JP2022002514A - Aspirator device - Google Patents

Abstract

To provide an aspirator device in which a user can easily recognize the timing of replacement of an element required for aspiring aerosol or aerosol to which flavor is added.SOLUTION: An aspirator device is provided which is connected to a cartridge in which aerosol source is stored. The cartridge includes an atomization part for atomizing the aerosol source to generate aerosol. A flavor is added to the aerosol generated by the atomization part from a flavor source. A frequency of replacing the aerosol source required for continuously generating the aerosol is lower than a frequency of a replacement of the flavor source. The aspirator device includes: a battery for supplying power to the atomization part; an acquiring part for acquiring an aerosol generation request; and a notifying part for sending a first notification for requesting a replacement of the flavor source in the case where the aerosol generation request is acquired by the acquiring part and when the flavor source is not present which is recognized as being capable of generating the aerosol to which flavor is added in the aspirator device.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1A

Description

The present disclosure relates to a suction device that produces an aerosol or a flavored aerosol that is sucked by the user.

In suction devices for producing user-sucked aerosols, such as common e-cigarettes and nebulizers, specific elements such as the aerosol source for producing the aerosol and the flavor source for imparting flavor to the aerosol are specified. Unless it is replaced every number of suctions, it is not possible to provide the user with a sufficient suction experience.

As a solution to this problem, there is known a technique for encouraging replacement of elements by notifying the user using a light emitting diode (LED) or the like. However, even if the notification is given at the timing when the aerosol source or flavor source needs to be replaced, the user does not necessarily pay attention to the LED at that timing, so such a notification is given during suction of the aerosol, etc. It was easy for the user to overlook in the situation.

As another solution to this problem, Patent Document 1 discloses an electronic steam supply device that shifts to a sleep mode when the cumulative suction time exceeds a predetermined threshold value. However, since the technique disclosed in Patent Document 1 does not visually notify the user, it does not necessarily encourage the user to exchange elements at an appropriate timing.

In addition, in order to perform satisfactory suction using a general electronic cigarette or nebulizer, not only the remaining amount of the battery that supplies power to the atomizing part, but also the remaining amount of the aerosol source for generating the aerosol and the remaining amount. It is also necessary to properly manage the remaining amount of the flavor source for imparting flavor to the aerosol. However, these factors required for aerosol suction often differ greatly in the timing and frequency of recovering the remaining amount due to their respective characteristics and mounted capacity. For this reason, it has never been easy for the user to recover the remaining amount of each of these multiple elements at an appropriate timing.

As a solution to this problem, Patent Document 2 discloses a technique for linking the replacement timing of the first cartridge having an aerosol source and the replacement timing of the second cartridge having a flavor source. However, there is still room for improvement in that the user is notified in an easy-to-understand manner of the necessity of recovery of a plurality of elements necessary for suction, which have greatly different timings and frequencies for recovering the remaining amount.

Also, in a suction device such as a general e-cigarette or nebulizer that provides a suction experience using an aerosol source for producing an aerosol and a flavor source for imparting flavor to the aerosol, the residue of the aerosol source and flavor source. Without proper control of the amount, it is not possible to provide the user with a sufficient suction experience. However, since the timing and frequency of recovering the remaining amount of the aerosol source and the flavor source differ greatly, it has never been easy to properly manage the remaining amount of each of these elements.

As a solution to this problem, in Patent Document 2, the remaining amount of these elements is managed by linking the replacement timing of the first cartridge having an aerosol source and the replacement timing of the second cartridge having a flavor source. Techniques for reducing the burden on the patient are disclosed. Further, Patent Document 2 discloses a technique for similarly reducing the burden for managing the remaining amount of these elements by notifying the replacement timing of the first cartridge and the second cartridge. However, there is still room for improvement in that it is difficult to determine whether it is necessary to replace only the second cartridge or the first cartridge at the same time when replacing these elements. In addition, there was still room for improvement in how to notify the user at the replacement timing of these elements so that the user can be encouraged to recover the remaining amount of multiple elements so that continuous suction can be performed. ..

International Publication No. 2015/05/25113 International Publication No. 2016/076178

The present disclosure has been made in view of the above points.

The first problem to be solved by the present disclosure is to provide a suction device in which the user can easily recognize the timing of replacement, filling, charging, etc. of the elements necessary for suction of the aerosol or the aerosol to which the flavor is imparted. ..

A second object to be solved by the present disclosure is to provide a suction device capable of reducing the possibility that the user neglects to recover the remaining amount of the remaining amount of the aerosol or the element necessary for sucking the flavored aerosol. Is.

A third object to be solved by the present disclosure is to provide a suction device capable of easily managing the remaining amount of an element necessary for sucking an aerosol or a flavored aerosol.

From one aspect, a suction device connected to a cartridge accommodating an aerosol source, wherein the cartridge comprises an atomizer that atomizes the aerosol source to produce an aerosol, which is produced by the atomizer. The aerosol is flavored from the flavor source, and the frequency of replacement of the aerosol source required for continuous generation of the aerosol is lower than the frequency of replacement of the flavor source, and the suction device is described by the suction device. A battery that supplies power to the atomization unit, an acquisition unit that acquires an aerosol generation request, and an aerosol to which a flavor is added can be generated by the suction device when the aerosol generation request is acquired by the acquisition unit. A suction device is provided that comprises a notification unit that provides a first notification to encourage replacement of the aerosol in the absence of a recognized aerosol.

In one embodiment, the notification unit may notify the remaining amount of at least one of the aerosol source and the flavor source.

In one embodiment, when the notification unit does not have the flavor source that is recognized to be capable of producing an aerosol with flavor in the suction device when the acquisition request is acquired by the acquisition unit, the notification unit is used. The first notification may be given regardless of the remaining amount of the aerosol source in the cartridge.

In one embodiment, when the notification unit has a flavor source that is recognized to be capable of producing an aerosol with flavor in the suction device when the acquisition request is acquired by the acquisition unit, the notification unit is used. A second notification different from the first notification may be given.

In one embodiment, the frequency of charging the battery required for the continuous production of the aerosol may be lower than the frequency of replacement of the flavor source.

In one embodiment, when the notification unit gives the first notification, the supply of electric power from the battery to the atomization unit may be stopped.

In one embodiment, the suction device may further include a control unit that estimates the remaining amount of at least one of the aerosol source and the flavor source based on the integrated value of the energization time to the atomization unit.

In one embodiment, the suction device is a control that estimates the remaining amount of at least one of the aerosol source and the flavor source based on the number of times the suction is detected by the suction detection unit and the suction detection unit. A unit may be further provided.

In one embodiment, the cartridge may include a tank containing the liquid source of the aerosol.

In one embodiment, the flavor source may be a tobacco-derived or non-tobacco-derived processed product.

In one embodiment, the notification unit may be a display.

According to the first embodiment of the present disclosure, it is possible to provide a suction device in which the user can easily recognize the timing of replacement, filling, charging and the like of an element necessary for suction of an aerosol or an aerosol to which a flavor is imparted.

According to the second embodiment of the present disclosure, it is possible to provide a suction device in which a user can easily understand the recovery of the remaining amount of a plurality of elements necessary for sucking an aerosol or a flavored aerosol.

According to the third embodiment of the present disclosure, it is possible to provide a suction device capable of easily controlling the remaining amount of an element necessary for sucking an aerosol or a flavored aerosol.

It is a schematic block diagram of the structure of the suction device which concerns on one Embodiment of this disclosure. It is a schematic block diagram of the structure of the suction device which concerns on one Embodiment of this disclosure. It is a flowchart which shows the basic operation of the suction device by 1st Embodiment of this disclosure. It is a flowchart which shows the example of the operation of the suction device by 1st Embodiment of this disclosure in detail. It is a flowchart which shows the basic operation of the suction apparatus by the 2nd Embodiment of this disclosure. It is a flowchart which shows another basic operation of the suction device by 2nd Embodiment of this disclosure. It is a flowchart which shows the example of the operation of the suction device by 2nd Embodiment of this disclosure in detail. It is a flowchart which shows the example of the operation of the suction device by 2nd Embodiment of this disclosure in detail. It is a flowchart which shows the basic operation of the suction device by the 3rd Embodiment of this disclosure. It is a flowchart which shows the example of the operation of the suction device by the 3rd Embodiment of this disclosure in detail.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. The embodiments of the present disclosure include, but are not limited to, electronic cigarettes and nebulizers. Embodiments of the present disclosure may include various suction devices for producing aerosols to be sucked by the user or aerosols with flavor.

FIG. 1A is a schematic block diagram of the configuration of the suction device 100A according to the embodiment of the present disclosure. It should be noted that FIG. 1A schematically and conceptually shows each component included in the suction device 100A, and does not show the exact arrangement, shape, dimensions, positional relationship, etc. of each component and the suction device 100A. sea bream.

As shown in FIG. 1A, the suction device 100A includes a first member 102 and a second member 104. As shown, as an example, the first member 102 may include a control unit 106, a notification unit 108, a battery 110, a sensor 112, and a memory 114. As an example, the second member 104 may include a reservoir 116, an atomizing section 118, an air intake channel 120, an aerosol channel 121 and a mouthpiece 122. A part of the components contained in the first member 102 may be contained in the second member 104. A part of the components contained in the second member 104 may be contained in the first member 102. The second member 104 may be configured to be detachable from the first member 102. Alternatively, all the components contained in the first member 102 and the second member 104 may be contained in the same housing instead of the first member 102 and the second member 104.

The reservoir 116 holds an aerosol source. For example, the reservoir 116 is composed of a fibrous or porous material and holds an aerosol source as a liquid in the gaps between the fibers and in the pores of the porous material. For the above-mentioned fibrous or porous material, for example, cotton, glass fiber, tobacco raw material, or the like can be used. The reservoir 116 may be configured as a tank for containing the liquid. The aerosol source is, for example, a polyhydric alcohol such as glycerin or propylene glycol, or a liquid such as water. If the aspirator 100A is a medical inhaler such as a nebulizer, the aerosol source may also contain a drug for the patient to inhale. As another example, the aerosol source may include a tobacco ingredient or an extract derived from the tobacco ingredient that releases a flavor component by heating. The reservoir 116 may have a configuration capable of replenishing the consumed aerosol source. Alternatively, the reservoir 116 may be configured so that the reservoir 116 itself can be replaced when the aerosol source is consumed. Further, the aerosol source is not limited to a liquid, but may be a solid. When the aerosol source is a solid, the reservoir 116 may be, for example, a hollow container without a fibrous or porous material.

The atomizing unit 118 is configured to atomize an aerosol source to produce an aerosol. When the suction operation is detected by the sensor 112, the atomizing unit 118 produces an aerosol. For example, a wick (not shown) may be provided to connect the reservoir 116 and the atomizing section 118. In this case, a portion of the wick passes through the interior of the reservoir 116 and comes into contact with the aerosol source. The other part of the wick extends to the atomization section 118. The aerosol source is carried from the reservoir 116 to the atomizer 118 by the wick's capillary effect. As an example, the atomizing unit 118 includes a heater electrically connected to the battery 110. The heater is placed in contact with or in close proximity to the wick. When the suction operation is detected, the control unit 106 controls the heater of the atomizing unit 118 and atomizes the aerosol source by heating the aerosol source carried through the wick. Another example of the atomizing unit 118 may be an ultrasonic atomizer that atomizes an aerosol source by ultrasonic vibration. An air intake flow path 120 is connected to the atomization unit 118, and the air intake flow path 120 leads to the outside of the suction device 100. The aerosol produced in the atomizing section 118 is mixed with the air taken in through the air intake flow path 120. The aerosol-air mixed fluid is pumped into the aerosol flow path 121, as indicated by arrow 124. The aerosol flow path 121 has a tubular structure for transporting the mixed fluid of aerosol and air generated in the atomizing portion 118 to the mouthpiece 122.

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

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

The battery 110 supplies electric power to each component of the suction device 100A such as the notification unit 108, the sensor 112, the memory 114, and the atomization unit 118. The battery 110 may be rechargeable by connecting to an external power source via a predetermined port (not shown) of the suction device 100A. Only the battery 110 may be removed from the first member 102 or the suction device 100A or may be replaced with a new battery 110. Further, the battery 110 may be replaced with a new battery 110 by replacing the entire first member 102 with a new first member 102.

The sensor 112 may include a pressure sensor that detects pressure fluctuations in the air intake flow path 120 and / or the aerosol flow path 121, or a flow rate sensor that detects the flow rate. The sensor 112 may also include a weight sensor that detects the weight of a component such as the reservoir 116. The sensor 112 may also be configured to count the number of puffs by the user using the suction device 100A. The sensor 112 may also be configured to integrate the energization time to the atomizing section 118. The sensor 112 may also be configured to detect the height of the liquid level in the reservoir 116. The sensor 112 may also be configured to detect the SOC (State of Charge, state of charge), current integrated value, voltage, and the like of the battery 110. The current integration value may be obtained by a current integration method, an SOC-OCV (Open Circuit Voltage) method, or the like. The sensor 112 may also be a user-operable operation button or the like.

The control unit 106 may be an electronic circuit module configured as a microprocessor or a microcomputer. The control unit 106 may be configured to control the operation of the suction device 100A according to a computer executable instruction stored in the memory 114. The memory 114 is a storage medium such as a ROM, RAM, or flash memory. In addition to the computer-executable instructions as described above, the memory 114 may store setting data and the like necessary for controlling the suction device 100A. For example, the memory 114 may store various data such as a control method of the notification unit 108 (modes such as light emission, vocalization, vibration, etc.), a value detected by the sensor 112, a heating history of the atomization unit 118, and the like. .. The control unit 106 reads data from the memory 114 as necessary and uses it for controlling the suction device 100A, and stores the data in the memory 114 as necessary.

FIG. 1B is a schematic block diagram of the configuration of the suction device 100B according to the embodiment of the present disclosure.

As shown, the suction device 100B includes a third member 126 in addition to the configuration of the suction device 100A of FIG. 1A. The third member 126 may include a flavor source 128. As an example, when the suction device 100B is an electronic cigarette, the flavor source 128 may contain a flavor component contained in the cigarette. As shown, the aerosol flow path 121 extends across the second member 104 and the third member 126. The mouthpiece 122 is provided in the third member 126.

The flavor source 128 is a component for imparting flavor to the aerosol. The flavor source 128 is arranged in the middle of the aerosol flow path 121. The mixed fluid of aerosol and air generated by the atomizing unit 118 (hereinafter, it should be noted that the mixed fluid may be simply referred to as an aerosol) flows through the aerosol flow path 121 to the mouthpiece 122. As described above, the flavor source 128 is provided downstream of the atomizing portion 118 with respect to the flow of the aerosol. In other words, the flavor source 128 is located closer to the mouthpiece 122 in the aerosol flow path 121 than the atomizing portion 118. Therefore, the aerosol produced by the atomizing portion 118 passes through the flavor source 128 and then reaches the mouthpiece portion 122. When the aerosol passes through the flavor source 128, the flavor component contained in the flavor source 128 is imparted to the aerosol. As an example, when the suction device 100B is an electronic cigarette, the flavor source 128 may be derived from tobacco, such as chopped tobacco or a processed product obtained by molding a tobacco raw material into granules, sheets, or powder. The flavor source 128 may also be of non-tobacco origin made from plants other than tobacco (eg, mint, herbs, etc.). As an example, flavor source 128 contains a nicotine component. The flavor source 128 may contain a perfume component such as menthol. In addition to the flavor source 128, the reservoir 116 may also have a substance containing a flavor component. For example, the suction device 100B may be configured to hold a tobacco-derived flavoring substance in the flavor source 128 and contain a non-tobacco-derived flavoring substance in the reservoir 116.

The user can take in the air containing the flavored aerosol into the oral cavity by holding the mouthpiece 122 and sucking it.

The control unit 106 is configured to control the suction devices 100A and 100B (hereinafter collectively referred to as “suction device 100”) according to the embodiment of the present disclosure by various methods. Hereinafter, each embodiment will be described in detail.

<First Embodiment>
FIG. 2 is a flowchart showing the basic operation of the suction device 100 according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure. Hereinafter, it is assumed that the control unit 106 executes all the steps shown in FIG. However, it should be noted that some steps in FIG. 2 may be performed by another component within the suction device 100.

In step 202, the control unit 106 detects or estimates the capacitance of the element of the suction device 100. As used herein, the term "element" means a component configured to contribute to the production of an aerosol or a flavored aerosol by consuming the accumulated volume. As an example, in the case of an electronic cigarette having the configuration of the suction device 100A shown in FIG. 1A, the first member 102 can be a battery housing including the battery 110, and the second member 104 is a cartridge containing the reservoir 116. Can be. In this case, the battery housing (or battery 110) and cartridge (or reservoir 116) fall under the above "elements". Here, the "capacity" means the remaining amount of the battery 110, the remaining amount of the aerosol source contained in the reservoir 116, and the like. As another example, in the case of an electronic cigarette having the configuration of the suction device 100B shown in FIG. 1B, the first member 102 may be a battery accommodating portion including the battery 110, and the second member 104 may have a reservoir 116. It can be a cartridge containing, and the third member 126 can be a capsule containing the flavor source 128. In this case, the battery housing (or battery 110), cartridge (or reservoir 116) and capsule (or flavor source 128) are the "elements". Here, the "capacity" means the remaining amount of the battery 110, the remaining amount of the aerosol source in the reservoir 116, the remaining amount of the flavor component contained in the flavor source 128, the remaining amount of the aerosol source, and the like. The volume, weight, etc. of the flavor source 128 and the reservoir 116 may increase with the use of the suction device 100. Therefore, it should be noted that the volume, weight, etc. of the flavor source 128 and the reservoir 116 do not necessarily correspond to the “capacity”.

The capacity of the element can be detected or estimated in various ways. In one example, the sensor 112 may be a weight sensor. In this case, the control unit 106 uses the sensor 112 to detect the weight of the element (for example, the weight of the liquid or cigarette when the aerosol source contained in the reservoir 116 is a liquid or cigarette), and the detected weight. May be determined as the capacity of the element. In another example, the sensor 112 may be able to detect the height of the liquid level (such as the aerosol source contained in the reservoir 116). In this case, the control unit 106 may detect the height of the liquid level of the element using the sensor 112 and estimate the capacity of the element based on the detected liquid level. In another example, the memory 114 may store the integrated value of the energization time for the atomizing unit 118. In this case, the control unit 106 determines the capacity of the element (for example, the remaining amount of the aerosol source contained in the reservoir 116, the remaining amount of the tobacco flavor component, the flavor source 128) based on the integrated energization time acquired from the memory 114. The remaining amount of the aroma component contained in the product, etc.) may be estimated. In another example, the memory 114 may store the number of suctions (“puffs” in the electronic cigarette example) performed by the user to the suction device 100. In this case, the control unit 106 may estimate the capacity of the element based on the number of suctions acquired from the memory 114. In another example, the memory 114 may store data regarding the heating history of the atomizing unit 118. In this case, the control unit 106 may estimate the capacity of the element based on the data acquired from the memory 114. In another example, the memory 114 may store data regarding the SOC (State of Charge, state of charge), current integrated value and / or voltage of the battery 110. The sensor 112 may detect these values. In this case, the control unit 106 can detect or estimate the capacity of the element (particularly the battery 110) based on these data.

In step 204, the control unit 106 determines whether or not the capacity of the element detected or estimated in step 202 is less than the threshold value. The threshold value may be stored in the memory 114, and the control unit 106 may acquire the threshold value from the memory 114. If the capacity is not less than the threshold (“No” in step 204), processing returns before step 202. If the capacity is less than the threshold (“Yes” in step 204), the process proceeds to step 206.

In step 206, the control unit 106 detects a default variable. In one example, if the sensor 112 includes a pressure sensor that detects pressure in the air intake channel 120 and / or the aerosol channel 121, the default variable may be pressure. In another example, if the sensor 112 includes a flow rate sensor that detects the flow rate in the flow path instead of the pressure in the air intake flow path 120 and / or the aerosol flow path 121, the default variable is the flow rate. You may. In another example, if the suction device 100 includes a drive button (not shown), the default variable may be a stress, current value, etc., indicating that the button has been pressed.

The sensor 112 may include a plurality of sensors, and at least two of the plurality of sensors may detect different physical quantities. In step 202, the control unit 106 may use some of the plurality of sensors to detect or estimate the capacitance of the elements of the suction device 100. Further, in step 206, the control unit 106 may use a different part of the plurality of sensors in order to detect a predetermined variable.

In step 208, the control unit 106 determines whether or not the variable detected in step 206 satisfies the predetermined condition. Here, the default condition can be a condition necessary for requesting the generation of aerosol in the suction device 100. In one example, if the variable is pressure or flow rate, the default condition may be that pressure or flow rate is detected beyond a predetermined duration. In another example, if the variable is pressure or flow rate, the default condition may be to detect a pressure or flow rate with an absolute value above the predetermined value. It will be appreciated that various conditions are set as default conditions even in embodiments where the variable is a value other than pressure. If the detected variable does not meet the default condition (“No” in step 208), the process returns to step 206. If the detected variable satisfies the default condition (“Yes” in step 208), the process proceeds to step 210.

In step 210, the control unit 106 gives a predetermined notification to the user (that is, the suction person of the suction device 100). For example, the control unit 106 causes the notification unit 108 to function in a first mode having a predetermined aspect. In one example, if the notification unit 108 includes an LED, the control unit 106 may operate the LED in a predetermined mode (eg, blinking). In another example, if the notification unit 108 includes a display, the control unit 106 may operate the LED. Reference numeral 106 may operate the display so as to perform a predetermined display indicating that the element needs to be replaced, filled, charged, or the like (hereinafter, referred to as “replacement or the like” if necessary). As another example, when the notification unit 108 includes a speaker, the control unit 106 may operate the speaker so as to output a predetermined voice.

FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing in detail an example of the operation of the suction device 100 according to the present embodiment. In the following, it is assumed that the control unit 106 executes all the steps shown in FIG. However, it should be noted that some steps in FIG. 3 may be performed by another component within the suction device 100. Here, the suction device has the configuration of the suction device 100B shown in FIG. 1B, and the third member 126 (including the flavor source 128) of the suction device 100B is the "element" described in relation to FIG. It will be explained as. However, it should be noted that the embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited to such a configuration, and the first member 102 (or battery 110) or the second member 104 (or reservoir 116) may be an "element". I want to be done.

The process starts in step 302. In step 302, the control unit 106 determines whether or not the user has detected the start of the puff of the suction device 100. As an example, when the sensor 112 includes a pressure sensor or a flow rate sensor, the control unit 106 may determine that the puff has started when the pressure or flow rate acquired from the sensor 112 exceeds a predetermined value. The control unit 106 may also determine that the puff has been started when the duration of pressure detection by the sensor 112 exceeds a predetermined duration. In another example, the control unit 106 may determine that the suction device 100 has a start button, and when the button is pressed, the puff has started. If the start of the puff is not detected (“No” in step 302), the process returns to before step 302. If the start of the puff is detected (“Yes” in step 302), the process proceeds to step 304.

In step 304, the control unit 106 determines whether or not the voltage of the battery 110 is larger than the discharge cutoff voltage (for example, 3.2V). When the voltage of the battery 110 is equal to or lower than the discharge end voltage (“No” in step 304), the process proceeds to step 306. In step 306, the control unit 106 causes the notification unit 108 to function in the third mode. In one example, if the notification unit 108 includes an LED, the third mode may include blinking the LED in red. On the other hand, if the voltage of the battery 110 is larger than the discharge cutoff voltage (“Yes” in step 304), the process proceeds to step 308.

In step 308, the control unit 106 determines whether or not the voltage of the battery 110 is equal to or less than the value obtained by subtracting the predetermined value Δ from the full charge voltage. When the voltage of the battery 110 is not equal to or less than the full charge voltage −Δ (“No” in step 308), the relationship is that the full charge voltage −Δ <battery voltage ≦ full charge voltage. At this time, the process proceeds to step 310. In step 310, the control unit 106 energizes the atomization unit 118 by constant power control. For example, the control unit 106 performs pulse width modulation (PWM) on the power supplied from the battery 110 to the atomization unit 118 so that the power value supplied to the atomization unit 118 becomes constant. The pulse width may be adjusted according to the change in the output voltage of. The control unit 106 may perform pulse frequency modulation (PFM) control instead of pulse width modulation (PWM) control. On the other hand, when the voltage of the battery 110 is equal to or less than the full charge voltage −Δ (“Yes” in step 308), the process proceeds to step 312. In step 312, the control unit 106 does not perform pulse width modulation with respect to the electric power from the battery 110, and energizes the atomization unit 118 with a duty ratio = 100%.

The process proceeds to step 314, and the control unit 106 causes the notification unit 108 to function in the second mode. In one example, when the notification unit 108 includes an LED, the control unit 106 may turn on the LED in blue.

The process proceeds to step 316, and the control unit 106 sets the suction time ( _TL ) that can be stored in the memory 114, the control unit 106, and the like to 0.

The process proceeds to step 318, and the control unit 106 waits until a predetermined time Δt elapses, _{and sets TL} = _TL + Δt.

The process proceeds to step 320, and the control unit 106 determines whether or not the end of the puff has been detected. In one example, when the sensor 112 includes a pressure sensor, the control unit 106 may determine that the puff has ended when the pressure acquired from the sensor 112 becomes equal to or less than a predetermined value. If the end of the puff is detected (“Yes” in step 320), the process proceeds to step 324. If the end of the puff is not detected (“No” in step 320), the process proceeds to step 322, and the control unit 106 _{determines whether or not the TL} is equal to or longer than the predetermined upper limit time. If _TL is not greater than or equal to the predetermined upper limit time (“No” in step 322), the process returns before step 318. When _TL is equal to or longer than a predetermined upper limit time (“Yes” in step 322), the process proceeds to step 324.

In step 324, the control unit 106 stops the energization of the atomization unit 118 by controlling a switch provided in the electric circuit connecting the battery 110 and the atomization unit 118.

The process proceeds to step 326, and the control unit 106 stops the function of the notification unit 108. In one example, the control unit 106 turns off the LED of the notification unit 108 that was lit in blue.

If the end of the puff is not detected (“No” in step 320) and the _TL is equal to or longer than the predetermined upper limit time (step 322 “Yes”), the control unit 106 sends the atomization unit 118 to the atomization unit 118 in step 324. After the energization is stopped, the function of the notification unit 108 in the second mode (for example, the normal suction mode) may be continued until the end of the puff is detected. After that, in step 326, the control unit 106 stops the function of the notification unit 108. Since the notification unit 108 continues to function in the second mode as long as the puff continues, it is possible to stop the aerosol generation and suppress the deterioration of the user experience that makes the user feel uncomfortable.

The process proceeds to step 328, the control unit 106 sets the integration time _{T A,} which may be stored in the memory 114 or the controller 106 or the like _T A ₌ T A + _{T L.}

The process proceeds to step 330. Step 330 is an example of step 204 in FIG. In step 330, the control unit 106 determines whether the _{T A} is greater than a predetermined threshold time. For the threshold time, the capacity of the element of the suction device 100B (in this example, the third member 126 or the flavor source 128) (in this example, the remaining amount of the flavor component contained in the flavor source 128) is sufficient for the flavor. Can be the cumulative time of suction to the suction device 100B, which is estimated to be less than the value required to produce the added aerosol. The threshold time may be stored in the memory 114 or the like in advance.

If T _A is less than or equal to the threshold time ( "No" in step 330), the processing returns to the previous step 302. If T _A is greater than the threshold time ( "Yes" in step 330), the process proceeds to step 332.

Step 332 and / or 334 is an example of step 208 in FIG. In step 332, the control unit 106 determines whether or not the start of the puff is detected. In one example, if the sensor 112 includes a pressure sensor or flow rate sensor, the control unit 106 determines that the puff has started when the pressure or flow rate acquired from the sensor 112 has an absolute value above a predetermined value. May be good.

If the start of the puff is not detected (“No” in step 332), the process returns to before step 332. That is, the control unit 106 waits for the start of the puff to be detected. If the start of the puff is detected (“Yes” in step 332), the process proceeds to step 334.

In step 334, the control unit 106 determines whether the puff has continued for a predetermined time (eg, 1 second). The predetermined time may be stored in the memory 114. If the puff does not continue for a predetermined time (“No” in step 334), processing returns before step 332. If the puff continues for a predetermined time (“Yes” in step 334), the process proceeds to step 336. By executing step 334, even if it is erroneously determined that the start of the puff is detected in step 332 due to the generation of background noise, it is possible to prevent the subsequent processing from being executed.

The processes of steps 332 and 334 may both be executed or only one may be executed.

Since the control unit 106 is configured to execute steps 332 and 334, the notification unit 108 can be made to function in the first mode based not only on the excess of the integrated time but also on the subsequent puff detection. Therefore, since the notification unit 108 functions in the first mode at the timing when the user tries to smoke using the suction device 100, the user can easily notice that the element having a reduced capacity must be replaced. Become.

In step 336, the control unit 106 prohibits energization of the atomization unit 118. The process of step 336 may be performed between step 330 and step 332.
The process proceeds to step 338, and the control unit 106 causes the notification unit 108 to function in the first mode. When the notification unit 108 functions in the first mode, the control unit 106 prohibits energization of the atomization unit 118, so that the generation of aerosol can be stopped. In order to stop the generation of aerosol, the control unit 106 may disable the sensor 112 or open the feeding circuit to the atomization unit 118. By stopping the generation of aerosols, the user's attention is drawn, and the user is more likely to notice that the elements need to be replaced. In addition, it is possible to prevent the formation of incomplete aerosols when the capacity of the element is insufficient, thus preventing the user's suction experience from being impaired. In one example, if the notification unit 108 is an LED, the first mode may include blinking the LED in blue. The control unit 106 may operate the notification unit 108 for a certain long time (for example, 40 seconds) so that the user can notice that the capacity of the element is insufficient.

The conditions of step 332 and step 334, which are the conditions for the notification unit 108 to function in the first mode in step 338, are different from the conditions of step 302, which is the condition for the notification unit 108 to function in the second mode in step 314. May be strict. Alternatively, the possibility that the conditions of step 332 and step 334 are satisfied may be lower than the possibility that the conditions of step 302 are satisfied. For example, the above-mentioned default value used for the determination in step 334 may be larger than the default value used for the determination in step 302. By executing the above step 334, it is required to continue the puff for at least the above-mentioned predetermined time of the step 334 through the steps 332 and 334. Therefore, in the step 338, the notification unit 108 is made to function in the first mode. The duration used for determining the puff in step 332 and step 334, which is a condition for the above, is longer than the duration used for determining step 302, which is a condition for causing the notification unit 108 to function in the second mode in step 314. You may. These features make it possible to improve the response of aerosol generation to the user's puff movement during normal suction and provide a comfortable suction experience. Further, when the notification unit 108 must function in the first mode, it is possible to prevent the suction device 100 from erroneously operating normally due to background noise. Further, since the aerosol is not generated even if the puff is performed for a longer time than when the atomizing unit 118 is energized, and then the notification is given in step 338, the user has doubts about the operation of the suction device 100. In other words, the user can be made aware that the capacity needs to be restored while the user is paying attention to the suction device 100.

When the notification unit 108 includes a light emitting element such as an LED, the light emitting color of the light emitting element may be the same in the first mode of step 338 and the second mode of step 314. For example, both emission colors may be blue. At this time, the light emitting mode of the light emitting element may be different in the first mode and the second mode. For example, the light emitting element may blink in the first mode and constantly light in the second mode. Further, in another example, the light emitting color of the light emitting element may be different in the first mode and the second mode, and the light emitting mode of the light emitting element may be the same. In yet another example, both the emission color and the emission mode of the light emitting element may be different in the first mode and the second mode. With these features, the user can recognize that some abnormality related to suction has occurred when the light emitting element operates differently than usual, so that it becomes easy to prompt the user to replace the element or the like.

The process proceeds to step 340, and the control unit 106 releases the prohibition of energization to the atomization unit 118. At this time, the control unit 106 may estimate that the capacity of the element has returned to a predetermined value (for example, a value sufficient to produce an aerosol or an aerosol with a flavor). Since the notification unit 108 has already sent a notification that is difficult for the user to overlook, it is highly probable that the element having insufficient capacity has been replaced after the function of the notification unit 108 in the first mode is completed. Therefore, it is not necessary to use the control logic or the element for the fitting detection or the switch, which is used only for the purpose of detecting whether or not the element has been replaced. In addition, the accuracy of counting the integrated time and the number of exchanges can be improved.

The process proceeds to step 342, and the control unit 106 counts the number of times (N) that the capacity of the element returns to a predetermined value. N may be stored in the memory 114. The control unit 106 may increment N by one. Due to this feature, the product life of the suction device 100 and the product life of the suction device 100 can be achieved without using the control logic or element for fitting detection or switch, which is used only for the purpose of detecting whether or not the element has been replaced. It is possible to count the number of exchanges of the above-mentioned element, which is a useful parameter for estimating the degree of consumption of other elements. Note that N does not necessarily have to be an integer, and a real number may be used instead. Further, when comparing N with a specific value, the dimension of N may be a percentage (%).

The process proceeds to step 344, the control unit 106 resets the accumulated time _{T A} (set to 0). The process returns to before step 302.

As mentioned with respect to FIGS. 1A and 1B, the suction device 100 may include a plurality of elements. For example, the suction device 100A includes a first member (eg, battery accommodating portion) 102 (or battery 110) and a second member (eg, cartridge) 104 (or reservoir 116) as elements. The suction device 100B further includes a third member (eg, capsule) 126 (or flavor source 128) as an element. The control unit 106 relates only to the element having the highest frequency of work for returning to a state having the capacity necessary for continuously producing the aerosol or the flavored aerosol among the plurality of elements. The process shown in 2 and the processes of steps 328 to 344 of FIG. 3 may be executed. For example, in the example of FIG. 1A, when the replacement frequency of the second member 104 (or the reservoir 116) is higher than the charging frequency of the battery 110 in the first member 102, the control unit 106 uses the second member 104. The volume of is less than a predetermined threshold (“Yes” in step 204) and the variable (such as the pressure or flow rate detected by the sensor 112) requires the production of an aerosol or flavored aerosol. The notification unit 108 may be configured to function in the first mode only when the predetermined condition is satisfied (“Yes” in step 208). Similarly, in the example of FIG. 1B, if the third member 126 (or flavor source 128) needs to be replaced more frequently than the first member 102 and the second member 104, the control unit 106 may use the third member. The process of FIG. 2 may be executed only for the member 126 of the above. With this feature, when the notification unit 108 performs an unusual operation, the user can recognize that some operation is required for the element having the highest exchange frequency with respect to suction, so that the user can recognize that element. It becomes easier to encourage replacement.

As described in connection with FIG. 3, the control unit 106 may be configured to function the notification unit 108 in a plurality of modes (first, second and third modes) including the first mode. In this case, the control unit 106 may operate the notification unit 108 for the longest time in the first mode among the plurality of modes. Due to this feature, the operation time of the notification unit 108 when requesting the exchange of elements or the like is longer than the operation time of the notification unit 108 in other situations, so that the user can overlook the need for exchange of elements or the like. The sex can be reduced.

When the suction device 100 includes a plurality of elements, the control unit 106 may be configured to interrupt the function of the notification unit 108 when at least one element is removed from the suction device 100. For example, when the suction device has the configuration of the suction device 100A shown in FIG. 1A and the second member 104 is removable, the control unit 106 of the notification unit 108 when the second member 104 is removed. The function may be interrupted. Similarly, if the suction device has the configuration of the suction device 100B shown in FIG. 1B and the second member 104 and the third member 126 are removable, the control unit 106 may be one of these members or If both are removed, the function of the notification unit 108 may be interrupted. In a state where at least one element is removed from such a suction device 100, it can be regarded as a state in which the user has already recognized the notification of the notification unit 108. Therefore, if the function of the notification unit 108 is interrupted, it is possible to avoid wasting the power of the battery 110.

The control unit 106 may omit a part of the steps shown in FIG. 3, or may change the order of some steps. For example, it is not necessary to determine whether or not the start of the puff is detected in step 302 before the notification unit is made to function in the third mode in step 306. In other words, the control unit may execute step 302 after the control unit determines in step 304 whether or not the voltage of the battery 110 is equal to or less than the discharge end voltage. In the present embodiment, the condition to be satisfied in order for the notification unit 108 to function in the third mode with respect to the battery 110 in step 306 is that the voltage of the battery 110 includes only one requirement that the voltage of the battery 110 is equal to or less than the discharge end voltage. It will be clear.

Alternatively, the control unit 106 may always continue to determine step 304 in the processing after step 302. That is, in the process of executing steps 308 to 344, if the voltage of the battery 110 detected by the control unit 106 becomes equal to or lower than the discharge end voltage (step 304 is “Yes”), step 306 is executed as an interrupt process, and the control unit 106 is executed. Makes the notification unit 108 function in the third mode. In the present embodiment, the condition to be satisfied in order for the notification unit 108 to function in the third mode with respect to the battery 110 in step 306 includes a requirement of whether or not the detection of the puff in step 302 is started. However, this requirement is relatively loose as long as step 304 is satisfied by any of the steps after the determination of "Yes" in step 302. In contrast, conditions to be met in order to function notification unit 108 in the first mode in step 338, the control unit 106 in step 330, determines that the accumulated time T _A is greater than a predetermined threshold time (step 330 Immediately after "Yes"), the control unit 106 includes a relatively strict requirement that the control unit 106 determines "Yes" for steps 332 and 334. In other words, step 306 is a process that can be performed during aerosol production, whereas step 338 is a process that cannot be satisfied during aerosol generation.

In the above description, the first embodiment of the present disclosure has been described as a suction device having the configuration shown in FIG. 1A or FIG. 1B and the method shown in FIG. 2 or 3. However, it is understood that the present disclosure, when executed by a processor, can be implemented as a program that causes the processor to perform the method shown in FIG. 2 or 3, or as a computer-readable storage medium containing the program. Yeah.

<Second embodiment>
FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing the basic operation of the suction device 100 according to the second embodiment of the present disclosure. In the following, it is assumed that the control unit 106 executes all the steps shown in FIG. However, it should be noted that some steps in FIG. 4 may be performed by another component within the suction device 100.

The process starts in step 402, and the control unit 106 detects or estimates the capacitance for each of the plurality of elements of the suction device 100. The meanings of the terms "element" and "capacity" have already been described in connection with the first embodiment. In this embodiment, the suction device 100 includes a plurality of elements. For example, the suction device 100A shown in FIG. 1A has a first member (eg, battery accommodating portion) 102 (or battery 110) and a second member (eg, cartridge) 104 (or reservoir 116) as elements. The suction device 100B shown in FIG. 1B has a third member (for example, a capsule) 126 (or a flavor source 128) as an element in addition to these two elements. As already described in connection with the first embodiment, the capacitance of the element can be detected or estimated in various ways. The capacity of at least one element of the plurality of elements (eg, battery 110 of the first member 102) is such that the capacity of at least one other element of the plurality of elements (eg, third member (capsule) 126). It can be detected or estimated by a method different from the capacity of. Further, the capacity of at least one element among the plurality of elements can be detected or estimated in the same manner as the capacity of at least one other element among the plurality of elements. For example, both the capacity of the capsule 126 and the capacity of the cartridge 104 may be detected or estimated based on the cumulative energization time or the cumulative electric energy of the atomizing unit 118. Further, both the capacity of the battery 110 and the capacity of the cartridge 104 may be detected or estimated based on the cumulative current value.

The process proceeds to step 404. In step 404, control unit 106 satisfies the default conditions set for the element, including the requirement that the capacity of the element detected or estimated in step 402 is less than or equal to the threshold set for the element. Is determined. The threshold value and the default condition set for each element may be stored in the memory 114 in association with the element. The control unit 106 may acquire the threshold value and the default condition from the memory 114. For at least one of the elements, the above default conditions may include other requirements in addition to the requirement that the capacity of the elements be less than or equal to the threshold. For example, with respect to at least one element, the default condition may further include the requirement that the default variable detected in the suction device 100 meets the default requirement. In one example, if the sensor 112 is a pressure sensor or a flow rate sensor that detects pressure in the air intake flow path 120 and / or aerosol flow path 121, the default variable may be pressure or flow rate. good. In another example, if the suction device 100 includes a drive button (not shown), the default variable may be a stress, current value, etc., indicating that the button has been pressed.

If the default condition is not met (“No” in step 404), the process returns to step 402. If the default condition is met (“Yes” in step 404), the process proceeds to step 406. In step 406, the control unit 106 gives a predetermined notification to the user (that is, the suction person of the suction device 100). For example, the control unit 106 causes the notification unit 108 to function in a predetermined manner. In one example, if the predetermined conditions set for the first member 102 (or the battery 110) are satisfied, the control unit 106 may make the notification unit 108 function in a specific manner. In another example, if the predetermined conditions set for the second member 104 (or reservoir 116) are met, the control unit 106 may cause the notification unit 108 to function in another embodiment. In yet another example, if the predetermined conditions set for the third member 126 (or flavor source 128) are met, the control unit 106 may cause the notification unit 108 to function in yet another embodiment. The notification in step 406 is performed to inform the user that the element needs to be replaced, filled, charged, etc. (hereinafter, referred to as “replacement, etc.” if necessary).

The default condition determined in step 402 is to continuously generate an aerosol or a flavored aerosol (hereinafter, collectively referred to as "aerosol") among a plurality of elements included in the suction device 100. The more frequently the work is done to restore the capacity to the required capacity, the more severe it is. In one example, the more frequently the predetermined condition is among the plurality of elements, the less likely it is to be satisfied. In another example, the default condition includes more requirements of the elements, the more frequently they are concerned. For example, when the suction device has the configuration of the suction device 100A shown in FIG. 1A and the replacement frequency of the second member 104 (or the reservoir 116) is higher than the charging frequency of the battery 110 in the first member 102. The default conditions set for the second member 104 are stricter than the default conditions set for the battery 110 of the first member 102. Further, the suction device has the configuration of the suction device 100B shown in FIG. 1B, and the replacement frequency of the third member 126 (or the flavor source 128) is the highest, followed by the replacement frequency of the second member 104, and the first When the charging frequency of the battery 110 of the member 102 is the lowest, the default condition set for the third member 126 is the strictest, and then the default condition set for the second member 104 is strict. The default conditions set for the battery 110 of the first member 102 may be the loosest. Further, in the configuration of FIG. 1B, the default conditions are set only for the battery 110 and the third member 126 of the first member 102, and no conditions are set for the second member 104. good. In this case, in step 402, only the capacity of the battery 110 and the capacity of the third member 126 are detected or estimated, and in step 404, only the predetermined conditions set for the battery 110 and the third member 126 are determined. .. When the replacement frequency of the third member 126 is higher than the charging frequency of the battery 110 of the first member 102, the condition set for the third member 126 is stricter than the condition set for the battery 110.

In this embodiment, the suction device 100 may include a plurality of the same elements or a plurality of similar elements. For example, the suction device 100B shown in FIG. 1B may be configured to accommodate a plurality of third members (eg, first and second capsules) 126 (or first and second flavor sources). .. In this example, the first and second capsules may contain the same type of flavor source with the same maximum volume, may contain the same type of flavor source with different maximum volumes, or have the same maximum volume. It may contain different types of flavor sources or may contain different types of flavor sources with different maximum capacities. In this example, in step 402, the volume of the first capsule and the volume of the second capsule may be detected or estimated in the same way. If the replacement frequency of the first capsule is higher than the replacement frequency of the second capsule, the default condition set for the first capsule determined in step 404 is the default condition set for the second capsule. Tighter than the conditions. It will be appreciated that the process of the embodiment of FIG. 4 can also be applied when the suction device 100 includes a plurality of batteries 110 and / or a plurality of second members (eg, cartridges) 104 (or reservoir 116).

FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing another basic operation of the suction device 100 according to the second embodiment of the present disclosure.

The process starts in step 502. The process of step 502 is the same as the process of step 402.

The process proceeds to step 504, and the control unit 106 determines whether or not the capacity of the element detected or estimated in step 502 is equal to or less than the threshold value set for the element. If the capacity is not less than or equal to the threshold (“No” in step 504), processing returns before step 502. If the capacity is less than or equal to the threshold (“Yes” in step 504), the process proceeds to step 506.

In step 506, the control unit 106 determines whether or not the predetermined conditions set for the element whose capacity is determined to be equal to or less than the threshold value in step 504 are satisfied. Since the "default condition" has already been described in relation to FIG. 4, the description thereof will be omitted here. If the default condition is not met (“No” in step 506), the process returns to step 506. If the predetermined condition is met (“Yes” in step 506), the process proceeds to step 508. The process of step 508 is the same as the process of step 406.

Also in the embodiment shown in FIG. 5, as in the case of FIG. 4, the default condition determined in step 506 is necessary for continuously producing the aerosol among the plurality of elements included in the suction device 100. The more frequently the work to return to the state with capacity is performed, the more severe it is. Further, the suction device 100 may include a plurality of the same elements or a plurality of the same type of elements.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing in detail an example of the operation of the suction device 100 according to the present embodiment. In the following, it is assumed that the control unit 106 executes all the steps shown in FIG. However, it should be noted that some steps in FIG. 6 may be performed by another component within the suction device 100. Here, the suction device has the configuration of the suction device 100B shown in FIG. 1B, and the first member (for example, the battery accommodating portion) 102 (or the battery 110) and the second member (for example, the cartridge) of the suction device 100B. The description will be made assuming that 104 (or reservoir 116) and a third member (eg, capsule) 126 (or flavor source 128) are the "elements" in FIGS. 4 and 5. Note that, as already mentioned, there may be multiple identical or similar elements. In the embodiment of FIG. 6, only the first member 102 (or the battery 110) and the third member (capsule) 126 (or the flavor source 128) are determined regarding the threshold value and the predetermined conditions, and the second member is determined. Such a determination is not made for the member (cartridge) 104 (eg, reservoir 116). That is, the embodiment of FIG. 6 may include a case where the second member 104 does not satisfy the threshold value or the predetermined condition, and a case where the threshold value or the default condition is not set for the second member 104. Here, among the battery 110 and the capsule 126, which are the elements of the suction device 100B, the capsule 126 has a higher frequency of work for returning to a state having the capacity necessary for continuously producing the aerosol. It shall be. In one example, the battery 110 may be charged once while the capsule 126 is replaced 10 times.

The process starts in step 602. In step 602, the control unit 106 determines whether or not the user has detected the start of the puff of the suction device 100. As an example, when the sensor 112 includes a pressure sensor or a flow rate sensor, the control unit 106 may determine that the puff has started when the pressure or flow rate acquired from the sensor 112 exceeds a predetermined value. The control unit 106 may also determine that the puff has been started when the duration at which pressure or flow rate is detected by the sensor 112 exceeds a predetermined duration. In another example, the control unit 106 may determine that the suction device 100 has a start button, and when the button is pressed, the puff has started. If the start of the puff is not detected (“No” in step 602), the process returns to before step 602. If the start of the puff is detected (“Yes” in step 602), the process proceeds to step 604.

Step 604 is an example of step 404 in FIG. 4 or step 504 (and step 506) in FIG. 5 relating to the battery 110 as one element of the suction device 100B. In step 604, the control unit 106 determines whether or not the voltage of the battery 110 is larger than the threshold value (discharge end voltage (for example, 3.2 V) or the like). When the voltage of the battery 110 is equal to or lower than the discharge end voltage (“No” in step 604), the process proceeds to step 606. Step 606 is an example of step 406 of FIG. 4 or step 508 of FIG. 5 relating to the battery 110. In step 606, the control unit 106 causes the notification unit 108 to function in the first aspect. In one example, if the notification unit 108 includes an LED, the first aspect may include blinking the LED in red for 5.4 seconds. After that, the process ends. On the other hand, if the voltage of the battery 110 is larger than the discharge cutoff voltage (“Yes” in step 604), the process proceeds to step 608.

Since the processes of steps 608 to 612 are the same as the processes of steps 308 to 312 of FIG. 3, the description thereof will be omitted here.

The process proceeds to step 614, in which the control unit 106 causes the notification unit 108 to function in the second aspect. The second aspect is the operation mode of the notification unit 108 when the user is performing normal suction using the suction device 100B. In one example, if the notification unit 108 includes an LED, in step 614, the control unit 106 may constantly turn on the LED in blue.

Since the processes of steps 616 to 628 are the same as the processes of steps 316 to 328 of FIG. 3, the description thereof will be omitted here.

Steps 630 to 634 are examples of steps 404 in FIG. 4 or steps 504 and 506 in FIG. 5 relating to a third member (capsule) 126 as one element of the suction device 100B. In step 630, the control unit 106 determines whether the accumulated time T _A is greater than a predetermined threshold time. It is estimated that the threshold time is such that the capacity of the capsule 126 (eg, the remaining amount of flavor component contained in the flavor source 128) is less than the value required to produce an aerosol with sufficient flavor. It can be the integrated time of suction for the suction device 100B. The threshold time may be stored in the memory 114 or the like in advance. If T _A is less than or equal to the threshold time ( "No" in step 630), the capacity of the capsule 126 will have been determined to be larger than the set threshold value for the capsule 126, the process returns to the previous step 602. If T _A is greater than the threshold time ( "Yes" in step 630), will be the capacity of the capsule 126 is determined to be less than the set threshold for the capsule 126, the process proceeds to step 632.

In step 632, the control unit 106 determines whether or not the start of the puff is detected. In one example, if the sensor 112 includes a pressure sensor or flow rate sensor, the control unit 106 determines that the puff has started when the pressure or flow rate acquired from the sensor 112 has an absolute value above a predetermined value. May be good.

If the start of the puff is not detected (“No” in step 632), the process returns to before step 632. That is, the control unit 106 waits for the start of the puff to be detected. If the start of the puff is detected (“Yes” in step 632), the process proceeds to step 634.

In step 634, the control unit 106 determines whether the puff has continued for a predetermined time (eg, 1.0 second). The predetermined time may be stored in the memory 114. If the puff does not continue for a predetermined time (“No” in step 634), processing returns before step 632. If the puff continues for a predetermined time (“Yes” in step 634), the process proceeds to step 636. By executing step 634, even if it is erroneously determined that the start of the puff is detected in step 632 due to the generation of background noise, it is possible to prevent the subsequent processing from being executed.

The processes of steps 632 and 634 may both be performed or only one may be performed.

In step 636, the control unit 106 prohibits energization of the atomization unit 118. The process of step 636 may be performed between step 630 and step 632.

The process proceeds to step 638. Step 638 is an example of step 406 of FIG. 4 or step 508 of FIG. 5 with respect to the capsule 126. In step 638, the control unit 106 causes the notification unit 108 to function in the third aspect. In one example, if the notification unit 108 includes an LED, the third aspect may include blinking the LED in blue. The control unit 106 may allow the notification unit 108 to function for a somewhat longer time (eg, 40 seconds) so that the user can notice that the capacity of the capsule 126 is insufficient.

Since the processes of steps 640 to 644 are the same as the processes of steps 340 to 344 of FIG. 3, the description thereof will be omitted here.

The conditions that must be met for the notification unit 108 to function in the third aspect with respect to the capsule 126 in step 638 are greater than the conditions that must be met for the notification unit 108 to function in the first aspect with respect to the battery 110 in step 606. Strict. The higher the frequency of replacement or the like, the stricter the conditions for the notification unit 108 to operate, so that it is easier to prevent the notification unit 108 from malfunctioning. Therefore, it is possible to reduce the possibility that the user overlooks the operation of the notification unit 108 that prompts the exchange of elements that are frequently exchanged.

The condition to be satisfied for the notification unit 108 to function in the first aspect with respect to the battery 110 in step 606 includes one requirement that the voltage of the battery 110 is less than or equal to the discharge cutoff voltage. In contrast, conditions to be met in order to function notification unit 108 in the third embodiment with respect to the capsule 126 at step 638, (i) T _A larger threshold time, and (ii) the start of the puff detection It may include two requirements that it has been done, and yet another requirement that (iii) the puff lasts for a predetermined time. That is, in this embodiment, the conditions determined for the capsule 126 in relation to the process of FIG. 4 or FIG. 5 include more requirements than the conditions determined for the battery 110 in connection with the process. In other words, the above conditions require more of the plurality of elements of the suction device 100B, the more frequently the work is performed to return the aerosol to a state having the capacity required for continuous production. May include. The higher the frequency of replacement or the like, the more the conditions for the notification unit 108 to operate include many requirements, so that it is easy to prevent the notification unit 108 from malfunctioning. Therefore, it is possible to reduce the possibility that the user overlooks the operation of the notification unit 108 that prompts the exchange of elements that are frequently exchanged.

The control unit 106 may omit a part of the steps shown in FIG. 6, or may change the order of some steps. For example, it is not necessary to determine whether or not the start of the puff is detected in step 602 before the notification unit is made to function in the first aspect in step 606. In other words, after the control unit determines in step 604 whether the voltage of the battery 110 is equal to or lower than the discharge end voltage, the control unit may execute step 602. In the present embodiment, the condition to be satisfied for the notification unit 108 to function in the first aspect with respect to the battery 110 in step 606 includes only one requirement that the voltage of the battery 110 is equal to or less than the discharge cutoff voltage. Will be clear.

Further, the control unit 106 may always continue to determine step 604 in the processes after step 602. That is, in the process of executing steps 608 to 644, if the voltage of the battery 110 detected by the control unit 106 becomes equal to or lower than the discharge end voltage (step 604 is “Yes”), step 606 is executed as an interrupt process, and the control unit 106 is executed. Makes the notification unit 108 function in the first aspect. In the present embodiment, the condition to be satisfied in order for the notification unit 108 to function in the first aspect with respect to the battery 110 in step 606 includes a requirement of whether or not the detection of the puff in step 602 is started. However, this requirement is relatively loose as long as step 604 is satisfied by any of the steps after the determination of "Yes" in step 602. In contrast, conditions to be met in order to function notification unit 108 in the third embodiment with respect to the capsule 126 at step 638, the control unit 106 in step 630, the integration time T _A is greater than a predetermined threshold time determination Immediately after (step 630 is "Yes"), the control unit 106 includes a relatively strict requirement that the control unit 106 determines "Yes" with respect to step 632 and step 634. In other words, step 606 is a process that can be performed during aerosol production, whereas step 638 is a process that cannot be satisfied during aerosol production.

Alternatively, the control unit 106 may make a determination in step 604 only immediately after the determination in step 602 is "Yes". In the present embodiment, the condition to be satisfied in order for the notification unit 108 to function in the first aspect with respect to the battery 110 in step 606 is to detect the start of the puff in addition to the requirement that the voltage of the battery 110 is equal to or less than the discharge end voltage. Includes the requirement that it was done. However, the conditions that must be met for the notification unit 108 to function in the first aspect with respect to the battery 110 in step 606 are the conditions that must be met for the notification unit 108 to function in the third aspect with respect to the capsule 126 in step 638. (Iii) Does not include the requirement that the puff lasts for a predetermined time. Thus, in any embodiment, the conditions determined for the capsule 126 in relation to the process of FIG. 4 or FIG. 5 include more requirements than the conditions determined for the battery 110 in connection with the process.

In connection with step 632, the control unit 106 is configured to acquire a request for aerosol production. For example, the control unit 106 may determine that a request for aerosol production has been made when the sensor 112 detects a pressure greater than a predetermined value. In another example, if the sensor 112 sends a request for aerosol generation to the control unit 106 in response to detecting a pressure greater than a predetermined value, the control unit 106 determines that the request has been made. You may. The detection of the above requirements may correspond to the detection of the start of the puff in step 632. Therefore, among the battery 110 and the capsule 126, the conditions to be determined for the capsule 126, which has the highest frequency, may include the detection of the above requirement. Due to this feature, the element with the highest frequency of replacement or the like includes puff detection as a condition for the notification unit 108 to function. Therefore, since the notification unit 108 operates when the user explicitly wants to perform suction, the possibility that the user misses the operation of the notification unit 108 can be further reduced.

The condition when it is determined that the start of the puff is detected in step 632 may be stricter than the condition when it is determined that the start of the puff is detected in step 602. For example, the default value used for the determination in step 632 may be larger than the default value used for the determination in step 602. Further, the duration used for the determination in step 632 may be longer than the duration used for the determination in step 602.

In connection with steps 606 and 638, the control unit 106 is configured to allow the notification unit 108 to function for a longer period of time when the above-mentioned frequency is higher than that of the plurality of elements and the conditions relating to the element are satisfied. May be done. Specifically, since the capsule 126 has the higher frequency than the battery 110, the time during which the notification unit 108 functions in step 638 may be longer than the time during which the notification unit 108 functions in step 606. With this feature, it is possible to further reduce the possibility that the user misses the operation of the notification unit 108 with respect to an element having a high frequency of replacement or the like.

When the notification unit 108 includes a light emitting element such as an LED, the control unit 106 may set different emission colors for each of the plurality of elements. For example, the control unit 106 may set the emission color of the light emitting element relating to the battery 110 to red and the emission color of the light emitting element relating to the capsule 126 to blue. The control unit 106 may set the emission color of the light emitting element for each element based on the above-mentioned frequency associated with each element among the plurality of elements. This feature makes it easier for the user to recognize which element should be replaced.

For example, the control unit 106 may set the emission color of the light emitting element to be closer to the cool color system as the frequency increases among the plurality of elements. By setting the frequently lit color to a cool color, it is possible to encourage the user to perform the replacement work as if he / she were using it normally, without making the user excessively alert.

Further, the control unit 106 may set the emission color of the light emitting element to be closer to the warm color system as the frequency is lower among the plurality of elements. In a broader concept, the control unit 106 sets the emission color of the light emitting element to a color having a shorter wavelength as the frequency increases, and the emission color of the light emitting element decreases as the frequency decreases. It may be set to a color having a long wavelength. By making the emission color of the light emitting element a warm color for elements that are infrequently replaced, it is possible to draw the user's attention strongly when the replacement timing of the element that requires replacement or the like is rarely reached.

The control unit 106 also makes sure that the emission color of the light emitting element when the condition is satisfied for the element having the highest frequency among the plurality of elements and the emission color of the light emitting element during the generation of the aerosol are the same. It may be configured to control the light emitting element. Specifically, in the example of FIG. 6, the control unit 106 sets the emission color of the light emitting element in the normal operation of step 614 to blue, and is associated with the capsule 126 having the highest frequency among the battery 110 and the capsule 126. , The emission color of the light emitting element in step 638 may also be set to blue. With this feature, it is possible to make the user understand that the element having the highest frequency of exchange (that is, the frequency of notification to the user) needs to be exchanged without impairing the user experience.

The control unit 106 may be configured to interrupt the function of the notification unit 108 when at least one of the plurality of elements is removed. In the example of FIG. 6, when the second member 104 and the third member 126 are removable, the control unit 106 functions as a notification unit 108 when one or both of these members are removed. You may interrupt it.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing in detail an example of the operation of the suction device 100 according to the present embodiment. As in the case of FIG. 6, the suction device has the configuration of the suction device 100B shown in FIG. 1B, and has a battery accommodating portion 102 (or battery 110), a cartridge 104 (or reservoir 116), and a capsule 126 (or flavor source 128). Will be described as being the "element" in FIGS. 4 and 5. In the embodiment of FIG. 7, it is assumed that the battery 110, the cartridge 104, and the capsule 126 are determined regarding the threshold value and the predetermined conditions. Here, among the battery 110, the cartridge 104, and the capsule 126, which are the elements of the suction device 100B, the frequency of the work for returning the capsule 126 to a state having the capacity necessary for continuously producing the aerosol is determined by the capsule 126. It is assumed that the cartridge 104 is the highest, followed by the cartridge 104, and the battery 110 is the lowest. In one example, the cartridge 104 may be replaced twice and the battery 110 may be charged once while the capsule is replaced 10 times.

The process starts in step 702. Since the processes of steps 702 to 728 are the same as the processes of steps 602 to 628 of FIG. 6, the description thereof will be omitted here. Similar to step 606 of FIG. 6, in step 706, the control unit 106 causes the notification unit 108 to function in the first aspect. In one example, if the notification unit 108 includes an LED, the first aspect may include blinking the LED in red for 5.4 seconds.

Steps 729, 746 and 748 are examples of steps 404 in FIG. 4 or steps 504 and 506 in FIG. 5 relating to the cartridge 104 as one element of the suction device 100B. Steps 729-734 are examples of steps 404 in FIG. 4 or steps 504 and 506 in FIG. 5 relating to the capsule 126 as one element of the suction device 100B.

In step 729, the control unit 106 determines whether or not the capacity of the cartridge 104 is larger than the predetermined threshold capacity. If the capacity of the cartridge 104 is greater than the threshold capacity (“Yes” in step 729), the process proceeds to step 730. Since the processes of steps 730 to 744 are the same as the processes of steps 630 to 644 of FIG. 6, the description thereof will be omitted here. In step 734, the control unit 106 determines whether or not the puff has continued for the first predetermined time (for example, 1.0 second). Further, in step 738, the control unit 106 causes the notification unit 108 to function in the third aspect. In one example, if the notification unit 108 includes an LED, the third aspect may include blinking the LED in blue. The control unit 106 may allow the notification unit 108 to function for a somewhat longer time (eg, 40 seconds) so that the user can notice that the capacity of the capsule 126 is insufficient.

In step 729, if the capacity of the cartridge 104 is equal to or less than the threshold capacity (“No” in step 729), the process proceeds to step 746. In step 746, the control unit 106 determines whether or not the start of the puff is detected. In one example, if the sensor 112 includes a pressure sensor or flow rate sensor, the control unit 106 determines that the puff has started when the pressure or flow rate acquired from the sensor 112 has an absolute value above a predetermined value. May be good. The control unit 106 may also determine that the puff has been started when the duration at which pressure or flow rate is detected by the sensor 112 exceeds a predetermined duration.

If the start of the puff is not detected (“No” in step 746), the process returns to before step 746. If the start of the puff is detected (“Yes” in step 746), the process proceeds to step 748.

In step 748, the control unit 106 determines whether the puff has continued for a second predetermined time (eg, 0.5 seconds). The second predetermined time may be stored in the memory 114. If the puff does not continue for a second predetermined time (“No” in step 748), processing returns before step 746. If the puff continues for a second predetermined time (“Yes” in step 748), the process proceeds to step 750. The processes of steps 746 and 748 may both be performed or only one may be performed. Alternatively, the processing of steps 746 and 748 may be omitted.

In step 750, the control unit 106 prohibits energization of the atomization unit 118. The process of step 750 may be performed between step 729 and step 746.

The process proceeds to step 752, and the control unit 106 causes the notification unit 108 to function in the fourth aspect. In one example, if the notification unit 108 includes an LED, the third aspect may include blinking the LED in green. The control unit 106 may allow the notification unit 108 to function for a somewhat longer time (eg, 20 seconds) so that the user can notice that the capacity of the cartridge 104 is insufficient.

The condition to be satisfied for the notification unit 108 to function in the first aspect with respect to the battery 110 in step 706 includes one requirement that the voltage of the battery 110 is less than or equal to the discharge cutoff voltage. On the other hand, the conditions to be satisfied in order for the notification unit 108 to function in the fourth aspect with respect to the cartridge 104 in step 752 are (i) the capacity of the cartridge 104 is equal to or less than the threshold capacity, and (ii) the puff. It may include two requirements that the start of is detected, and yet another requirement that (iii) the puff lasts for a predetermined time. The condition to be met in order to function notification unit 108 in the third embodiment with respect to the capsule 126 at step 738, (i) the capacity of the cartridge 104 is greater than the threshold capacity, than (ii) _{T A} threshold time It may include three requirements that it is large and that the start of the (iii) puff has been detected, and yet another requirement that the (iv) puff has continued for a predetermined time. That is, in the present embodiment, the conditions determined for the capsule 126 in relation to the process of FIG. 4 or FIG. 5 include the most requirements, and the conditions determined for the cartridge 104 in relation to the process are the next most. The conditions determined for the battery 110 in relation to the process include the least requirements. In other words, of the plurality of elements of the suction device 100B, the more frequently the conditions are set for the element in which the work for returning to the state having the capacity necessary for continuously producing the aerosol is performed, the more. May include requirements.

The control unit 106 may omit a part of the steps shown in FIG. 7, or may change the order of some steps. For example, it is not necessary to determine whether or not the start of the puff is detected in step 702 before the notification unit is made to function in the first aspect in step 706. In other words, the control unit may execute step 702 after the control unit determines in step 704 whether or not the voltage of the battery 110 is equal to or less than the discharge end voltage. In the present embodiment, the condition to be satisfied for the notification unit 108 to function in the first aspect with respect to the battery 110 in step 706 includes only one requirement that the voltage of the battery 110 is equal to or less than the discharge cutoff voltage. Will be clear.

Further, the control unit 106 may always continue to determine step 704 in the processing after step 702. That is, in the process of executing steps 708 to 754, if the voltage of the battery 110 detected by the control unit 106 becomes equal to or lower than the discharge end voltage (step 704 is “yes”), step 706 is executed as an interrupt process, and the control unit 106 is executed. Makes the notification unit 108 function in the first aspect. In the present embodiment, the condition to be satisfied in order for the notification unit 108 to function in the first aspect with respect to the battery 110 in step 706 includes a requirement of whether or not the detection of the puff in step 702 is started. However, this requirement is relatively loose that step 704 may be satisfied by any of the steps after the determination of "yes" in step 702. In contrast, conditions to be met in order to function notification unit 108 in the third embodiment with respect to the capsule 126 at step 738, the control unit 106 in step 730, the integration time T _A is greater than a predetermined threshold time determination Immediately after (step 730 is "yes"), the control unit 106 includes a relatively strict requirement that the control unit 106 determines "yes" with respect to step 732 and step 734. Similarly, in step 752, the condition to be satisfied in order for the notification unit 108 to function with respect to the cartridge 104 in the fourth aspect is that the control unit 106 determines in step 729 that the cartridge capacity is less than a predetermined threshold capacity (step 729 determines. Immediately after "No"), the control unit 106 includes a relatively strict requirement that the control unit 106 determines "Yes" for step 746 and step 748.
In other words, step 706 is a process that can be performed during aerosol production, whereas steps 738 and 752 are processes that cannot be satisfied during aerosol generation.

Further, the control unit 106 has step 7 only immediately after step 704 is determined to be “Yes”.
The determination of 04 may be performed. In the present embodiment, the condition to be satisfied in order for the notification unit 108 to function in the first aspect with respect to the battery 110 in step 706 is to detect the start of the puff in addition to the requirement that the voltage of the battery 110 is equal to or less than the discharge end voltage. Includes the requirement that it was done. However, the conditions that must be met for the notification unit 108 to function in the first aspect with respect to the battery 110 in step 706 are the conditions that must be met for the notification unit 108 to function in the third aspect with respect to the capsule 126 in step 738. , Or the requirement that the puff lasts for a predetermined time, which is included in the conditions to be met for the notification unit to function in the fourth aspect with respect to the cartridge 104 in step 752. Thus, in any embodiment, the conditions determined for the capsule 126 and the cartridge 104 include more requirements than the conditions determined for the battery 110 in relation to the process.

The requirement for determining that the start of the puff has been detected in step 732 may be stricter than the requirement for determining that the start of the puff has been detected in step 746. In one example, when the sensor 112 includes a pressure sensor or a flow rate sensor, in step 732, the control unit 106 determines that the puff has been started when the pressure acquired from the sensor 112 exceeds the first predetermined value. You may. On the other hand, in step 746, the control unit 106 may determine that the puff has been started when the pressure acquired from the sensor 112 exceeds a second predetermined value smaller than the first predetermined value. Further, the first predetermined time (for example, 1.0 second) used for the determination in step 734 is longer than the second predetermined time (for example, 0.5 second) used for the determination in step 748. That is, in this embodiment, the conditions determined for the capsule 126 in relation to the process of FIG. 4 or FIG. 5 are less likely to be satisfied than the conditions determined for the cartridge 104 in connection with the process. In other words, among the plurality of elements of the suction device 100B, the condition set for the element in which the work for returning to the state having the capacity necessary for continuously producing the aerosol is frequently performed is satisfied. It is unlikely. The higher the frequency of replacement or the like, the lower the possibility that the conditions for the notification unit 108 to operate are satisfied, so that it is easy to prevent the notification unit 108 from malfunctioning. Therefore, it is possible to reduce the possibility that the user overlooks the operation of the notification unit 108 that prompts the exchange of elements that are frequently exchanged.

In the above description, the second embodiment of the present disclosure has been described as a suction device having the configuration shown in FIG. 1A or FIG. 1B and the method shown in any of FIGS. 4-7. However, when executed by a processor, the present disclosure may be implemented as a program that causes the processor to execute the method shown in any of FIGS. 4 to 7, or as a computer-readable storage medium containing the program. Will be understood.

<Third embodiment>
FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing the basic operation of the suction device 100 according to the third embodiment of the present disclosure. In the following, it is assumed that the control unit 106 executes all the steps shown in FIG. However, it should be noted that some steps in FIG. 8 may be performed by another component within the suction device 100.

The process starts in step 802, where the control unit 106 detects or estimates the capacitance of the first element of the suction device 100. The meanings of the terms "element" and "capacity" have already been described in connection with the first embodiment. In this embodiment, the suction device 100 includes a plurality of elements. For example, the suction device 100A shown in FIG. 1A has a first member (eg, battery accommodating portion) 102 (or battery 110) and a second member (eg, cartridge) 104 (or reservoir 116) as elements. The suction device 100B shown in FIG. 1B has a third member (for example, a capsule) 126 (or a flavor source 128) as an element in addition to these two elements. The suction device 100 may also include a plurality of the same elements or a plurality of similar elements. For example, the suction device 100B shown in FIG. 1B may be configured to accommodate a plurality of third members (eg, first and second capsules) 126. In this example, the first and second capsules may contain the same type of flavor source with the same maximum volume, may contain the same type of flavor source with different maximum volumes, or have the same maximum volume. It may contain different types of flavor sources or may contain different types of flavor sources with different maximum capacities. Similarly, the suction device 100 may include a plurality of cartridges 104 and a plurality of batteries 110 as elements.

Hereinafter, an example in which the suction device has the configuration of the suction device 100B of FIG. 1B and includes the battery 110, the cartridge 104, and the capsule 126 as elements will be described in detail. However, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the present embodiment can be applied to a suction device having another configuration such as the suction device 100A of FIG. 1A.

The capacity of the element can be detected or estimated in various ways. In one example, the sensor 112 may be a weight sensor. In this case, the control unit 106 uses the sensor 112 to detect the weight of the element (for example, the weight of the liquid or cigarette when the aerosol source contained in the reservoir 116 in the cartridge 104 is a liquid or cigarette). The detected weight may be determined to be the capacity of the element. In another example, the sensor 112 may be able to detect the height of the liquid level (such as the aerosol source contained in the reservoir 116 in the cartridge 104). In this case, the control unit 106 may detect the height of the liquid level of the element using the sensor 112 and estimate the capacity of the element based on the detected liquid level. In another example, the memory 114 may store the integrated value of the energization time for the atomizing unit 118. In this case, the control unit 106 determines the capacity of the element (for example, the remaining amount of the aerosol source contained in the reservoir 116 in the cartridge 104, the remaining amount of the tobacco flavor component) based on the integrated energization time acquired from the memory 114. , The remaining amount of the flavor component contained in the flavor source 128 in the capsule 126, etc.) may be estimated. In another example, the memory 114 may store the number of suctions (“puffs” in the electronic cigarette example) performed by the user to the suction device 100. In this case, the control unit 106 may estimate the capacity of the element based on the number of suctions acquired from the memory 114. In another example, the memory 114 may store data regarding the heating history of the atomizing unit 118. In this case, the control unit 106 may estimate the capacity of the element based on the data acquired from the memory 114. In another example, the memory 114 may store data regarding the SOC (State of Charge, state of charge), current integrated value and / or voltage of the battery 110. The sensor 112 may detect these values. In this case, the control unit 106 can detect or estimate the capacity of the element (particularly the battery 110) based on these data. In another example, the sensor 112 may have a fitting detection function (or connection detection function) that detects that the capsule 126 and / or the cartridge 104 has been removed. In this example, the control unit 106 may presume that the capacity of the capsule 126 is zero when the sensor 112 detects that the capsule 126 has been removed. The control unit 106 may also presume that the capacity of the cartridge 104 is zero when the sensor 112 detects that the cartridge 104 has been removed.

The capacity of at least one element of the plurality of elements can be detected or estimated in a different way than the capacity of at least one other element of the plurality of elements. Further, the capacity of at least one element among the plurality of elements can be detected or estimated in the same manner as the capacity of at least one other element among the plurality of elements. For example, both the capacity of the capsule 126 and the capacity of the cartridge 104 may be detected or estimated based on the cumulative energization time or the cumulative electric energy of the atomizing unit 118. Further, both the capacity of the battery 110 and the capacity of the cartridge 104 may be detected or estimated based on the cumulative current value.

The process proceeds to step 804. In step 804, the control unit 106 determines whether or not the capacity of the first element (eg, capsule 126) detected or estimated in step 802 is less than the first threshold value. The first threshold value may be stored in the memory 114 in association with the first element. The control unit 106 may acquire the first threshold value from the memory 114. As mentioned above, the capacitance of the first element can be detected or estimated in various ways. Therefore, it will be appreciated that the first threshold can take various forms and values, depending on the method used to detect or estimate the capacitance of the first element.

If the capacity of the first element is not less than the first threshold (“No” in step 804), the process returns before step 802. If the capacity of the first element is less than the first threshold (“Yes” in step 804), the process proceeds to step 806. In step 806, the control unit 106 detects or estimates the capacity of the second element (eg, the cartridge 104) of the suction device 100.

The process proceeds to step 808. In step 808, the control unit 106 determines whether or not the capacity of the second element detected or estimated in step 806 is less than the second threshold value. As mentioned above, the capacitance of the second element can be detected or estimated in various ways. Therefore, it will be appreciated that the second threshold can take various forms and values, depending on the method used to detect or estimate the capacitance of the second element.

If the capacity of the second element is not less than the second threshold (“No” in step 808), the process proceeds to step 810. In step 810, the control unit 106 notifies the suction person (user) of the suction device 100 in the first mode. For example, the control unit 106 causes the notification unit 108 to function in the first mode. The notification unit 108 may include a light emitting element such as an LED, a display, a speaker, a vibrator, and the like. The notification unit 108 is configured to give some notification to the user by light emission, display, vocalization, vibration, or the like, if necessary.

If "No" in step 808, the control unit 106 may further determine whether the default variable detected by the sensor 112 satisfies the default condition for requesting the production of an aerosol. .. Then, if the default variable satisfies the default condition, the control unit 106 may operate the notification unit 108 in the first mode in step 810. In one example, the default variable may be pressure or flow rate, and the default condition may include that the pressure or flow rate is greater than or equal to a predetermined value for detecting the start of a puff. In another example, the predetermined condition may include the pressure or flow rate continuing for a predetermined time for the start of the puff to be detected. Due to these features, the notification unit 108 functions in the first mode not only based on the determination results of steps 804 and 808, but also based on detecting that the user is trying to suck using the suction device 100. Will be done. Therefore, the user is more likely to notice that the first element (eg, capsule 126) needs to be replaced.

If the capacity of the second element is less than the second threshold (“Yes” in step 808), the process proceeds to step 812. In step 812, the control unit 106 notifies the user in the second mode. For example, the control unit 106 causes the notification unit 108 to function in the second mode.

According to the embodiment shown in FIG. 8, only the capacity of the first element (for example, a capsule) is insufficient, and the capacity of both the first element and the second element (for example, a cartridge) is insufficient. The notification unit 108 can be operated in different modes depending on the case where the notification unit 108 is used. Therefore, the user can easily understand whether only the first element should be exchanged or both the first element and the second element should be exchanged.

The suction device 100 may include a plurality of elements including at least the first and second elements. In this case, the default condition may include the requirement that, for each of the plurality of elements, the detected or estimated capacity is less than or equal to the threshold set for the element. The control unit 106 may be configured to function as the notification unit 108 when such a predetermined condition is satisfied. Further, the above conditions may be stricter as the work for returning to a state having the capacity required for continuous generation of the aerosol is frequently performed among the plurality of elements. In other words, the above conditions may be relaxed as the work is performed less frequently among the plurality of elements to return the aerosol to a state having a capacity required for continuous production of the aerosol. Further, the above-mentioned condition may be less likely to be satisfied as the frequency of the above-mentioned conditions is higher among the plurality of elements. Alternatively, the above-mentioned conditions may include more requirements as the frequency is higher among the plurality of elements. With these features, it is possible to prevent the notification unit 108 from malfunctioning for an element that is frequently exchanged, and to reduce the possibility that the user overlooks the operation of the notification unit 108 that prompts the exchange of the element. can.

The control unit 106 may be configured to acquire a request for aerosol production. The condition of the element having the highest frequency among the plurality of elements may include the detection of this request. Due to this feature, the element with the highest frequency of replacement or the like includes puff detection as a condition for the notification unit 108 to function. Therefore, since the notification unit 108 operates when the user explicitly wants to perform suction, the possibility that the user misses the operation of the notification unit 108 can be further reduced.

The control unit 106 may be configured to operate the notification unit 108 for a longer period of time when the above conditions are satisfied, as the frequency of the plurality of elements is higher. This feature makes it difficult for the user to overlook that the notification unit 108 is operating for an element having a high frequency of exchange or the like.

When the notification unit 108 includes a light emitting element, the control unit 106 may set the light emitting color of the light emitting element to be different for each of the plurality of elements. This allows the user to easily understand which element needs to be exchanged or the like. The control unit 106 may also be configured to set the emission color of the light emitting element for each of the plurality of elements based on the frequency of the plurality of elements. This feature makes it easier for the user to recognize which element should be replaced. The control unit 106 may also be configured to set the emission color of the light emitting element closer to the cool color system as the frequency increases among the plurality of elements. By setting the frequently lit color to a cool color, it is possible to encourage the user to perform the replacement work as if he / she were using it normally, without making the user excessively alert. The control unit 106 also has the same emission color of the light emitting element when the above conditions are satisfied and the emission color of the light emitting element during the generation of the aerosol with respect to the element having the highest frequency among the plurality of elements. It may be configured to control the light emitting element. With this feature, it is possible to make the user understand that the element having the highest frequency of exchange (that is, the frequency of notification to the user) needs to be exchanged without impairing the user experience. The control unit 106 may also be configured to set the emission color of the light emitting element closer to the warm color system as the frequency is lower among the plurality of elements. By making the emission color of the light emitting element a warm color for elements that are infrequently replaced, it is possible to draw the user's attention strongly when the replacement timing of the element that requires replacement or the like is rarely reached.

In the process of FIG. 8, the aerosol for the first element or the aerosol with the flavor (hereinafter, collectively referred to as “aerosol”) is returned to a state having a capacity necessary for continuously producing the aerosol. The frequency with which the work is performed is higher than the frequency with respect to the second element. In one example, the second element (cartridge 104) may be replaced once while the first element (capsule 126) is replaced five times.

In the process of FIG. 8, the capsule 126 may be the first element and the battery 110 may be the second element. In one example, the battery 110 may be charged once while the capsule 126 is replaced 10 times.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing in detail an example of the operation of the suction device 100 according to the present embodiment. In the following, it is assumed that the control unit 106 executes all the steps shown in FIG. However, it should be noted that some steps in FIG. 9 may be performed by another component within the suction device 100. Here, the suction device has the configuration of the suction device 100B shown in FIG. 1B, the suction device 100B has a battery 110, a cartridge 104, and a capsule 126 as elements, and the capsule 126 corresponds to the first element in FIG. , The cartridge 104 will be described as corresponding to the second element. It is also assumed that the cartridge 104 may be replaced once while the capsule 126 is replaced five times.

The process starts in step 902. In step 902, the control unit 106 determines whether or not the user has detected the start of the puff of the suction device 100. As an example, when the sensor 112 includes a pressure sensor or a flow rate sensor, the control unit 106 may determine that the puff has started when the pressure or flow rate acquired from the sensor 112 exceeds a predetermined value. The control unit 106 may also determine that the puff has been started when the duration at which pressure or flow rate is detected by the sensor 112 exceeds a predetermined duration. In another example, the suction device 100 may include a start button, and the control unit 106 may determine that the puff has started when the button is pressed. If the start of the puff is not detected (“No” in step 902), the process returns to before step 902. If the start of the puff is detected (“Yes” in step 902), the process proceeds to step 904.

In step 904, the control unit 106 determines whether or not the voltage of the battery 110 is larger than the threshold value (discharge end voltage (for example, 3.2 V) or the like). When the voltage of the battery 110 is equal to or lower than the discharge end voltage (“No” in step 904), the process proceeds to step 906. In step 906, the control unit 106 causes the notification unit 108 to function in the fourth mode. In one example, if the notification unit 108 includes an LED, the fourth mode may include blinking the LED in red for 5.4 seconds. In another example, if the notification unit 108 includes a vibrator, the fourth mode may include vibrating the vibrator for 5.4 seconds. After that, the process ends. On the other hand, if the voltage of the battery 110 is larger than the discharge cutoff voltage (“Yes” in step 904), the process proceeds to step 908.

Since the processes of steps 908 to 912 are the same as the processes of steps 308 to 312 of FIG. 3, the description thereof will be omitted here.

The process proceeds to step 914, and the control unit 106 causes the notification unit 108 to function in the third mode. The third mode is an operation mode of the notification unit 108 when the user is performing normal suction using the suction device 100B. In one example, if the notification unit 108 includes an LED, in step 914, the control unit 106 may constantly turn on the LED in blue.

Since the processes of steps 916 to 928 are the same as the processes of steps 316 to 328 of FIG. 3, the description thereof will be omitted here.

Step 930 is an example of step 804 of FIG. 8 relating to the capsule 126 as the first element of the suction device 100B. In step 930, the control unit 106 determines whether the accumulated time T _A is greater than a predetermined threshold time. It is estimated that the threshold time is such that the capacity of the capsule 126 (eg, the remaining amount of flavor component contained in the flavor source 128) is less than the value required to produce an aerosol with sufficient flavor. It can be the integrated time of suction for the suction device 100B. The threshold time may be stored in the memory 114 or the like in advance. If T _A is less than or equal to the threshold time ( "No" in step 930), will be the capacity of the capsule 126 is determined to be equal to or larger than the first threshold, the process returns to the previous step 902. T If _A is greater than the threshold time ( "Yes" in step 930), will be the capacity of the capsule 126 is determined to be less than the first threshold value, the process proceeds to step 932.

The process of steps 932 to 936 is the same as the process of steps 332 to 336 of FIG. The condition when it is determined that the start of the puff is detected in step 932 may be stricter than the condition when it is determined that the start of the puff is detected in step 902. Alternatively, the possibility that the condition when it is determined that the start of the puff is detected in step 932 is satisfied is lower than the possibility that the condition when it is determined that the start of the puff is detected in step 902 is satisfied. May be good. In one example, the conditions may include detection of a variable (eg, pressure or flow rate) having an absolute value above a predetermined value. At this time, the default value used for the determination in step 932 may be larger than the default value used for the determination in step 902. The above condition when it is determined that the start of the puff has been detected may also include that the puff has continued for a predetermined time in step 934. In one example, the conditions may include detection of a variable (eg, pressure) that exceeds a predetermined duration. When the determination using such a duration is also performed in step 902, the duration used for the determination in step 934 may be longer than the duration used for the determination in step 902. These features make it possible to improve the response of aerosol generation to the user's puffing motion during normal suction and provide a comfortable suction experience. In addition, when the capacity of the capsule 126 is less than the first threshold value, it is possible to prevent the suction device 100 from accidentally operating normally due to background noise.

The process proceeds to step 938. Step 938 is an example of step 808 of FIG. 8 relating to the cartridge 104 as the second element of the suction device 100B. In step 938, N indicates the number of times the capsule 126 has been replaced. In step 938, the "predetermined number" indicates the number of times the capsule 126 should be replaced while the cartridge 104 is replaced once. As described above, in the example of FIG. 9, since the capsule 126 is exchanged 5 times while the cartridge 104 is exchanged once, the predetermined number of times is 5 here. Therefore, when N ≧ 5, both the capsule 126 and the cartridge 104 need to be replaced, and when N is less than 5, only the capsule 126 needs to be replaced, and the cartridge 104 does not need to be replaced.

In step 938, the control unit 106 determines whether or not N is a predetermined number of times (here, 5) or more. N may be stored in the memory 114. When N is less than a predetermined number of times (“No” in step 938), it corresponds to “No” in step 808 in FIG. That is, at this time, the capacity of the capsule 126, which is the first element, is less than the first threshold value, but the capacity of the cartridge 104, which is the second element, is equal to or more than the second threshold value. In this case, the process proceeds to step 940. In step 940, similarly to step 810 of FIG. 8, the control unit 106 causes the notification unit 108 to function in the first mode. In one example, when the notification unit 108 includes a light emitting element such as an LED, the first mode may include blinking the light emitting element in blue for 40 seconds. In another example, if the notification unit 108 includes a vibrator, the first mode may include vibrating the vibrator for 2 seconds.

When the notification unit 108 is made to function in the first mode, the control unit 106 may stop the generation of aerosol. This may be achieved by the process of step 936. For example, the control unit 106 prohibits energization of the atomization unit 118. Since no aerosol is produced, the user's attention can be drawn and the user is more likely to notice that the capsule 126 needs to be replaced. In addition, it is possible to prevent the formation of incomplete aerosols when the remaining amount of the capsule 126 is insufficient, thereby preventing the user's suction experience from being impaired.

When the notification unit 108 includes a light emitting element, the light emitting color of the light emitting element may be the same in the first mode in step 940 and the third mode in step 914, and the light emitting mode of the light emitting element may be different. Alternatively, in the first mode and the third mode, the emission color of the light emitting element may be different, and the emission mode of the light emitting element may be the same. Alternatively, both the emission color and the emission mode of the light emitting element may be different between the first mode and the third mode. With these features, when the capacity of the capsule 126 is insufficient, the user can be made aware that some abnormality related to suction has occurred, and it becomes easy to prompt the user to replace the capsule 126.

The process proceeds to step 942, and the control unit 106 releases the prohibition of energization to the atomization unit 118. At this time, the control unit 106 may estimate that the capacity of the capsule 126 has returned to a predetermined value (for example, a value sufficient to produce an aerosol or an aerosol with a flavor). Since the notification unit 108 has already given a notification that is difficult for the user to overlook, it is highly probable that the capsule 126 having insufficient capacity has been replaced after the function of the notification unit 108 in the first mode is completed. According to the above features, it is not necessary to use the control logic or element for the fitting detection or the switch, which is used only for the purpose of detecting whether or not the capsule 126 has been replaced. In addition, the accuracy of counting the integrated time and the number of exchanges can be improved.

The control unit 106 may also count the number of times the capacity of the capsule 126 returns to a predetermined value after the function of the notification unit 108 in the first mode is completed. Due to this feature, the product life of the suction device 100 and the product life of the suction device 100 can be achieved without using the control logic or element for fitting detection or switch, which is used only for the purpose of detecting whether or not the element has been replaced. It is possible to count the number of exchanges of the above-mentioned element, which is a useful parameter for estimating the degree of consumption of other elements.

The process proceeds to step 944, and the control unit 106 increments N by 1. This increases the number of times the capsule 126 is replaced by one. In step 946, the control unit 106 (set to 0) to reset the accumulated time _{T A.}

When N is a predetermined number of times in step 938 (“Yes” in step “938”), it corresponds to “Yes” in step 808 in FIG. That is, at this time, the capacity of the capsule 126, which is the first element, is less than the first threshold value, and the capacity of the cartridge 104, which is the second element, is less than the second threshold value. Therefore, it is necessary to replace both the capsule 126 and the cartridge 104. In this case, the process proceeds to step 948. In step 948, similarly to step 812 of FIG. 8, the control unit 106 causes the notification unit 108 to function in the second mode. In one example, when the notification unit 108 includes a light emitting element such as an LED, the second mode may include blinking the light emitting element in green for 60 seconds. As described above, the control unit 106 may be configured to emit light of the light emitting element of the notification unit 108 in different emission colors in the first mode in step 940 and the second mode in step 948. Due to this feature, the emission color of the light emitting element changes depending on whether only the capsule 126 needs to be replaced or both the capsule 126 and the cartridge 104 need to be replaced. Easy to understand if you need it.

The control unit 106 may be configured to set the emission color of the light emitting element in the first mode closer to the cool color system as compared with the emission color in the second mode. As a result, when it is necessary to replace only the capsule 126, the light emitting element emits light in a cool color. Therefore, it becomes easier for the user to recognize that regular replacement work is required, and it is further understood whether only the capsule 126 needs to be replaced or both the capsule 126 and the cartridge 104 need to be replaced. It will be easier.

The control unit 106 may be configured to operate the notification unit 108 for different lengths of time in the first mode and the second mode. This makes it even easier to see if only the capsule 126 needs to be replaced or if both the capsule 126 and the cartridge 104 need to be replaced. The control unit 106 may be configured so that the time for the notification unit 108 to function in the first mode is shorter than the time for the notification unit 108 to function in the second mode. This reduces the time it takes for the notification unit 108 to function if only the capsule 126 needs to be replaced. Therefore, it becomes easy for the user to recognize that the work to be completed in a short time is required. It also makes it easier to see if only the capsule 126 needs to be replaced or if both the capsule 126 and the cartridge 104 need to be replaced.

In another example, if the notification unit 108 includes a vibrator, the second mode may include vibrating the vibrator for 60 seconds.

The process proceeds to step 950, and the control unit 106 releases the prohibition of energization to the atomization unit 118. This process is the same as the process of step 942.

The process proceeds to step 952, and the control unit 106 sets N to 1. As a result, the number of times the capsule 126 is replaced is reset to 1. After that, the process proceeds to step 946.

The control unit 106 may be configured to interrupt the function of the notification unit 108 when at least one of the plurality of elements is removed. In the example of FIG. 9, if the cartridge 104 and the capsule 126 are removable, the control unit 106 may interrupt the function of the notification unit 108 if one or both of them are removed.

In the above description, the third embodiment of the present disclosure has been described as a suction device having the configuration shown in FIG. 1A or FIG. 1B and the method shown in FIG. 8 or 9. However, it is understood that the present disclosure, when executed by a processor, can be implemented as a program that causes the processor to perform the method shown in FIG. 8 or 9, or as a computer-readable storage medium containing the program. Yeah.

Although the embodiments of the present disclosure have been described above, it should be understood that these are merely examples and do not limit the scope of the present disclosure. It should be understood that the embodiments can be changed, added, improved, etc. as appropriate without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure. The scope of the present disclosure should not be limited by any of the embodiments described above, but should be defined only by the claims and their equivalents.

100A, 100B ... suction device, 102 ... first member, 104 ... second member, 106 ... control unit, 108 ... notification unit, 110 ... battery, 112 .. Sensor, 114 ... memory, 116 ... reservoir, 118 ... atomizer, 120 ... air intake flow path, 121 ... aerosol flow path, 122 ... mouthpiece, 124. .. Arrow, 126 ... Third member, 128 ... Flavor source

From one aspect, a suction device connected to a cartridge accommodating an aerosol source, wherein the cartridge comprises an atomizer that atomizes the aerosol source to produce an aerosol, which is produced by the atomizer. The aerosol is flavored from the flavor source, and the frequency of replacement of the aerosol source required for continuous generation of the aerosol is lower than the frequency of replacement of the flavor source, and the suction device is described by the suction device. The battery that supplies power to the atomization unit, the acquisition unit that acquires the aerosol generation request detected when the user tries to suck using the suction device, and the acquisition unit acquires the aerosol generation request. In such a case, when the flavor source that is recognized to be able to generate an aerosol to which flavor is added does not exist , power is supplied from the battery to the atomizing portion to atomize the aerosol source. Instead, a suction device is provided that comprises a notification unit that provides a first notification to encourage replacement of the aerosol.

Claims (11)

A suction device connected to a cartridge that houses an aerosol source.
The cartridge comprises an atomizer that atomizes the aerosol source to produce an aerosol.
The aerosol produced by the atomizing portion is imparted with a flavor from a flavor source.
The frequency of replacement of the aerosol source required for the continuous production of aerosol is lower than the frequency of replacement of the flavor source.
The suction device is
A battery that supplies electric power to the atomization section and
The acquisition unit that acquires the aerosol generation request, and
When the aerosol generation request is acquired by the acquisition unit, when the flavor source that is recognized to be able to generate the aerosol to which the flavor is added is not present in the suction device, the first for promoting the replacement of the aerosol source. Notification unit that gives notification of 1 and
A suction device. The suction device according to claim 1, wherein the notification unit notifies the remaining amount of at least one of the aerosol source and the flavor source. When the acquisition unit acquires the aerosol generation request, the notification unit may generate the aerosol with flavor in the cartridge when the flavor source that is recognized to be capable of producing the aerosol in the suction device is not present. The suction device according to claim 2, wherein the first notification is given regardless of the remaining amount of the aerosol source. When the acquisition unit acquires the aerosol generation request, the notification unit receives the first notification when the flavor source that is recognized to be able to generate an aerosol with flavor is present in the suction device. The suction device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, which gives a second notification different from that of the above. The suction device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the frequency of charging the battery required for continuous generation of aerosol is lower than the frequency of replacement of the flavor source. The suction device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein when the notification unit gives the first notification, the supply of electric power from the battery to the atomization unit is stopped. The suction device is
A control unit that estimates the remaining amount of at least one of the aerosol source and the flavor source based on the integrated value of the energization time to the atomizing unit.
The suction device according to claim 2 or 3, further comprising. The suction device is
A suction detector that detects suction, and a suction detector
A control unit that estimates the remaining amount of at least one of the aerosol source and the flavor source based on the number of times suction is detected by the suction detection unit.
The suction device according to claim 2 or 3, further comprising. The suction device according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the cartridge includes a tank containing the aerosol source in a liquid state. The suction device according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the flavor source is a processed product derived from tobacco or non-tobacco. The suction device according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the notification unit is a display.

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