharging to the second load 34 by the regular mode.
  • the manner of the discharging to the first load 45 in the regular mode is, for example, a manner in which a voltage applied to the first load 45 is maintained constant, as will be described later with reference to part (b) of Fig. 13 . Accordingly, control on the voltage applied to the first load 45 (that is, the power supplied to the first load 45) can be simplified in the regular mode.
  • the manner of the discharging to the second load 34 in the regular mode is, for example, a manner in which a target temperature of the second load 34 is increased (that is, changed) in a stepwise manner or is increased (that is, changed) continuously, as will be described later with reference to part (a) of Fig. 13 . Accordingly, it is possible to compensate the flavor component (that is, flavor derived from the flavor source 52), which decreases due to inhalation of the user, by increasing the temperature of the second load 34 (that is, flavor source 52) in the regular mode.
  • the aerosol inhaler 1 is in a state in which only the flavor source 52 contains menthol (that is, the cartridge 40 is of a regular type and the capsule 50 is of a menthol type).
  • the power control unit also controls the discharging to the first load 45 and the discharging to the second load 34 by the menthol mode.
  • the manner of the discharging to the first load 45 in the menthol mode in this case is different from the manner of the discharging to the first load 45 in the above-described case where both the aerosol source 71 and the flavor source 52 contain menthol and the manner of the discharging to the first load 45 in the case where only the aerosol source 71 contains menthol.
  • the manner of the discharging to the first load 45 in the menthol mode in this case is the same as the manner of discharging to the first load 45 in the regular mode. That is, the manner of the discharging to the first load 45 in the menthol mode in this case is a manner in which a voltage applied to the first load 45 is maintained constant. Accordingly, an amount of aerosol generated by being heated with the first load 45 can be made constant, and an amount of menthol that is derived from the flavor source 52 and generated by being heated with the second load 34 can be easily controlled.
  • a manner of the discharging to the second load 34 in the menthol mode in a case where only the flavor source 52 contains menthol is different from the manner of the discharging to the second load 34 in the menthol mode in the above-described case where both the aerosol source 71 and the flavor source 52 contain menthol and the manner of the discharging to the second load 34 in the menthol mode in the case where only the aerosol source 71 contains menthol.
  • the manner of the discharging to the second load 34 in the menthol mode in this case is the same as the manner of the discharging to the second load 34 in the regular mode.
  • the manner of the discharging to the second load 34 in the menthol mode in this case is a manner in which a target temperature of the second load 34 is increased (that is, changed) in a stepwise manner or is increased (that is, changed) continuously. Accordingly, desorption of menthol adsorbed to the flavor source 52 (specifically, cigarette granules 521) from the flavor source 52 can be gradually progressed, and an amount of menthol provided to the user (that is, a flavor derived from menthol) can be stabilized.
  • the power control unit also controls the discharging to the first load 45 and the discharging to the second load 34 by the regular mode.
  • a weight [mg] of aerosol that is generated by being heated with the first load 45 and that passes through the flavor source 52 (that is, inside the capsule 50) in response to one inhaling operation performed by the user is defined as an aerosol weight W aerosol .
  • Power required to be supplied to the first load 45 in order to generate aerosol having the aerosol weight W aerosol is defined as atomized power P liquid .
  • a supply time of the atomized power P liquid to the first load 45 is defined as a supply time t sense .
  • a predetermined upper limit value t upper (for example, 2.4 [s]) is set for the supply time t sense , and the MCU 63 stops power supply to the first load 45 regardless of an output value of the inhalation sensor 62 when the supply time t sense reaches the upper limit value t upper (see steps S19 and S20 to be described later).
  • a weight [mg] of a flavor component contained in the flavor source 52 when the user performs an inhaling operation for n puff times (n puff is a natural number of 0 or more) after the capsule 50 is mounted on the aerosol inhaler 1 is defined as a flavor component remaining amount W capsule (n puff ).
  • a weight [mg] of a flavor component added to the aerosol passing through the flavor source 52 (that is, inside the capsule 50) in response to one inhaling operation performed by the user is defined as a flavor component amount W flavor .
  • a parameter related to a temperature of the flavor source 52 is defined as a temperature parameter T capsule .
  • the temperature parameter T capsule is a parameter indicating the second temperature T2 described above, and is, for example, a parameter indicating a temperature of the second load 34.
  • the flavor component amount W flavor depends on the flavor component remaining amount W capsule , the temperature parameter T capsule , and the aerosol weight W aerosol . Therefore, the flavor component amount W flavor can be modeled by the following formula (1).
  • W flavor ⁇ ⁇ W capsule ⁇ T capsule ⁇ ⁇ ⁇ W aerosol
  • ⁇ in the above formula (1) is a coefficient indicating a ratio of a flavor component to be added to the aerosol generated in response to one inhaling operation performed by the user when the aerosol passes through the flavor source 52, and is obtained from experiments.
  • ⁇ in the above formula (1) is a coefficient obtained from experiments.
  • the temperature parameter T capsule and the flavor component remaining amount W capsule may vary, and ⁇ is introduced here in order to treat the temperature parameter T capsule and the flavor component remaining amount W capsule as constant values.
  • the flavor component remaining amount W capsule is decreased each time the user performs an inhaling operation. Therefore, the flavor component remaining amount W capsule is inversely proportional to the number of times of the inhaling operation (hereinafter, also referred to as the number of times of inhalation).
  • the flavor component remaining amount W capsule is inversely proportional to the number of times the discharging to the first load 45 is performed to generate aerosol or a cumulative value in a period in which the discharging to the first load 45 is performed.
  • the MCU 63 (the power control unit) sets a discharge mode for controlling the discharging to the first load 45 and the second load 34 to a regular mode.
  • the discharge mode is set to the regular mode, the MCU 63 controls the discharging to the second load 34 in order to increase the temperature of the flavor source 52 as the flavor component remaining amount W capsule decreases (that is, the number of times of inhalation increases) (see Figs. 13 and 14 ).
  • the MCU 63 (the power control unit) sets the discharge mode to a menthol mode different from the regular mode.
  • the MCU 63 controls the discharging to the second load 34 in order to lower the temperature of the flavor source 52 as the flavor component remaining amount W capsule decreases (that is, the number of times of inhalation increases) from the viewpoint of supplying an appropriate amount of menthol to the user (see Fig. 13 and 14 ). Accordingly, as will be described later, it is possible to supply an appropriate amount of menthol to the user.
  • the MCU 63 may increase the aerosol weight W aerosol by increasing a voltage applied to the first load 45 to increase the power supplied to the first load 45 (see Fig. 13 ). Accordingly, a decrease in the flavor component amount W flavor caused by lowering the temperature of the flavor source 52 in order to supply an appropriate amount of menthol to the user can be compensated by an increase in the aerosol weight W aerosol of aerosol generated by being heated with the first load 45. Therefore, it is possible to prevent a decrease in the flavor component amount W flavor supplied to the mouth of the user, and it is possible to stably supply menthol and a flavor component to the user.
  • the operation of the aerosol inhaler 1 to be described below is implemented by a processor of the MCU 63 executing a program stored in advance in the memory 63a or the like.
  • the MCU 63 is in standby until a power supply of the aerosol inhaler 1 is turned on by an operation performed on the operation unit 15 or the like (step S0: NO loop).
  • step S0: NO loop When the power supply of the aerosol inhaler 1 is turned on (step S0: YES), the MCU 63 transitions an operation mode of the aerosol inhaler 1 to a startup mode in which aerosol can be generated, and executes flavor identification processing (to be described later) of identifying types of the cartridge 40 and the capsule 50 (step S1).
  • the MCU 63 may start the discharging to the second load 34 such that a target temperature of the second load 34 (hereinafter, also referred to as a target temperature T cap_target ) to be described later converges to a predetermined temperature in response to the transition to the startup mode.
  • a target temperature of the second load 34 hereinafter, also referred to as a target temperature T cap_target
  • the second load 34 can be preheated in response to the transition to the startup mode, and a temperature of the second load 34 and the flavor source 52 can be increased at an early stage.
  • the initial target temperature T cap_target is set to 80 [°C] which is high in the menthol mode from the viewpoint of ensuring an amount of menthol that can be supplied to the user.
  • the second load 34 is promoted to reach such a high temperature at an early stage by preheating the second load 34 in response to the transition to the startup mode. Therefore, in a case where the aerosol source 71 or the like contains menthol, an amount of menthol (the flavor derived from menthol) provided to the user can be stabilized at an early stage, and an appropriate amount of menthol can be stably supplied to the user immediately after the transition to the startup mode (for example, after a so-called inhalation start).
  • menthol the flavor derived from menthol
  • the MCU 63 may start the discharging to the second load 34 before executing the flavor identification processing, that is, before determining whether the aerosol source 71 and the flavor source 52 contain menthol. Accordingly, a timing when preheating of the second load 34 is started can be advanced, and the temperature of the second load 34 and the flavor source 52 can be increased at an early stage. In a case where the discharging to the second load 34 before executing the flavor identification processing in this way is started, when the MCU 63 executes the flavor identification processing (that is, when the MCU 63 determines whether the aerosol source 71 and the flavor source 52 contain menthol), the preheating of the second load 34 is ended.
  • the MCU 63 may start the discharging to the second load 34 in accordance with a target containing (or not containing) menthol between the aerosol source 71 and the flavor source 52. Accordingly, after determining whether the aerosol source 71 and the flavor source 52 contain menthol, it is possible to appropriately control the discharging to the second load 34 in accordance with the determined target.
  • the MCU 63 sets the target temperature (the predetermined temperature) of the second load 34 during the preheating to be a temperature lower than a minimum value (60 [°C] in the present embodiment) of the target temperature of the second load 34 in the menthol mode in a case where both the aerosol source 71 and the flavor source 52 contain menthol and in a case where only the aerosol source 71 contains menthol.
  • the MCU 63 sets the target temperature of the second load 34 during the preheating to a temperature lower than a minimum value (30 [°C] in the present embodiment) of the target temperature of the second load 34 in the regular mode. Since the discharging to the second load 34 in a case where only the flavor source 52 contains menthol is controlled in the same discharging manner as the regular mode, in other words, the MCU 63 sets the target temperature of the second load 34 during preheating to a temperature lower than the minimum value of the target temperature of the second load 34 in a case where only the flavor source 52 contains menthol.
  • the minimum value of the target temperature of the second load 34 in the regular mode is a temperature lower than the minimum value of the target temperature of the second load 34 in the menthol mode in a case where both the aerosol source 71 and the flavor source 52 contain menthol and in a case where only the aerosol source 71 contains menthol.
  • the target temperature of the second load 34 during the preheating is set to a temperature lower than the minimum value of the target temperature of the second load 34 in the regular mode, the target temperature of the second load 34 during the preheating naturally becomes a temperature lower than the minimum value of the target temperature of the second load 34 in the menthol mode in a case where both the aerosol source 71 and the flavor source 52 contain menthol and in a case where only the aerosol source 71 contains menthol.
  • the target temperature of the second load 34 during the preheating to a temperature lower than the minimum value of the target temperature of the second load 34 in the regular mode, it is possible to prevent the second load 34 and the flavor source 52 from being excessively heated due to the preheating of the second load 34, it is possible to stabilize flavor, and it is possible to reduce power consumption due to the preheating of the second load 34 regardless of the target containing (or not containing) menthol between the aerosol source 71 and the flavor source 52.
  • the MCU 63 determines whether the cartridge 40 or the capsule 50 is of a menthol type based on a processing result of the flavor identification processing (step S2). For example, when it is set that the cartridge 40 or the capsule 50 is of a menthol type as the processing result of the flavor identification processing, the MCU 63 makes an affirmative determination in step S2 (step S2: YES), and executes menthol mode processing in order to control the discharging from the power supply 61 to the first load 45 and the second load 34 by the menthol mode.
  • the MCU 63 In the menthol mode processing, the MCU 63 first notifies the user of the menthol mode by the notification unit 16 (step S3). At this time, for example, the MCU 63 causes the light emitting element 161 to emit green light and causes the vibration element 162 to vibrate, thereby notifying the user of the menthol mode.
  • the MCU 63 sets the target temperature T cap_target and the atomized power to be supplied to the first load 45 (hereinafter, also referred to as atomized power P liquid ) based on the flavor component remaining amount W capsule (n puff - 1) contained in the flavor source 52 (step S4), and proceeds to step S5.
  • the flavor component remaining amount W capsule (n puff - 1) is W initial
  • the flavor component remaining amount W capsule (n puff - 1) is the flavor component remaining amount W capsule (n puff ) calculated by remaining amount update processing (to be described later) immediately before the inhaling operation.
  • a specific setting example of the target temperature T cap_target and the like in the menthol mode will be described later with reference to Figs. 13 and 14 .
  • the MCU 63 acquires a current temperature of the second load 34 (hereinafter, also referred to as temperature T cap_sense ) based on an output of the second temperature detection element 68 (step S5).
  • the temperature T cap_sense which is a temperature of the second load 34 is an example of the temperature parameter T capsule described above.
  • a temperature of the flavor source 52 or the accommodation chamber 53 may be used instead of the temperature of the second load 34.
  • the MCU 63 controls the discharging from the power supply 61 to the second load 34 based on the set target temperature T cap_target and the acquired temperature T cap_sense such that the temperature T cap_sense converges to the target temperature T cap_target (step S6).
  • the MCU 63 performs, for example, proportional-integral-differential (PID) control such that the temperature T cap_sense converges to the target temperature T cap_target .
  • PID proportional-integral-differential
  • proportional (P) control As the control for converging the temperature T cap_sense to the target temperature T cap_target , ON and OFF control for turning on and off the power supply to the second load 34, proportional (P) control, proportional-integral (PI) control, or the like may be used instead of the PID control.
  • P proportional
  • PI proportional-integral
  • the target temperature T cap_target may have hysteresis.
  • step S7 determines whether there is an aerosol generation request.
  • step S8 determines whether a predetermined period is elapsed in a state in which there is no aerosol generation request.
  • step S8 determines whether the predetermined period is not elapsed in a state in which there is no aerosol generation request.
  • the MCU 63 stops the discharging to the second load 34 (step S9), transitions the operation mode of the aerosol inhaler 1 to a sleep mode (step S10), and proceeds to step S29 to be described later.
  • the sleep mode is an operation mode in which power consumption of the aerosol inhaler 1 is lower than that in the startup mode, and that can be transitioned to the startup mode. Therefore, the MCU 63 transitions the aerosol inhaler 1 to the sleep mode, such that power consumption of the aerosol inhaler 1 can be reduced while maintaining a state capable of returning to the startup mode as needed.
  • step S7 when there is an aerosol generation request (step S7: YES), the MCU 63 temporarily stops the heating of the flavor source 52 performed by the second load 34 (that is, the discharging to the second load 34), and acquires the temperature T cap_sense based on an output of the second temperature detection element 68 (step S11).
  • the MCU 63 may not stop the heating of the flavor source 52 performed by the second load 34 (that is, the discharging to the second load 34) when executing step S11.
  • the MCU 63 determines whether the acquired temperature T cap_sense is higher than the set target temperature T cap_target - ⁇ ( ⁇ ⁇ 0) (step S12). ⁇ can be freely determined by a manufacturer of the aerosol inhaler 1. When the temperature T cap_sense is higher than the target temperature T cap_target - ⁇ (step S12: YES), the MCU 63 sets the current atomized power P liquid - ⁇ ( ⁇ > 0) as a new atomized power P liquid (step S13), and proceeds to step S16.
  • the MCU 63 when the target temperature T cap_target is controlled by the menthol mode, the MCU 63 changes the target temperature T cap_target from 80 [°C] to 60 [°C] in a predetermined period, details of which will be described later with reference to Fig. 13 and the like.
  • the temperature T cap_sense for example, 80 [°C]
  • the MCU 63 makes an affirmative determination in step S12 and performs processing in step S 13 to reduce the atomized power P liquid .
  • the atomized power P liquid can be reduced, and an amount of the aerosol source 71 that is generated by being heated with the first load 45 and is supplied to the flavor source 52 can be reduced. Therefore, it is possible to prevent a large amount of menthol from being supplied to the mouth of the user, and it is possible to stably supply an appropriate amount of menthol to the user.
  • step S12 determines whether the temperature T cap_sense is lower than the target temperature T cap_target - ⁇ (step S14).
  • step S14 determines whether the temperature T cap_sense is lower than the target temperature T cap_target - ⁇ (step S14).
  • step S14 sets the current atomized power P liquid + ⁇ as a new atomized power P liquid (step S 15), and proceeds to step S 16.
  • step S14 NO
  • the MCU 63 maintains the current atomized power P liquid and proceeds to step S16.
  • the MCU 63 notifies the user of the current discharge mode (step S16). For example, in the case of the menthol mode (that is, in a case where menthol mode processing is executed), in step S 16, the MCU 63 notifies the user of the menthol mode by, for example, causing the light emitting element 161 to emit green light. On the other hand, in the case of the regular mode (that is, in a case where regular mode processing is executed), in step S 16, the MCU 63 notifies the user of the regular mode by, for example, causing the light emitting element 161 to emit white light.
  • the MCU 63 controls the DC/DC converter 66 such that the atomized power P liquid set in step S13 or step S15 is supplied to the first load 45 (step S 17). Specifically, the MCU 63 controls a voltage applied to the first load 45 by the DC/DC converter 66, such that the atomized power P liquid is supplied to the first load 45. Accordingly, the atomized power P liquid is supplied to the first load 45, the aerosol source 71 is heated by the first load 45, and the vaporized and/or atomized aerosol source 71 is generated.
  • the MCU 63 determines whether the aerosol generation request is ended (step S18).
  • the MCU 63 determines whether an elapsed time from the start of the supply of the atomized power P liquid , that is, the supply time t sense , reaches the upper limit value t upper (step S19).
  • the MCU 63 returns to step S16. In this case, the supply of the atomized power P liquid to the first load 45, that is, the generation of the vaporized and/or atomized aerosol source 71, is continued.
  • step S 18 when the aerosol generation request is ended (step S 18: YES), and when the supply time t sense reaches the upper limit value t upper (step S19: YES), the MCU 63 stops the supply of the atomized power P liquid to the first load 45 (that is, the discharging to the first load 45) (step S20), and executes remaining amount update processing of calculating the flavor component remaining amount contained in the flavor source 52.
  • the MCU 63 first acquires the supply time t sense in which the atomized power P liquid is supplied (step S21). Next, the MCU 63 adds " 1" to n puff which is a count value of a puff number counter (step S22).
  • the MCU 63 updates the flavor component remaining amount W capsule (n puff ) contained in the flavor source 52 based on the acquired supply time t sense , the atomized power P liquid supplied to the first load 45 in response to the aerosol generation request, and the target temperature T cap_target set when the aerosol generation request is detected (step S23). For example, the MCU 63 calculates the flavor component remaining amount W capsule (n puff ) according to the following formula (2), and stores the calculated flavor component remaining amount W capsule (n puff ) in the memory 63a, thereby updating the flavor component remaining amount W capsule (n puff ).
  • ⁇ and ⁇ in the above formula (2) are the same as ⁇ and ⁇ in the above formula (1), and are obtained from experiments.
  • ⁇ in the above formula (2) is the same as ⁇ used in step S13, and is set in advance by a manufacturer of the aerosol inhaler 1.
  • ⁇ in the above formula (2) is a coefficient obtained from experiments in a similar manner to ⁇ and ⁇ .
  • the MCU 63 determines whether the updated flavor component remaining amount W capsule (n puff ) is less than a predetermined remaining amount threshold that is a condition for performing a capsule replacement notification (step S24).
  • a predetermined remaining amount threshold that is a condition for performing a capsule replacement notification
  • step S24 determines whether replacement of the capsule 50 is performed for a predetermined number of times after replacement of the cartridge 40 (step S25).
  • the aerosol inhaler 1 is provided to the user in a manner of combining five capsules 50 with one cartridge 40.
  • step S25 the MCU 63 determines whether the replacement of the capsule 50 is performed for five times after the replacement of the cartridge 40.
  • step S25 When the replacement of the capsule 50 is not performed for a predetermined number of times after the replacement of the cartridge 40 (step S25: NO), it is considered that the cartridge 40 is still in a usable state, and thus the MCU 63 performs a capsule replacement notification (step S26).
  • the MCU 63 performs the capsule replacement notification by operating the notification unit 16 in an operation mode for the capsule replacement notification.
  • step S25 when the replacement of the capsule 50 is performed for a predetermined number of times after the replacement of the cartridge 40 (step S25: YES), it is considered that the cartridge 40 reaches the end of life, and thus the MCU 63 performs a cartridge replacement notification (step S27).
  • the MCU 63 performs the cartridge replacement notification by operating the notification unit 16 in an operation mode for the cartridge replacement notification.
  • the MCU 63 resets the count value of the puff number counter to 1 and initializes the setting of the target temperature T cap_target (step S28).
  • the MCU 63 sets the target temperature T cap_target to -273 [°C] which is an absolute zero degree. Accordingly, regardless of the temperature of the second load 34 at that time, the discharging to the second load 34 can be substantially stopped and the heating of the flavor source 52 performed by the second load 34 can be substantially stopped.
  • step S29 determines whether the power supply of the aerosol inhaler 1 is turned off by an operation performed on the operation unit 15 or the like (step S29).
  • step S29: YES the MCU 63 ends the series of processing.
  • step S29: NO the MCU 63 returns to step S1.
  • step S1 When the cartridge 40 and the capsule 50 are set to the regular type as a processing result of the flavor identification processing in step S1, the MCU 63 makes a negative determination in step S2 (step S2: NO), and executes the regular mode processing to control the discharging from the power supply 61 to the first load 45 and the second load 34 by the regular mode.
  • the MCU 63 In the regular mode processing, the MCU 63 first notifies the user of the regular mode by the notification unit 16 (step S30). At this time, for example, the MCU 63 causes the light emitting element 161 to emit white light and causes the vibration element 162 to vibrate, thereby notifying the user of the regular mode.
  • the MCU 63 determines the aerosol weight W aerosol required to achieve the target flavor component amount W flavor based on the flavor component remaining amount W capsule (n puff - 1) contained in the flavor source 52 (step S31).
  • the MCU 63 calculates the aerosol weight W aerosol according to the following formula (3) obtained by modifying the above formula (1), and determines the calculated aerosol weight W aerosol as the aerosol weight W aerosol .
  • W aerosol W flavor ⁇ ⁇ W capsule n puff ⁇ 1 ⁇ T capsule i ⁇ ⁇
  • ⁇ and ⁇ in the above formula (3) are the same as ⁇ and ⁇ in the above formula (1), and are obtained from experiments.
  • the target flavor component amount W flavor is set in advance by a manufacturer of the aerosol inhaler 1.
  • the flavor component remaining amount W capsule (n puff - 1) in the above formula (3) is W initial
  • the flavor component remaining amount W capsule (n puff - 1) in the above formula (3) is the flavor component remaining amount W capsule (n puff ) calculated in remaining amount update processing immediately before the inhaling operation.
  • the MCU 63 sets the atomized power P liquid to be supplied to the first load 45 based on the aerosol weight W aerosol determined in step S31 (step S32).
  • the MCU 63 calculates, for example, the atomized power P liquid according to the following formula (4), and sets the calculated atomized power P liquid .
  • P liquid W aerosol ⁇ ⁇ t
  • ⁇ in the above formula (4) is the same as ⁇ in the above formula (2), and is obtained from experiments.
  • the aerosol weight W aerosol in the above formula (4) is the aerosol weight W aerosol determined in step S31.
  • t in the above formula (4) is the supply time t sense in which the atomized power P liquid is expected to be supplied, and may have, for example, the upper limit value t upper .
  • the MCU 63 determines whether the atomized power P liquid determined in step S32 is equal to or smaller than predetermined upper limit power that can be discharged from the power supply 61 to the first load 45 at that time (step S33).
  • the MCU 63 returns to step S6 described above.
  • the MCU 63 increases the target temperature T cap_target by a predetermined amount (step S34), and returns to step S30.
  • the aerosol weight W aerosol required to achieve the target flavor component amount W flavor can be reduced by the increase amount of the target temperature T cap_target , and as a result, the atomized power P liquid determined in the above step S32 can be reduced.
  • the MCU 63 repeats steps S31 to S34, so that the determination in step S33 determined initially as NO is determined as YES, and the processing can be shifted to step S5 as shown in Fig. 8 .
  • step S41 the MCU 63 first determines whether it is immediately after the power supply of the aerosol inhaler 1 is turned on (step S41). For example, the MCU 63 makes an affirmative determination in step S41 only in the case of the first time flavor identification processing after the power supply of the aerosol inhaler 1 is turned on.
  • the MCU 63 tries to acquire types of the cartridge 40 and the capsule 50 (step S42).
  • the MCU 63 can acquire the types of the cartridge 40 and the capsule 50 based on, for example, an operation performed on the operation unit 15.
  • each of the cartridge 40 and the capsule 50 may be provided with a storage medium (for example, an IC chip) that stores information indicating the types, and the MCU 63 may acquire the types of the cartridge 40 and the capsule 50 by reading the information stored in the storage medium.
  • electric resistance values of the cartridge 40 and the capsule 50 may be different according to types, and the MCU 63 may acquire the types of the cartridge 40 and the capsule 50 based on the electric resistance values. Instead of the electric resistance value, the types of the cartridge 40 and the capsule 50 may be acquired using other detectable physical quantities such as light transmittance and light reflectance of the capsule 50 and the cartridge 40.
  • the MCU 63 determines whether the types of the cartridge 40 and the capsule 50 are acquired in step S42 (step S43).
  • step S43 YES
  • the MCU 63 stores information indicating the types of the cartridge 40 and the capsule 50 acquired in step S42 in the memory 63a (step S44). Then, the MCU 63 sets the types of the cartridge 40 and the capsule 50 acquired in step S42 as a processing result of the current flavor identification processing, and ends the flavor identification processing.
  • step S43 when the types of the cartridge 40 and the capsule 50 are not acquired (step S43: NO), the MCU 63 performs predetermined error processing (step S45), and ends the flavor identification processing.
  • a situation in which the types of the cartridge 40 and the capsule 50 cannot be acquired may occur, for example, when mounting (connection) of the cartridge 40 to the power supply unit 10 is poor or the accommodation of the capsule 50 in the capsule holder 30 is poor.
  • the MCU 63 cannot read information stored in the storage medium of the cartridge 40 or the capsule 50, or the electric resistance value, the light transmittance, or the light reflectance of the cartridge 40 or the capsule 50 has an abnormal value, the MCU 63 cannot acquire the types of the cartridge 40 and the capsule 50.
  • step S41: NO the MCU 63 determines whether the cartridge 40 or the capsule 50 is attached or detached (step S46).
  • step S46 YES
  • the types of the cartridge 40 and the capsule 50 may be changed, and thus the MCU 63 proceeds to step S42 described above and tries to acquire the types of the cartridge 40 and the capsule 50.
  • step S46 when the cartridge 40 and the capsule 50 are not attached or detached (step S46: NO), there is no change in the types, and thus the MCU 63 reads the information indicating the types of the cartridge 40 and the capsule 50 stored in the memory 63a. Then, the MCU 63 sets the types of the cartridge 40 and the capsule 50 indicated by the information read in step S47 as a processing result of the current flavor identification processing, and ends the flavor identification processing.
  • the MCU 63 may detect the attachment and detachment of the cartridge 40 and the capsule 50 using any method.
  • the MCU 63 may detect the attachment and detachment of the cartridge 40 based on an electric resistance value between a pair of discharge terminals 12 acquired using the voltage sensor 671 and the current sensor 672 or an electric resistance value between a pair of discharge terminals 17 acquired using the voltage sensor 681 and the current sensor 682. It is clear that the electric resistance value between the discharge terminals 12 that can be acquired by the MCU 63 is different between a state in which the pair of discharge terminals 12 are electrically connected by connecting the first load 45 between the pair of discharge terminals 12 and a state in which the first load 45 is not connected between the pair of discharge terminals 12 and the pair of discharge terminals 12 are insulated by air. Therefore, the MCU 63 can detect the attachment and detachment of the cartridge 40 based on the electric resistance value between the discharge terminals 12.
  • the MCU 63 can detect the attachment and detachment of the cartridge 40 based on the electric resistance value between the discharge terminals 17.
  • the MCU 63 may detect attachment and detachment of the capsule 50 based on fluctuation in the electric resistance value between the pair of discharge terminals 12 acquired using the voltage sensor 671 and the current sensor 672 or fluctuation in the electric resistance value between the pair of discharge terminals 17 acquired using the voltage sensor 681 and the current sensor 682.
  • the MCU 63 can detect the attachment and detachment of the capsule 50 based on the fluctuation in the electric resistance value between the discharge terminals 12 and the fluctuation in the electric resistance value between the discharge terminals 17.
  • the MCU 63 may detect attachment and detachment of the cartridge 40 and the capsule 50 based on information stored in the storage medium provided in each of the cartridge 40 and the capsule 50. For example, when the information stored in the storage medium transitions from an acquirable (readable) state to an unacquirable state, the MCU 63 detects detachment of the cartridge 40 and the capsule 50. In addition, when the information stored in the storage medium transitions from an unacquirable state to an acquirable state, the MCU 63 detects the attachment of the cartridge 40 and the capsule 50.
  • identification information (ID) for identifying the cartridge 40 and the capsule 50 may be stored in the storage medium provided in each of the cartridge 40 and the capsule 50, and the MCU 63 may detect attachment and detachment of the cartridge 40 and the capsule 50 based on the identification information. In this case, when the identification information on the cartridge 40 and the capsule 50 changes, the MCU 63 detects attachment and detachment (in this case, replacement) of the cartridge 40 and the capsule 50.
  • the MCU 63 may detect the attachment and detachment of the cartridge 40 and the capsule 50 based on light transmittance and light reflectance of the cartridge 40 and the capsule 50. For example, when the light transmittance and the light reflectance of the cartridge 40 and the capsule 50 change from a value indicating attachment to a value indicating detachment, the MCU 63 detects detachment of the cartridge 40 and the capsule 50. When the light transmittance and the light reflectance of the cartridge 40 and the capsule 50 change from a value indicating detachment to a value indicating attachment, the MCU 63 detects attachment of the cartridge 40 and the capsule 50.
  • a horizontal axis indicates a remaining amount [mg] of the flavor component contained in the flavor source 52 in the capsule 50 (that is, the flavor component remaining amount W capsule ).
  • a vertical axis in part (a) of Fig. 13 indicates a target temperature (that is, the target temperature T cap_target ) [°C] of the second load 34 which is a heater for heating the capsule 50 (that is, the flavor source 52).
  • a vertical axis in part (b) of Fig. 13 indicates a voltage [V] applied to the first load 45 which is a heater for heating the aerosol source 71 stored in the cartridge 40.
  • a vertical axis at a left side in part (c) of Fig. 13 indicates an amount of menthol supplied to the mouth of the user by one inhaling operation [mg/puff]
  • a vertical axis at a right side in part (c) of Fig. 13 indicates an amount of the flavor component supplied to the mouth of the user by one inhaling operation [mg/puff].
  • the amount of menthol supplied to the mouth of the user by one inhaling operation is also referred to as a unit supply menthol amount.
  • the amount of the flavor component supplied to the mouth of the user by one inhaling operation is also referred to as a unit supply flavor component amount.
  • a first period Tm1 is a certain period immediately after the capsule 50 is replaced.
  • the first period Tm1 is a period from when the flavor component remaining amount in the capsule 50 is W initial up to when the flavor component remaining amount in the capsule 50 reaches W th1 which is set in advance by a manufacturer of the aerosol inhaler 1.
  • W th1 is set to a value smaller than W initial and larger than W th2 that is the above-described remaining amount threshold which is a condition for performing the capsule replacement notification.
  • W th1 may be a flavor component remaining amount when the inhaling operation is performed for about ten times after the new capsule 50 is mounted.
  • a second period Tm2 is a period after the first period Tm1, and specifically, is a period from when the flavor component remaining amount in the capsule 50 reaches W th1 up to when the flavor component remaining amount reaches W th2 .
  • the MCU 63 controls the discharging to the first load 45 and the second load 34 by the menthol mode. Specifically, in the menthol mode in this case, the MCU 63 sets the target temperature of the second load 34 in the first period Tm1 to 80 [°C], as indicated by a thick solid line in part (a) of Fig. 13 .
  • the target temperature (80 [°C]) of the second load 34 in the first period Tm1 in this case is a temperature higher than a melting point (for example, 42 [°C] to 45 [°C]) of the menthol and lower than a boiling point (for example, 212 [°C] to 216 [°C]) of the menthol.
  • the target temperature of the second load 34 in the first period Tm1 in this case may be a temperature equal to or lower than 90 [°C]. Accordingly, in the present embodiment, in the first period Tm1, the temperature of the second load 34 (that is, the flavor source 52) is controlled to converge to 80 [°C].
  • the MCU 63 sets the target temperature of the second load 34 to 60 [°C] which is lower than the target temperature in the immediately preceding first period Tm1.
  • the target temperature (60 [°C]) of the second load 34 in the second period Tm2 in this case is also a temperature higher than the melting point of the menthol and lower than the boiling point of the menthol.
  • the target temperature of the second load 34 in the first period Tm2 in this case may be a temperature equal to or lower than 90 [°C].
  • the temperature of the second load 34 (that is, the flavor source 52) is controlled to converge to 60 [°C]. Therefore, in the first period Tm2, since the menthol adsorbed to the flavor source 52 is heated to an appropriate temperature by the second load 34, rapid progress of desorption of the menthol from the flavor source 52 can be prevented, and an appropriate amount of menthol can be stably supplied to the user.
  • the MCU 63 increases the target temperature of the second load 34 in two stages from 80 [°C] to 60 [°C]. That is, in the menthol mode in a case where both the cartridge 40 and the capsule 50 are of the menthol type, in the first period Tm1, the MCU 63 controls the discharging to the second load 34 whose target temperature is 80 [°C] so as to converge the temperature of the second load 34 (that is, the flavor source 52) to be close to 80 [°C] which is high.
  • the MCU 63 controls the discharging to the second load 34 whose target temperature is 60 [°C] so as to converge the temperature of the second load 34 (that is, the flavor source 52) to be close to 60 [°C] which is low.
  • the MCU 63 sets a voltage applied to the first load 45 in the first period Tm1 to V1 [V] as indicated by a thick solid line in part (b) of Fig. 13 .
  • V1 [V] is a voltage set in advance by a manufacturer of the aerosol inhaler 1. Accordingly, in the first period Tm1 in this case, power corresponding to the applied voltage V1 [V] is supplied from the power supply 61 to the first load 45, and the aerosol source 71 vaporized and/or atomized by an amount corresponding to the power is generated by the first load 45.
  • the MCU 63 sets a voltage applied to the first load 45 to V2 [V] in the second period Tm2 after the first period Tm1.
  • V2 [V] is a voltage higher than V1 [V] as shown in part (b) of Fig. 13 .
  • V2 [V] is set in advance by a manufacturer of the aerosol inhaler 1.
  • the MCU 63 can apply a voltage such as V1 [V] or V2 [V] to the first load 45 by controlling the DC/DC converter 66.
  • the MCU 63 increases the voltage applied to the first load 45 in two stages from V1 [V] to V2 [V]. That is, in the menthol mode in a case where both the cartridge 40 and the capsule 50 are of the menthol type, the discharging to the first load 45 with an applied voltage of V1 [V] which is low is performed in the first period Tm1. In the second period Tm2 after the first period Tm1, the discharging to the first load 45 with an applied voltage of V2 [V] which is high is performed, and power larger than that in the immediately preceding first period Tm1 is supplied to the first load 45. Accordingly, an amount of the vaporized and/or atomized aerosol source 71 generated by the first load 45 is increased as compared with that in the immediately preceding first period Tm1.
  • a unit supply menthol amount in a case where both the cartridge 40 and the capsule 50 are of the menthol type and the MCU 63 controls the target temperature of the second load 34 and the voltage applied to the first load 45 by the menthol mode is indicated by a unit supply menthol amount 131a in part (c) of Fig. 13 .
  • a unit supply flavor component amount in a case where both the cartridge 40 and the capsule 50 are of the menthol type and the MCU 63 controls the target temperature of the second load 34 and the voltage applied to the first load 45 by the menthol mode is indicated by a unit supply flavor component amount 131b in part (c) of Fig. 13 .
  • the MCU 63 controls the discharging to the first load 45 and the second load 34 (that is, the target temperature of the second load 34 and the voltage applied to the first load 45) by the regular mode even though both the cartridge 40 and the capsule 50 are of the menthol type.
  • the MCU 63 increases the target temperature of the second load 34 in the first period Tm1 and the second period Tm2 in a stepwise manner in multiple stages, such as 30 [°C], 60 [°C], 70 [°C], and 85 [°C], which is more than stages in the menthol mode in a case where at least the aerosol source 71 contains menthol.
  • the number of steps at which the target temperature of the second load 34 is changed (decreased) in the menthol mode in a case where at least the aerosol source 71 contains menthol is smaller than the number of steps at which the target temperature of the second load 34 is changed (increased) in the regular mode.
  • the target temperature of the second load 34 and a timing of changing the target temperature in the regular mode are set in advance by a manufacturer of the aerosol inhaler 1.
  • the timing of changing the target temperature of the second load 34 in the regular mode may be determined based on a remaining amount [mg] of the flavor component (that is, the flavor component remaining amount W capsule ) contained in the flavor source 52 in the capsule 50.
  • a maximum value (here, 70 [°C]) of the target temperature of the second load 34 in the first period Tm1 in the regular mode is lower than the target temperature (here, 80 [°C]) of the second load 34 in the first period Tm1 in the menthol mode.
  • a minimum value (here, 70 [°C]) of the target temperature of the second load 34 in the second period Tm2 in the regular mode is higher than the target temperature (here, 60 [°C]) of the second load 34 in the second period Tm2 in the menthol mode.
  • the MCU 63 maintains the voltage applied to the first load 45 in the first period Tm1 and the second period Tm2 at a constant V3 [V], as indicated by a thick broken line in part (b) of Fig. 13 .
  • V3 [V] is a voltage higher than V1 [V] and lower than V2 [V], and is a voltage set in advance by a manufacturer of the aerosol inhaler 1.
  • the MCU 63 can apply a voltage of V3 [V] to the first load 45 by controlling the DC/DC converter 66.
  • a unit supply menthol amount in a case where both the cartridge 40 and the capsule 50 are of the menthol type and the MCU 63 controls the target temperature of the second load 34 and the voltage applied to the first load 45 by the regular mode is indicated by a unit supply menthol amount 132a in part (c) of Fig. 13 .
  • a unit supply flavor component amount in a case where both the cartridge 40 and the capsule 50 are of the menthol type and the MCU 63 controls the target temperature of the second load 34 and the voltage applied to the first load 45 by the regular mode is indicated by a unit supply flavor component amount 132b in part (c) of Fig. 13 .
  • the discharging to the first load 45 and the second load 34 (that is, the target temperature of the second load 34 and the voltage applied to the first load 45) are controlled by the regular mode.
  • the target temperature of the second load 34 in the first period Tm1 is lower than that in a case where the target temperature of the second load 34 and the voltage applied to the first load 45 are controlled by the menthol mode, the temperature of the flavor source 52 in the first period Tm1 is low.
  • a time up to when the flavor source 52 (specifically, the cigarette granules 521) and the menthol reach the adsorption equilibrium state in the capsule 50 is longer than that in a case where the discharging to the first load 45 or the like is controlled by the menthol mode.
  • the flavor source 52 specifically, the cigarette granules 521
  • the menthol mode a time up to when the flavor source 52 (specifically, the cigarette granules 521) and the menthol reach the adsorption equilibrium state in the capsule 50 is longer than that in a case where the discharging to the first load 45 or the like is controlled by the menthol mode.
  • most menthol derived from the aerosol source 71 is adsorbed to the flavor source 52, and menthol that can pass through the flavor source 52 is reduced.
  • the unit supply menthol amount of menthol that can be supplied to the user in the first period Tm1 is reduced as indicated by the unit supply menthol amount 131a and the unit supply menthol amount 132a, as compared with a case where the discharging to the first load 45 or the like is controlled by the menthol mode as described above. Therefore, in this way, a sufficient amount of menthol may not be supplied to the user in the first period Tm1.
  • the MCU 63 sets the second load 34 (that is, the flavor source 52) to have a high temperature in the vicinity of 80 [°C] in the first period Tm1 which is assumed to be a period before the flavor source 52 (specifically, the cigarette granules 521) and the menthol reach the adsorption equilibrium state.
  • the MCU 63 can prompt the flavor source 52 (specifically, the cigarette granules 521) and the menthol to reach the adsorption equilibrium state at an early stage in the capsule 50, and can prevent the menthol derived from the aerosol source 71 from being adsorbed to the flavor source 52, and can ensure an amount of the menthol to be supplied to the mouth of the user avoiding the menthol being adsorbed to the flavor source 52 among the menthol derived from the aerosol source 71.
  • the MCU 63 can increase the menthol derived from the flavor source 52, which is desorbed from the flavor source 52 (specifically, the cigarette granules 521) and is to be supplied to the mouth of the user by setting the second load 34 (that is, the flavor source 52) to have a high temperature in the first period Tm1. Therefore, a sufficient amount of menthol can be supplied to the user from a period when the flavor component contained in the flavor source 52 is sufficient (new product time), as indicated by the unit supply menthol amount 131a.
  • a unit supply menthol amount 133a is an example of a unit supply menthol amount in a case where both the cartridge 40 and the capsule 50 are of the menthol type and the flavor source 52 is not heated by the second load 34.
  • the temperature of the second load 34 (that is, the flavor source 52) in the first period Tm1 is the room temperature (see R.T. in part (c) of Fig. 13 ).
  • the target temperature of the second load 34 in the first period Tm1 is set to be high in the menthol mode in a case where both the cartridge 40 and the capsule 50 are of the menthol type.
  • the flavor source 52 heated to a high temperature in the first period Tm1 is also continuously heated at a high temperature in the second period Tm2, a large amount of menthol is supplied to the user, which may lead to a decrease in flavor.
  • the flavor source 52 that is heated to a high temperature in the first period Tm1 is prevented from being continued to be heated at a high temperature in the second period Tm2.
  • the unit supply menthol amount 131a in the second period Tm2 which is assumed to be a period after the flavor source 52 (specifically, the cigarette granules 521) and the menthol reach the adsorption equilibrium state, by lowering the temperature of the flavor source 52, an amount of the menthol that can be adsorbed to the flavor source 52 (specifically, the cigarette granules 521) can be increased, and the unit supply menthol amount can be prevented from increasing. Therefore, it is possible to supply an appropriate amount of menthol to the user in the second period Tm2.
  • the target temperature of the second load 34 in the second period Tm2 is set to be low in the menthol mode in a case where both the cartridge 40 and the capsule 50 are of the menthol type.
  • the target temperature of the second load 34 is set to be low in this manner, it is possible to prevent an increase in the unit supply menthol amount in the second period Tm2, but it is considered that the unit supply flavor component amount in the second period Tm2 also decreases, and it is not possible to provide a sufficient inhalation feeling to the user.
  • the MCU 63 sets the voltage applied to the first load 45 in the first period Tm1 to V1 [V], and sets the voltage applied to the first load 45 in the second period Tm2 after the first period Tm1 to V2 [V] which is higher than V1 [V]. Accordingly, the voltage applied to the first load 45 can be changed to V2 [V] which is high in accordance with the period becoming the second period Tm2 and the target temperature of the second load 34 being changed to 60 [°C] which is low.
  • an amount of the aerosol source 71 that is generated by being heated with the first load 45 and is supplied to the flavor source 52 can be increased, and the unit supply flavor component amount in the second period Tm2 can be prevented from decreasing as indicated by the unit supply flavor component amount 131b.
  • the MCU 63 sets the voltage applied to the first load 45 in the first period Tm1 to V4 [V] as indicated by a thick solid line in part (b) of Fig. 14 .
  • V4 [V] is a voltage higher than V3 [V] as shown in part (b) of Fig. 14 , and is a voltage set in advance by a manufacturer of the aerosol inhaler 1. Accordingly, in the first period Tm1 in this case, power corresponding to the applied voltage V3 [V] is supplied from the power supply 61 to the first load 45, and the aerosol source 71 vaporized and/or atomized by an amount corresponding to the power is generated by the first load 45.
  • the MCU 63 sets the voltage applied to the first load 45 to V5 [V] in the second period Tm2 after the first period Tm1.
  • V5 [V] is a voltage higher than V3 [V] and lower than V4 [V].
  • V5 [V] is set in advance by a manufacturer of the aerosol inhaler 1.
  • the MCU 63 can apply a voltage such as V4 [V] or V5 [V] to the first load 45 by controlling the DC/DC converter 66.
  • the voltage applied to the first load 45 is decreased in two stages from V4 [V] to V5 [V]. That is, in the menthol mode in a case where only the cartridge 40 is of the menthol type, the discharging to the first load 45 with an applied voltage of V4 [V] which is high is performed in the first period Tm1. In the second period Tm2 after the first period Tm1, the discharging to the first load 45 with an applied voltage of V5 [V] which is low is performed, and power lower than that in the immediately preceding first period Tm1 is supplied to the first load 45. Accordingly, an amount of the aerosol source 71 (vaporized and/or atomized aerosol source 71) that is generated by being heated with the first load 45 and is supplied to the flavor source 52 is reduced as compared with that in the immediately preceding first period Tm1.
  • a unit supply menthol amount in a case where only the cartridge 40 is of the menthol type and the MCU 63 controls the target temperature of the second load 34 and the voltage applied to the first load 45 by the menthol mode is indicated by a unit supply menthol amount 141a in part (c) of Fig. 14 .
  • a unit supply flavor component amount in a case where only the cartridge 40 is of the menthol type and the MCU 63 controls the target temperature of the second load 34 and the voltage applied to the first load 45 by the menthol mode is indicated by a unit supply flavor component amount 141b in part (c) of Fig. 14 .
  • a unit supply menthol amount in a case where only the cartridge 40 is of the menthol type and the MCU 63 controls the target temperature of the second load 34 and the voltage applied to the first load 45 by the regular mode is indicated by a unit supply menthol amount 142a in part (c) of Fig. 14 .
  • a unit supply flavor component amount in a case where only the cartridge 40 is of the menthol type and the MCU 63 controls the target temperature of the second load 34 and the voltage applied to the first load 45 by the regular mode is indicated by a unit supply flavor component amount 142b in part (c) of Fig. 14 .
  • a unit supply menthol amount in a case where only the cartridge 40 is of the menthol type and the flavor source 52 is not heated by the second load 34 is indicated by a unit supply menthol amount 143a in part (c) of Fig. 14 .
  • a unit supply flavor component amount in a case where only the cartridge 40 is of the menthol type and the flavor source 52 is not heated by the second load 34 is indicated by a unit supply flavor component amount 143b in part (c) of Fig. 14 .
  • the MCU 63 sets the voltage applied to the first load 45 in the first period Tm1 to V4 [V], and sets the voltage applied to the first load 45 in the second period Tm2 after the first period Tm1 to V5 [V] lower than V4 [V].
  • an amount of the aerosol source 71 that is generated by being heated with the first load 45 and is supplied to the flavor source 52 can be increased by applying V4 [V] which is high to the first load 45 (that is, by supplying large power to the first load 45).
  • the MCU 63 controls the discharging to the first load 45 and the second load 34 in a discharging manner similar to that in the regular mode. Specifically, in the menthol mode in this case, for example, the MCU 63 increases the target temperature of the second load 34 in the first period Tm1 and the second period Tm2 in a stepwise manner in multiple stages (for example, four stages here) such as 30 [°C], 60 [°C], 70 [°C], and 85 [°C], as indicated by a thick solid line in part (a) of Fig. 15 .
  • the MCU 63 maintains the voltage applied to the first load 45 in the first period Tm1 and the second period Tm2 at a constant V3 [V], as indicated by a thick solid line in part (b) of Fig. 15 .
  • a unit supply menthol amount in a case where only the capsule 50 is of the menthol type and the MCU 63 controls the target temperature of the second load 34 and the voltage applied to the first load 45 by the menthol mode is indicated by a unit supply menthol amount 151a in part (c) of Fig. 15 .
  • a unit supply flavor component amount in a case where only the capsule 50 is of the menthol type and the MCU 63 controls the target temperature of the second load 34 and the voltage applied to the first load 45 by the menthol mode is indicated by a unit supply flavor component amount 151b in part (c) of Fig. 15 .
  • a unit supply menthol amount in a case where only the capsule 50 is of the menthol type and the flavor source 52 is not heated by the second load 34 is indicated by a unit supply menthol amount 153a in part (c) of Fig. 15 .
  • a unit supply flavor component amount in a case where only the capsule 50 is of the menthol type and the flavor source 52 is not heated by the second load 34 is indicated by a unit supply flavor component amount 153b in part (c) of Fig. 15 .
  • the MCU 63 can gradually increase the temperature of the second load 34 (that is, the flavor source 52) by increasing the target temperature of the second load 34 in a stepwise manner in the first period Tm1 and the second period Tm2. Accordingly, desorption of menthol that is adsorbed to the flavor source 52 (specifically, the cigarette granules 521) in the capsule 50 from the flavor source 52 can be gradually progressed.
  • the power supply unit 10 can appropriately control the discharging to the first load 45 and the second load 34 in accordance with a target containing (or not containing) menthol.
  • the present invention is not limited thereto.
  • the voltage applied to the first load 45 may be changed in a stepwise manner in stages more than two stages, or may be changed continuously.
  • the target temperature of the second load 34 is changed in a stepwise manner in two stages in the menthol mode in a case where at least the aerosol source 71 contains menthol in the present embodiment
  • the present invention is not limited thereto.
  • the target temperature of the second load 34 may be changed in a stepwise manner in stages more than two stages (in stages smaller than that in the regular mode), or may be changed continuously.
  • the target temperature of the second load 34 may also be changed in a stepwise manner in stages more than four stages, or may be changed continuously in the regular mode.
  • the target temperature of the second load 34 during preheating of the second load 34 in response to the transition to the startup mode is lower than the minimum value of the target temperature of the second load 34 in the menthol mode and the regular mode in the present embodiment
  • the present invention is not limited thereto.
  • the target temperature of the second load 34 during the preheating of the second load 34 in response to the transition to the startup mode may be a temperature higher than the minimum value of the target temperature of the second load 34 in the regular mode.
  • the target temperature of the second load 34 during the preheating may be a temperature higher than the minimum value of the target temperature of the second load 34 in the menthol mode in a case where only the flavor source 52 contains menthol.
  • the temperature of the second load 34 can be lowered to an appropriate target temperature by stopping the preheating of the second load 34.
  • the temperature of the second load 34 can be easily brought to an appropriate target temperature by supplying more power to the second load 34. Therefore, the second load 34 can be easily brought to an appropriate target temperature in accordance with a target regardless of whether the target contains (or does not contain) menthol.
  • the heating chamber 43 of the cartridge 40 and the accommodation chamber 53 of the capsule 50 are arranged physically separated from each other and communicate with each other through the aerosol flow path 90 in the present embodiment
  • the heating chamber 43 and the accommodation chamber 53 may not necessarily be arranged physically separated from each other.
  • the heating chamber 43 and the accommodation chamber 53 may be thermally insulated from each other and may be in communication with each other.
  • the heating chamber 43 and the accommodation chamber 53 are also thermally insulated from each other, and thus it is possible to make the accommodation chamber 53 less likely to be affected by heat from the first load 45 of the heating chamber 43. Accordingly, rapid desorption of menthol from the flavor source 52 is prevented, and thus menthol can be stably supplied to the user.
  • the heating chamber 43 and the accommodation chamber 53 may be physically separated from each other, may be thermally insulated from each other, and may be in communication with each other.
  • an overall shape of the aerosol inhaler 1 is not limited to a shape in which the power supply unit 10, the cartridge 40, and the capsule 50 are arranged in a line as shown in Fig. 1 .
  • the aerosol inhaler 1 may be implemented such that the cartridge 40 and the capsule 50 can be replaced with respect to the power supply unit 10, and may adopt any shape such as a substantially box shape.
  • the cartridge 40 may be integrated with the power supply unit 10.
  • the capsule 50 may be replaceable with respect to the power supply unit 10, and may be attachable to and detachable from the power supply unit 10.
  • the first load 45 and the second load 34 are heaters that generate heat by power discharged from the power supply 61, but the first load 45 and the second load 34 may be Peltier elements that can perform heat generating and cooling by power discharged from the power supply 61.
  • the degree of freedom in controlling the temperature of the aerosol source 71 and the temperature of the flavor source 52 is improved, and thus the unit flavor amount can be controlled at a higher level.
  • the MCU 63 controls the discharging from the power supply 61 to the first load 45 and the second load 34 such that the flavor component amount converges to the target amount, but the target amount is not limited to a specific value and may be a range having a certain width.
  • the MCU 63 controls the discharging from the power supply 61 to the second load 34 such that the temperature of the flavor source 52 converges to the target temperature, but the target temperature is not limited to a specific value and may be a range having a certain width.
  • the preheating of the second heater in response to the transition to the startup mode is performed before determining whether the flavor source or the aerosol source contains the menthol.
  • the preheating of the second heater can be ended. Accordingly, after it is determined whether the flavor source or the aerosol source contains the menthol, it is possible to appropriately control the discharging to the first heater and/or the second heater in accordance with a target containing the menthol between the aerosol source and the flavor source.
  • JP2020-193900A Japanese Patent Application

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  • Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
  • Chemical Kinetics & Catalysis (AREA)
  • General Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
  • Containers And Packaging Bodies Having A Special Means To Remove Contents (AREA)
  • Disinfection, Sterilisation Or Deodorisation Of Air (AREA)
EP21894235.7A 2020-11-20 2021-05-20 Unité d'alimentation électrique de générateur d'aérosol Withdrawn EP4248773A1 (fr)

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JP2020193900A JP6915142B1 (ja) 2020-11-20 2020-11-20 エアロゾル生成装置の電源ユニット
PCT/JP2021/019236 WO2022107358A1 (fr) 2020-11-20 2021-05-20 Unité d'alimentation électrique de générateur d'aérosol

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JP (1) JP6915142B1 (fr)
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CN (1) CN115697104A (fr)
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JP6854961B1 (ja) * 2020-11-20 2021-04-07 日本たばこ産業株式会社 エアロゾル生成装置の電源ユニット
US11789476B2 (en) 2021-01-18 2023-10-17 Altria Client Services Llc Heat-not-burn (HNB) aerosol-generating devices including intra-draw heater control, and methods of controlling a heater
CN118369009A (zh) * 2021-12-10 2024-07-19 日本烟草产业株式会社 气溶胶生成装置的电源单元
JPWO2023105773A1 (fr) * 2021-12-10 2023-06-15
EP4449906A1 (fr) * 2021-12-13 2024-10-23 Japan Tobacco Inc. Corps moulé à base d'arôme pour inhalateur d'arôme du type à chauffage sans combustion, son procédé de production et inhalateur d'arôme du type à chauffage sans combustion

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Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP2609820A1 (fr) * 2011-12-30 2013-07-03 Philip Morris Products S.A. Détection d'un substrat formant un aérosol dans un dispositif de génération d'aérosol
US20150335070A1 (en) 2014-05-20 2015-11-26 R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Company Electrically-powered aerosol delivery system
WO2017141359A1 (fr) * 2016-02-16 2017-08-24 日本たばこ産業株式会社 Dispositif d'inhalation d'arôme de type sans combustion
JP6705001B2 (ja) * 2016-08-26 2020-06-03 日本たばこ産業株式会社 非燃焼型香味吸引器
KR20180124739A (ko) * 2017-05-11 2018-11-21 주식회사 케이티앤지 궐련의 종류별로 에어로졸 생성장치에 포함된 히터의 온도를 제어하는 방법 및 궐련의 종류별로 히터의 온도를 제어하는 에어로졸 생성장치
US11528936B2 (en) * 2017-10-30 2022-12-20 Kt&G Corporation Aerosol generating device
JP7295703B2 (ja) 2019-05-29 2023-06-21 株式会社アドバンテスト 試験装置

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JP2022082384A (ja) 2022-06-01
US20230089306A1 (en) 2023-03-23
WO2022107358A1 (fr) 2022-05-27
JP6915142B1 (ja) 2021-08-04
KR20230088308A (ko) 2023-06-19
CN115697104A (zh) 2023-02-03

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