JP7242770B2 - Cartridge and non-combustion type flavor inhaler - Google Patents

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD The present invention relates to a cartridge for use in a non-combustion type flavor inhaler having a flavor source, and a non-combustion type flavor inhaler detachably provided with the cartridge.

A non-combustion type flavor inhaler 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 inhaler comprises an atomization unit for atomizing an aerosol source and a cartridge with a flavor source. For example, the cartridge is replaceable and connected to the atomization unit.

WO2013/116558

A first feature is a cartridge, which is composed of a plurality of raw material pieces that impart flavor to an aerosol generated by a non-combustible flavor inhaler, a flavor source container that contains the flavor source, and a mesh body arranged at at least one end of the flavor source container, the mesh body having a plurality of openings, and each of the plurality of openings having 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 widths passing through the center of gravity of each of the plurality of openings. The minimum width is smaller than the lower limit of the sizes of the plurality of raw material pieces, and the maximum width is greater than the minimum width.

A gist of a second feature is that in the first feature, the flavor source container 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.

A fourth feature is that in any one 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, In the above, 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 a direction orthogonal to the predetermined direction.

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

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

A seventh feature is any one of the first to sixth features, wherein the plurality of openings are arranged such that the sides of adjacent openings are parallel to each other. and

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

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

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

According to an eleventh feature, in any one of the first to tenth features, the flavor source container forms an aerosol flow path extending along a predetermined direction, and the mesh body comprises the flavor source. The gist is that the flavor source container is disposed at the upstream end on the aerosol flow path in the container, and the flavor source container has a protruding portion that protrudes upstream from the outer edge of the mesh body in a cross section orthogonal to the aerosol flow channel. and

A twelfth feature is that in any one of the first to eleventh features, the flavor source container forms an aerosol flow path extending along a predetermined direction, and the inner wall surface of the flavor source container is provided with a rib extending along the predetermined direction from upstream to downstream.

A thirteenth feature is any one of the first to twelfth features, wherein the flavor source container forms an aerosol flow path extending along a predetermined direction, and the outer wall surface of the flavor source container is intended to include a tapered shape that widens from upstream to downstream.

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

In a fifteenth aspect based on the fourteenth aspect, the inner wall surface of the flavor source container is provided with a rib extending along the predetermined direction from upstream to downstream, and the downstream end of the rib is , contacting the upstream end of the filter without reaching the downstream end of the flavor source container.

A sixteenth feature is a non-combustion type flavor inhaler, comprising an atomization part that atomizes an aerosol source without combustion, and the cartridge according to any one of the first to fifteenth features. The gist of this is that it should be detachable.

A seventeenth feature is the sixteenth feature, wherein the non-combustion type flavor inhaler includes, as the aerosol flow path, a first flow path arranged downstream of the atomization section, and the cartridge comprises: The aerosol flow path has a second flow path arranged downstream of the first flow path, and the second flow path is provided between the first flow path and the second flow path. The gist of the invention is that an aerosol flow adjustment chamber is provided for adjusting the flow of the aerosol supplied from the first channel so as to suppress a bias in the flow of the aerosol within the channel.

FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view showing a non-combustion type flavor inhaler 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 the 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 (cross-sectional view taken along the line AA shown in FIG. 5) showing the flavor source container 31 according to the embodiment. FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view (cross-sectional view taken along line BB shown in FIG. 7) showing the flavor source container 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 view showing a CC cross section shown in FIG. 13. FIG. FIG. 15 is a diagram mainly showing functional blocks of the control circuit 50 according to the embodiment. FIG. 16 is a diagram illustrating an example of duty ratio control according to the embodiment; FIG. 17 is a diagram illustrating an example of duty ratio control according to the embodiment; FIG. 18 is a flow diagram 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 Modification 1. As shown in FIG. FIG. 20 is a diagram showing a connection state between the first cartridge 20 and the second cartridge 30 according to Modification 2. As shown in FIG. FIG. 21 is a diagram showing a connection state between the first cartridge 20 and the second cartridge 30 according to Modification 3. As shown in FIG. FIG. 22 is a diagram for explaining the amount of aerosol according to Modification 4. FIG. FIG. 23 is a diagram for explaining the amount of aerosol according to Modification 4. FIG. FIG. 24 is a diagram for explaining the amount of aerosol according to Modification 4. FIG. FIG. 25 is a diagram for explaining the amount of aerosol according to Modification 4. FIG. FIG. 26 is a diagram mainly showing functional blocks of the control circuit 50 according to Modification 5. As shown in FIG. FIG. 27 is a diagram mainly showing functional blocks of the control circuit 50 according to Modification 6. As shown in FIG. FIG. 28 is a diagram mainly showing functional blocks of the control circuit 50 according to Modification 7. As shown in FIG. FIG. 29 is a diagram showing a package 300 according to Modification 8. As shown in FIG.

Embodiments will be described below. In addition, in the following description of the drawings, the same or similar parts are denoted 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, specific dimensions should be determined with reference to the following description. In addition, it goes without saying that there are portions with different dimensional relationships and ratios between the drawings.

[Summary of Disclosure]
The cartridges mentioned in the background art must be breathable so that the aerosol can be inhaled by the user. For example, a mesh body having a plurality of apertures is placed 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 forming the flavor source from coming off. Furthermore, in order to improve the extraction efficiency of flavor and taste components, it is preferable that the particle size of the raw material pieces constituting the flavor source is small. On the other hand, each of the plurality of apertures provided in the mesh body preferably has a large area in order to ensure a sufficient porosity of the mesh body as a whole.

As a result of intensive studies, the inventors found that since the cartridge for the non-combustion type flavor inhaler is very small, it is necessary to sufficiently devise the shape of the plurality of openings in order to achieve both the prevention of falling off and the securing of opening efficiency. I got a new knowledge that it is. Based on such new findings, the inventors have found that the following features are effective.

A cartridge according to the outline of the disclosure includes a flavor source composed of a plurality of raw material pieces that impart flavor to an aerosol generated by a non-combustible flavor inhaler, a flavor source container that contains the flavor source, and the flavor source. and a mesh body disposed at at least one end of the container. The mesh body has a plurality of openings. Each of the plurality of apertures has a polygonal shape with interior angles of 180° or less. Each of the plurality of apertures has a minimum width having the smallest width and a maximum width having the largest width as widths passing through the center of gravity of each of the plurality of apertures. The minimum width is smaller than the lower size limit of the plurality of raw material pieces, and the maximum width is greater than the minimum width.

In the summary of the disclosure, each of the plurality of apertures provided in the mesh body has a polygonal shape having an internal angle of 180 ° or less, and the smallest width passing through the center of gravity of each of the plurality of apertures It has a minimum width with a width and a maximum width with a maximum width. Here, since the minimum width is smaller than the size of the raw material pieces that constitute the flavor source, the raw material pieces that constitute the flavor source can be suppressed from falling off, and the maximum width is larger than the minimum width, so that the mesh body The overall porosity can be increased.

In this way, in the cartridge for the non-combustion type flavor inhaler, it is possible to secure the porosity of the mesh body as a whole while suppressing the drop-off of the raw material pieces that constitute the flavor source.

[Embodiment]
(Non-combustion flavor inhaler)
A non-combustion type flavor inhaler according to an embodiment will be described below. FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view showing a non-combustion type flavor inhaler 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 the internal structure of the first cartridge 20 according to the embodiment. However, it should be noted that FIG. 4 omits a reservoir 21, which will be described later. 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 (cross-sectional view taken along the line AA shown in FIG. 5) showing the flavor source container 31 according to the embodiment. FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view (cross-sectional view taken along line BB shown in FIG. 7) showing the flavor source container 31 according to the embodiment. However, it should be noted that FIG. 6 omits a flavor source 31A, which will be described later.

As shown in FIG. 1, the non-combustion type flavor inhaler 1 has a shape extending along a predetermined direction A, which is the direction from the non-suction end to the suction end. The non-combustion type flavor inhaler 1 is a device for inhaling flavor without burning.

Specifically, the non-combustion type flavor inhaler 1 has a power supply unit 10 , a first cartridge 20 and a second cartridge 30 . The first cartridge 20 is detachable with respect to the power supply unit 10 , and the second cartridge 30 is detachable with respect to the first cartridge 20 . In other words, the first cartridge 20 and the second cartridge 30 are each replaceable.

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 1.2V or more and 4.2V or less. Moreover, 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 in a predetermined direction A. As shown in FIGS. The first cartridge 20 has a reservoir 21 , an atomizing section 22 , a flow path forming body 23 , an outer frame body 24 and an end cap 25 . The first cartridge 20 has, as an aerosol flow path extending in the predetermined direction A, a first flow path 20X arranged downstream of the atomizing section 22 . It should be noted that in the aerosol flow path, the side closer to the atomizing section 22 is called upstream, and the side away from the atomizing section 22 is called downstream.

The reservoir 21 stores the aerosol source 21A. The reservoir 21 is positioned 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 positioned within 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 material such as a resin web or cotton. However, the reservoir 21 may be configured by a tank containing the liquid aerosol source 21A. Aerosol source 21A includes a liquid such as glycerin or propylene glycol.

The atomization part 22 atomizes the aerosol source 21A without combustion by the electric power supplied from the battery 11 . In the embodiment, the atomization part 22 is configured by a heating wire (coil) wound at a predetermined pitch, and the atomization part 22 is an electric wire having a resistance value in the range of 1.0Ω to 3.0Ω. It is preferably configured by a hot wire. The predetermined pitch is equal to or greater than the value at which the heating wire does 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 interval between the centers of the heating wires adjacent to each other.

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

The outer frame body 24 has a shape extending along the predetermined direction A. As shown in FIG. The outer frame body 24 has a cylindrical shape that accommodates the flow path forming body 23 . In the embodiment, the outer frame 24 extends downstream from the end cap 25 and accommodates 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 prevents the aerosol source 21A stored in the reservoir 21 from leaking 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 flavor inhaler 1 . In an embodiment, the second
Cartridge 30 is connected to first cartridge 20 . Specifically, part of the second cartridge 30 is housed in the outer frame 24 of the first cartridge 20 as described above.

The second cartridge 30 has a shape extending along the predetermined direction A. As shown in FIG. The second cartridge 30 has a flavor source container 31 , a mesh body 32 , a filter 33 and a cap 34 . The second cartridge 30 has a second channel 30X arranged downstream of the first channel 20X as an aerosol channel.

The second cartridge 30 imparts flavor to the aerosol by passing the aerosol atomized by the atomizing section 22 . It should be noted here that in embodiments, the aerosol may be flavored without heating the flavor source 31A. Also, it should be noted that substantially no aerosol is generated from flavor source 31A.

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

The flavor source container 31 has a cylindrical shape and forms a second flow path 30X extending along the predetermined direction A. As shown in FIG. The flavor source container 31 contains a flavor source 31A. A flavor source 31A that imparts flavor to the aerosol is accommodated in the second channel 30X. Here, in a cross section perpendicular to the aerosol flow path (predetermined direction A), it is preferable that the size of the first flow path 20X is small in order to secure the volume of the reservoir 21 that stores the aerosol source 21A. Therefore, in the case where the second cartridge 30 is accommodated in the outer frame 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 the same as described above. It tends to be larger than the size of the first channel 20X.

The flavor source 31A is composed of raw material pieces that impart flavor to the aerosol generated by the non-combustible flavor inhaler 1 . The lower limit of the size of the raw material pieces is preferably 0.2 mm or more and 1.2 mm or less. Furthermore, the lower limit of the size of the raw material pieces is preferably 0.2 mm or more and 0.7 mm or less. The smaller the size of the raw material pieces that make up the flavor source 31A, the greater the specific surface area, so that the flavor and taste components are more likely to be released from the raw material pieces that make up the flavor source 31A. As raw material pieces constituting the flavor source 31A, shredded tobacco or a molded product obtained by molding tobacco raw materials into granules can be used. The flavor source 31A may be composed of plants other than tobacco (for example, mints, herbs, etc.). A flavoring agent such as menthol may be added to the flavoring source 31A.

Here, the raw material pieces constituting the flavor source 31A are obtained by sieving according to JIS Z 8815 using a stainless sieve according to JIS Z 8801, for example. For example, using a stainless steel sieve with an opening of 0.71 mm, the raw material pieces are sieved for 20 minutes by a dry and mechanical shaking method to pass through a stainless steel sieve with an opening of 0.71 mm. Obtain raw material pieces. Subsequently, using a stainless sieve with an opening of 0.212 mm, the raw material pieces are sieved for 20 minutes by a dry and mechanical shaking method to pass through a stainless sieve with an opening of 0.212 mm. remove the raw material pieces. That is, the raw material pieces constituting the flavor source 31A are raw material pieces that pass through a stainless sieve (opening=0.71 mm) that defines the upper limit and that does not pass through a stainless 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 pieces forming the flavor source 31A is defined by the opening of the stainless sieve that defines the lower limit. In addition, the upper limit of the size of the raw material pieces 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 container 31 is located at the upstream end (here, mesh body 32 ) to the upstream side (in the embodiment, to the flow path forming body 23 or end cap 25 side). The projecting portion 31E may be provided continuously along the outer edge of the upstream end portion (here, the mesh body 32) of the flavor source container 31, or intermittently along the outer edge of the flavor source container 31. may be provided. If there is a gap between the outer frame 24 and the flavor source container 31, the projecting portion 31E is formed along the outer edge of the upstream end of the flavor source container 31 (here, the mesh body 32). preferably 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, as shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, the outer wall surface of the flavor source container 31 preferably includes a tapered portion 31T widening from upstream to downstream. The tapered portion 31T may be included in a portion of the outer wall surface of the flavor source container 31 . The taper angle α of the tapered portion 31T is, for example, about 5 degrees.

In the embodiment, the inner wall surface of the flavor source container 31 is preferably provided with ribs 31R extending along a predetermined direction A from upstream to downstream, as shown in FIG. Although not particularly limited, the number of ribs 31R is preferably two or more. It is preferable that the downstream end of the rib 31R does not reach the downstream end of the flavor source container 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 container 31 . In other words, when the filter 33 is inserted into the flavor source container 31 , the downstream end of the rib 31</b>R preferably contacts the filter 33 without reaching the downstream end of the flavor source container 31 .

The mesh body 32 is arranged upstream (non-mouthpiece side) of the flavor source 31A. In embodiments, the mesh body 32 is positioned at the upstream end of the flavor source container 31 . When the mesh body 32 is provided in a very small flavor source container 31, it is preferable that the flavor source container 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, mesh body 32 is part of flavor source container 31 . In such a case, the flavor source container 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 standpoint of moldability and texture, the resin is preferably polypropylene. The flavor source container 31 and the mesh body 32 are formed by mold molding or injection molding.

In an embodiment, mesh body 32 has a plurality of apertures 32A, as shown in FIG. Each of the plurality of apertures 32A has a polygonal shape with interior angles of 180° or less. Each of the plurality of apertures 32A has a minimum width Wmin having the smallest width and a maximum width Wmax having the largest width as widths passing through the center of gravity of each of the plurality of apertures 32A. The minimum width Wmin is smaller than the lower limit of the size of the raw material pieces forming the flavor source 31A. Specifically, since the raw material pieces that make up the flavor source 31A are actually non-spherical, the minimum width Wmin is the lower limit of the size of the raw material pieces that make up the flavor source 31A from the viewpoint of preventing the raw material pieces from falling off. It is preferably less 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 raw material piece size. Alternatively, the maximum width Wmax is preferably √2 to 6 times the minimum width Wmin. That is, each of the plurality of apertures 32A has a shape different from a circle. Furthermore, each of the plurality of openings 32A preferably has a quadrangular shape because it is difficult for the raw material pieces to fit in the openings 32A. Each side of the quadrangular shape of the opening 32A may include a non-linear portion that occurs during manufacturing of the opening 32A. Also, each vertex of the quadrangular shape of the aperture 32A may include a curved portion generated during the manufacture of the aperture 32A.

Here, each of the plurality of apertures 32A preferably has a shape selected from square, rectangle, rhombus, hexagon and octagon, as shown in FIGS. 9-12. The shape of each of the plurality of openings 32A may be one type as shown in FIGS. 9 to 11, or two types as shown in FIG. Three or more types of shapes may be used for each of the plurality of openings 32A. From the standpoint of arrangement efficiency of the plurality of openings 32A and ease of manufacture, each of the plurality of openings 32A preferably has a quadrilateral shape.

In the examples shown in FIGS. 9 to 12, the plurality of openings 32A are preferably arranged so that the sides of the adjacent openings 32A are parallel to each other. The interval 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 made of predetermined fibers and has a roughness that does not allow raw material pieces to pass through. The filter 33 is arranged downstream of the flavor source 31A. Filter 33 is, for example, an acetate filter. The cap 34 is provided downstream (on the mouthpiece side) of the filter 33 .

In addition, it is preferable that the flavor source container 31 (here, including the mesh body 32), 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 openings 32A described above, but the embodiment is not limited to this. The openings of the mesh body 32 may include openings other than the openings 32A described above.

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

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

Here, the filling rate of the flavor source 31A accommodated in the flavor source accommodation body 31 does not have to be 100% with respect to the capacity of the flavor source accommodation body 31. That is, it is conceivable that voids are generated inside the flavor source container 31 . However, of course, the aerosol flow adjustment chamber G differs from the void caused by the filling rate of the flavor source 31A not being 100%.

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. If the distance to the outer surface is the shift distance, the length LG of the aerosol flow conditioning chamber G in the predetermined direction A may be determined taking into account the largest of the shift distances. That is, the length LG of the aerosol flow conditioning chamber G may be determined according to the greatest shift distance. From the viewpoint of suppressing bias in the flow of the aerosol flowing through the flavor source container 31, it is preferable that the length LG of the aerosol flow adjustment chamber G is longer as the maximum shift distance is longer. The length LG of the aerosol flow conditioning 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 perpendicular to the predetermined direction A, the aerosol flow adjustment chamber G in the predetermined direction A is determined according to the difference (that is, the shift distance) between the radius R1 of the first channel 20X and the radius R2 of the second channel 30X.

In the embodiment, as described above, the flavor source container 31 is located upstream from the outer edge of the upstream end (here, the mesh body 32) of the flavor source container 31 in the cross section orthogonal to the aerosol flow path (predetermined direction A). It has a protrusion 31E that protrudes to the side (in the embodiment, to the side of the flow path forming body 23 or the end cap 25). That is, the flavor source container 31 has a protrusion 31E (first protrusion) as a spacer that forms the aerosol flow adjustment chamber G. As shown in FIG.

In the embodiment, the entire downstream end of the flow path forming body 23 (first flow path 20X) is preferably exposed to the aerosol flow adjustment chamber G. The entire upstream end of the flavor source container 31 (second channel 30X) is preferably exposed to the aerosol flow adjustment chamber G. Thus, the flow of aerosol guided from the first channel 20X to the second channel 30X can be efficiently adjusted by the aerosol flow adjustment chamber G.

The aerosol flow adjustment chamber G preferably does not include a portion that protrudes upstream from the downstream end of the flow path forming body 23 (first flow path 20X). The aerosol flow adjustment chamber G preferably does not include a portion that protrudes downstream from the upstream end of the flavor source container 31 (second channel 30X). This can prevent the aerosol from staying in an unnecessary space.

The inner wall surface of the aerosol flow adjustment 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 container 31 (second flow path 30X). It is preferable that it is continuous without including a step.

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

(control circuit)
The control circuit according to the embodiment will be mainly described below. FIG. 15 is a diagram mainly showing functional blocks of the control circuit 50 according to the embodiment.

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

The notification unit 40 notifies various information. The notification unit 40 may be configured by a light emitting element, may be configured by a vibration element, or may be configured by a sound output element. The notification unit 40 may be a combination of two or more elements selected from the light emitting element, the vibration 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 to this. The notification unit 40 may be provided in the first cartridge 20 or may be provided in the second cartridge 30 .

The control circuit 50 has a detection section 51 , a notification control section 52 and a power control section 53 .

The detection unit 51 detects a puffing action. In such a case, the detection unit 51 is connected to the suction sensor and detects the puff action based on the output result of the suction sensor. Further, the detection unit 51 detects 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 that connects the battery 11 and the atomization unit 22, and detects power supply based on the output result of the voltage sensor. .

The notification control unit 52 controls the notification unit 40 to notify various types of information. For example, the notification control unit 52 controls the notification unit 40 to notify the replacement timing of the second cartridge 30 in response to 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 emitting light from the light emitting element, may notify the replacement timing of the second cartridge 30 by vibrating the vibration element, or output sound. The replacement timing of the second cartridge 30 may be notified by the output sound of the element.

Here, the notification control section 52 detects the replacement timing of the second cartridge 30 based on the number of puffing operations or the time during which the atomization section 22 is energized. Note that the number of puffing actions can be specified by the puffing actions detected by the detection unit 51 described above. Similarly, the energization time to the atomization section 22 can be specified by the power supply detected by the detection section 51 described above.

Specifically, the notification control unit 52 has a counter 52X that counts the number of puffing operations or the time during which the atomization unit 22 is energized. 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. Note that the notification control unit 52 preferably resets the count value of the counter 52X after the second cartridge 30 is replaced. Alternatively, the notification control unit 52 notifies the replacement timing of the second cartridge 30 when the count value of the counter 52X reaches a predetermined value, and resets the count value of the counter 52X by a predetermined operation of the user. The user's predetermined operation is a hardware interface (e.g., switch or button) for turning on or off the power of the non-combustion type flavor inhaler 1 or a hardware interface for controlling power supply to the atomization unit 22. If (for example, a switch or button) is provided on the non-combustion type flavor inhaler 1, the operation may be a hardware interface. Alternatively, the predetermined user operation may be an operation of blowing into the mouthpiece of the non-combustion type flavor inhaler 1 as long as the detection unit 51 can detect the puffing operation. Alternatively, if the predetermined operation of the user is such that the detection unit 51 can detect the puffing action and is identifiable as a general puffing action, the action of inhaling (for example, two inhaling actions in a short period of time). may be The counter 52X may be a count-up type counter or a count-down type counter.

In the embodiment, the notification control unit 52 preferably controls the notification unit 40 to notify the replacement timing of the first cartridge 20 in accordance with the detection of the replacement timing of the first cartridge 20 . In such a case, the notification control unit 52 preferably detects the replacement timing of the first cartridge 20 based on the number of replacement times of the second cartridge 30 . Specifically, the notification control unit 52 detects the replacement timing of the first cartridge 20 when the number of replacement times of the second cartridge 30 reaches a predetermined number.

In the embodiment, the notification control unit 52 controls the notification unit 40 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 preferred. 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 is 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 atomization unit 22. may be detected. Specifically, the notification control unit 52 may detect the battery 11 replacement timing or the battery 11 charging timing when the number of puffing operations or the energization time of the atomization unit 22 exceeds a predetermined threshold.

In the same manner as the replacement timing of the second cartridge 30, the notification unit 40 indicates the replacement timing of the first cartridge 20, the replacement timing of the battery 11, or The charging timing of the battery 11 is notified.

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

Here, the power control unit 53 controls the 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 the predetermined instruction as the amount of electricity stored in the battery 11 decreases. Further, power control unit 53 stops power supply from battery 11 to atomization unit 22 when a predetermined period of time has elapsed since power supply to atomization unit 22 was started. In other words, the power control unit 53 stops power supply from the battery 11 to the atomization unit 22 when the puffing period exceeds a predetermined period even during the puffing period during which the user is actually performing the puffing operation. do.

Further, the power control unit 53 stops the power supply from the battery 11 to the atomizing unit 22 when the puffing operation ends even before a predetermined period of time has elapsed since the puffing operation started. As a result, no aerosol is generated during the period when the puffing operation is not performed (non-puffing period), so droplets are generated by the aerosol staying and condensing in the aerosol channel during the non-puffing period, and during the non-puffing period A situation in which the aerosol generated by the subsequent puffing operation is trapped in the droplets is suppressed, and the risk of hindering the supply of the desired amount of aerosol and the deterioration of the smoking taste caused by the droplets can be suppressed.

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

Since the predetermined period is determined in order to suppress variations in user puff periods, it is necessary that there are at least a certain number of users whose puff periods are longer than the predetermined period. From this point of view, the predetermined period is preferably derived from statistics. Furthermore, since the predetermined period is shorter than the average value of puff periods derived from statistics, the energization time of the atomization unit 22 in the majority of puff operations can be fixed to the predetermined period, so that variations in the user's puff period can be reduced. It is possible to suppress fluctuations in the amount of aerosol caused by

For example, the predetermined period is 1 second or more and 3 seconds or less. By setting the predetermined period to be one second or more, the energization time to the atomizing section 22 does not become too short compared to the puff period, thereby reducing the user's sense of discomfort. On the other hand, by setting the predetermined period to 3 seconds or less, it is possible to increase the number of puff operations in which the energization time to the atomizing section 22 is fixed to the predetermined period.

Furthermore, 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 is further reduced, and the number of puffing operations in which the energization time of the atomizing section 22 is fixed to a predetermined period can be increased.

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

Note that the standard puff period can be derived from statistics of puff periods of users, and is the period between the lower limit of puff periods of multiple users and the upper limit of puff periods of multiple users. is. The lower and upper limits may be derived based on the distribution of the user's puff duration data, for example as the lower and upper limits of a 95% confidence interval for the mean, m±nσ, where m is the mean value, σ is the standard deviation, and n is a positive real number).

In the embodiment, power control unit 53 preferably controls the amount of power supplied from battery 11 to atomization 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 in the predetermined instruction. preferably.

For example, as shown in FIG. 16, the power control unit 53 controls the ON time interval (pulse interval) during which power is supplied from the battery 11 to the atomization unit 22 . Specifically, the power control unit 53 changes the pulse interval P1 to the pulse interval P2, thereby increasing the duty ratio output to the battery 11 in one puff operation.

Alternatively, the power control section 53 controls the length of the ON time (pulse width) during which power is supplied from the battery 11 to the atomizing section 22, as shown in FIG. 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.

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

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 time during which the atomization unit 22 is energized. Note that the number of puffing actions can be specified by the puffing actions detected by the detection unit 51 described above. Similarly, the energization time to the atomization section 22 can be specified by the power supply detected by the detection section 51 described above.

In the embodiment, power control unit 53 preferably stops power supply from battery 11 to atomizing unit 22 until the count value of counter 52X reaches a predetermined value and the count value is reset. In other words, the power control unit 53 preferably stops power supply from the battery 11 to the atomization unit 22 from the notification of the replacement timing of the second cartridge 30 until the count value is reset. In other words, power supply from the battery 11 to the atomizing section 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)
A control method according to the embodiment will be described below. FIG. 18 is a flow diagram 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 atomization section 22 in one puff operation. It should be noted that the flow shown in FIG. 18 begins upon detection of the start of the puffing action.

As a premise of the flow shown in FIG. 18, the non-combustion type flavor inhaler 1 (that is, the power control unit 53) outputs electric power to the atomization unit 22 during the puffing period during which the puffing operation is performed. However, it should be noted that the battery 11 is not instructed to output power to the atomizing section 22 during the non-puffing period in which the puffing operation is not performed.

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

In step S<b>20 , the non-combustion type flavor inhaler 1 (that is, the power control section 53 ) determines a predetermined instruction (for example, duty ratio) to be output to the battery 11 . Specifically, the non-combustion type flavor inhaler 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 inhaler 1 outputs an instruction to increase the duty ratio as a change in the predetermined instruction.

In step S<b>30 , the non-combustion type flavor inhaler 1 (that is, the power control section 53 ) determines whether or not a predetermined period of time has elapsed since the power supply to the atomization section 22 was started. In other words, the non-combustion type flavor inhaler 1 determines whether or not the puff period exceeds the predetermined period. The non-combustion type flavor inhaler 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 inhaler 1 (that is, the power control section 53) determines whether or not the puff operation has ended. If the determination result is NO, the non-combustion type flavor inhaler 1 returns to the process of step S30. End the process. The end of the puffing action may be detected by the detecting section 51 as long as the detecting section 51 can detect the puffing action as described above. Alternatively, the end of the puffing operation may be detected by operating a hardware interface (for example, a switch or button) for switching whether power is supplied to the atomization unit 22 or not.

In step S50, the non-combustion type flavor inhaler 1 (that is, the power control unit 53) stops power supply from the battery 11 to the atomization unit 22 even during the puffing period in which the user actually performs the puffing operation. Stop.

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

In the embodiment, the power control unit 53 changes the predetermined instruction output to the battery 11 in one puff operation as the amount of electricity stored in the battery 11 decreases. To suppress the difference in the amount of power actually supplied from the battery 11 to the atomization part 22 between the initial stage when the battery 11 has a sufficient amount of electricity stored and the final stage when the battery 11 has an insufficient amount of electricity stored. can be done. As a result, the amount of aerosol atomized by the atomizing section 22 can be kept within a desired range regardless of the length of the user's puff period and the amount of electricity stored in the battery 11 .

In the embodiment, the notification control unit 52 controls the notification unit 40 to notify the replacement timing of the second cartridge 30 in accordance with 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 to notify the replacement timing of the first cartridge 20 in accordance with 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 (lifetime) of the first cartridge 20 based on the number of replacement times 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 exchange timing (service life) of the first cartridge 20 corresponds to the number of usable second cartridges 30 for one first cartridge 20 (number of exchanges).

In the embodiment, the notification control unit 52 controls the notification unit 40 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 section 53 stops power supply from the battery 11 to the atomizing section 22 until the count value of the counter 52X reaches a predetermined value and the count value is reset. Therefore, power supply from the battery 11 to the atomizing section 22 is stopped until the second cartridge 30 is replaced. Therefore, the second method that can only impart a small amount of flavor to the aerosol
Use of the cartridge 30 is suppressed.

In the embodiment, the power control unit 53 controls a predetermined instruction so that the amount of aerosol atomized by the atomization unit 22 falls within a desired range, and for a predetermined period after power supply to the atomization unit 22 is started. has elapsed, the power supply from the battery 11 to the atomizing section 22 is stopped. Therefore, since the variation in the amount of power consumed in one puffing operation is reduced, when detecting the replacement timing of the second cartridge 30 based on the number of puffing operations, the detection accuracy of the replacement timing of the second cartridge 30 is reduced. improves.

In the embodiment, between the first flow path 20X and the second flow path 30X, the flow of the aerosol supplied from the first flow path 20X is suppressed so as to suppress uneven flow of the aerosol in the second flow path 30X. An aerosol flow conditioning chamber G is provided to regulate the flow. As a result, the aerosol supplied from the first channel 20X easily passes through the flavor source without being biased in the second channel 30X.

In the embodiment, the reservoir 21 is positioned around the flow path forming body 23 in a cross section perpendicular to the first flow path 20X (predetermined direction A). This makes it possible to secure the volume of the reservoir 21 that stores the aerosol source 21A while suppressing the overall length of the first cartridge 20 in the first flow path 20X (predetermined direction A).

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

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

In the embodiment, in a cross section perpendicular 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 the shift distance, the length LG of the aerosol flow adjustment 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 aerosol guided from the first channel 20X to the second channel 30X can be appropriately adjusted in the aerosol flow adjustment chamber G, and the aerosol supplied from the first channel 20X can be controlled by 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 with internal angles of 180° or less. Each of the plurality of apertures 32A has a minimum width Wmin having the smallest width and a maximum width Wmax having the largest width as widths passing through the center of gravity of each of the plurality of apertures 32A. Here, since the minimum width Wmin is smaller than the size of the raw material pieces that constitute the flavor source 31A, it is possible to suppress the falling off of the raw material pieces that constitute the flavor source 31A, and the maximum width Wmax is larger than the minimum width Wmin. Since it is large, it is possible to increase the porosity of the mesh body as a whole.

Thus, in the second cartridge 30 for the non-combustion type flavor inhaler, it is possible to secure the porosity of the mesh body 32 as a whole while preventing the raw material pieces forming the flavor source from coming off.

In the embodiment, the maximum width Wmax of the openings 32A is larger than the lower limit of the size of the raw material pieces forming the flavor source 31A. Therefore, the porosity of the mesh body 32 as a whole is improved.

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

In embodiments, each of the plurality of apertures 32A has a shape selected from square, rectangle, rhombus, hexagon and octagon. The plurality of openings 32A are arranged such that the sides of the adjacent openings 32A are parallel to each other. The interval 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 porosity of the mesh body 32 as a whole.

In the embodiment, the inner wall surface of the flavor source container 31 is provided with ribs 31R extending along the predetermined direction A from upstream to downstream. Therefore, even though the ribs 31R reinforce the flavor source container 31, the flow of the aerosol in the predetermined direction A inside the flavor source container 31 is not blocked by the ribs 31R, and the flavor component can be easily extracted from the flavor source 31A.

In the embodiment, the outer wall surface of the flavor source container 31 includes a tapered portion 31T widening from upstream to downstream. Therefore, the second cartridge 30 is easily fitted to the outer frame 24 of the first cartridge 20 , and the fall of the second cartridge 30 is suppressed while allowing manufacturing errors in the outer shape of the flavor source container 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 container 31 . In other words, the downstream end of the rib 31</b>R contacts the filter 33 without reaching the downstream end of the flavor source container 31 . Therefore, while the ribs 31R reinforce the flavor source container 31, they also function to position the filter 33. As shown in FIG.

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

Specifically, in the embodiment, the flavor source container 31 has a protrusion 31E (first protrusion) as a spacer that forms the aerosol flow adjustment chamber G. As shown in FIG. On the other hand, in Modification 1, the flavor source container 31 does not have the projecting portion 31E.

FIG. 19 is a diagram showing a connection state between the first cartridge 20 and the second cartridge 30 according to Modification 1. As shown in FIG. However, it should be noted that the reservoir 21, the atomization part 22, the flavor source 31A, the filter 33 and the cap 34 are omitted in FIG.

As shown in FIG. 19, the flavor source container 31 has a body portion 31P that houses the flavor source 31A and a flange portion 31Q arranged on the side surface of the body portion 31P. Note that in a cross section perpendicular to the aerosol flow path (predetermined direction A), the flange portion 31Q protrudes outward from the main body portion 31P, and protrudes outward by at least the same extent as the inner surface of the outer frame 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 is not limited to this. It may be provided anywhere on the side surface of the body portion 31P.

Here, the distance L3 from the downstream end of the outer frame 24 to the end cap 25 (that is, the distance from the portion where the outer frame 24 abuts the flange portion 31Q to the downstream end of the end cap 25) is 31P length L4 (that is, the distance from the upstream end of the flange portion 31Q to the upstream end of the body portion 31P). Therefore, even if the flavor source container 31 does not have the projecting portion 31E, the flow of the aerosol supplied from the first channel 20X is adjusted by the flange portion 31Q being caught by the downstream end portion of the outer frame 24. An aerosol flow conditioning 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, when the outer frame 24 is the flange portion) 31Q to the downstream end of the flow path forming body 23) is greater than 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). too long.

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

Specifically, in the embodiment, the flavor source container 31 has a protrusion 31E (first protrusion) as a spacer that forms the aerosol flow adjustment chamber G. As shown in FIG. On the other hand, in Modification 2, the flavor source container 31 does not have the projecting portion 31E.

FIG. 20 is a diagram showing a connection state between the first cartridge 20 and the second cartridge 30 according to Modification 2. As shown in FIG. However, it should be noted that the reservoir 21, the atomization part 22, the flavor source 31A, the filter 33 and the cap 34 are omitted in FIG. The protrusion 25E contacts the upstream end of the flavor source container 31 (preferably, the outer edge of the upstream end).

As shown in FIG. 20, the end cap 25 protrudes downstream (flavor source container 31 side) from the outer edge of the downstream end of the end cap 25 in a cross section orthogonal to the aerosol flow path (predetermined direction A). It has a portion 25E. The projecting portion 25E may be provided continuously along the outer edge of the end cap 25, or intermittently provided along the outer edge of the end cap 25. As shown in FIG. Note that if there is a gap between the outer frame 24 and the flavor source container 31 , it is preferable that the protruding portion 25</b>E be 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.

Thus, by providing the protrusion 25E instead of the protrusion 31E, the flow of the aerosol supplied from the first channel 20X can be adjusted even if the flavor source container 31 does not have the protrusion 31E. An aerosol flow conditioning chamber G is formed.

In addition, when the first cartridge 20 does not have the end cap 25, the flow path forming body 23 has an outer edge of the downstream end portion of the flow path forming body 23 in a cross section orthogonal to the aerosol flow path (predetermined direction A). , has a protrusion similar to the protrusion 25E that protrudes downstream (flavor source container 31 side).

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

Specifically, in the embodiment, the first flow path 20X completely overlaps the second flow path 30X when viewed from the predetermined direction A. Also, in a cross section perpendicular 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 Modification 3, as shown in FIG. 21, the first flow path 20X does not completely overlap the second flow path 30X when viewed from the predetermined direction A, and the second flow path 30X does not overlap. is shifting from In such a case, the size of the second channel 30X in a cross section perpendicular to the aerosol channel (predetermined direction A) is not particularly limited, but is approximately the same as the size of the first channel 20X. or smaller than the size of the first channel 20X. However, the size of the second channel 30X may be larger than the size of the first channel 20X.

[Modification 4]
Modification 4 of the embodiment will be described below with reference to FIGS. 22 to 25. FIG. In the following, mainly the differences with respect to the embodiments will be described. 22 to 25, the vertical axis represents the amount of aerosol (the amount of TPM (Total Particulate Matter) in FIGS. 22 to 25) (mg/puff operation), and the horizontal axis represents the number of puff operations ( Puff number). On the vertical and horizontal axes, the farther away from the intersection of the two, the greater the value.

In Modified Example 4, similarly to the embodiment, power control section 53 stops power supply from battery 11 to atomization section 22 when a predetermined period of time has elapsed since power supply to atomization section 22 was started. do. The predetermined period is less than the upper limit of standard puff durations derived from the user's puff duration statistics.

The amount of aerosol atomized by the atomizing section 22 depends on the puffing period during which the user actually performs the puffing action and the output voltage output to the battery 11 . Here, a case will be described assuming that the standard puff durations derived from statistics of user puff durations follow a normal distribution with an average of 2.4 seconds and a standard deviation of 1 second. 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), as described above. It is about 3 to 4 seconds.

In sample E, the initial value of the output voltage of battery 11 is 4.2 V, and the battery capacity of battery 11 is 220 mAh. The atomization part 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 with a puff period of 2 seconds per puff operation, and sample E2 shows the relationship between sample E and the amount of aerosol. It shows the relationship between the number of puffs and the amount of aerosol when inhaling with a puff period of 3 seconds per puff operation. Here, when the standard puff duration follows a normal distribution with an average of 2.4 seconds and a standard deviation of 1 second, the probability of sucking with a puff duration of 3 seconds or more per puff operation as shown in sample E2 is about 27. %, and it should be noted that this is a highly probable event.

In the sample F, the configurations of the battery 11 and the atomization unit 22 are the same as those of the sample E. In FIG. 23, sample F1 shows the relationship between the number of puffs and the amount of aerosol when sample F is sucked with a puff period of 2 seconds per puff operation, and sample F2 shows the relationship between sample F and the amount of aerosol. It shows the relationship between the number of puffs and the amount of aerosol when inhaling with a puff period of 3 seconds per puff operation. However, in the samples F1 and F2, the power control unit 53 causes the battery 11 to atomize when a predetermined period of time (here, 2.2 seconds) elapses after power supply to the atomizing unit 22 is started. Power supply to the unit 22 is stopped. It should be noted that the predetermined period of 2.2 seconds is less than the upper limit of standard puff durations derived from the user's puff duration statistics and less than the average puff duration.

In sample G, the configuration of the battery 11 is the same as in samples E and F. On the other hand, the atomizing part 22 is composed of a heating wire wound at a predetermined pitch, and the heating wire has a resistance value of 2.9Ω, which is different from the samples E and F. In FIG. 24, sample G1 shows the relationship between the number of puffs and the amount of aerosol when sample G is sucked with a puff period of 2 seconds per puff operation, and sample G2 shows the relationship between sample G and the amount of aerosol. It shows the relationship between the number of puffs and the amount of aerosol when inhaling with a puff period of 3 seconds per puff operation. However, in the samples G1 and G2, the power control unit 53 causes the battery 11 to atomize when a predetermined period of time (here, 2.2 seconds) has elapsed since power supply to the atomizing unit 22 was started. Power supply to the unit 22 is stopped.

In sample H, the configurations of the battery 11 and the atomization unit 22 are the same as in sample G. However, the predetermined pitch of the heating wire forming the atomizing section 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, sample H1 shows the relationship between the number of puffs and the amount of aerosol when sample H is sucked with a puff period of 2 seconds per puff operation, and sample H2 shows the relationship between sample H and the amount of aerosol. It shows the relationship between the number of puffs and the amount of aerosol when inhaling with a puff period of 3 seconds per puff operation. In samples H1 and H2, similarly to sample G, the power control unit 53 controls the power supply to the atomization unit 22 after a predetermined period (here, 2.2 seconds) has elapsed. , the power supply from the battery 11 to the atomizing section 22 is stopped. However, in the samples H1 and H2, the duty ratio during power supply to the atomization unit 22 is changed depending on the value of the output voltage of the battery 11 detected by the detection unit 51 . Specifically, as described above, the output voltage of the battery 11 decreases as the amount of electricity stored in the battery 11 decreases. increase the duty ratio of

Under this premise, as shown in FIG. 22, the puff period and the energization time to the atomizing section 22 are the same for sample E, regardless of the puff period. The amount of aerosol fluctuates greatly between two seconds. Further, as can be seen by comparing the slopes of sample E1 and sample E2, the longer the puff period, that is, the energization time, the more pronounced the variation in the amount of aerosol from the first puff to the final 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 amount of time to the atomization section 22 in one puff operation. By stopping the power supply from the battery 11 to the atomization unit 22 when a predetermined period of time has elapsed since the start of the power supply, as shown in FIG. It was found that fluctuations in the amount of aerosol from the first puff to the final puff could be suppressed. This makes it possible to suppress fluctuations in the amount of aerosol due to variations in the user's puff duration.

Furthermore, the inventors focused on such a result, and made a By changing the configuration of the atomization part 22, as shown in FIG. 24, the desired amount of aerosol atomized by the atomization part 22 can be obtained over a longer number of puffs from the first puff to the final puff. I have found that it can be put in the range. Here, comparing sample G2 shown in FIG. 24 and sample F2 shown in FIG. 23, sample G2 keeps the amount of aerosol atomized by the atomizing unit 22 within the desired range over a longer number of puffs than sample F2. While it can be contained, regarding the fluctuation range of the amount of aerosol from the first puff to the final puff,
It is larger than the fluctuation range in sample F2. This is because the change in the configuration of the atomizing section 22 increases the amount of power supplied from the battery 11 to the atomizing section 22 in one puff operation.

Furthermore, the inventors paid attention to such results and found that the reduction rate of the amount of aerosol can be reduced by making the following changes. Specifically, by increasing the duty ratio of the power supplied to the atomizing section 22 in accordance with the decrease in the output voltage of the battery 11, the reduction rate of the amount of aerosol can be reduced. Also, the reduction rate of the amount of aerosol can be reduced by narrowing the predetermined pitch of the heating wires. With these changes, as shown in FIG. 25, for both H1 with a puff period of 2 seconds and H2 with a puff period of 3 seconds, atomization can be achieved over the entire period from the first puff to the final puff. It has been found that the amount of aerosol atomized by portion 22 falls within the desired range.

Based on these results, the inventors have obtained new knowledge that it is effective to perform the following control on the power supply from the battery 11 to the atomizing section 22 .

(1) Power control unit 53 stops power supply from battery 11 to atomization unit 22 when a predetermined period of time has elapsed since power supply to atomization unit 22 was started. Here, the predetermined period is preferably shorter than the upper limit of the standard puff period derived from 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 section 22 is determined so that the amount of aerosol within a desired range is atomized when the energization time of the atomizing section 22 is a predetermined period. Here, the resistance value of the heating wire is the voltage supplied from the battery 11 to the atomization unit 22 at the final stage when the battery 11 is insufficiently charged. is a predetermined period, the amount of aerosol atomized by the atomizing section 22 is preferably determined so as to fall within a desired range.

(3) Further, the power control unit 53 controls the output voltage of the battery 11 so that the amount of aerosol atomized by the atomizing unit 22 falls within a desired range over the entire period from the first puff to the final puff. decreases, the duty ratio of the electric power supplied to the atomizing section 22 is increased.

Through the above-described control, regardless of the length of the user's puff period, the desired amount of aerosol can be obtained from the initial stage when the amount of electricity stored in the battery 11 is sufficient to the final stage when the amount of electricity stored in the battery 11 is insufficient. Easy to keep within range.

That is, in Modification 4, by adjusting the predetermined pitch and the resistance value of the heating wire that constitutes the atomization section 22, the atomization section 22 is at least at the start of use of the atomization section 22 (in other words, the battery 11 is fully charged). During charging), a single puff operation is configured to atomize a larger amount of aerosol than the desired range of the aerosol supply amount.

Under this premise, the predetermined instruction (here, the duty ratio) output from the power control unit 53 is set so that the amount of aerosol atomized by the atomization unit 22 in a predetermined period falls within a desired range. It is determined based on the length of the period. In other words, the predetermined instruction is determined based on the length of the predetermined period of time in a state in which fluctuations in the amount of aerosol due to variation in the length of the user's puff period are suppressed by determining the predetermined period of time. Therefore, regardless of the length of the user's puff period, from the initial stage (start of smoking) when the amount of electricity stored in the battery 11 is sufficient to the final stage (end of smoking) when the amount of electricity stored in the battery 11 is insufficient, The amount of aerosol can be easily kept within the desired range.

In Modification 4, the upper limit of the amount (desired range) of the aerosol atomized by the atomizing section 22 is preferably 4.0 mg/puff operation. Further, the upper limit is preferably 3.0 mg/puff action. Since the above-mentioned value is the upper limit, deterioration of the raw material pieces constituting the flavor source 31A housed 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 section 22 is preferably 0.1 mg/puff operation. Since the above value is the lower limit, it is possible to supply an amount of aerosol that does not make the user feel inadequate, and it is possible to take out the flavor component from the flavor source 31A housed in the second cartridge 30 by means of the aerosol.

[Modification 5]
Modification 5 of the embodiment will be described below. In the following, mainly the differences with respect to the embodiments will be described.

In the above-described embodiments, the predetermined period of time is determined according to a standard puff duration derived from statistics of puff durations of multiple users. In contrast, in Modification 5, the predetermined period is derived from the statistics of the puff period of the user who actually uses the non-combustion type flavor inhaler 1 .

FIG. 26 is a diagram mainly showing functional blocks of the control circuit 50 according to Modification 5. As shown in FIG. In FIG. 26, the same components as in FIG. 15 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the description of the same components as in FIG. 15 is omitted.

As shown in FIG. 26, the control circuit 50 has a memory 54 and a computing section 55 in addition to the configuration shown in FIG.

The memory 54 stores a puff period during which the user performs the puff action.

The calculation unit 55 calculates the above-described predetermined period from the puff period statistics stored in the memory 54 . That is, the predetermined time period is derived from puff duration statistics stored in 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 the predetermined period in the following procedure.

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

Second, for example, an average value is derived from statistics of puff durations detected over a period of time (eg, from the start of use of the first cartridge 20 until the first cartridge 20 is replaced).

Third, change the predetermined period to an average value (X seconds).

Fourthly, the duty ratio is changed so that the amount of electric power supplied to the atomizing section 22 after suctioning for X seconds becomes equal to the amount of electric power supplied to the atomizing section 22 at the time of initial setting (when sucking for I seconds). That is, when average value (X)<initial setting value (I), the duty ratio corresponding to each battery voltage is relatively increased. On the other hand, when average value (X)>initial setting value (I), the duty ratio is decreased.

The predetermined period is preferably recalculated, for example, at regular intervals (for example, replacement of the first cartridge 20).

(Action and effect)
In Modification 5, the predetermined period is derived from statistics of puff periods of users who actually use the non-combustion type flavor inhaler 1 . Therefore, a period suitable for the user can be set as the predetermined period referred to when power supply from the battery 11 to the atomizing section 22 is stopped. In particular, by setting the predetermined time appropriate for the user's actual puff duration, the puff duration is reduced for users with long puff durations, as compared to the case of using a predetermined duration derived from puff duration statistics for multiple users. Discomfort can be reduced by delivering aerosol over the entire duration, and for users with short puff durations, the number of puffs can be increased to deliver the desired range of aerosol.

[Modification 6]
Modification 6 of the embodiment will be described below. In the following, mainly the differences with respect to the embodiments will be described.

In the above-described embodiments, the predetermined period of time is determined according to a standard puff duration derived from statistics of puff durations of multiple users. On the other hand, in Modification 6, the predetermined period is derived from the statistics of the puff period of the user who actually uses the non-combustion type flavor inhaler 1 .

FIG. 27 is a diagram mainly showing functional blocks of the control circuit 50 according to Modification 6. As shown in FIG. In FIG. 27, the same components as in FIG. 15 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the description of the same components as in FIG. 15 is 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 during which the user performs the puff action.

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

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

It should be noted that the external device 200 calculates the predetermined period in the same manner as the calculating section 55 according to the fifth modification.

(Action and effect)
In Modification 6, the predetermined period is derived from statistics of puff periods of users who actually use the non-combustion type flavor inhaler 1 . Therefore, a period suitable for the user can be set as the predetermined period referred to when power supply from the battery 11 to the atomizing section 22 is stopped. In particular, by setting the predetermined time appropriate for the user's actual puff duration, the puff duration is reduced for users with long puff durations, as compared to the case of using a predetermined duration derived from puff duration statistics for multiple users. Discomfort can be reduced by delivering aerosol over the entire duration, and for users with short puff durations, the number of puffs can be increased to deliver the desired range of aerosol.

[Modification 7]
Modification 7 of the embodiment will be described below. In the following, mainly the differences with respect to the embodiments will be described.

In the above-described embodiment, the notification control section 52 has a counter 52X that counts the number of puffing operations or the energization time of the atomization section 22 . On the other hand, in Modification Example 7, as shown in FIG. 52B.

It should be noted that in Modification 7, the life of the first cartridge 20 is the life of the second cartridge 30×T (where 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, when the count value of the first counter 52A reaches the predetermined value P, the notification control unit 52 detects the replacement timing of the second cartridge 30 and increments the count value of the second counter 52B. good too. Thereby, the notification control section 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. FIG. 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. .

Since the second predetermined value is an integer 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 times the second cartridge 30 has been replaced. It should be noted that

In Modification 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 increases the count value of the first counter 52A by the user's predetermined operation. You can reset. In such a case, the power control unit 53 stops the power supply from the battery 11 to the atomization unit 22 until the count value of the first counter 52A reaches the first predetermined value until the count value is reset. is preferred.

In Modification 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, 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 increases the count value of the second counter 52B by a predetermined user operation. You can reset. In such a case, the power control unit 53 stops the power supply from the battery 11 to the atomization unit 22 until the count value of the second counter 52B reaches the second predetermined value until the count value is reset. is preferred.

(Action and effect)
In Modification 7, since the second predetermined value is an integral multiple of the first predetermined value, even if the second cartridge 30 is repeatedly replaced, the replacement timings of the first cartridge 20 and the second cartridge 30 are the same. , the user's convenience can be improved.

[Modification 8]
Modification 8 of the embodiment will be described below. In the following, mainly the differences with respect to the embodiments will be described.

Modification 8 describes a package that includes a first cartridge and a second cartridge. FIG. 29 is a diagram showing a package 300 according to Modification 8. As shown in FIG.

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

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

Alternatively, the replacement timing of the second cartridge 30 is the timing when the number of puffing operations or the energization time of the atomizing section 22 reaches the first predetermined value. The timing at which the number of puffing operations or the energization time of the atomizing section 22 reaches the second predetermined value is the replacement timing of the first cartridge 20 . The second predetermined value is an integral 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 Modification 8, the number of second cartridges 30 is determined according to the lifespan of the first cartridges 20. Therefore, even if the second cartridges 30 are repeatedly replaced, the number of the first cartridges 20 and the second cartridges 30 remains unchanged. Since the exchange timing is aligned, the user's convenience 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. FIG.

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

In embodiments, the first cartridge 20 has an end cap 25, but embodiments are not so limited. For example, the first cartridge 20 may not have the end cap 25 when the reservoir 21 has a structure (for example, a tank) capable of suppressing leakage of the aerosol source 21A. In such a case, the aerosol flow adjustment chamber G is formed between the downstream end of the channel forming body 23 and the upstream end of the flavor source container 31 .

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

Although not specifically mentioned in the embodiment, the end cap 25 is preferably joined to the reservoir 21 in order to prevent refilling of the reservoir 21 with the aerosol source 21A or the like.

In the embodiment, the end cap 25 has a protrusion 25E that protrudes downstream (flavor source container 31 side) from the outer edge of the end cap 25 in a cross section orthogonal to the aerosol flow path (predetermined direction A). However, embodiments are not so limited. In the case where the end cap 25 is not provided, the projecting portion 25E projecting downstream (flavor source containing body 31 side) from the outer edge of the flow path forming body 23 in the cross section perpendicular to the aerosol flow path (predetermined direction A). The flow path forming body 23 may have it. The protrusion 25E contacts the upstream end of the flavor source container 31 (for example, the outer edge of the upstream end).

In the embodiment, the case where the atomizing part 22 is a heating wire (coil) wound at a predetermined pitch is exemplified. However, embodiments are not so limited. The shape of the heating wire forming the atomizing section 22 is arbitrary.

In the embodiment, a case in which the atomizing section 22 is configured by a heating wire is exemplified. However, embodiments are not so limited. The atomization unit 22 may atomize the aerosol source 21A using ultrasonic waves.

In embodiments, the first cartridge 20 is replaceable. However, embodiments are not so limited. Specifically, instead of the first cartridge 20, an atomization unit having a reservoir 21 and an atomization part 22 is provided in the non-combustion type flavor inhaler 1, and the atomization unit is a unit that is not replaced. good.

In embodiments, the second cartridge 30 is replaceable. However, embodiments are not so limited. Specifically, instead of the second cartridge 30, a flavor source unit having the flavor source 31A is provided in the non-combustion type flavor inhaler 1, and the flavor source unit may be a unit that is not replaced. However, this is not the case if the second cartridge 30 is an essential feature.

In embodiments, the first cartridge 20 and the second cartridge 30 are replaceable. However, embodiments are not so limited. Specifically, the configuration of the first cartridge 20 and the second cartridge 30 may be provided in the non-combustion flavor inhaler 1 .

In embodiments, the package 300 has one first cartridge 20 . However, embodiments are not so limited. The package 300 may have two or more first cartridges 20 .

In the embodiment, the power control section 53 controls the amount of power supplied from the battery 11 to the atomization section 22 by pulse control. However, embodiments are not so limited. The power control section 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 in 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 in the predetermined instruction. However, embodiments are not so limited. As a change to the predetermined instruction, the power control unit 53 may output an instruction to extend the predetermined period for stopping the power supply from the battery 11 to the atomization 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 the power line that connects the battery 11 and the atomization unit 22, and detects power supply based on the output result of the voltage sensor. However, embodiments are not so limited. For example, the detection unit 51 may be connected to a current sensor provided on a power line that connects the battery 11 and the atomization unit 22, and detect 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 power to the atomizing unit 22 during the puffing period during which the puffing operation is performed, but does not perform atomization during the non-puffing period during which the puffing operation is not performed. The battery 11 is not instructed to output power to the unit 22 . However, embodiments are not so limited. Power control unit 53 may switch power output to atomization unit 22 in accordance with operation of a hardware interface (for example, a switch or button) for outputting power to atomization unit 22 . That is, the puffing operation and the non-puffing operation are switched according to the operation of the hardware interface.

ADVANTAGE OF THE INVENTION According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a cartridge and a non-combustion type flavor inhaler that can ensure the porosity of the mesh body as a whole while suppressing the dropping of the raw material pieces that constitute the flavor source. .

Claims (7)

A non-combustion flavor inhaler,
an atomizing section that atomizes the aerosol source without combustion;
a battery for accumulating power to be supplied to the atomizing unit;
a control unit that outputs to the battery, as an instruction to the battery, a predetermined instruction that instructs the battery such that the amount of aerosol atomized by the atomizing unit falls within a desired range;
an interface for communicating with an external device provided separately from the non-combustion type flavor inhaler;
a memory for storing a puff period during which a user performs a puff action;
with
When a predetermined period of time has elapsed since power supply to the atomization unit was started, the control unit controls the power supply from the battery to the atomization unit even during a puffing period during which the user is performing a puffing operation. instructing the battery to stop supplying power to
The interface transmits the puff duration stored in the memory to the external device.
A non-combustion type flavor inhaler characterized by : 2. The non-combustion flavor inhaler of claim 1, wherein the predetermined period of time is determined based on puff duration statistics for a user using the non-combustion flavor inhaler. 3. The non-combustion flavor inhaler according to claim 1 or 2 , wherein the interface receives from the external device the predetermined period of time calculated by the external device from statistics based on the puff duration. A non-combustion flavor inhaler,
an atomizing section that atomizes the aerosol source without combustion;
a battery for accumulating power to be supplied to the atomizing unit;
a control unit that outputs a predetermined instruction to the battery so that the atomization unit atomizes the aerosol source ;
an interface for communicating with an external device provided separately from the non-combustion type flavor inhaler;
a memory for storing a puff period during which a user performs a puff action;
with
When a predetermined period of time has elapsed since power supply to the atomization unit was started, the control unit controls the power supply from the battery to the atomization unit even during a puffing period during which the user is performing a puffing operation. instructing the battery to stop supplying power to
The interface transmits the puff duration stored in the memory to the external device.
A non-combustion type flavor inhaler characterized by : The non-combustion flavor inhaler of claim 4 , further comprising:
a memory for storing a puff period during which the user performs the puff action;
A non-combustion flavor inhaler, wherein the predetermined period of time is less than an upper limit of standard puff durations derived from statistics based on puff durations stored in the memory. The control unit dynamically changes instructions to the battery according to the amount of electricity stored in the battery so that the amount of aerosol atomized by the atomization unit falls within a desired range.
The non-combustion type flavor inhaler according to claim 4 or 5 . 7. The method according to claim 6 , wherein the changed instruction includes an instruction for increasing the duty ratio output by the control unit to the battery in the user's puff operation based on a decrease in the amount of charge in the battery. A non-combustion flavor inhaler as described.

Images