JP6735943B2 - Non-burning type flavor suction device - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a non-combustion type flavor inhaler.

Conventionally, a non-combustion type flavor suction device for sucking flavor without burning is known. The non-combustion type flavor inhaler has an atomization unit that atomizes an aerosol source without combustion and without combustion, and a sensor that detects a puff operation of a user. The non-combustion type flavor inhaler starts supplying power output to the atomizing unit in response to detection of the puff operation (for example, Patent Document 1).

JP-A-11-089551

A first aspect of the present invention relates to a non-combustion type flavor inhaler, wherein the non-combustion type flavor inhaler is configured to atomize an aerosol source without combustion, and the fog. And a control unit for controlling the atomizing unit, the control unit predetermining an operation of intermittently generating heat in the heating resistor of the atomizing unit in a state where the aerosol source is atomized. The operation is stopped for a period of time, and thereafter, the operation of intermittently generating heat in the heating resistor of the atomizing unit is started.
A second aspect of the present invention relates to a non-combustion type flavor inhaler, wherein the non-combustion type flavor inhaler is configured to atomize an aerosol source without combustion, and the fog. And a control unit for controlling the atomizing unit, the control unit predetermining an operation of intermittently generating heat in the heating resistor of the atomizing unit in a state where the aerosol source is atomized. The operation is stopped for a certain period of time, and thereafter, the operation of intermittently generating heat in the heating resistor of the atomizing unit is continued for a predetermined period of time.
In the following, some features of the invention described in the present specification will be described separately from the above-mentioned invention, but those features are related to the invention described in the claims at the initial application of the present application. However, it is not the invention described in the claims of the present application.
A first feature is a non-combustion type flavor inhaler, which includes an atomization unit that atomizes an aerosol source without combustion, and a control unit that controls a power output to the atomization unit. The part is to start the supply of the power output to the atomizing unit before the user's puff operation is started, and to stop the supply of the power output to the atomizing unit during the user's puff operation.

A second feature is that, in the first feature, the non-combustion type flavor inhaler includes an atomization switch that switches to a state in which supply of power output to the atomization unit is stopped when a puff operation of a user is performed. The point is to prepare.

A third feature is that, in the second feature, the atomization switch is switched to a state in which supply of power output to the atomization unit is started when the puff operation of the user is stopped.

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

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

A sixth feature is the second feature or the third feature, wherein the atomization switch is interlocked with a user operation on the operation interface, and the control unit does not perform a user operation on the operation interface. At the time, the gist is to stop the supply of the power supply output to the atomizing unit.

A seventh feature is any one of the second feature, the third feature, and the sixth feature, wherein the atomizing switch is interlocked with a user operation on an operation interface, and the controller is configured to operate the operation interface. The gist of the present invention is to start supplying power output to the atomizing unit when a user operation is performed on the atomizing unit.

An eighth feature is that, in the first feature, the non-combustion type flavor inhaler is switched to an ON state when a user operation is performed on the operation interface, and when the user operation is not performed on the operation interface. A first switch that is switched to an off state and a second switch that is switched to an on state when the user starts a puff operation and that is switched to an off state when the user ends the puff operation. When the switch is turned on, the supply of power output to the atomizer is started, and when the second switch is switched on, the supply of power output to the atomizer is stopped. And

A ninth feature is that, in any one of the first feature to the eighth feature, the controller causes the fog to be generated when a first time has elapsed from the start of supplying the power output to the atomizer. The gist is to stop the supply of power output to the rectification unit.

A tenth feature is the ninth feature, wherein when the control unit stops the supply of the power output to the atomization unit due to the passage of the first time, and the second time passes, the atomization is performed. The gist is to restart the supply of power output to the department.

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

The twelfth feature is, in any one of the first feature to the eleventh feature, provided with a notification unit that notifies that the desired amount of aerosol cannot be supplied in a period in which the desired amount of aerosol cannot be supplied. Is the gist.

A thirteenth feature is that, in the first to twelfth features, an absorbing member that absorbs the condensed aerosol is provided on a wall surface exposed to the flow path of the aerosol generated by the atomizing unit. To do.

A fourteenth feature is the method according to any one of the first to thirteenth features, wherein the non-combustion type flavor inhaler includes a suction sensor that detects a puff operation, and the control unit uses the suction sensor to perform the puff operation. When the switching from the non-suction state in which no suction is detected to the suction state in which the puff operation is detected by the suction sensor and the change from the suction state to the non-suction state are performed, the atomization unit is energized. The point is to trigger the process.

A fifteenth feature is an aerosol delivery method, which includes a step A of generating an aerosol in the suction path in a state where a fluid flow is not generated in the suction path continuous from the inlet to the outlet, and step A of the step A. After that, in a state in which the generation of the aerosol is stopped, the step B of moving the aerosol into the oral cavity of the user by the fluid flow in the suction path is summarized.

A sixteenth feature is the thirteenth feature, wherein the step A is a step of starting supply of power output to the atomizing unit when a user operation is performed on the operation interface, and the step B is the step of It is a gist to be a step of stopping the supply of the power output to the atomizing unit when the user operation to the operation interface is stopped.

It should be noted that in the features described above, the user operation on the operation interface does not include the puff operation of the user. The operation interface is not particularly limited, but is an interface that is directly operated by the user's hand, and the user operation on the operation interface is, for example, button operation, lever operation, switch operation, or the like.

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a flavor inhaler 100 according to the embodiment. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the atomization unit 111 according to the embodiment. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a block configuration of the flavor inhaler 100 according to the embodiment. FIG. 4 is a diagram for explaining a control example of power output to the atomizing unit 111R according to the embodiment. FIG. 5 is a flow chart showing an aerosol delivery method according to an embodiment. FIG. 6 is a flow diagram showing an aerosol delivery method according to an embodiment. FIG. 7 is a flow chart showing an aerosol delivery method according to an embodiment. FIG. 8: is a figure which shows the block structure of the flavor suction device 100 which concerns on the example 1 of a change. FIG. 9 is a diagram for explaining a control example of power supply output to the atomization unit 111R according to the first modification. FIG. 10: is a figure which shows the block structure of the flavor suction device 100 which concerns on the example 2 of a change. FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing the aerosol delivery method according to the second modification.

Hereinafter, embodiments will be described. 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 be different from the actual one.

Therefore, specific dimensions should be determined in consideration of the following description. Further, it is needless to say that the drawings include portions in which dimensional relationships and ratios are different from each other.

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

The non-combustion type flavor inhaler according to the embodiment includes an atomization unit that atomizes an aerosol source without combustion, and a control unit that controls a power output to the atomization unit, and the control unit is a user. The power supply to the atomizing unit is started before the puffing operation is started, and the power supply to the atomizing unit is stopped during the puffing operation by the user.

In the embodiment, the control unit stops the supply of the power output to the atomizing unit during the puffing operation of the user. While the aerosol is being generated by the atomizing unit, the temperature of the atomizing unit does not change due to the puff operation of the user. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the particle diameter of the particles forming the aerosol from varying within one puff operation or between a plurality of puff operations.

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

As shown in FIG. 1, the flavor suction device 100 includes a suction device body 110 and a cartridge 130.

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

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

The aerosol source is a liquid such as glycerin or propylene glycol. The aerosol source is held by a porous body made of a material such as a resin web as described above. The porous body may be made of a non-tobacco material or a tobacco material. The aerosol source may include a flavor component (eg, nicotine component). Alternatively, the aerosol source may be free of flavor components.

In the embodiment, an absorbing member 111S that absorbs the condensed aerosol is provided on the wall surface exposed to the flow path of the aerosol generated by the atomization unit 111R. The wall surface exposed in the aerosol flow path is, for example, the inner surface of the first cylinder 111X exposed in the aerosol flow path, the outer surface of the reservoir 111P exposed in the aerosol flow path, or the like. Here, the absorbing member 111S
When is not in contact with the reservoir 111P, it is preferable that the aerosol (condensed aerosol) absorbed by the absorbing member 111S is guided from the absorbing member 111S to the atomizing portion 111R by utilizing the capillary phenomenon. On the other hand, when the absorbing member 111S is in contact with the reservoir 111P, the aerosol (condensed aerosol) absorbed by the absorbing member 111S is preferably guided from the absorbing member 111S to the reservoir 111P. The absorbing member 111S may be a member having a function of absorbing condensed aerosol, and may be made of, for example, the same material (resin web) as that of the reservoir 111P.
It may be made of the same material (glass fiber) as 11Q.

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

The power supply 10 is, for example, a lithium ion battery. The power supply 10 stores electric power required for operating the flavor suction device 100. For example, the power supply 10 stores electric power supplied to the suction sensor 20 and the control circuit 50. In addition, the power supply 10 stores electric power supplied to the atomization unit 111 (atomization unit 111R).

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

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

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

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

The control circuit 50 controls the operation of the flavor suction device 100. Specifically, the control circuit 50
The power output to the atomization unit 111 (atomization unit 111R) is controlled. In addition, the control circuit 5
0 controls the light emitting element 40.

The cartridge 130 is configured to be connectable to the aspirator body 110 that constitutes the flavor inhaler 100. The cartridge 130 is provided downstream of the atomizing unit 111 on the flow path of gas (hereinafter, air) sucked from the suction port. In other words, the cartridge 130
Does not necessarily have to be provided in the physical space on the suction side of the atomization unit 111, and is provided on the downstream side of the atomization unit 111 on the aerosol flow path that guides the aerosol generated from the atomization unit 111 to the suction side. It has to be done.

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

The cartridge housing 131 has a cylindrical shape (for example, a cylindrical shape) extending along the predetermined direction A. The cartridge housing 131 houses the flavor source 132. Here, the cartridge housing 131 is configured to be inserted into the suction device housing 110X along the predetermined direction A.

The flavor source 132 is provided closer to the outlet 130A (suction port) than the atomizing unit 111 on the suction path continuous from the inlet 112A to the outlet 130A. The flavor source 132 imparts a flavor component to the aerosol generated from the aerosol source. In other words, the flavor component imparted to the aerosol by the flavor source 132 is the outlet 130.
Carried to A (suck).

In the embodiment, the flavor source 132 is composed of a raw material piece that imparts a flavor component to the aerosol generated from the atomization unit 111. The size of the raw material piece is 0.2 mm or more.
It is preferably 2 mm or less. Furthermore, the size of the raw material piece is 0.2 mm or more and 0.7.
It is preferably not more than mm. The smaller the size of the raw material pieces constituting the flavor source 132,
Since the specific surface area increases, the flavor and taste component is likely to be released from the raw material pieces constituting the flavor source 132. Therefore, the amount of the raw material pieces can be suppressed when applying the desired amount of the flavor and taste component to the aerosol. As the raw material piece constituting the flavor source 132, a chopped tobacco or a molded body obtained by molding the tobacco raw material into particles can be used. However, the flavor source 132 may be a molded product obtained by molding a tobacco raw material into a sheet. In addition, the raw material pieces that constitute the flavor source 132 may be composed of plants other than tobacco (for example, mint, herbs, etc.). The flavor source 132 may be provided with a fragrance such as menthol.

Here, the raw material piece which comprises the flavor source 132 is obtained by sieving according to JIS Z 8815 using a stainless sieve according to JIS Z 8801, for example. For example, by using a stainless steel sieve having a 0.71 mm opening and sieving the raw material pieces for 20 minutes by a dry and mechanical shaking method, the raw material piece is passed through a stainless steel sieve having a 0.71 mm opening. Obtain raw material pieces. Then, the raw material pieces were sieved for 20 minutes by a dry and mechanical shaking method using a stainless sieve having a 0.212 mm opening, and passed through a stainless sieve having a 0.212 mm opening. Remove the raw material pieces. That is, the raw material pieces constituting the flavor source 132 are stainless steel sieves (opening=0.71 m) that define the upper limit.
m) and does not pass through the stainless sieve (opening=0.212 mm) that defines the lower limit. Therefore, in the embodiment, the lower limit of the size of the raw material piece that constitutes the flavor source 132 is
It is defined by the opening of the stainless steel sieve that defines the lower limit. The upper limit of the size of the raw material piece that constitutes the flavor source 132 is defined by the opening of the stainless sieve that defines the upper limit.

In an embodiment, the flavor source 132 is a tobacco source having an alkaline pH. The pH of the tobacco source is preferably higher than 7, and more preferably 8 or higher. pH
By setting the ratio to be larger than 7, the flavor and taste component generated from the tobacco source can be efficiently taken out by the aerosol. Thereby, the amount of the tobacco source can be suppressed when applying the desired amount of the flavor and taste component to the aerosol. On the other hand, the pH of the tobacco source is preferably 12 or less, more preferably 10 or less. By setting the pH to 12 or less, damage (corrosion or the like) to the flavor inhaler 100 (for example, the cartridge 130 or the inhaler body 110) can be suppressed more effectively.

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

The mesh 133A is provided upstream of the flavor source 132 so as to close the opening of the cartridge housing 131, and the filter 133B is provided downstream of the flavor source 132 so as to close the opening of the cartridge housing 131. The mesh 133A is the flavor source 13
It has such a roughness that the raw material pieces constituting No. 2 do not pass through. The roughness of the mesh 133A is, for example,
It has openings of 0.077 mm or more and 0.198 mm or less. The filter 133B is made of a material having air permeability. The filter 133B is preferably, for example, an acetate filter. The filter 133B has a roughness that does not allow the raw material pieces constituting the flavor source 132 to pass through.

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

As shown in FIG. 3, the control circuit 50 includes a power switch 51, an atomizing switch 52, and a control unit 53.

The power switch 51 is switched on when the power of the flavor inhaler 100 is turned on, and switched off when the power of the flavor inhaler 100 is turned off. For example, the power switch 51 is connected to the push button 30, and is turned on when the push button 30 is continuously pressed for a predetermined number of times in a state where the power of the flavor inhaler 100 is not turned on. You may switch. On the other hand, the power switch 51 may be switched to the off state when the push button 30 is continuously pressed a predetermined number of times while the flavor suction device 100 is powered on. Alternatively, the power switch 51 may have a timer that is activated in response to the end of the puff operation, and may be switched to the off state in response to the expiration of the timer (elapse of a predetermined time).

The atomization switch 52 is switched to a state (off state) in which the supply of power output to the atomization unit 111R is stopped when the puff operation of the user is performed, and when the puff operation of the user is not performed, the atomization unit 52 is performed. The state is switched to a state (ON state) in which the supply of power output to 111R is started. In the embodiment, the atomization switch 52 is linked with a suction sensor that detects a puff operation. The atomization switch 52 is switched to the off state when the puff operation is detected by the suction sensor 20. On the other hand, the atomization switch 52 switches to the on state when the puff operation is no longer detected by the suction sensor 20.

Here, a state in which the suction sensor 20 does not detect the puff operation may be referred to as a non-suction state, and a state in which the suction sensor 20 detects the puff operation may be referred to as a suction state. Therefore, the atomization switch 52 is switched to the off state by switching from the non-suction state to the suction state and switched to the on state by switching from the suction state to the non-suction state.

The controller 53 controls the flavor suction device 100 to be in a state where the power of the flavor suction device 100 is turned on.
To control.

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

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

In the embodiment, the control unit 53 may stop the supply of the power supply output to the atomization unit 111R when the first time has elapsed since the supply of the power supply output to the atomization unit 111R was started. Here, the first time is a time for keeping the supply amount of the aerosol at a desired amount without depending on the time length of the non-suctioned state. In other words, the first time is a time determined so that the amount of aerosol supplied does not exceed the upper limit of the desired amount range.

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

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

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

Secondly, the control unit 53 controls the light emitting element 40. In the embodiment, the control unit 53 is
The light emitting element 40 may be controlled so as to notify that a desired amount of aerosol can be supplied. The control unit 53 controls the light emitting element 40 so as to continuously notify that the desired amount of the aerosol can be supplied from the start to the end of the period in which the desired amount of the aerosol can be supplied. Good. For example, the start timing of the period during which the desired amount of aerosol can be supplied is determined by the atomization unit 111R.
It is the timing when a fixed time shorter than the first time elapses after the supply of the power supply output to is started. The fixed time is, for example, the time from when the supply of the power supply output to the atomizing unit 111R is started until the supply amount of the aerosol reaches the lower limit of the desired amount range.

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

Thirdly, the control unit 53 may trigger the energization process for the atomizing unit 111R when the non-suction state is switched to the suction state and the suction state is switched to the non-suction state. In other words, the first puff operation is performed to trigger the energization process for the atomization unit 111R without the generation of aerosol. The energization process for the atomization unit 111R is a process for generating an aerosol by supplying power output to the atomization unit 111R.

For example, the first puff operation may be used to authenticate whether the user is a legitimate user. For example, when the response value of the suction sensor 20 accompanying the first puff operation satisfies a predetermined condition (for example, the condition that the gradient of the flow velocity is a predetermined value or more), the user is authenticated as a regular user. The first puff operation may be the first puff operation after the power of the flavor inhaler 100 is introduced, or the first puff operation after a predetermined time has elapsed without performing the puff operation. Good. Here, for the first puff operation, if the switching from the non-suction state to the suction state and the switching from the suction state to the non-suction state are not performed within the trigger time, the energization process for the atomization unit 111R is performed. Does not have to be triggered. Regarding such an authentication operation, the entire contents of International Application No. PCT/JP2015/63036 (filed on April 30, 2015) are incorporated by reference.

(Example of control)
Hereinafter, an example of controlling the power supply output to the atomizing unit 111R according to the embodiment will be described. FIG. 4 is a diagram for describing an example of control of power output to the atomizing unit 111R according to the embodiment.

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

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

Further, the control unit 53 stops the supply of the power supply output to the atomization unit 111R after the lapse of the first time, and then the second time has passed while the atomization switch 52 is in the ON state (that is, the non-suction state). In this case, the supply of power output to the atomizing unit 111R is restarted. The second time is a time that is set so that the amount of aerosol supplied does not fall below the lower limit of the desired amount range. In the control example according to the embodiment, the supply amount of the aerosol is increased or decreased within a desired amount range by repeatedly stopping and restarting the supply of the power output to the atomizing unit 111R. here,
The range of the desired amount may be determined by the upper limit and the lower limit, and the lower limit is preferably 0.1 mg or more, more preferably 1.0 mg or more. On the other hand, the upper limit of the desired amount is 1
The amount is preferably 0.0 mg or less, more preferably 5.0 mg or less. 0
． It may be 1 mg or more and 10.0 mg or less, or 1.0 mg or more and 5.0 mg or less. Further, the range of the desired amount may be set with reference to the target value of the desired amount, for example, within a range of ±50% or less with respect to the target value of the desired amount (for example, the target value of the desired amount is 2.0 mg. In this case, the desired amount range is preferably 1.0 mg or more and 3.0 mg or less), ±2
It is more preferable that the range is 5% or less (for example, when the target value of the desired amount is 2.0 mg, the range of the desired amount is 1.5 mg or more and 2.5 mg or less).

Here, the control unit 53 controls the light emitting element 40 so as to notify that a desired amount of aerosol can be supplied. In addition, the control unit 53 controls the light emitting element 40 to notify that the desired amount of aerosol cannot be supplied. In the control example according to the embodiment, until the supply amount of the aerosol reaches the lower limit of the desired amount range after the supply of the power output to the atomizing unit 111R is started.
It is informed that the desired amount of aerosol cannot be supplied. When the supply amount of the aerosol exceeds the lower limit of the range of the desired amount after the supply of the power output to the atomizing unit 111R is started, it is notified that the desired amount of aerosol can be supplied. The start timing of the period in which the desired amount of aerosol can be supplied is the timing when a fixed time shorter than the first time elapses after the supply of the power supply output to the atomization unit 111R is started. The fixed time is, for example, the time from when the supply of the power supply output to the atomizing unit 111R is started until the supply amount of the aerosol reaches the lower limit of the desired amount range.

(Aerosol delivery method)
Hereinafter, the aerosol delivery method according to the embodiment will be described. 5 to FIG.
It is a flow figure showing the aerosol delivery method concerning an embodiment. 5 to 7, the operation of the flavor suction device 100 (control unit 53) will be mainly described.

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

In step S20, the control unit 53 controls the power supply output accompanying the puff operation. The details of step S20 will be described later (see FIGS. 6 and 7).

In step S30, the flavor suction device 100 is powered off. For example, when the push button 30 is continuously pressed a predetermined number of times, the flavor suction device 100 is powered off. Alternatively, the power of the flavor inhaler 100 may be turned off after a predetermined time has elapsed without performing the puff operation after the puff operation.

Subsequently, the details of step S20 described above will be described. FIG. 6 is a flow chart showing the aerosol delivery method in the first puff operation. As shown in FIG. 6, step S201
In, the flavor inhaler 100 is in a non-suction state in which the suction sensor 20 has not detected the puff operation.

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

In step S203, the control unit 53 determines whether the suction state has been switched to the non-suction state. In other words, the control unit 53 determines whether the atomization switch 52 has switched from the off state to the on state. If the determination result is YES, the control unit 53
The process moves to step S204. When the determination result is NO, the control unit 53 stands by as it is.

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

In step S205, the control unit 53 triggers the energization process for the atomization unit 111R. That is, the control unit 53 starts the supply of the power output to the atomizing unit 111R after the first puff operation detected in step S202 and step S203 is performed. Also, the first puff operation may be used to authenticate whether the user is a legitimate user. The first puff operation may be the first puff operation after the power of the flavor inhaler 100 is turned on, or the first puff operation after a predetermined time has elapsed without performing the puff operation. Good. The predetermined time is at least longer than the first time and the second time.

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

After the processing of step S205, the control unit 53 proceeds to the processing of step S211 shown in FIG. FIG. 7 is a flow chart showing the aerosol delivery method in the puff operation after the authentication (for example, the puff operation for the second time and thereafter).

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

In step S212, the flavor suction device 100 is in the suction state in which the puff operation is detected by the suction sensor 20.

In step S213, the control unit 53 stops the supply of power output to the atomizing unit 111R.

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

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

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

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

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

In step S218, the control unit 53 determines whether or not the second time has elapsed since the supply of the power output to the atomizing unit 111R was stopped due to the elapse of the first time. The second time is, as described above, a time determined to prevent the supply amount of the aerosol from falling below the lower limit of the desired amount range. If the determination result is YES, the control unit 53 moves to the process of step S219. If the determination result is NO, the control unit 53 proceeds to step S2.
Move to processing of 20.

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

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

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

However, as in the control example shown in FIG. 4, when the aerosol supply amount increases or decreases within the desired range after the aerosol supply amount exceeds the lower limit of the desired amount range, the aerosol supply amount is the desired amount. It should be noted that the lower limit of the range is maintained. Therefore, if it is notified only once that the desired amount of aerosol can be supplied at the timing when the amount of aerosol generated by the atomization unit 111R exceeds the lower limit of the desired amount range, step S21 is performed.
It is not necessary to notify in 5 that the desired amount of aerosol can be supplied. The control unit 53 returns to the process of step S211 after step S221.

As mentioned above, the aerosol delivery method includes various steps, but embodiments are not limited thereto. The aerosol delivery method includes a step A (that is, step S205, step S215, and step S221) of generating an aerosol in the suction path, and a step of causing the aerosol to flow in the suction path with the generation of the aerosol stopped after step A. It is sufficient to include at least step B (that is, step S213) of moving the user into the mouth of the user.

(Action and effect)
In the embodiment, the control unit 53 stops the supply of power output to the atomizing unit 111R during the puffing operation of the user. While the aerosol is being generated by the atomization unit 111R, the temperature of the atomization unit 111R does not change due to the puff operation of the user. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the particle diameter of the particles forming the aerosol from varying within one puff operation or between a plurality of puff operations.

In the embodiment, the control unit 53 stops the supply of the power supply output to the atomization unit 111R when the first time has elapsed since the supply of the power supply output to the atomization unit 111R was started. Therefore, the supply amount of the aerosol can be set to a desired amount without depending on the interval of the puff operation.

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

In the embodiment, the light emitting element 40 notifies that the desired amount of aerosol can be supplied during the period in which the desired amount of aerosol can be supplied. Thereby, the user can promote the start of the puff operation at an appropriate timing.

In the embodiment, the light emitting element 40 notifies that the desired amount of aerosol cannot be supplied during the period in which the desired amount of aerosol cannot be supplied. With this, it is possible to suppress the start of the puff operation at an inappropriate timing.

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

In the embodiment, the control unit 53 triggers the energization process for the atomization unit 111R when the non-suction state is switched to the suction state and the suction state is switched to the non-suction state. Thereby, the energization process for the atomization unit 111R can be appropriately triggered.
Further, the first puff operation can be used for user authentication.

[Modification 1]
Hereinafter, a first modification of the embodiment will be described. In the following, differences from the embodiment will be mainly described.

Specifically, in the embodiment, the atomization switch 52 is linked to the suction sensor 20. On the other hand, in the first modification, the atomization switch 52 is connected to the operation interface 80 as shown in FIG. 8, and is linked to the user operation on the operation interface 80.
The operation interface 80 may be the push button 30 described above, or may be an interface provided separately from the push button 30 described above.

The operation interface 80 is an interface configured to be operated before starting the puff operation. That is, the user operates the operation interface 80 during the period when the puff operation is not performed, and does not operate the operation interface 80 during the period when the puff operation is performed. Therefore, the atomization switch 52 is switched to the off state when the user operation on the operation interface 80 is stopped. On the other hand, the atomization switch 52 is the operation interface 8
When the user operation for 0 is performed, it switches to the ON state. That is, the state in which the user operation is performed on the operation interface 80 is the non-suction state, and the state in which the user operation is not performed on the operation interface 80 is the suction state.

In the first modification, the control unit 53 starts supplying power output to the atomizing unit 111R when a user operation is performed on the operation interface 80, and fog when the user operation on the operation interface 80 is not performed. The supply of the power output to the conversion unit 111R is stopped.

Here, in the case where the control of the embodiment is applied to the first modification, “when the puff operation is detected by the suction sensor 20” is replaced with “when the user operation on the operation interface 80 is not performed”, and "When the puff motion is no longer detected by the suction sensor 20" is "when the user operates the operation interface 80"
Should be read as

On the premise of such reading, in the first modification, step A (step S205, step 213, step 219 described above) for generating aerosol in the suction path is performed.
) Is a step of starting the supply of power output to the atomizing unit 111R when a user operation is performed on the operation interface 80, and in a state where the generation of aerosol is stopped after step A, the aerosol in the suction path is The step B of moving the fluid into the oral cavity of the user is a step of stopping the supply of the power output to the atomizing unit 111R when the user operation on the operation interface 80 is stopped.

(Example of control)
Hereinafter, an example of controlling the power supply output to the atomizing unit 111R according to the first modification will be described. FIG. 9 is a diagram for explaining an example of control of power output to the atomizing unit 111R according to the first modification.

As described above, the control unit 53 starts supplying the power output to the atomizing unit 111R when the user operation is performed on the operation interface 80. The control unit 53 stops the supply of the power output to the atomizing unit 111R when the user operation on the operation interface 80 is not performed.

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

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

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

[Modification 2]
Hereinafter, a modified example 2 of the embodiment will be described. In the following, differences from the embodiment will be mainly described.

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

In the second modification, the first switch 57 switches to the on state when the user operation on the operation interface 80 is performed, and switches to the off state when the user operation on the operation interface 80 is not performed. On the other hand, the second switch 58 is switched to the ON state when the suction sensor 20 detects the puff motion, and is switched to the OFF state when the suction sensor 20 stops detecting the puff motion. That is, the second switch 58 is switched to the ON state when the user starts the puff operation, and is switched to the OFF state when the user ends the puff operation.

In Modification Example 2, when the first switch 57 is switched to the ON state, the control unit 53 starts supplying the power output to the atomizing unit 111R, and when the second switch 58 is switched to the ON state, The supply of power output to the atomizing unit 111R is stopped. In other words, the control unit 53 starts supplying power output to the atomizing unit 111R when the user operation is performed on the operation interface 80, and even when the user operation is performed on the operation interface 80. When the puff operation is detected by the suction sensor 20, the supply of power output to the atomizing unit 111R is stopped.

As described above, in the second modification, the trigger for starting the supply of the power output to the atomization unit 111R is that the user operation is performed on the operation interface 80 (the first switch 57 is switched to the ON state), and the suction is performed. It should be noted that the sensor 20 does not detect the puff operation (the second switch 58 is switched to the off state).

In the second modification, the operation interface 80 is used as an interface for starting the supply of power output to the atomizing unit 111R. Therefore, the control unit 53 causes the atomizing unit 111 to operate when the user operation on the operation interface 80 is stopped.
It is not necessary to stop the supply of the power output to R. However, the second modification is not limited to this. Specifically, the control unit 53 may stop the supply of power output to the atomization unit 111R when the user operation on the operation interface 80 is stopped. Specifically, a user operation is performed on the operation interface 80 (that is, the first operation
Under the assumption that the switch 57 is in the on state), it may be considered that the power supply output is allowed to be supplied to the atomizing unit 111R.

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

In the second modification, from the viewpoint of stopping the supply of the power output to the atomizing unit 111R, the second switch 58 that is interlocked with the suction sensor 20 may be considered to be the atomizing switch. From the viewpoint of starting the supply of power output to the atomizing unit 111R, the first switch 57 that is interlocked with the operation interface 80 may be considered to be an atomizing switch.

(Aerosol delivery method)
Hereinafter, the aerosol delivery method according to the second modification will be described. FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing the aerosol delivery method according to the second modification. In FIG. 11, the flavor suction device 100 (
The operation of the controller 53) will be mainly described. In FIG. 11, step S20 shown in FIG.
Will be described in detail.

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

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

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

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

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

In step S316, the control unit 53 stops the supply of power output to the atomizing unit 111R.

In step S317, the control unit 53 determines whether the second switch 58 has switched from the on state to the off state. In other words, the control unit 53 detects whether or not the puff operation is no longer detected by the suction sensor 20. When the determination result is YES, the control unit 53 returns to the process of step S311. In the flow shown in FIG. 11, when returning to the process of step S311, even if the user operation on the operation interface 80 is continued, the first switch 57 is switched from the on state to the off state. On the other hand, the control unit 53 determines that the determination result is NO.
If it is, wait as it is. In other words, when the second switch 58 is in the on state due to the detection of the puff operation by the user, the next step is not processed, and thus even if the first switch 57 is turned on by the user operation on the operation interface 80, It should be noted that the power output to the atomizing unit 111R does not start.

In step S318, it is determined whether the first switch 57 is switched from the on state to the off state. In other words, the control unit 53 determines whether or not the user operation on the operation interface 80 is stopped. If the determination result is YES, the control unit 53
Then, the process proceeds to step S319. When the determination result is NO, the control unit 53 returns to the process of step S320.

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

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

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

(Action and effect)
In the second modification, the first switch 57 and the second switch 5 are replaced with the atomization switch 52.
Even if 8 is used, the same effect as that of the embodiment can be obtained. Further, since the control for maintaining the supply amount of the aerosol so as to exceed the lower limit of the desired amount range by using the above-described second time is omitted, the power consumption amount and the processing load are reduced as compared with the embodiment. ..

[Other Embodiments]
Although the present invention has been described by the above-described embodiments, it should not be understood that the description and drawings forming a part of this disclosure limit the present invention. From this disclosure, various alternative embodiments, examples, and operation techniques will be apparent to those skilled in the art.

In the embodiment, the cartridge 130 does not include the atomizing unit 111, but the embodiment is not limited thereto. For example, the cartridge 130 may form one unit together with the atomizing unit 111.

In the embodiment, the flavor suction device 100 has the cartridge 130, but the embodiment is not limited thereto. The flavor inhaler 100 may not have the cartridge 130. In such cases, the aerosol source preferably comprises a flavor component.

In the embodiment, the flavor suction device 100 has the power switch 51, but the embodiment is not limited to this. In other words, the suction sensor 20 may always be energized.

The push button 30 is provided at the non-suction end of the flavor suction device 100, but the embodiment is not limited to this. For example, the push button 30 may be provided on the outer circumference of the aspirator housing 110X.

In the first modification and the second modification, as shown in FIG. 9, the control using the second time, that is, the control of maintaining the supply amount of the aerosol so as to exceed the lower limit of the range of the desired amount is not performed. The form is not limited to this. Also in Modifications 1 and 2, as shown in FIG. 4, control using the second time may be performed. Specifically, the control unit 53 according to the first modification.
After stopping the supply of the power output to the atomizing unit 111R with the lapse of the first time, the atomizing switch 52 remains in the ON state (that is, the user operation on the operation interface 80 is still performed), and the second When the time has passed, the supply of power output to the atomizing unit 111R may be restarted. The control unit 53 according to the second modification includes the atomization unit 11 with the lapse of the first time.
The first switch 57 is in the ON state and the second switch 58 remains in the OFF state after the supply of the power output to the 1R is stopped (that is, the user operation on the operation interface 80 is continued, and (While the puff operation is not detected by the suction sensor 20),
When the second time has elapsed, the supply of power output to the atomizing unit 111R may be restarted.

Although not particularly mentioned in the embodiment, the atomization unit 111 may be provided separately from the electric component unit 112 and may be configured to be connectable to the electric component unit 112.

According to the embodiment, it is possible to provide a non-combustion type flavor inhaler and an aerosol delivery method capable of suppressing the variation in the particle size of particles forming an aerosol.

Claims (2)

An atomization unit configured to atomize an aerosol source without combustion,
A control unit for controlling the atomization unit,
In a state where the aerosol source is atomized, the control unit stops the operation of intermittently generating heat in the heating resistor of the atomization unit for a predetermined time, and then the atomization. Initiating the operation of intermittently generating heat in the heating resistor of the unit,
A non-combustion type flavor inhaler characterized by the above. An atomization unit configured to atomize an aerosol source without combustion,
A control unit for controlling the atomization unit,
In a state where the aerosol source is atomized, the control unit stops the operation of intermittently generating heat in the heating resistor of the atomization unit for a predetermined time, and then the atomization. The operation of intermittently generating heat in the heat generating resistor of the unit is continued for a predetermined time,
A non-combustion type flavor inhaler characterized by the above.

Images