JP2022015342A - Control unit of aerosol generation device - Google Patents

Abstract

To acquire a residual amount or a consumption amount of a flavor source or an aerosol source of an aerosol generation device accurately.SOLUTION: A power unit 10 of an aerosol generation device 1 includes an inhalation sensor 15 and an MCU 50 configured so as to control electric discharge from a power source 12 to a first load 21 for atomizing an aerosol source 22. The MCU 50 acquires an inhalation time, which is the length of each of the inhalation, and a supply time tsense, which is the length of the electric discharge to the first load 21 corresponding to each of the inhalation on the basis of the output of the inhalation sensor 15, and acquires at least one of a residual amount and a consumption amount of a flavor source 33 for imparting a flavor to the aerosol generated from the aerosol source 22 on the basis of the inhalation time and the supply time tsense.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 17

Description

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

In Patent Document 1, an atomizing unit that atomizes an aerosol source without combustion, a battery that stores electric power to be supplied to the atomizing unit, and an atomizing unit as an instruction to the battery are atomized. It is provided with a control unit that outputs a predetermined instruction to the battery so that the amount of the aerosol is within a desired range, and the control unit starts supplying power to the atomization unit. Described is a non-combustible flavor aspirator that stops the power supply from the battery to the atomizing portion when a predetermined period has elapsed.

Patent Document 2 describes an element configured to contribute to the formation of an aerosol by consuming the accumulated capacity, a sensor configured to detect a predetermined variable, and an aerosol aspirator. Described is a notification unit configured to perform notifications and a suction device that activates the notification unit when the capacity is less than the threshold and the variables satisfy the predetermined conditions for requesting aerosol production. Has been done.

International Publication No. 2016/076147 Japanese Patent No. 6462965

It is desirable that the aerosol generator that generates an aerosol and enables suction can accurately determine the consumption state of the flavor source or the aerosol source in order to stably provide the user with the aerosol to which the flavor is added.

An object of the present invention is to accurately obtain the remaining amount or consumption of the flavor source or the aerosol source of the aerosol generator.

The control unit of the aerosol generator of one aspect of the present invention comprises a sensor capable of outputting the suction of the user and a processing device configured to be able to control the discharge from the power source to the atomizer that atomizes the aerosol source. The processing apparatus is provided with a suction time, which is the length of each suction, and a discharge time, which is the length of discharge to the atomizer corresponding to the suction, based on the output of the sensor. And, based on the suction time and the discharge time, at least one of the remaining amount of the flavor source that imparts flavor to the aerosol generated from the aerosol source and the consumption amount of the flavor source is acquired. It is something that is done.

The control unit of the aerosol generator of one aspect of the present invention comprises a sensor capable of outputting the suction of the user and a processing device configured to be able to control the discharge from the power source to the atomizer that atomizes the aerosol source. The processing apparatus is provided with a suction time, which is the length of each suction, and a discharge time, which is the length of discharge to the atomizer corresponding to the suction, based on the output of the sensor. And, based on the suction time and the discharge time, it is configured to acquire at least one of the remaining amount of the aerosol source and the consumption amount of the aerosol source.

According to the present invention, the remaining amount or the consumption amount of the flavor source or the aerosol source can be accurately obtained.

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 schematic diagram which shows an example of the correction data when the suction time is not more than the _{upper limit time tuper} . It is a schematic diagram which shows an example of the correction data when the suction time exceeds the _upper limit time tupper. It is a schematic diagram which shows an example of the correction data when the suction time is not more than the _{upper limit time tuper} . It is a flowchart for demonstrating the operation of the aerosol generation apparatus 1 of the 3rd modification. It is a flowchart for demonstrating the operation of the aerosol generation apparatus 1 of the 3rd modification. It is a flowchart for demonstrating the operation of the aerosol generation apparatus 1 of the 3rd 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. 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 as shown in FIG. 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 a 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 the 1 notification unit 45 and the 2nd 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 an operation unit 14 that can be operated by the user so as to face the side opposite to the charging terminal 43 on the side surface of the top unit 11a. 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 generator 1, the upper limit is the period during which the aerosol generation request is made (that is, the period during which the user's suction operation is continued) for the purpose of suppressing overheating of the first load 21. When the time _tupper (for example, 2.4 seconds) is reached, the discharge for heating to the first load 21 is stopped.

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 supply 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% in the state when the first cartridge 20 is new, and decreases as the aerosol is generated (atollization of the aerosol source 22). 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 mouthpiece 32 separately from the power supply unit 10 and the first cartridge 20, the mouthpiece 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 vibration element such as a vibrator. The second notification unit 46 is for performing 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 detection element T1, the first cartridge 20 may be provided with the temperature detection 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 detection element T3.

As shown in FIG. 6, by acquiring the temperature of the flavor source 33 using the temperature detection element T3, it is possible to acquire the temperature of the flavor source 33 by using the temperature detection 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 detection 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. ..

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 _Priquid . The aerosol weight _Waerosol , assuming that the aerosol source 22 is sufficiently present, is 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 energization time or discharge 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 the 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 flavor component added to the aerosol passing through the flavor source 33 by one suction operation by the user is described as the flavor 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. Further, the remaining amount of flavor component W _capsule ( _npuff ) may be described as the remaining amount of flavor source 33.

It has been experimentally found that the amount of flavor component W _flavor depends on the remaining amount of flavor component 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 formula (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, the remaining amount of flavor component W _capsule (n _cupf ) when n _puff is 1 or more, that is, the remaining amount of flavor component after one or more suctions is modeled by the following formula (3). Can be transformed into.

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. The capsule temperature parameter T _capsule and the remaining amount of flavor component W _capsule (n _capsule ) can fluctuate during the period of one suction, 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.

When 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 heating of the flavor source 33 is still performed. 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).

When 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 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_target} .

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 (n capsule) 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 atomization power _Pliquid determined in step S5 exceeds this power threshold 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 W _reservoir , the heavier 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 reservoir remaining amount W _reservoir is different from the first remaining amount when the reservoir remaining amount W _reservoir 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).

Then, the MCU 50 controls the discharge to the second load 31 for heating the second load 31 based on the temperature T _{cap_sense} and the target temperature T _{cap_target} (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.

After step S9, the MCU 50 determines the presence or absence of an aerosol production request (step S10). When the MCU50 does not detect the aerosol production request (step S10: NO), the length of 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 ends the discharge to the second load 31 (step S12), and enters the sleep mode in which the power consumption is reduced. (Step S13). 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 generation request (step S10: YES), the discharge to the second load 31 is terminated, and the temperature T _{cap_sense} of the flavor source 33 at that time is set to the temperature detection element T1 (or temperature detection). Acquired based on the output of the element T3) (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 is determined in step S5 to compensate for the decrease in the amount of flavor component due to the insufficient temperature of the flavor source 33. Increases the atomization power _Pliquid . 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 TH1 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 TH1. 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 TH1, 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 TH1 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 TH1. ing. Specifically, in the range where the reservoir remaining amount W _reservoir is equal to or more than the threshold value TH2 and less than the threshold value TH1, the smaller the reservoir remaining amount W _reservoir is, the smaller the power threshold value P _max is. The sum of the power threshold value P _max and the increase width ΔP corresponding to each reservoir remaining amount W _reservoir 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 total value of the value P1 and the value P2 may be less than the _upper limit value Upper.

The threshold value TH2 shown in FIG. 9 is a value smaller than the threshold value TH1 and is for determining to suppress the discharge for heating to the first load 21. Suppressing the discharge for heating to the first load 21 means prohibiting the discharge to the first load 21, or the electric power that can be discharged to the first load 21 is applied to the first load 21 in response to the aerosol generation request. It means that it is lower than the minimum value of the electric power supplied to the first load 21 for heating 21.

The MCU 50 is, for example, a control for prohibiting discharge from the power supply 12 to the first load 21 when the reservoir remaining amount W _reservoir acquired in step S6a is less than the threshold value TH2, in other words, the reservoir remaining amount W _reservoir . Controls to suppress the discharge from the power supply 12 to the first load 21 as compared with the case where the threshold value is TH2 or more, and further controls to notify the replacement of the first cartridge 20.

Alternatively, the MCU 50 controls to prohibit discharge from the power supply 12 to the first load 21 when, for example, the reservoir remaining amount _Wreservor updated in step S24a described later is less than the threshold value TH2. Control may be performed to notify the replacement of the first cartridge 20. When the replacement notification of the first cartridge 20 is given, the MCU 50 resets the remaining reservoir amount _Wreservor stored in the memory 50a to 100%.

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 to generate an aerosol (step S17).

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 is 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). (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 detection 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 Wreservor} . .. 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 has a supply time t _sense acquired in step S22, an atomizing power supplied to the first load 21 in response to an aerosol generation request, and a target temperature T _{cap_target} at the time when the aerosol generation request is detected. Based on the above, the remaining amount of flavor component W _capsule (n _puff ) of the flavor source 33 is updated (step S24).

When the control shown in FIG. 10 is performed, the amount of flavor component 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 flavor component amount W _flavor for each aerosol production request thus obtained is stored in the memory 50a, and 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 are stored. Substitute the value of the past flavor component amount W _flavor including the above into the equation (3) (that is, the value obtained by multiplying the integrated value of the past flavor component amount W _flavor by the coefficient δ is subtracted from _Winitial ). Therefore, the remaining amount of flavor component W _capsule (n _puff ) after the formation of the 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 receiver voice 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.

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 _cupf ) 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 (n _cupf ) acquired in step S24, and FIG. Based on the table shown, the number of used second cartridges 30 and the remaining amount of flavor component W _capsule (n _cupf ) corresponding to the remaining amount of reservoir W _reservoir are read from the table, and the read remaining amount of reservoir W _reservoir is read out from the table. 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 _capsule ) is less than the remaining amount threshold value (step S25). When the updated flavor component remaining amount W _capsule (n _capsule ) is equal to or higher than the remaining amount threshold value (step S25: NO), the MCU 50 shifts to the process in step S28. When the updated flavor component remaining amount W _capsule (n _capsule ) is less than the remaining amount threshold value (step S25: YES), the MCU 50 sends a notification prompting the replacement of the second cartridge 30 to the first notification unit 45 and the first notification unit 45. Have at least one of the second notification units 46 perform the procedure (step S26). Then, 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 , and further initializes the target temperature T _{cap_target} (step S27).

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.

After step S27, the MCU 50 returns the process to step S1 if the power is not turned off (step S28: NO), and ends the process if the power is turned off (step S28: YES).

(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, when the atomizing power determined in step S5 exceeds the power threshold value P _max and the aerosol required to achieve the target amount of flavor component cannot be generated. In addition, 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 corresponding 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 electric energy (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. In this way, by appropriately considering the state of the aerosol generation device 1 and controlling the discharge to the first load 21, the amount of flavor component for each suction can be stabilized with high accuracy, and the aerosol generation device can be used. The commercial value of 1 can be increased.

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, the discharge to the second load 31 is stopped after receiving the aerosol generation request. Therefore, it is not necessary to discharge the first load 21 and the second load 31 at the same time, and it is possible to suppress a shortage of electric power discharged to the second load 31. In addition, it is suppressed that a large current is discharged from the power supply 12. Therefore, deterioration of the power supply 12 can be suppressed.

Further, according to the aerosol generation device 1, after the aerosol is generated, the discharge to the second load 31 is restarted, so that the flavor source 33 can be kept warm even when the aerosol is continuously generated. Therefore, it is possible to provide the user with a stable amount of flavor component over a plurality of continuous suctions.

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 _reservoir remaining amount Wreservor, the power discharged from the power supply 12 to the second load 31 is controlled based on the reservoir remaining amount _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.

(First modification of aerosol generator)
In the description so far, it is assumed that almost all of the aerosol weight _Waerosol generated in response to one suction operation of the user is sucked by the user. However, strictly speaking, the amount of aerosol (hereinafter referred to as aerosol consumption) that reaches the end of the mouthpiece 32 on the user side of the aerosol weight _Waerosol generated in response to one suction operation of the user is determined. It may change depending on the suction conditions. The aerosol consumption is the amount of aerosol that the user can actually suck out of the total amount of aerosol produced in response to one suction operation of the user.

This is because the aerosol generated in the vicinity of the first load 21 and could not reach the user-side end of the mouthpiece 32 is in the space inside the mouthpiece 32 (from the user-side end of the mouthpiece 32, the wick 24 and the first. This is because it reaggregates in the space leading to the space where the load 21 is accommodated) and remains as a liquid aerosol source, and the residual amount varies depending on the suction conditions. Since a part of the residual aerosol source finally returns to the wick 24 or the aerosol source 22, it will be reused for aerosol generation at the time of later suction. note that. Residual aerosol source is not a phenomenon that always occurs, and depending on the suction conditions, almost all of the aerosol weight _Waerosol generated in response to one suction operation of the user reaches the end of the mouthpiece 32 on the user side. In other words, it should be noted that, depending on the suction conditions, the aerosol weight _Waerosol generated in response to one suction operation of the user and the aerosol consumption are approximately equal.

The time during which the user's suction operation is performed (the time when the output value of the intake sensor 15 is equal to or higher than the output threshold value, the duration of the aerosol generation request) is described as the suction time. As described above, an upper limit value (upper limit time _tupper ) is set for the supply time t _sense of the atomizing power to the first load 21. When the suction time is not more than the _upper limit time tupper, the suction time and the supply time t _sense match, so that the suction operation and the operation of supplying the atomizing power to the first load 21 are completed almost at the same time. Therefore, the aerosol generated immediately before the end of supply of the atomizing power to the first load 21 remains without being sucked by the user.

On the other hand, when the suction time exceeds the _{upper limit time tapper} , the suction operation is continued even after the supply of the atomizing power to the first load 21 is completed. Therefore, the longer the suction time, the more the aerosol generated immediately before the end of supply of the atomizing power to the first load 21 is sucked by the user. When the suction time exceeds the _upper limit time tupper, when the suction time becomes long to some extent, all the aerosol generated by the supply of the atomizing power to the first load 21 will be sucked by the user. That is, when the suction time exceeds the _{upper limit time tapper} , the aerosol consumption and the aerosol weight generated by the supply of the atomizing power to the first load 21 roughly match when the suction time is extended to some extent. It will be.

Therefore, the supply time t _sense used for calculating the remaining amount of the flavor component in step S24 of FIG. 8 (in other words, it is generated by the current suction operation necessary for calculating the amount of the flavor component consumed by the user by the current suction operation. The value that has a strong correlation with the theoretical value of the aerosol weight) is corrected in consideration of the difference in the residual amount of the aerosol source due to such a difference in suction conditions (in other words, the theoretical value of the aerosol weight is actually used by the user. By correcting the amount of aerosol consumed in the above), the remaining amount of flavor components can be obtained more accurately. Then, by using this accurate remaining amount of flavor component, it becomes possible to improve the acquisition accuracy of the remaining amount of the reservoir.

Specifically, the MCU 50 has a case where the suction time is less than or equal to the _upper limit time tupper (in other words, when the suction time is less than or equal to the supply time t _sense ) and a case where the suction time is longer than the _upper limit time tupper (in other words, suction). When the time is longer than the supply time t _sense ), the supply time t _sense is corrected by using different correction data.

FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram showing an example of correction data when the suction time is not more than the _{upper limit time tuper} . The horizontal axis of FIG. 13 shows the supply time t _sense of atomizing power to the first load 21. The vertical axis of FIG. 13 shows the corrected supply time t _sense . When the suction time is less than or equal to the _{upper limit time tuper} , the supply time t _sense and the suction time coincide with each other.

FIG. 14 is a schematic diagram showing an example of correction data when the suction time exceeds the _{upper limit time tuper} . The horizontal axis of FIG. 14 shows the time difference obtained by subtracting the atomization power supply time t _sense to the first load 21 from the suction time. The vertical axis of FIG. 14 shows the corrected supply time t _sense .

In the correction data shown in FIG. 13, the corrected supply time t _sense increases monotonically as the supply time t _sense increases. As described above, when the suction time is not more than the upper limit time _tapper , the aerosol generated immediately before the end of supply of the atomizing power to the first load 21 remains without being sucked by the user. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 13, when the supply time t _sense reaches the upper limit time t _upper , the supply time t _sense is corrected to a time t 1 shorter than the upper limit time t _upper .

In the aerosol generator 1, atomization of the aerosol source 22 is not started when the supply of atomizing power to the first load 21 is started, but after the first load 21 is heated to a certain temperature, the aerosol source 22 is heated to a certain temperature. Atomization of the aerosol source 22 is started. In consideration of this, in the correction data shown in FIG. 13, the atomization of the aerosol source 22 occurs after the supply time t _sense is equal to or less than the threshold value THa (after the supply of the atomizing power to the first load 21 is started). In the period until the start), the increase in the corrected supply time t _sense is gradual, and when the supply time t _sense exceeds the threshold value Tha, the increase in the corrected supply time t _sense is accelerated. .. Thereby, for example, when the suction operation is completed during this period, it can be considered that the aerosol consumption amount is almost zero, and the remaining amount of the flavor component and the remaining amount of the reservoir can be calculated more accurately.

The correction data shown in FIG. 13 may be changed to the correction data exemplified in FIG. The correction data shown in FIG. 15 is different from FIG. 13 in that the relationship between the supply time t _sense and the corrected supply time t _sense is linear. Even when the supply time t _sense is corrected using the correction data shown in FIG. 15, it is possible to calculate the remaining amount of flavor component and the remaining amount of reservoir in consideration of the residual residue of the aerosol source described above.

In the correction data shown in FIG. 14, the corrected supply time t _sense increases monotonically as the time difference between the suction time and the supply time t _sense increases, and then becomes a constant value. Specifically, in the correction data shown in FIG. 14, in the period when the time difference is larger than 0 and less than the threshold value THb, the corrected supply time t _sense linearly and monotonically increases from the time t1 to the _upper limit time tupper. It has become. Further, when the time difference becomes equal to or larger than the threshold value THb, the corrected supply time t _sense is clipped to the _upper limit time tupper.

The correction data shown in FIGS. 13 to 15 can be experimentally obtained and stored in the memory 50a.

Hereinafter, the operation of the aerosol generation device 1 of the first modification will be described. Since this operation differs only in the processes of step S24 and step S24a in FIG. 8, these processes will be described.

In step S24 of FIG. 8, the MCU 50 waits for the aerosol production request to end if it continues, and then acquires the suction time, and the supply time t _sense acquired in step S22 and this suction time. Based on the above, the supply time t _sense is corrected. Specifically, the MCU 50 compared the suction time and the supply time t _sense , and if the suction time was less than or equal to the supply time t _sense ( _upper limit time tupper), it followed the correction data shown in FIG. 13 or FIG. The supply time t _sense is corrected by the second algorithm. If the suction time exceeds the supply time t _sense ( _upper limit time tupper), the MCU 50 corrects the supply time t _sense by the first algorithm according to the correction data shown in FIG. Then, the MCU 50 has a corrected supply time t _sense , an atomizing power supplied to the first load 21 in response to the aerosol generation request, and a target temperature T _{cap_target} at the time when the aerosol generation request is detected. Based on this, the remaining amount of flavor component W _capsule (n _puff ) of the flavor source 33 is updated.

In step S24a, the MCU 50 may calculate the remaining amount of the reservoir based on the remaining amount of flavor component W _capsule (n _cupf ) calculated in step S24, or after the first cartridge 20 is replaced with a new one. The cumulative value of the supply time t _sense after correction may be obtained, and the remaining amount of the reservoir may be calculated based on this cumulative value.

In this step S24, the remaining amount of flavor component W _capsule (n _puff ) of the flavor source 33 is calculated, but the flavor is obtained by subtracting this remaining amount of flavor component W _capsule (n _puff ) from _Winitial . It is also possible to obtain the consumption amount of the flavor component contained in the source 33 (hereinafter, referred to as the consumption amount of the flavor source 33). Similarly, it is also possible to obtain the consumption amount of the aerosol source 22 by subtracting the remaining amount of the reservoir calculated in step S24a from the total amount of the aerosol source 22 contained in the new first cartridge 20.

The aerosol generation device 1 may be configured to calculate only one of the remaining amount of the flavor component and the consumption amount of the flavor source 33, or may be configured to calculate both of them. The aerosol generation device 1 may be configured to calculate only one of the remaining amount of the reservoir and the consumption amount of the aerosol source 22, or may be configured to calculate both of them.

As described above, according to the aerosol generation device 1 of the first modification, it is possible to obtain at least one of the remaining amount and the consumption amount of the flavor source 33 in consideration of the residual aerosol source. Therefore, at least one of the remaining amount and the consumption amount of the flavor source 33 can be obtained more accurately.

(Second modification of aerosol generator)
In the aerosol generation device 1 of the first modification, the remaining amount of the flavor component is derived, and based on this remaining amount of the flavor component, in order to achieve the target amount of flavor component W _flavor before the aerosol generation request is made. The required atomization power _Pliquid and target temperature T _{cap_target} were determined. In this modification, the atomization power _Pliquid determined before the aerosol production request is made is set to a constant value, and instead, the target temperature T _{cap_target} is variably controlled based on the consumption of the flavor source 33 (specifically). As the consumption of the flavor source 33 increases, the target temperature is raised) so that the target flavor component amount W _flavor is achieved.

Even in the aerosol generation device 1 of the second 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.

The consumption of the flavor source 33 has a strong correlation with the cumulative value of the aerosol consumption actually sucked by the user. Therefore, the cumulative value of the supply time t _sense after the correction for each suction operation after the second cartridge 30 is replaced with a new one (hereinafter referred to as the cumulative discharge time ΣLa) described in the first modification is shown. , Can be used as information indicating the consumption amount of the flavor source 33. That is, the MCU 50 obtains the consumption amount of the flavor source 33 by obtaining the cumulative discharge time ΣLa.

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 consumption amount (cumulative discharge time ΣLa) of the flavor source 33). In the second modification, the power control unit of the MCU 50 manages the target temperature according to a table stored in advance in the memory 50a in which the cumulative discharge time ΣLa and the target temperature of the flavor source 33 are stored in association with each other.

16, FIG. 17, and FIG. 18 are flowcharts for explaining the operation of the aerosol generation device 1 of the second 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 targets the flavor source 33 based on the current cumulative discharge time ΣLa stored in the memory 50a. The temperature T _{cap_target} is determined (set) (step S31).

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

Then, the MCU 50 controls the discharge to the second load 31 for heating the flavor source 33 based on the temperature T _{cap_sense} and the target temperature T _{cap_target} (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} .

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 ends the discharge to the second load 31 (step S36), and enters the sleep mode in which the power consumption is reduced. (Step S37). 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 generation request (step S34: YES), the MCU 50 ends the discharge to the second load 31 for heating the flavor source 33, and detects the temperature T _{cap_sense} of the flavor source 33 at that time. Acquired based on the output of the element T1 (or the element T3 for temperature detection) (step S41). Then, the MCU 50 determines whether or not the temperature T _{cap_sense} acquired in step S41 is equal to or higher than the target temperature T _{cap_target} (step S42). The MCU 50 may continue discharging to the second load 31 for heating the flavor source 33 even after step S34.

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 current reservoir remaining amount W _reservoir stored in the memory 50a, and determines the increase width _ΔPa of the atomizing power Pliquid based on the acquired reservoir remaining amount W _reservoir . (Step S45). Then, the MCU 50 supplies the atomization power _{Pliquid'obtained} by adding this 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. The method of calculating the remaining amount of reservoir W _reservoir will be described later. The increase width ΔPa may be a fixed value instead of a variable value. 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 P _liquid and the increase width ΔPa by the atomization power P _liquid multiplied by the supply time t _sense is used as the corrected supply time t _sense , and the subsequent processing is performed. You may.

After the start of heating of the first load 21 in step S43 or step S46, the MCU 50 determines the duration of the aerosol production request (that is, the suction time) when the aerosol production request is not completed (step S44: NO). If is less than the _upper limit time tupper (step S44a: YES), heating of the first load 21 is 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). (Step S21).

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 Wreservor} 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.

After step S48, the MCU 50 waits for the aerosol production request to finish if it continues, and then in step S43 or step S46 the first load 21 of the atomized power supplied to the first load 21. The supply time t _sense to and the suction time at the time of the current suction are acquired, and the supply time t _sense is corrected based on these information (step S49). The correction method is the same as described above.

Next, the MCU 50 adds the corrected supply time t _{sense to the cumulative value of the corrected supply time t sense after} the second cartridge 30 is replaced with a new one to obtain the cumulative discharge time ΣLa, and obtains the cumulative discharge time ΣLa, and obtains the memory 50a. The cumulative discharge time ΣLa stored in is updated (step S50).

The cumulative discharge time ΣLa represents the amount of consumption of the flavor source 33 after the second cartridge 30 is replaced with a new one in terms of time. Therefore, by comparing the cumulative discharge time ΣLa with the threshold value TH4 indicating the upper limit of the cumulative discharge time ΣLa per second cartridge 30, at least one of the consumption amount and the remaining amount of the flavor source 33 is obtained. Will be possible.

For example, the remaining amount [%] of the flavor source 33 can be obtained by the calculation of {(TH4-ΣLa) / TH4} × 100. Further, the consumption amount [%] of the flavor source 33 can be obtained by the calculation of (ΣLa / TH4) × 100.

After step S50, the MCU 50 updates the reservoir remaining amount W _reservoir (step S51). Specifically, the MCU 50 adds the corrected supply time t _{sense obtained in step S49 to the cumulative value of the corrected supply time t sense after} the first cartridge 20 is replaced with a new one, and accumulates. The discharge time ΣLb is obtained.

The cumulative discharge time ΣLb represents the consumption amount of the aerosol source 22 after the first cartridge 20 is replaced with a new one in terms of time. Therefore, by comparing the cumulative discharge time ΣLb with the threshold value TH5 indicating the upper limit of the cumulative discharge time ΣLb per one first cartridge 20, the consumption amount and the remaining amount (that is, the remaining amount of the reservoir) of the aerosol source 22 are compared. It will be possible to get at least one of them.

For example, the remaining amount of the reservoir [%] can be obtained by the calculation of {(TH5-ΣLb) /TH5} × 100. The MCU 50 stores the remaining amount of the reservoir thus acquired in the memory 50a, and updates the remaining amount of the reservoir. Further, the consumption amount [%] of the aerosol source 22 can be obtained by performing the calculation of (ΣLb / TH5) × 100.

Next, the MCU 50 determines whether or not the cumulative discharge time ΣLb after the update in step S51 is the threshold value TH5 or more (step S52). When the cumulative discharge time ΣLb is less than the threshold value TH5 (step S52: NO), the MCU 50 shifts the process to step S56. When the cumulative discharge time ΣLb is equal to or higher than the threshold value TH5, that is, when the remaining amount of the aerosol source 22 is 0% (step S52: YES), the MCU 50 gives a notification prompting the replacement of the first cartridge 20 and the second cartridge 30. At least one of the first notification unit 45 and the second notification unit 46 is allowed to perform the operation (step S53). Then, the MCU 50 resets the cumulative discharge time ΣLa and the cumulative discharge time ΣLb to the initial values (= 0), respectively, and initializes the target temperature T _{cap_target} (step S54). 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.

Instead of the above-mentioned operation, in the MCU50, when the cumulative discharge time ΣLb after the update in step S51 is the threshold value TH5 or more (step S52: YES), whether or not the cumulative discharge time ΣLa after the update in the step S50 is the threshold value TH4 or more. May be determined. Then, only when the cumulative discharge time ΣLa after the update is the threshold value TH4 or more, the MCU 50 sends a notification prompting the replacement of the first cartridge 20 to at least one of the first notification unit 45 and the second notification unit 46 in step S53. You may let me. Further, only when the cumulative discharge time ΣLa after the update is equal to or higher than the threshold value TH4, the MCU 50 may reset the cumulative discharge time ΣLa to the initial value (= 0) in step S54 and initialize the target temperature T _{cap_target} .

In step S56, the MCU 50 determines whether or not the cumulative discharge time ΣLa after the update in step S50 is equal to or greater than the threshold value TH4. When the cumulative discharge time ΣLa is less than the threshold value TH4 (step S56: NO), the MCU 50 shifts the process to step S55. When the cumulative discharge time ΣLa is equal to or greater than the threshold value TH4, that is, when the remaining amount of the flavor source 33 is 0% (step S56: YES), the MCU 50 sends a notification prompting the replacement of the second cartridge 30 to the first notification unit 45. And at least one of the second notification units 46 (step S57). Then, the MCU 50 resets the cumulative discharge time ΣLa to the initial value (= 0) and initializes the target temperature T _{cap_target} (step S58).

If the determination in step S54 and step S56 is NO, or after step S58, the MCU50 returns to step S31 if the power is not turned off (step S55: NO), and if the power is turned off (step S55: YES). , End the process.

According to the aerosol generation device 1 of the second modification, it is possible to provide the user with an aerosol having a stable flavor and taste by simpler control than the aerosol generation device 1 of the first modification. Further, as in the first modification, at least one of the remaining amount and the consumption amount of the flavor source 33 and at least one of the remaining amount and the consumption amount of the aerosol source 22 can be obtained more accurately.

The aerosol generation device 1 described so far has a configuration capable of heating the flavor source 33, but this configuration is not essential. Even when the flavor source 33 is not heated, at least one of the remaining amount and consumption of the flavor source 33 and one of the remaining amount and consumption of the aerosol source 22 are based on the suction time and the supply time t _sense . Can be obtained with high accuracy.

Further, in the aerosol generator 1 described so far, the first cartridge 20 is configured to be detachable from the power supply unit 10, but the first cartridge 20 may be configured to be integrated with the power supply unit 10. good.

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 supply 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, for example, an ultrasonic element is used for the second load 31, 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 electric power supplied from the power source 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 the elements can be used.

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 sensor (intake sensor 15) capable of outputting the user's suction,
The atomizer (first load 21) for atomizing the aerosol source (aerosol source 22) is provided with a processing device (MCU50) configured to be able to control the discharge from the power supply (power supply 12).
The above processing device
Based on the output of the sensor, the suction time, which is the length of each suction, and the discharge time (supply time t _sense ), which is the length of discharge to the atomizer corresponding to each suction. , Get,
Based on the suction time and the discharge time, it is configured to acquire at least one of the remaining amount of the flavor source (flavor source 33) that imparts flavor to the aerosol generated from the aerosol source and the consumption amount of the flavor source. Ru,
Control unit for aerosol generator.

According to (1), since at least one of the remaining amount and the consumption amount of the flavor source is acquired in consideration of the suction time and the discharge time, the remaining amount and consumption of the flavor source are compared with the case where only the discharge time is used. The acquisition accuracy of at least one of the quantities is improved.

(2)
The control unit of the aerosol generator according to (1).
The processing apparatus is configured to acquire at least one of the remaining amount of the flavor source and the consumption amount of the flavor source based on the comparison between the suction time and the discharge time.
Control unit for aerosol generator.

According to (2), since at least one of the remaining amount and the consumption amount of the flavor source is acquired based on the comparison between the suction time and the discharge time, the remaining amount of the flavor source and the remaining amount of the flavor source are obtained as compared with the case where only the discharge time is used. The acquisition accuracy of at least one of the consumption amount is improved.

(3)
The control unit of the aerosol generator according to (1) or (2).
The above processing device
When the suction time is longer than the discharge time corresponding to the suction time, the first algorithm is used to obtain at least one of the remaining amount of the flavor source and the consumption amount of the flavor source.
When the suction time is equal to or less than the discharge time corresponding to the suction time, at least one of the remaining amount of the flavor source and the consumption amount of the flavor source is acquired by using a second algorithm different from the first algorithm. Is configured as
Control unit for aerosol generator.

According to (3), since the aerosol sucked during the aerosol generation and the aerosol sucked after the aerosol generation are separately obtained to obtain at least one of the remaining amount and the consumption amount of the flavor source, the remaining amount and the consumption of the flavor source are obtained. The acquisition accuracy of at least one of the quantities is improved.

(4)
The control unit of the aerosol generator according to (1) or (2).
When the suction time is longer than the discharge time corresponding to the suction time, the mode of reducing the remaining amount of the flavor source according to the increase in the suction time is the discharge time corresponding to the suction time. Unlike the mode of decreasing the remaining amount of the flavor source with respect to the increase of the discharge time in the following cases,
And / or, when the suction time is longer than the discharge time corresponding to the suction time, the aspect of the increase in the consumption of the flavor source with respect to the increase in the suction time is that the suction time corresponds to the suction time. It is different from the mode of increasing the consumption of the flavor source with respect to the increase of the suction time when the discharge time is less than or equal to the discharge time.
Control unit for aerosol generator.

According to (4), since the aerosol sucked during the aerosol generation and the aerosol sucked after the aerosol generation are separately obtained to obtain at least one of the remaining amount and the consumption amount of the flavor source, the remaining amount and the consumption of the flavor source are obtained. The acquisition accuracy of at least one of the quantities is improved.

(5)
The control unit of the aerosol generator according to (1) or (2).
The above processing device
When the suction time is longer than the discharge time corresponding to the suction time, the remaining amount of the flavor source is reduced according to the increase in the difference between the suction time and the discharge time corresponding to the suction time, and the suction is performed. When the time is equal to or less than the discharge time corresponding to the suction time, the remaining amount of the flavor source is reduced according to the increase in the discharge time corresponding to the suction time.
And / or, when the suction time is longer than the discharge time corresponding to the suction time, the consumption of the flavor source is increased according to the increase in the difference between the suction time and the discharge time corresponding to the suction time. When the suction time is equal to or less than the discharge time corresponding to the suction time, the consumption of the flavor source is increased according to the increase in the discharge time corresponding to the suction time.
Control unit for aerosol generator.

According to (5), since the aerosol sucked during the aerosol generation and the aerosol sucked after the aerosol generation are separately obtained to obtain at least one of the remaining amount and the consumption amount of the flavor source, the remaining amount and the consumption of the flavor source are obtained. The acquisition accuracy of at least one of the quantities is improved.

(6)
The control unit of the aerosol generator according to (1) or (2).
When the suction time is equal to or less than the discharge time corresponding to the suction time, the processing apparatus monotonically reduces the remaining amount of the flavor source with respect to the discharge time and / or the discharge time. Constructed to monotonically increase the consumption of flavor sources,
Control unit for aerosol generator.

According to (6), since the aerosol sucked during the aerosol generation is considered to increase monotonically and at least one of the remaining amount and the consumption amount of the flavor source is obtained, the remaining amount of the flavor source in the suction during the aerosol generation is obtained. And the acquisition accuracy of at least one of the consumption is improved.

(7)
The control unit of the aerosol generator according to (6).
When the suction time is equal to or less than the discharge time corresponding to the suction time and exceeds the threshold value (threshold value THa), the processing apparatus reduces the remaining amount of the flavor source and the flavor source according to the increase in the discharge time. Configured to accelerate at least one of the increases in consumption of
Control unit for aerosol generator.

According to (7), in order to obtain at least one of the remaining amount and the consumption amount of the flavor source in consideration of the time until the amount of aerosol produced immediately after the start of suction (start of discharge) starts to increase, the aerosol is being generated. The acquisition accuracy of at least one of the remaining amount and the consumption amount of the flavor source in suction is improved.

(8)
The control unit for the aerosol generator according to any one of (1), (2), (6), and (7).
The above processing device
When the suction time is longer than the discharge time corresponding to the suction time, the remaining amount of the flavor source is partially monotonous with respect to the difference between the suction time and the discharge time corresponding to the suction time. It is configured to decrease and / or to partially monotonically increase the consumption of the flavor source with respect to the difference.
Control unit for aerosol generator.

According to (8), for suction after aerosol generation, at least one of the remaining amount and the consumption amount of the flavor source is acquired based on the difference between the suction time and the discharge time, so that the flavor source in suction after aerosol generation is obtained. The acquisition accuracy of at least one of the remaining amount and the amount of consumption is improved.

(9)
The control unit for the aerosol generator according to any one of (1), (2), (6), and (7).
The above processing device
When the suction time is longer than the discharge time and the difference between the suction time and the discharge time corresponding to the suction time is less than the second threshold value (threshold THb), the remaining amount of the flavor source corresponding to the difference. The mode of reduction is different from the mode of reduction of the remaining amount of the flavor source according to the difference when the suction time is longer than the discharge time and the difference is equal to or larger than the second threshold value.
And / or, the mode of increasing the consumption of the flavor source according to the difference when the suction time is longer than the discharge time corresponding to the suction time and the difference is less than the second threshold value, and the suction. It is configured to be different from the mode of increasing the consumption of the flavor source according to the difference when the time is longer than the discharge time and the difference is equal to or larger than the second threshold value.
Control unit for aerosol generator.

According to (9), a method of obtaining at least one of the remaining amount and the consumption amount of the flavor source by suctioning the aerosol remaining in the flow path after the aerosol is generated and sucking the remaining aerosol after the remaining aerosol is almost completely sucked. Therefore, the acquisition accuracy of at least one of the remaining amount and the consumption amount of the flavor source in suction after aerosol generation is improved.

(10)
The control unit of the aerosol generator according to (9).
The above processing device
When the suction time is longer than the discharge time corresponding to the suction time and the difference is less than the second threshold value, the remaining amount of the flavor source is monotonically reduced with respect to the difference, and the suction time is the suction time. When the discharge time is longer than the discharge time corresponding to the above and the difference is equal to or more than the second threshold value, the remaining amount of the flavor source is constant with respect to the difference.
And / or, when the suction time is longer than the discharge time corresponding to the suction time and the difference is less than the second threshold value, the consumption amount of the flavor source is monotonically increased with respect to the difference, and the suction time is increased. Is longer than the discharge time corresponding to the suction time and the difference is equal to or greater than the second threshold value, the consumption of the flavor source is set to be constant with respect to the difference.
Control unit for aerosol generator.

According to (10), a method of obtaining at least one of the remaining amount and the consumption amount of the flavor source by suctioning the aerosol remaining in the flow path after the aerosol is generated and sucking the remaining aerosol after the remaining aerosol is almost completely sucked. Therefore, the accuracy of at least one of the remaining amount and the consumption amount of the flavor source in suction after aerosol generation is improved.

(11)
The control unit of the aerosol generator according to (1).
The processing apparatus is configured to acquire at least one of the remaining amount of the aerosol source and the consumption amount of the aerosol source based on the suction time and the discharge time.
Control unit for aerosol generator.

According to (11), since at least one of the remaining amount and the consumption amount of the aerosol source is acquired in consideration of the suction time and the discharge time, the remaining amount and consumption of the aerosol source are compared with the case where only the discharge time is used. The acquisition accuracy of at least one of the quantities is improved.

(12)
A sensor (intake sensor 15) capable of outputting the user's suction,
The atomizer (first load 21) for atomizing the aerosol source (aerosol source 22) is provided with a processing device (MCU50) configured to be able to control the discharge from the power supply (power supply 12).
The above processing device
Based on the output of the sensor, the suction time, which is the length of each suction, and the discharge time (supply time t _sense ), which is the length of discharge to the atomizer corresponding to each suction. , Get,
Based on the suction time and the discharge time, it is configured to acquire at least one of the remaining amount of the aerosol source and the consumption amount of the aerosol source.
Control unit for aerosol generator.

According to (12), since at least one of the remaining amount and the consumption amount of the aerosol source is acquired in consideration of the suction time and the discharge time, the remaining amount and consumption of the aerosol source are compared with the case where only the discharge time is used. The acquisition accuracy of at least one of the quantities is improved.

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 part 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 unit 43 Charging terminal 45 First notification unit 46 Second notification unit 50a Memory 50 MCU
51 DC / DC converter 52,54 Voltage sensor 53,55 Current sensor 55A Charging IC

Claims (12)

With a sensor that can output the user's suction,
Equipped with a processing device that can control the discharge from the power supply to the atomizer that atomizes the aerosol source.
The processing device is
Based on the output of the sensor, the suction time, which is the length of each suction, and the discharge time, which is the length of discharge to the atomizer corresponding to each suction, are acquired.
Based on the suction time and the discharge time, it is configured to acquire at least one of the remaining amount of the flavor source that imparts flavor to the aerosol generated from the aerosol source and the consumption amount of the flavor source.
Control unit for aerosol generator. The control unit for the aerosol generator according to claim 1.
The processing apparatus is configured to acquire at least one of the remaining amount of the flavor source and the consumption amount of the flavor source based on the comparison between the suction time and the discharge time.
Control unit for aerosol generator. The control unit for the aerosol generator according to claim 1 or 2.
The processing device is
When the suction time is longer than the discharge time corresponding to the suction time, the first algorithm is used to obtain at least one of the remaining amount of the flavor source and the consumption amount of the flavor source.
When the suction time is equal to or less than the discharge time corresponding to the suction time, at least one of the remaining amount of the flavor source and the consumption amount of the flavor source is acquired by using a second algorithm different from the first algorithm. Is configured as
Control unit for aerosol generator. The control unit for the aerosol generator according to claim 1 or 2.
When the suction time is longer than the discharge time corresponding to the suction time, the mode of decreasing the remaining amount of the flavor source according to the increase in the suction time is the mode of the reduction of the remaining amount of the flavor source, in which the suction time corresponds to the suction time. Unlike the mode of decreasing the remaining amount of the flavor source with respect to the increase of the discharge time in the following cases,
And / or, when the suction time is longer than the discharge time corresponding to the suction time, the aspect of the increase in the consumption of the flavor source with respect to the increase in the suction time is such that the suction time corresponds to the suction time. It differs from the mode of increasing the consumption of the flavor source with respect to the increase in the suction time when the discharge time is less than or equal to the discharge time.
Control unit for aerosol generator. The control unit for the aerosol generator according to claim 1 or 2.
The processing device is
When the suction time is longer than the discharge time corresponding to the suction time, the remaining amount of the flavor source is reduced according to the increase in the difference between the suction time and the discharge time corresponding to the suction time, and the suction is performed. When the time is equal to or less than the discharge time corresponding to the suction time, the remaining amount of the flavor source is reduced according to the increase in the discharge time corresponding to the suction time.
And / or, when the suction time is longer than the discharge time corresponding to the suction time, the consumption of the flavor source is increased according to the increase in the difference between the suction time and the discharge time corresponding to the suction time. When the suction time is equal to or less than the discharge time corresponding to the suction time, the consumption of the flavor source is increased according to the increase in the discharge time corresponding to the suction time.
Control unit for aerosol generator. The control unit for the aerosol generator according to claim 1 or 2.
When the suction time is equal to or less than the discharge time corresponding to the suction time, the processing device monotonically reduces the remaining amount of the flavor source with respect to the discharge time and / or the discharge time. Constructed to monotonically increase the consumption of flavor sources,
Control unit for aerosol generator. The control unit for the aerosol generator according to claim 6.
When the suction time is equal to or less than the discharge time corresponding to the suction time and exceeds the threshold value, the processing device reduces the remaining amount of the flavor source and consumes the flavor source according to the increase in the discharge time. Configured to accelerate at least one of the increases,
Control unit for aerosol generator. The control unit for the aerosol generator according to any one of claims 1, 2, 6 and 7.
The processing device is
When the suction time is longer than the discharge time corresponding to the suction time, the remaining amount of the flavor source is partially monotonous with respect to the difference between the suction time and the discharge time corresponding to the suction time. It is configured to decrease and / or increase the consumption of the flavor source at least partially monotonically with respect to the difference.
Control unit for aerosol generator. The control unit for the aerosol generator according to any one of claims 1, 2, 6 and 7.
The processing device is
When the suction time is longer than the discharge time and the difference between the suction time and the discharge time corresponding to the suction time is less than the second threshold value, the mode of reducing the remaining amount of the flavor source according to the difference. The mode of reducing the remaining amount of the flavor source according to the difference when the suction time is longer than the discharge time and the difference is equal to or greater than the second threshold value is different.
And / or an aspect of increasing the consumption of the flavor source according to the difference when the suction time is longer than the discharge time corresponding to the suction time and the difference is less than the second threshold value, and the suction. It is configured to be different from the mode of increasing the consumption of the flavor source according to the difference when the time is longer than the discharge time and the difference is equal to or larger than the second threshold value.
Control unit for aerosol generator. The control unit for the aerosol generator according to claim 9.
The processing device is
When the suction time is longer than the discharge time corresponding to the suction time and the difference is less than the second threshold value, the remaining amount of the flavor source is monotonically reduced with respect to the difference, and the suction time is the suction time. When the discharge time is longer than the discharge time corresponding to the above and the difference is equal to or greater than the second threshold value, the remaining amount of the flavor source is constant with respect to the difference.
And / or, when the suction time is longer than the discharge time corresponding to the suction time and the difference is less than the second threshold value, the consumption amount of the flavor source is monotonically increased with respect to the difference, and the suction time is increased. Is longer than the discharge time corresponding to the suction time and the difference is equal to or greater than the second threshold value, the consumption of the flavor source is set to be constant with respect to the difference.
Control unit for aerosol generator. The control unit for the aerosol generator according to claim 1.
The processing apparatus is configured to acquire at least one of the remaining amount of the aerosol source and the consumption amount of the aerosol source based on the suction time and the discharge time.
Control unit for aerosol generator. With a sensor that can output the user's suction,
Equipped with a processing device that can control the discharge from the power supply to the atomizer that atomizes the aerosol source.
The processing device is
Based on the output of the sensor, the suction time, which is the length of each suction, and the discharge time, which is the length of discharge to the atomizer corresponding to each suction, are acquired.
Based on the suction time and the discharge time, it is configured to acquire at least one of the remaining amount of the aerosol source and the consumption amount of the aerosol source.
Control unit for aerosol generator.

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