JP2023123805A - Flavor generation device - Google Patents

Abstract

SOLUTION: A flavor generation device comprises: a power source 112; a heating unit 310 which heats a flavor source by receiving supply of the power from the power source when a value related to a residual amount of the power of the power source is higher than a first threshold; and a communication unit 412 which performs wireless communication with an external device by receiving supply of the power from the power source when the value related to the residual amount of the power of the power source is higher than a second threshold lower than the first threshold. The flavor generation device shifts to a sleep state when the value related to the residual amount of the power of the power source is lower than a third threshold lower than the second threshold.EFFECT: In a case of suppressing power supply to a generation unit, a residual amount of a power source used by an auxiliary instrument to be operated can be secured even after the operation of the generation unit is stopped. In a case of suppressing power supply to the auxiliary instrument, the operation time of the generation unit can be extended and an amount of flavor generated by the generation unit can be increased by preferentially securing the residual amount of the power source used by the generation unit.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

The present invention relates to a flavor generator.

Background of the Invention Flavor generating devices are known that have a heating element and a power supply for powering the heating element. The flavor generating device is configured not to supply electric power to the heating element when the remaining amount of electricity stored in the power source is below a predetermined amount (eg, Patent Document 1).

JP 2015-204833 A

A first feature is a flavor generating device, comprising: a control unit configured to obtain a remaining amount value, which is a value related to the remaining amount of power stored in a power supply; a generator configured to heat; and an accessory different from the generator, wherein the generator and the accessory are electrically connected to the power supply, and the controller controls the residual The power supply is configured to suppress power supply to at least one of the generator and the auxiliary device when the quantity value is higher than a discharge termination value indicating the discharge termination state of the power supply. .

A second feature is that, in the first feature, the control unit controls the charging state when the remaining amount value is higher than the discharge termination value and the remaining amount value indicates a fully charged state of the power source. When the power supply to at least one of the generating unit and the auxiliary device is suppressed when the remaining amount is lower than a lower limit threshold that is smaller than the final value, and the remaining amount is higher than the lower limit threshold, The gist of the invention is that the power supply is configured to permit power supply to at least one of the generator and the auxiliary device when the remaining amount value is smaller than the end-of-charge value.

A third feature is the first feature or the second feature, wherein the control unit is configured to suppress power supply to the auxiliary device when the remaining amount value is higher than the discharge end value. The gist is to be

A fourth feature is that in any one of the first to third features, the generating unit includes a heating unit that heats the flavor source, and the control unit controls the remaining amount value to be the discharge end value. and the remaining amount is equal to or less than a first lower threshold, the power supply to the heating unit is suppressed, and the first lower threshold is equal to the The gist is that it is a value that defines that the power supply to the heating unit cannot deliver flavor from the flavor source into the user's oral cavity.

A fifth feature is that in the fourth feature, the generation unit includes an atomization unit that atomizes the aerosol source in addition to the heating unit, and the control unit controls that the remaining amount value is equal to the discharge end value. and the remaining amount value is higher than the first lower limit threshold value, the control unit permits power supply to both the heating unit and the atomization unit, When the remaining amount value is higher than the discharge end value and the remaining amount value is equal to or less than the first lower threshold value, power supply to the heating unit is suppressed, and the atomization unit The gist of the invention is that it is configured to allow power supply to a

A sixth feature is any one of the first to third features, wherein the generation unit includes an atomization unit that atomizes the aerosol source in addition to the heating unit, and the control unit includes: permitting power supply to the heating unit and the atomizing unit when the remaining amount value is higher than the discharge termination value and the remaining amount value is higher than a first lower limit threshold; one selected from the heating unit and the atomizing unit when the remaining amount value is higher than the discharge termination value and the remaining amount value is equal to or less than the first lower threshold value; The gist of the invention is that it is configured to allow power supply to a

A seventh feature is any one of the first to third features, wherein the generator is configured to heat an aerosol-generating article comprising the flavor source and the aerosol source, and the controller is configured to suppress power supply to the generation unit when the remaining amount value is higher than the discharge termination value and the remaining amount value is equal to or less than a second lower threshold value. and the second lower threshold is such that a predetermined amount or more of aerosol cannot be generated from the aerosol-generating article by supplying power to the generating unit, or a user's The gist is that the value is defined as not being able to deliver flavor into the oral cavity.

According to an eighth feature, in any one of the first to third features, the generating unit includes an atomizing unit that atomizes the aerosol source, and the control unit controls that the remaining amount is the discharge When the remaining amount is higher than the final value and the remaining amount is equal to or less than the third lower limit threshold, power supply to the atomizing section is suppressed, and the third lower limit threshold is a value defined such that the supply of power to the atomizing section does not produce more than a predetermined amount of aerosol from the aerosol source.

A ninth feature is characterized in that, in any one of the first to eighth features, the remaining amount value is the state of charge of the power supply.

A tenth feature is based on the ninth feature, wherein the state of charge of the power supply is calculated based on a relationship between the state of charge of the power supply and an open-circuit voltage of the power supply, or a current charged and discharged to and from the power supply. The gist is that it is calculated based on the integrated value of

An eleventh feature is the tenth feature, wherein the control unit is configured to acquire a correction factor including at least one of an internal resistance value of the power supply, a deterioration state of the power supply, and a temperature of the power supply. and the controller corrects the state of charge of the power supply based on the correction factor.

A twelfth feature is the second feature and any one of the third to eleventh features citing the second feature, wherein the accessory is a first accessory that notifies the remaining amount value , and a second auxiliary device different from the first auxiliary device, and the control unit suppresses power supply to the generation unit when the remaining amount value is lower than the lower limit threshold value, and the second auxiliary device The gist is to allow power supply to the first accessory and the second accessory.

A thirteenth feature is characterized in that, in the twelfth feature, the second auxiliary device includes at least one of a notification unit, a memory, a detection unit, and a communication unit.

A fourteenth feature is the thirteenth feature, wherein the second auxiliaries include two or more second auxiliaries, and the control unit controls the two or more second auxiliaries as the remaining amount decreases. The gist is that the auxiliary equipment is configured to increase the number of target auxiliary equipment for which power supply is to be suppressed.

A fifteenth feature is the fourteenth feature, wherein the two or more second auxiliaries include the communication unit and auxiliaries other than the communication unit, and the control unit supplies power to the communication unit. The gist of the invention is to permit power supply to auxiliary equipment other than the communication unit at the time of suppressing the power supply.

In a sixteenth feature, in any one of the first to fifteenth features, the auxiliaries include a third auxiliaries used for suppressing deterioration due to discharge of the power supply, and the control unit controls the remaining amount permitting power supply to the generating unit when the value is higher than the discharge termination value and the remaining amount value is greater than a lower limit threshold smaller than the charge termination value indicating the fully charged state of the power supply; The gist is that the control unit permits power supply to the third auxiliary device when the remaining amount value is higher than a predetermined threshold higher than the lower limit threshold.

In a seventeenth aspect based on the sixteenth aspect, the third auxiliary device includes at least one of a temperature control unit that adjusts the temperature of the power supply and an auxiliary power supply that has a higher output density than the power supply. This is the gist of it.

According to an eighteenth feature, in any one of the first to seventeenth features, the auxiliaries include a high remaining amount auxiliary device and a low remaining amount auxiliary device, and the control unit controls that the remaining amount value When the remaining amount is higher than the discharge termination value and when the remaining amount value is greater than a lower limit threshold smaller than the charge termination value indicating the fully charged state of the power supply, power supply to the generation unit is permitted. The control unit permits power supply to the high remaining amount auxiliary device only when the remaining amount value is higher than a predetermined threshold higher than the lower threshold value, and the control unit allows the remaining amount value to be The gist of the invention is that power supply to the low remaining capacity auxiliary device is permitted when the threshold is lower than the lower limit threshold.

A nineteenth feature is a power supply control method, comprising: obtaining a remaining amount value, which is a value relating to the remaining amount of power stored in the power supply; heating by a generator electrically connected to the power source; and processing other than atomization of the aerosol source or heating of the flavor source by an accessory electrically connected to the power source. and suppressing power supply to at least one of the generator and the auxiliary device when the remaining amount value is higher than the discharge termination value indicating the discharge termination state of the power supply. This is the gist.

A twentieth feature is a program that causes a computer to execute the steps described in the nineteenth feature.

A twenty-first feature is a power supply unit of a flavor generator electrically connectable to a unit having a generator configured to atomize an aerosol source or heat a flavor source, wherein electric power stored in the power supply A control unit configured to acquire a remaining amount value that is a value related to the remaining amount of the power supply, and the control unit, when the remaining amount value is higher than a discharge termination value indicating a discharge termination state of the power supply, The gist of the invention is that power supply to at least one of the generator and an auxiliary device different from the generator is suppressed.

FIG. 1 is an exploded view showing a configuration example of a flavor generating device according to an embodiment. FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of an atomization unit according to the embodiment. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing functional blocks of the flavor generating device according to the embodiment. FIG. 4 is a diagram for explaining thresholds according to the embodiment. FIG. 5 is a flow diagram showing a power control method according to the embodiment. FIG. 6 is a diagram for explaining thresholds according to Modification 1. In 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 is needless to say that the drawings may include portions having different dimensional relationships and ratios.

[Summary of Disclosure]
In recent years, it has been considered to provide flavor generating devices with various functions in addition to simply generating an aerosol or flavor. In such a case, the power of the power source is required to realize various functions. was found to cause various inconveniences.

A flavor generating device according to an outline of the disclosure includes a control unit configured to obtain a remaining amount value, which is a value related to the amount of remaining power stored in a power supply; and an auxiliary device different from the generator. The generator and the accessory are electrically connected to the power supply. The controller is configured to suppress power supply to at least one of the generator and the auxiliary device when the remaining amount value is higher than a discharge termination value indicating a discharge termination state of the power supply. be done.

According to the summary of the disclosure, the flavor generator suppresses power supply to at least one of the generator and the auxiliary device when the remaining amount value is higher than the discharge termination value. According to such a configuration, all functions do not uniformly stop. That is, in the case where the power supply to the generation unit is suppressed, it is possible to secure the remaining amount of power used by the auxiliary device to operate even after the operation of the generation unit is stopped. In the case of suppressing the power supply to the auxiliary equipment, by preferentially securing the remaining amount of power used by the generator, the operating time of the generator can be extended and the amount of flavor generated by the generator can be increased. can be made

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

The flavor generator 100 may be a non-combustion type flavor generator for inhaling flavor without burning. Preferably, the flavor production device 100 may be a portable flavor production device. The flavor generating device 100 has an air flow path communicating from an inlet 100in to an outlet 100out. 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 such a case, the flavor generating device 100 may include one end E1 having the mouthpiece 100out for sucking the flavor and the other end E2 opposite to the mouthpiece 141. The flavor generator 100 has a power supply unit 110 and an atomization unit 120 .

The power supply unit 110 has a connecting portion 111 electrically and mechanically connected to the atomizing unit 120 . The power supply unit 110 has an inlet 100in. Note that the inlet 100in does not necessarily need to be provided in the power supply unit 110, and should be provided in at least one of the power supply unit 110 and the atomization unit 120.

The power supply unit 110 may have a power supply 112 , a suction sensor 113 , a light emitting element 114 and a control section 115 .

The power supply 112 accumulates power supplied to each component of the flavor generating device 100 . For example, power source 112 may be a secondary battery such as a lithium ion battery. The suction sensor 113 detects the user's puffing action. Light-emitting element 114 may be an element that emits light according to the state of flavor generating device 100 . For example, light emitting element 114 may be an LED. The control unit 115 controls each component of the flavor generating device 100 . For example, the control unit 115 may be an MCU (Micro Control Unit).

The atomization unit 120 has a connection part 121 electrically and mechanically connected to the power supply unit 110 . When the atomization unit 120 and the power supply unit 110 are mechanically connected to each other, an atomization section 122R and a heating section 124R, which will be described later, are electrically connected to the power supply 112 . The atomization unit 110 has an outlet 100out.

An example of the atomization unit 120 will be described below with reference to FIG. The atomization unit 120 may have a reservoir 122P, a wick 122Q, and an atomization section 122R.

Reservoir 122P may be configured to hold a liquid aerosol source. For example, the reservoir 122P may be a porous body made of a material such as a resin web. The wick 122Q may be a liquid holding member that transports the aerosol source from the reservoir 122P to the vicinity of the atomizing section 122R using capillary action. For example, the wick 122Q can be made of glass fiber, porous ceramic, or the like. The atomizing section 122R heats the aerosol source held in the wick 122Q. For example, the atomization part 122R is configured by a resistance heating element (for example, heating wire) wound around the wick 122Q.

Atomization unit 120 may have an inlet 125 . Air flowing in from the inlet 125 passes through the vicinity of the atomizing section 122R. The aerosol generated by the atomizing section 122R is guided to the outlet 100out together with air. If the power supply unit 110 has an inlet 100in, the air flowing in from the inlet 100in also passes through the vicinity of the atomizing section 122R. Inlet 125 may communicate with inlet 100in.

The aerosol source may be liquid at ambient temperature. For example, an aerosol source can be a polyhydric alcohol such as glycerin or propylene glycol. The aerosol source may be composed of multiple substances. As an example, the aerosol source may consist of a solvent mixture of glycerin, propylene glycol and water. The aerosol source may comprise a tobacco material or an extract derived from the tobacco material that releases flavor and taste components upon heating. Although the aerosol source that is liquid at room temperature is exemplified here, the aerosol source may be solid at room temperature.

The atomization unit 120 may have a replaceable flavor unit 130 . In such a case, the atomization unit 120 has a heating section 124R that heats the flavor source housed in the flavor unit 130. FIG. The heating section 124R may be arranged on the outer circumference of the flavor unit 130 (for example, the cylindrical body 131). For example, the heating unit 124R is composed of a resistance heating element (for example, a heating wire). As another example, the heating section 124R may be arranged inside the flavor unit 130 . As another example, the heating section 124R may be arranged around and inside the flavor unit 130 .

Flavor unit 130 has cylindrical body 131 having a cylindrical shape, ventilation member 132 , and ventilation member 133 . The ventilation member 132 and the ventilation member 133 may be mesh bodies or filters. A flavor source is accommodated in a space defined by the cylinder 131 , the ventilation member 132 and the ventilation member 133 .

The flavor source may be solid at ambient 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 movably accommodated within a space defined by the cylinder 131 , the ventilation member 132 and the ventilation member 133 . In such a case, since the flavor source flows within the flavor unit 130, the unevenness of the flavor source in contact with the heating section 124R is reduced, so that the flavor component can be stably released. Furthermore, in such a case, since the flavor source flows within the flavor unit 130, the air permeability within the flavor unit 130 is improved, and the flavor component can be stably released. Alternatively, it may be substantially fixed within the space defined by the cylinder 131 , the ventilation member 132 and the ventilation member 133 . In such a case, heat can be efficiently transferred from the heating section 124R to the flavor source.

Here, the atomization unit 120 has a channel 127 that guides the aerosol generated in the atomization section 122R to the flavor unit 130, and a channel 128 formed inside the flavor unit 130. According to such a configuration, the flavored aerosol is guided to the outlet 100out by passing the aerosol through the flavor source.

In embodiments, the atomization unit 120 may have a heat insulating material 126 provided outside the heating section 124R. According to such a configuration, heat transfer loss from the heating section 124R to the flavor source can be suppressed, and temperature rise of the outer surface of the atomization unit 120 due to heat generated in the heating section 124R can be suppressed.

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. Flavor unit 130 may serve as a mouthpiece by configuring flavor unit 130 to be exposed when connected to atomization unit 120 . With this configuration, the flavor unit 130 is replaced with a new one when the stored flavor source releases a sufficient amount of flavor, so the flavor generator 100 can be kept hygienic.

The atomization unit 120 may have a channel 129 that directs the aerosol to the outlet 100out without passing it through the flavor source, in addition to the channel 128 that directs the aerosol through the flavor source to the outlet 100out. The atomization unit 120 may have flow control means for adjusting the ratio of the aerosol passing through the channel 128 and the aerosol passing through the channel 129 .

(Functional block of flavor generator)
Functional blocks of the flavor generating device according to the embodiment will be described below. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing functional blocks of the flavor generating device according to the embodiment.

As shown in FIG. 3 , the control unit 115 controls the generation unit 300 and the auxiliaries 400 . The control unit 115 , the generation unit 300 and the auxiliaries 400 operate with power supplied from the power supply 112 .

The generation unit 300 has a heating unit 310 that heats the flavor source and an atomization unit 320 that atomizes the aerosol source. The heating section 124R described above is an example of the heating section 310, and the atomizing section 122R described above is an example of the atomizing section 320. As shown in FIG. However, in the embodiment, the configurations of the heating section 310 and the atomizing section 320 are not particularly limited.

Auxiliary device 400 includes temperature control unit 410, auxiliary power supply 411, communication unit 412, notification unit 413, volatile memory 414, nonvolatile memory 415, suction detection unit 416, battery temperature detection unit 417, An external environment detection unit 418 and an attachment/detachment detection unit 419 may be provided. Complement 400 need not include all of these comple- ments. The accessory 400 may include elements other than these.

Temperature control unit 410 adjusts the temperature of power supply 112 . Temperature control unit 410 may be a heater that warms power source 112 or a cooler that cools power source 112 . The temperature control section 410 may have both heater and cooler functions. The temperature control unit 410 is an example of a third auxiliary device used for suppressing deterioration due to discharge of the power supply. The temperature control unit 410 is an example of a high remaining amount auxiliary device, which will be described later.

Auxiliary power supply 411 is a power supply that has a higher power density than the power supply. The power density may be W/ ^m3 , which is the power per unit volume, or W/kg, which is the power per unit weight. For example, power stored in the auxiliary power supply 411 is used by the temperature control section 410 . The auxiliary power supply 411 is an example of a third auxiliary device used for suppressing deterioration due to discharge of the power supply. The auxiliary power supply 411 is an example of a high remaining power auxiliary device, which will be described later.

The communication unit 412 communicates with an external device other than the flavor generating device 100 (eg, smart phone, tablet, personal computer, etc.). The communication unit 412 may communicate with a flavor generating device or a nebulizer that are separate from the flavor generating device 100 . The communication unit 412 may be a wireless module that performs wireless communication, or a wired module that performs wired communication. For example, wireless communication may be communication conforming to communication methods such as Bluetooth (registered trademark) and IrDA. Wired communication may be accomplished by a USB cable. The communication unit 412 is an example of a second accessory that is different from the first accessory. The communication unit 412 is an example of a low remaining amount auxiliary device, which will be described later.

The notification unit 413 notifies the state of the flavor generation device 100 . The notification unit 413 may be a light-emitting element such as an LED, a display unit such as a display, or a vibration mechanism such as a vibrator. The state of the flavor generating device 100 may be the remaining amount of the aerosol source in the atomization unit 120 or the remaining amount of flavor source in the flavor unit. The remaining amount may be represented by the number of remaining puffs, the remaining energization time, or the remaining amount of the aerosol source and flavor source itself. Alternatively, the state of the flavor generating device 100 may be the remaining amount of the power source 112 . The notification of the remaining amount of the power supply 112 may be a charge alert prompting the charging of the power supply 112 when the remaining amount of the power supply 112 is equal to or less than the discharge termination value. The light emitting element 114 described above is an example of the notification unit 413 . In the case of notifying the remaining amount, the notification unit 413 may be an example of a first auxiliary device that notifies the remaining amount. In the case of performing notification other than the notification regarding the remaining amount value, the notification unit 413 may be an example of a second auxiliary device different from the first auxiliary device. That is, the terms first and second auxiliaries may be used differently depending on the function executed by the notification unit 413 . The notification unit 413 is an example of a low remaining amount auxiliary device, which will be described later.

The volatile memory 414 is a memory such as a DRAM or SRAM that cannot hold information without power supplied from the power supply 112 . Volatile memory 414 is an example of a second complement that is different from the first complement. Volatile memory 414 is an example of a low-level auxiliary device, which will be described later.

The nonvolatile memory 415 is a memory that can hold information without power supplied from the power supply 112, such as a flash memory. The non-volatile memory 415 is an example of a second complement that is different from the first complement. The non-volatile memory 415 is an example of a low remaining capacity auxiliary device, which will be described later.

Note that hereinafter, the volatile memory 414 and the nonvolatile memory 415 may be collectively referred to as memory.

The suction detection unit 416 is a detection unit that detects a user's puffing action. The suction sensor 113 described above is an example of the suction detection unit 416 . The suction detection unit 416 is an example of a second accessory that is different from the first accessory. The suction detection unit 416 is an example of a low remaining amount auxiliary device.

A battery temperature detection unit 417 is provided near the power source 112 and is a detection unit that detects the temperature of the power source 112 . For example, battery temperature detector 417 may be a temperature sensor. For example, the battery temperature detector 417 may be a thermistor or thermopile. Information detected by the battery temperature detection unit 417 may be used for charge/discharge control of the power supply 112 . For example, the charge/discharge control may be control to suppress charge/discharge when the temperature is lower than a threshold, or may be control to suppress charge/discharge when the temperature is higher than the threshold. Information detected by battery temperature detection unit 417 may be used to control temperature control unit 410 described above. Battery temperature detection unit 417 is an example of a second auxiliary device that is different from the first auxiliary device. Battery temperature detection unit 417 is an example of a low remaining charge auxiliary device, which will be described later.

The external environment detection unit 418 is a detection unit that detects at least one of external temperature and humidity. The external environment detection unit 418 may be provided at a position away from the generation unit 300 so as not to be affected by the generation unit 300 . For example, the external environment sensing unit 418 may be a temperature sensor or a humidity sensor. Information detected by the external environment detection unit 418 may be used to correct the suction detection unit 416 . The external environment detection unit 418 is an example of a second accessory that is different from the first accessory. The external environment detection unit 418 is an example of a low-remaining-remaining auxiliary device, which will be described later.

Attachment/detachment detection portion 419 is a detection portion that detects whether or not atomization unit 120 is attached. The attachment/detachment detection section 419 may detect whether or not the flavor unit 130 is attached. For example, the attachment/detachment detector 419 may detect whether or not the unit is attached based on a change in electrical resistance. The attachment/detachment detection unit 419 is an example of a second accessory that is different from the first accessory. The attachment/detachment detection unit 419 is an example of a low-remaining-remaining auxiliary device, which will be described later.

Note that hereinafter, the suction detection unit 416, the battery temperature detection unit 417, the external environment detection unit 418, and the attachment/detachment detection unit 419 may be collectively referred to as detection units.

Under such a background, the control unit 115 is configured to acquire a remaining amount value regarding the remaining amount of power accumulated in the power source 112 . Control unit 115 suppresses power supply to at least one of generation unit 300 and auxiliary device 400 when the remaining amount value is higher than the discharge termination value. Control unit 115 may suppress power supply to auxiliary device 400 even when the remaining amount value is higher than the discharge termination value. In the following, suppression of power supply may be prohibition of power supply or reduction of power supply amount.

Specifically, it will be described with reference to FIG. In FIG. 4, the relationship of charge end value> _THD > _THC > _THB > _THA >discharge end value>operation guaranteed value holds. As shown in FIG. 4 , as the state of the remaining amount of the power supply 112 , a charge final value, a discharge final value, and an operation guarantee value are determined based on the specifications of the power supply 112 and the specifications of the control unit 115 . The end-of-charge value is a value that indicates the fully charged state of the power supply 112 . The end-of-discharge value is a value that indicates the end-of-discharge state of the power supply 112 . The operation guarantee value is a value indicating the remaining amount value that should be ensured in order to guarantee the operation of the control unit 115 .

In such a case, the control unit 115 permits power supply to all the generation units 300 and permits power supply to all the auxiliaries 400 when the remaining amount value is higher than the threshold TH _D ( first processing). In other words, when the remaining amount value is higher than the threshold TH _D , there is no electric load whose power supply is suppressed by the control unit 115 . When the remaining amount is higher than the threshold TH _D , the remaining amount is sufficient, so there is no need to suppress the power supply to the generator 300 and the auxiliary device 400 . As a result, it is possible to prevent the user from feeling uncomfortable due to unnecessary suppression of the function of the flavor generating device 100 .

The deterioration of the power supply 112 is more likely to progress when left for a long time with a high remaining amount than when left for a long time with an intermediate remaining amount. Therefore, when the remaining amount is sufficient, the control section 115 permits power supply to all the generating sections 300 and all the auxiliaries 400, so that the remaining amount can be brought close to medium. As a result, progress of deterioration of the power supply 112 can be delayed compared to the case where the control unit 115 suppresses power supply to a part of the generation unit 300 and/or the auxiliary device 400 .

When the remaining amount value is lower than the threshold TH _D and the remaining amount value is higher than the threshold TH _C , the control unit 115 permits power supply to all the generation units 300, Power supply to auxiliaries other than (the temperature control unit 410 and the auxiliary power supply 411) is permitted, and power supply to the third auxiliaries is suppressed (second processing).

The temperature control unit 410 and the auxiliary power supply 411 included in the third auxiliary equipment are called high-remaining auxiliary equipment because power supply is permitted only when the remaining amount value is higher than the threshold value _THD , which is close to the charge termination value. .

In the embodiment, the threshold TH _D is an example of a predetermined threshold used to determine whether to permit power supply to the third auxiliary device. When the remaining amount value is lower than the threshold TH _D , power supply to the third auxiliary device is suppressed and power supply to the generator 300 is permitted. Therefore, the threshold TH _D may be considered to be an example of a lower threshold that is lower than the end-of-charge value.

The temperature control unit 410 and auxiliary power supply 411 belonging to the third auxiliary device can be used for the purpose of suppressing deterioration of the power supply 112 . Deterioration during charging and discharging in a general power supply is most suppressed when the temperature of the power supply is room temperature. On the other hand, the deterioration of the power supply progresses as the temperature of the power supply becomes lower or higher. Therefore, the deterioration of the power supply 112 can be effectively suppressed by adjusting the temperature of the power supply 112, which is low or high, so that the temperature is at or near room temperature.

Also, in general power supplies, the greater the power or current discharged per unit time, the more the deterioration progresses. For example, when all elements included in the generator 300 and the auxiliary unit 400 need to be simultaneously supplied with power, if only the power supply 112 supplies power, the power discharged by the power supply 112 per unit time or the current will increase. As a result, the deterioration of the power supply 112 tends to progress. A similar problem may occur when the heating unit 310 or the atomizing unit 320 is composed of an electric heater and has a high heat capacity. A similar problem may occur when the power consumption of the elements included in the accessory unit 400 is large. This problem can be solved by using multiple power sources. When the power or current to be discharged per unit time is large, the power or current discharged by each power supply can be reduced by simultaneously discharging from a plurality of power supplies. Therefore, the deterioration of the power supply 112 can be effectively suppressed by using the auxiliary power supply 411 electrically connected to the generation unit 300 and the auxiliary unit 400 in the same manner as the power supply 112 .

By the way, when power is supplied from the power supply 112 to the auxiliary power supply 411, excluding the loss that occurs in the conductors and switches that electrically connect them, the total amount of electric power possessed by the power supply 112 and the auxiliary power supply 411 before and after the power supply is is preserved. Therefore, when the remaining amount of the power source 112 is high, if power is positively supplied from the power source 112 to the auxiliary power source 411, the power amount of the entire flavor generating device 100 can be conserved and left for a long time. The deterioration of the power supply 112 that is the cause can also be effectively suppressed.

Thus, the temperature control unit 410 and the auxiliary power supply 411 belonging to the third auxiliary device can play a role in suppressing deterioration of the power supply 112 . However, since the power supply from the power supply 112 to the temperature control unit 410 and the auxiliary power supply 411 lowers the remaining amount of the power supply 112, if the control unit 115 permits this regardless of the remaining amount of the power supply 112, The operating time of the generation unit 300 is shortened. Therefore, the control unit 115 permits power supply from the power source 112 to the third auxiliary device only when the remaining amount value is higher than the threshold value _THD . As a result, deterioration of the power supply 112 can be effectively suppressed while extending the operation time of the generation unit 300 .
Control unit 115 permits power supply to atomizing unit 320 when the remaining amount is lower than threshold TH _C and is higher than threshold TH _B , and allows power supply to other than the third auxiliary device. power supply to the second auxiliary device is permitted, power supply to the heating unit 310 is suppressed, and power supply to the third auxiliary device is suppressed (third process).

In the embodiment, the threshold TH _C is an example of a first lower limit threshold used for determining whether to permit power supply to the heating unit 310 . When the remaining amount value is lower than the threshold _THC , the power supply to the heating unit 310 is suppressed, and the power supply to the auxiliaries other than the third auxiliaries is permitted. Therefore, the threshold _THC may be considered to be an example of a lower threshold that is lower than the end-of-charge value.

In another example, the threshold TH _C may be a value that defines that the power supply to the heating element 310 cannot deliver sufficient flavor from the flavor source into the user's oral cavity.

As described above, the flavoring unit 130 may be configured to impart flavor to the aerosol generated by the atomizing section 320 as it passes through the aerosol. In this embodiment, if power is supplied only to the atomization part 320 of the heating part 310 and the atomization part 320, the flavored aerosol can be delivered into the user's oral cavity. That is, the heating unit 310 is used to increase the amount of flavor imparted to the aerosol. In such embodiments, the threshold TH _C is a value defined such that powering the heating element 310 does not increase the flavor imparted to the aerosol, or does not increase the flavor imparted to the aerosol to an extent that is imperceptible to the user. good too.

In either embodiment, it is difficult to deliver a flavored aerosol into the oral cavity of the user even if only the heating section 310 of the heating section 310 and the atomizing section 320 is powered. Therefore, the threshold for suppressing power supply to heating section 310 is preferably equal to or greater than the threshold for suppressing power supply to atomization section 320 . In the flavor generating device 100 capable of generating a flavored aerosol without power supply to the heating unit 310, the threshold for suppressing the power supply to the heating unit 310 is set when the power supply to the atomizing unit 320 is More preferably, the value is higher than the threshold to be suppressed.

When the remaining amount value is lower than the threshold TH _B and the remaining amount value is higher than the threshold TH _A , the control unit 115 permits power supply to the auxiliary devices other than the third auxiliary device, Power supply to all generation units 300 is suppressed, and power supply to the third auxiliary device is suppressed (fourth processing).

In the embodiment, the threshold TH _B is an example of a third lower limit threshold used to determine whether or not to permit power supply to the atomization section 320 . The threshold TH _B is a value that defines that powering the nebulizer 320 cannot generate more than a predetermined amount of aerosol from the aerosol source. For example, the predetermined amount may be about 0.2 mg/puff of TPM (Total Particulate Matter), a level at which the aerosol entraps flavor and is delivered into the user's mouth. Alternatively, the predetermined amount may be about 0.01 mg/puff of TPM as a user perceptible level.

When the remaining amount value is lower than the threshold TH _B , the power supply to the generation unit 300 is suppressed, and the power supply to the auxiliaries (the first and second auxiliaries) other than the third auxiliaries is permitted. be. Therefore, the threshold TH _B may be considered to be an example of a lower threshold lower than the end-of-charge value.

If the remaining power level of the power supply 112 is too low to generate a predetermined amount of aerosol, supplying power to the atomization unit 320 only wastes the power stored in the power supply 112 . Therefore, control unit 115 suppresses the power supply from power supply 112 to atomizing unit 320 when the remaining amount is lower than threshold _THB , thereby avoiding such waste and reducing the low remaining amount auxiliary device described later. It is possible to both extend the operation time.

When the remaining amount is lower than the threshold TH _A and the remaining amount is higher than the discharge end value, the control unit 115 stops power supply to the auxiliary devices other than the third auxiliary device and the communication unit 412. Along with permitting, the power supply to all the generation units 300 is suppressed, and the power supply to the third auxiliary device and the communication unit 412 is suppressed (fifth processing).

In the embodiment, whether or not to suppress the power supply to the communication unit 412 is determined based on whether or not the remaining amount value is higher than the threshold TH _A. That is, control unit 115 is configured to increase the number of target auxiliaries to which power supply is to be suppressed for two or more second auxiliaries as the remaining amount value decreases. Control unit 115 permits power supply to auxiliary devices other than communication unit 412 at the time of suppressing power supply to communication unit 412 .

The notification unit 413 , memory, and detection unit are closely related to the states of the flavor generating device 100 and the power source 112 . On the other hand, the communication unit 412 does not perform such a function. In other words, the communication unit 412 is less important than the notification unit 413, memory, and detection unit. Therefore, when the remaining amount decreases, the control unit 115 preferably suppresses power supply before the notification unit 413, the memory, and the detection unit.

When the remaining amount value is lower than the discharge termination value and the remaining amount value is higher than the operation guarantee value, the control unit 115 suppresses the power supply to all the generation units 300 and all the auxiliary devices. Power supply to 400 is suppressed. However, the power supply is permitted for the charge alert function described above (sixth processing). Here, the control unit 115 may transition to a sleep state for suppressing power consumption after notifying the charge alert for a certain period of time.

At least some of the second auxiliaries are called low remaining amount auxiliaries because power supply is permitted until the remaining amount reaches the discharge end value.

(Power control method)
A power supply control method according to the embodiment will be described below. FIG. 5 is a flow diagram showing a power control method according to the embodiment. The flow shown in FIG. 5 is executed by the flavor generating device 100 (control unit 115).

As shown in FIG. 5, in step S10, the flavor generating device 100 determines whether or not the remaining amount value is higher than the threshold _THD . If the determination result is YES, the process of step S15 is performed. If the determination result is NO, the process of step S11 is performed.

In step S11, the flavor generating device 100 determines whether or not the remaining amount value is higher than the threshold _THC . If the determination result is YES, the process of step S16 is performed. If the determination result is NO, the process of step S12 is performed.

In step S12, the flavor generating device 100 determines whether or not the remaining amount value is higher than the threshold _THB . If the determination result is YES, the process of step S17 is performed. If the determination result is NO, the process of step S13 is performed.

In step S13, the flavor generating device 100 determines whether or not the remaining amount value is higher than the threshold TH _A. If the determination result is YES, the process of step S18 is performed. If the determination result is NO, the process of step S14 is performed.

In step S14, the flavor generating device 100 determines whether or not the remaining amount value is higher than the discharge termination value. If the determination result is YES, the process of step S19 is performed. If the determination result is NO, the process of step S20 is performed.

In step S15, the flavor generating device 100 performs the first process described above.

In step S16, the flavor generating device 100 performs the second process described above.

In step S17, the flavor generating device 100 performs the third process described above.

In step S18, the flavor generating device 100 performs the fourth process described above.

In step S19, the flavor generating device 100 performs the fifth process described above.

In step S20, the flavor generating device 100 performs the sixth process described above.

(Action and effect)
In the embodiment, the flavor generating device 100 suppresses power supply to at least one of the generating section 300 and the auxiliary device 400 when the remaining amount value is higher than the discharge termination value. According to such a configuration, all functions do not uniformly stop. That is, in the case where the power supply to generation unit 300 is suppressed, it is possible to secure the remaining amount of power used by auxiliary device 400 to operate even after the operation of generation unit 300 is stopped. In the case of suppressing the power supply to the auxiliary device 400, by preferentially securing the remaining amount of the power source used by the generation unit 300, the operation time of the generation unit 300 can be extended, and the flavor generated by the generation unit can be increased. amount can be increased.

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

In the embodiment, no particular priority is set for the second auxiliaries other than the communication unit 412 . On the other hand, in Modification 1, the priority is also determined for the second auxiliaries other than the communication unit 412 . In FIG. 6, remaining capacity values greater than the threshold TH _B are omitted. In FIG. 6, there is a relationship of TH _A >TH _R >TH _Q >TH _P >discharge end value.

As shown in FIG. 6, the control unit 115 may suppress power supply to the external environment detection unit 418 and the attachment/detachment detection unit 419 when the remaining amount value is lower than the threshold value _THR . They are not related to obtaining information about power supply 112 or writing to or reading from memory. Therefore, they are of lesser importance than the auxiliaries whose power supply is throttled at lower remaining capacity values.

The control unit 115 may further stop power supply to the nonvolatile memory 415 when the remaining amount value is lower than the threshold TH _Q. As described above, the nonvolatile memory 415 can retain information even when power supply is suppressed. Therefore, the nonvolatile memory 415 has less influence on the flavor generating device 100 even if the power supply is suppressed, compared to a volatile memory that cannot hold information when the power supply is suppressed.

Control unit 115 may further stop power supply to notification unit 413 (other than charging alert), volatile memory 414 and battery temperature detection unit 417 when the remaining amount value is lower than threshold value _THP . Since the control unit 115 and the notification unit 413 consume the remaining amount of the power supply 112 when the charge alert is executed, it is preferable that the charge alert is executed at an appropriate timing so as to suppress the decrease in the remaining amount of the power supply 112 . In order to suppress the decrease in the remaining amount, the charge alert may be triggered by detection of suction by the suction detection unit 416 .

Control unit 115 may further stop power supply to suction detection unit 416 when the remaining amount value is lower than the discharge termination value.

According to such a configuration, since the priority is also determined for the second auxiliaries, the remaining amount of the power supply 112 used by the second auxiliaries with high priority is ensured, and the operation of the second auxiliaries with high priority is ensured. can extend the time.

It should be noted that the order of priority in the second auxiliaries other than the communication unit 412 may be different from those in the above-described embodiment.

As another example, the control unit 115 may stop power supply to the suction detection unit 416 when the remaining amount value is lower than the threshold value _THP . Further, the control unit 115 may stop power supply to the notification unit 413 (other than the charge alert), the volatile memory 414 and the battery temperature detection unit 417 when the remaining amount value is lower than the discharge termination value. As a result, control unit 115 can detect the state of power supply 112 until the remaining amount of power supply 112 reaches the discharge termination value. Therefore, the safety of the flavor generating device 100 is improved.
As another example, the user may be allowed to set the priority of the second auxiliaries other than the communication unit 412 freely or based on a predetermined algorithm.

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

Although not particularly mentioned in the embodiment, an example of the remaining amount value of the power source 112 will be described in Modified Example 2. FIG. As the remaining amount value of the power supply 112, the state of charge (SOC: State Of Charge) of the power supply 112 can be used.

For example, the control unit 112 may calculate the state of charge of the power source 112 based on the relationship between the state of charge of the power source 112 and the open-circuit voltage of the power source 112 . Specifically, the control unit 112 stores in advance the relationship between the state of charge (SOC) and the open-circuit voltage (OCV) (SOC-OCV curve and SOC-OCV straight line), and measures the open-circuit voltage of the power supply 112. The state of charge of the power supply 112 may be calculated by:

Alternatively, the control unit 112 may calculate the state of charge of the power source 112 based on the integrated value of the current charged and discharged by the power source 112 . Specifically, the control unit 112 measures the current charged and discharged by the power source 112 to calculate the increase/decrease in the state of charge with respect to the current.

In these cases, the control unit 112 may be configured to acquire a correction factor including at least one of the internal resistance value of the power supply 112, the deterioration state of the power supply 112, and the temperature of the power supply 112. Controller 112 may correct the state of charge of power source 112 based on the correction factor. For example, the internal resistance value of the power supply 112 is a factor that affects the characteristics of the SOC-OCV curve and SOC-OCV straight line described above. The deterioration state of the power supply 112 is a factor that affects the full charge capacity. The temperature of the power supply 112 is a factor that affects the characteristics of the SOC-OCV curve and the SOC-OCV straight line described above.

[Modification 3]
Modification 3 of the embodiment will be described below. In the following, the differences with respect to the embodiments will be explained.

In the embodiment, the flavor generating device 100 permits power supply to both the heating unit 310 and the atomization unit 320 when the remaining amount is higher than the threshold _THC , and the remaining amount is higher than the threshold _THC . When it is low, the power supply to the heating section 310 is suppressed and the power supply to the atomizing section 320 is permitted.

On the other hand, in Modification 3, the flavor generating device 100 stops power supply to both the heating unit 310 and the atomization unit 320 when the remaining amount value is higher than the threshold _THC , as in the embodiment. To give permission. On the other hand, when the remaining amount value is lower than the threshold _THC , power supply to the selected one of the heating section 310 and the atomizing section 32 is permitted. Such selection may be made by the user. Alternatively, such selections may be made automatically based on past user selections or other user selections. For example, automatic selection may be made by AI (Artificial Intelligence).

[Modification 4]
Modification 4 of the embodiment will be described below. In the following, the differences with respect to the embodiments will be explained.

The embodiments have described the case where the flavor source and the aerosol source are separate. In contrast, Modification 4 describes the case where an aerosol-generating article comprising a flavor source and an aerosol source is provided. For example, the aerosol-generating article may be a rod composed of tobacco products. In such cases, generator 300 heats the aerosol-generating article. Note that the generation unit 300 may include either one of the heating unit 310 and the atomization unit 320 .

In such a case, the flavor generating device 100 (control unit 115) controls the generation unit configured to suppress power supply to 300; The second lower threshold is such that power supply to the generator 300 cannot generate more than a predetermined amount of aerosol from the aerosol-generating article, or power supply to the generator 300 can deliver flavor from the aerosol-generating article to the oral cavity of the user. A value that is defined as not possible.

That is, when analogous to the above-described embodiment, the second lower limit threshold may be considered to be the threshold TH _C shown in FIG. 4 or may be considered to be the threshold TH _B shown in FIG. However, in Modification 4, it should be noted that the heating section 310 and the atomizing section 320 are not provided separately.

[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 an embodiment, the generating section 300 has a heating section 310 and an atomizing section 320 . However, embodiments are not so limited. The generating section 300 may have either one of the heating section 310 and the atomizing section 320 .

In the embodiment, the case in which the auxiliaries listed in FIG. 3 are provided as the auxiliaries 400 has been exemplified. However, embodiments are not so limited. At least one of the auxiliaries listed in FIG. 3 may be provided as the auxiliaries 400 .

Although not particularly mentioned in the embodiment, a program may be provided that causes a computer to execute each process performed by the flavor generating device 100 (control unit 115). Also, the program may be recorded on a computer-readable medium. A computer readable medium allows the installation of the program on the computer. Here, the computer-readable medium on which the program is recorded may be a non-transitory recording medium. The non-transitory recording medium is not particularly limited, but may be, for example, a recording medium such as CD-ROM or DVD-ROM.

Alternatively, a chip configured by a memory storing a program for executing each process performed by the flavor generating device 100 (control unit 115) and a processor executing the program stored in the memory may be provided.

Claims (6)

A flavor generating device,
a power supply;
a heating unit that receives power from the power source and heats the flavor source when the value related to the remaining power of the power source is higher than a first threshold;
a communication unit that receives power from the power supply and performs wireless communication with an external device when a value related to the remaining amount of power of the power supply is higher than a second threshold that is lower than the first threshold;
including
The flavor generating device transitions to a sleep state when the value related to the remaining power of the power supply is lower than a third threshold lower than the second threshold.
Flavor generator. The flavor generating device further includes a notification unit that notifies the user by receiving power supply from the power supply and causing at least one light emitting element to emit light,
The notification unit is capable of issuing a notification prompting charging of the power supply when a value related to the remaining amount of power of the power supply is lower than the third threshold.
The flavor generating device according to claim 1. 3. The flavor generating device according to claim 2, wherein the notifying unit notifies the charging of the power source when detection of suction is triggered. 4. The flavor generating device according to claim 2, wherein said flavor generating device transitions to a sleep state after said notification section issues a notification prompting charging of said power supply. 5. The flavor generating device according to claim 4, wherein the notification prompting charging of the power supply is performed for a certain period of time. The flavor generating device further includes a memory that operates with power supplied from the power supply,
The memory stores a program for causing the flavor generating device to execute processing for controlling power supply from the power source.
The flavor generating device according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

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