JP2023120402A - Flavor generation device, power source unit, method for controlling flavor generation device and program - Google Patents

Abstract

To suppress the progress of the degradation of a power source.SOLUTION: A flavor generation device comprises: a power source; a circuit which electrically connects a first load that atomizes an aerosol source or heats a flavor source and a second load that is different from the first load; a control unit which is configured to acquire a request of the power supply to each of the first load and the second load, and control the circuit so as to supply the power to each of the first load and the second load from the power source based on the request; and reduction means which is configured to reduce the power or power amount discharged from the power source relative to the maximum power or maximum power amount simultaneously discharged to the first load and the second load from the power source in a case where the control unit simultaneously acquires the request to the first load and the request to the second load, or controls the circuit so as to simultaneously perform the power supply to the first load and the power supply to the second load.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5

Description

The present invention relates to a flavor production device, a power supply unit, a method for controlling the flavor production device, and a program.

Instead of cigarettes, there is known a flavor generating device for enjoying aerosol (flavor) generated by atomizing an aerosol source with an electrical load such as a heater (Patent Documents 1 to 3). The aerosol generator includes a heating element that atomizes the aerosol source or heats the flavor source, a power source that powers the heating element, and a controller that controls the load and power source.

U.S. Patent No. 5,200,200 discloses a first electrical resistance heating element powered by a power source that heats air drawn through an opening at the distal end of an outer housing; and a second electrical resistance heating element for heating the .

US Pat. No. 6,200,302 discloses a smokable material heating device having a plurality of heating cylinders for heating smokable material. These heating cylinders are electrically driven by electric power.

JP 2015-204833 Special table 2010-506594 Special table 2014-525251

A first feature is a flavor generator that electrically connects a power supply, a first load that atomizes an aerosol source or heats a flavor source, and a second load that is different from the first load. Obtaining a request to supply power to a circuit and each of the first load and the second load, and controlling the circuit to supply power from the power supply to each of the first load and the second load based on the request. and when the control unit acquires the request to the first load and the request to the second load at the same time, or the power supply to the first load and the When the power supply discharges the power or electric energy discharged from the power supply to the first load and the second load at the same time when controlling the circuit so as to supply power to the second load at the same time reducing means configured to reduce less than the maximum power or maximum amount of power of the

A second feature is the flavor generating device according to the first feature, wherein the reducing means is configured so as not to simultaneously supply power from the power source to the first load and the second load.

A third feature is the flavor generating device according to the first feature or the second feature, wherein the circuit includes a first switch that opens and closes an electrical connection between the first load and the power supply; a second switch for opening and closing an electrical connection between the second load and the power supply, wherein the switching cycle of the first switch and the switching cycle of the second switch are the same; The reduction means reduces the ON period of the first switch and the ON period of the second switch so that the sum of the ON period of the first switch and the ON period of the second switch does not exceed the switching period. The gist is to be configured to set or correct at least one of the periods.

A fourth feature is the flavor generating device according to the third feature, wherein the reduction means shifts the switching phase of the first switch from the switching phase of the second switch to the on state of the second switch. The gist of the present invention is to shift the switching phase of the second switch from the switching phase of the first switch by the ON period of the first switch or more.

A fifth feature is the flavor generating device according to the third feature or the fourth feature, wherein the reduction means reduces the sum of the ON period of the first switch and the ON period of the second switch to the above At least one of the ON period of the first switch and the ON period of the second switch is set or corrected so as to be less than the switching period, and the phase of the switching of the first switch is changed to that of the second switch. Shifting the switching phase from the switching phase by more than the ON period of the second switch, or shifting the switching phase of the second switch from the switching phase of the first switch by more than the ON period of the first switch The gist is that it is configured as follows.

A sixth feature is the flavor generating device according to the first feature, wherein the circuit includes a first switch that opens and closes electrical connection between the first load and the power supply, and the second load. a second switch that opens and closes an electrical connection between the power sources, wherein the reducing means comprises a variable or mode in switching control of the first switch and a variable in switching control of the second switch. or at least one of the modes is configured to be set or corrected to reduce the power or amount of power discharged from the power supply.

A seventh feature is the flavor generating device according to the sixth feature, wherein the reducing means is configured to shorten at least one of an ON period of the first switch and an ON period of the second switch. The gist is to be

An eighth feature is the flavor generating device according to the sixth feature, wherein the reduction means is configured to shorten at least one of a switching cycle of the first switch and a switching cycle of the second switch. The gist is to be

A ninth feature is the flavor generating device according to the sixth feature or the eighth feature, wherein the control unit operates the first switch and the second switch based on feedback control using PWM control. wherein the reducing means is configured to control at least one of the first switch and the second switch based on feedback control using PFM control instead of PWM control; is the gist.

A tenth feature is the flavor generating device according to any one of the first feature and the sixth to ninth features, wherein the reduction means reduces the power supplied to the first load while simultaneously reducing the power supplied to the first load. The gist of the matter is that it is configured to reduce power supplied to a load or to reduce power supplied to said first load simultaneously with power supplied to said second load.

An eleventh feature is the flavor generating device according to the tenth feature, wherein the controller controls power supplied from the power supply to either the first load or the second load based on feedback control. The reduction means reduces at least one of a proportional gain and a limiter upper limit in the feedback control so as to reduce power supplied from the power supply to either the first load or the second load. The gist is that it is configured to adjust one.

A twelfth feature is the flavor generating device according to the tenth feature, wherein the circuit includes a regulator that adjusts current output to at least one of the first load and the second load, and the reduction means is configured to control the regulator so as to reduce the current value output by the regulator.

A thirteenth feature is the flavor generating device according to any one of the first to eleventh features, wherein the circuit is connected to a first circuit in parallel with the first circuit, and the first circuit and a second circuit having a higher electrical resistance value, wherein the reducing means is configured to cause the second circuit to function without causing the first circuit to function.

A fourteenth feature is the flavor generating device according to any one of the first to thirteenth features, wherein the reducing means is provided in the circuit and one of the first load and the second load The gist of the gist is to include a protective integrated circuit or electrical fuse having a rated current value greater than the maximum current value that can be supplied to the power supply.

A fifteenth feature is the flavor generating device according to the fourteenth feature, wherein the reducing means supplies a first current to the first load and simultaneously supplies the first current to the second load. The gist is configured to control the circuit such that the sum with a second current does not exceed the rated current.

A sixteenth feature is the flavor generating device according to any one of the first to fifteenth features, wherein the reducing means is provided in the circuit, and the first load and the second load are simultaneously supplied with The gist is to include a thermal fuse having a rated current value that is half or less of the current value that flows when power is supplied.

A seventeenth feature is the flavor generating device according to any one of the first to fifteenth features, wherein the reduction means includes an auxiliary power supply capable of discharging to the first load and the second load. This is the gist.

An eighteenth feature is the flavor generating device according to the seventeenth feature, wherein the auxiliary power source has a higher output density than the power source.

A nineteenth feature is the flavor generating device according to the seventeenth feature or eighteenth feature, wherein the control unit or the reduction means can acquire a value related to the remaining amount of the auxiliary power supply, and the control unit or The reduction means is configured to control the circuit so as to reduce the power or amount of power discharged by the power supply as the value related to the remaining amount of the auxiliary power supply increases.

A twentieth feature is the flavor generating device according to the first or nineteenth feature, wherein the power supply and the auxiliary power supply are connected in parallel to at least one of the first load and the second load. , the circuit is provided between the power supply and the auxiliary power supply and includes a converter capable of converting the magnitude of at least one of input current, voltage, and power and outputting the same.

A twenty-first feature is a power supply unit for a flavor generating device, comprising: a power supply; a first load for atomizing an aerosol source or heating a flavor source; and a second load different from the first load. and a request for power supply to each of the first load and the second load, and power is supplied from the power supply to each of the first load and the second load based on the request. and a controller configured to control the circuit to perform the first When the circuit is controlled so as to supply power to a load and power to the second load at the same time, the power or amount of power discharged from the power supply is reduction means configured to reduce below the maximum power or maximum amount of power when simultaneously discharging to a load.

A twenty-second feature is a method of controlling a flavor generating device including a first load that atomizes an aerosol source or heats a flavor source and a second load that is different from the first load, wherein the first load acquiring a request for power supply to each of the load and the second load, and controlling the circuit to supply power from the power source to each of the first load and the second load based on the request; When the request to the load and the request to the second load are acquired at the same time, or the circuit is controlled so as to supply power to the first load and power to the second load at the same time. reducing the power or amount of power discharged from the power supply below the maximum power or maximum power amount when the power supply discharges to the first load and the second load simultaneously. This is the gist.

A gist of a twenty-third feature is a program that causes a flavor generating device to execute the method of the twenty-second feature.

FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a flavor generating device according to one embodiment. FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of an atomization unit according to one embodiment. FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the configuration of the suction sensor according to one embodiment. FIG. 4 is a block diagram of the flavor generator. FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram of an electrical circuit of a flavor generating device including an atomization unit and a power supply unit. FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing control by a control unit according to one embodiment. FIG. 7 is a graph showing an example of power supply to the electric load for atomization and the electric load for flavor. FIG. 8 is a control block diagram showing switching control of the first switch and the second switch. FIG. 9 is a graph showing switching control of the first switch and the second switch. FIG. 10 is a graph showing another example of power supply to the electric load for atomization and the electric load for flavor. FIG. 11 is a graph showing still another example of power supply to the electric load for atomization and the electric load for flavoring. FIG. 12 is a schematic diagram of an electrical circuit of a flavor generator including an atomization unit and a power supply unit in the fourth embodiment. FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram of a modification of the electric circuit of the flavor generator including the atomization unit and the power supply unit in the fourth embodiment. FIG. 14 is a schematic diagram of an electric circuit of a flavor generator including an atomization unit and a power supply unit in the fifth embodiment. FIG. 15 is a schematic diagram of an electric circuit of a flavor generator including an atomization unit and a power supply unit in the sixth embodiment. FIG. 16 is a schematic diagram of an electric circuit of a flavor generator including an atomization unit and a power supply unit in the seventh embodiment. FIG. 17 is a schematic diagram of an electric circuit of a flavor generator including an atomization unit and a power supply unit in the eighth embodiment.

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 is needless to say that the drawings may include portions having different dimensional relationships and ratios.

[Summary of Disclosure]
In the devices described in US Pat. Nos. 5,300,000 and 5,000,000, power from the power supply can be supplied to multiple electrical loads, such as two or more electrical heating elements. The inventors of the present application have studied driving each load independently or driving a plurality of loads at the same time in a flavor producing device having a plurality of loads. In this case, multiple loads may be electrically connected in parallel with respect to the power supply in order to independently control the loads. When multiple loads are electrically connected in parallel with respect to the power supply, the combined electrical resistance value of the multiple loads is smaller than the individual electrical resistance value of each load. Therefore, when an attempt is made to simultaneously supply power from a power supply to a plurality of loads, the power supply outputs a current that is larger than the current that is output from the power supply when power is supplied to one load.

Further, it is known that deterioration of the power supply is accelerated as the power or current discharged per unit time increases.

That is, when trying to drive a plurality of loads at the same time, the amount of discharge from the power supply becomes relatively large, and the remaining power level of the power supply rapidly decreases, or deterioration of the power supply tends to progress. Therefore, even in such a case, it is desirable to prevent a rapid decrease in the remaining amount of power or an increase in deterioration of the power.

According to one aspect, the flavor generator comprises a circuit electrically connecting a power source, a first load for atomizing an aerosol source or heating a flavor source, and a second load different from the first load. , obtaining a request to supply power to each of the first load and the second load, and controlling the circuit to supply power from the power supply to each of the first load and the second load based on the request; When the configured control unit and the control unit obtain the request for the first load and the request for the second load at the same time, or the power supply to the first load and the second load When controlling the circuit to simultaneously supply power to a load, the maximum power or amount of power discharged from the power supply when the power supply simultaneously discharges to the first load and the second load reduction means configured to reduce the power or less than the maximum amount of power.

According to one aspect, the power supply unit comprises circuitry electrically connecting said power supply to a power supply, a first load for atomizing an aerosol source or heating a flavor source, and a second load different from said first load. and obtaining a request for power supply to each of the first load and the second load, and controlling the circuit to supply power from the power supply to each of the first load and the second load based on the request. and the control unit acquires the request for the first load and the request for the second load at the same time, or when the power supply to the first load and the request for the second load are obtained at the same time. When controlling the circuit so as to supply power to two loads at the same time, when the power or electric energy discharged from the power supply is discharged to the first load and the second load at the same time. reduction means configured to reduce below the maximum power or maximum amount of power.

According to the above aspect, when the request for the first load and the request for the second load are acquired at the same time, or the circuit is configured to supply power to the first load and the power to the second load at the same time. When controlling the power or amount of power discharged from the power supply is reduced. Therefore, even in such a case, it is possible to reduce the amount of discharge from the power supply, thereby suppressing a rapid decrease in the remaining amount of the power supply and the deterioration of the power supply.

(flavor generator)
A flavor generating device according to one embodiment will be described below. FIG. 1 is an exploded view showing a flavor generating device according to one embodiment. FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of an atomization unit according to one embodiment. FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the configuration of the suction sensor according to one embodiment. FIG. 4 is a block diagram of the flavor generator.

The flavor generating device 100 may be a non-combustion type flavor inhaler for inhaling flavor without burning. Preferably, the flavor generating device 100 may be a portable flavor inhaler. The flavor generating device 100 may have a shape extending along the predetermined direction A, which is the direction from the non-mouthpiece end E2 toward the mouthpiece end E1. In this case, the flavor generating device 100 may include one end E1 having a mouthpiece 141 for sucking the flavor and the other end E2 opposite to the mouthpiece 141 .

The flavor generator 100 may have a power supply unit 110 and an atomization unit 120 . The atomization unit 120 may be configured to be detachable from the power supply unit 110 via mechanical connection portions 111 and 121 . When the atomization unit 120 and the power supply unit 110 are mechanically connected to each other, the electric load 122R for atomization and the electric load 124R for flavor in the atomization unit 120 are connected to the power supply provided in the power supply unit 110. 10 are electrically connected.

The atomization unit 120 has an aerosol source (flavor component source) that is inhaled in an atomized state by the user, and an atomization electric load 122R that atomizes the aerosol source with power from the power supply 10.

The atomization electric load 122R may be any element that can adjust the amount of aerosol (amount of flavor component) generated from the aerosol source in accordance with the supplied electric power. For example, atomization electrical load 122R may be atomization temperature controller 122 capable of adjusting the temperature of the aerosol source. As an example, the atomizing electrical load 122R comprising the atomizing temperature regulator 122 may be a resistive heating element. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the amount of aerosol generated from the aerosol source will vary depending on the temperature of the aerosol source.

A more detailed example of the atomization unit 120 will be described below with reference to FIGS. 1 and 2 . The atomization unit 120 may have a reservoir 122P, a wick 122Q, and an electrical atomization load 122R. Reservoir 122P may be configured to hold a liquid aerosol source. The reservoir 122P may be, for example, a porous body made of a material such as a resin web. The wick 122Q may be a liquid retaining member that utilizes capillary action to transport the aerosol source from the reservoir 122P to the vicinity of the atomizing electrical load 122R. The wick 122Q can be made of glass fiber, porous ceramic, or the like, for example.

Atomization electrical load 122R heats an aerosol source held in wick 122Q. The atomization electric load 122R is composed of, for example, a resistance heating element (eg, heating wire) wound around the wick 122Q.

The atomizing electrical load 122R may be, for example, a temperature controller 122 such as an electric heater. Alternatively, the atomizing electrical load 122R may be a temperature controller capable of heating and cooling the aerosol source held in the wick 122Q.

The air that has flowed from the inlet 125 through the flow path 127 passes through the vicinity of the atomization electric load 122R inside the atomization unit 120 . The aerosol generated at the atomizing electrical load 122R flows toward the mouthpiece 141 with the incoming air. Inlet 125 may be provided in at least one of power supply unit 110 and atomization unit 120 .

The aerosol source may be liquid at ambient temperature. For example, polyhydric alcohols such as glycerin and propylene glycol can be used as aerosol sources. The aerosol source may comprise a tobacco material or an extract derived from the tobacco material that releases flavor and taste components upon heating.

In the above embodiment, an example of an aerosol source that is liquid at room temperature has been described in detail, but instead of this, an aerosol source that is solid at room temperature can also be used. In this case, the atomizing electrical load 122R may be in contact with or in close proximity to the solid aerosol source to generate aerosol from the solid aerosol source.

The atomization unit 120 may include a replaceably configured flavor unit 130 . The flavor unit 130 may have a cylinder 131 that houses a flavor source (attractive component source). The cylindrical body 131 may include a film member 133 and a filter 132 through which air, aerosol, etc. can pass. A flavor source may be provided in the space formed by the membrane member 133 and the filter 132 .

The flavor generating device 100 has channels 127, 128 that allow at least a portion of the aerosol generated from the aerosol source to pass through the flavor source to an outlet. Thereby, the flavor source in the flavor unit 130 imparts the flavor component to the aerosol generated by the atomization electric load 122R of the atomization unit 120 . Flavor components imparted to the aerosol by the flavor source are conveyed to the mouthpiece 141 of the flavor generating device 100 .

The flavor sources in flavor unit 130 may be solid at room temperature. In one example, the flavor source is constituted by raw pieces of plant material that impart flavor components to the aerosol. As raw material pieces constituting the flavor source, a molded body obtained by molding a tobacco material such as shredded tobacco or tobacco raw material into granules can be used. Alternatively, the flavor source may be a molded article formed by molding tobacco material into a sheet. Also, the raw material pieces that constitute the flavor source may be composed of plants other than tobacco (for example, mints, herbs, etc.). Flavor sources such as menthol may be added to the flavor source.

The flavor source may be contained movably within the space formed by the membrane member 133 and the filter 132 . In this case, the flavor source flows in the flavor unit 130 during use, and the unevenness of the flavor source in contact with the flavor electric load 124R is reduced, so that the flavor component can be stably released.

Alternatively, the flavor source may be substantially fixed by filling the space formed by the membrane member 133 and the filter 132 . In this case, heat can be efficiently transferred from the flavor electric load 124R to the flavor source.

The flavor electrical load 124 R provided in the atomization unit 120 may be positioned around the barrel 131 of the flavor unit 130 attached to the atomization unit 120 . The flavor electric load 124R may be configured to be able to adjust the amount of flavor (attraction component) generated from the flavor source. The flavor electric load 124R may be an element capable of adjusting the amount of flavor produced from the flavor source according to the power supplied. For example, the electrical flavor load 124R may be a temperature controller 124 capable of adjusting the temperature of the flavor source. Temperature regulator 124 may comprise a resistive heating element. The temperature controller 124 may consist of an induction heating element. Alternatively, temperature regulator 124 may be a cooling element, such as a Peltier element. Also, the temperature regulator 124 may be an element capable of both heating and cooling.

A heat insulating material 126 may be provided on the outside of the flavor electric load 124R. As a result, it is possible to prevent the temperature difference between the temperature of the outer edge of the flavor generating device 100 and the outside air temperature from becoming too large. That is, it is possible to prevent the outer edge of the flavor generating device 100 from becoming too cold or too hot. In addition, the heat insulating material 126 can reduce the heat transfer loss from the electric load 124R for flavoring, enabling energy-saving temperature control.

The flavor generating device 100 may include a mouthpiece having a suction port for the user to inhale the inhalant. The mouthpiece may be configured to be detachable from the atomization unit 120 or the flavor unit 130, or may be configured integrally and inseparably. Alternatively, part of the atomization unit 120 or flavor unit 130 may act as a mouthpiece.

In addition, the flavor generating device 100, specifically the atomization unit 120, includes a first channel 128 that guides the aerosol through the flavor source to the mouthpiece 141, and a second channel 129 that guides the aerosol to the mouthpiece 141 without passing the flavor source. , may have The aerosol passing through the second flow path 129 reaches the mouthpiece 141 without being imparted with flavor from the flavor source. In this case, the atomization unit 120 may include flow rate adjusting means (not shown) that adjusts the ratio between the flow rate of the first flow path 128 and the flow rate of the second flow path 129 .

The power supply unit 110 may have the power supply 10 and the controller 50 . The control unit 50 may have a memory 52 that stores information necessary for performing various controls required for the operation of the flavor production device 100 .

The control unit 50 may perform various controls required for the operation of the flavor generating device 100 . For example, the control unit 50 acquires a request for power supply to each of the electric load for atomization 122R and the electric load for flavor 124R, and based on this request, the power supply 10 supplies power to the electric load for atomization 122R and the electric load for flavor 124R. Control the electrical circuits to power each. The power supply request is specified based on output signals from the push button, the suction sensor 20, and the like, as will be described later.

In addition, the control unit 50 may include a notification unit that issues notifications for informing the user of various types of information as necessary. The notification unit may be, for example, an element that emits light such as an LED, an element that emits sound, or a vibrator that emits vibration. Also, the notification unit may be configured by a combination of elements that emit light, sound, or vibration.

The power source 10 stores power necessary for operating the flavor generating device 100 . The power supply 10 may be detachable from the power supply unit 110 . Power source 10 may be, for example, a rechargeable battery such as a lithium ion secondary battery, an electric double layer capacitor, or a combination thereof.

The control section 50 may include a suction detection unit that detects a user's suction request operation. The suction detection unit may be, for example, a suction sensor 20 that detects a user's suction action. Alternatively, the suction detection unit may be a push button that is pressed by the user, for example.

The control unit 50 generates a command for operating the electric load for atomization 122R and/or the electric load for flavor 124R when the suction request operation is detected by the suction detection unit. The control unit 50 may be configured to variably control the electric power supplied to the electric load for atomization 122R and the electric load for flavor 124R according to the mode designated by the user, the environment, or the like.

Upon detection of an inhalation request operation by the inhalation sensing unit, the controller 50 preferably supplies power from the power supply 10 in the form of power pulses to the atomization electrical load 122R and/or the flavor electrical load 124R. Thereby, the control unit 50 can control the electric power supplied to the electric load for atomization 122R and/or the electric load for flavor 124R by adjusting the duty ratio of pulse width modulation (PWM) or pulse frequency modulation (PFM). can.

The flavor generating device 100 optionally includes a first temperature sensor 150 capable of estimating or obtaining the temperature of the atomization electric load 122R and a second temperature sensor 150 capable of estimating or obtaining the temperature of the flavor source or flavor electric load 124R. and a temperature sensor 160 . As an example, the first temperature sensor 150 and the second temperature sensor 160 may be composed of thermistors or thermocouples.

The suction sensor 20 may be configured to output an output value that varies according to suction from the mouthpiece. Specifically, the suction sensor 20 outputs a value (for example, a voltage value or a current value) that changes according to the flow rate of air sucked from the non-suction side toward the suction side (that is, the user's puffing action). It may be a sensor that Such sensors include, for example, condenser microphone sensors and known flow sensors.

FIG. 3 shows a specific example of the suction sensor 20. As shown in FIG. The suction sensor 20 illustrated in FIG. 3 has a sensor body 21 , a cover 22 and a substrate 23 . The sensor main body 21 is composed of, for example, a capacitor. The electric capacity of the sensor main body 21 changes due to vibration (pressure) caused by air sucked from the inlet 125 (that is, air sucked from the non-suction port side toward the suction port side). The cover 22 is provided on the mouthpiece side of the sensor main body 21 and has an opening 40 . By providing the cover 22 having the opening 40, the electric capacity of the sensor body 21 is easily changed, and the response characteristics of the sensor body 21 are improved. The substrate 23 outputs a value (here, a voltage value) indicating the electrical capacity of the sensor body 21 (capacitor).

(First embodiment)
FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram of an electric circuit of the flavor generating device 100 including the atomization unit 120 and the power supply unit 110. As shown in FIG. Note that FIG. 5 simplifies the configuration of the electric circuit for convenience in order to explain the control of the electric load 122R for atomization and the electric load 124R for flavoring by the control unit 50. As shown in FIG.

When the atomization unit 120 is mechanically connected to the power supply unit 110, the electric load for atomization (first load) 122R and the electric load for flavor (second load) 124R are electrically connected to the power supply 10 of the power supply unit 110. connected to The electric load for atomization (first load) 122R and the electric load for flavor (second load) 124R may be electrically connected in parallel with each other with respect to the power supply 10 .

The flavor generator 100 includes a first switch 142 that opens and closes electrical connection between the electric load 122R for atomization and the power supply 10, and a first switch 142 that opens and closes electrical connection between the electrical load 124R for flavor and the power supply 10. 2 switches 144 and . The first switch 142 and the second switch 144 may be electrically connected in parallel with each other with respect to the power supply 10 .

The first switch 142 and the second switch 144 are opened and closed by the controller 50 . The first switch 142 and the second switch 144 may be composed of MOSFETs, for example. Note that the first switch 142 and the second switch 144 are not limited to MOSFETs, and may be various other switches as long as they can open and close electrical connections between the electric load for atomization 122R and the electric load for flavor 124R, respectively, and the power source 10. elements may be used. As another example, the first switch 142 and the second switch 144 may be composed of conductors, for example.

When the first switch 142 is closed (on state), power can be supplied from the power supply 10 to the atomization electric load 122R. When the second switch 144 is closed (on state), power can be supplied from the power source 10 to the electric load 124R for flavor. When both the first switch 142 and the second switch 144 are closed (on state), power can be simultaneously supplied from the power source 10 to both the atomization electric load 122R and the flavor electric load 124R.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing an example of control by the control unit 50 according to one embodiment.

When the controller 50 detects the start of the suction cycle, it estimates or measures the temperature of the electric flavoring load 124R (steps S305 and S306). An aspiration cycle can be detected, for example, by pressing a push button by the user. The inhalation cycle is a state in which power can be supplied to the electric load for atomization 122R and/or the electric load for flavor 124R by the inhalation action of the user, and the cycle can include one or more inhalation actions by the user. is. In addition, the sucking operation means an operation such as pressing a push button by the user or an operation such as sucking from the mouthpiece.

The temperature of the electric flavor load 124R can be estimated or measured by the second temperature sensor 160, for example. Instead of this, the electric flavoring load 124R is composed of a PTC (Positive Temperature Coefficient) heater having a positive temperature coefficient, and the control unit 50 measures or estimates the electric resistance value of the electric flavoring load 124R. It is also possible to estimate the temperature of the electrical load 124R. Note that an NTC heater having a negative temperature coefficient may be used instead of the PTC heater to form the electric flavoring load 124R. This is because the electric resistance value of the flavoring electric load 124R changes depending on the temperature. The electric resistance value of the flavor electric load 124R can be estimated by measuring the amount of voltage drop in the flavor electric load 124R with a voltage sensor.

Next, the control unit 50 determines whether the difference (absolute value of the difference) between the temperature of the flavor electric load 124R and the target temperature is greater than a predetermined threshold (step S307). When the difference (absolute value of the difference) between the temperature of the flavor electric load 124R and the target temperature is greater than a predetermined threshold value, the control unit 50 adjusts the power to the flavor electric load 124R, 124R is maintained near the target temperature (step S308). The predetermined threshold is an allowable value for temperature error, and is set within a range of, for example, several degrees Celsius to less than 10 degrees Celsius.

Power to the electrical flavor load 124R may be supplied in the form of power pulses. In this case, the temperature of the electric flavor load 124R can be controlled by adjusting the duty ratio in pulse width modulation (PWM) or pulse frequency modulation (PFM). Specifically, the temperature control of the flavor electric load 124R can be implemented by, for example, adjusting the duty ratio in pulse width modulation (PWM) or pulse frequency modulation (PWM) by feedback control.

Further, when the difference (absolute value of the difference) between the temperature of the flavor electric load 124R and the target temperature is equal to or less than a predetermined threshold value, the electric power to the flavor electric load 124R may not be controlled. When PWM is used, the power supply to the electric load 124R for flavor is stopped by adjusting the duty ratio to 0%.

The control unit 50 monitors the presence or absence of the user's sucking action during the control of the flavor electric load 124R (step S309). The suction action of the user can be detected by the suction sensor 20 described above, for example.

When the user's suction operation is detected, the controller 50 supplies power to the electric atomization load 122R to heat the electric atomization load 122R (step S310). Thereby, an aerosol is generated from the atomization unit 120 . At least a portion of the aerosol produced by the atomization unit 120 is flavored by passing through a flavor source. The user will inhale the flavored aerosol.

Power to the atomizing electrical load 122R can be supplied in the form of power pulses. In this case, the temperature of the atomizing electric load 122R can be controlled by adjusting the duty ratio in pulse width modulation (PWM) or pulse frequency modulation (PFM). Specifically, the temperature control of the atomization electric load 122R can be implemented, for example, by adjusting the duty ratio in pulse width modulation (PWM) or pulse frequency modulation (PFM) through feedback control. As another example, feedforward control may be implemented by adjusting the duty ratio in pulse width modulation (PWM) or pulse frequency modulation (PFM). Further, constant power control may be performed by increasing the duty ratio as the output voltage of the power supply 10 decreases.

When the controller 50 detects the end of the suction operation (step S311), it stops supplying electric power to the atomization electric load 122R (step S312). Here, the end of the suction operation can be detected by the suction sensor 20 .

Further, the control unit 50 may stop supplying electric power to the electric load for atomization 122R even at a timing other than the detection of the end of the suction operation. For example, the power supply to the electric atomization load 122R may be stopped when the user continues the suction operation for a very long time, or when an abnormality in the electric atomization load 122R or the power supply 10 is detected.

When the controller 50 detects the end of the suction cycle (step S313), it suffices to stop the supply of electric power to the flavor electric load 124R (step S314). For example, the control unit 50 may determine that the suction cycle has ended when the user presses a predetermined push button or when a predetermined period of time has elapsed since the previous suction operation ended. Alternatively, the control unit 50 may determine that the suction cycle has ended when the suction operation is detected a predetermined number of times during one suction cycle, or when a predetermined period of time has elapsed since the start of the suction cycle. good.

In the control flow described above, the timings of starting and ending the power supply to the electric load for atomization 122R and the electric load for flavor 124R are different. In this case, between steps S308 and S312, power can be simultaneously supplied from the power supply 10 to the electric load for atomization 122R and the electric load for flavor 124R. Alternatively, the timing of starting and/or ending the power supply to the atomization electric load 122R and the flavoring electric load 124R may be the same. In this case, power can be simultaneously supplied from the power supply 10 to the electrical load for atomization 122R and the electrical load for flavor 124R from the beginning to the end of the inhalation cycle.

FIG. 7 shows a more specific example of power supply to the atomization electric load 122R and the flavor electric load 124R. In FIG. 7, a straight line (middle line) indicates power supply to the atomization electric load 122R. A dashed line (lower line) indicates the power supply to the flavor electric load 124R. The dotted line (top line) indicates the amount of current discharged from the power supply.

As described above, the controller 50 controls the electrical circuit to power the electrical flavor load 124R during the inhalation cycle. Further, when the control unit 50 detects a suction operation during the power supply cycle, the control unit 50 controls the electric circuit to supply power to the electric load 122R for atomization in the form of power pulses. A power pulse can be generated by opening and closing a first switch 142 and a second switch 144 .

In the first embodiment, as shown in FIG. 7, the control unit 50 is configured so that the power supply 10 does not supply power to both the electric load for atomization 122R and the electric load for flavor 124R simultaneously during the sucking operation. . Specifically, when the control unit 50 acquires a request for power supply to the electric load for atomization 122R and a request for power supply to the electric load for flavor 124R at the same time, or when the request for power supply to the electric load for atomization 122R is acquired When the circuit is controlled so that power supply is requested and power is supplied to the flavor electric load 124R at the same time, the power supply 10 operates so as not to supply power to the atomization electric load 122R and the flavor electric load 124R at the same time.

As a specific example, the control unit 50 may turn off the second switch 144 to stop power supply to the flavor electric load 124R from the detection of the sucking operation to the detection of the end of the sucking operation.

If the electric load for atomization 122R and the electric load for flavor 124R are simultaneously supplied with power, the combined electric resistance value of the electric load for atomization 122R and the electric load for flavor 124R is Since it is smaller than the single electrical resistance value of the load 124R, the amount of current discharged from the power supply 10 is greater than when power is supplied to only one of the electrical load for atomization 122R and the electrical load for flavor 124R. .

In this embodiment, the control unit 50 operates so as not to simultaneously supply power to the electric load 122R for atomization and the electric load 124R for flavoring from the power supply 10. Therefore, the power or amount of electric power discharged from the power supply 10 It is reduced from the maximum power or the maximum power amount in the case of discharging simultaneously to the electric load for atomization 122R and the electric load for flavor 124R. In other words, the control unit 50 reduces the power or amount of power discharged from the power supply 10 below the maximum power or maximum power amount when the power supply 10 simultaneously discharges to the electric load for atomization 122R and the electric load for flavor 124R. It functions as a reduction means configured as follows. As a result, the load on the power supply 10 is reduced, and it is possible to prevent a rapid decrease in the remaining amount of the power supply 10 and an increase in deterioration of the power supply 10 .

(Second embodiment)
In the first embodiment, the control unit 50 as the reduction means turns off the second switch 144 from the detection of the suction operation to the detection of the end of the suction operation. Instead of this, in the second embodiment, the control unit 50 as the reduction means turns on the second switch 144 also between the detection of the sucking operation and the detection of the end of the sucking operation, so that the electric load 124R for flavor is supplied with the electric load 124R. supply power.

An example of control according to the second embodiment will be described below with reference to FIGS. 8 and 9. FIG. FIG. 8 is a control block diagram showing switching control of the first switch 142 and the second switch 144. As shown in FIG. 9 is a graph showing switching control of the first switch 142 and the second switch 144. FIG. Note that instead of the power pulses in FIG. 7, FIG. 9 shows the timing of the switching commands to the first switch 142 and the second switch 144, respectively. It should be noted that the description of the same configuration as that of the first embodiment may be omitted below.

In the second embodiment, the control unit 50 also supplies power pulses to the electric load for atomization 122R and the electric load for flavor 124R between the detection of the suction operation and the detection of the end of the suction operation. The controller 50 may perform feedback control or feedforward control using PWM control or PFM control, as in the first embodiment.

In the second embodiment, as shown in FIG. 9, the control unit 50 supplies ON commands to the second switch 144 during periods between ON commands to the first switch 142 (( D)). In other words, the control unit 50 may turn on the second switch 144 within the OFF period of the first switch 142 even from the detection of the suction operation to the detection of the end of the suction operation.

Such control can be realized, for example, as follows. First, the switching cycle of the first switch 142 and the switching cycle of the second switch 144 are matched. In this case, if the switching timings of the first switch 142 and the second switch 144 are matched, the first switch 142 and the second switch 144 are turned on at the same time. A command and an ON command to the second switch 144 are generated at the same time (see FIGS. 9A and 9B).

Therefore, the control unit 50 as a reduction means may be configured to shift the switching phase of the second switch 144 from the switching phase of the first switch 142 by at least the ON period of the first switch 142 (FIG. 9). (C)). In addition, below, shifting a phase in this way may be called a "phase shift."

In the example shown in FIG. 9C, the switching phase of the second switch 144 is shifted by the same amount as the ON period of the first switch 142 (see FIG. 9C). Such a phase shift involves determining the pulse width or duty ratio of the first switch 142 and then determining the amount of phase shift of the second switch 144 based on the on period derived from that pulse width or duty ratio. It can be realized by setting (see also FIG. 8).

Due to the phase shift as described above, the ON period of the second switch 144 starts within the OFF period of the first switch 142 . This can prevent the first switch 142 and the second switch 144 from being turned on at the same time when the ON period of the second switch 144 starts. Therefore, the control unit 50 as reducing means can reduce the power or amount of power discharged from the power supply 10 at least at the start of the ON period of the second switch 144 .

More preferably, the control unit 50 is configured to shift the switching phase of the second switch 144 from the switching phase of the first switch 142 by a period greater than the ON period of the first switch 142 . As a result, a predetermined period of time is generated between when the OFF command is sent to the first switch 142 and when the ON command is sent to the second switch 144 . Even if an off command is sent to a switch that is on, there is a predetermined turn-off time until the switch is turned off. Therefore, some current from the power supply 10 flows even for a short time after the off command is sent to the first switch 142 . Therefore, by providing a predetermined period between sending the OFF command to the first switch 142 and sending the ON command to the second switch 144, the ON period of the first switch 142 and the second switching It is possible to avoid overlapping with the ON period of the device 144 . As a result, the control unit 50 as the reducing means can reduce the power or amount of power discharged from the power supply 10 at least at the start of the ON period of the second switch 144 .

Then, the control unit 50 as reduction means controls the switching period of the first switch 142 so that the sum of the ON period of the first switch 142 and the ON period of the second switch 144 does not exceed the switching period during one switching period. It is configured to set or correct at least one of the ON period and the ON period of the second switch 144 . Note that hereinafter, adjusting one of the ON periods in this manner may be referred to as "dead time compensation" (see FIG. 8). The dead time compensation shown in FIG. 8 shortens the ON period of the second switch 144 . This ensures that the ON command is sent to the first switch 142 after the OFF command is sent to the second switch 144 again (see FIGS. 9C and 9D). Therefore, the control unit 50 as the reduction means can suppress the first switch 142 and the second switch 144 from being turned on at the same time.

Such dead time compensation is based on the pulse width and duty ratio of power to the electric load for atomization 122R or the ON period of the first switch 142, and the pulse width and duty ratio of power to the electric load for flavoring 122R. Alternatively, it can be realized by setting the upper limit of the ON period of the second switch 144 . That is, the control unit 50 as a reduction unit is configured to set or correct the ON period in the switching control of the second switch 144 so as to reduce the power or amount of power discharged from the power supply 10 .

As described above, in the dead time compensation, the control unit 50 as a reduction means reduces the power supplied from the power supply 10 to the electric load 124R for flavoring. can be adjusted (see also FIG. 8). In this case, even if the power pulse to the flavor electric load 124R is configured to be variable by feedback control, it is possible to prevent an increase in the power supplied from the power supply 10 to the flavor electric load 124R. can.

In the examples shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, the control unit 50 as the reduction means shifts the switching phase of the second switch 144 from the switching phase of the first switch 142 by at least the ON period of the first switch 142. It is configured. Alternatively, the control unit 50 may shift the switching phase of the first switch 142 from the switching phase of the second switch 144 by an ON period of the second switch 144 or more. More preferably, the control unit 50 may shift the switching phase of the first switch 142 from the switching phase of the second switch 144 by a period greater than the ON period of the second switch 144 . Even in this case, the power pulse to the electric load for atomization 122R and the power pulse to the electric load for flavor 124R do not overlap and are generated at different times. As a result, the control unit 50 as a reduction means can reduce the power or the amount of power discharged from the power supply 10 to the maximum power or the maximum power when the power supply 10 simultaneously discharges the electric load for atomization 122R and the electric load for flavor 124R. amount can be reduced.

In the examples shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, the control unit 50 as the reduction means sets or corrects the ON period in the switching control of the second switch 144 so as to reduce the power or amount of power discharged from the power supply 10. is configured to Instead, the control unit 50 as a reduction means is configured to set or correct the ON period in the switching control of the first switch 142 so as to reduce the power or amount of power discharged from the power supply 10. good too. That is, the ON period of the first switch 142 may be shortened.

Further, when controlling the power supplied to the atomization electric load 122R based on the feedback control, the control unit 50 reduces the power supplied from the power supply 10 to the atomization electric load 122R in the feedback control. At least one of the proportional gain and the limiter upper limit may be adjusted.

(Third embodiment)
In the first and second embodiments, the controller 50 mainly performs switching control so that the ON period of the first switch 142 and the ON period of the second switch 144 do not overlap. Alternatively, the controller 50 may perform switching control such that the ON period of the first switch 142 and the ON period of the second switch 144 partially overlap. Even in this case, by reducing the period during which both the first switch 142 and the second switch 144 are turned on, the control unit 50 as reduction means reduces the amount of electric power discharged from the power supply 10. can be reduced below the maximum power or amount of power when the power supply 10 discharges simultaneously to the atomizing electrical load 122R and the flavoring electrical load 124R.

In this way, when power pulses are simultaneously supplied to both the atomization electric load 122R and the flavor electric load 124R, the controller 50 controls the variable or mode in the switching control of the first switch 122 and the second switch At least one of the variables or modes in the switching control of 124 may be configured to be set or corrected to reduce the power or amount of power discharged from the power supply 10 .

As a specific example, the control unit 50 as the reduction means, when simultaneously supplying power pulses to both the electric load for atomization 122R and the electric load for flavor 124R, the ON period of the first switch 142 and the second switch At least one of the 144 ON periods may be configured to be short. For example, as shown in FIG. 10, when the controller 50 receives a request for power supply to the electric load for atomization 122R and a request for power supply to the electric load for flavor 124R at the same time, the second switch 144 ON period is shortened. Specifically, the controller 50 shortens the ON period of the second switch 144 from the detection of the suction operation to the detection of the end of the suction operation. Such control can be realized by lowering the duty ratio of PWM control. The ON period of the second switch 144 and the duty ratio of PWM control are specific examples of variables in the switching control of the second switch 144 .

In another specific example, when the control unit 50 as the reduction means simultaneously supplies power pulses to both the electric load for atomization 122R and the electric load for flavor 124R, the switching period of the first switch 142 and the second It is configured to shorten at least one of the switching periods of the switch 144 . In this case, the controller 50 may maintain the switching duty ratios of the first switch 142 and the second switch 144 . This allows the width of each power pulse to be reduced in PWM control. For example, as shown in FIG. 11, the control unit 50 shortens the switching cycle of the second switch 144 while maintaining the duty ratio of the second switch 144 from the detection of the suction operation to the detection of the end of the suction operation. are doing. The switching period of the first switch 142 is a specific example of a variable in switching control of the first switch 142 . The switching period of the second switch 144 is a specific example of a variable in switching control of the second switch 144 .

In another specific example, when power pulses are simultaneously supplied to both the electric load for atomization 122R and the electric load for flavor 124R, the control unit 50 uses feedback control or feedforward control using PFM control instead of PWM control. At least one of the first switch 142 and the second switch 144 may be controlled based on the control. In this case, the control unit 50 reduces the power supplied to the electric load 124R for flavor at the same time as the power supplied to the electric load 122R for atomization, or reduces the power supplied to the electric load 124R for flavor at the same time. The duty ratio may be determined so as to reduce the electric power to the atomizing electric load 122R. By switching to PFM control, the OFF period can be made variable without changing the pulse width. That is, if the upper limit of the pulse width (on period) is set in advance, it is possible to suppress an increase in the integrated value of power supplied to the electric load 124R for flavor from the detection of the suction operation to the detection of the end of the suction operation. PWM control and PFM control for controlling the first switch 142 are specific examples of modes in switching control of the first switch 142 . PWM control and PFM control for controlling the second switch 144 are specific examples of modes in switching control of the second switch 144 .

(Fourth embodiment)
12 and 13 are schematic diagrams of electric circuits of a flavor generator including an atomization unit and a power supply unit in the fourth embodiment. In the example shown in FIG. 12, the flavor generator includes a protection integrated circuit 200 having a rated current value greater than the maximum current value that can be supplied to one of the electrical atomization load 122R and the electrical flavor load 124R. Such a protection integrated circuit 200 prevents the flow of large currents that can cause problems in electrical circuits. The protection integrated circuit 200 is particularly useful when the controls are such that the first switch 142 and the second switch 144 can be turned on at the same time.

Instead of such a protection integrated circuit 200, an electric (power) fuse 210 having a rated current value larger than the maximum current value that can be supplied to one of the electric load for atomization 122R and the electric load for flavor 124R is used. good too.

When the protection integrated circuit 200 or the electric fuse 210 as described above is provided, the control unit 50 as a reduction means controls the current (first current) supplied to the electric load 122R for atomization and the first current. At the same time, it is preferable to control the electric circuit so that the sum of the electric current (second electric current) fed to the electric flavoring load 124R does not exceed the above rated electric current. In other words, the upper limit of the phase shift, dead time compensation, pulse width or duty ratio is set so that the sum of the first current and the second current, that is, the maximum value of the current discharged from the power supply 10 does not exceed the rated current. and/or feedback control, etc. may be implemented.

In particular, when an electric fuse is used, the circuit opens when a current greater than or equal to the rated current value flows for the rated time. The first switch 142 and the second switch 144 may be controlled so that the overlapping period of the second current is less than the rated time.

If a current value larger than the maximum current value that can be supplied to one of the electric load for atomization 122R and the electric load for flavor 124R tries to flow, the protection integrated circuit 200 or the electric fuse 210 itself that cuts off the circuit is reduced. You can use it as a tool.

Further, thermal fuses may be used instead of protection integrated circuit 200 or electrical fuses as described above (FIG. 13). A thermal fuse melts when a current larger than the rated current value flows for a predetermined time corresponding to the current value. Therefore, in order to protect the electrical circuit more reliably, the thermal fuse may have a rated current value that is less than half the current value that flows when power is simultaneously supplied to the electrical load 122R for atomization and the electrical load 124R for atomization. preferable. Such a thermal fuse can also be used as a reduction means.

(Fifth embodiment)
FIG. 14 is a schematic diagram of an electric circuit of a flavor generator including an atomization unit and a power supply unit in the fifth embodiment. In the fifth embodiment, the circuit that constitutes the flavor generator includes a regulator 300 that regulates the current output to at least one of the electric load for atomization 122R and the electric load for flavor 124R.

In the example shown in FIG. 14, the regulator 300 is provided at a position where both the current supplied to the electric load for atomization 122R and the electric load for flavor 124R flow. In other words, the regulator 300 is provided between the high-potential side node to which the atomization electric load 122R and the flavor electric load 124R are connected in parallel and the positive electrode side of the power source 10 . In this case, the regulator 300 adjusts the current output to both the electric load for atomization 122R and the electric load for flavor 124R.

Alternatively, the regulator 300 can be placed in a position where current is supplied to the electrical atomization load 122R but not to the electrical flavor load 124R, or where current is supplied to the electrical flavor load 124R. may be provided at a position where the electric current supplied to the atomization electric load 122R does not flow. In other words, the regulator 300 may be provided between the above-described high potential side node and the first switch 142 or between the above-described high potential side node and the second switch 144 . In this case, the regulator 300 can adjust the current output to the electric load for atomization 122R or the electric load for flavor 124R.

When the control unit 50 receives a request for power supply to the electric load for atomization 122R and a request for power supply to the electric load for flavor 124R at the same time, the control unit 50 receives power supply to the electric load for atomization 122R and the electric power for flavor. When controlling the circuit so as to supply power to the load 124R at the same time, the current value or power value output by the regulator 300 may be reduced. That is, regulator 300 functions as at least a part of reduction means for reducing the current value. A linear regulator or a switching regulator may be used as a specific example of the regulator 300 . When a switching regulator is used and the control unit 50 turns on only one of the first switch 142 and the second switch 144, switching of the switching regulator may be stopped and only conduction may be performed.

Thus, when the regulator 300 that reduces the current value is used, complicated control of the power pulse as described in the above embodiment can be omitted. However, the regulator 300 as described in the fifth embodiment and the power pulse control as described in the previous embodiments may be used together.

(Sixth embodiment)
FIG. 15 is a schematic diagram of an electric circuit of a flavor generator including an atomization unit and a power supply unit in the sixth embodiment. In the sixth embodiment, a first circuit 410 and a second circuit 420 connected in parallel are provided instead of the regulator 300 in the fifth embodiment.

A third switch 412 is provided on the first circuit 410 . A fourth switch 422 is provided on the second circuit 420 . The electrical resistance value of the second circuit 420 is higher than the electrical resistance value of the first circuit 410 . Here, a resistor 424 is provided on the second circuit 420 .

The control unit 50 can control opening and closing of each of the third switch 412 and the fourth switch 422 . When third switch 412 is on and fourth switch 422 is off, discharge current from power supply 10 passes through first circuit 410 without passing through second circuit 420 . When the third switch 412 is off and the fourth switch 422 is on, the discharge current from the power supply 10 passes through the second circuit 420 without passing through the first circuit 410 . Here, since the electrical resistance value of the second circuit 420 is higher than the electrical resistance value of the first circuit 410, if the second circuit 420 is allowed to function without causing the first circuit 410 to function, the second circuit 420 The current value passing through is reduced. That is, the current value discharged by the power supply 10 can be reduced.

When the control unit 50 receives a request for power supply to the electric load for atomization 122R and a request for power supply to the electric load for flavor 124R at the same time, the control unit 50 receives power supply to the electric load for atomization 122R and the electric power for flavor. When controlling the circuit so as to supply power to the load 124R at the same time, the second circuit 420 may be caused to function without causing the first circuit 410 to function. More specifically, when both the first switch 142 and the second switch 144 are turned on at the same time, the control unit 50 may cause the second circuit 420 to function without causing the first circuit 410 to function. . On the other hand, when only one of the first switch 142 and the second switch 144 is turned on, the control unit 50 may cause the first circuit 410 to function without causing the second circuit 420 to function. Thereby, the control part 50 can reduce the electric power or electric energy discharged from the power supply 10, when both the 1st switch 142 and the 2nd switch 144 are turned on simultaneously. That is, the first circuit 410 and the second circuit 420 can be used as reduction means.

(Seventh embodiment)
FIG. 16 is a schematic diagram of an electric circuit of a flavor generator including an atomization unit and a power supply unit in the seventh embodiment. The configurations of the power supply 10, the control unit 50, the atomization electric load 122R, the flavor electric load 124R, the first switch 142 and the second switch 144 are the same as those of the first embodiment.

In the seventh embodiment, the flavor generator includes an auxiliary power supply 500 that can be discharged to the atomization electrical load 122R and the flavor electrical load 124R. As shown in FIG. 16, the auxiliary power supply 500, the atomization electric load 122R, and the flavoring electric load 124R may be electrically connected in parallel with each other with the power supply 10 as a reference. This allows the discharge current from the auxiliary power supply 500 to flow to the atomization electric load 122R and/or the flavor electric load 124R.

Auxiliary power source 500 may preferably be a rechargeable power source. In this case, auxiliary power supply 500 is charged with power from power supply 10 when the amount of charge is low. Conversely, when the charge amount of the auxiliary power supply 500 is high, the discharge current from the auxiliary power supply 500 flows to the electric load for atomization 122R and/or the electric load for flavor 124R. Auxiliary power source 500 preferably has a higher power density (W/kg) than power source 10 . As such an auxiliary power supply 500, for example, an electric double-layer capacitor (EDLC) can be used.

In the seventh embodiment, as the output voltage (charge amount) of the auxiliary power supply 500 increases, the discharge current from the power supply 10 decreases. Therefore, by using the auxiliary power supply 500, the power or amount of power discharged from the power supply 10 can be reduced. Thus, the auxiliary power supply 500 functions as a reducing means for reducing the power or amount of power discharged from the power supply 10 .

The control unit 50 may be able to obtain a value regarding the remaining amount of the auxiliary power supply 500 . The value related to the remaining amount of the auxiliary power supply 500 may be the voltage of the auxiliary power supply 500, for example. The voltage of auxiliary power supply 500 can be obtained or estimated by voltage sensor 510, for example. In this case, the control unit 50 is preferably configured to control the circuit so that the power or amount of power discharged by the power supply 10 is reduced as the value relating to the remaining amount of the auxiliary power supply 500, eg, the voltage, increases. The power or amount of power discharged by the power supply 10 can be controlled by a converter comprising, for example, a switch 520 , an anti-backflow diode 540 and an inductor 560 . The converter is not limited to this, as long as it is provided between the power supply 10 and the auxiliary power supply 500 and can convert the magnitude of at least one of the input current, voltage, and power and output it. . The power or amount of power discharged by the power supply 10 can also be controlled by adjusting the duty ratio of the power pulse using the switch 520 instead of the converter described above. As described above, the auxiliary power supply 500 can be effectively used by adjusting the power or amount of power discharged by the power supply 10 based on the value related to the remaining amount of the auxiliary power supply 500 .

(Eighth embodiment)
FIG. 17 is a schematic diagram of an electric circuit of a flavor generator including an atomization unit and a power supply unit in the eighth embodiment. The configurations of the power supply 10, the control unit 50, the atomization electric load 122R, the flavor electric load 124R, the first switch 142 and the second switch 144 are substantially the same as those of the seventh embodiment. However, the position of the auxiliary power supply 500 differs from that of the seventh embodiment.

Auxiliary power supply 500 is provided at a position that allows discharge current to flow to electric load for atomization 122R, but does not allow discharge current to flow to electric load for flavor 124R. That is, the auxiliary power supply 500 functions as a dedicated auxiliary power supply for the atomization electric load 122R. It should be noted that the auxiliary power supply 500 is preferably chargeable and dischargeable as described in the seventh embodiment.

Furthermore, the flavor generator 100 has a fifth switch 146 that allows or prohibits discharge current to flow from the power supply 10 to the auxiliary power supply 500 and/or the atomization electric load 122R. The fifth switch 146 is configured to be openable and closable by the controller 50 . Therefore, when the fifth switch 146 is on, the auxiliary power supply 500 can be charged with power from the power supply 10 .

Further, the first switch 142 can permit or prohibit the flow of discharge current from the power supply 10 or the auxiliary power supply 500 to the atomization electric load 122R. The second switch 144 can permit or prohibit the flow of discharge current from the power source 10 to the flavor electric load 124R.

In the eighth embodiment, various modes can be realized by combining on/off of the first switch 142, the second switch 144 and the fifth switch 146. FIG.

When the first switch 142, the second switch 144 and the fifth switch 146 are all off, no power is supplied to the atomization electric load 122R and the flavor electric load 124R. When the power source 10 is a chargeable/dischargeable secondary battery and the power source 10 is charged from an external power source, the first switch 142, the second switch 144, and the fifth switch 146 should all be turned off. .

When only the first switch 142 is on and the second switch 144 and the fifth switch 146 are off, the discharge current from the auxiliary power supply 500 flows into the atomization electric load 122R. can function. In this case, power is not supplied to the electric load for flavor 124R.

When only the second switch 144 is on and the first switch 142 and the fifth switch 146 are off, the electric discharge current from the power supply 10 flows into the electric load 124R for flavor, so that the electric load 124R for flavor functions. be able to. In this case, power is not supplied to the atomization electric load 122R.

When only the fifth switch 146 is on and the first switch 142 and the second switch 144 are off, no power is supplied to the atomization electric load 122R and the flavor electric load 124R. However, since the power from the power supply 10 flows into the auxiliary power supply 500, the auxiliary power supply 500 can be charged.

When only the first switch 142 is off and the second switch 144 and the fifth switch 146 are on, the electric discharge current from the power supply 10 flows into the electric load 124R for flavor, so that the electric load 124R for flavor functions. be able to. In this case, power is not supplied to the atomization electric load 122R. Furthermore, since power from the power supply 10 flows into the auxiliary power supply 500, the auxiliary power supply 500 can be charged.

When only the second switch 144 is off and the first switch 142 and the fifth switch 146 are on, a discharge current flows from both the power supply 10 and the auxiliary power supply 500 to the atomization electric load 122R. The electrical load 122R can be operated. In this case, power is not supplied to the electric load for flavor 124R. In this case, the discharge current from the power supply 10 can be reduced compared to the case where the power supply 10 alone supplies electric power to the atomization electric load 122R without using the auxiliary power supply 500 .

When only the fifth switch 146 is off and the first switch 142 and the second switch 144 are on, the discharge current from the auxiliary power supply 500 flows to the atomization electric load 122R, and the discharge current from the power supply 10 It flows to the flavor electric load 124R. Thus, the power supply 10 and the auxiliary power supply 500 independently power the electric flavor load 124R and the electric atomization load 122R, respectively.

When the first switch 142, the second switch 144, and the fifth switch 146 are all on, the discharge current from the power supply 10 flows to the flavor electric load 124R. Furthermore, a discharge current flows from both the power supply 10 and the auxiliary power supply 500 to the atomization electric load 122R. In this case, the discharge current from the power supply 10 can be reduced compared to the case where the power supply 10 alone supplies power to the electric load 122R for atomization and the electric load 124R for flavoring simultaneously without using the auxiliary power supply 500. . Therefore, as in the seventh embodiment, the auxiliary power supply 500 functions as reduction means for reducing the power or amount of power discharged from the power supply 10 .

(Program and storage medium)
The flow relating to the above-described embodiment can be executed by the control unit 50 . That is, the control section 50 may have a program that causes the flavor generating device 100 to execute the above-described method. Such programs are also included in the scope of the present invention. Also, it should be noted that a storage medium storing the program is also included in the scope of the present invention. Such a storage medium may be, for example, a non-volatile computer-readable storage medium.

[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.

For example, in the above embodiment, the first load defined in the claims is the atomization electric load (first load) 122R, and the second load defined in the claims is the flavoring electric load (second load). 124R is specifically described. Not limited to this, the first load may be an electrical load that atomizes the aerosol source or heats the flavor source. Therefore, it should be noted that there may be embodiments in which the first load corresponds to the electric flavor load 124R.

Also, the second load is not particularly limited as long as it is an electric load different from the first load. The second load may be, for example, a light emitting device such as an LED.

Further, it should be noted that, wherever possible, the configurations and controls described in multiple embodiments above can be combined and/or interchanged.

Claims (23)

a circuit electrically connecting a power supply, a first load for atomizing an aerosol source or heating a flavor source, and a second load different from the first load;
configured to obtain a request to supply power to each of the first load and the second load, and to control the circuit to supply power from the power source to each of the first load and the second load based on the request; a control unit configured with
When the control unit acquires the request for the first load and the request for the second load at the same time, or simultaneously supplies power to the first load and the second load. reducing the power or amount of power discharged from the power supply to less than the maximum power or amount of power that the power supply discharges to the first load and the second load simultaneously when controlling the circuit to do so at the same time. and a reduction means configured to. 2. The flavor generating device according to claim 1, wherein said reducing means is configured not to simultaneously supply power from said power source to said first load and said second load. The circuit includes a first switch that opens and closes an electrical connection between the first load and the power supply, a second switch that opens and closes an electrical connection between the second load and the power supply, including
The switching cycle of the first switch and the switching cycle of the second switch are the same,
The reduction means reduces the ON period of the first switch and the ON period of the second switch so that the sum of the ON period of the first switch and the ON period of the second switch does not exceed the switching period. 3. The flavor generating device according to claim 1 or 2, configured to set or correct at least one of the ON periods. The reduction means shifts the switching phase of the first switch from the switching phase of the second switch by an ON period of the second switch or longer, or shifts the switching phase of the second switch from the switching phase of the second switch. 4. The flavor generating device according to claim 3, wherein the switching phase of the first switch is shifted from the switching phase by at least the ON period of the first switch. The reducing means is
At least one of the ON period of the first switch and the ON period of the second switch so that the sum of the ON period of the first switch and the ON period of the second switch is less than the switching cycle set or correct the
shifting the phase of switching of the first switch from the phase of switching of the second switch by a greater amount than the ON period of the second switch, or shifting the phase of switching of the second switch from that of the first switch; 5. The flavor generating device according to claim 3 or 4, which is configured to be shifted from the phase of switching by more than the ON period of said first switch. The circuit includes a first switch that opens and closes an electrical connection between the first load and the power supply, a second switch that opens and closes an electrical connection between the second load and the power supply, including
The reducing means reduces at least one of a variable or mode in switching control of the first switch and a variable or mode in switching control of the second switch to reduce electric power or electric energy discharged from the power supply. 2. The flavor generating device of claim 1, configured to set or correct to: 7. The flavor generating device according to claim 6, wherein said reducing means is configured to shorten at least one of an ON period of said first switch and an ON period of said second switch. 7. The flavor generating device according to claim 6, wherein said reducing means is configured to shorten at least one of a switching period of said first switch and a switching period of said second switch. The control unit is configured to be able to control the first switch and the second switch based on feedback control using PWM control,
9. The reducing means according to claim 6 or 8, configured to control at least one of the first switch and the second switch based on feedback control using PFM control instead of PWM control. flavor generator. The reducing means reduces the power supplied to the second load simultaneously with the power supplied to the first load, or reduces the power supplied to the first load simultaneously with the power supplied to the second load. 10. The flavor generating device of any one of claims 1, 6-9, configured to reduce power. The control unit is configured to control power supplied from the power supply to at least one of the first load and the second load based on feedback control,
The reduction means is configured to adjust at least one of a proportional gain and a limiter upper limit in the feedback control so as to reduce power supplied from the power supply to at least one of the first load and the second load. 11. The flavor generating device of claim 10, wherein the circuit includes a regulator that regulates current output to at least one of the first load and the second load;
11. The flavor generating device according to claim 10, wherein said reducing means is configured to control said regulator to reduce the current value output by said regulator. The circuit includes a first circuit and a second circuit connected in parallel with the first circuit and having a higher electrical resistance value than the first circuit,
12. A flavor generating device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the reduction means is configured to operate the second circuit without operating the first circuit. 3. The reduction means includes a protection integrated circuit or an electrical fuse provided within the circuit and having a rated current value greater than a maximum current value that can be supplied to one of the first load and the second load. 14. The flavor generating device according to any one of 1 to 13. The reducing means reduces the current so that a sum of a first current supplied to the first load and a second current supplied to the second load at the same time as the first current does not exceed the rated current. 15. The flavor generating device of claim 14, configured to control a circuit. 2. From claim 1, wherein said reducing means includes a thermal fuse provided in said circuit and having a rated current value equal to or less than half of a current value flowing into said first load and said second load when power is supplied simultaneously. 16. The flavor generating device according to any one of 15. 16. A flavor generating device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said reducing means comprises an auxiliary power supply dischargeable to said first load and said second load. 18. The flavor generating device of claim 17, wherein said auxiliary power source has a higher power density than said power source. The control unit or the reduction means can acquire a value related to the remaining amount of the auxiliary power supply,
19. The control unit or the reducing means is configured to control the circuit so as to reduce the power discharged by the power supply or the amount of power as the value related to the remaining amount of the auxiliary power supply increases. The flavor generating device according to . the power supply and the auxiliary power supply are connected in parallel to at least one of the first load and the second load;
20. The circuit of claims 17 to 19, wherein the circuit is provided between the power supply and the auxiliary power supply and includes a converter capable of converting the magnitude of at least one of input current, voltage, and power and outputting it. The flavor generating device according to any one of claims 1 to 3. a power supply;
a circuit electrically connecting the power supply to a first load for nebulizing an aerosol source or heating a flavor source and a second load different from the first load;
configured to obtain a request to supply power to each of the first load and the second load, and to control the circuit to supply power from the power source to each of the first load and the second load based on the request; a control unit configured with
When the control unit acquires the request for the first load and the request for the second load at the same time, or simultaneously supplies power to the first load and the second load. reducing the power or amount of power discharged from the power supply to less than the maximum power or amount of power that the power supply discharges to the first load and the second load simultaneously when controlling the circuit to do so at the same time. a power supply unit for a flavor generating device, comprising: a reduction means configured to: 1. A method of controlling a flavor generating device including a first load that atomizes an aerosol source or heats a flavor source and a second load that is different from the first load, comprising:
obtaining a request to supply power to each of the first load and the second load, and controlling the circuit to supply power from a power supply to each of the first load and the second load based on the request;
When the request to the first load and the request to the second load are obtained at the same time, or the power supply to the first load and the power supply to the second load are performed at the same time. when controlling a circuit, reducing the power or amount of power discharged from the power supply below the maximum power or maximum power amount when the power supply simultaneously discharges to the first load and the second load. A method of controlling a flavor generating device, comprising: A program that causes a flavor generating device to execute the method according to claim 22.