JP2022015340A - Control unit of aerosol generation device - Google Patents

Abstract

To provide an aerosol generation device capable of informing a user that at least one of an aerosol source and a flavor source is required to be replaced.SOLUTION: An MCU 50 of a power unit 10 of an aerosol generation device 1 is configured so as to acquire a residual amount of an aerosol source 22 and a flavor source 33. When the residual amount is a threshold or more, the MCU is configured so as to permit first electric discharge, which is the electric discharge from a power source 12 to a first load 21, and second electric discharge, which is the electric discharge from the power source 12 to a second load 31, and when the residual amount is less than the threshold, it suppresses one of the first electric discharge and the second electric discharge.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 13

Description

The present invention relates to a control unit of an aerosol generator.

In Patent Document 1, Patent Document 3, and Patent Document 4, an aerosol generated by heating a liquid is passed through a flavor source to add a flavor to the aerosol, and the user is made to suck the aerosol to which the flavor is added. Devices that can be used are described.

Patent Document 2 describes elements configured to contribute to the production of aerosols or flavored aerosols by consuming the accumulated capacity, and sensors configured to detect predetermined variables. A notification unit configured to notify the aerosol inhaler, and a default condition for the detected or estimated volume to be less than the threshold and the variable to request the aerosol to be produced. A suction device including a control unit configured to cause the notification unit to function in the first mode when the above conditions are satisfied is described.

International Publication No. 2020/039598 Japanese Patent No. 6462965 Special Table 2017-511703 Gazette International Publication No. 2018/017654

Patent Documents 1 to 4 do not describe a method for notifying the user when the remaining amount of the aerosol source and the flavor source is low.

An object of the present invention is to provide an aerosol generator capable of informing a user that at least one of an aerosol source and a flavor source needs to be replaced.

The control unit of the aerosol generation device of one aspect of the present invention includes a processing device configured to be capable of acquiring at least one remaining amount of an aerosol source and a flavor source that adds flavor to the aerosol generated from the aerosol source. When the remaining amount is equal to or greater than the threshold value, the processing apparatus determines a first discharge, which is a discharge from a power source to an atomizer that atomizes the aerosol source, and an amount of flavor added to the aerosol by the flavor source. Allow a second discharge, which is a discharge from the power source, to the adjustable regulator, and suppress either the first discharge or the second discharge when the remaining amount is less than the threshold. It is composed of.

The control unit of the aerosol generator of one aspect of the present invention is from a power source to a notification unit and a first heater that heats one of an aerosol source and a flavor source that adds flavor to the aerosol generated from the aerosol source. A processing device configured to be able to control the discharge and the discharge from the power source to a second heater separate from the first heater, which heats the other of the aerosol source and the flavor source. The processing apparatus allows the first heater to be discharged from the power source and the second heater to be discharged from the power source before the notification unit is made to function. Is configured to suppress either the discharge from the power source to the first heater or the discharge from the power source to the second heater.

INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY According to the present invention, it is possible to provide an aerosol generator capable of informing a user that at least one of an aerosol source and a flavor source needs to be replaced.

It is a perspective view which shows schematic structure of an aerosol generation apparatus. It is another perspective view of the aerosol generation apparatus of FIG. It is sectional drawing of the aerosol generation apparatus of FIG. It is a perspective view of the power supply unit in the aerosol generation apparatus of FIG. It is a schematic diagram which shows the hardware composition of the aerosol generation apparatus of FIG. It is a schematic diagram which shows the modification of the hardware structure of the aerosol generation apparatus of FIG. It is a flowchart for demonstrating the operation of the aerosol generation apparatus of FIG. It is a flowchart for demonstrating the operation of the aerosol generation apparatus of FIG. It is a schematic diagram which shows an example of the power threshold value P _max and the increase width ΔP. It is a schematic diagram which shows the atomizing power supplied to the first load 21 in step S17 of FIG. It is a schematic diagram which shows the atomizing power supplied to the first load 21 in step S19 of FIG. It is a schematic diagram which shows an example of the table which shows the relationship between the remaining amount of a flavor component and the remaining amount of a reservoir. It is a timing chart for demonstrating the operation of the aerosol generation apparatus of FIG. It is a flowchart for demonstrating the operation of the aerosol generation apparatus 1 of the 1st modification. It is a flowchart for demonstrating the operation of the aerosol generation apparatus 1 of the 1st modification. It is a flowchart for demonstrating the operation of the aerosol generation apparatus 1 of the 2nd modification. It is a flowchart for demonstrating the operation of the aerosol generation apparatus 1 of the 2nd modification. It is a timing chart for demonstrating the operation of the aerosol generation apparatus of the 2nd modification. It is a timing chart for demonstrating another example of the operation of the aerosol generation apparatus of the 2nd modification. It is a timing chart for demonstrating still another example of the operation of the aerosol generation apparatus of the 2nd modification.

Hereinafter, the aerosol generator 1 which is an embodiment of the aerosol generator of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 6.

(Aerosol generator)
The aerosol generator 1 is an instrument for generating an aerosol to which a flavor component is added so that it can be sucked without burning, and as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, a predetermined direction (hereinafter, longitudinal). It has a rod shape extending along the direction X). The aerosol generator 1 is provided with a power supply unit 10, a first cartridge 20, and a second cartridge 30 in this order along the longitudinal direction X. The first cartridge 20 is removable (in other words, replaceable) with respect to the power supply unit 10. The second cartridge 30 is removable (in other words, replaceable) with respect to the first cartridge 20. As shown in FIG. 3, the first cartridge 20 is provided with a first load 21 and a second load 31. As shown in FIG. 1, the overall shape of the aerosol generator 1 is not limited to the shape in which the power supply unit 10, the first cartridge 20, and the second cartridge 30 are arranged in a row. If the first cartridge 20 and the second cartridge 30 are interchangeably configured with respect to the power supply unit 10, any shape such as a substantially box shape can be adopted. The second cartridge 30 may be detachable (in other words, replaceable) with respect to the power supply unit 10.

(Power supply unit)
As shown in FIGS. 3, 4, and 5, the power supply unit 10 includes a power supply 12, a charging IC 55A, an MCU (Micro Controller Unit) 50, and a DC / DC inside the cylindrical power supply unit case 11. The converter 51, the intake sensor 15, the temperature detection element T1 including the voltage sensor 52 and the current sensor 53, the temperature detection element T2 including the voltage sensor 54 and the current sensor 55, the first notification unit 45 and the second notification. Accommodates the unit 46.

The power source 12 is a rechargeable secondary battery, an electric double layer capacitor, or the like, and is preferably a lithium ion secondary battery. The electrolyte of the power supply 12 may be composed of one or a combination of a gel-like electrolyte, an electrolytic solution, a solid electrolyte, and an ionic liquid.

As shown in FIG. 5, the MCU 50 includes various sensor devices such as an intake sensor 15, a voltage sensor 52, a current sensor 53, a voltage sensor 54, and a current sensor 55, a DC / DC converter 51, an operation unit 14, and a first unit. It is connected to one notification unit 45 and a second notification unit 46, and performs various controls of the aerosol generation device 1.

Specifically, the MCU 50 is mainly composed of a processor, and is a memory 50a composed of a storage medium such as a RAM (Random Access Memory) necessary for operating the processor and a ROM (Read Only Memory) for storing various information. Further includes. Specifically, the processor in the present specification is an electric circuit in which circuit elements such as semiconductor elements are combined.

As shown in FIG. 4, a discharge terminal 41 is provided on the top portion 11a located on one end side (first cartridge 20 side) of the power supply unit case 11 in the longitudinal direction X. The discharge terminal 41 is provided so as to project from the upper surface of the top portion 11a toward the first cartridge 20, and is configured to be electrically connectable to each of the first load 21 and the second load 31 of the first cartridge 20. To.

Further, on the upper surface of the top portion 11a, an air supply portion 42 for supplying air to the first load 21 of the first cartridge 20 is provided in the vicinity of the discharge terminal 41.

The bottom portion 11b located on the other end side (opposite side of the first cartridge 20) of the power supply unit case 11 in the longitudinal direction X is provided with a charging terminal 43 that can be electrically connected to an external power supply (not shown). The charging terminal 43 is provided on the side surface of the bottom portion 11b, and for example, a USB (Universal Serial Bus) terminal, a microUSB terminal, or the like can be connected.

The charging terminal 43 may be a power receiving unit capable of receiving power transmitted from an external power source in a non-contact manner. In such a case, the charging terminal 43 (power receiving unit) may be composed of a power receiving coil. The wireless power transfer (Wireless Power Transfer) method may be an electromagnetic induction type, a magnetic resonance type, or a combination of an electromagnetic induction type and a magnetic resonance type. Further, the charging terminal 43 may be a power receiving unit capable of receiving power transmitted from an external power source without contact. As another example, the charging terminal 43 may be connected to a USB terminal or a microUSB terminal and may have the above-mentioned power receiving unit.

The power supply unit case 11 is provided with a user-operable operation unit 14 on the side surface of the top unit 11a so as to face the side opposite to the charging terminal 43. More specifically, the operation unit 14 and the charging terminal 43 have a point-symmetrical relationship with respect to the intersection of the straight line connecting the operation unit 14 and the charging terminal 43 and the center line of the power supply unit 10 in the longitudinal direction X. The operation unit 14 is composed of a button-type switch, a touch panel, or the like. When a predetermined start operation is performed by the operation unit 14 while the power supply unit 10 is in the power off state, the operation unit 14 outputs a start command of the power supply unit 10 to the MCU 50. Upon acquiring this activation command, the MCU 50 activates the power supply unit 10.

As shown in FIG. 3, an intake sensor 15 for detecting a puff (suction) operation is provided in the vicinity of the operation unit 14. The power supply unit case 11 is provided with an air intake port (not shown) for taking in outside air inside. The air intake port may be provided around the operation unit 14, or may be provided around the charging terminal 43.

The intake sensor 15 is configured to output the value of the pressure (internal pressure) change in the power supply unit 10 caused by the suction of the user through the suction port 32 described later. The intake sensor 15 has, for example, an output value (for example, a voltage value or a current value) according to an internal pressure that changes according to the flow rate of air sucked from the air intake port toward the suction port 32 (that is, the puff operation of the user). ) Is a pressure sensor that outputs. The intake sensor 15 may output an analog value or may output a digital value converted from the analog value.

The intake sensor 15 may include a temperature sensor that detects the temperature (outside air temperature) of the environment in which the power supply unit 10 is placed in order to compensate for the pressure to be detected. The intake sensor 15 may be composed of a condenser microphone or the like instead of a pressure sensor.

When the puff operation is performed and the output value of the intake sensor 15 becomes equal to or higher than the output threshold value, the MCU 50 determines that an aerosol generation request (a atomization command of the aerosol source 22 described later) has been made, and then the intake sensor 15 of the intake sensor 15. When the output value falls below this output threshold value, it is determined that the aerosol generation request has been completed. In the aerosol generation device 1, when the period during which the aerosol generation request is made reaches the _upper limit time (for example, 2.4 seconds) for the purpose of suppressing overheating of the first load 21 or the like. , Regardless of the output value of the intake sensor 15, it is determined that the aerosol generation request has been completed.

Instead of the intake sensor 15, the aerosol generation request may be detected based on the operation of the operation unit 14. For example, when the user performs a predetermined operation on the operation unit 14 to start suctioning the aerosol, the operation unit 14 may be configured to output a signal indicating an aerosol generation request to the MCU 50.

The charging IC 55A is arranged close to the charging terminal 43, and controls charging of the power input from the charging terminal 43 to the power source 12. The charging IC 55A may be arranged in the vicinity of the MCU 50.

(1st cartridge)
As shown in FIG. 3, the first cartridge 20 has a reservoir 23 constituting a storage unit for storing an aerosol source 22 and a mist for atomizing an aerosol source 22 to generate an aerosol inside a cylindrical cartridge case 27. The first load 21 constituting the chemical device, the wick 24 that draws the aerosol source 22 from the reservoir 23 to the position of the first load 21, and the aerosol particle size generated by atomizing the aerosol source 22 are used for suction. The aerosol flow path 25 constituting the cooling passage for making the size suitable, the end cap 26 accommodating a part of the second cartridge 30, and the second cartridge 30 provided on the end cap 26 are heated. A second load 31 for this is provided.

The reservoir 23 is partitioned so as to surround the aerosol flow path 25 and stores the aerosol source 22. The reservoir 23 may contain a porous body such as a resin web or cotton, and the aerosol source 22 may be impregnated into the porous body. The reservoir 23 may not contain the porous material on the resin web or cotton, but may store only the aerosol source 22. The aerosol source 22 contains a liquid such as glycerin, propylene glycol, or water.

The wick 24 is a liquid holding member that draws the aerosol source 22 from the reservoir 23 to the position of the first load 21 by utilizing the capillary phenomenon. The wick 24 constitutes a holding portion that holds the aerosol source 22 supplied from the reservoir 23 at a position where the first load 21 can be atomized. The wick 24 is made of, for example, glass fiber or porous ceramic.

The aerosol source 22 included in the first cartridge 20 is held in each of the reservoir 23 and the wick 24, but in the following, the reservoir remaining amount W _reservoir , which is the remaining amount of the aerosol source 22 stored in the reservoir 23, is referred to. It is treated as the remaining amount of the aerosol source 22 contained in 1 cartridge 20. It is assumed that the remaining amount of the reservoir W _reservoir is 100% when the first cartridge 20 is new, and decreases as aerosol is generated (aerosol source 22 is atomized). The reservoir remaining amount W _reservoir is calculated by the MCU 50 and stored in the memory 50a of the MCU 50. In the following, the remaining amount of _{reservoir Wreservoir} may be simply referred to as the remaining amount of reservoir.

The first load 21 atomizes the aerosol source 22 by heating the aerosol source 22 without combustion by the electric power supplied from the power source 12 via the discharge terminal 41. As a general rule, the more power supplied from the power source 12 to the first load 21, the greater the amount of aerosol source to be atomized. The first load 21 is composed of a heating wire (coil) wound at a predetermined pitch.

The first load 21 may be an element capable of generating an aerosol by heating the aerosol source 22 and atomizing it. The first load 21 is, for example, a heat generating element. Examples of the heat generating element include a heat generating resistor, a ceramic heater, an induction heating type heater, and the like.

As the first load 21, a load in which the temperature and the electric resistance value have a correlation is used. As the first load 21, for example, a load having a PTC (Positive Temperature Coefficient) characteristic in which the electric resistance value increases as the temperature increases is used.

The aerosol flow path 25 is provided on the downstream side of the first load 21 and on the center line L of the power supply unit 10. The end cap 26 includes a cartridge accommodating portion 26a accommodating a part of the second cartridge 30, and a communication passage 26b communicating the aerosol flow path 25 and the cartridge accommodating portion 26a.

The second load 31 is embedded in the cartridge accommodating portion 26a. The second load 31 heats the second cartridge 30 (more specifically, the flavor source 33 included therein) accommodated in the cartridge accommodating portion 26a by the electric power supplied from the power source 12 via the discharge terminal 41. The second load 31 is composed of, for example, a heating wire (coil) wound at a predetermined pitch.

The second load 31 may be an element capable of heating the second cartridge 30. The second load 31 is, for example, a heat generating element. Examples of the heat generating element include a heat generating resistor, a ceramic heater, an induction heating type heater, and the like.

As the second load 31, a load in which the temperature and the electric resistance value have a correlation is used. As the second load 31, for example, one having PTC characteristics is used.

(2nd cartridge)
The second cartridge 30 stores the flavor source 33. By heating the second cartridge 30 by the second load 31, the flavor source 33 is heated. The second cartridge 30 is detachably housed in the cartridge accommodating portion 26a provided in the end cap 26 of the first cartridge 20. The end of the second cartridge 30 opposite to the first cartridge 20 side is the user's suction port 32. The suction port 32 is not limited to the case where the suction port 32 is integrally inseparable from the second cartridge 30, and may be configured to be detachable from the second cartridge 30. By configuring the suction port 32 separately from the power supply unit 10 and the first cartridge 20, the suction port 32 can be kept hygienic.

The second cartridge 30 adds a flavor component to the aerosol by passing the aerosol generated by atomizing the aerosol source 22 by the first load 21 through the flavor source 33. As the raw material piece constituting the flavor source 33, chopped tobacco or a molded product obtained by molding the tobacco raw material into granules can be used. The flavor source 33 may be composed of plants other than tobacco (for example, mint, Chinese herbs, herbs, etc.). A fragrance such as menthol may be added to the flavor source 33.

In the aerosol generation device 1, the aerosol source 22 and the flavor source 33 can generate an aerosol to which a flavor component is added. That is, the aerosol source 22 and the flavor source 33 constitute an aerosol generation source that generates an aerosol.

The aerosol generation source in the aerosol generation device 1 is a part to be replaced and used by the user. This portion is provided to the user, for example, as a set of one first cartridge 20 and one or more (eg, five) second cartridges 30. The first cartridge 20 and the second cartridge 30 may be integrated into one cartridge.

In the aerosol generator 1 configured in this way, as shown by the arrow B in FIG. 3, the air flowing in from the intake port (not shown) provided in the power supply unit case 11 is first from the air supply unit 42. It passes near the first load 21 of the cartridge 20. The first load 21 atomizes the aerosol source 22 drawn from the reservoir 23 by the wick 24. The aerosol generated by atomization flows through the aerosol flow path 25 together with the air flowing in from the intake port, and is supplied to the second cartridge 30 via the communication passage 26b. The aerosol supplied to the second cartridge 30 passes through the flavor source 33 to add a flavor component and is supplied to the mouthpiece 32.

Further, the aerosol generation device 1 is provided with a first notification unit 45 and a second notification unit 46 for notifying the user of various information (see FIG. 5). The first notification unit 45 is for giving a notification that acts on the user's tactile sensation, and is composed of a vibrating element such as a vibrator. The second notification unit 46 is for giving a notification that affects the user's vision, and is composed of a light emitting element such as an LED (Light Emitting Diode). As a notification unit for notifying various information, a sound output element may be further provided for notifying the user's hearing. The first notification unit 45 and the second notification unit 46 may be provided in any of the power supply unit 10, the first cartridge 20, and the second cartridge 30, but it is preferable that the first notification unit 45 and the second notification unit 46 are provided in the power supply unit 10. For example, the periphery of the operation unit 14 has translucency, and is configured to emit light by a light emitting element such as an LED.

(Details of power supply unit)
As shown in FIG. 5, the DC / DC converter 51 is connected between the first load 21 and the power supply 12 in a state where the first cartridge 20 is mounted on the power supply unit 10. The MCU 50 is connected between the DC / DC converter 51 and the power supply 12. The second load 31 is connected between the MCU 50 and the DC / DC converter 51 in a state where the first cartridge 20 is mounted on the power supply unit 10. As described above, in the power supply unit 10, the series circuit of the DC / DC converter 51 and the first load 21 and the second load 31 are connected in parallel to the power supply 12 in the state where the first cartridge 20 is mounted.

The DC / DC converter 51 is a booster circuit capable of boosting the input voltage, and is configured to be able to supply the boosted voltage or the input voltage to the first load 21. Since the electric power supplied to the first load 21 can be adjusted by the DC / DC converter 51, the amount of the aerosol source 22 atomized by the first load 21 can be controlled. As the DC / DC converter 51, for example, a switching regulator that converts an input voltage into a desired output voltage by controlling the on / off time of the switching element while monitoring the output voltage can be used. When a switching regulator is used as the DC / DC converter 51, the input voltage can be output as it is without boosting by controlling the switching element.

The processor of the MCU 50 is configured to be able to acquire the temperature of the flavor source 33 and the temperature of the second load 31 in order to control the discharge to the second load 31. Further, it is preferable that the processor of the MCU 50 is configured so as to be able to acquire the temperature of the first load 21. The temperature of the first load 21 can be used to suppress overheating of the first load 21 or the aerosol source 22 and to highly control the amount of the aerosol source 22 atomized by the first load 21.

The voltage sensor 52 measures and outputs a voltage value applied to the second load 31. The current sensor 53 measures and outputs the current value flowing through the second load 31. The output of the voltage sensor 52 and the output of the current sensor 53 are input to the MCU 50, respectively. The processor of the MCU 50 acquires the resistance value of the second load 31 based on the output of the voltage sensor 52 and the output of the current sensor 53, and acquires the temperature of the second load 31 according to the resistance value. The temperature of the second load 31 does not exactly match the temperature of the flavor source 33 heated by the second load 31, but can be regarded as substantially the same as the temperature of the flavor source 33.

If a constant current is passed through the second load 31 when the resistance value of the second load 31 is acquired, the current sensor 53 is unnecessary in the temperature detection element T1. Similarly, if a constant voltage is applied to the second load 31 when the resistance value of the second load 31 is acquired, the voltage sensor 52 is unnecessary in the temperature detection element T1.

Further, as shown in FIG. 6, instead of the temperature detecting element T1, the first cartridge 20 may be provided with the temperature detecting element T3 for detecting the temperature of the second cartridge 30 or the second load 31. good. The temperature detection element T3 is composed of, for example, a thermistor arranged in the vicinity of the second cartridge 30 or the second load 31. In the configuration of FIG. 6, the processor of the MCU 50 acquires the temperature of the second load 31 or the temperature of the second cartridge 30, in other words, the temperature of the flavor source 33, based on the output of the temperature detecting element T3.

As shown in FIG. 6, by acquiring the temperature of the flavor source 33 using the temperature detecting element T3, the flavor source is obtained rather than acquiring the temperature of the flavor source 33 using the temperature detecting element T1 of FIG. It becomes possible to acquire the temperature of 33 more accurately. The temperature detection element T3 may be mounted on the second cartridge 30. According to the configuration shown in FIG. 6 in which the temperature detecting element T3 is mounted on the first cartridge 20, the manufacturing cost of the second cartridge 30, which is the most frequently replaced in the aerosol generator 1, can be reduced.

As shown in FIG. 5, when the temperature of the flavor source 33 is acquired by using the temperature detection element T1, the temperature detection element T1 is provided in the power supply unit 10 having the lowest replacement frequency in the aerosol generation device 1. be able to. Therefore, the manufacturing cost of the first cartridge 20 and the second cartridge 30 can be reduced.

The voltage sensor 54 measures and outputs a voltage value applied to the first load 21. The current sensor 55 measures and outputs the current value flowing through the first load 21. The output of the voltage sensor 54 and the output of the current sensor 55 are input to the MCU 50, respectively. The processor of the MCU 50 acquires the resistance value of the first load 21 based on the output of the voltage sensor 54 and the output of the current sensor 55, and acquires the temperature of the first load 21 according to the resistance value. If a constant current is passed through the first load 21 when the resistance value of the first load 21 is acquired, the current sensor 55 is unnecessary in the temperature detection element T2. Similarly, if a constant voltage is applied to the first load 21 when acquiring the resistance value of the first load 21, the voltage sensor 54 is unnecessary in the temperature detection element T2.

(MCU)
Next, the function of the MCU 50 will be described. The MCU 50 includes a temperature detection unit, a power control unit, and a notification control unit as functional blocks realized by the processor executing a program stored in the ROM.

The temperature detection unit acquires the temperature of the flavor source 33 based on the output of the temperature detection element T1 (or the temperature detection element T3). Further, the temperature detection unit acquires the temperature of the first load 21 based on the output of the temperature detection element T2.

The notification control unit controls the first notification unit 45 and the second notification unit 46 so as to notify various information. For example, the notification control unit controls at least one of the first notification unit 45 and the second notification unit 46 so as to give a notification prompting the replacement of the second cartridge 30 in response to the detection of the replacement timing of the second cartridge 30. .. The notification control unit is not limited to the notification prompting the replacement of the second cartridge 30, but may give a notification prompting the replacement of the first cartridge 20, a notification prompting the replacement of the power supply 12, a notification prompting the charging of the power supply 12, and the like. .. In the memory 50a of the MCU 50, a replacement flag for determining whether or not the second cartridge 30 (flavor source 33) needs to be replaced is stored. This exchange Flag takes either a FALSE or TRUE value. FALSE means that no replacement is required. TRUE means that a replacement is required. This exchange flag is set to FALSE when the amount of the flavor component contained in the flavor source 33 (the remaining amount of the flavor component described later) is the threshold TH1 or more, and is set to TRUE when this amount is less than the threshold TH1. To.

The power control unit discharges from the power supply 12 to at least the first load 21 of the first load 21 and the second load 31 in response to the signal indicating the aerosol generation request output from the intake sensor 15. Control the discharge required for heating). That is, the power control unit has a first discharge from the power source 12 for atomizing the aerosol source 22 to the first load 21 and a second discharge from the power source 12 for heating the flavor source 33 to the second load 31. Of these, at least the first discharge is performed.

As described above, in the aerosol generation device 1, the flavor source 33 can be heated by discharging to the second load 31. It has been experimentally found that in order to increase the amount of flavor component added to the aerosol, it is effective to increase the amount of aerosol generated from the aerosol source 22 and to raise the temperature of the flavor source 33.

Therefore, the electric power control unit has a unit flavor amount (the flavor component amount W described below), which is the amount of the flavor component added to the aerosol generated for each aerosol generation request, based on the information regarding the temperature of the flavor source 33. The discharge for heating from the power source 12 to the first load 21 and the second load 31 is controlled so that the _flavor ) converges to the target amount. This target amount is a value that is appropriately determined, but for example, a target range of a unit flavor amount may be appropriately determined, and the median value in this target range may be set as the target amount. As a result, by converging the unit flavor amount (flavor component amount W _flavor ) to the target amount, it is possible to converge the unit flavor amount to the target range having a certain range. In addition, weight may be used as a unit of a unit flavor amount, a flavor component amount W _flavor , and a target amount.

Further, the power control unit sets the temperature of the flavor source 33 to the target temperature (target temperature described below) based on the output of the temperature detection element T1 (or the temperature detection element T3) that outputs information regarding the temperature of the flavor source 33. The discharge for heating from the power source 12 to the second load 31 is controlled so as to converge to T _{cap_target} ).

(Various parameters used for aerosol generation)
Hereinafter, various parameters and the like used for discharge control for aerosol generation will be described before moving on to the description of the specific operation of the MCU 50.

The weight [mg] of the aerosol produced in the first cartridge 20 by one suction operation by the user is described as the aerosol weight _Waerosol . The electric power required to be supplied to the first load 21 for the generation of this aerosol is referred to as atomized electric power _Pliquid . Aerosol weight _Waerosol , assuming that the aerosol source 22 is sufficiently present, the atomization power _Pliquid and the supply time of the atomization power _Pliquid to the first load 21 t _sense (in other words, to the first load 21). It is proportional to the energizing time or the puffing time). Therefore, the aerosol weight _Waerosol can be modeled by the following equation (1). Α in the formula (1) is a coefficient obtained experimentally. The _upper limit of the supply time t _sense is the above-mentioned upper limit time tupper. Further, the following equation (1) may be replaced with the equation (1A). In the formula (1A), the intercept b having a positive value is introduced into the formula (1). This is a term that can be arbitrarily introduced in consideration of the fact that a part of the atomization power _Pliquid is used for raising the temperature of the aerosol source 22 that occurs before atomization in the aerosol source 22. The intercept b can also be determined experimentally.

The weight [mg] of the flavor component contained in the flavor source 33 in a state where suction is performed n _puff times (n _puff is a natural number of 0 or more) is described as the remaining amount of flavor component W _capsule (n _puff ). The remaining amount of flavor component (W _capsule (n _puff = 0)) contained in the flavor source 33 of the second cartridge 30 in a new state is also described as _Winitial . Information about the temperature of the flavor source 33 is described as the capsule temperature parameter T _capsule . The weight [mg] of the flavoring component added to the aerosol passing through the flavoring source 33 by one suction operation by the user is described as the flavoring component amount W _flavor . The information regarding the temperature of the flavor source 33 is, for example, the temperature of the flavor source 33 or the temperature of the second load 31 acquired based on the output of the temperature detection element T1 (or the temperature detection element T3). In the following, the remaining amount of flavor component W _capsule (n _puff ) may be simply referred to as the remaining amount of flavor component.

It has been experimentally found that the flavor component amount W _flavor depends on the flavor component remaining amount W _capsule (n capsule), the capsule temperature parameter T _capsule , and the _aerosol weight _Waerosol . Therefore, the flavor component amount W _flavor can be modeled by the following equation (2).

Each time the suction is performed, the remaining amount of flavor component W _capsule (n _puff ) decreases by the amount of flavor component W _flavor . Therefore, when n _puff is 1 or more, the remaining amount of flavor component W _capsule (n _puff ), that is, the remaining amount of flavor component after one or more suctions are performed by the following formula (3). Can be modeled.

Β in the formula (2) is a coefficient indicating the ratio of how much of the flavor components contained in the flavor source 33 is added to the aerosol in one suction, and is obtained experimentally. Be done. Γ in the formula (2) and δ in the formula (3) are coefficients obtained experimentally, respectively. During the period of one suction, the capsule temperature parameter T _capsule and the remaining flavor component W _capsule (n _puff ) can fluctuate, respectively, but in this model, γ and δ are used to treat them as constant values. Introduced.

(Operation of aerosol generator)
7 and 8 are flowcharts for explaining the operation of the aerosol generation device 1 of FIG. When the aerosol generation device 1 is started (power ON) by the operation of the operation unit 14 or the like (step S0: YES), has the MCU 50 generated the aerosol after the power is turned on or after the second cartridge 30 is replaced (step S0: YES)? It is determined whether or not the suction by the user has been performed even once (step S1).

For example, the MCU 50 has a built-in puff number counter that up-counts n _puff from an initial value (for example, 0) each time suction (aerosol generation request) is performed. The count value of this puff number counter is stored in the memory 50a. By referring to this count value, the MCU 50 determines whether or not the state is after suction has been performed even once.

If it is the first suction after the power is turned on, or the timing before the first suction after the second cartridge 30 is replaced (step S1: NO), the flavor source 33 is still heated. The temperature of the flavor source 33 is likely to depend on the external environment because it has not been heated or has not been heated for a while. Therefore, in this case, the MCU 50 acquires the temperature of the flavor source 33 acquired based on the output of the temperature detection element T1 (or the temperature detection element T3) as the capsule temperature parameter T _capsule , and obtains the acquired flavor. The temperature of the source 33 is set as the target temperature T _{cap_target} of the flavor source 33 and stored in the memory 50a (step S2).

In the state where the determination in step S1 is NO, there is a high possibility that the temperature of the flavor source 33 is close to the outside air temperature or the temperature of the power supply unit 10. Therefore, in step S2, as a modification, the outside air temperature or the temperature of the power supply unit 10 may be acquired as the capsule temperature parameter T _capsule , and this may be used as the target temperature T _{cap_taget} .

The outside air temperature is preferably obtained from, for example, a temperature sensor built in the intake sensor 15. The temperature of the power supply unit 10 is preferably obtained from, for example, a temperature sensor built in the MCU 50 in order to control the temperature inside the MCU 50. In this case, both the temperature sensor built in the intake sensor 15 and the temperature sensor built in the MCU 50 function as elements for outputting information regarding the temperature of the flavor source 33.

As described above, the aerosol generator 1 controls the discharge from the power supply 12 to the second load 31 so that the temperature of the flavor source 33 converges to the target temperature T _{cap_target} . Therefore, it is highly possible that the temperature of the flavor source 33 is close to the target temperature T _{cap_target} after the suction is performed even once after the power is turned on or the second cartridge 30 is replaced. Therefore, in this case (step S1: YES), the MCU 50 acquires the target temperature T _{cap_target} stored in the memory 50a used for the previous aerosol generation as the capsule temperature parameter T _capsule , and uses this as it is. The target temperature is set as T _{cap_target} (step S3). In this case, the memory 50a functions as an element for outputting information regarding the temperature of the flavor source 33.

In step S3, the MCU 50 acquires the temperature of the flavor source 33 acquired based on the output of the temperature detection element T1 (or the temperature detection element T3) as the capsule temperature parameter T _capsule , and obtains the acquired flavor source. The temperature of 33 may be set as the target temperature T _{cap_target} of the flavor source 33. By doing so, the capsule temperature parameter T _capsule can be obtained more accurately.

After step S2 or step S3, the MCU 50 achieves the target amount of flavor component W _flavor based on the set target temperature T _{cap_target} and the current remaining amount of flavor component W _capsule (n _puff ) of the flavor source 33. The aerosol weight _Waerosol required for this purpose is determined by the calculation of the equation (4) (step S4). The formula (4) is a modification of the formula (2) in which T _capsule is T _{cap_taget} .

Next, the MCU 50 determines the atomization power _Pliquid required to realize the aerosol weight _Waerosol determined in step S4 by the calculation of the equation (1) with t _sense as the _upper limit time tupper (step). S5).

A table in which the combination of the target temperature T _{cap_target} and the remaining amount of flavor component W _capsule ( _npuff ) and the atomization power _Pliquid are associated with each other is stored in the memory 50a of the MCU 50, and the MCU 50 uses this table. The atomization power _Pliquid may be determined. Thereby, the atomization power _Pliquid can be determined at high speed and low power consumption.

As will be described later, in the aerosol generation device 1, when the temperature of the flavor source 33 does not reach the target temperature at the time when the aerosol generation request is detected, the shortage of the flavor component amount W _flavor causes an increase in the aerosol weight _Waerosol ( It is supposed to be supplemented by the increase in atomization power). In order to secure the increase in the atomizing power, it is necessary to make the atomizing power determined in step S5 lower than the _upper limit of the power that can be supplied to the first load 21 determined by the hardware configuration. There is.

Specifically, after step S5, the MCU 50 sets a power threshold P _max lower than the _upper limit value Upper (step S6a). When the atomizing power _Pliquid determined in step S5 exceeds this power threshold value P _max (step S6: NO), the MCU 50 increases the target temperature T _{cap_target} of the flavor source 33 (step S7), and steps S4. Return the process to. As can be seen from the formula (4), by increasing the target temperature T _{cap_target} , the _aerosol weight Waerosol required to achieve the target flavor component amount W _flavor can be reduced. As a result, the atomization power _Pliquid determined in step S5 can be reduced. By repeating steps S4 to S7, the MCU 50 can set the determination in step S6, which was initially determined to be NO, to YES, and shift the process to step S8.

The power threshold P _max may be a single fixed value, but is preferably a variable value. Specifically, the power threshold value P _max is set to any one of a plurality of values. As described above, the atomizing power determined in step S5 is determined on the premise that the aerosol source 22 (reservoir remaining amount W _reservoir ) is sufficiently large. However, even if the atomization power is the same, the wick 24 is supplied to the wick 24 when the _reservoir remaining amount W _reservoir is large and when the reservoir remaining amount W _reservoir is small. It may not be possible to achieve the desired aerosol weight because the amount of the aerosol source 22 is small or it takes time for the wick 24 to hold a sufficient amount of the aerosol source 22. That is, when the remaining amount of the _{reservoir Wreservoir} is small, it may not be possible to realize the required aerosol weight. Therefore, it is preferable to raise the target temperature of the flavor source 33 by that amount and reduce the required aerosol weight.

From such a viewpoint, in step S6a, the MCU 50 acquires the reservoir remaining amount W _reservoir and sets the power threshold value P _max based on the reservoir remaining amount W _reservoir . Specifically, the MCU 50 sets the power threshold value P _max to a large value so that the larger the remaining amount of the _reservoir , the greater the aerosol weight. In other words, the MCU 50 has a second remaining amount (for example, a remaining amount larger than the first remaining amount) in which the remaining amount of the _reservoir W is different from the first remaining amount when the remaining amount of the _reservoir W is the first remaining amount. The power threshold P _max is set to a smaller value than in the case. By doing so, the atomizing power supplied to the first load 21 can be adjusted based on the remaining amount of _{reservoir Wreservoir} . Therefore, it is possible to realize the target amount of flavor component regardless of the remaining amount of _{reservoir Wreservoir} .

_{The upper} limit value Upper will be described. When discharging from the power supply 12 to the first load 21, the current flowing through the first load 21 and the voltage of the power supply 12 are described as I and _VLIB , respectively, and the upper limit of the boost rate of the DC / DC converter 51 is η _upper . The upper limit of the output voltage of the DC / DC converter 51 is described as _{PDC / DC_upper} , and the temperature of the first load 21 reaches the temperature of the boiling point of the aerosol source 22. The electric resistance value is described as R _HTR ( _THTR = _TBP ). When described in this way, the _upper limit value Upper can be expressed by the following equation (5).

In the equation (5), Δ = 0 is the ideal value of the _upper limit value Upper. However, in an actual circuit, it is necessary to consider the resistance component of the conducting wire connected to the first load 21, the resistance component other than the resistance component connected to the first load 21, and the like. Therefore, in order to provide a certain margin, the adjustment value Δ is introduced in the equation (5).

In the aerosol generation device 1, the DC / DC converter 51 is not essential and can be omitted. When the DC / DC converter 51 is omitted, the _upper limit value Upper can be expressed by the following equation (6).

When the atomization power _Pliquid determined in step S5 is equal to or less than the power threshold value P _max (step S6: YES), the MCU 50 sets the current temperature T _{cap_sense} of the flavor source 33 to the temperature detection element T1 (step S6: YES). Alternatively, it is acquired based on the output of the temperature detection element T3) (step S8).

Next, the MCU 50 refers to the exchange flag of the memory 50a, and if the exchange flag is FALSE (step S9a: YES), to heat the second load 31 based on the temperature T _{cap_sense} and the target temperature T _{cap_taget} . Controls the discharge to the second load 31 (step S9). Specifically, the MCU 50 supplies power to the second load 31 by PID (Proportional-Integral-Differential) control or ON / OFF control so that the temperature T _{cap_sense} converges to the target temperature T _{cap_target} .

In the PID control, the difference between the temperature T _{cap_sense} and the target temperature T _{cap_target} is fed back, and based on the feedback result, the power control is performed so that the temperature T _{cap_sense} converges to the target temperature T _{cap_taget} . According to PID control, the temperature T _{cap_sense} can be converged to the target temperature T _{cap_target} with high accuracy. The MCU 50 may use P (Proportional) control or PI (Proportional-Integral) control instead of PID control.

In the ON / OFF control, power is supplied to the second load 31 when the temperature T _{cap_sense} is lower than the target temperature T _{cap_taget} , and when the temperature T _{cap_sense} is higher than the target temperature T _{cap_taget} , the temperature T _{cap_sense} is the target temperature T _{cap_taget.} It is a control to stop the power supply to the second load 31 until the temperature becomes less than. According to the ON / OFF control, the temperature of the flavor source 33 can be raised faster than the PID control. Therefore, it is possible to increase the possibility that the temperature T _{cap_sense} will reach the target temperature T _{cap_target} before the aerosol production request described later is detected. The target temperature T _{cap_target} may have hysteresis.

When the exchange flag is TRUE (step S9a: NO), the MCU 50 shifts the process to step S10 without performing the process of step S9. That is, the MCU 50 controls that when the exchange flag is TRUE, the discharge to the second load 31 for heating the second load 31 is suppressed as compared with the case where the exchange flag is FALSE. .. That is, when the exchange flag is FALSE, the discharge to the second load 31 is allowed, and when the exchange flag is TRUE, the discharge to the second load 31 is not allowed. At the timing immediately after the replacement of the second cartridge 30, since the remaining amount of flavor component W _capsule ( _npuff ) is sufficiently large, the process of step S9 is basically performed.

Suppressing the discharge to the second load 31 for heating the second load 31 means that the power exceeding the minimum value of the power supplied to the second load 31 for aerosol generation is not supplied to the second load 31. It means that the second load 31 is not supplied with power at all. Allowing discharge to the second load 31 for heating the second load 31 means supplying the second load 31 with electric power equal to or greater than the minimum value.

In step S10 after step S9, the MCU 50 determines the presence or absence of an aerosol production request. When the MCU50 does not detect the aerosol production request (step S10: NO), the length of the time during which the aerosol production request is not made (hereinafter referred to as no operation time) in step S11 is determined. judge. Then, when the non-operation time has reached a predetermined time (step S11: YES), the MCU 50 shifts to the sleep mode in which the power consumption is reduced (step S12). If the discharge to the second load 31 was started in step S9, the discharge is stopped in step S12. When the no-operation time is less than the predetermined time (step S11: NO), the MCU 50 shifts the process to step S8.

When the MCU 50 detects the aerosol production request (step S10: YES), it acquires the temperature T _{cap_sense} of the flavor source 33 at that time based on the output of the temperature detecting element T1 (or the temperature detecting element T3) (step S10: YES). Step S14). Then, the MCU 50 determines whether or not the temperature T _{cap_sense} acquired in step S14 is equal to or higher than the target temperature T _{cap_target} (step S15).

When the temperature T _{cap_sense} is less than the target temperature T _{cap_target} (step S15: NO), the MCU 50 sets the MCU 50 in step S5 to compensate for the decrease in the flavor component amount W _flavor due to the insufficient temperature of the flavor source 33. Increase the atomization power _Pliquid determined in the above. Specifically, first, the MCU 50 determines the increase width ΔP of the atomization power based on the reservoir remaining amount W _reservoir (step S19a), and this increase width ΔP is added to the atomization power P _liquid determined in step S5. The atomization power _Pliquid ' obtained by adding the above is supplied to the first load 21, and the heating of the first load 21 is started (step S19). The increase width ΔP is a variable value according to the reservoir remaining amount W _reservoir , but may be a single fixed value. FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a combination of the power threshold value P _max and the increase width ΔP.

In the example of FIG. 9, the increase width ΔP becomes a constant value P1 when the reservoir remaining amount W _reservoir is the threshold value TH3 or more, and becomes a value smaller than the value P1 when the reservoir remaining amount W _reservoir is the threshold value TH2 or more and less than the threshold value TH3. There is. Specifically, in the range where the remaining amount of reservoir W _reservoir is equal to or more than the threshold value TH2 and less than the threshold value TH3, the smaller the remaining amount of _{reservoir Wreservoir} , the smaller the increase width ΔP. In the example of FIG. 9, the power threshold value P _max becomes a constant value P2 when the reservoir remaining amount W _reservoir is the threshold value TH3 or more, and becomes a value smaller than the value P2 when the reservoir remaining amount W _reservoir is the threshold value TH2 or more and less than the threshold value TH3. ing. Specifically, in the range where the remaining amount of reservoir W _reservoir is equal to or more than the threshold value TH2 and less than the threshold value TH3, the smaller the remaining amount of _{reservoir Wreservoir} is, the smaller the power threshold value P _max is. The sum of the power threshold value P _max corresponding to each reservoir remaining amount W _reservoir and the increase width ΔP is equal to or less than the _upper limit value Pupper. Further, the total value of the value P1 and the value P2 is the same as the _upper limit value Upper. The threshold value TH2 shown in FIG. 9 is a value smaller than the threshold value TH3, and is for determining replacement of the first cartridge 20. The total value of the value P1 and the value P2 may be less than the _upper limit value Upper. Further, the threshold value TH2 may be set so that the replacement of the first cartridge 20 is determined before the remaining amount of the _{reservoir Wreservoir} becomes zero to some extent.

In step S15, when the temperature T _{cap_sense} is equal to or higher than the target temperature T _{cap_target} (step S15: YES), the MCU 50 supplies the atomizing power _Pliquid determined in step S5 to the first load 21. Heating of one load 21 is started (step S17). In step S15, the MCU 50 may determine whether or not the exchange flag is FALSE prior to determining whether or not the temperature T _{cap_sense} is equal to or higher than the target temperature T _{cap_target} . If the exchange flag is FALSE, it may be determined whether or not the temperature T _{cap_sense} is equal to or higher than the target temperature T _{cap_target} , and the process of step S17 or step S19a may be performed depending on the result. If the exchange flag is TRUE, the process of step S19a may be performed without determining whether or not the temperature T _{cap_sense} is equal to or higher than the target temperature T _{cap_target} . When the remaining amount of flavor component W _capsule (n _puff ) is low, the amount of flavor component W _flavor added to the aerosol may be smaller than the target amount even if the temperature of the flavor source 33 is close to the target temperature. There is. Therefore, by increasing the aerosol weight by the treatment in step S19, the flavor component amount W _flavor can be converged to the target amount.

After the start of heating of the first load 21 in step S19 or step S17, if the aerosol production request has not been completed (step S18: NO), the MCU 50 has an _upper limit time for the duration of the aerosol production request. If it is less than (step S18a: YES), heating of the first load 21 and heating of the second load 31 if the process of step 9 is performed are continued. The MCU 50 goes to the first load 21 when the duration of the aerosol generation request reaches the _upper limit time (step S18a: NO) and when the aerosol generation request is completed (step S18: YES). And the power supply to the second load 31 when the process of step 9 is performed (step S21).

The MCU 50 may control the heating of the first load 21 in steps S17 and S19 based on the output of the temperature detecting element T2. For example, if the MCU 50 executes PID control or ON / OFF control with the boiling point of the aerosol source 22 as the target temperature based on the output of the temperature detection element T2, overheating of the first load 21 and the aerosol source 22 can be suppressed. Alternatively, the amount of aerosol source 22 atomized by the first load 21 can be highly controlled.

FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram showing the atomizing power supplied to the first load 21 in step S17 of FIG. FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram showing the atomizing power supplied to the first load 21 in step S19 of FIG. As shown in FIG. 11, when the temperature T _{cap_sense} does not reach the target temperature T _{cap_target} at the time when the aerosol production request is detected, the atomization power _Pliquid is increased and the first load is increased. It is supplied to 21.

As described above, even if the temperature of the flavor source 33 does not reach the target temperature at the time when the aerosol production request is made, the amount of aerosol produced by the processing of step S19 can be determined. Can be increased. As a result, it is possible to compensate for the decrease in the amount of flavor component added to the aerosol due to the temperature of the flavor source 33 being lower than the target temperature by increasing the amount of the aerosol. Therefore, the amount of flavor component added to the aerosol can be converged to the target amount. Further, the increase width ΔP of the atomizing power to be increased in step S19 is a value based on the remaining amount of the reservoir _Wreservoir . Even when the atomization power is increased in step S19, the smaller the remaining amount of reservoir _Wreservoir , the smaller the increase width ΔP, so that an appropriate amount of aerosol can be generated according to the remaining amount of _{reservoir Wreservoir} . .. As a result, it is possible to suppress the generation of an aerosol having an unintended flavor due to the supply of more power than necessary to the _reservoir remaining amount Wreservoir.

On the other hand, if the temperature of the flavor source 33 has reached the target temperature at the time when the aerosol production request is made, the target amount of flavor component is achieved by the atomizing power determined in step S5. The desired amount of aerosol required for is produced. Therefore, the amount of flavor component added to the aerosol can be converged to the target amount.

After step S21, the MCU 50 acquires the supply time t _sense of the atomizing power supplied to the first load 21 in step S17 or step S19 to the first load 21 (step S22). It should be noted that when the MCU 50 detects the aerosol generation request beyond the _upper limit time tupper, the supply time t _sense becomes equal to the _upper limit time tupper. Further, the MCU 50 advances the puff number counter by "1" (step S23).

The MCU 50 includes the supply time t _sense acquired in step S22, the atomizing power supplied to the first load 21 in response to the aerosol generation request, and the target temperature T _{cap_target} at the time when the aerosol generation request is detected. Based on the remaining amount of flavor component W _capsule (n _puff ) immediately before this time, the remaining amount of flavor component W _capsule (n _puff ) of the flavor source 33 at the time when the current suction is completed is calculated (step S24). ..

When the control shown in FIG. 10 is performed, the flavor component amount W _flavor added to the aerosol produced from the start to the end of the aerosol production request can be obtained by the following formula (7). ( _Tend -t _start ) in the formula (7) indicates the supply time t _sense . The remaining amount of flavor component W _capsule (n _puff ) in the formula (7) is a value at a time immediately before the request for aerosol production is made.

When the control shown in FIG. 11 is performed, the flavor component amount W _flavor added to the aerosol produced from the start to the end of the aerosol production request can be obtained by the following formula (7A). ( _Tend -t _start ) of the formula (7A) indicates the supply time t _sense . The remaining amount of flavor component W _capsule (n _puff ) of the formula (7A) is a value at a time immediately before the request for aerosol production is made.

The W _flavor for each aerosol production request obtained in this way is stored in the memory 50a, and the past including the flavor component amount W _flavor at the time of this aerosol generation and the flavor component amount W _flavor at the time of aerosol generation before the previous time. By substituting the value of the flavor component amount W _flavor of (3) into the equation (3) (that is, the integrated value of the past flavor component amount W _flavor is multiplied by the coefficient δ and subtracted from the _Winter ). The remaining amount of flavor component W _capsule (n _puff ) after the formation of aerosol can be derived with high accuracy and updated.

After step S24, the MCU 50 updates the _reservoir remaining amount Wreservor stored in the memory 50a (step S24a). The reservoir remaining amount W _reservoir can be derived based on the cumulative value of the supply time t _sense of the atomizing power to the first load 21 after the first cartridge 20 is replaced with a new one. .. The relationship between this cumulative value and the remaining amount of _{reservoir Wreservoir} may be obtained experimentally. Alternatively, the _reservoir remaining amount W receiver voice is the supply time of atomizing power to the first load 21 after the first cartridge 20 is replaced with a new one, and the power discharged to the first load 21 ( _atogization power _Pliquid ). , The cumulative value of the product of the atomizing power _Pliquid ') may be obtained and derived based on this cumulative value. The relationship between this cumulative value and the remaining amount of _{reservoir Wreservoir} may also be obtained experimentally.

Further, in step S24a, the MCU 50 may derive a reservoir remaining amount W _reservoir based on the flavor component remaining amount W _capsule (n _puff ) of the second cartridge 30 updated in step S24. In the present embodiment, five second cartridges 30 can be used for one first cartridge 20. For example, we experimented with data showing the relationship between the change in the remaining amount of reservoir _Wlesservoir when using one second cartridge 30 and the change in the remaining amount of flavor component W _capsule (n _puff ) of the second cartridge 30. Ask for it. Further, the remaining amount of the reservoir _Wreservoir of the new first cartridge 20 is equally divided by five second cartridges 30, and the table shown in FIG. 12 in which the above data is associated with each of the equally divided remaining amounts is created. It is stored in the memory 50a. In step S24a, the MCU 50 shows the cumulative number of used second cartridges 30 since the first cartridge 20 was replaced with a new one, the remaining amount of flavor component W _capsule ( _npuff ) acquired in step S24, and FIG. Based on the table shown, the remaining amount of reservoir W _reservoir corresponding to the current number of used second cartridges 30 and the remaining amount of flavor component W _capsule (n _puff ) is read from the table, and the read-out remaining amount of reservoir W _reservoir is read. Is stored in the memory 50a as the latest information.

Next, the MCU 50 determines whether or not the updated flavor component remaining amount W _capsule (n _puff ) is less than the threshold value TH1 (step S25). When the updated flavor component remaining amount W _capsule (n _puff ) is equal to or higher than the threshold value TH1 (step S25: NO), the MCU 50 shifts to the process in step S29. When the updated flavor component remaining amount W _capsule (n _puff ) is less than the threshold value TH1 (step S25: YES), the MCU 50 refers to the exchange flag (step S25a). When the exchanged flag is FALSE (step S25a: NO), the MCU 50 sets the exchanged flag to TRUE (step S25b) and shifts the process to step S29. It should be noted that step S25 does not have to be determined as YES (positive) only when the remaining amount of flavor component W _capsule (n _puff ) is zero. In other words, the threshold value TH1 may be set so that the determination in step S25 becomes YES (positive) to some extent before the remaining amount of flavor component W _capsule (n _puff ) becomes zero.

When the exchange flag is TRUE (step S25a: YES), the MCU 50 sends a notification prompting the exchange of at least one of the first cartridge 20 and the second cartridge 30 to the first notification unit 45 and the second notification unit 46. Have at least one perform (step S26). Then, the MCU 50 resets the puff number counter to the initial value (= 0), erases the above-mentioned past W _flavor value, and further initializes the target temperature T _{cap_target} (step S27). Further, the MCU 50 sets the exchange flag to FALSE (step S28) and performs the process of step S29.

The initialization of the target temperature T _{cap_taget} means that the target temperature T _{cap_taget} stored in the memory 50a at that time is excluded from the set value. As another example, when step S1 and step S2 are omitted and step S3 is always executed, the initialization of the target temperature T _{cap_target} means the target temperature T at that time stored in the memory 50a. It means that _{cap_target} is set to room temperature or room temperature.

In step S29, the MCU 50 returns the process to step S1 if the power is not turned off (step S29: NO), and ends the process when the power is turned off (step S29: YES).

FIG. 13 is a timing chart for explaining the operation of the aerosol generator of FIG. 1. In FIG. 13, the power of the aerosol generator 1 is turned on at time t1, the first suction is started at the subsequent time t2, and the remaining amount of flavor component W _capsule (n _puff ) is at time t4 after the suction is completed. It shows the operation when the threshold value is less than TH1 and the second suction is started at time t5.

After the power is turned on at time t1, the processes of steps S1 to S9a in FIG. 7 are performed, but before the first suction is performed, the remaining amount of flavor component W _capsule ( _npuff ) is the threshold value. It is TH1 or higher. Therefore, the determination in step S9a is YES, and as shown in FIG. 13, discharging to the second load 31 is started after the time t1 when the power is turned on.

After that, when the aerosol generation request (the atomization command of the aerosol source 22 by the first load 21) is acquired by the MCU 50 at time t2, the discharge to the first load 21 is started. After that, when the aerosol generation request is completed at time t3, the discharge to each of the first load 21 and the second load 31 is stopped.

After time t3, the target temperature at time t2, the remaining amount of flavor components at that time, the time between time t2 and time t3 (supply time t _sense ), and supply to the first load 21 at time t2. Based on the started atomization power, the remaining amount of flavor component W _capsule ( _npuff ) is calculated. When it is confirmed that the calculated remaining amount of flavor component W _capsule (n _puff ) is less than the threshold value TH1 at time t4, the exchange flag is set to TRUE as shown in step S25b of FIG. After that, steps S1 to S9a in FIG. 7 are executed again, but here, the determination in step S9a is NO. Therefore, the discharge to the second load 31 after the time t4 is suppressed. Then, when the second suction is performed at time t5, the discharge to the first load 21 is started.

When the second suction is completed at time t6, the discharge to the first load 21 is stopped. After that, when the determination in step S25a in FIG. 8 is YES, as shown in FIG. 13, the first notification unit 45 is first activated to notify the replacement of the second cartridge 30. After that, the second notification unit 46 is activated to give a notification prompting the replacement of the second cartridge 30. The operation start timings of the first notification unit 45 and the second notification unit 46 may be the same, or may be opposite to those in FIG. The operation start timing of at least one of the first notification unit 45 and the second notification unit 46 may be the same as the timing at which the aerosol production request ends.

(Effect of embodiment)
As described above, according to the aerosol generator 1, each time the user sucks the aerosol, the amount of the flavor component contained in the aerosol converges to the target amount from the power supply 12 to the first load 21 and the second load 31. Discharge control is performed. Therefore, the amount of the flavor component provided to the user can be stabilized for each suction, and the commercial value of the aerosol generation device 1 can be enhanced. Further, as compared with the case where only the first load 21 is discharged, the amount of the flavor component for each suction provided to the user can be stabilized, and the commercial value of the aerosol generation device 1 can be further enhanced.

Further, according to the aerosol generation device 1, the atomizing power determined in step S5 of FIG. 7 exceeds the power threshold value P _max , and the aerosol required to achieve the target amount of flavor component cannot be generated. In such a case, the power supply 12 is controlled to discharge to the second load 31. In this way, since the discharge to the second load 31 is performed as needed, it is possible to stabilize the amount of flavor component for each suction provided to the user and reduce the amount of electric power for realizing this.

Further, according to the aerosol generator 1, the discharge time (t _sense ) to the first load 21 according to the aerosol generation request, the T _{cap_target} at the time when the generation request is received, and the first according to the generation request. Based on the electric power discharged to the load (atomic power _Pliquid , atomized electric power _Pliquid ') or the amount of electric power (this electric power × t _sense )), the remaining amount of the flavor component is updated in step S24, and this flavor component is updated. Based on the remaining amount, the electric power to be discharged to the first load 21 is determined in steps S4 and S5. Therefore, the electric power or the amount of electric power discharged to the first load 21, which has a great influence on the amount of the flavor component that can be added to the aerosol, is appropriately considered, and further, the amount of the flavor component that can be added to the aerosol is greatly affected. The discharge to the first load 21 can be controlled after appropriately considering the temperature of the flavor source 33 when the load 21 is discharged.

Further, according to the aerosol generation device 1, the flavor source 33 is heated before detecting the aerosol generation request. Therefore, the flavor source 33 can be warmed before the aerosol is generated, and the time required from receiving the aerosol production request to producing the aerosol to which the desired amount of the flavor component is added can be shortened. can.

Further, according to the aerosol generation device 1, since the power threshold value P _max is changed based on the reservoir remaining amount W _reservoir , the atomization power is controlled based on the reservoir remaining amount W _reservoir . Therefore, an appropriate electric power based on the remaining amount of the aerosol source 22 can be supplied to the first load 21. Therefore, it is possible to provide the user with an aerosol having an appropriate flavor and taste, and it is possible to improve the commercial value.

Further, according to the aerosol generation device 1, the electric power supplied to the first load 21 when the temperature of the flavor source 33 does not reach the target temperature is controlled according to the remaining amount of the _{reservoir Wreservoir} . Therefore, it is possible to provide the user with an aerosol having an appropriate flavor and taste, and it is possible to improve the commercial value.

Further, according to the aerosol generator 1, since the power threshold value P _max is determined based on the remaining amount of _{reservoir Wreservor} , the electric power discharged from the power supply 12 to the second load 31 is controlled based on the remaining amount of _{reservoir Wreservor} . Will be. Therefore, an appropriate electric power based on the remaining amount of the aerosol source 22 can be supplied to the second load 31. Therefore, it is possible to provide the user with an aerosol having an appropriate flavor and taste, and it is possible to improve the commercial value.

Further, according to the aerosol generation device 1, the remaining amount of the flavor component is updated in step S24 based on the discharge time (t _sense ) to the first load 21 in response to the aerosol generation request, and the remaining amount of the flavor component is updated. It is also possible to derive the remaining amount of reservoir W _reservoir based on the above. By doing so, a dedicated sensor for measuring the remaining amount of the reservoir _Wreservoir becomes unnecessary. Therefore, it is possible to suppress an increase in the cost of the aerosol generation device 1.

Further, according to the aerosol generation device 1, when the remaining amount of the flavor component is less than the threshold value TH1, the discharge to the second load 31 is suppressed, so that the aerosol has a large remaining amount of the flavor component as compared with the case where the remaining amount of the flavor component is large. The aroma changes. Therefore, it is possible to inform the user through the sense of taste and smell that at least one of the first cartridge 20 and the second cartridge 30 needs to be replaced. As a result, the user intuitively communicates the need for replacement as compared to visual, tactile, or auditory notification (compared to communicating notification through the user's eyes, hands, or ears). Can be done. Further, by suppressing only the discharge to the second load 31, it is possible to inform the user that the second cartridge 30 including the flavor source 33 closely related to the flavor needs to be replaced.

Further, according to the aerosol generation device 1, the remaining amount of the flavor component is calculated after the suction is completed, and when the remaining amount of the flavor component is less than the threshold value TH1, when the next suction is started, the remaining amount of the flavor component is applied to the second load 31. The discharge is suppressed (stopped). Therefore, the decrease in the aerosol flavor at the time of the current suction can be markedly reduced with respect to the aerosol flavor at the time of the previous suction. As a result, it becomes easy for the user to notice that at least one of the first cartridge 20 and the second cartridge 30 needs to be replaced.

Up to this point, the discharge control when the remaining amount of the flavor component is low has been described, but the same discharge control is possible even when the remaining amount of the reservoir is low. For example, at time t4 in FIG. 13, it is assumed that the remaining amount of the flavor component is equal to or more than the threshold value TH1 and the remaining amount of the reservoir is less than the threshold value TH2. In this case, the MCU 50 executes the discharge to the second load 31 after the time t4 (the process of step S9 in FIG. 7 is executed), and heats the first load 21 to be performed in response to the start of suction at the time t5. The discharge to the first load 21 is suppressed (stopped) (the process of step S17 or step S19 in FIG. 8 is not performed). Then, the MCU 50 operates at least one of the first notification unit 45 and the second notification unit 46 to give a notification prompting the replacement of the first cartridge 20. Suppressing the discharge to the first load 21 for heating the first load 21 means that the power exceeding the minimum value of the power supplied to the first load 21 for aerosol generation is not supplied to the first load 21. That is, ideally, the first load 21 is not supplied with any power. Allowing discharge to the first load 21 means supplying the first load 21 with electric power equal to or higher than the minimum value.

By doing so, when the remaining amount of the reservoir is small, the discharge to the first load 21 is suppressed, so that the amount of aerosol produced is significantly reduced. Therefore, it is possible to inform the user through taste that the first cartridge 20 including the aerosol source 22 closely related to the aerosol needs to be replaced.

Further, at time t4 in FIG. 13, the remaining amount of the flavor component may be less than the threshold value TH1 and the remaining amount of the reservoir may be less than the threshold value TH2. In this case, the MCU 50 suppresses (stops) only the discharge to the first load 21 among the discharges for heating performed in response to the next aerosol generation request, and allows the discharge to the second load 31. It is preferable to (execute).

In this way, when both the remaining amount of flavor component and the remaining amount of reservoir are small, the amount of aerosol that can be more sensitively perceived by the user among the amount of flavor and the amount of aerosol is reduced, and the remaining amount of flavor component is increased. The user is notified that the reservoir is low. Therefore, it becomes easier for the user to notice that both the first cartridge 20 and the second cartridge 30 need to be replaced. In addition, even if both the remaining amount of flavor component and the remaining amount of reservoir are low, by continuing the discharge of either one, it is possible to prevent the situation where there is almost no taste even though suction is performed, and the commercial value can be increased. Can be enhanced. It should be noted that even if only the discharge to the first load 21 is suppressed (stopped) and the discharge to the second load 31 is allowed (executed), the flavor is delivered to the user by suction. However, it should also be noted that the aroma taste in this case is different from the aroma taste when the discharge to both the first load 21 and the second load 31 is allowed (executed).

Further, there are cases where the remaining amount of the flavor component is less than the threshold value TH1 and the remaining amount of the reservoir is the threshold value TH2 or more, and cases where the remaining amount of the flavor component is equal to or more than the threshold value TH1 and the remaining amount of the reservoir is less than the threshold value TH2, and the remaining amount of the flavor component is the threshold value. In any case where the remaining amount of the reservoir is less than TH1 and the remaining amount of the reservoir is less than the threshold value TH2, the MCU 50 first discharges to one of the first load 21 and the second load 31 after the start of the next suction. Is suppressed (stopped), and control is performed to allow (execute) discharge to the other of the first load 21 and the second load 31. By doing so, it is possible to make the user who is performing suction feel the change in flavor and taste step by step. Therefore, it becomes easy for the user to notice that one or both of the first cartridge 20 and the second cartridge 30 need to be replaced.

(First modification of aerosol generator)
In the above description, the remaining amount of flavoring component is derived, and based on this remaining amount of flavoring component, the atomizing power P required to achieve the target amount of flavoring component W _flavor before the aerosol generation request is made. _{The quantity and target temperature T cap_target were} determined. In this modification, the atomization power _Pliquid determined before the aerosol generation request is made is set to a constant value, and instead, the target temperature T _{cap_target} is variably controlled based on the remaining amount of the flavor source 33 (specifically). The target temperature is raised as the remaining amount is smaller), so that the target amount of flavor component W _flavor is achieved.

Even in the aerosol generation device 1 of the first modification, when the temperature of the flavor source 33 does not reach the target temperature when the aerosol generation request is detected, the shortage of the flavor component amount W _flavor is caused by the aerosol weight _Waerosol . It is supposed to be supplemented by an increase (increase in atomizing power). In order to secure the increase in the atomizing power, the atomizing power _Pliquid determined before detecting the aerosol generation request is set to be lower than the _upper limit value Upper.

In the first modification, the MCU 50 does not derive the remaining amount of the flavor component, but uses other parameters corresponding to the remaining amount of the flavor component to variably control the target temperature T _{cap_target} .

The remaining amount of the flavor component described above decreases each time suction is performed. Therefore, the remaining amount of the flavor component is inversely proportional to the number of suctions (in other words, the cumulative number of discharge operations to the first load 21 for aerosol generation in response to the aerosol generation request). do. Further, the remaining amount of the flavor component decreases more as the time during which the discharge to the first load 21 is performed for aerosol generation in response to suction is longer. Therefore, the remaining amount of the flavor component is also inversely proportional to the cumulative value of the time during which the discharge to the first load 21 is performed for the aerosol generation in response to suction (hereinafter referred to as the cumulative discharge time). Therefore, even if the remaining amount of the flavor component is not derived by the complicated calculation as described above, the second cartridge 30 is based on the number of suctions or the cumulative discharge time when one second cartridge 30 is used. The remaining amount of flavor component can be calculated.

As can be seen from the model of the equation (2), assuming that the aerosol weight _Waerosol for each suction is controlled to be almost constant (the atomization power _Pliquid is controlled to be constant), the flavor component amount W _flavor is stabilized. Therefore, it is necessary to raise the temperature of the flavor source 33 in accordance with the decrease in the remaining amount of the flavor component (that is, the increase in the number of suctions or the cumulative discharge time). In the first modification, the power control unit of the MCU 50 determines the number of suctions or the cumulative discharge time (or the remaining amount of the flavor source 33 calculated based on these) and the target of the flavor source 33 stored in advance in the memory 50a. The target temperature is managed according to the table that is stored in association with the temperature.

14 and 15 are flowcharts for explaining the operation of the aerosol generation device 1 of the first modification. When the power of the aerosol generation device 1 is turned on by the operation of the operation unit 14 or the like (step S30: YES), the MCU 50 has the number of suctions or the cumulative discharge time (or the remaining amount of the flavor source 33) stored in the memory 50a. Based on the above, the target temperature T _{cap_target} of the flavor source 33 is determined (set) (step S31).

Next, the MCU 50 acquires the temperature T _{cap_sense} of the flavor source 33 at the present time based on the output of the temperature detection element T1 (or the temperature detection element T3) (step S32).

Next, the MCU 50 refers to the exchanged Flag of the memory 50a, and if the exchanged Flag is FALSE (step S32a: YES), a second for heating the flavor source 33 based on the temperature T _{cap_sense} and the target temperature T _{cap_target} . (2) Controlling the discharge to the load 31 (step S33). Specifically, the MCU 50 supplies power to the second load 31 by PID control or ON / OFF control so that the temperature T _{cap_sense} converges to the target temperature T _{cap_target} .

When the exchange flag is TRUE (step S32a: NO), the MCU 50 shifts the process to step S34 without performing the process of step S33. Since the remaining amount of the flavor component is sufficiently large at the timing immediately after the replacement of the second cartridge 30, the process of step S33 is basically performed.

After step S33, the MCU 50 determines the presence or absence of an aerosol production request (step S34). When the MCU 50 does not detect the aerosol production request (step S34: NO), the MCU 50 determines in step S35 the length of the non-operation time during which the aerosol production request is not made. Then, when the non-operation time has reached a predetermined time (step S35: YES), the MCU 50 shifts to the sleep mode in which the power consumption is reduced (step S36). If the discharge to the second load 31 has been started in step S33, the discharge is stopped in step S36. When the no-operation time is less than the predetermined time (step S35: NO), the MCU 50 shifts the process to step S32.

When the MCU 50 detects the aerosol production request (step S34: YES), it acquires the temperature T _{cap_sense} of the flavor source 33 at that time based on the output of the temperature detecting element T1 (or the temperature detecting element T3) (step S34: YES). Step S37). Then, the MCU 50 determines whether or not the temperature T _{cap_sense} acquired in step S37 is equal to or higher than the target temperature T _{cap_target} (step S42).

When the temperature T _{cap_sense} is equal to or higher than the target temperature T _{cap_target} (step S42: YES), the MCU 50 supplies a predetermined atomization power _Pliquid to the first load 21 to heat the first load 21 (step S42: YES). Heating to atomize the aerosol source 22) is started (step S43).

When the temperature T _{cap_sense} is less than the target temperature T _{cap_target} (step S42: NO), the MCU 50 is a predetermined mist to compensate for the decrease in the amount of flavor component due to the insufficient temperature of the flavor source 33. Increase the conversion power _Pliquid . Specifically, first, the MCU 50 acquires the remaining amount of reservoir W _reservoir , and determines the increase width _ΔPa of the atomizing power Pliquid based on the acquired remaining amount of reservoir W _reservoir (step S45). Then, the MCU 50 supplies the atomization power _Pliquid ', which is obtained by adding the increase width ΔPa to the atomization power _Pliquid , to the first load 21 and starts heating the first load 21 (step S46). .. For the increase width ΔPa, for example, the same variable value as the increase width ΔP shown in FIG. 9 is used.

After the start of heating of the first load 21 in step S43 or step S46, if the aerosol production request has not been completed (step S44: NO), the MCU 50 has an _upper limit time for the duration of the aerosol production request. If it is less than (step S44a: YES), heating of the first load 21 and heating of the second load 31 when the process of step S33 is performed are continued. The MCU 50 goes to the first load 21 when the duration of the aerosol generation request reaches the _upper limit time (step S44a: NO) and when the aerosol generation request is completed (step S44: YES). And, if step S33 is performed, the power supply to the second load 31 is stopped (step S48). In addition, when increasing the atomization power _Pliquid in step S46, the MCU 50 may also shorten the _upper limit time tapper. Specifically, the product of the atomization power _Pliquid before the increase and the upper limit time _tapper before shortening is equal to the product of the sum of the atomization power _Pliquid and the increase width ΔPa and the shortened upper limit time _tapper . As such, the value of the _upper limit time power may be determined.

In this way, even when the atomization power is increased in step S46, the smaller the remaining amount of reservoir _Wreservor , the smaller the increase width ΔPa, so that the appropriate power according to the remaining amount of _{reservoir Wreservoir} is first loaded. 21 can be supplied. As a result, it is possible to suppress the generation of an aerosol having an unintended flavor due to the supply of more power than necessary to the _reservoir remaining amount Wreservoir. If the upper limit time _tapper is shortened as described above, the generation of aerosol having an unintended flavor can be suppressed more effectively.

After step S48, the MCU 50 acquires the supply time t _sense of the atomizing power supplied to the first load 21 in step S43 or step S46 to the first load 21 (step S49). Then, the MCU 50 updates the cumulative discharge time stored in the memory 50a based on the supply time t _sense (step S50). When the number of suctions is used when determining the target temperature in step S31, in step S50, the MCU 50 updates the number of suctions stored in the memory 50a. Further, the MCU 50 updates the remaining reservoir amount W _reservoir (step S51). The MCU 50 may be corrected so that the acquired supply time t _sense becomes longer when the atomization power _Pliquid is increased in step S46. Specifically, the value obtained by dividing the sum of the atomization power _Pliquid and the increase width ΔPa by the atomization power _Pliquid multiplied by the supply time t _sense is used as the corrected supply time t _sense , and the subsequent processing is performed. You may.

The cumulative discharge time or the number of suctions updated in step S50 is a parameter representing the consumption amount of the flavor source 33 after the second cartridge 30 is replaced with a new one. Therefore, by comparing the cumulative discharge time or the number of suctions with the upper limit of the cumulative discharge time or the number of suctions per second cartridge 30, it is possible to obtain the remaining amount of the flavor source 33. For example, the remaining amount [%] of the flavor source 33 can be obtained by dividing the value obtained by subtracting the cumulative discharge time or the number of suctions from this upper limit value by this upper limit value and multiplying by 100.

Next, the MCU 50 determines whether or not the remaining amount of the flavor source 33 calculated based on the number of suctions after the update or the cumulative discharge time in step S50 is less than the threshold value TH1 (step S52). When the remaining amount of the flavor source 33 is equal to or higher than the threshold value TH1 (step S52: NO), the MCU 50 shifts the process to step S58. When the remaining amount of the flavor source 33 is less than the threshold value TH1 (step S52: YES), the MCU 50 refers to the exchange flag (step S53). When the exchanged flag is FALSE (step S53: NO), the MCU 50 sets the exchanged flag to TRUE (step S54) and shifts the process to step S58.

When the exchange flag is TRUE (step S53: YES), the MCU 50 causes at least one of the first notification unit 45 and the second notification unit 46 to give a notification prompting the exchange of the second cartridge 30 (step S55). ). The method of notification is the same as the method described above. Then, the MCU 50 resets the number of suctions or the cumulative discharge time to the initial value (= 0) (step S56). Further, the MCU 50 sets the exchange flag to FALSE (step S57) and performs the process of step S58.

In step S58, the MCU 50 returns the process to step S31 if the power is not turned off (step S58: NO), and ends the process when the power is turned off (step S58: YES). As described above, according to the first modification, it is possible to stabilize the flavor and taste for each suction while simplifying the operation.

(Second modification of aerosol generator)
In the aerosol generation device 1 of FIG. 1, the remaining amount of flavor component and the remaining amount of reservoir are calculated during the period during which the aerosol is generated in response to the request for generation of aerosol, and at least one of the remaining amount of flavor component and the remaining amount of reservoir is a threshold value. If it is less than, control may be performed to stop the discharge to either the first load 21 or the second load 31 during the period.

16 and 17 are flowcharts for explaining the operation of the aerosol generation device 1 of the second modification. The flowchart shown in FIG. 16 is the same as the flowchart shown in FIG. 7, except that step S9a is deleted and step S9 is performed after step S8. Step S15, step S17, step S19a, and step S19 in the flowchart shown in FIG. 17 are the same as the processes shown in FIG. Therefore, in the following, only the operations after step S17 and step S19 in FIG. 17 will be described. The operation after step S17 and step S19 in FIG. 17 is an operation in a state where the suction is performed n _puff times after the second cartridge 30 is replaced, and then the n _puff + 1st suction is performed. Is shown.

After step S17 or step S19, the MCU 50 acquires the elapsed time (the supply time t _{sense (now)} of the atomized power to the first load 21) from the start of the process of step S17 or step S19 to the present time. (Step S51).

Next, when the MCU 50 detects the supply time t _{sense (now)} acquired in step S51, the atomizing power started to be supplied to the first load 21 in step S17 or step S19, and the aerosol generation request. Based on the target temperature T _{cap_target} and the remaining amount of flavor component W _capsule (n _puff ) at the time when the n- _puff first suction is completed, the remaining amount of flavor component W _capsule (Now) of the flavor source 33 at the present time is determined. Calculate (step S52).

The amount of flavor component W _flavor (Now) added to the aerosol produced in the period from the start of step S17 or step S19 to the present time is the supply time t _{sense (now} ) according to ( _tend -t _start ) of the formula (7). ₎ Is substituted, the atomizing power started to be supplied to the first load 21 in step S17 or step S19 is substituted into the _Pliquid of the equation (7), and the current target temperature is assigned to the T _{cap_target} of the equation (7). It can be calculated by substituting.

The MCU 50 is an integrated value of the flavor component amount W _flavor (Now) calculated in this way and the past flavor component amount W _flavor including the flavor component amount W _flavor added to the aerosol in the previous (n _puff ) suction. By subtracting the value obtained by multiplying by the coefficient δ of the equation (3) from the _Winitial , the remaining amount of flavor component W _capsule (Now) at the present time is calculated. Alternatively, the MCU 50 obtains the current remaining amount of flavor component W _capsule (Now) by subtracting the value obtained by multiplying the amount of flavor component W _flavor (Now) by the coefficient δ from the remaining amount of flavor component W _capsule (n _puff ). It may be calculated.

After step S52, the MCU 50 calculates the current reservoir remaining amount W _reservoir (step S53). The current reservoir remaining amount _Wreservoir obtains the cumulative value of the atomization power supply time to the first load 21 from the time when the first cartridge 20 is replaced with a new one to the present time, and derives it based on this cumulative value. be able to. The relationship between this cumulative value and the remaining amount of _{reservoir Wreservoir} may be obtained experimentally. Similar to the above, the MCU 50 may calculate the current reservoir remaining amount W _reservoir based on the flavor component remaining amount W _capsule (Now) calculated in step S52.

Next, the MCU 50 determines whether or not the remaining amount of flavor component W _capsule (Now) is less than the threshold value TH1 (step S54). When the remaining amount of flavor component W _capsule (Now) is equal to or higher than the threshold value TH1 (step S54: NO), the MCU 50 shifts the process to step S55. In step S55, if the aerosol production request has not been completed (step S55: NO) and the duration of the aerosol production request is less than the _upper limit time tapper (step S55a: YES), the MCU 50 is stepped. The process is returned to S51. When the duration of the aerosol generation request reaches the _upper limit time (step S55a: NO) and when the aerosol generation request is completed (step S55: YES), the MCU 50 is subjected to the first load 21. The discharge for heating to the second load 31 is stopped (suppressed) (step S56).

After step S56, the MCU 50 advances the puff count counter by "1" (step S57). Further, the MCU 50 stores the current remaining amount of flavor component W _capsule (Now) in the memory 50a as the latest remaining amount of flavor component W _capsule (n _puff ) (step S58). After step S58, the process of step S63 is performed.

When the remaining amount of flavor component W _capsule (Now) is less than the threshold value TH1 (step S54: YES), the MCU 50 is discharged to the second load 31 (heating of the second load 31 for aerosol generation). Is suppressed (stopped) (step S59). Further, the MCU 50 causes at least one of the first notification unit 45 and the second notification unit 46 to give a notification prompting the replacement of the second cartridge 30 (step S60). After that, the MCU 50 suppresses (stops) the discharge to the first load 21 (heating of the first load 21 for producing the aerosol) (step S61). The MCU 50 executes step S55 after step S59, and if the judgment in step S55 is positive (step S55: YES), the process proceeds to step S61, and if the judgment in step S55 is negative (step S55a). : YES) may proceed to step S55a. Further, the MCU 50 returns the process to step S51 when the determination in step S55a is affirmative (step S55a: YES), and advances the process to step S61 when the determination in step S55a is negative (step S55a: NO). You may. In this way, either the case where the duration of the aerosol generation request reaches the _upper limit time tapper (step S55a: NO) or the case where the aerosol generation request is completed (step S55: YES) is satisfied. Until then, the discharge for heating to the first load 21 is continued. Further, the MCU 50 resets the puff number counter to the initial value (= 0), erases the above-mentioned past value of the flavor component amount W _flavor (Now), and further initializes the target temperature T _{cap_target} (step S62). ). After step S62, the MCU 50 returns the process to step S1 if the power is not turned off (step S63: NO), and ends the process when the power is turned off (step S63: YES).

FIG. 18 is a timing chart for explaining the operation of the aerosol generator of the second modification. In FIG. 18, the power of the aerosol generator 1 is turned on at time t1, suction is started at time t2 thereafter, and the remaining amount of flavor component W _capsule (Now) is a threshold value at time t3 during the period during which the suction is performed. The operation when it becomes less than TH1 is shown.

After the power is turned on at time t1, the processes of steps S1 to S9 in FIG. 16 are performed. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 18, after the time t1 when the power is turned on, the discharge to the second load 31 is performed. Is started.

After the suction is started at time t2, the MCU 50 updates the flavor component remaining amount W _capsule (Now) and the reservoir remaining amount W _reservoir at predetermined time intervals. Then, when it is confirmed that the remaining amount of flavor component W _capsule (Now) is less than the threshold value TH1 at time t3 while the aerosol generation request is being made, the discharge to the second load 31 is stopped. In addition, the first notification unit 45 is activated to notify the replacement of the second cartridge 30. After that, the discharge to the first load 21 is stopped at time t4, and then the second notification unit 46 is activated to give a notification prompting the replacement of the second cartridge 30. The timing at which the discharge to the first load 21 is stopped (time t4) may be before the aerosol production request is completed or after the aerosol production request is completed.

The first notification unit 45 and the second notification unit 46 may be operated at the same time at time t3, the first notification unit 45 and the second notification unit 46 may be operated at the same time at time t4, and the time t3. The second notification unit 46 may be activated and the first notification unit 45 may be activated at time t4, the first notification unit 45 may be activated at time t3, and the second notification unit 46 may be activated at time t4. You may let me.

According to the aerosol generation device 1 of the second modification described above, when the remaining amount of the flavor component of the flavor source 33 acquired during the aerosol generation is small, the discharge to the second load 31 is suppressed during the aerosol generation. .. Therefore, it is possible to inform the user that the remaining amount of the flavor source 33 is low at the earliest possible timing.

In the aerosol generation device 1 of the second modification, the same discharge control is possible even when the remaining amount of the reservoir is low. For example, as shown in FIG. 19, it is assumed that the remaining amount of the reservoir becomes less than the threshold value TH2 at time t3. In this case, the MCU 50 executes the discharge to the second load 31 after the time t3, and suppresses (stops) the discharge to the first load 21 after the time t3. By doing so, when the remaining amount of the reservoir is small, the discharge to the first load 21 is suppressed, so that the amount of aerosol produced is significantly reduced. Therefore, it is possible to inform the user through taste that the first cartridge 20 including the aerosol source 22 closely related to the aerosol needs to be replaced. It should be noted that even if only the discharge to the first load 21 is suppressed (stopped) and the discharge to the second load 31 is allowed (executed), the flavor is delivered to the user by suction. However, it should also be noted that the aroma taste in this case is different from the aroma taste when the discharge to both the first load 21 and the second load 31 is allowed (executed).

Further, at time t3 in FIG. 19, it is conceivable that the remaining amount of flavor component W _capsule (Now) is less than the threshold value TH1 and the remaining amount of the reservoir is less than the threshold value TH2. In this case, it is preferable that the MCU 50 suppresses (stops) only the discharge to the first load 21 after the time t3, and executes the discharge to the second load 31. In this way, when both the remaining amount of flavor component and the remaining amount of reservoir are small, the amount of aerosol that can be more sensitively perceived by the user among the amount of flavor and the amount of aerosol is reduced, and the remaining amount of flavor component is increased. The user is notified that the reservoir is low. Therefore, it becomes easier for the user to notice that both the first cartridge 20 and the second cartridge 30 need to be replaced. In addition, even if both the remaining amount of flavor component and the remaining amount of reservoir are low, by continuing the discharge of either one, it is possible to prevent the situation where there is almost no taste even though suction is performed, and the commercial value can be increased. Can be enhanced.

Further, there are cases where the remaining amount of flavor component W _capsule (Now) is less than the threshold TH1 and the remaining amount of the reservoir is the threshold TH2 or more, and the remaining amount of flavor component W _capsule (Now) is the threshold TH1 or more and the remaining amount of the reservoir is less than the threshold TH2. In either case, the remaining amount of flavor component W _capsule (Now) is less than the threshold value TH1 and the remaining amount of the reservoir is less than the threshold value TH2. Controls to stop discharging to one of the first load 21 and the second load 31 and to continue discharging to the other of the first load 21 and the second load 31. After that, the MCU 50 controls to stop the discharge to both the first load 21 and the second load 31. By doing so, it is possible to make the user who is performing suction feel the change in flavor and taste step by step. Therefore, it becomes easy for the user to notice that one or both of the first cartridge 20 and the second cartridge 30 need to be replaced.

In the example of FIG. 18, the stop of the discharge to the second load 31 and the start of the operation of the first notification unit 45 are set to be the same timing, but the timing is not limited to this. For example, as shown in FIG. 19, the first notification unit 45 may be activated after the discharge is stopped.

Further, as shown in FIG. 20, for example, the discharge to the second load 31 is stopped at a timing slightly after the time t3 when the remaining amount of flavor component W _capsule (Now) becomes less than the threshold value TH1, and the discharge is stopped. The first notification unit 45 may be operated at a timing earlier than that (time t3 in the example of FIG. 20), and the second notification unit 46 may be operated after the discharge to the second load 31 is stopped.

By doing so, the first notification unit 45 functions at a timing before the time when the discharge to the first load 21 or the second load 31 is suppressed and the flavor taste changes, so that the flavor source 33 and the aerosol are used. It becomes easier for the user to notice that the remaining amount of the source 22 is low. It also makes it possible to replace the first cartridge 20 or the second cartridge 30 before the altered flavor aerosol is produced. As a result, the commercial value of the aerosol generation device 1 is improved. Further, it becomes easier for the user to notice that the first cartridge 20 or the second cartridge 30 needs to be replaced because the notification is performed by different notification units before and after the time when the flavor taste changes.

Further, in the example of FIG. 20, the second notification unit 46 is operated when the discharge to the second load 31 is stopped. As a result, the second notification unit 46 can be operated at a timing before the aerosol generation request is completed. Therefore, the user can easily notice the change in flavor and taste.

In the aerosol generation device 1 of the second modification, the method of setting the target temperature based on the cumulative discharge time described in the first modification can also be applied. That is, the MCU 50 sets a target temperature based on the cumulative discharge time, starts discharging to the second load 31 according to the target temperature, and calculates the cumulative discharge time at predetermined intervals during the aerosol generation period. If the calculated cumulative discharge time exceeds the threshold value TH4, the processes after step S59 in FIG. 17 are performed, and if the calculated cumulative discharge time is equal to or less than the threshold value TH4, the first load 21 and the second load 21 are performed. Discharging to each of the loads 31 may be continued.

In the aerosol generator 1 described so far, the first cartridge 20 is detachably attached to the power supply unit 10, but the first cartridge 20 may be integrated with the power supply unit 10.

Further, in the aerosol generation device 1 described so far, the first load 21 and the second load 31 are heaters that generate heat by the electric power discharged from the power supply 12. However, the first load 21 and the second load 31 may be Pelche elements capable of both heat generation and cooling by the electric power discharged from the power source 12, respectively. When the first load 21 and the second load 31 are configured in this way, the degree of freedom in controlling the temperature of the aerosol source 22 and the temperature of the flavor source 33 is widened, so that the unit flavor amount can be controlled to a higher degree.
Further, the first load 21 may be composed of an element capable of atomizing the aerosol source 22 without heating the aerosol source 22 by ultrasonic waves or the like. Further, the second load 31 may be configured by an element capable of changing the amount of the flavor component added to the aerosol by the flavor source 33 without heating the flavor source 33 by ultrasonic waves or the like.
When an ultrasonic element is used for the second load 31, for example, the MCU 50 is given to the flavor source 33 instead of the temperature of the flavor source 33 as a parameter affecting the amount of the flavor component added to the aerosol passing through the flavor source 33. The discharge to the first load 21 and the second load 31 may be controlled based on the wavelength of the ultrasonic wave or the like.
The element that can be used for the first load 21 is not limited to the heater, the Pelche element, and the ultrasonic element described above, and may be an element capable of atomizing the aerosol source 22 by consuming the power supplied from the power supply 12. For example, various elements or combinations thereof can be used. Similarly, the elements that can be used for the second load 31 are not limited to the heater, Pelche element, and ultrasonic element described above, and the amount of flavor component added to the aerosol by consuming the electric power supplied from the power supply 12 is changed. Various elements or combinations thereof can be used as long as they are capable of the above.

At least the following matters are described in the present specification. The components and the like corresponding to the above-described embodiments are shown in parentheses, but the present invention is not limited thereto.

(1)
A processing device (MCU50) configured to be capable of acquiring at least one remaining amount of an aerosol source (aerosol source 22) and a flavor source (flavor source 33) for adding flavor to an aerosol generated from the aerosol source is provided.
The above processing device
When the remaining amount is equal to or higher than the threshold value, the first discharge, which is the discharge from the power supply (power supply 12) to the atomizer (first load 21) that atomizes the aerosol source, and the flavor source are added to the aerosol. Allows a second discharge, which is a discharge from the power source, to an adjuster (second load 31) capable of adjusting the amount of flavor to be discharged.
When the remaining amount is less than the threshold value, it is configured to suppress either the first discharge or the second discharge.
Control unit for aerosol generator.

According to (1), when the remaining amount of at least one of the flavor source and the aerosol source is small, the discharge to either the atomizer or the regulator is suppressed, so that the remaining amount is large. In comparison, the aroma taste of the aerosol changes. Therefore, it is possible to inform the user through the taste of the user that the remaining amount of at least one of the flavor source and the aerosol source is small. As a result, the user can intuitively convey the decrease in the remaining amount as compared with the case where the notification is performed by sight, touch, or hearing.

(2)
The control unit of the aerosol generator according to (1).
The above processing device
It is possible to obtain the remaining amount of the above flavor source (remaining amount of flavor component),
When the remaining amount of the flavor source is less than the threshold value (threshold value TH1), it is configured to suppress the second discharge.
Control unit for aerosol generator.

According to (2), when the remaining amount of the flavor source is small, the discharge to the regulator is suppressed, so that the amount of flavor added to the aerosol is reduced. Therefore, the user is informed that the flavor source, which is closely related to the flavor, needs to be replaced.

(3)
The control unit of the aerosol generator according to (1) or (2).
The above processing device
It is possible to obtain the remaining amount (reservoir remaining amount) of the above aerosol source,
When the remaining amount of the aerosol source is less than the threshold value (threshold value TH2), it is configured to suppress the first discharge.
Control unit for aerosol generator.

According to (3), when the remaining amount of the aerosol source is small, the discharge to the atomizer is suppressed, so that the amount of aerosol is reduced. This informs the user that the aerosol source, which is closely related to the aerosol, needs to be replaced.

(4)
The control unit of the aerosol generator according to (1).
A notification unit (first notification unit 45 and second notification unit 46) is provided.
The threshold includes a first threshold (threshold TH1) and a second threshold (threshold TH2).
The above processing device
It is possible to obtain the remaining amount of the flavor source (remaining amount of flavor component) and the remaining amount of the aerosol source (remaining amount of reservoir).
When the remaining amount of the flavor source is less than the first threshold value and the remaining amount of the aerosol source is less than the second threshold value, only the first discharge among the first discharge and the second discharge is suppressed, and the remaining amount is suppressed. It is configured to control the notification unit to notify the user of the shortage of the flavor source and the aerosol source.
Control unit for aerosol generator.

According to (4), when the remaining amount of both the flavor source and the aerosol source is low, the amount of aerosol that can be more sensitively perceived by the user among the amount of flavor and the amount of aerosol is reduced, and the amount of the aerosol is reduced. The user is notified of the lack of aerosol sources. This makes it easier for the user to notice that both the flavor source and the aerosol source need to be replaced.

(5)
The control unit for the aerosol generator according to any one of (1) to (4).
The above processing device
When the remaining amount is less than the threshold value, one of the first discharge and the second discharge is suppressed, and then the first discharge and the second discharge are suppressed.
Control unit for aerosol generator.

According to (5), after the discharge to one of the atomizer and the regulator is suppressed, the discharge to both the atomizer and the regulator is suppressed. As a result, the flavor and taste change step by step, so that the user can more easily notice that the remaining amount is low.

(6)
The control unit of the aerosol generator according to (1).
The above processing device
While the aerosol is being produced, the remaining amount of at least one of the flavor source and the aerosol source can be obtained.
When the remaining amount is less than the threshold value, one of the first discharge and the second discharge is continued, and the other of the first discharge and the second discharge is suppressed.
Control unit for aerosol generator.

According to (6), when the remaining amount acquired during the aerosol generation is small, one of the first discharge and the second discharge is suppressed during the aerosol generation. Therefore, the user can be informed that the remaining amount is low at the earliest possible timing.

(7)
The control unit of the aerosol generator according to (1).
The above processing device
It is possible to obtain the atomization command of the aerosol source by the atomizer.
After the aerosol is generated in accordance with the atomization command, at least one of the flavor source and the aerosol source can be obtained.
When the remaining amount is less than the threshold value and the next atomization command is acquired, one of the first discharge and the second discharge is executed, and the other of the first discharge and the second discharge is suppressed. Is configured as
Control unit for aerosol generator.

According to (7), the flavor of the aerosol generated when the remaining amount becomes less than the threshold value as compared with the case where one of the first discharge and the second discharge is suppressed during the aerosol generation. The change will be large. Therefore, it becomes easier for the user to notice that the remaining amount is low.

(8)
The control unit for the aerosol generator according to any one of (1) to (6).
Equipped with a first notification unit (first notification unit 45)
The processing device causes the first notification unit to function at a timing (time t3 in FIG. 18 and time t3 in FIG. 20) before the time point at which either one of the first discharge and the second discharge is suppressed. Consists of,
Control unit for aerosol generator.

According to (8), the first notification unit functions at a time when either the first discharge or the second discharge is suppressed and the flavor and taste change, or at a timing before that time. For this reason, it becomes easier for the user to notice that the remaining amount is low through another sense in addition to the taste.

(9)
The control unit of the aerosol generator according to (8).
The processing device is configured to function the first notification unit at a timing (time t3 in FIG. 20) before the time point at which one of the first discharge and the second discharge is suppressed.
Control unit for aerosol generator.

According to (9), it is possible to give awareness to the user through a sensation different from the taste before the aroma taste changes. Therefore, the user can easily notice the change in flavor and taste. In addition, it is possible to replace the flavor source or aerosol source before the aerosol of altered flavor is produced. As a result, the commercial value of the aerosol generator is improved.

(10)
The control unit of the aerosol generator according to (8) or (9).
The first notification unit is configured to perform a notification that acts on the user's tactile sensation.
Control unit for aerosol generator.

According to (10), by performing the notification using the notification unit that acts on the user's tactile sensation, it becomes difficult for the surrounding people to notice the necessity of replacement. Therefore, the sophistication of the aerosol generator is improved, and as a result, the commercial value is improved.

(11)
The control unit for the aerosol generator according to any one of (1) to (6) and (8) to (10).
Equipped with a second notification unit (second notification unit 46)
The above processing device
When the remaining amount is less than the threshold value, one of the first discharge and the second discharge is suppressed, and then the first discharge and the second discharge are suppressed.
The second notification unit is configured to function at a timing before the time point at which the first discharge and the second discharge are suppressed (time t4 in FIGS. 18 to 20).
Control unit for aerosol generator.

According to (11), the second notification unit functions at a time when the first discharge and the second discharge are suppressed and the flavor and taste change, or at a timing before that time. For this reason, it becomes easier for the user to notice that the remaining amount is low through another sense in addition to the taste.

(12)
The control unit of the aerosol generator according to (11).
The processing device is configured to function the second notification unit at a timing before the time point at which the first discharge and the second discharge are suppressed (timing before the time t4 in FIG. 20). ,
Control unit for aerosol generator.

According to (12), it is possible to give awareness to the user through a sensation different from the taste before the aroma taste changes. Therefore, the user can easily notice the change in flavor and taste. Further, it becomes possible to avoid the situation where the aerosol is not generated even if it is sucked, and the commercial value of the aerosol generating device is improved.

(13)
The control unit of the aerosol generator according to (11) or (12).
The second notification unit is configured to perform notifications that affect the user's vision.
Control unit for aerosol generator.

According to (13), since the notification is performed using the notification unit that affects the user's vision, it becomes easier to notice that the remaining amount is low.

(14)
Notification unit (first notification unit 45 and second notification unit 46),
Discharge from the power supply to the first heater (first load 21) that heats one of the aerosol source (aerosol source 22) and the flavor source (flavor source 33) that adds flavor to the aerosol generated from the aerosol source. , A process configured to heat the other of the aerosol source and the flavor source and to control the discharge from the power source to the second heater (second load 31) separate from the first heater. Equipped with an apparatus (MCU50)
The above processing device
Before the notification unit is made to function, the discharge from the power supply to the first heater and the discharge from the power supply to the second heater are allowed.
When the notification unit is made to function, it is configured to suppress either the discharge from the power source to the first heater or the discharge from the power source to the second heater.
Control unit for aerosol generator.

According to (14), when the notification unit functions, the discharge to either the first heater or the second heater is suppressed. This suppression changes the flavor and taste of the aerosol, making it easier for the user to recognize that the notification unit is functioning. As a result, for example, by notifying the user that the remaining amount of the flavor source or aerosol source is low by the notification unit, the user can be urged to replace the flavor source or aerosol source.

1 Aerosol generator T1, T2, T3 Temperature detection element 10 Power supply unit 11a Top part 11b Bottom part 11 Power supply unit case 12 Power supply 14 Operation unit 15 Intake sensor 20 First cartridge 21 First load 31 Second load 22 Aerosol source 23 Reservoir 24 Wick 25 Aerosol flow path 26a Cartridge accommodating part 26b Communication passage 26 End cap 27 Cartridge case 30 Second cartridge 32 Suction port 33 Flavor source 41 Discharge terminal 42 Air supply part 43 Charging terminal 45 First notification part 46 Second notification part 50a Memory 50 MCU
51 DC / DC converter 52,54 Voltage sensor 53,55 Current sensor 55A Charging IC

International Publication No. 2020/039598 Japanese Patent No. 6462965 Special Table 2017-511703 Gazette International Publication No. 2019/017654

Claims (14)

It is equipped with a processing device configured to be able to acquire at least one remaining amount of an aerosol source and a flavor source that adds flavor to the aerosol generated from the aerosol source.
The processing device is
When the remaining amount is equal to or higher than the threshold value, a first discharge which is a discharge from a power source to an atomizer that atomizes the aerosol source and an adjuster capable of adjusting the amount of flavor added to the aerosol by the flavor source. Allows a second discharge, which is the discharge from the power source to
When the remaining amount is less than the threshold value, it is configured to suppress either the first discharge or the second discharge.
Control unit for aerosol generator. The control unit for the aerosol generator according to claim 1.
The processing device is
The remaining amount of the flavor source can be obtained,
When the remaining amount of the flavor source is less than the threshold value, it is configured to suppress the second discharge.
Control unit for aerosol generator. The control unit for the aerosol generator according to claim 1 or 2.
The processing device is
The remaining amount of the aerosol source can be obtained,
When the remaining amount of the aerosol source is less than the threshold value, it is configured to suppress the first discharge.
Control unit for aerosol generator. The control unit for the aerosol generator according to claim 1.
Equipped with a notification unit
The threshold includes a first threshold and a second threshold.
The processing device is
It is possible to obtain the remaining amount of the flavor source and the remaining amount of the aerosol source.
When the remaining amount of the flavor source is less than the first threshold value and the remaining amount of the aerosol source is less than the second threshold value, only the first discharge among the first discharge and the second discharge is suppressed, and the remaining amount is suppressed. The notification unit is configured to control the notification unit so as to notify the user of the shortage of the flavor source and the aerosol source.
Control unit for aerosol generator. The control unit for the aerosol generator according to any one of claims 1 to 4.
The processing device is
When the remaining amount is less than the threshold value, one of the first discharge and the second discharge is suppressed, and then the first discharge and the second discharge are suppressed.
Control unit for aerosol generator. The control unit for the aerosol generator according to claim 1.
The processing device is
While the aerosol is being produced, the remaining amount of at least one of the flavor source and the aerosol source can be obtained.
When the remaining amount is less than the threshold value, one of the first discharge and the second discharge is continued, and the other of the first discharge and the second discharge is suppressed.
Control unit for aerosol generator. The control unit for the aerosol generator according to claim 1.
The processing device is
It is possible to obtain an atomization command for the aerosol source by the atomizer.
After the aerosol is generated in response to the atomization command, the remaining amount of at least one of the flavor source and the aerosol source can be obtained.
When the remaining amount is less than the threshold value and the next atomization command is acquired, one of the first discharge and the second discharge is executed, and the other of the first discharge and the second discharge is suppressed. Is configured as
Control unit for aerosol generator. The control unit for the aerosol generator according to any one of claims 1 to 6.
Equipped with a first notification unit
The processing device is configured to function the first notification unit at a timing before the time point at which one of the first discharge and the second discharge is suppressed.
Control unit for aerosol generator. The control unit for the aerosol generator according to claim 8.
The processing device is configured to function the first notification unit at a timing prior to the time when either the first discharge or the second discharge is suppressed.
Control unit for aerosol generator. The control unit for the aerosol generator according to claim 8 or 9.
The first notification unit is configured to perform a notification that acts on the user's tactile sensation.
Control unit for aerosol generator. The control unit for the aerosol generator according to any one of claims 1 to 6 and 8 to 10.
Equipped with a second notification unit
The processing device is
When the remaining amount is less than the threshold value, one of the first discharge and the second discharge is suppressed, and then the first discharge and the second discharge are suppressed.
The second notification unit is configured to function at a timing before the time point at which the first discharge and the second discharge are suppressed.
Control unit for aerosol generator. The control unit for the aerosol generator according to claim 11.
The processing device is configured to function the second notification unit at a timing prior to the time when the first discharge and the second discharge are suppressed.
Control unit for aerosol generator. The control unit of the aerosol generator according to claim 11 or 12.
The second notification unit is configured to perform a notification that affects the user's vision.
Control unit for aerosol generator. Notification section and
Discharge from the power supply to the first heater that heats one of the aerosol source and the flavor source that adds flavor to the aerosol generated from the aerosol source, and heating the other of the aerosol source and the flavor source. A processing device configured to be able to control the discharge from the power source to the second heater, which is separate from the first heater, is provided.
The processing device is
Before the notification unit is made to function, the discharge from the power supply to the first heater and the discharge from the power supply to the second heater are allowed.
When the notification unit is made to function, it is configured to suppress either the discharge from the power source to the first heater or the discharge from the power source to the second heater.
Control unit for aerosol generator.

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