JP6913193B2 - Cartridge and non-combustible flavor aspirator - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a cartridge used for a non-combustion type flavor aspirator having a flavor source, and a non-combustion type flavor aspirator provided with a detachable cartridge.

A non-combustion type flavor aspirator that atomizes an aerosol source with electric power supplied from a battery is known (for example, Patent Document 1).

For example, a non-combustion flavor aspirator comprises an atomizing unit that atomizes an aerosol source and a cartridge having the flavor source. For example, the cartridge is replaceable and is connected to the atomization unit.

WO2013 / 116558 Gazette

The first feature is a cartridge, which is a flavor source composed of a plurality of raw material pieces for imparting flavor to an aerosol generated by a non-combustion type flavor aspirator, and a flavor source container accommodating the flavor source. The mesh body includes a mesh body arranged at at least one end of the flavor source accommodating body, and the mesh body has a plurality of openings, and each of the plurality of openings has an internal angle of 180 ° or less. Each of the plurality of openings has a rectangular shape, and each of the plurality of openings has a minimum width having the smallest width and a maximum width having the largest width as the width passing through the center of gravity of each of the plurality of openings. The gist is that the minimum width is smaller than the lower limit of the size of the plurality of raw material pieces, and the maximum width is larger than the minimum width.

The second feature is that, in the first feature, the flavor source accommodating body and the mesh body are integrally formed.

The gist of the third feature is that in the first feature or the second feature, the lower limit of the size of the plurality of raw material pieces is 0.2 mm.

The fourth feature is that in any of the first to third features, the flavor source container forms an aerosol flow path extending along a predetermined direction, and in the predetermined direction, the predetermined direction. The gist is that the maximum size of the flavor source container is 40 mm or less, and the maximum size of the flavor source container is 20 mm or less in the direction orthogonal to the predetermined direction.

The fifth feature is that in any of the first to fourth features, the maximum size of the flavor source container in the predetermined direction is 25 mm or less, and in the direction orthogonal to the predetermined direction, the said. The gist is that the maximum size of the flavor source container is 10 mm or less.

The sixth feature is that in any of the first to fifth features, each of the plurality of openings has a quadrangular shape.

The seventh feature is that in any of the first to sixth features, the plurality of openings are arranged so that the sides of the openings adjacent to each other are parallel to each other. And.

The eighth feature is that in the seventh feature, the distance between the openings adjacent to each other is 0.15 mm or more and 0.30 mm or less.

The ninth feature is that in any of the first to eighth features, the maximum width is larger than the lower limit of the size of the plurality of raw material pieces.

The tenth feature is that in any of the first to ninth features, the maximum width is √2 times or more and 6 times or less of the minimum width.

The eleventh feature is that in any of the first to tenth features, the flavor source container forms an aerosol flow path extending along a predetermined direction, and the mesh body is the flavor source. The gist is that the flavor source container is arranged at the upstream end on the aerosol flow path in the containment body, and has a protrusion projecting upstream from the outer edge of the mesh body in a cross section orthogonal to the aerosol flow path. And.

The twelfth feature is that in any one of the first feature to the eleventh feature, the flavor source accommodating body forms an aerosol flow path extending along a predetermined direction, and the inner wall surface of the flavor source accommodating body is formed. Is provided with ribs extending from the upstream to the downstream along the predetermined direction.

The thirteenth feature is that in any of the first to twelfth features, the flavor source accommodating body forms an aerosol flow path extending along a predetermined direction, and the outer wall surface of the flavor source accommodating body is formed. Is gisted to include a tapered shape that extends from upstream to downstream.

The fourteenth feature is that in any of the first to thirteenth features, the flavor source container forms an aerosol flow path extending along a predetermined direction and is arranged downstream of the flavor source. The gist is to provide a filtered filter.

The fifteenth feature is that, in the fourteenth feature, the inner wall surface of the flavor source accommodating body is provided with a rib extending from the upstream to the downstream along the predetermined direction, and the downstream end portion of the rib is provided. The gist is that the flavor source container is in contact with the upstream end of the filter without reaching the downstream end.

The sixteenth feature is a non-combustion type flavor aspirator, which includes an atomizing unit that atomizes an aerosol source without burning, and the cartridge according to any one of the first to fifteenth features. The gist is to prepare it so that it can be attached and detached.

The seventeenth feature is that, in the sixteenth feature, the non-combustion type flavor aspirator includes a first flow path arranged on the downstream side of the atomizing portion as the aerosol flow path, and the cartridge has a first feature. The aerosol flow path has a second flow path arranged on the downstream side of the first flow path, and the second flow path is between the first flow path and the second flow path. It is a gist that an aerosol flow adjusting chamber for adjusting the flow of the aerosol supplied from the first flow path is provided so as to suppress the bias of the aerosol flow in the path.

FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view showing a non-combustion type flavor aspirator 1 according to an embodiment. FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view showing the power supply unit 10 according to the embodiment. FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view showing the first cartridge 20 according to the embodiment. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an internal structure of the first cartridge 20 according to the embodiment. FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view showing the second cartridge 30 according to the embodiment. FIG. 6 is an exploded perspective view of the second cartridge 30 according to the embodiment. FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view (AA cross-sectional view shown in FIG. 5) showing the flavor source accommodating body 31 according to the embodiment. FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view (BB cross-sectional view shown in FIG. 7) showing the flavor source accommodating body 31 according to the embodiment. FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an example of the shape of the opening 32A according to the embodiment. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of the shape of the opening 32A according to the embodiment. FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of the shape of the opening 32A according to the embodiment. FIG. 12 is a diagram showing an example of the shape of the opening 32A according to the embodiment. FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a connection state between the first cartridge 20 and the second cartridge 30 according to the embodiment. FIG. 14 is a diagram showing a CC cross section shown in FIG. FIG. 15 is a diagram mainly showing a functional block of the control circuit 50 according to the embodiment. FIG. 16 is a diagram showing an example of duty ratio control according to the embodiment. FIG. 17 is a diagram showing an example of duty ratio control according to the embodiment. FIG. 18 is a flow chart showing a control method according to the embodiment. FIG. 19 is a diagram showing a connection state between the first cartridge 20 and the second cartridge 30 according to the first modification. FIG. 20 is a diagram showing a connection state between the first cartridge 20 and the second cartridge 30 according to the second modification. FIG. 21 is a diagram showing a connection state between the first cartridge 20 and the second cartridge 30 according to the third modification. FIG. 22 is a diagram for explaining the amount of aerosol according to the fourth modification. FIG. 23 is a diagram for explaining the amount of aerosol according to the fourth modification. FIG. 24 is a diagram for explaining the amount of aerosol according to the fourth modification. FIG. 25 is a diagram for explaining the amount of aerosol according to the fourth modification. FIG. 26 is a diagram mainly showing a functional block of the control circuit 50 according to the modified example 5. FIG. 27 is a diagram mainly showing a functional block of the control circuit 50 according to the modified example 6. FIG. 28 is a diagram mainly showing a functional block of the control circuit 50 according to the modification example 7. FIG. 29 is a diagram showing the package 300 according to the modification example 8.

Hereinafter, embodiments will be described. In the description of the drawings below, the same or similar parts are designated by the same or similar reference numerals. However, it should be noted that the drawings are schematic and the ratio of each dimension is different from the actual one.

Therefore, the specific dimensions should be determined in consideration of the following explanation. In addition, it goes without saying that the drawings include parts having different dimensional relationships and ratios from each other.

[Summary of disclosure]
The cartridges mentioned in the background technology need to be breathable so that the user can aspirate the aerosol. For example, a mesh body with a plurality of openings is arranged at at least one end of the cartridge.

However, each of the plurality of openings provided in the mesh body needs to be small enough to prevent the raw material pieces constituting the flavor source from falling off. Further, in order to improve the efficiency of taking out the flavor component, it is preferable that the particle size of the raw material piece constituting the flavor source is small. On the other hand, it is preferable that each of the plurality of openings provided in the mesh body has a large area in order to secure a sufficient opening ratio as a whole of the mesh body.

As a result of diligent studies, the inventors, etc., have found that the cartridge for the non-combustion type flavor aspirator is very small. I got a new finding that it is. Based on these new findings, the inventors have found that the following features are effective.

The cartridge according to the outline of the disclosure includes a flavor source composed of a plurality of raw material pieces for imparting flavor to an aerosol generated by a non-combustion type flavor aspirator, a flavor source container accommodating the flavor source, and the flavor source. It includes a mesh body arranged at at least one end of the housing. The mesh body has a plurality of openings. Each of the plurality of openings has a polygonal shape with an internal angle of 180 ° or less. Each of the plurality of openings has a minimum width having the smallest width and a maximum width having the largest width as the width passing through the center of gravity of each of the plurality of openings. The minimum width is smaller than the lower limit of the size of the plurality of raw material pieces, and the maximum width is larger than the minimum width.

In the outline of the disclosure, each of the plurality of openings provided in the mesh body has a polygonal shape having an internal angle of 180 ° or less, and is the smallest width passing through the center of gravity of each of the plurality of openings. It has a minimum width with a width and a maximum width with the largest width. Here, since the minimum width is smaller than the size of the raw material pieces constituting the flavor source, it is possible to suppress the falling off of the raw material pieces constituting the flavor source, and since the maximum width is larger than the minimum width, the mesh body. The aperture ratio can be increased as a whole.

As described above, in the cartridge for the non-combustion type flavor aspirator, the aperture ratio can be secured as a whole of the mesh body while suppressing the falling off of the raw material pieces constituting the flavor source.

[Embodiment]
(Non-combustion type flavor aspirator)
Hereinafter, the non-combustion type flavor aspirator according to the embodiment will be described. FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view showing a non-combustion type flavor aspirator 1 according to an embodiment. FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view showing the power supply unit 10 according to the embodiment. FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view showing the first cartridge 20 according to the embodiment. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an internal structure of the first cartridge 20 according to the embodiment. However, it should be noted that in FIG. 4, the reservoir 21 described later is omitted. FIG. 5 is a side view showing the second cartridge 30 according to the embodiment. FIG. 6 is an exploded perspective view of the second cartridge 30 according to the embodiment. FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view (AA cross-sectional view shown in FIG. 5) showing the flavor source accommodating body 31 according to the embodiment. FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view (BB cross-sectional view shown in FIG. 7) showing the flavor source accommodating body 31 according to the embodiment. However, it should be noted that in FIG. 6, the flavor source 31A, which will be described later, is omitted.

As shown in FIG. 1, the non-combustion type flavor aspirator 1 has a shape extending along a predetermined direction A which is a direction from the non-mouthpiece end to the mouthpiece end. The non-combustion type flavor aspirator 1 is an instrument for sucking flavor without burning.

Specifically, the non-combustion type flavor aspirator 1 has a power supply unit 10, a first cartridge 20, and a second cartridge 30. The first cartridge 20 is removable from the power supply unit 10, and the second cartridge 30 is removable from the first cartridge 20. In other words, the first cartridge 20 and the second cartridge 30 are interchangeable, respectively.

As shown in FIG. 2, the power supply unit 10 has a shape extending along a predetermined direction A, and has at least a battery 11. The battery 11 may be a disposable type battery or a rechargeable type battery. The initial value of the output voltage of the battery 11 is preferably in the range of 1.2 V or more and 4.2 V or less. The battery capacity of the battery 11 is preferably in the range of 100 mAh or more and 1000 mAh or less.

As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the first cartridge 20 has a shape extending along a predetermined direction A. The first cartridge 20 has a reservoir 21, an atomizing portion 22, a flow path forming body 23, an outer frame body 24, and an end cap 25. The first cartridge 20 has a first flow path 20X arranged on the downstream side of the atomizing portion 22 as an aerosol flow path extending along a predetermined direction A. It should be noted that in the aerosol flow path, the side closer to the atomized portion 22 is referred to as the upstream, and the side away from the atomized portion 22 is referred to as the downstream.

The reservoir 21 stores the aerosol source 21A. The reservoir 21 is located around the flow path forming body 23 in a cross section orthogonal to the first flow path 20X (predetermined direction A). In the embodiment, the reservoir 21 is located in the gap between the flow path forming body 23 and the outer frame body 24. The reservoir 21 is made of, for example, a porous body such as a resin web or cotton. However, the reservoir 21 may be composed of a tank that houses the liquid aerosol source 21A. Aerosol source 21A contains a liquid such as glycerin or propylene glycol.

The atomizing unit 22 atomizes the aerosol source 21A by the electric power supplied from the battery 11 without combustion. In the embodiment, the atomizing unit 22 is composed of heating wires (coils) wound at a predetermined pitch, and the atomizing unit 22 has a resistance value in the range of 1.0Ω or more and 3.0Ω or less. It is preferably composed of heat rays. The predetermined pitch is at least a value at which the heating wires do not come into contact, and is preferably a small value. The predetermined pitch is preferably 0.40 mm or less, for example. The predetermined pitch is preferably constant in order to stabilize the atomization of the aerosol source 21A. The predetermined pitch is the distance between the centers of the heating wires adjacent to each other.

The flow path forming body 23 has a shape extending along a predetermined direction A. The flow path forming body 23 has a tubular shape that forms a first flow path 20X extending along a predetermined direction A.

The outer frame body 24 has a shape extending along a predetermined direction A. The outer frame body 24 has a tubular shape that accommodates the flow path forming body 23. In the embodiment, the outer frame body 24 extends downstream from the end cap 25 and accommodates a part of the second cartridge 30.

The end cap 25 is a cap that closes the gap between the flow path forming body 23 and the outer frame body 24 from the downstream side. The end cap 25 suppresses a situation in which the aerosol source 21A stored in the reservoir 21 leaks to the second cartridge 30 side.

As shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, the second cartridge 30 has at least a flavor source 31A. The second cartridge 30 is attached to the non-combustion type flavor aspirator 1. In the embodiment, the second cartridge 30 is connected to the first cartridge 20. Specifically, a part of the second cartridge 30 is housed in the outer frame body 24 of the first cartridge 20 as described above.

The second cartridge 30 has a shape extending along a predetermined direction A. The second cartridge 30 has a flavor source accommodating body 31, a mesh body 32, a filter 33, and a cap 34. The second cartridge 30 has a second flow path 30X arranged downstream of the first flow path 20X as an aerosol flow path.

The second cartridge 30 imparts flavor to the aerosol by passing it through the aerosol atomized by the atomizing unit 22. Here, it should be noted that in the embodiment, the aerosol can be flavored without heating the flavor source 31A. It should also be noted that substantially no aerosol is generated from the flavor source 31A.

In the predetermined direction A, the maximum size of the second cartridge 30 is preferably 40 mm or less. Further, in the predetermined direction A, the maximum size of the second cartridge 30 is preferably 25 mm or less. On the other hand, in the predetermined direction A, the minimum size of the second cartridge 30 is preferably 5 mm or more. Further, in the predetermined direction A, the minimum size of the second cartridge 30 is preferably 1 mm or more. The maximum size of the second cartridge 30 is preferably 20 mm or less in the direction orthogonal to the predetermined direction A. Further, the maximum size of the second cartridge 30 is preferably 10 mm or less in the direction orthogonal to the predetermined direction A. On the other hand, the minimum size of the second cartridge 30 is preferably 3 mm or more in the direction orthogonal to the predetermined direction A. Further, the minimum size of the second cartridge 30 is preferably 1 mm or more in the direction orthogonal to the predetermined direction A.

The flavor source accommodating body 31 has a tubular shape and forms a second flow path 30X extending along a predetermined direction A. The flavor source accommodating body 31 accommodates the flavor source 31A. The flavor source 31A, which imparts flavor to the aerosol, is housed in the second flow path 30X. Here, in order to secure the volume of the reservoir 21 for storing the aerosol source 21A in the cross section orthogonal to the aerosol flow path (predetermined direction A), it is preferable that the size of the first flow path 20X is small. Therefore, in the case where the second cartridge 30 is housed in the outer frame body 24 having a constant cross-sectional area over the aerosol flow path (predetermined direction A), as a result, the size of the second flow path 30X is described above. It tends to be larger than the size of the first flow path 20X.

The flavor source 31A is composed of a raw material piece that imparts flavor to the aerosol generated by the non-combustion type flavor aspirator 1. The lower limit of the size of the raw material piece is preferably 0.2 mm or more and 1.2 mm or less. Furthermore, the lower limit of the size of the raw material piece is preferably 0.2 mm or more and 0.7 mm or less. The smaller the size of the raw material piece constituting the flavor source 31A, the larger the specific surface area, so that the flavor component is likely to be released from the raw material piece constituting the flavor source 31A. As the raw material piece constituting the flavor source 31A, chopped tobacco or a molded product obtained by granulating the tobacco raw material can be used. The flavor source 31A may be composed of plants other than tobacco (for example, mint, herbs, etc.). A fragrance such as menthol may be added to the flavor source 31A.

Here, the raw material piece constituting the flavor source 31A is obtained by, for example, sieving according to JIS Z 8815 using a stainless steel sieve compliant with JIS Z 8801. For example, using a stainless steel sieve having a mesh size of 0.71 mm, the raw material pieces are sieved for 20 minutes by a dry and mechanical shaking method, and then passed through a stainless steel sieve having a mesh size of 0.71 mm. Obtain a piece of raw material. Subsequently, using a stainless steel sieve having a mesh size of 0.212 mm, the raw material pieces are sieved for 20 minutes by a dry and mechanical shaking method, and passed through a stainless steel sieve having a mesh size of 0.212 mm. Remove the raw material pieces to be sieved. That is, the raw material piece constituting the flavor source 31A is a raw material piece that passes through the stainless steel sieve (opening = 0.71 mm) that defines the upper limit and does not pass through the stainless steel sieve (opening = 0.212 mm) that defines the lower limit. be. Therefore, in the embodiment, the lower limit of the size of the raw material piece constituting the flavor source 31A is defined by the opening of the stainless sieve that defines the lower limit. The upper limit of the size of the raw material piece constituting the flavor source 31A is defined by the opening of the stainless sieve that defines the upper limit.

In the embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, the flavor source accommodating body 31 is an upstream end portion (here, a mesh body 32) of the flavor source accommodating body 31 in a cross section orthogonal to the aerosol flow path (predetermined direction A). ), It is preferable to have a protruding portion 31E protruding from the outer edge to the upstream side (in the embodiment, the flow path forming body 23 or the end cap 25 side). The protruding portion 31E may be continuously provided along the outer edge of the upstream end portion (here, the mesh body 32) of the flavor source accommodating body 31, and may be provided intermittently along the outer edge of the flavor source accommodating body 31. It may be provided. When there is a gap between the outer frame body 24 and the flavor source accommodating body 31, the protruding portion 31E is along the outer edge of the upstream end portion (here, the mesh body 32) of the flavor source accommodating body 31. It is preferable that they are continuously provided. As a result, it is possible to prevent the aerosol from staying in the space formed in the upstream portion of the tapered portion 31T.

In the embodiment, the outer wall surface of the flavor source accommodating body 31 preferably includes a tapered portion 31T extending from the upstream to the downstream, as shown in FIGS. 6 and 7. The tapered portion 31T may be included in a part of the outer wall surface of the flavor source accommodating body 31. The taper angle α of the taper portion 31T is, for example, about 5 degrees.

In the embodiment, as shown in FIG. 7, it is preferable that the inner wall surface of the flavor source accommodating body 31 is provided with a rib 31R extending along a predetermined direction A from the upstream to the downstream. Although not particularly limited, the number of ribs 31R is preferably 2 or more. It is preferable that the downstream end of the rib 31R does not reach the downstream end of the flavor source accommodating body 31. For example, in the predetermined direction A, the length L2 from the mesh body 32 to the downstream end of the rib 31R is shorter than the length L1 from the mesh body 32 to the downstream end of the flavor source accommodating body 31. In other words, when the filter 33 is inserted into the flavor source accommodating body 31, it is preferable that the downstream end portion of the rib 31R comes into contact with the filter 33 without reaching the downstream end portion of the flavor source accommodating body 31.

The mesh body 32 is arranged upstream (non-mouthpiece side) from the flavor source 31A. In the embodiment, the mesh body 32 is arranged at the upstream end of the flavor source container 31. When the mesh body 32 is provided in the very small flavor source accommodating body 31, it is preferable that the flavor source accommodating body 31 and the mesh body 32 are integrally formed from the viewpoint of ensuring the strength of the mesh body 32. That is, in the embodiment, the mesh body 32 is a part of the flavor source accommodating body 31. In such a case, the flavor source accommodating body 31 and the mesh body 32 are preferably made of resin. As the resin, for example, one or more resins selected from polypropylene, polyethylene terephthalate, polyethylene resin and ABS resin can be used. From the viewpoint of moldability and texture, the resin is preferably polypropylene. The flavor source accommodating body 31 and the mesh body 32 are formed by mold molding or injection molding.

In an embodiment, the mesh body 32 has a plurality of openings 32A, as shown in FIG. Each of the plurality of openings 32A has a polygonal shape having an internal angle of 180 ° or less. Each of the plurality of openings 32A has a minimum width Wmin having the smallest width and a maximum width Wmax having the largest width as the width passing through the center of gravity of each of the plurality of openings 32A. The minimum width Wmin is smaller than the lower limit of the size of the raw material pieces constituting the flavor source 31A. Specifically, since the raw material pieces constituting the flavor source 31A are actually non-spherical, the minimum width Wmin is the lower limit of the size of the raw material pieces constituting the flavor source 31A from the viewpoint of suppressing the falling off of the raw material pieces. It is preferably smaller than 1/2. The maximum width Wmax is larger than the minimum width Wmin. For example, the maximum width Wmax is preferably larger than the lower limit of the size of the raw material piece. Alternatively, the maximum width Wmax is preferably √2 times or more and 6 times or less the minimum width Wmin. That is, each of the plurality of openings 32A has a shape different from that of a circle. Further, each of the plurality of openings 32A preferably has a quadrangular shape because the raw material piece is difficult to fit into the openings 32A. It should be noted that each side of the quadrangular shape of the opening 32A may include a non-linear portion generated in the manufacture of the opening 32A. Further, each vertex of the quadrangular shape of the opening 32A may include a curved portion generated in the manufacture of the opening 32A.

Here, each of the plurality of openings 32A preferably has a shape selected from a square, a rectangle, a rhombus, a hexagon, and an octagon, as shown in FIGS. 9 to 12. Each of the plurality of openings 32A may have one type as shown in FIGS. 9 to 11, or may have two types as shown in FIG. 12. The shape of each of the plurality of openings 32A may be three or more. From the viewpoint of the arrangement efficiency of the plurality of openings 32A and the ease of manufacturing, it is preferable that each of the plurality of openings 32A has a quadrangular shape.

In the examples shown in FIGS. 9 to 12, it is preferable that the plurality of openings 32A are arranged so that the sides of the openings 32A adjacent to each other are parallel to each other. The distance P between the openings 32A adjacent to each other is preferably 0.15 mm or more and 0.30 mm or less. In such a case, the thickness of the mesh body 32 is preferably 0.1 mm or more and 1 mm or less.

The filter 33 is composed of predetermined fibers and has a roughness such that the raw material pieces do not pass through. The filter 33 is arranged downstream of the flavor source 31A. The filter 33 is, for example, an acetate filter. The cap 34 is provided downstream (on the mouthpiece side) of the filter 33.

It is preferable that the flavor source accommodating body 31 (here, the mesh body 32 is included), the filter 33, and the cap 34 are adhered or welded to each other.

In the embodiment, it is preferable that all the openings of the mesh body 32 are the above-mentioned openings 32A, but the embodiment is not limited to this. The openings included in the mesh body 32 may include openings other than the above-mentioned openings 32A.

(Connection Status)
Hereinafter, the connection state between the first cartridge 20 and the second cartridge 30 according to the embodiment will be described. FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a connection state between the first cartridge 20 and the second cartridge 30 according to the embodiment. FIG. 14 is a diagram showing a CC cross section shown in FIG. However, it should be noted that in FIG. 13, the reservoir 21, the atomizing section 22, the flavor source 31A, the filter 33 and the cap 34 are omitted.

As shown in FIG. 13, between the first flow path 20X and the second flow path 30X, the aerosol flow is supplied from the first flow path 20X so as to suppress the bias of the aerosol flow in the second flow path 30X. An aerosol flow adjusting chamber G for adjusting the flow of the aerosol is provided. In the embodiment, the aerosol flow adjusting chamber G is formed between the downstream end of the flow path forming body 23 and the upstream end of the flavor source accommodating body 31. Specifically, the aerosol flow adjusting chamber G is formed between the end cap 25 and the mesh body 32.

Here, the filling rate of the flavor source 31A housed in the flavor source container 31 does not have to be 100% with respect to the capacity of the flavor source container 31. That is, it is conceivable that a void is generated in the flavor source container 31. However, it goes without saying that the aerosol flow adjusting chamber G is different from the voids created by the filling rate of the flavor source 31A not being 100%.

In the embodiment, in a cross section orthogonal to a predetermined direction A, on a straight line from the center of gravity of the first flow path 20X to the outside of the first flow path 20X, from the outer edge of the first flow path 20X to the second flow path 30X. When the distance to the outer surface is taken as the shift distance, the length LG of the aerosol flow adjusting chamber G in the predetermined direction A may be determined in consideration of the largest shift distance among the shift distances. That is, the length LG of the aerosol flow adjusting chamber G may be determined according to the largest shift distance. From the viewpoint of suppressing the bias of the aerosol flow flowing in the flavor source accommodating body 31, it is preferable that the longer the largest shift distance is, the longer the length LG of the aerosol flow adjusting chamber G is. The length LG of the aerosol flow adjusting chamber G is preferably 1/10 or more of the largest shift distance.

For example, as shown in FIG. 14, when the first flow path 20X and the second flow path 30X are coaxial circles in a cross section orthogonal to the predetermined direction A, the aerosol flow adjusting chamber G in the predetermined direction A The length LG is determined according to the difference (that is, the shift distance) between the radius R1 of the first flow path 20X and the radius R2 of the second flow path 30X.

In the embodiment, as described above, the flavor source accommodating body 31 is upstream from the outer edge of the upstream end portion (here, the mesh body 32) of the flavor source accommodating body 31 in the cross section orthogonal to the aerosol flow path (predetermined direction A). It has a protruding portion 31E that projects to the side (in the embodiment, the flow path forming body 23 or the end cap 25 side). That is, the flavor source accommodating body 31 has a protruding portion 31E (first protruding portion) as a spacer forming the aerosol flow adjusting chamber G.

In the embodiment, it is preferable that the entire downstream end portion of the flow path forming body 23 (first flow path 20X) is exposed to the aerosol flow adjusting chamber G. It is preferable that the entire upstream end of the flavor source accommodating body 31 (second flow path 30X) is exposed to the aerosol flow adjusting chamber G. Thereby, the flow of the aerosol guided from the first flow path 20X to the second flow path 30X can be efficiently adjusted by the aerosol flow adjustment chamber G.

It is preferable that the aerosol flow adjusting chamber G does not include a portion that projects to the upstream side of the downstream end portion of the flow path forming body 23 (first flow path 20X). It is preferable that the aerosol flow adjusting chamber G does not include a portion protruding downstream from the upstream end portion of the flavor source accommodating body 31 (second flow path 30X). As a result, it is possible to prevent the aerosol from staying in an unnecessary space.

The inner wall surface constituting the aerosol flow adjusting chamber G extends from the outer edge of the downstream end of the flow path forming body 23 (first flow path 20X) to the outer edge of the upstream end of the flavor source accommodating body 31 (second flow path 30X). It is preferable that the steps are continuous without including a step.

In the embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 13 and 14, in a cross section orthogonal to the aerosol flow path (predetermined direction A), the outer edge 25out of the end cap 25 is in contact with the inner wall surface 24in of the outer frame 24, and the end The inner edge 25in of the cap 25 is preferably located between the outer edge 25out of the flow path forming body 23 and the inner edge 25in of the flow path forming body 23. This makes it difficult to remove the end cap 25 from the downstream side. Further, when the end cap 25 is arranged in the outer frame body 24, the end cap 25 is less likely to interfere with the flow path forming body 23.

(Control circuit)
Hereinafter, the control circuit according to the embodiment will be mainly described. FIG. 15 is a diagram mainly showing a functional block of the control circuit 50 according to the embodiment.

As shown in FIG. 15, the non-combustion type flavor aspirator 1 has a notification unit 40 and a control circuit 50.

The notification unit 40 notifies various information. The notification unit 40 may be composed of a light emitting element, a vibrating element, or a sound output element. The notification unit 40 may be a combination of two or more elements among the light emitting element, the vibrating element, and the sound output element. The notification unit 40 is preferably provided in the power supply unit 10, but the embodiment is not limited thereto. The notification unit 40 may be provided on the first cartridge 20 or the second cartridge 30.

The control circuit 50 includes a detection unit 51, a notification control unit 52, and a power control unit 53.

The detection unit 51 detects the puff operation. In such a case, the detection unit 51 is connected to the suction sensor and detects the puff operation based on the output result of the suction sensor. Further, the detection unit 51 detects the power supply from the battery 11 to the atomization unit 22. In such a case, the detection unit 51 is connected to a voltage sensor provided on the power line connecting the battery 11 and the atomization unit 22, and detects the power supply based on the output result of the voltage sensor. ..

The notification control unit 52 controls the notification unit 40 so as to notify various information. For example, the notification control unit 52 controls the notification unit 40 so as to notify the replacement timing of the second cartridge 30 in response to the detection of the replacement timing of the second cartridge 30. As described above, the notification unit 40 may notify the replacement timing of the second cartridge 30 by the light emission of the light emitting element, or may notify the replacement timing of the second cartridge 30 by the vibration of the vibrating element, and may output sound. The replacement timing of the second cartridge 30 may be notified by the output sound of the element.

Here, the notification control unit 52 detects the replacement timing of the second cartridge 30 based on the number of puff operations or the energization time of the atomizing unit 22. The number of puffing operations can be specified by the puffing operation detected by the detection unit 51 described above. Similarly, the energization time of the atomizing unit 22 can be specified by the power supply detected by the detection unit 51 described above.

Specifically, the notification control unit 52 has a counter 52X that counts the number of puffing operations or the energization time of the atomizing unit 22. When the count value of the counter 52X reaches a predetermined value, the notification control unit 52 detects the replacement timing of the second cartridge 30 and resets the count value of the counter 52X. It is preferable that the notification control unit 52 resets the count value of the counter 52X after the second cartridge 30 is replaced. Alternatively, when the count value of the counter 52X reaches a predetermined value, the notification control unit 52 notifies the replacement timing of the second cartridge 30 and resets the count value of the counter 52X by a predetermined operation of the user. A predetermined operation of the user is a hardware interface (for example, a switch or a button) for turning on or off the power of the non-combustible flavor aspirator 1 or a hardware interface for controlling the power supply to the atomizing unit 22. When (for example, a switch or a button) is provided in the non-combustible flavor aspirator 1, it may be an operation of a hardware interface. Alternatively, the predetermined user operation may be an operation of blowing breath from the suction port of the non-combustion type flavor aspirator 1 as long as the detection unit 51 can detect the puff operation. Alternatively, the user's predetermined operation is an operation of inhaling (for example, two inhalation operations in a short time) as long as the detection unit 51 can detect the puff operation and can be distinguished from the general puff operation. It may be. The counter 52X may be a count-up type counter or a count-down type counter.

In the embodiment, it is preferable that the notification control unit 52 controls the notification unit 40 so as to notify the replacement timing of the first cartridge 20 in response to the detection of the replacement timing of the first cartridge 20. In such a case, it is preferable that the notification control unit 52 detects the replacement timing of the first cartridge 20 based on the number of replacements of the second cartridge 30. Specifically, the notification control unit 52 detects the replacement timing of the first cartridge 20 when the number of replacements of the second cartridge 30 reaches a predetermined number of times.

In the embodiment, the notification control unit 52 controls the notification unit 40 so as to notify the replacement timing of the battery 11 or the charging timing of the battery 11 in response to the detection of the replacement timing of the battery 11 or the charging timing of the battery 11. Is preferable. In such a case, it is preferable that the notification control unit 52 detects the replacement timing of the battery 11 or the charging timing of the battery 11 based on the output voltage of the battery 11. Specifically, it is preferable that the notification control unit 52 detects the replacement timing or the charging timing of the battery 11 when the output voltage of the battery 11 falls below a predetermined threshold value.

However, the embodiment is not limited to this, and the notification control unit 52 determines the replacement timing of the battery 11 or the charging timing of the battery 11 based on the number of puffing operations or the energization time of the atomizing unit 22. It may be detected. Specifically, the notification control unit 52 may detect the replacement timing of the battery 11 or the charging timing of the battery 11 when the number of puffing operations or the energization time of the atomizing unit 22 exceeds a predetermined threshold value.

Similar to the replacement timing of the second cartridge 30, the notification unit 40 determines the replacement timing of the first cartridge 20, the replacement timing of the battery 11, or the replacement timing of the battery 11 depending on the light emission of the light emitting element, the vibration of the vibrating element, or the output sound of the sound output element. Notifies the charging timing of the battery 11.

As an instruction to the battery 11, the power control unit 53 outputs a predetermined instruction to the battery 11 to instruct the battery 11 so that the amount of aerosol atomized by the atomizing unit 22 falls within a desired range. The output of the predetermined instruction may be performed once for each puff operation. Further, the power control unit 53 instructs the battery 11 to output electric power to the atomizing unit 22 during the puffing period in which the puffing operation is performed, but the atomizing unit 22 in the non-puffing period in which the puffing operation is not performed. It should be noted that the output of power to is not directed to the battery 11. The puff period and the non-puff period can be specified by the puff operation detected by the detection unit 51 described above.

Here, the power control unit 53 controls a predetermined instruction so that the amount of aerosol atomized by the atomizing unit 22 falls within a desired range. For example, the power control unit 53 changes a predetermined instruction as the amount of electricity stored in the battery 11 decreases. Further, the power control unit 53 stops the power supply from the battery 11 to the atomization unit 22 when a predetermined period has elapsed since the power supply to the atomization unit 22 was started. In other words, the power control unit 53 stops the power supply from the battery 11 to the atomizing unit 22 when the puff period exceeds a predetermined period even within the puff period during which the user is actually performing the puff operation. do.

Further, the power control unit 53 stops the power supply from the battery 11 to the atomizing unit 22 when the puff operation is completed even before the predetermined period elapses after the puff operation is started. As a result, aerosol is not generated during the period when the puff operation is not performed (non-puff period), so that the aerosol stays and condenses in the aerosol flow path during the non-puff period, and droplets are generated during the non-puff period. It is possible to suppress the situation where the aerosol generated by the subsequent puff operation is trapped in the droplets, and it is possible to suppress the possibility of hindering the supply of the aerosol amount in a desired range and the deterioration of the taste due to the droplets.

Here, the predetermined period is shorter than the upper limit of the standard puff period derived from the statistics of the user's puff period. Furthermore, the predetermined period is preferably shorter than the average value of the puff period derived from the statistics of the user's puff period. Of course, the average value of the puff period is shorter than the upper limit of the standard puff period.

Since the predetermined period is set to suppress the variation in the puff period of the user, it is necessary that there are a certain number or more of users whose puff period is longer than the predetermined period. From this point of view, it is preferable that the predetermined period is derived from statistics. Further, since the predetermined period is shorter than the average value of the puff period derived from the statistics, the energization time to the atomizing unit 22 in the majority puff operation can be fixed to the predetermined period, so that the user's puff period varies. It is possible to suppress fluctuations in the amount of aerosol caused by the above.

For example, the predetermined period is 1 second or more and 3 seconds or less. When the predetermined period is 1 second or longer, the energization time to the atomizing portion 22 is not too short as compared with the puff period, and the discomfort given to the user is reduced. On the other hand, when the predetermined period is 3 seconds or less, the number of puff operations in which the energization time to the atomizing unit 22 is fixed to the predetermined period can be set to a certain number or more.

Further, the predetermined period may be 1.5 seconds or more and 2.5 seconds or less. As a result, the discomfort given to the user can be further reduced, and the puff operation in which the energization time to the atomizing unit 22 is fixed for a predetermined period can be increased.

In the embodiment, it is preferable that the predetermined period is predetermined. In such cases, the predetermined period is preferably determined according to the standard puff period derived from the statistics of the puff period of a plurality of users.

The standard puff period can be derived from the statistics of the user's puff period, and is the period between the lower limit value in the puff period of a plurality of users and the upper limit value in the puff period of a plurality of users. Is. The lower and upper limits may be derived, for example, as the lower and upper bounds of the 95% confidence interval of the average, based on the distribution of the user's puff period data, m ± nσ (where m is the average). It may be derived as a value (where σ is the standard deviation and n is a positive real number).

In the embodiment, it is preferable that the electric power control unit 53 controls the amount of electric power supplied from the battery 11 to the atomizing unit 22 by pulse control. In such a case, the power control unit 53 outputs an instruction to increase the duty ratio output to the battery 11 in one puff operation as the amount of electricity stored in the battery 11 decreases, as a change of the predetermined instruction. It is preferable to do so.

For example, as shown in FIG. 16, the power control unit 53 controls an on-time interval (pulse interval) for supplying electric power from the battery 11 to the atomizing unit 22. Specifically, the power control unit 53 increases the duty ratio output to the battery 11 in one puff operation by changing the pulse interval P1 to the pulse interval P2.

Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 17, the power control unit 53 controls the length (pulse width) of the on-time for supplying power from the battery 11 to the atomizing unit 22. Specifically, the power control unit 53 increases the duty ratio output to the battery 11 in one puff operation by changing the pulse width W1 to the pulse width W2.

The power control unit 53 may gradually increase the duty ratio or continuously increase the duty ratio as a change of the predetermined instruction as the amount of electricity stored in the battery 11 decreases.

In the embodiment, it is preferable that the power control unit 53 estimates the amount of electricity stored in the battery 11 based on the voltage value output from the battery 11. Alternatively, the power control unit 53 may estimate the amount of electricity stored in the battery 11 based on the number of puffing operations or the energization time of the atomizing unit 22. The number of puffing operations can be specified by the puffing operation detected by the detection unit 51 described above. Similarly, the energization time of the atomizing unit 22 can be specified by the power supply detected by the detection unit 51 described above.

In the embodiment, it is preferable that the power control unit 53 stops the power supply from the battery 11 to the atomizing unit 22 from the time when the count value of the counter 52X reaches a predetermined value until the count value is reset. In other words, it is preferable that the power control unit 53 stops the power supply from the battery 11 to the atomizing unit 22 from the notification of the replacement timing of the second cartridge 30 until the count value is reset. That is, the power supply from the battery 11 to the atomizing unit 22 is stopped until the second cartridge 30 is replaced. Therefore, the use of the second cartridge 30, which can only impart a small amount of flavor to the aerosol, is suppressed.

(Control method)
Hereinafter, the control method according to the embodiment will be described. FIG. 18 is a flow chart showing a control method according to the embodiment. FIG. 18 is a flow chart showing a method of controlling the amount of electric power supplied from the battery 11 to the atomizing unit 22 in one puff operation. It should be noted that the flow shown in FIG. 18 is started by detecting the start of the puff operation.

As a premise of the flow shown in FIG. 18, the non-combustible flavor aspirator 1 (that is, the power control unit 53) outputs power to the atomizing unit 22 to the battery 11 during the puff operation. Although instructed, it should be noted that the battery 11 is not instructed to output power to the atomizing unit 22 during the non-puffing period when the puffing operation is not performed.

As shown in FIG. 18, in step S10, the non-combustion type flavor aspirator 1 (that is, the power control unit 53) estimates the amount of electricity stored in the battery 11. As described above, the non-combustion type flavor aspirator 1 preferably estimates the amount of electricity stored in the battery 11 based on the voltage value output from the battery 11.

In step S20, the non-combustion type flavor aspirator 1 (that is, the power control unit 53) determines a predetermined instruction (for example, duty ratio) to be output to the battery 11. Specifically, the non-combustion type flavor aspirator 1 determines the duty ratio to be output to the battery 11 so that the duty ratio increases as the amount of electricity stored in the battery 11 decreases. In other words, the non-combustion type flavor aspirator 1 outputs an instruction to increase the duty ratio as a change of the predetermined instruction.

In step S30, the non-combustion type flavor aspirator 1 (that is, the power control unit 53) determines whether or not a predetermined period has elapsed since the power supply to the atomization unit 22 was started. In other words, the non-combustion type flavor aspirator 1 determines whether or not the puff period exceeds a predetermined period. The non-combustion type flavor aspirator 1 proceeds to the process of step S50 when the determination result is YES, and proceeds to the process of step S40 when the determination result is NO.

In step S40, the non-combustion type flavor aspirator 1 (that is, the power control unit 53) determines whether or not the puff operation is completed. If the determination result is NO, the non-combustion type flavor aspirator 1 returns to the process of step S30, and if the determination result is YES, the non-combustion type flavor aspirator 1 stops the power supply to the atomizing unit 22, and a series of series. End the process. As described above, the end of the puff operation may be detected by the detection unit 51 as long as the detection unit 51 can detect the puff operation. Alternatively, the end of the puff operation may be detected by operating a hardware interface (for example, a switch or a button) for switching whether or not to supply electric power to the atomizing unit 22.

In step S50, the non-combustion type flavor aspirator 1 (that is, the power control unit 53) supplies power from the battery 11 to the atomizing unit 22 even during the puff period during which the user is actually performing the puff operation. Stop.

(Action and effect)
In the embodiment, the power control unit 53 stops the power supply from the battery 11 to the atomization unit 22 when a predetermined period of time has elapsed since the power supply to the atomization unit 22 was started. The predetermined period is shorter than the upper limit of the standard puff period derived from the user's puff period statistics. Therefore, even if a user whose puff period is longer than a predetermined period uses a non-combustion type flavor aspirator, an extreme decrease in the amount of electricity stored in the battery 11 is suppressed, and the amount of aerosol atomized by the atomizing unit 22 is reduced. It is easy to control a predetermined instruction so that it falls within a desired range.

In this way, regardless of the length of the user's puff period and the amount of electricity stored in the battery 11, the amount of electricity stored in the battery 11 decreases from the start of smoking (the initial stage when the amount of electricity stored in the battery 11 is sufficient) to the end of smoking (that is, the amount of electricity stored in the battery 11 decreases). Through the puffing operation up to the final stage), the amount of aerosol supplied per puffing operation can be kept within a desired range.

In the embodiment, the power control unit 53 changes a predetermined instruction to be output to the battery 11 in one puff operation as the amount of electricity stored in the battery 11 decreases. Suppressing the difference in the amount of electric power actually supplied from the battery 11 to the atomizing unit 22 between the initial stage in which the amount of electricity stored in the battery 11 is sufficient and the final stage in which the amount of electricity stored in the battery 11 is insufficient. Can be done. As a result, the amount of aerosol atomized by the atomizing unit 22 can be kept within a desired range regardless of the length of the puff period of the user and the amount of electricity stored in the battery 11.

In the embodiment, the notification control unit 52 controls the notification unit 40 so as to notify the replacement timing of the second cartridge 30 in response to the detection of the replacement timing of the second cartridge 30. Therefore, the user can easily grasp the replacement timing of the second cartridge 30.

In the embodiment, the notification control unit 52 controls the notification unit 40 so as to notify the replacement timing of the first cartridge 20 in response to the detection of the replacement timing of the first cartridge 20. Therefore, the user can easily grasp the replacement timing of the first cartridge 20.

In the embodiment, the notification control unit 52 detects the replacement timing (life) of the first cartridge 20 based on the number of replacements of the second cartridge 30. Therefore, it is easy to detect the replacement timing of the first cartridge 20. Furthermore, it is possible to reduce the possibility that the life of the first cartridge 20 will expire while the second cartridge 30 is being used. Needless to say, the replacement timing (life) of the first cartridge 20 corresponds to the number of second cartridges 30 (number of replacements) that can be used for one first cartridge 20.

In the embodiment, the notification control unit 52 controls the notification unit 40 so as to notify the replacement timing of the battery 11 or the charging timing of the battery 11 in response to the detection of the replacement timing of the battery 11 or the charging timing of the battery 11. Therefore, the user can easily grasp the replacement timing of the battery 11 or the charging timing of the battery 11.

In the embodiment, the power control unit 53 stops the power supply from the battery 11 to the atomizing unit 22 from the time when the count value of the counter 52X reaches a predetermined value until the count value is reset. Therefore, the power supply from the battery 11 to the atomizing unit 22 is stopped until the second cartridge 30 is replaced. Therefore, the use of the second cartridge 30, which can only impart a small amount of flavor to the aerosol, is suppressed.

In the embodiment, the electric power control unit 53 controls a predetermined instruction so that the amount of aerosol atomized by the atomizing unit 22 falls within a desired range, and a predetermined period after starting the power supply to the atomizing unit 22. When the above has elapsed, the power supply from the battery 11 to the atomizing unit 22 is stopped. Therefore, since the variation in the amount of power consumed by one puff operation is reduced, the detection accuracy of the replacement timing of the second cartridge 30 when the replacement timing of the second cartridge 30 is detected based on the number of puff operations. Is improved.

In the embodiment, between the first flow path 20X and the second flow path 30X, the aerosol supplied from the first flow path 20X so as to suppress the bias of the aerosol flow in the second flow path 30X. An aerosol flow adjusting chamber G for adjusting the flow is provided. As a result, the aerosol supplied from the first flow path 20X can easily pass through the flavor source in the second flow path 30X without being biased.

In the embodiment, the reservoir 21 is located around the flow path forming body 23 in a cross section orthogonal to the first flow path 20X (predetermined direction A). Thereby, the volume of the reservoir 21 for storing the aerosol source 21A can be secured while suppressing the total length of the first cartridge 20 in the first flow path 20X (predetermined direction A).

In the embodiment, the size of the second flow path 30X is larger than the size of the first flow path 20X in the cross section orthogonal to the aerosol flow path (predetermined direction A). In other words, since the first flow path 20X is small in the cross section orthogonal to the aerosol flow path (predetermined direction A), the volume of the reservoir 21 located around the flow path forming body 23 can be secured. Since the size of the second flow path 30X is large in the cross section orthogonal to the aerosol flow path (predetermined direction A), the flavor component can be efficiently taken out from the flavor source 31A.

In the embodiment, in a cross section orthogonal to the aerosol flow path (predetermined direction A), the outer edge 25out of the end cap 25 is in contact with the inner wall surface 24in of the outer frame body 24, and the inner edge 25in of the end cap 25 forms a flow path. It is located between the outer edge 25out of the body 23 and the inner edge 25in of the flow path forming body 23. This makes it difficult to remove the end cap 25 from the downstream side. Further, when the end cap 25 is arranged in the outer frame body 24, the end cap 25 is less likely to interfere with the flow path forming body 23.

In the embodiment, in a cross section orthogonal to the predetermined direction A, on a straight line from the center of gravity of the first flow path 20X to the outside of the first flow path 20X, from the outer edge of the first flow path 20X to the second flow path 30X. When the distance to the outer surface is taken as the shift distance, the length LG of the aerosol flow adjusting chamber G in the predetermined direction A is determined according to the largest shift distance among the shift distances. As a result, the flow of the aerosol guided from the first flow path 20X to the second flow path 30X can be appropriately adjusted by the aerosol flow adjustment chamber G, and the aerosol supplied from the first flow path 20X is the second cartridge 30. It is easy to pass through the flavor source 31A without being biased inside.

In the embodiment, each of the plurality of openings 32A provided in the mesh body 32 has a polygonal shape having an internal angle of 180 ° or less. Each of the plurality of openings 32A has a minimum width Wmin having the smallest width and a maximum width Wmax having the largest width as the width passing through the center of gravity of each of the plurality of openings 32A. Here, since the minimum width Wmin is smaller than the size of the raw material piece constituting the flavor source 31A, it is possible to suppress the falling off of the raw material piece constituting the flavor source 31A, and the maximum width Wmax is larger than the minimum width Wmin. Due to its large size, the aperture ratio can be increased as a whole of the mesh body.

As described above, in the second cartridge 30 for the non-combustion type flavor aspirator, the aperture ratio of the mesh body 32 as a whole can be secured while suppressing the falling off of the raw material pieces constituting the flavor source.

In the embodiment, the maximum width Wmax of the opening 32A is larger than the lower limit of the size of the raw material piece constituting the flavor source 31A. Therefore, the aperture ratio of the mesh body 32 as a whole is improved.

In the embodiment, the maximum width Wmax of the opening 32A is √2 times or more and 6 times or less the minimum width Wmin of the opening 32A. Therefore, when the maximum width Wmax is √2 times or more of the minimum width Wmin, the aperture ratio of the mesh body 32 as a whole is improved, and when the maximum width Wmax is 6 times or less of the minimum width Wmin, the mesh body 32 is formed. The strength of 32 can be maintained.

In embodiments, each of the plurality of openings 32A has a shape selected from squares, rectangles, rhombuses, hexagons and octagons. The plurality of openings 32A are arranged so that the sides of the openings 32A adjacent to each other are parallel to each other. The distance P between the openings 32A adjacent to each other is 0.15 mm or more and 0.30 mm or less. As a result, the plurality of openings 32A can be efficiently arranged, and the strength of the mesh body 32 can be maintained while improving the aperture ratio of the mesh body 32 as a whole.

In the embodiment, the inner wall surface of the flavor source accommodating body 31 is provided with a rib 31R extending from the upstream to the downstream along a predetermined direction A. Therefore, while the rib 31R reinforces the flavor source accommodating body 31, the flow of the aerosol in the predetermined direction A in the flavor source accommodating body 31 is not obstructed by the rib 31R, and the flavor component can be easily taken out from the flavor source 31A.

In the embodiment, the outer wall surface of the flavor source accommodating body 31 includes a tapered portion 31T extending from upstream to downstream. Therefore, the second cartridge 30 is easily fitted to the outer frame body 24 of the first cartridge 20, and the falling off of the second cartridge 30 is suppressed while allowing a manufacturing error of the outer shape of the flavor source accommodating body 31.

In the embodiment, in the predetermined direction A, the length L2 from the mesh body 32 to the downstream end of the rib 31R is shorter than the length L1 from the mesh body 32 to the downstream end of the flavor source accommodating body 31. In other words, the downstream end of the rib 31R contacts the filter 33 without reaching the downstream end of the flavor source container 31. Therefore, the rib 31R reinforces the flavor source accommodating body 31 while performing the function of positioning the filter 33.

[Change example 1]
Hereinafter, modification 1 of the embodiment will be described. In the following, the differences from the embodiments will be mainly described.

Specifically, in the embodiment, the flavor source accommodating body 31 has a protruding portion 31E (first protruding portion) as a spacer forming the aerosol flow adjusting chamber G. On the other hand, in the first modification, the flavor source accommodating body 31 does not have the protruding portion 31E.

FIG. 19 is a diagram showing a connection state between the first cartridge 20 and the second cartridge 30 according to the first modification. However, it should be noted that in FIG. 19, the reservoir 21, the atomizing section 22, the flavor source 31A, the filter 33 and the cap 34 are omitted.

As shown in FIG. 19, the flavor source accommodating body 31 has a main body portion 31P accommodating the flavor source 31A and a flange portion 31Q arranged on the side surface of the main body portion 31P. Note that in the cross section orthogonal to the aerosol flow path (predetermined direction A), the flange portion 31Q projects outward from the main body portion 31P and also projects outward by the same degree or more as the inner surface of the outer frame body 24. Should. In FIG. 19, the flange portion 31Q is provided on the side surface of the downstream end portion of the main body portion 31P, but the present invention is not limited to this, and the flange portion 31Q is not limited to this, as long as it is locked to the inner surface of the outer frame body 24. It may be provided anywhere on the side surface of the main body 31P.

Here, the distance L3 from the downstream end portion of the outer frame body 24 to the end cap 25 (that is, the distance from the portion where the outer frame body 24 abuts with the flange portion 31Q to the downstream end portion of the end cap 25) is the main body portion. It is longer than the length L4 of 31P (that is, the distance from the upstream end of the flange 31Q to the upstream end of the main body 31P). Therefore, by catching the flange portion 31Q on the downstream end portion of the outer frame body 24, the flow of the aerosol supplied from the first flow path 20X can be adjusted even if the flavor source accommodating body 31 does not have the protruding portion 31E. Aerosol flow adjusting chamber G is formed.

When the first cartridge 20 does not have the end cap 25, the distance from the downstream end of the outer frame 24 to the downstream end of the flow path forming body 23 (that is, the outer frame 24 is the flange portion). The distance from the portion that abuts with 31Q to the downstream end of the flow path forming body 23 is from the length of the main body 31P (that is, the distance from the upstream end of the flange 31Q to the upstream end of the main body 31P). Is also long.

[Change example 2]
Hereinafter, modification 2 of the embodiment will be described. In the following, the differences from the embodiments will be mainly described.

Specifically, in the embodiment, the flavor source accommodating body 31 has a protruding portion 31E (first protruding portion) as a spacer forming the aerosol flow adjusting chamber G. On the other hand, in the second modification, the flavor source accommodating body 31 does not have the protruding portion 31E.

FIG. 20 is a diagram showing a connection state between the first cartridge 20 and the second cartridge 30 according to the second modification. However, it should be noted that in FIG. 20, the reservoir 21, the atomizing section 22, the flavor source 31A, the filter 33 and the cap 34 are omitted. The protruding portion 25E comes into contact with the upstream end portion (preferably, the outer edge of the upstream end portion) of the flavor source accommodating body 31.

As shown in FIG. 20, the end cap 25 projects from the outer edge of the downstream end portion of the end cap 25 in a cross section orthogonal to the aerosol flow path (predetermined direction A) toward the downstream side (flavor source container 31 side). It has a part 25E. The protrusion 25E may be provided continuously along the outer edge of the end cap 25, or may be provided intermittently along the outer edge of the end cap 25. When there is a gap between the outer frame body 24 and the flavor source accommodating body 31, it is preferable that the protruding portion 25E is continuously provided along the outer edge of the end cap 25. As a result, it is possible to prevent the aerosol from staying in the space formed in the upstream portion of the tapered portion 31T.

By providing the protruding portion 25E instead of the protruding portion 31E in this way, the flow of the aerosol supplied from the first flow path 20X is adjusted even if the flavor source accommodating body 31 does not have the protruding portion 31E. The aerosol flow adjustment chamber G is formed.

When the first cartridge 20 does not have the end cap 25, the flow path forming body 23 is the outer edge of the downstream end portion of the flow path forming body 23 in the cross section orthogonal to the aerosol flow path (predetermined direction A). It has a protruding portion similar to the protruding portion 25E that protrudes from the downstream side (the side of the flavor source accommodating body 31).

[Change example 3]
Hereinafter, modification 3 of the embodiment will be described. In the following, the differences from the embodiments will be mainly described.

Specifically, in the embodiment, the first flow path 20X completely overlaps with the second flow path 30X when viewed from the predetermined direction A. Further, in the cross section orthogonal to the aerosol flow path (predetermined direction A), the size of the second flow path 30X is preferably larger than the size of the first flow path 20X.

On the other hand, in the modified example 3, as shown in FIG. 21, the first flow path 20X does not completely overlap with the second flow path 30X when viewed from the predetermined direction A, and the second flow path 30X Is shifting from. In such a case, the size of the second flow path 30X is not particularly limited in the cross section orthogonal to the aerosol flow path (predetermined direction A), but is about the same as the size of the first flow path 20X. It may be smaller than the size of the first flow path 20X. However, the size of the second flow path 30X may be larger than the size of the first flow path 20X.

[Change example 4]
Hereinafter, modification 4 of the embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 22 to 25. In the following, the differences from the embodiments will be mainly described. In FIGS. 22 to 25, the vertical axis represents the amount of aerosol (in FIGS. 22 to 25, the amount of TPM (Total Particulate Matter)) (mg / puff operation), and the horizontal axis represents the number of puff operations (the number of puff operations). It represents a Puff number). The vertical axis and the horizontal axis represent larger values as the distance from the intersection of the two increases.

In the fourth modification, as in the embodiment, the power control unit 53 stops the power supply from the battery 11 to the atomizing unit 22 when a predetermined period has elapsed since the power supply to the atomizing unit 22 was started. do. The predetermined period is shorter than the upper limit of the standard puff period derived from the user's puff period statistics.

The amount of aerosol atomized by the atomizing unit 22 depends on the puff period during which the user actually performs the puffing operation and the output voltage output to the battery 11. Here, the case where the standard puff period derived from the statistics of the user's puff period can be regarded as following a normal distribution with an average of 2.4 seconds and a standard deviation of 1 second will be described. In such a case, the upper limit of the standard puff period is derived as m + nσ (where m is the average value, σ is the standard deviation, and n is a positive real number), for example. It takes about 3 to 4 seconds.

In sample E, the initial value of the output voltage of the battery 11 is 4.2 V, and the battery capacity of the battery 11 is 220 mAh. Further, the atomizing unit 22 is composed of a wound heating wire, and the resistance value of the heating wire is 3.5Ω. In FIG. 22, sample E1 shows the relationship between the number of puffs and the amount of aerosol when sample E is sucked in a puff period of 2 seconds per puff operation, and sample E2 shows sample E once. The relationship between the number of puffs and the amount of aerosol when suction is performed with a puff period of 3 seconds per puff operation is shown. Here, when the standard puff period follows a normal distribution with an average of 2.4 seconds and a standard deviation of 1 second, the probability of suction with a puff period of 3 seconds or more per puff operation as shown in sample E2 is about 27. It should be noted that it is%, which is a sufficiently probable event.

In sample F, the configurations of the battery 11 and the atomizing unit 22 are the same as in sample E. In FIG. 23, sample F1 shows the relationship between the number of puffs and the amount of aerosol when the sample F is sucked in a puff period of 2 seconds per puff operation, and the sample F2 shows the relationship between the sample F and the sample F once. The relationship between the number of puffs and the amount of aerosol when suction is performed with a puff period of 3 seconds per puff operation is shown. However, in the sample F1 and the sample F2, the power control unit 53 atomizes the battery 11 when a predetermined period (here, 2.2 seconds) has elapsed since the power supply to the atomization unit 22 was started. The power supply to the unit 22 is stopped. It should be noted here that the predetermined period of 2.2 seconds is shorter than the upper limit of the standard puff period derived from the statistics of the user's puff period and shorter than the average value of the puff period.

In sample G, the configuration of the battery 11 is the same as in samples E and F. On the other hand, the atomizing unit 22 is composed of heating wires wound at a predetermined pitch, and differs from the samples E and F in that the resistance value of the heating wires is 2.9 Ω. In FIG. 24, sample G1 shows the relationship between the number of puffs and the amount of aerosol when the sample G is sucked in a puff period of 2 seconds per puff operation, and the sample G2 shows the relationship between the sample G and the sample G once. The relationship between the number of puffs and the amount of aerosol when suction is performed with a puff period of 3 seconds per puff operation is shown. However, in the sample G1 and the sample G2, the power control unit 53 atomizes the battery 11 when a predetermined period (here, 2.2 seconds) has elapsed since the power supply to the atomization unit 22 was started. The power supply to the unit 22 is stopped.

In sample H, the configurations of the battery 11 and the atomizing unit 22 are the same as those of sample G. However, the predetermined pitch of the heating wire constituting the atomizing portion 22 is uniformly wound in the range of 0.35 mm to 0.40 mm, which is narrower than the predetermined pitch of the sample G. In FIG. 25, the sample H1 shows the relationship between the number of puffs and the amount of aerosol when the sample H is sucked in a puff period of 2 seconds per puff operation, and the sample H2 shows the relationship between the sample H and the sample H once. The relationship between the number of puffs and the amount of aerosol when suction is performed with a puff period of 3 seconds per puff operation is shown. Further, in the sample H1 and the sample H2, similarly to the sample G, when the power control unit 53 elapses a predetermined period (here, 2.2 seconds) after starting the power supply to the atomizing unit 22. , The power supply from the battery 11 to the atomizing unit 22 is stopped. However, in the sample H1 and the sample H2, the duty ratio at the time of power supply to the atomizing unit 22 is changed depending on the value of the output voltage of the battery 11 detected by the detecting unit 51. Specifically, as described above, since the output voltage of the battery 11 decreases as the amount of electricity stored in the battery 11 decreases, the electric power supplied to the atomizing unit 22 in response to the decrease in the output voltage of the battery 11. Increase the duty ratio of.

Under such a premise, as shown in FIG. 22, for sample E in which the puff period and the energization time to the atomizing portion 22 match regardless of the length of the puff period, the puff period is 3 seconds. The amount of aerosol varies greatly depending on whether it is 2 seconds or not. Further, as can be seen by comparing the inclinations of the sample E1 and the sample E2, the longer the puff period, that is, the energization time, the more remarkable the variation in the amount of aerosol from the first puff to the last puff.

Focusing on such a result, the inventors set a predetermined period shorter than the upper limit of the standard puff period derived from the statistics of the user's puff period, and set the atomizing unit 22 in one puff operation. As shown in FIG. 23, the sample F2 having a puff period of 3 seconds is also obtained by stopping the power supply from the battery 11 to the atomizing unit 22 when a predetermined period has elapsed from the start of the power supply. It was found that fluctuations in the amount of aerosol from the first puff to the final puff can be suppressed. This makes it possible to suppress fluctuations in the amount of aerosol due to variations in the puff period of the user.

Further, the inventors pay attention to such a result so that the amount of aerosol atomized by the atomizing unit 22 falls within a desired range when the energization time to the atomizing unit 22 is a predetermined period. By changing the configuration of the atomizing section 22, as shown in FIG. 24, the amount of aerosol atomized by the atomizing section 22 is desired from the first puff to the final puff over a longer number of puffs. We found that it could be within the range. Here, comparing the sample G2 shown in FIG. 24 and the sample F2 shown in FIG. 23, the sample G2 has a desired range of the amount of aerosol atomized by the atomizing unit 22 over a longer number of puffs than the sample F2. While it can be accommodated, the fluctuation range of the amount of aerosol from the first puff to the final puff is larger than the fluctuation range in the sample F2. This is because the amount of power supplied from the battery 11 to the atomizing unit 22 in one puff operation increases due to the change in the configuration of the atomizing unit 22.

Furthermore, the inventors have focused on such a result and found that the reduction rate of the amount of aerosol can be reduced by making the following changes. Specifically, the reduction rate of the amount of aerosol can be reduced by increasing the duty ratio of the electric power supplied to the atomizing unit 22 in accordance with the decrease in the output voltage of the battery 11. Further, by narrowing the predetermined pitch of the heating wire, the reduction rate of the amount of aerosol can be reduced. As a result of these changes, as shown in FIG. 25, both H1 having a puff period of 2 seconds and H2 having a puff period of 3 seconds are atomized over the entire period from the first puff to the final puff. It has been found that the amount of aerosol atomized by part 22 falls within a desired range.

Based on these results, the inventors have obtained a new finding that it is effective to control the power supply from the battery 11 to the atomizing unit 22 as shown below.

(1) The power control unit 53 stops the power supply from the battery 11 to the atomization unit 22 when a predetermined period has elapsed since the power supply to the atomization unit 22 was started. Here, the predetermined period is preferably shorter than the upper limit value of the standard puff period derived from the statistics of the user's puff period, and shorter than the average value of the puff period.

(2) The resistance value of the heating wire of the atomizing unit 22 is determined so as to atomize the amount of aerosol in a desired range when the energization time to the atomizing unit 22 is a predetermined period. Here, the resistance value of the heating wire is based on the assumption that the voltage supplied from the battery 11 to the atomizing section 22 is the voltage at the final stage when the amount of electricity stored in the battery 11 is insufficient, and the energization time of the atomizing section 22 is reached. Is preferably determined so that the amount of aerosol atomized by the atomizing unit 22 falls within a desired range when is in a predetermined period.

(3) Further, the power control unit 53 increases the output voltage of the battery 11 so that the amount of aerosol atomized by the atomizing unit 22 falls within a desired range from the first puff to the final puff. The duty ratio of the electric power supplied to the atomizing unit 22 is increased according to the decrease in the amount of electric power.

With the controls described above, the amount of aerosol is desired from the initial stage when the battery 11 has a sufficient charge to the final stage where the battery 11 has an insufficient charge, regardless of the length of the user's puff period. It will be easier to fit in the range.

That is, in the fourth modification, by adjusting the predetermined pitch and the resistance value of the heating wires constituting the atomizing unit 22, the atomizing unit 22 is at least at the start of use of the atomizing unit 22 (in other words, the battery 11 is full). During charging), a larger amount of aerosol than the desired range of the aerosol supply amount can be atomized in one puff operation.

Under such a premise, the predetermined instruction (here, the duty ratio) output from the power control unit 53 is predetermined so that the amount of aerosol atomized by the atomizing unit 22 in a predetermined period falls within a desired range. It is determined based on the length of the period. In other words, by defining the predetermined period, the predetermined instruction is determined based on the length of the predetermined period in a state where the variation in the amount of aerosol caused by the variation in the length of the puff period of the user is suppressed. Therefore, from the initial stage (starting of smoking) when the amount of electricity stored in the battery 11 is sufficient to the final stage (ending of smoking) when the amount of electricity stored in the battery 11 is insufficient, regardless of the length of the puff period of the user. The amount of aerosol can be easily kept within a desired range.

In the fourth modification, the upper limit of the amount (desired range) of the aerosol atomized by the atomizing unit 22 is preferably 4.0 mg / 1 puff operation. Furthermore, the upper limit is preferably 3.0 mg / 1 puff operation. When the above-mentioned value is the upper limit, deterioration of the raw material piece constituting the flavor source 31A contained in the second cartridge 30 is suppressed.

On the other hand, the lower limit of the amount (desired range) of the aerosol atomized by the atomizing unit 22 is preferably 0.1 mg / 1 puff operation. When the above-mentioned value is the lower limit, an amount of aerosol that does not give a feeling of insufficiency to the user can be supplied, and the flavor component can be taken out from the flavor source 31A contained in the second cartridge 30 by the aerosol.

[Change example 5]
Hereinafter, modification 5 of the embodiment will be described. In the following, the differences from the embodiments will be mainly described.

In the above-described embodiment, the predetermined period is determined according to the standard puff period derived from the statistics of the puff period of a plurality of users. On the other hand, in the modified example 5, the predetermined period is derived from the statistics of the puff period of the user who actually uses the non-combustion type flavor aspirator 1.

FIG. 26 is a diagram mainly showing a functional block of the control circuit 50 according to the modified example 5. In FIG. 26, the same configurations as those in FIG. 15 are designated by the same reference numerals, and the description of the same configurations as in FIG. 15 will be omitted.

As shown in FIG. 26, the control circuit 50 includes a memory 54 and a calculation unit 55 in addition to the configuration shown in FIG.

The memory 54 stores a puff period, which is a period during which the user performs a puff operation.

The calculation unit 55 calculates the predetermined period described above from the statistics of the puff period stored in the memory 54. That is, the predetermined period is derived from the statistics of the puff period stored in the memory 54. However, it should be noted that the predetermined period is shorter than the upper limit of the standard puff period described above.

For example, the calculation unit 55 calculates a predetermined period according to the following procedure.

First, in the initial setting, a predetermined period (I seconds) is predetermined according to the standard puff period derived from the statistics of the puff period of a plurality of users, as in the above-described embodiment.

Secondly, for example, the average value is derived from the statistics of the puff period detected in a certain period (for example, from the start of use of the first cartridge 20 to the replacement of the first cartridge 20).

Third, the predetermined period is changed to the average value (X seconds).

Fourth, the duty ratio is changed so that the amount of power supplied to the atomizing unit 22 when sucked for X seconds is equal to the amount of power supplied (when sucked for I seconds) at the time of initial setting. That is, when the average value (X) <initial setting value (I), the duty ratio corresponding to each battery voltage is relatively increased. On the other hand, when the average value (X)> the initial setting value (I), the duty ratio is lowered.

It is preferable that the predetermined period is recalculated at regular intervals (for example, replacement of the first cartridge 20).

(Action and effect)
In the fifth modification, the predetermined period is derived from the statistics of the puff period of the user who actually uses the non-combustible flavor aspirator 1. Therefore, a period suitable for the user can be set as a predetermined period referred to when the power supply from the battery 11 to the atomizing unit 22 is stopped. Specifically, for users with a longer puff period, puffs are compared to the case of using a predetermined period derived from the statistics of the puff period of multiple users by setting a predetermined time suitable for the actual puff period of the user. Discomfort can be reduced by supplying the aerosol over the entire period, and for users with a short puff period, the number of puffing operations to which the desired range of aerosol is supplied can be increased.

[Change example 6]
Hereinafter, modification 6 of the embodiment will be described. In the following, the differences from the embodiments will be mainly described.

In the above-described embodiment, the predetermined period is determined according to the standard puff period derived from the statistics of the puff period of a plurality of users. On the other hand, in the modified example 6, the predetermined period is derived from the statistics of the puff period of the user who actually uses the non-combustion type flavor aspirator 1.

FIG. 27 is a diagram mainly showing a functional block of the control circuit 50 according to the modified example 6. In FIG. 27, the same configurations as those in FIG. 15 are designated by the same reference numerals, and the description of the same configurations as in FIG. 15 will be omitted.

As shown in FIG. 27, the control circuit 50 has a memory 54 and an interface 56 in addition to the configuration shown in FIG.

The memory 54 stores a puff period, which is a period during which the user performs a puff operation.

The interface 56 is an interface for communicating with an external device 200 provided separately from the non-combustion type flavor aspirator 1. The interface 56 may be a USB port, a wired LAN module, a wireless LAN module, or a short-range communication module (for example, Bluetooth® or Felica). .. The external device 200 may be a personal computer or a smartphone.

Specifically, the interface 56 transmits the puff period stored in the memory 54 to the external device 200. The interface 56 receives from the external device 200 a predetermined period calculated from statistics based on the puff period by the external device 200.

It should be noted that the external device 200 calculates the predetermined period in the same manner as the calculation unit 55 according to the modification example 5.

(Action and effect)
In the sixth modification, the predetermined period is derived from the statistics of the puff period of the user who actually uses the non-combustible flavor aspirator 1. Therefore, a period suitable for the user can be set as a predetermined period referred to when the power supply from the battery 11 to the atomizing unit 22 is stopped. Specifically, for users with a longer puff period, puffs are compared to the case of using a predetermined period derived from the statistics of the puff period of multiple users by setting a predetermined time suitable for the actual puff period of the user. Discomfort can be reduced by supplying the aerosol over the entire period, and for users with a short puff period, the number of puffing operations to which the desired range of aerosol is supplied can be increased.

[Change example 7]
Hereinafter, modification 7 of the embodiment will be described. In the following, the differences from the embodiments will be mainly described.

In the above-described embodiment, the notification control unit 52 has a counter 52X that counts the number of puffing operations or the energization time of the atomizing unit 22. On the other hand, in the modified example 7, as shown in FIG. 28, the notification control unit 52 uses the first counter 52A and the second counter as counters 52X for counting the number of puffing operations or the energization time of the atomizing unit 22. It has 52B.

It should be noted that in the modification example 7, the life of the first cartridge 20 is the life of the second cartridge 30 × T (T is an integer) + β. Note that β is a value smaller than the life of the second cartridge 30, but is not particularly limited.

The notification control unit 52 detects the replacement timing of the second cartridge 30 when the count value of the first counter 52A reaches the first predetermined value. The notification control unit 52 detects the replacement timing of the first cartridge 20 when the count value of the second counter 52B reaches the second predetermined value. The second predetermined value is an integral multiple of the first predetermined value.

Alternatively, the notification control unit 52 detects the replacement timing of the second cartridge 30 when the count value of the first counter 52A reaches the predetermined value P, and increments the count value of the second counter 52B. May be good. As a result, the notification control unit 52 may detect the replacement timing of the first cartridge 20 when the count value of the second counter 52B reaches the predetermined value Q. That is, the notification control unit 52 may detect the replacement timing of the first cartridge 20 when the number of replacements of the second cartridge 30 reaches a predetermined number of times (predetermined value Q), as in the above-described embodiment. ..

As described above, since the second predetermined value is an integral multiple of the first predetermined value, the notification control unit 52 detects the replacement timing of the first cartridge 20 based on the number of replacements of the second cartridge 30 as a result. It should be noted that it does.

In the change example 7, when the count value of the first counter 52A reaches the first predetermined value, the notification control unit 52 detects the replacement timing of the second cartridge 30 and resets the count value of the first counter 52A. You may. Alternatively, the notification control unit 52 detects the replacement timing of the second cartridge 30 when the count value of the first counter 52A reaches the first predetermined value, and sets the count value of the first counter 52A by a predetermined operation of the user. You may reset it. In such a case, the power control unit 53 stops the power supply from the battery 11 to the atomizing unit 22 from the time when the count value of the first counter 52A reaches the first predetermined value until the count value is reset. Is preferable.

In the change example 7, when the count value of the second counter 52B reaches the second predetermined value, the notification control unit 52 detects the replacement timing of the first cartridge 20 and resets the count value of the second counter 52B. You may. Alternatively, the notification control unit 52 detects the replacement timing of the first cartridge 20 when the count value of the second counter 52B reaches the second predetermined value, and sets the count value of the second counter 52B by a predetermined operation of the user. You may reset it. In such a case, the power control unit 53 stops the power supply from the battery 11 to the atomizing unit 22 from the time when the count value of the second counter 52B reaches the second predetermined value until the count value is reset. Is preferable.

(Action and effect)
In the change example 7, since the second predetermined value is an integral multiple of the first predetermined value, the replacement timing of the first cartridge 20 and the second cartridge 30 is the same even when the replacement of the second cartridge 30 is repeated. It is possible to improve the convenience of the user by notifying with.

[Change example 8]
Hereinafter, modification 8 of the embodiment will be described. In the following, the differences from the embodiments will be mainly described.

In the eighth modification, a package including the first cartridge and the second cartridge will be described. FIG. 29 is a diagram showing the package 300 according to the modification example 8.

As shown in FIG. 29, the package 300 has a first cartridge 20 and a second cartridge 30. The number of the second cartridge 30 is determined according to the life of the first cartridge 20. For example, the package 300 shown in FIG. 29 has one first cartridge 20 and five second cartridges 30. In other words, the number of the second cartridges 30 is determined so that the life of one first cartridge 20 will expire when the five second cartridges 30 are used up.

Specifically, the first cartridge 20 is defined with an allowable number of puffs, which is the number of puff operations allowed for the first cartridge 20, or an allowable energization time, which is the energization time allowed for the first cartridge 20. .. The permissible number of puffs and the permissible energization time are values for suppressing the depletion of the aerosol source 21A. In other words, the permissible number of puffs and the permissible energization time are upper limit values capable of stably supplying the aerosol source 21A to the atomizing unit 22 and atomizing an appropriate aerosol. As the replacement timing of the second cartridge 30, the number of puffing operations or the timing at which the energization time to the atomizing unit 22 reaches a predetermined value is determined. The number of the second cartridges 30 is an integer part of the quotient obtained by dividing the allowable number of puffs or the allowable energization time by a predetermined value. Here, the permissible number of puffs or the permissible energization time does not have to be divisible by a predetermined value. In other words, the life of the first cartridge 20 may be a life with a margin with respect to the number of the second cartridges 30.

Alternatively, the timing at which the number of puff operations or the energization time to the atomizing unit 22 reaches the first predetermined value is the replacement timing of the second cartridge 30. The timing at which the number of puff operations or the energization time to the atomizing unit 22 reaches the second predetermined value is the replacement timing of the first cartridge 20. The second predetermined value is an integer multiple T of the first predetermined value. The integer multiple T is the number of second cartridges 30 included in the package 300.

(Action and effect)
In the change example 8, since the number of the second cartridges 30 is determined according to the life of the first cartridge 20, even when the replacement of the second cartridge 30 is repeated, the first cartridge 20 and the second cartridge 30 Since the replacement timing is aligned, the convenience of the user is improved. In other words, by using up the second cartridge 30 included in the package 300, the user can easily grasp the replacement timing of the first cartridge 20.

[Other Embodiments]
Although the present invention has been described by embodiments described above, the statements and drawings that form part of this disclosure should not be understood to limit the invention. Various alternative embodiments, examples and operational techniques will be apparent to those skilled in the art from this disclosure.

In the embodiment, the first cartridge 20 has an end cap 25, but the embodiment is not limited to this. For example, if the reservoir 21 has a configuration (for example, a tank) capable of suppressing leakage of the aerosol source 21A, the first cartridge 20 may not have the end cap 25. In such a case, the aerosol flow adjusting chamber G is formed between the downstream end of the flow path forming body 23 and the upstream end of the flavor source accommodating body 31.

In the embodiment, the second cartridge 30 is housed in the first cartridge 20 (protruding portion 25E), but the embodiment is not limited thereto. For example, the power supply unit 10 may accommodate the first cartridge 20 and the second cartridge 30. Alternatively, the first cartridge 20 and the second cartridge 30 may be connected by end faces facing each other. In such a case, the first cartridge 20 and the second cartridge 30 are connected by, for example, screwing.

Although not particularly mentioned in the embodiment, the end cap 25 is preferably joined to the reservoir 21 in order to suppress refilling of the aerosol source 21A into the reservoir 21.

In the embodiment, the end cap 25 has a protruding portion 25E protruding from the outer edge of the end cap 25 in a cross section orthogonal to the aerosol flow path (predetermined direction A) to the downstream side (flavor source accommodating body 31 side). However, the embodiment is not limited to this. In the case where the end cap 25 is not provided, the protruding portion 25E protruding from the outer edge of the flow path forming body 23 in the cross section orthogonal to the aerosol flow path (predetermined direction A) to the downstream side (flavor source accommodating body 31 side) is provided. The flow path forming body 23 may have. The protruding portion 25E comes into contact with the upstream end portion (for example, the outer edge of the upstream end portion) of the flavor source accommodating body 31.

In the embodiment, a case where the atomizing portion 22 is a heating wire (coil) wound at a predetermined pitch is illustrated. However, the embodiment is not limited to this. The shape of the heating wire constituting the atomizing unit 22 is arbitrary.

In the embodiment, a case where the atomizing unit 22 is composed of a heating wire is illustrated. However, the embodiment is not limited to this. The atomizing unit 22 may atomize the aerosol source 21A by ultrasonic waves.

In the embodiment, the first cartridge 20 is replaceable. However, the embodiment is not limited to this. Specifically, instead of the first cartridge 20, an atomizing unit having a reservoir 21 and an atomizing unit 22 is provided in the non-combustion type flavor aspirator 1, and the atomizing unit is a unit that cannot be replaced. good.

In the embodiment, the second cartridge 30 is replaceable. However, the embodiment is not limited to this. Specifically, instead of the second cartridge 30, a flavor source unit having a flavor source 31A may be provided in the non-combustion type flavor aspirator 1, and the flavor source unit may be a unit that is not replaced. However, this does not apply when the second cartridge 30 is an essential feature.

In the embodiment, the first cartridge 20 and the second cartridge 30 are replaceable. However, the embodiment is not limited to this. Specifically, the configuration of the first cartridge 20 and the second cartridge 30 may be provided in the non-combustion type flavor aspirator 1.

In an embodiment, the package 300 has one first cartridge 20. However, the embodiment is not limited to this. Package 300 may have two or more first cartridges 20.

In the embodiment, the electric power control unit 53 controls the amount of electric power supplied from the battery 11 to the atomizing unit 22 by pulse control. However, the embodiment is not limited to this. The power control unit 53 may control the output voltage of the battery 11. In such a case, the power control unit 53 may output an instruction to increase the instruction voltage output to the battery 11 as the amount of electricity stored in the battery 11 decreases, as a change of the predetermined instruction.

In the embodiment, the power control unit 53 outputs an instruction to increase the duty ratio output to the battery 11 in one puff operation as the amount of electricity stored in the battery 11 decreases, as a change of the predetermined instruction. However, the embodiment is not limited to this. As a change of the predetermined instruction, the power control unit 53 may output an instruction to extend a predetermined period for stopping the power supply from the battery 11 to the atomizing unit 22 as the amount of electricity stored in the battery 11 decreases. ..

In the embodiment, the detection unit 51 is connected to a voltage sensor provided on a power line connecting the battery 11 and the atomization unit 22, and detects the power supply based on the output result of the voltage sensor. However, the embodiment is not limited to this. For example, the detection unit 51 is connected to a current sensor provided on a power line connecting the battery 11 and the atomization unit 22, and may detect the power supply based on the output result of the current sensor.

In the embodiment, the power control unit 53 instructs the battery 11 to output electric power to the atomizing unit 22 during the puffing period when the puffing operation is performed, but atomizes the battery 11 during the non-puffing period when the puffing operation is not performed. The battery 11 is not instructed to output the electric power to the unit 22. However, the embodiment is not limited to this. The power control unit 53 may switch the output of the electric power to the atomizing unit 22 according to the operation of the hardware interface (for example, a switch or a button) for outputting the electric power to the atomizing unit 22. That is, the puff operation and the non-puff operation are switched according to the operation of the hardware interface.

According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a cartridge and a non-combustion type flavor aspirator that can secure the aperture ratio of the entire mesh body while suppressing the falling off of the raw material pieces constituting the flavor source. ..

Claims (8)

An atomizer that atomizes the aerosol source without combustion,
A battery that stores electric power to be supplied to the atomization unit, and
As an instruction to the battery, a control unit for outputting a predetermined instruction to the battery so that the amount of aerosol atomized by the atomizing unit falls within a desired range is provided.
The control unit changes the predetermined instruction according to the amount of electricity stored in the battery.
Wherein, based on the changed predetermined instruction, when between the start of the power supply or et locations periodically to the atomization unit has elapsed, stops power supply to the atomization unit from said battery to the non-combustible flavor inhaler. In the non-combustion type flavor aspirator according to claim 1, the modified predetermined instruction is
The duty ratio output by the control unit to the battery in the user's puff operation is increased based on the decrease in the amount of electricity stored in the battery.
Non-burning flavor aspirator, including instructions for. In the non-combustion type flavor aspirator according to claim 1 or 2.
When a predetermined period of 1.5 seconds or more and 2.5 seconds or less has elapsed since the control unit started supplying power to the atomization unit based on the changed predetermined instruction, the user A non-combustion type flavor aspirator that stops power supply from the battery to the atomizing portion even during the puffing period during which the battery is performing the puffing operation. Wherein the predetermined period is 2.4 seconds, non-combustion type flavor suction device according to claim 3. As an instruction to the battery to store the electric power supplied to the atomizing part that atomizes the aerosol source without burning, the battery is instructed so that the amount of aerosol atomized by the atomizing part falls within a desired range. and steps for outputting a predetermined instruction to said battery,
A step of changing the predetermined instruction according to the amount of electricity stored in the battery, and
Based on the changed instruction, if between the start of the power supply or et locations periodically to the atomization unit has elapsed, the steps of stopping the power supply to the atomization unit from the battery,
Including, control method. In the control method according to claim 5,
A control method comprising the instruction for the modified predetermined instruction to increase the duty ratio output to the battery in a user's puff operation based on a decrease in the amount of electricity stored in the battery. In the control method according to claim 5 or 6,
When a predetermined period of 1.5 seconds or more and 2.5 seconds or less has elapsed since the step of stopping the power supply started supplying power to the atomizing unit based on the changed predetermined instruction. In addition, a control method including stopping the power supply from the battery to the atomizing unit even during the puffing period in which the user is performing the puffing operation. Wherein the predetermined period is 2.4 seconds, the control method according to claim 7.

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