JP2022125132A - Non-combustion flavor inhaler and aerosol delivery method - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a novel non-combustion flavor inhaler control circuit.

SOLUTION: The non-combustion flavor inhaler control circuit comprises a control unit to control power output to an atomization unit, which atomizes an aerosol source without combustion. The control unit repeats stop and restart of the power output to the atomization unit so that the aerosol supply is within a prescribed range and, during puffing motion of a user, stops supply of the power output to the atomization unit.

SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 7

COPYRIGHT: (C)2022,JPO&INPIT

Description

The present invention relates to a non-combustion flavor inhaler and aerosol delivery method having an atomizing section that atomizes an aerosol source without combustion.

Conventionally, a non-combustion type flavor inhaler for inhaling flavor without burning is known. The non-combustion flavor inhaler has an atomization portion that non-combustively atomizes the aerosol source, and a sensor that senses a user's puffing action. A non-combustion type flavor inhaler starts supplying power output to an atomizing part in response to detection of a puff operation (for example, Patent Document 1).

JP-A-11-089551

A first feature is a non-combustion type flavor inhaler, comprising an atomization unit that atomizes an aerosol source without combustion, and a control unit that controls power output to the atomization unit, and the control The part is to start supply of power output to the atomizing unit before the user's puffing action is started, and to stop supplying power output to the atomizing part during the user's puffing action.

A second feature is that in the first feature, the non-combustion type flavor inhaler has an atomization switch that switches to a state of stopping supply of power output to the atomization unit when the user puffs. The gist of it is to be prepared.

A third feature is characterized in that, in the second feature, the atomization switch switches to a state of starting supply of power output to the atomization section when the user's puffing action is stopped.

A fourth feature is that in the second feature or the third feature, the atomization switch is interlocked with a suction sensor that detects a puffing operation, and the control unit detects the puffing operation by the suction sensor. The gist is to stop the supply of the power output to the atomization unit when the

A fifth feature is any one of the second to fourth features, wherein the atomization switch
The gist of the invention is that the control unit is interlocked with a suction sensor that detects a puff operation, and the control unit starts supplying power output to the atomization unit when the puff operation is no longer detected by the suction sensor.

A sixth feature is that in the second feature or the third feature, the atomization switch is interlocked with a user's operation on the operation interface, and the control unit is not operated by the user on the operation interface. The gist of the invention is that the supply of power output to the atomizing unit is sometimes stopped.

A seventh feature is any one of the second feature, the third feature, and the sixth feature, wherein the atomization switch is interlocked with a user's operation on the operation interface, and the control unit comprises: The gist of the present invention is to start supplying power output to the atomization unit when a user operation is performed on the atomization unit.

An eighth feature is the first feature, wherein the non-combustion type flavor inhaler is switched to an ON state when a user operation is performed on the operation interface, and when the user operation is not performed on the operation interface. and a second switch that switches to an ON state when a user starts puffing and a second switch that switches to an OFF state when the user finishes puffing, wherein the control unit controls whether the first switch is The gist is to start supplying power output to the atomizing unit when the second switch is switched to the ON state, and stop supplying power output to the atomizing unit when the second switch is switched to the ON state. and

A ninth feature is that in any one of the first to eighth features, the control section controls the fogging section when a first period of time has passed since the start of supply of power output to the atomizing section. The main point is to stop the supply of power output to the conversion unit.

In a tenth aspect based on the ninth aspect, the controller controls the atomization when a second time elapses after stopping the supply of the power output to the atomization part due to the lapse of the first time. The gist is to restart the supply of power output to the unit.

An eleventh feature is that in any one of the first to tenth features, the non-combustion type flavor inhaler can supply a desired amount of aerosol during a period in which the desired amount of aerosol can be supplied. The gist is to provide a notification unit for notification.

A twelfth feature is any one of the first to eleventh features, comprising a reporting unit that reports that the desired amount of aerosol cannot be supplied during a period in which the desired amount of aerosol cannot be supplied. is the gist.

A thirteenth feature is characterized in that, in any one of the first to twelfth features, an absorption member for absorbing condensed aerosol is provided on a wall surface exposed to the flow path of the aerosol generated by the atomizing section. do.

A fourteenth feature is any one of the first to thirteenth features, wherein the non-combustion type flavor inhaler includes a suction sensor that detects a puffing action, and the control unit detects a puffing action by the suction sensor. is not detected to the suction state in which the puff operation is detected by the suction sensor, and when switching from the suction state to the non-suction state is performed, the atomization unit is energized. The gist is to trigger processing.

A fifteenth feature is an aerosol delivery method, comprising a step A of generating an aerosol in an aspiration path continuous from an inlet to an outlet in a state in which no fluid flow is occurring in the aspiration path; and a step B of moving the aerosol into the oral cavity of the user by means of the fluid flow in the suction channel, while the generation of the aerosol is stopped.

A sixteenth feature is the thirteenth feature, wherein the step A is a step of starting supply of power output to the atomization section when a user operation is performed on the operation interface, and the step B is the The gist of the present invention is the step of stopping the supply of power output to the atomization unit when the user's operation on the operation interface is no longer performed.

In the features described above, it should be noted that the user manipulation of the manipulation interface does not include the user's puffing action. The operation interface is not particularly limited, but is an interface that is directly operated by a user's hand or the like, and user operations on the operation interface include, for example, button operations, lever operations, and switch operations.

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a flavor inhaler 100 according to an embodiment. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the atomization unit 111 according to the embodiment. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing the block configuration of the flavor inhaler 100 according to the embodiment. FIG. 4 is a diagram for explaining an example of power output control for the atomizing section 111R according to the embodiment. FIG. 5 is a flow diagram illustrating an aerosol delivery method according to embodiments. FIG. 6 is a flow diagram illustrating an aerosol delivery method according to embodiments. FIG. 7 is a flow diagram illustrating an aerosol delivery method according to embodiments. FIG. 8 is a diagram showing a block configuration of the flavor inhaler 100 according to Modification 1. As shown in FIG. FIG. 9 is a diagram for explaining an example of control of power output to the atomizing section 111R according to Modification 1. As shown in FIG. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a block configuration of a flavor inhaler 100 according to Modification 2. As shown in FIG. FIG. 11 is a flow diagram showing an aerosol delivery method according to Modification 2. FIG.

Embodiments will be described below. In addition, in the following description of the drawings, the same or similar reference numerals are given to the same or similar parts. However, it should be noted that the drawings are schematic, and the ratio of each dimension may differ from the actual one.

Therefore, specific dimensions should be determined with reference to the following description. In addition, it goes without saying that there are portions with different dimensional relationships and ratios between the drawings.

[Overview of embodiment]
The non-combustion type flavor inhaler described in the background art above starts supplying power output to the atomizing section in response to detection of the puffing action. However, since the temperature of the atomizing part changes while the aerosol is being generated by the atomizing part, the particle size distribution of the particles forming the aerosol widens. In other words, the particle size of the particles forming the aerosol varies within one puffing operation or between a plurality of puffing operations.

A non-combustion type flavor inhaler according to an embodiment includes an atomization unit that atomizes an aerosol source without combustion, and a control unit that controls power output to the atomization unit. The supply of power output to the atomizing section is started before the start of the puffing action of (1), and the supply of power output to the atomizing section is stopped during the user's puffing action.

In an embodiment, the controller stops providing power output to the atomizer during the user's puff action. The user's puffing action does not change the temperature of the atomizing part while the aerosol is being generated by the atomizing part. Therefore, variation in the particle size of the particles forming the aerosol is suppressed within one puffing operation or between a plurality of puffing operations.

[Embodiment]
(Non-combustion flavor inhaler)
A non-combustion type flavor inhaler according to an embodiment will be described below. FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a non-combustion type flavor inhaler 100 according to an embodiment. The non-combustion type flavor inhaler 100 is a device for inhaling flavor components without burning, and has a shape extending along a predetermined direction A, which is the direction from the non-suction end to the suction end. FIG. 2 shows the atomization unit 11 according to the embodiment.
1 is a diagram showing FIG. It should be noted that the non-combustion type flavor inhaler 100 is simply referred to as the flavor inhaler 100 hereinafter.

As shown in FIG. 1 , the flavor inhaler 100 has an inhaler body 110 and a cartridge 130 .

The inhaler main body 110 constitutes the main body of the flavor inhaler 100 and has a shape to which the cartridge 130 can be connected. Specifically, the suction device body 110 includes a suction device housing 110X.
and the cartridge 130 is connected to the mouth end of the aspirator housing 110X. The inhaler body 110 has an atomization unit 111 configured to atomize the aerosol source without combustion, and an electrical unit 112 .

In the embodiment, the atomization unit 111 has a first barrel 111X forming part of the suction device housing 110X. The atomization unit 111 has a reservoir 111P as shown in FIG.
, a wick 111Q, and an atomizing section 111R. Reservoir 111P, Wick 11
1Q and the atomizing part 111R are accommodated in the first cylindrical body 111X. The first tubular body 111X has a tubular shape (for example, a cylindrical shape) extending along the predetermined direction A. As shown in FIG. Reservoir 111P holds an aerosol source. For example, the reservoir 111P is a porous body made of a material such as a resin web. The wick 111Q is an example of a liquid retaining member that retains the aerosol source supplied from the reservoir 111P. For example, the wick 111Q is made of glass fiber. The atomizing section 111R atomizes the aerosol source held by the wick 111Q. The atomization part 111R is composed of, for example, a heating resistor (for example, a heating wire) wound around the wick 111Q at a predetermined pitch.

Aerosol sources are liquids such as glycerin or propylene glycol. The aerosol source is held, for example, by a porous body composed of a material such as a resin web, as described above. The porous body may be composed of non-tobacco material or may be composed of tobacco material. In addition, the aerosol source may contain a flavor component (for example, a nicotine component, etc.). Alternatively, the aerosol source may be free of flavoring ingredients.

In the embodiment, an absorbing member 111S that absorbs condensed aerosol is provided on the wall surface exposed to the flow path of the aerosol generated by the atomizing section 111R. The wall surfaces exposed to the aerosol flow path are, for example, the inner surface of the first cylindrical body 111X exposed to the aerosol flow path, the outer surface of the reservoir 111P exposed to the aerosol flow path, and the like. Here, the absorbing member 111S
is not in contact with the reservoir 111P, the aerosol (condensed aerosol) absorbed by the absorbing member 111S is preferably guided from the absorbing member 111S to the atomizing section 111R using capillary action. On the other hand, when the absorbing member 111S is in contact with the reservoir 111P, the aerosol (condensed aerosol) absorbed by the absorbing member 111S is preferably guided from the absorbing member 111S to the reservoir 111P. The absorbing member 111S may be any member that has a function of absorbing condensed aerosol, and may be made of the same material (resin web) as the reservoir 111P.
It may be made of the same material (glass fiber) as 11Q.

The electrical unit 112 includes a second cylindrical body 112X that constitutes a part of the aspirator housing 110X.
have In an embodiment, the electrical unit 112 has an inlet 112A. Air flowing in from the inlet 112A is guided to the atomization unit 111 (atomization section 111R) as shown in FIG. Specifically, the electrical unit 112 includes the power source 10, the suction sensor 20
, a push button 30 , a light emitting element 40 and a control circuit 50 . The power source 10, the suction sensor 20, the push button 30 and the control circuit 50 are housed in the second cylindrical body 112X. The second tubular body 112X has a tubular shape (for example, a cylindrical shape) extending along the predetermined direction A. As shown in FIG.

Power supply 10 is, for example, a lithium ion battery. Power source 10 stores the power required to operate flavor inhaler 100 . For example, the power supply 10 stores power to supply the suction sensor 20 and the control circuit 50 . Also, the power supply 10 accumulates power to be supplied to the atomization unit 111 (the atomization section 111R).

Aspiration sensor 20 senses fluid flow in a continuous aspiration path from inlet 112A to outlet 130A. The suction sensor 20 extends from the inlet 112A to the outlet 1
Suction (suction state) is detected when the fluid flow to the 30A side is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold. The suction sensor 20 detects non-suction (non-suction state) when the fluid flow from the inlet 112A to the outlet 130A side is less than a predetermined threshold.

The push button 30 is configured to be pushed inward from the outside of the flavor inhaler 100 . In the embodiment, the push button 30 is provided at the non-mouthpiece end of the flavor inhaler 100,
It is configured to be pushed in the direction from the non-mouthpiece end toward the mouthpiece end (that is, the predetermined direction A). For example, the power of the flavor inhaler 100 may be turned on when the push button 30 is continuously pushed a predetermined number of times while the power of the flavor inhaler 100 is not turned on. On the other hand, the power of the flavor inhaler 100 may be turned off when the push button 30 is continuously pushed a predetermined number of times while the power of the flavor inhaler 100 is on. Alternatively, the power source of the flavor inhaler 100 may be turned off when a predetermined time has passed since the puffing operation was performed without performing the puffing operation.

The light emitting element 40 is, for example, a light source such as an LED or electric light. The light emitting element 40 is provided on a side wall extending along a predetermined direction. The light emitting element 40 is preferably provided on the side wall near the non-mouth end. As a result, the user can easily visually recognize the light emission pattern of the light emitting element 40 during the puffing operation, compared to the case where the light emitting element is provided only on the end face of the non-mouthpiece end on the axis in the predetermined direction A. The light emission pattern of the light emitting element 40 is similar to that of the flavor inhaler 10.
This is a pattern for notifying the user of the 0 state.

In an embodiment, the light-emitting element 40 may constitute a notification unit that notifies that a desired amount of aerosol can be supplied. Here, the light emitting element 40 may continuously notify that the desired amount of aerosol can be supplied from the start to the end of the period in which the desired amount of aerosol can be supplied. Alternatively, the light emitting element 40 may constitute a notification unit that notifies that the desired amount of aerosol cannot be supplied. Here, the light emitting element 40 may continuously notify that the desired amount of aerosol cannot be supplied from the start to the end of the period in which the desired amount of aerosol cannot be supplied.

A control circuit 50 controls the operation of the flavor inhaler 100 . Specifically, the control circuit 50
It controls the power output to the atomization unit 111 (the atomization section 111R). Also, the control circuit 5
0 controls the light emitting element 40 .

Cartridge 130 is configured to be connectable to aspirator main body 110 constituting flavor aspirator 100 . The cartridge 130 is provided downstream of the atomization unit 111 on the flow path of gas (hereinafter referred to as air) sucked from the mouthpiece. In other words, cartridge 130
is not necessarily provided on the mouth side of the atomization unit 111 in terms of physical space, but is provided downstream of the atomization unit 111 on the aerosol flow path that guides the aerosol generated from the atomization unit 111 to the mouth side. It is good if it is

Specifically, cartridge 130 includes cartridge housing 131 and flavor source 132 .
, a mesh 133A, and a filter 133B. Further, the cartridge 130 has an outlet 130A provided in the mouthpiece.

The cartridge housing 131 has a tubular shape (for example, a cylindrical shape) extending along the predetermined direction A. As shown in FIG. Cartridge housing 131 houses flavor source 132 . Here, the cartridge housing 131 is configured to be inserted along a predetermined direction A into the aspirator housing 110X.

The flavor source 132 is provided on the outlet 130A (mouthpiece) side of the atomization unit 111 on the continuous suction path from the inlet 112A to the outlet 130A. Flavor source 132 imparts a flavor component to the aerosol generated from the aerosol source. In other words, the flavor component imparted to the aerosol by flavor source 132 is delivered to outlet 130
Carried to A (mouthpiece).

In embodiments, the flavor source 132 comprises a raw material piece that imparts a flavor component to the aerosol generated from the atomization unit 111 . The size of the raw material piece is 0.2 mm or more.
It is preferably 2 mm or less. Furthermore, the size of the raw material piece is 0.2 mm or more and 0.7
mm or less. The smaller the size of the raw material pieces that make up the flavor source 132,
Since the specific surface area is increased, the flavor and taste components are easily released from the raw material pieces forming the flavor source 132 . Therefore, the amount of raw material pieces can be suppressed in imparting a desired amount of flavor and taste components to the aerosol. As the raw material pieces constituting the flavor source 132, shredded tobacco or a molded product obtained by molding tobacco raw materials into granules can be used. However, the flavor source 132 may be a molded body obtained by molding the tobacco raw material into a sheet. Also, the raw material pieces that constitute the flavor source 132 may be composed of plants other than tobacco (for example, mints, herbs, etc.). The flavor source 132 may be provided with a flavor such as menthol.

Here, the raw material pieces constituting the flavor source 132 are obtained by sieving according to JIS Z 8815 using a stainless sieve according to JIS Z 8801, for example. For example, using a stainless steel sieve with an opening of 0.71 mm, the raw material pieces are sieved for 20 minutes by a dry and mechanical shaking method to pass through a stainless steel sieve with an opening of 0.71 mm. Obtain raw material pieces. Subsequently, using a stainless sieve with an opening of 0.212 mm, the raw material pieces are sieved for 20 minutes by a dry and mechanical shaking method to pass through a stainless sieve with an opening of 0.212 mm. remove the raw material pieces. That is, the raw material pieces constituting the flavor source 132 are filtered through a stainless steel sieve (opening = 0.71 m) that defines the upper limit.
m) but does not pass through a stainless sieve (opening size = 0.212 mm) that defines the lower limit. Therefore, in embodiments, the lower limit of the size of the ingredient pieces that make up the flavor source 132 is
It is defined by the opening of the stainless sieve that defines the lower limit. It should be noted that the upper limit of the size of the raw material pieces forming the flavor source 132 is defined by the opening of the stainless sieve that defines the upper limit.

In embodiments, flavor source 132 is a tobacco source having an alkaline pH. The pH of the tobacco source is preferably greater than 7, more preferably 8 or greater. pH
is greater than 7, the flavor and taste components generated from the tobacco source can be efficiently extracted by the aerosol. As a result, the amount of tobacco source can be suppressed when imparting a desired amount of flavor and taste components to the aerosol. On the other hand, the pH of the tobacco source is preferably 12 or less, more preferably 10 or less. By setting the pH to 12 or less, damage (corrosion, etc.) to the flavor inhaler 100 (for example, the cartridge 130 or the inhaler main body 110) can be more effectively suppressed.

It should be noted that the flavor and taste components generated from the flavor source 132 are carried by the aerosol, and it is not necessary to heat the flavor source 132 itself.

The mesh 133A is provided to close the opening of the cartridge housing 131 upstream of the flavor source 132, and the filter 133B is provided to close the opening of the cartridge housing 131 downstream of the flavor source 132. 133 A of mesh|networks are the flavor sources 13
It has a roughness to the extent that the raw material pieces constituting 2 do not pass through. The roughness of the mesh 133A is, for example,
It has an opening of 0.077 mm or more and 0.198 mm or less. The filter 133B is made of a breathable material. Filter 133B is preferably an acetate filter, for example. The filter 133B has a degree of roughness that does not allow the raw material pieces forming the flavor source 132 to pass through.

(Block configuration)
The block configuration of the non-combustion type flavor inhaler according to the embodiment will be described below.
FIG. 3 is a diagram showing the block configuration of the flavor inhaler 100 according to the embodiment.

As shown in FIG. 3 , the control circuit 50 has a power switch 51 , an atomization switch 52 and a controller 53 .

The power switch 51 switches to an on state when the power of the flavor inhaler 100 is turned on, and switches to an off state when the power of the flavor inhaler 100 is turned off. For example, the power switch 51 is connected to the push button 30, and is turned on when the push button 30 is continuously pushed a predetermined number of times while the flavor inhaler 100 is not powered on. may switch. On the other hand, the power switch 51 may be switched to the OFF state when the push button 30 is continuously pushed a predetermined number of times while the flavor inhaler 100 is powered on. Alternatively, the power switch 51 may have a timer that is activated upon completion of the puff operation, and may be switched to the OFF state upon expiration of the timer (elapse of a predetermined period of time).

The atomization switch 52 is switched to a state (OFF state) in which the supply of power output to the atomization unit 111R is stopped when the user performs a puffing action, and is switched to the atomization unit 111R when the user stops performing the puffing action. 111R to start supplying the power output (on state). In embodiments, the atomization switch 52 is associated with a suction sensor that detects puffing action. The atomization switch 52 switches to an off state when the suction sensor 20 detects the puffing action. On the other hand, the atomization switch 52 is switched to the ON state when the suction sensor 20 no longer detects the puffing action.

Here, the state in which the suction sensor 20 does not detect the puffing action may be referred to as the non-suction state, and the state in which the suction sensor 20 detects the puffing action may be referred to as the suction state. Accordingly, the atomization switch 52 is switched to the OFF state by switching from the non-suction state to the suction state, and is switched to the ON state by switching from the suction state to the non-suction state.

The control unit 53 controls the flavor inhaler 100 when the power of the flavor inhaler 100 is turned on.
to control.

First, the control section 53 controls power output to the atomization section 111R. In the embodiment, the control unit 53 starts supplying power output to the atomizing unit 111R before the user starts puffing, and stops supplying power to the atomizing unit 111R during the user's puffing operation. In the embodiment, the control unit 53 stops supplying power output to the atomization unit 111R when the atomization switch 52 is turned off. On the other hand, when the atomization switch 52 is turned on, the control unit 53 starts supplying power output to the atomization unit 111R. In other words, the control unit 53 stops supplying power output to the atomization unit 111R when the suction sensor 20 detects the puffing operation. On the other hand, the controller 53 controls the suction sensor 20
When the puff operation is no longer detected by , the supply of power output to the atomizing section 111R is started.

Here, the magnitude of the power output is defined by the value of the voltage applied to the atomizing section 111R in the case where the voltage is continuously applied to the atomizing section 111R. On the other hand, in a case (pulse control) in which voltage is intermittently applied to the atomizing section 111R, the magnitude of the power output depends on the value of the voltage applied to the atomizing section 111R, the pulse width, and the pulse width. defined by at least one parameter of the pulse interval.

In the embodiment, the control unit 53 may stop supplying power output to the atomizing unit 111R when a first time period has elapsed after starting supply of power output to the atomizing unit 111R. Here, the first time is a time for keeping the supply amount of the aerosol within a desired amount without depending on the length of time of the non-inhalation state. In other words, the first period of time is a period of time determined to prevent the delivery of aerosol from exceeding the upper limit of the desired amount range.

For example, it is preferable that the upper limit of the first time is 5 seconds. More preferably, the first time has an upper limit of 4 seconds, and even more preferably, the first time has an upper limit of 3 seconds. For example, it is preferable that the lower limit of the first time is 0.5 seconds. More preferably, the first time has a lower limit of 1 second, and even more preferably, the first time has a lower limit of 1.5 seconds. For example, the first hour is 0.
It is preferably 5 seconds or more and 5 seconds or less. More preferably, the first time is 1 second or more and 4 seconds or less. Even more preferably, the first time is 1.5 seconds or more and 3 seconds or less.

In the embodiment, the control unit 53 restarts the supply of the power output to the atomization unit 111R when the second time has passed since the supply of the power output to the atomization unit 111R was stopped due to the lapse of the first time. may Here, the second time is a time determined to prevent the supply amount of the aerosol from falling below the lower limit of the desired amount range due to condensation of the aerosol on the wall surface exposed to the aerosol flow path. Note that the condensed aerosol absorbed by the absorbing member 111S may be re-atomized by restarting the supply of power output.

As described above, when the absorbing member 111S is not in contact with the reservoir 111P, the aerosol (condensed aerosol) absorbed by the absorbing member 111S flows from the absorbing member 111S to the atomizing section 111R using capillary action. preferably guided. On the other hand, when the absorbing member 111S is in contact with the reservoir 111P, the aerosol (condensed aerosol) absorbed by the absorbing member 111S is transferred from the absorbing member 111S to the reservoir 111P.
It is preferable to be guided by

Second, the controller 53 controls the light emitting element 40 . In the embodiment, the control unit 53
The light-emitting element 40 may be controlled to notify that the desired amount of aerosol can be supplied. The control unit 53 may control the light emitting element 40 to continuously notify that the desired amount of aerosol can be supplied over the period from the start to the end of the period in which the desired amount of aerosol can be supplied. good. For example, the start timing of the period in which the desired amount of aerosol can be supplied is
is the timing at which a certain period of time shorter than the first period of time elapses after starting to supply the power output to the . The certain period of time is, for example, the time from when the supply of the power output to the atomizing section 111R is started until the supply amount of the aerosol reaches the lower limit of the desired amount range.

Further, the control unit 53 may control the light emitting element 40 to notify that the desired amount of aerosol cannot be supplied. The control unit 53 may control the light emitting element 40 to continuously notify that the desired amount of aerosol cannot be supplied over the period from the start to the end of the period in which the desired amount of aerosol cannot be supplied. good. The start timing of the period in which the desired amount of aerosol cannot be supplied is, for example, the timing at which the supply of the power output to the atomization section 111R is started. The end timing of the period in which the desired amount of aerosol cannot be supplied is the same as the start timing of the period in which the desired amount of aerosol can be supplied.

Thirdly, the control unit 53 may trigger energization processing for the atomization unit 111R when switching from the non-suction state to the suction state and switching from the suction state to the non-suction state are performed. In other words, the first puffing operation is performed to trigger the energization process for the atomizing section 111R without generating an aerosol. The energizing process for the atomizing section 111R is a process for generating an aerosol by supplying power output to the atomizing section 111R.

For example, the first puff action may be used to authenticate whether the user is a legitimate user. For example, when the response value of the suction sensor 20 accompanying the first puffing action satisfies a predetermined condition (for example, the condition that the slope of the flow velocity is equal to or greater than a predetermined value), the user is authenticated as a legitimate user. The first puffing operation may be the first puffing operation after the power supply of the flavor inhaler 100 is turned on, or the first puffing operation after a predetermined time has passed without the puffing operation being performed. good too. Here, regarding the first puff operation, if the switching from the non-suction state to the suction state and the switching from the suction state to the non-suction state are not performed within the trigger time, the control unit 53 performs the energization process for the atomization unit 111R. does not have to be triggered. Regarding such authentication operation, the entire contents of International Application No. PCT/JP2015/63036 (filed on Apr. 30, 2015) are incorporated by reference.

(Control example)
An example of control of power output to the atomizing section 111R according to the embodiment will be described below. FIG. 4 is a diagram for explaining an example of power output control for the atomizing section 111R according to the embodiment.

As described above, the control section 53 starts supplying power output to the atomization section 111R when the atomization switch 52 is turned on (that is, in the non-suction state). The control unit 53
When the atomization switch 52 is turned off (that is, in the suction state), the supply of power output to the atomization section 111R is stopped.

In such a case, as shown in FIG. 4, the control unit 53 starts supplying the power output to the atomizing unit 111R, and then the atomizing switch 52 remains in the ON state (that is, in the non-suction state). When one hour has passed, the supply of power output to the atomizing section 111R is stopped. The first period of time is a period of time determined so that the amount of aerosol delivered does not exceed the upper limit of the desired amount range. Note that the first time is variable depending on the amount of aerosol staying in the aerosol channel.

Further, after the control unit 53 stopped supplying the power output to the atomization unit 111R due to the lapse of the first period of time, the atomization switch 52 remained in the ON state (that is, in the non-suction state) for the second period of time. In this case, supply of power output to the atomizing section 111R is restarted. The second period of time is a period of time determined to prevent the delivery of aerosol from falling below the lower limit of the desired amount range. In the control example according to the embodiment, the supply amount of the aerosol increases or decreases within a desired amount by repeating the stop and restart of the supply of the power output to the atomization section 111R. here,
The desired amount may be defined by an upper limit and a lower limit, and the lower limit is preferably 0.1 mg or more, more preferably 1.0 mg or more. On the other hand, the upper limit of the desired amount is 1
It is preferably 0.0 mg or less, more preferably 5.0 mg or less. 0
. It may be 1 mg or more and 10.0 mg or less, or 1.0 mg or more and 5.0 mg or less. In addition, the range of the desired amount may be determined based on the target value of the desired amount, for example, the range of ± 50% or less based on the target value of the desired amount (e.g., the target value of the desired amount is when the desired amount is 1.0 mg or more and 3.0 mg or less), ±2
It is more preferably in the range of 5% or less (for example, when the target value of the desired amount is 2.0 mg, the range of the desired amount is 1.5 mg or more and 2.5 mg or less).

Here, the control unit 53 controls the light emitting element 40 to notify that the desired amount of aerosol can be supplied. Further, the control unit 53 controls the light emitting element 40 to notify that the desired amount of aerosol cannot be supplied. In the control example according to the embodiment, from the start of supply of the power output to the atomization unit 111R until the supply amount of the aerosol reaches the lower limit of the desired amount range,
You are notified that the desired amount of aerosol cannot be supplied. When the supply amount of the aerosol exceeds the lower limit of the desired amount range after starting the supply of the power output to the atomizing section 111R, it is notified that the desired amount of aerosol can be supplied. The start timing of the period in which the desired amount of aerosol can be supplied is the timing at which a certain period of time shorter than the first period of time has passed since the supply of the power output to the atomizing section 111R was started. The certain period of time is, for example, the time from when the supply of the power output to the atomizing section 111R is started until the supply amount of the aerosol reaches the lower limit of the desired amount range.

(Aerosol delivery method)
An aerosol delivery method according to embodiments will be described below. 5 to 7 are
1 is a flow diagram illustrating an embodiment of an aerosol delivery method; FIG. 5 to 7 mainly describe the operation of the flavor inhaler 100 (control unit 53).

As shown in FIG. 5, in step S10, the power of the flavor inhaler 100 is turned on.
For example, when the push button 30 is continuously pushed a predetermined number of times, the flavor inhaler 1
00 is turned on.

In step S20, the control unit 53 controls the power output associated with the puff operation. Details of step S20 will be described later (see FIGS. 6 and 7).

At step S30, the power of the flavor inhaler 100 is turned off. For example, when the push button 30 is continuously pushed a predetermined number of times, the power of the flavor inhaler 100 is cut off. Alternatively, the power source of the flavor inhaler 100 may be turned off when a predetermined time has passed since the puffing operation was performed without performing the puffing operation.

Next, the details of step S20 described above will be described. FIG. 6 is a flow diagram showing an aerosol delivery method for the first puff action. As shown in FIG. 6, step S201
, the flavor suction device 100 is in a non-suction state in which the suction sensor 20 does not detect the puffing action.

In step S202, the controller 53 determines whether the non-suction state has been switched to the suction state. In other words, the controller 53 determines whether the atomization switch 52 has been switched from ON to OFF. If the determination result is YES, the control unit 53
The process proceeds to step S203. If the determination result is NO, the control unit 53 returns to the process of step S201.

In step S203, the controller 53 determines whether the suction state has been switched to the non-suction state. In other words, the control unit 53 determines whether the atomization switch 52 has been switched from the OFF state to the ON state. If the determination result is YES, the control unit 53
The process proceeds to step S204. If the determination result is NO, the controller 53 stands by.

In step S204, the control unit 53 determines whether switching from the non-suction state to the suction state and switching from the suction state to the non-suction state are performed within the trigger time. That is, the control unit 53 determines whether the time from the timing of switching to the suction state to the timing of switching to the non-suction state is within the trigger time. control unit 53
If the determination result is YES, the process proceeds to step S205. The control unit 53
If the determination result is NO, the process returns to step S201. However, step S20
4 may be omitted.

In step S205, the control unit 53 triggers energization processing for the atomizing unit 111R. That is, the control unit 53 starts supplying power output to the atomization unit 111R after the first puffing operation detected in steps S202 and S203 is performed. Also, the first puff action may be used to authenticate whether the user is a legitimate user. The first puffing operation may be the first puffing operation after the power source of the flavor inhaler 100 is turned on, or the first puffing operation after a predetermined time has passed without the puffing operation being performed. good too. The predetermined time is longer than at least the first time and the second time.

Here, the control unit 53 notifies that the desired amount of aerosol cannot be supplied until the supply amount of the aerosol reaches the lower limit of the desired amount range after the start of supply of the power output to the atomization unit 111R. Alternatively, the light emitting element 40 may be controlled. On the other hand, the control unit 53 controls the atomization unit 1
The light-emitting element 40 may be controlled to notify that the desired amount of aerosol can be supplied when the supply amount of the aerosol generated in 11R exceeds the lower limit of the desired amount range. The light-emitting element 40 may continuously notify that the desired amount of aerosol can be supplied from the start to the end of the period in which the desired amount of aerosol can be supplied.

After the process of step S205, the control unit 53 proceeds to the process of step S211 shown in FIG. FIG. 7 is a flow diagram illustrating an aerosol delivery method in a post-authentication puffing operation (eg, a second and subsequent puffing operations).

As shown in FIG. 7, in step S211, the control unit 53 determines whether switching from the non-suction state to the suction state has been performed. In other words, the controller 53 controls the atomization switch 5
2 has switched from on to off. The control unit 53 determines that the determination result is YES.
If it is S, the process proceeds to step S212. If the determination result is NO, the control unit 53 proceeds to the process of step S216.

At step S212, the flavor inhaler 100 is in the aspirating state in which the puffing action is detected by the aspirating sensor 20. FIG.

In step S213, the control unit 53 stops supplying the power output to the atomization unit 111R.

In step S214, it is determined whether the suction state has been switched to the non-suction state. In other words, the control unit 53 determines whether the atomization switch 52 has been switched from the OFF state to the ON state. If the determination result is YES, the control unit 53 controls step S21.
Move to the process of 5. If the determination result is NO, the controller 53 waits until the suction state ends.

In step S215, the control unit 53 restarts the supply of power output to the atomization unit 111R. Here, the control unit 53 controls the light emitting element 40 to notify that the desired amount of aerosol cannot be supplied until the supply amount of the aerosol generated by the atomization unit 111R exceeds the lower limit of the desired amount range. may be controlled. The control unit 53 controls the light emitting element 40 to notify that the desired amount of aerosol can be supplied when the supply amount of the aerosol generated by the atomization unit 111R exceeds the lower limit of the desired amount range. may It should be noted that the control unit 53, step S2
15, the process returns to step S211.

In step S216, the control unit 53 determines whether or not the first time has elapsed since the supply of the power output to the atomization unit 111R was started. As described above, the first period of time is a period of time determined so that the supply amount of the aerosol does not exceed the upper limit of the desired amount range. When the determination result is YES, the control unit 53 proceeds to the process of step S217.
If the determination result is NO, the control unit 53 returns to the process of step S211.

In step S217, the control unit 53 stops supplying the power output to the atomization unit 111R. Here, when the supply amount of the aerosol generated by the atomization unit 111R falls below the lower limit of the desired amount range, the control unit 53 controls the light emitting element 40 to notify that the desired amount of aerosol cannot be supplied. may be controlled. The light-emitting element 40 may continuously notify that the desired amount of aerosol cannot be supplied from the start to the end of the period in which the desired amount of aerosol cannot be supplied.

However, as in the control example shown in FIG. 4, when the aerosol supply amount increases or decreases within the desired range after the aerosol supply amount exceeds the lower limit of the desired amount range, the aerosol supply amount will be the desired amount. It should be noted that remains above the lower end of the range of . Therefore, it is not necessary to notify in step S217 that the desired amount of aerosol cannot be supplied.

In step S218, the control unit 53 determines whether the second time has passed since the supply of the power output to the atomization unit 111R was stopped due to the passage of the first time. As described above, the second time period is a time period determined so that the supply amount of the aerosol does not fall below the lower limit of the desired amount range. When the determination result is YES, the control unit 53 proceeds to the process of step S219. If the determination result is NO, the control unit 53 performs step S2.
20 is processed.

In step S219, the control unit 53 determines whether the termination condition is satisfied.
If the determination result is YES, the control unit 53 ends the series of processes. If the determination result is NO, the control unit 53 returns to the process of step S221. The termination condition may be that a predetermined time has passed without performing the puffing action, or that the puffing action has been performed a predetermined number of times.

In step S220, the controller 53 determines whether the non-suction state has been switched to the suction state. In other words, the controller 53 determines whether the atomization switch 52 has been switched from ON to OFF. If the determination result is YES, the control unit 53
The process proceeds to step S212. If the determination result is NO, the control unit 53 returns to the process of step S218.

In step S221, the control unit 53 restarts the supply of power output to the atomization unit 111R. Here, similarly to step S205, when the supply amount of the aerosol generated by the atomization unit 111R exceeds the lower limit of the desired amount range, the control unit 53 notifies that the desired amount of aerosol can be supplied. You may control the light emitting element 40 so that it may carry out. The light-emitting element 40 may continuously notify that the desired amount of aerosol can be supplied from the start to the end of the period in which the desired amount of aerosol can be supplied.

However, as in the control example shown in FIG. 4, when the aerosol supply amount increases or decreases within the desired range after the aerosol supply amount exceeds the lower limit of the desired amount range, the aerosol supply amount will be the desired amount. It should be noted that remains above the lower end of the range of . Therefore, when it is notified only once that the desired amount of aerosol can be supplied at the timing when the supply amount of the aerosol generated by the atomizing section 111R exceeds the lower limit of the desired amount range, step S21.
5 does not need to notify that the desired amount of aerosol can be supplied. Note that the control unit 53 returns to the process of step S211 after step S221.

As noted above, the aerosol delivery method includes various steps, but embodiments are not so limited. The aerosol delivery method includes Step A (i.e., Steps S205, Steps S215, and Steps S221) of generating an aerosol within the aspiration pathway; at least step B (that is, step S213) of moving into the user's oral cavity by.

(Action and effect)
In the embodiment, the control unit 53 stops supplying power output to the atomization unit 111R during the user's puffing operation. The temperature of the atomizing section 111R does not change due to the user's puffing action while the aerosol is being generated by the atomizing section 111R. Therefore, variation in the particle size of the particles forming the aerosol is suppressed within one puffing operation or between a plurality of puffing operations.

In the embodiment, the control unit 53 stops supplying the power output to the atomization unit 111R when the first time has elapsed after starting the supply of the power output to the atomization unit 111R. Therefore, the amount of aerosol to be supplied can be kept within a desired amount without depending on the interval between puff operations.

In the embodiment, the control unit 53 restarts the supply of the power output to the atomization unit 111R when the second time has passed since the supply of the power output to the atomization unit 111R was stopped due to the lapse of the first time. . As a result, it is possible to prevent the supply amount of the aerosol from falling below the lower limit of the desired amount range due to condensation of the aerosol on the wall surface exposed to the aerosol flow path.

In the embodiment, the light emitting element 40 notifies that the desired amount of aerosol can be supplied during the period in which the desired amount of aerosol can be supplied. This allows the user to encourage the initiation of the puffing action at an appropriate time.

In the embodiment, the light emitting element 40 notifies that the desired amount of aerosol cannot be supplied during the period when the desired amount of aerosol cannot be supplied. As a result, it is possible to suppress the start of the puff operation at inappropriate timing.

In the embodiment, an absorption member 111S that absorbs condensed aerosol is provided on the wall surface exposed to the flow path of the aerosol generated by the atomization part 111R. Thereby, waste of the aerosol source can be suppressed by re-atomizing the aerosol absorbed by the absorbing member 111S.

In the embodiment, the control unit 53 triggers the energization process for the atomization unit 111R when switching from the non-suction state to the suction state and switching from the suction state to the non-suction state are performed. As a result, the energization process for the atomizing section 111R can be appropriately triggered.
Furthermore, the first puff operation can also be used for user authentication.

[Modification 1]
Modification 1 of the embodiment will be described below. In the following, mainly the differences with respect to the embodiments will be described.

Specifically, in the embodiment, the atomization switch 52 is interlocked with the suction sensor 20 . On the other hand, in Modification 1, the atomization switch 52 is connected to the operation interface 80 as shown in FIG.
The operation interface 80 may be the push button 30 described above, or may be an interface provided separately from the push button 30 described above.

The operation interface 80 is an interface configured to be operated before the start of the puff action. That is, the user operates the operation interface 80 while the puff action is not performed, and does not operate the operation interface 80 while the puff action is performed. Therefore, the atomization switch 52 switches to the OFF state when the user's operation on the operation interface 80 ceases. On the other hand, the atomization switch 52 is connected to the operation interface 8
0 is switched to the ON state when a user operation is performed. That is, the state in which the user operates the operation interface 80 is the non-suction state, and the state in which the user operation is not performed on the operation interface 80 is the suction state.

In Modification 1, the control unit 53 starts supplying power output to the atomization unit 111R when a user operation is performed on the operation interface 80, and starts supplying power to the atomization unit 111R when the user operation on the operation interface 80 is stopped. supply of power output to the conversion unit 111R.

Here, in the case where the control of the embodiment is applied to Modification 1, "when the puff action is detected by the suction sensor 20" is read as "when the user operation on the operation interface 80 is no longer performed", "When the suction sensor 20 no longer detects the puffing action" is changed to "when the user operates the operation interface 80".
should be read as

Assuming such replacement, in Modification 1, Step A of generating an aerosol in the suction path (steps S205, 213, and 219 described above).
) is a step of starting supply of power output to the atomization unit 111R when a user operation is performed on the operation interface 80, and in a state where the aerosol generation is stopped after step A, the aerosol is supplied to the suction path. The step B of moving into the user's oral cavity by the fluid flow is a step of stopping the supply of the power output to the atomization section 111R when the user's operation on the operation interface 80 is no longer performed.

(Control example)
An example of controlling the power output to the atomizing section 111R according to Modification 1 will be described below. FIG. 9 is a diagram for explaining an example of control of power output to the atomizing section 111R according to Modification 1. As shown in FIG.

As described above, the control unit 53 starts supplying power output to the atomizing unit 111R when the user operates the operation interface 80 . The control unit 53 stops supplying the power output to the atomization unit 111R when the operation interface 80 is not operated by the user.

In such a case, as shown in FIG. 9, the control unit 53 starts supplying the power output to the atomizing unit 111R, and then the atomizing switch 52 remains in the ON state (that is, in the non-suction state). When one hour has passed, the supply of power output to the atomizing section 111R is stopped. That is, even if the user continues to operate the operation interface 80, the supply of the power output to the atomization section 111R is stopped. The first period of time is a period of time determined so that the amount of aerosol delivered does not exceed the upper limit of the desired amount range. however,
In the control example according to Modification 1, control for maintaining the supply amount of the aerosol so as to exceed the lower limit of the desired amount range using the above-described second time is not performed.

Here, the control unit 53 controls the light emitting element 40 to notify that the desired amount of aerosol can be supplied. Further, the control unit 53 controls the light emitting element 40 to notify that the desired amount of aerosol cannot be supplied. In the control example according to Modification 1, when the supply amount of aerosol is below the lower limit of the desired amount range, it is notified that the desired amount of aerosol cannot be supplied. When the supply amount of the aerosol exceeds the lower limit of the desired amount range, it is notified that the desired amount of aerosol can be supplied.

(Action and effect)
In Modification 1, even if the operation interface 80 is used instead of the suction sensor 20, the same effect as the embodiment can be obtained. In addition, since control for maintaining the supply amount of aerosol so as to exceed the lower limit of the desired amount range using the second time described above is omitted, power consumption and processing load are reduced compared to the embodiment. .

[Modification 2]
Modification 2 of the embodiment will be described below. In the following, mainly the differences with respect to the embodiments will be described.

In embodiments, an atomization switch 52 is provided that is coupled to the suction sensor 20 . On the other hand, in modification 2, as shown in FIG. 10, a first switch 57 interlocked with the operation interface 80 and a second switch 58 interlocked with the suction sensor 20 are provided. The operation interface 80 may be the push button 30 described above, or the push button 3 described above.
0 may be an interface provided separately.

In Modified Example 2, the first switch 57 switches to the ON state when the operation interface 80 is operated by the user, and switches to the OFF state when the user operation to the operation interface 80 ceases. On the other hand, the second switch 58 switches to the ON state when the suction sensor 20 detects the puffing action, and switches to the OFF state when the suction sensor 20 no longer detects the puffing action. That is, the second switch 58 switches to the ON state when the user starts the puffing action, and switches to the OFF state when the user finishes the puffing action.

In Modified Example 2, when the first switch 57 is switched to the ON state, the control section 53 starts supplying the power output to the atomizing section 111R, and when the second switch 58 is switched to the ON state, The supply of power output to the atomizing section 111R is stopped. In other words, the control unit 53 starts supplying power output to the atomization unit 111R when a user operation is performed on the operation interface 80, and even in a state where the user operation is performed on the operation interface 80. , the supply of power output to the atomizing section 111R is stopped when the suction sensor 20 detects the puffing operation.

As described above, in Modification 2, the trigger for starting the supply of the power output to the atomization unit 111R is the user operation on the operation interface 80 (the first switch 57 is switched to the ON state). It should be noted that it does not mean that the sensor 20 no longer senses the puffing action (the second switch 58 turns off).

In Modification 2, the operation interface 80 is used as an interface for starting supply of power output to the atomizing section 111R. Therefore, the control unit 53 controls the atomization unit 111 when the operation interface 80 is no longer operated by the user.
The supply of power output to R does not have to be stopped. However, modification 2 is not limited to this. Specifically, the control unit 53 may stop supplying the power output to the atomization unit 111R when the operation interface 80 is no longer operated by the user. Specifically, a user operation is being performed on the operation interface 80 (that is, the first
On the premise that the switch 57 is on), it may be considered that the supply of the power output to the atomizing section 111R is permitted.

It should be noted that in Modification 2, as in Modification 1, the control shown in FIG. 9 is performed as control of the power output to the atomizing section 111R. That is, control is not performed to maintain the supply amount of the aerosol so as to exceed the lower limit of the desired amount range using the second time period described above.

In Modification 2, the second switch 58 interlocked with the suction sensor 20 may be regarded as the atomization switch from the viewpoint of stopping the supply of the power output to the atomization section 111R. From the viewpoint of starting the supply of power output to the atomization section 111R, the first switch 57 interlocked with the operation interface 80 may be considered as the atomization switch.

(Aerosol delivery method)
The aerosol delivery method according to Modification 2 will be described below. FIG. 11 is a flow diagram showing an aerosol delivery method according to Modification 2. FIG. In FIG. 11, the flavor inhaler 100 (
The operation of the control unit 53) will be mainly described. In FIG. 11, step S20 shown in FIG.
will be described in detail.

As shown in FIG. 11, in step S311, the first switch 57 is off. That is, no user operation is performed on the operation interface 80 .

In step S312, the control unit 53 determines whether the termination condition is satisfied.
If the determination result is YES, the control unit 53 ends the series of processes. If the determination result is NO, the control unit 53 returns to the process of step S313. The termination condition may be that a predetermined time has passed without performing the puffing action, or that the puffing action has been performed a predetermined number of times.

In step S313, the control unit 53 determines whether the first switch 57 has been switched from the off state to the on state. In other words, the control unit 53 determines whether a user operation has been performed on the operation interface 80 . When the determination result is YES, the control unit 53 proceeds to the process of step S314. If the determination result is NO, the control unit 53
The process returns to step S311.

In step S314, the control unit 53 starts supplying power output to the atomization unit 111R. Here, when the supply amount of the aerosol generated by the atomization unit 111R exceeds the lower limit of the desired amount range, the control unit 53 controls the light emitting element 40 to notify that the desired amount of aerosol can be supplied. may be controlled.

In step S315, the control unit 53 determines whether the second switch 58 has been switched from the off state to the on state. In other words, the controller 53 detects whether the suction sensor 20 has detected the puffing action. If the determination result is YES, the control unit 53 proceeds to the process of step S316. If the determination result is NO, the control unit 53 returns to the process of step S318.

In step S316, the control unit 53 stops supplying the power output to the atomization unit 111R.

In step S317, the control unit 53 determines whether the second switch 58 has been switched from the ON state to the OFF state. In other words, the controller 53 detects whether the suction sensor 20 no longer detects the puffing action. If the determination result is YES, the control unit 53 returns to the process of step S311. In the flow shown in FIG. 11, when returning to the process of step S311, the first switch 57 is switched from the on state to the off state even if the user operation on the operation interface 80 continues. On the other hand, the control unit 53 determines that the determination result is NO.
If it is, it waits as it is. In other words, when the second switch 58 is on due to the detection of the user's puffing action, the next step is not processed. It should be noted that power output to the atomizing section 111R does not start.

In step S318, it is determined whether the first switch 57 has been switched from the ON state to the OFF state. In other words, the control unit 53 determines whether the user's operation on the operation interface 80 has ceased. If the determination result is YES, the control unit 53
The process proceeds to step S319. If the determination result is NO, the control unit 53 returns to the process of step S320.

In step S319, the control unit 53 stops supplying the power output to the atomization unit 111R. Here, when the supply amount of the aerosol generated by the atomization unit 111R falls below the lower limit of the desired amount range, the control unit 53 controls the light emitting element 40 to notify that the desired amount of aerosol cannot be supplied. may be controlled. Note that the control unit 53 returns to the process of step S311 after step S319.

In step S320, the control unit 53 determines whether or not the first time has elapsed since the supply of the power output to the atomizing unit 111R was started. As described above, the first period of time is a period of time determined so that the supply amount of the aerosol does not exceed the upper limit of the desired amount range. When the determination result is YES, the control unit 53 proceeds to the process of step S321.
If the determination result is NO, the control unit 53 returns to the process of step S315.

In step S321, the control unit 53 stops supplying the power output to the atomization unit 111R. Here, when the supply amount of the aerosol generated by the atomization unit 111R falls below the lower limit of the desired amount range, the control unit 53 controls the light emitting element 40 to notify that the desired amount of aerosol cannot be supplied. may be controlled. Note that the control unit 53 returns to the process of step S311 after step S321. In the flow shown in FIG. 11, when returning to the process of step S311, even if the user continues to operate the operation interface 80, the first switch 57
switches from the on state to the off state.

(Action and effect)
In Modification 2, instead of the atomization switch 52, the first switch 57 and the second switch 5
8, the same effects as those of the embodiment can be obtained. In addition, since control for maintaining the supply amount of aerosol so as to exceed the lower limit of the desired amount range using the second time described above is omitted, power consumption and processing load are reduced compared to the embodiment. .

[Other embodiments]
Although the present invention has been described by the above-described embodiments, the statements and drawings forming part of this disclosure should not be construed as limiting the present invention. Various alternative embodiments, implementations and operational techniques will become apparent to those skilled in the art from this disclosure.

In embodiments, cartridge 130 does not include atomization unit 111, although embodiments are not so limited. For example, cartridge 130 may constitute one unit together with atomization unit 111 .

In embodiments, flavor inhaler 100 includes cartridge 130, but embodiments are not so limited. Flavor inhaler 100 may not have cartridge 130 . In such cases, the aerosol source preferably contains a flavoring component.

In the embodiment, the flavor inhaler 100 has a power switch 51, but the embodiment is not limited to this. In other words, the suction sensor 20 may be energized at all times.

The push button 30 is provided at the non-mouth end of the flavor inhaler 100, but embodiments are not so limited. For example, the push button 30 may be provided on the outer circumference of the aspirator housing 110X.

In Modification 1 and Modification 2, as shown in FIG. 9, control using the second time, that is, control to maintain the aerosol supply amount above the lower limit of the desired amount range is not performed. The form is not limited to this. Also in Modification 1 and Modification 2, as shown in FIG. 4, control using the second time may be performed. Specifically, the control unit 53 according to Modification 1
After stopping the supply of the power output to the atomization unit 111R due to the lapse of the first time, the atomization switch 52 remains on (that is, the operation interface 80 is operated by the user), and the second When the time has passed, the supply of power output to the atomizing section 111R may be restarted. The control unit 53 according to Modification 2 controls the atomization unit 11 as the first time elapses.
After stopping the supply of power output to 1R, the first switch 57 remains in the ON state and the second switch 58 remains in the OFF state (i.e., the user continues to operate the operation interface 80 and While the puffing action is not detected by the suction sensor 20),
When the second time has elapsed, the supply of power output to the atomizing section 111R may be restarted.

Although not specifically mentioned in the embodiment, the atomization unit 111 is provided separately from the electrical unit 112 and may be configured to be connectable to the electrical unit 112 .

According to the embodiments, it is possible to provide a non-combustion type flavor inhaler and an aerosol delivery method that make it possible to suppress variation in particle size of particles that constitute an aerosol.

Claims (6)

A control unit that controls power output to an atomization unit that atomizes the aerosol source without combustion,
The control unit
repeatedly stopping and restarting the power supply output to the atomization unit so that the amount of aerosol supplied falls within the desired amount range;
A control circuit for a non-combustion type flavor inhaler, characterized in that supply of power output to the atomizing section is stopped during a user's puff operation. 2. A control circuit for a non-combustion type flavor inhaler according to claim 1, wherein said control section starts supplying power output to said atomizing section before a user's puffing action is started. 2. The control unit causes the notification unit to perform notification when the amount of aerosol supplied falls within the range of the desired amount after starting the supply of the power output to the atomization unit. A control circuit for a non-combustion type flavor inhaler according to claim 1 or claim 2. A non-combustion type flavor inhaler comprising the control circuit according to any one of claims 1 to 3. By controlling the power output to the atomization unit that atomizes the aerosol source without combustion, and repeatedly stopping and restarting the power output to the atomization unit so that the amount of aerosol supplied falls within the desired amount range, the user's A cartridge for use in a non-combustion type flavor inhaler comprising a control section for stopping supply of power output to the atomization section during puff operation,
A cartridge characterized by containing a flavor source. By controlling the power output to the atomization unit that atomizes the aerosol source without combustion, and repeatedly stopping and restarting the power output to the atomization unit so that the amount of aerosol supplied falls within the desired amount range, the user's An atomization unit used in a non-combustion type flavor inhaler comprising a control section for stopping supply of power output to the atomization section during a puff operation,
An atomization unit, comprising: a reservoir holding the aerosol source; and the atomization section.

Images