JP7511082B2 - Aerosol generating device, control method, and program - Google Patents

Description

The present disclosure relates to an aerosol generating device, a control method, and a program.

Inhalation devices that generate substances to be inhaled by users, such as electronic cigarettes and nebulizers, are widely used. For example, among inhalation devices, an aerosol generating device generates an aerosol imparted with a flavor component using a base material that includes an aerosol source for generating an aerosol and a flavor source for imparting a flavor component to the generated aerosol. A user can taste the flavor by inhaling the aerosol imparted with the flavor component generated by the aerosol generating device.

For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a device that allows a user to inhale a flavored aerosol by passing an aerosol generated by heating a liquid through a flavor source. Patent Document 2 discloses a device that heats both the aerosol source and the flavor source.

International Publication No. 2020/084773 JP 2017-511703 A

It is desirable for the user to intuitively operate the suction device when inhaling. Therefore, the objective of the present disclosure is to provide a mechanism that can further improve the operability of the suction device so that the operation is intuitive for the user, and can provide a more comfortable inhalation experience. Note that an experience that is provided to a user who inhales an aerosol and that stimulates at least one of the user's five senses is referred to as an "inhalation experience."

In order to solve the above problems, according to an aspect of the present disclosure, an aerosol generating device is provided. The aerosol generating device includes a first load that vaporizes or atomizes an aerosol source to generate an aerosol, a second load that heats the flavor source to add a flavor component to the aerosol, a first sensor that detects a puffing action by a user, a power source that supplies power to the first load and the second load, and a control unit that determines whether the puffing action by the user is at the end stage of a puffing action series, and, in the end stage, causes the power source to reduce the amount of power supplied to the first load and increase the amount of power supplied to the second load.

The control unit may be configured to, during the termination stage, cause the power source to increase the amount of power supplied to the second load and then reduce the amount of power supplied to the first load.

The aerosol generating device may further include a second sensor that detects the temperature of the second load, and the control unit may be configured to reduce the amount of power supplied to the first load after it is determined that the overall temperature of the flavor source has reached a predetermined target temperature as a result of increasing the amount of power supplied to the second load.

The control unit may be configured to measure the time from the timing at which the amount of power supply to the second load is increased, and to reduce the amount of power supply to the first load after a predetermined time has elapsed.

The control unit may be configured to count the number of puff operations in the puff operation series and to reduce the amount of power supplied to the first load after a predetermined number of puff operations have been performed after increasing the amount of power supplied to the second load.

The control unit may be configured to measure an interval between the puff operations at a stage prior to the end stage of the puff operation series, and determine the timing for increasing the amount of power supplied to the second load at the end stage based on the interval.

The control unit may be configured to count the number of puff operation series for the cartridge containing the flavor source, and adjust the heating profile as the number of puff operation series increases so that the amount of power supplied to the second load in the puff operation series is greater than the amount of power supplied to the second load in the previous puff operation series.

The termination stage may be associated with the number of permitted puffs in the puffing series.

The device may further include a notification unit, and the control unit may be configured to count the cumulative number of puffs of the puffing operation for the cartridge containing the flavor source, and may be configured to activate the notification unit when, at the start of the puffing operation series, the remaining allowable number of puffs determined based on the total allowable number of puffs for the cartridge and the cumulative number of puffs is smaller than the allowable number of puffs.

Furthermore, an operation unit may be provided, and the allowable number of puffs may be set through user operation of the operation unit.

The control may be configured to power off the aerosol generating device when the puff operation reaches the permitted number of puffs in the puff operation series.

The control unit may be configured to cause the power source to stop supplying power to the first load and/or the second load when the puff operation reaches a predetermined number of stops in the puff operation series, the number of stops being less than the allowable number of puffs.

According to an aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a method for controlling the operation of an aerosol generating device. In the method, the aerosol generating device includes a first load that vaporizes or atomizes an aerosol source to generate an aerosol, and a second load that heats the flavor source to add a flavor component to the aerosol, and the method includes the steps of starting the supply of power from a power source to the first load and the second load, starting a puffing series in response to a request to generate the aerosol, detecting a puffing operation by a user in the puffing series, determining whether the puffing operation by the user is in an end stage of the puffing series, and controlling the supply of power to reduce the amount of power supplied to the first load and increase the amount of power supplied to the second load in the end stage.

The controlling step may be configured to, in the termination phase, increase the amount of power supplied to the second load and then reduce the amount of power supplied to the first load.

Further, the puff operation series may include a step of acquiring the temperature of the second load, and the controlling step may be configured to reduce the amount of power supplied to the first load after it is determined that the overall temperature of the flavor source has reached a predetermined target temperature as a result of increasing the amount of power supplied to the second load.

The controlling step may be configured to reduce the amount of power supplied to the first load after a predetermined time has elapsed from the time when the amount of power supplied to the second load has been increased, or after a predetermined number of puffing operations have been performed.

The controlling step may include counting the number of puff series for the cartridge containing the flavor source, and adjusting the heating profile as the number of puff series increases such that the amount of power supplied to the second load in the puff series is greater than the amount of power supplied to the second load in a previous puff series.

The end stage may be associated with an allowable number of puffs for the puffing operation series, and the controlling step may include a step of counting a cumulative number of puffs for the puffing operation related to a cartridge containing the flavor source, and a step of activating a notification unit when, at the start of the puffing operation series, a remaining allowable number of puffs determined based on the total allowable number of puffs associated with the cartridge and the cumulative number of puffs is smaller than the allowable number of puffs.

Furthermore, the method may include a step of stopping the supply of power to the first load and/or the second load when the puff operation series reaches a predetermined stop number that is smaller than the allowable number of puffs, and a step of powering off the aerosol generating device when the puff operation reaches the allowable number of puffs.

Additionally, according to one aspect of the present disclosure, a program is provided for causing an aerosol generating device to execute the above-mentioned method.

According to the present disclosure, an aerosol generating device is provided that makes the user's inhalation operation more intuitive and further improves the quality of the user's inhalation experience.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a schematic configuration of an aerosol generating device. FIG. 2 is another perspective view of the aerosol generating device of FIG. 1. FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the aerosol generating device of FIG. 1. FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a power supply unit in the aerosol generating device of FIG. 1 . FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of the hardware configuration of the aerosol generating device of FIG. 1. FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of a modified example of the hardware configuration of the aerosol generating device of FIG. 1. FIG. 2 is a functional block diagram showing a configuration of a control unit. 1 is a flowchart showing a process flow of the aerosol generating device. 9 is a flowchart partially showing the details of the processing flow of FIG. 8. 10 is a graph of a heating profile used in the process of FIGS. 8 and 9; 13 is a flowchart partially showing a modified example of the process flow. 12 is a graph of the heating profile used in the process of FIG. 11 . 13 is a flowchart partially showing a modified example of the process flow. 14 is a graph of the heating profile used in the process of FIG. 13. 13 is a flowchart showing a modified example of the process flow.

A preferred embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. In this specification and drawings, components having substantially the same functional configuration are designated by the same reference numerals to avoid redundant description.

<<1. Configuration example of aerosol generating device>>
An aerosol generation device 1, which is one embodiment of the aerosol generation device of the present disclosure, will be described with reference to Fig. 1 to Fig. 6. Hereinafter, the inhalation of the aerosol generated by the aerosol generation device 1 by a user will be simply referred to as "inhalation" or "puffing". In addition, the inhalation action of the user will be hereinafter also referred to as "puffing action".

The aerosol generating device 1 is an inhalation device for generating an aerosol to which flavor components have been added without combustion and making it inhalable, and has a rod shape extending along a predetermined direction (hereinafter referred to as the longitudinal direction X) as shown in Figs. 1 and 2. The aerosol generating device 1 is provided with a power supply unit 10, a first cartridge 20, and a second cartridge 30 in this order along the longitudinal direction X. The first cartridge 20 is detachable from the power supply unit 10 (in other words, replaceable). The second cartridge 30 is detachable from the first cartridge 20 (in other words, replaceable). As shown in Fig. 3, the first cartridge 20 is provided with a first load 21 and a second load 31.

The overall shape of the aerosol generating device 1 is not limited to the shape in which the power supply unit 10, the first cartridge 20, and the second cartridge 30 are arranged in a row as shown in Fig. 1. Any shape, such as a roughly box shape, can be adopted as long as the first cartridge 20 and the second cartridge 30 are configured to be replaceable with respect to the power supply unit 10. The second cartridge 30 may be detachable from the power supply unit 10 (in other words, replaceable).

(1) Power Supply Unit As shown in FIGS. 3, 4, and 5, the power supply unit 10 accommodates, inside a cylindrical power supply unit case 11, the power supply 12, a charging IC 55A, an MCU (Micro Controller Unit) 50, a DC/DC converter 51, the intake sensor 15, a temperature detection element T1 including a voltage sensor 52 and a current sensor 53, a temperature detection element T2 including a voltage sensor 54 and a current sensor 55, a first notification unit 45, and a second notification unit 46.

The power source 12 is a rechargeable secondary battery, an electric double layer capacitor, or the like, and is preferably a lithium ion secondary battery. The electrolyte of the power source 12 may be one or a combination of a gel electrolyte, an electrolytic solution, a solid electrolyte, and an ionic liquid.

As shown in FIG. 5, the MCU 50 is connected to various sensor devices such as an intake sensor 15, a voltage sensor 52, a current sensor 53, a voltage sensor 54, and a current sensor 55, a DC/DC converter 51, an operation unit 14, a first notification unit 45, and a second notification unit 46, and performs various controls of the aerosol generating device 1.

The MCU 50 is specifically composed of a processor, and further includes a memory 50a composed of storage media such as a RAM (Random Access Memory) necessary for the operation of the processor and a ROM (Read Only Memory) for storing various information. In this specification, the processor is specifically an electric circuit that combines circuit elements such as semiconductor elements.

The MCU 50 also has a built-in timer (not shown) and can measure the time related to various operations of the aerosol generating device 1.

As shown in Fig. 4, a discharge terminal 41 is provided on the top portion 11a located at one end side (first cartridge 20 side) in the longitudinal direction X of the power supply unit case 11. The discharge terminal 41 is provided so as to protrude from the upper surface of the top portion 11a toward the first cartridge 20, and is configured to be electrically connectable to each of the first load 21 and the second load 31 of the first cartridge 20.

In addition, an air supply section 42 that supplies air to the first load 21 of the first cartridge 20 is provided on the upper surface of the top section 11a, near the discharge terminal 41.

A charging terminal 43 that can be electrically connected to an external power source (not shown) is provided on the bottom portion 11b located at the other end side (opposite the first cartridge 20) in the longitudinal direction X of the power supply unit case 11. The charging terminal 43 is provided on the side surface of the bottom portion 11b, and can be connected to, for example, a Universal Serial Bus (USB) terminal or a microUSB terminal.

In addition, the charging terminal 43 may be a power receiving unit capable of contactlessly receiving power transmitted from an external power source. In such a case, the charging terminal 43 (power receiving unit) may be composed of a power receiving coil. The method of contactless power transmission (wireless power transfer) may be an electromagnetic induction type, a magnetic resonance type, or a combination of the electromagnetic induction type and the magnetic resonance type. In addition, the charging terminal 43 may be a power receiving unit capable of contactlessly receiving power transmitted from an external power source. As another example, the charging terminal 43 may be connectable to a USB terminal or a microUSB terminal, and may have the above-mentioned power receiving unit.

The power supply unit case 11 has an operation unit 14 that can be operated by the user, which is provided on the side of the top part 11a facing away from the charging terminal 43. In detail, the operation unit 14 and the charging terminal 43 are in a point-symmetric relationship with respect to the intersection of a straight line connecting the operation unit 14 and the charging terminal 43 and the center line of the power supply unit 10 in the longitudinal direction X. The operation unit 14 is composed of a button-type switch, a touch panel, or the like.

When a predetermined startup operation is performed by the operation unit 14 while the power supply unit 10 is in a power-off state, the operation unit 14 outputs a startup command for the power supply unit 10 to the MCU 50. When the MCU 50 receives this startup command, it starts up the power supply unit 10. In detail, the MCU 50 may cause the power source 12 of the power supply unit 10 to start supplying power to the first load 21 and/or the second load 31.

Conversely, when a predetermined termination operation is performed by the operation unit 14 while the power supply unit 10 is in a power-on state, the operation unit 14 outputs a termination command for the power supply unit 10 to the MCU 50. When the MCU 50 receives this termination command, it terminates the power supply unit 10. In particular, the MCU 50 may cause the power source 12 of the power supply unit 10 to terminate the supply of power to the first load 21 and/or the second load 31. It may also power off the power supply unit 10. Note that the termination of the supply of power to the first load 21 and/or the second load 31 and the power off of the power supply unit 10 may be automatically executed in response to the completion of the progression of a series of puffing actions by the user and/or the satisfaction of a termination condition.

3, an intake sensor 15 that detects a puff (inhalation) action is provided near the operation unit 14. The power supply unit case 11 is provided with an air intake port (not shown) that takes in outside air. The air intake port may be provided around the operation unit 14 or around the charging terminal 43.

The intake sensor 15 is configured to output a value of a change in pressure (internal pressure) inside the power supply unit 10 caused by the user inhaling through the suction port 32 described below. The intake sensor 15 is, for example, a pressure sensor that outputs an output value (e.g., a voltage value or a current value) corresponding to the internal pressure that changes according to the flow rate of air sucked from the air intake port toward the suction port 32 (i.e., the user's puffing action). The intake sensor 15 may output an analog value, or may output a digital value converted from the analog value.

In addition, the intake sensor 15 may have a built-in temperature sensor that detects the temperature (outside air temperature) of the environment in which the power supply unit 10 is placed in order to compensate for the detected pressure. The intake sensor 15 may be composed of a condenser microphone or the like instead of a pressure sensor.

The MCU 50 causes the inhalation sensor 15 to detect an aerosol generation request during an inhalation action by the user. Through the detection of the aerosol generation request, it is possible to identify that the user is performing a puffing action. In particular, the period during which the aerosol generation request is detected is the period during which the user is performing a puffing action.

Specifically, when a puffing operation is performed and the output value of the intake sensor 15 becomes equal to or greater than the output threshold, the MCU 50 determines that an aerosol generation request (a command to atomize the aerosol source 22) has been made. Thereafter, when the output value of the intake sensor 15 falls below this output threshold, the MCU 50 determines that the aerosol generation request has ended. Note that in the aerosol generating device 1, in order to prevent overheating of the first load 21, etc., when the period during which the aerosol generation request has been made reaches an upper limit time (e.g., 2.4 seconds), it is determined that the aerosol generation request has ended regardless of the output value of the intake sensor 15.

In addition, instead of the intake sensor 15, a request for aerosol generation may be detected based on the operation of the operation unit 14. For example, when a user performs a predetermined operation on the operation unit 14 to start inhaling the aerosol, the operation unit 14 may be configured to output a signal indicating a request for aerosol generation to the MCU 50.

The charging IC 55A is disposed close to the charging terminal 43 and controls charging of the power input from the charging terminal 43 to the power source 12. The charging IC 55A may be disposed close to the MCU 50.

(2) First Cartridge As shown in FIG. 3, the first cartridge 20 includes, inside a cylindrical cartridge case 27, a reservoir 23 constituting a storage section for storing the aerosol source 22, a first load 21 constituting an atomizer that vaporizes or atomizes the aerosol source 22 to generate an aerosol, a wick 24 that draws the aerosol source 22 from the reservoir 23 to the position of the first load 21, an aerosol flow path 25 that constitutes a cooling passage for adjusting the particle size of the aerosol generated by atomizing the aerosol source 22 to a size suitable for inhalation, an end cap 26 that accommodates a part of the second cartridge 30, and a second load 31 provided on the end cap 26 for heating the second cartridge 30.

The reservoir 23 is partitioned to surround the aerosol flow path 25 and stores the aerosol source 22. The reservoir 23 may contain a porous body such as a resin web or cotton, and the porous body may be impregnated with the aerosol source 22. The reservoir 23 may not contain a porous body on the resin web or cotton, and may store only the aerosol source 22. The aerosol source 22 contains a liquid such as glycerin, propylene glycol, or water.

The wick 24 is a liquid holding member that draws the aerosol source 22 from the reservoir 23 to the position of the first load 21 by using capillary action. The wick 24 constitutes a holding section that holds the aerosol source 22 supplied from the reservoir 23 in a position where the first load 21 can atomize the aerosol source 22. The wick 24 is made of, for example, glass fiber or porous ceramic.

The aerosol source 22 contained in the first cartridge 20 is held in each of the reservoir 23 and the wick 24.

The first load 21 vaporizes or atomizes the aerosol source 22 by heating the aerosol source 22 without combustion using power supplied from the power source 12 via the discharge terminal 41. In this specification, vaporization or atomization is sometimes collectively referred to simply as "atomization." The more power supplied to the first load 21, the more rapidly the aerosol source 22 is heated, and therefore the greater the amount of aerosol atomized. The first load 21 is composed of an electric heating wire (coil) wound at a predetermined pitch.

The first load 21 may be an element capable of heating the aerosol source 22 to atomize it and generate an aerosol. The first load 21 is, for example, a heating element. Examples of the heating element include a heating resistor, a ceramic heater, and an induction heating heater.

The first load 21 has a correlation between temperature and electrical resistance. For example, the first load 21 has a positive temperature coefficient (PTC) characteristic, in which the electrical resistance increases with increasing temperature.

The aerosol flow path 25 is located downstream of the first load 21 and on the center line L of the power supply unit 10. The end cap 26 includes a cartridge storage section 26a that stores a portion of the second cartridge 30, and a communication passage 26b that connects the aerosol flow path 25 to the cartridge storage section 26a.

The second load 31 is embedded in the cartridge storage section 26a. The second load 31 heats the second cartridge 30 (more specifically, the flavor source 33 stored therein) stored in the cartridge storage section 26a from the cartridge storage section 26a side by power supplied from the power source 12 via the discharge terminal 41. The second load 31 is, for example, composed of an electric heating wire (coil) wound at a predetermined pitch.

Heat is conducted from the outside of the second cartridge 30 toward its center, thereby heating the flavor source 33 contained therein. In other words, there is a certain time lag between when heating begins and when the heat is conducted to the center of the second cartridge 30 and when the entire flavor source 33 is sufficiently heated.

The second load 31 may be any element capable of heating the second cartridge 30. The second load 31 may be, for example, a heating element. Examples of the heating element include a heating resistor, a ceramic heater, and an induction heater.

The second load 31 has a correlation between temperature and electrical resistance. For example, the second load 31 may have a PTC characteristic.

In the above, the second load 31 is embedded in the cartridge storage section 26a. Alternatively, the second load 31 may be provided as a pin-shaped load protruding from the bottom along the longitudinal direction in the internal space of the cartridge storage section 26a. When the second cartridge 30 is attached to the cartridge storage section 26a, the pin is inserted so as to be inserted into the interior of the second cartridge 30. In other words, the flavor source stored in the second cartridge 30 can be heated from the center of the second cartridge 30.

(3) Second Cartridge The second cartridge 30 stores the flavor source 33. The second cartridge 30 is heated by the second load 31, and the flavor source 33 is heated. The second cartridge 30 is detachably housed in the cartridge housing portion 26a provided in the end cap 26 of the first cartridge 20. The end of the second cartridge 30 opposite to the first cartridge 20 side is a mouthpiece 32 for the user. The mouthpiece 32 is not limited to being integrally and inseparably formed with the second cartridge 30, and may be detachably formed with the second cartridge 30. By forming the mouthpiece 32 separately from the power supply unit 10 and the first cartridge 20 in this way, the mouthpiece 32 can be kept hygienic.

The second cartridge 30 adds flavor components to the aerosol by passing the aerosol generated by vaporizing or atomizing the aerosol source 22 by the first load 21 through the flavor source 33. The raw material pieces constituting the flavor source 33 may be cut tobacco or a molded product obtained by molding tobacco raw material into particles. The flavor source 33 may be composed of plants other than tobacco (e.g., mint, Chinese medicine, herbs, etc.). A flavoring such as menthol may be added to the flavor source 33.

In the aerosol generating device 1, an aerosol to which a flavor component has been added can be generated by the aerosol source 22 and the flavor source 33. In other words, the aerosol source 22 and the flavor source 33 constitute an aerosol generating source that generates an aerosol.

The aerosol generation source in the aerosol generating device 1 is a part that is replaced and used by the user. This part is provided to the user as a set, for example, of one first cartridge 20 and one or more (e.g., five) second cartridges 30. The first cartridge 20 and the second cartridge 30 may be integrated to form a single cartridge.

3, in the aerosol generating device 1 configured in this manner, air flowing in from an intake port (not shown) provided in the power supply unit case 11 passes through the vicinity of the first load 21 of the first cartridge 20 from the air supply unit 42. The first load 21 vaporizes or atomizes the aerosol source 22 drawn in from the reservoir 23 by the wick 24. The atomized aerosol generated flows through the aerosol flow path 25 together with the air flowing in from the intake port, and is supplied to the second cartridge 30 via the communication passage 26b. The aerosol supplied to the second cartridge 30 passes through the flavor source 33 to have flavor components added, and is then supplied to the mouthpiece 32.

As shown in FIG. 5, the aerosol generating device 1 is provided with a first notification unit 45 and a second notification unit 46 that notify the user of various information. The first notification unit 45 is for notifying the user of the tactile sense and is composed of a vibration element such as a vibrator. The second notification unit 46 is for notifying the user of the visual sense and is composed of a light-emitting element such as an LED (Light Emitting Diode). As a notification unit for notifying various information, a sound output element may be further provided to notify the user of the hearing sense. The first notification unit 45 and the second notification unit 46 may be provided in any of the power supply unit 10, the first cartridge 20, and the second cartridge 30, but are preferably provided in the power supply unit 10. For example, the periphery of the operation unit 14 is configured to have translucency and emit light by a light-emitting element such as an LED.

In addition to or instead of the above, a display (not shown) for displaying various information such as text information and image information may be provided as the second notification unit 46. For example, the number of puffing actions performed by the user may be displayed numerically. Also, the progress of the puffing action in the puffing action series described below may be displayed. The progress may be displayed as an image such as an indicator, or as numbers that count down (or up).

(4) Details of the Power Supply Unit As shown in Fig. 5, when the first cartridge 20 is attached to the power supply unit 10, the DC/DC converter 51 is connected between the first load 21 and the power supply 12. The MCU 50 is connected between the DC/DC converter 51 and the power supply 12. When the first cartridge 20 is attached to the power supply unit 10, the second load 31 is connected between the MCU 50 and the DC/DC converter 51. Thus, in the power supply unit 10, when the first cartridge 20 is attached, the series circuit of the DC/DC converter 51 and the first load 21, and the second load 31 are connected in parallel to the power supply 12.

The DC/DC converter 51 is a boost circuit capable of boosting the input voltage, and is configured to supply the boosted voltage or the input voltage to the first load 21. The DC/DC converter 51 can adjust the power supplied to the first load 21, so that the amount of the aerosol source 22 atomized by the first load 21 can be controlled. For example, a switching regulator that converts the input voltage to a desired output voltage by controlling the on/off time of a switching element while monitoring the output voltage can be used as the DC/DC converter 51. When a switching regulator is used as the DC/DC converter 51, the input voltage can be output as is without boosting it by controlling the switching element.

The processor of the MCU 50 is configured to acquire the temperature of the second load 31 (or the temperature of the flavor source 33) in order to control the discharge to the second load 31. The processor of the MCU 50 is also preferably configured to acquire the temperature of the first load 21. The temperature of the first load 21 can be used to prevent overheating of the first load 21 or the aerosol source 22, and to highly control the amount of the aerosol source 22 that the first load 21 vaporizes or atomizes.

The voltage sensor 52 measures and outputs the voltage value applied to the second load 31. The current sensor 53 measures and outputs the current value flowing through the second load 31. The outputs of the voltage sensor 52 and the current sensor 53 are each input to the MCU 50. The processor of the MCU 50 obtains the resistance value of the second load 31 based on the outputs of the voltage sensor 52 and the current sensor 53, and obtains the temperature of the second load 31 according to this resistance value. The temperature of the second load 31 does not strictly match the temperature of the flavor source 33 heated by the second load 31, but can be considered to be approximately the same as the temperature of the flavor source 33.

If a constant current is applied to the second load 31 when the resistance value of the second load 31 is obtained, the current sensor 53 is not required in the temperature detection element T1. Similarly, if a constant voltage is applied to the second load 31 when the resistance value of the second load 31 is obtained, the voltage sensor 52 is not required in the temperature detection element T1.

6, instead of the temperature detection element T1, the first cartridge 20 may be provided with a temperature detection element T3 for detecting the temperature of the second cartridge 30 or the second load 31. The temperature detection element T3 is constituted by, for example, a thermistor disposed near the second cartridge 30 or the second load 31. In the configuration of FIG. 6, the processor of the MCU 50 obtains the temperature of the second load 31 or the temperature of the second cartridge 30, in other words the temperature of the flavor source 33, based on the output of the temperature detection element T3.

As shown in Figure 6, by obtaining the temperature of the second load 31 using the temperature detection element T3, it is possible to determine the temperature of the flavor source 33 more accurately than by using the temperature detection element T1 (Figure 5). In particular, by devising the arrangement of the temperature detection element T3 and/or taking into account the thermal conduction characteristics of the material of the flavor source 33, it is possible to determine the temperature of the entire flavor source 33, including the central portion of the second cartridge 30, more accurately.

The temperature detection element T3 may be configured to be mounted on the second cartridge 30. According to the configuration shown in Figure 6 in which the temperature detection element T3 is mounted on the first cartridge 20, the manufacturing cost of the second cartridge 30, which is the cartridge that is most frequently replaced in the aerosol generating device 1, can be reduced.

5, when the temperature of the second load 31 is obtained using the temperature detection element T1, the temperature detection element T1 can be provided in the power supply unit 10, which is replaced least frequently in the aerosol generating device 1. This allows the manufacturing costs of the first cartridge 20 and the second cartridge 30 to be reduced.

The voltage sensor 54 measures and outputs the voltage value applied to the first load 21. The current sensor 55 measures and outputs the current value flowing through the first load 21. The output of the voltage sensor 54 and the output of the current sensor 55 are input to the MCU 50. The processor of the MCU 50 obtains the resistance value of the first load 21 based on the output of the voltage sensor 54 and the output of the current sensor 55, and obtains the temperature of the first load 21 according to this resistance value. Note that if a constant current is passed through the first load 21 when obtaining the resistance value of the first load 21, the current sensor 55 is not required in the temperature detection element T2. Similarly, if a constant voltage is applied to the first load 21 when obtaining the resistance value of the first load 21, the voltage sensor 54 is not required in the temperature detection element T2.

<<2. Operation example of the aerosol generating device>>
(1) Logical Configuration Example of the Control Unit Hereinafter, an example of the control of the operation of the aerosol generating device 1 according to the present embodiment, particularly an operation example for notifying the user of the end stage of a puffing operation series, will be described. The process for such control is executed by the control unit 50 configured by implementing the functions in the MCU 50.

When a user using the aerosol generating device 1 performs a series of puffing operations, typically about 12 puffing operations are performed. In order to generate a desired amount of aerosol and flavor over the period of such a series of puffing operations, the control unit 50 controls the heating operation of the aerosol source 22 and/or the flavor source 33. In the control unit 50, a series of puffing operations by the user is pre-designed as a "puffing operation series." In other words, the control unit 50 operates the aerosol generating device 1 according to a pre-defined puffing operation series.

Specifically, a puff action series is defined in association with a heating profile as including a predetermined number of puff actions during that period. The predetermined number is preset, for example, as "12 times" in the above example. Alternatively, the user may be able to set a numerical value through user operation of the operation unit 14.

A puff series is started when the user's first puff is detected in response to a signal indicating an aerosol generation request output from the inhalation sensor 15. Subsequently, a series of puffs by the user are detected, and the number of puffs in the puff series is counted. Then, when the number of puffs reaches a predetermined number (e.g., 12 times), the puff series is ended.

In a puff action series that includes a predetermined number of puff actions, it is desirable to allow the user to intuitively understand the end stage of the puff action series. If the user does not understand the end stage, the puff action series may end at a point that is unexpected for the user, and the operation of the aerosol generation device 1 may stop midway. In other words, the inhalation experience that the user desires may not be provided.

Therefore, in the aerosol generating device 1 of this embodiment, the control unit 50 is configured to allow the user to intuitively grasp the end stage of the puff operation series. FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of the control unit 50. The control unit 50 includes a memory unit 50a, a heating control unit 50b, a judgment unit 50c, a temperature acquisition unit 50d, a time measurement unit 50e, a puff counting unit 50f, an adjustment unit 50g, and a notification instruction unit 50h. Note that these functional blocks are merely an example of a logical configuration, and it should be understood by those skilled in the art that the control of the operation of the aerosol generating device 1 according to this embodiment is not limited to these functional blocks.

The storage unit 50a is composed of the memory 50a described above. The memory 50a stores setting information for controlling various operations of the aerosol generating device 1. For example, the predetermined number of puff operations (12 times) described above for the puff operation series is stored in the memory 50a as the "allowable number of puffs". In addition, the number of puffs counted in the puff operation series, the value of the cumulative number of puffs counted for each second cartridge 30, etc. are also stored in the memory 50a. Furthermore, the memory 50a stores various information such as a heating profile in which the time series progression of the target power and/or target temperature is specified.

The heating control unit 50b controls the supply of power from the power source 12 to the first load 21 and the second load 31 (i.e., the discharge required to heat the loads). Specifically, the heating control unit 50b controls the supply of power from the power source 12 to the first load 21 to vaporize or atomize the aerosol source 22, and also controls the supply of power from the power source 12 to the second load 31 to heat the flavor source 33.

In this manner, in this embodiment, by controlling not only the supply of power to the first load 21 but also the supply of power to the second load 31, flexible heating operations are possible for both the aerosol source 22 and the flavor source 33. The operating mode of the heating operation is specified in advance as a heating profile, which will be described later.

In this embodiment, the heating control unit 50b executes control on the power source 12 in accordance with the heating profile to (i) reduce the amount of power supplied to the first load 21 and (ii) increase the amount of power supplied to the second load 31 at the end stage of the puff operation series. This allows the aerosol generating device 1 to create the end stage of the puff operation series, allowing the user to intuitively perceive the end stage.

Specifically, when the amount of power supplied to the first load 21 is reduced, the temperature of the aerosol source 22 drops, and therefore the amount of aerosol generated decreases. That is, the user can visually grasp that the puffing series is about to end from the small amount of smoke produced when the aerosol is inhaled and then exhaled during the puffing action.

Furthermore, increasing the amount of power supplied to the second load 31 raises the temperature of the flavor source 33, and therefore increases the amount of flavor component produced. More specifically, as the amount of flavor component added to the aerosol increases, the relative amount of stimulating components contained in the flavor to the amount of aerosol increases. As a result, when the user inhales this, the stimulating sensation from the oral cavity to the throat increases. In other words, the user can intuitively grasp that the puffing series is about to end from the change in flavor sensation during the inhalation experience.

According to this embodiment, the user can effectively know that the puffing series is at the end stage, and can intuitively know that the puffing series will soon end during the puffing operation without going through a confirmation operation, for example, through the notification units 45 and 46. As a result, the user's inhalation experience becomes more comfortable, and the quality of the inhalation experience can be further improved.

The determination unit 50c executes various determination processes related to the puff operation series. For example, it determines whether the puff operation is at the end stage of the puff operation series. The end stage is set in association with the allowable number of puffs of the puff operation series. When the allowable number of puffs is set to "12 times" (i.e., when 12 puffs are allowed per puff operation series), in one example, the latter "6 times" of the 12 puff operations are specified as the end stage. The value of 6 times may be preset and stored in the memory unit 50a, or may be automatically calculated according to the value of the allowable number of puffs.

The temperature acquisition unit 50d acquires the temperature of the second load 31 by using the temperature detection element T1 (or T3) or by acquiring the electrical resistance value of the second load 31, and determines the temperature of the flavor source 33.

The time measurement unit 50e measures the time related to various operations of the aerosol generating device 1, for example, using a timer (not shown) built into the MCU 50. For example, it measures the time during which power is supplied to the first load 21 and/or the second load 31, the time during which the inhalation sensor 15 detects that the user is performing a puffing operation, etc. It also identifies a specific timing and measures the elapsed time from that point. Furthermore, it measures the time interval between two consecutive puffing operations for a series of puffing operations by the user detected in a puffing operation series.

The puff counting unit 50f counts the number of various operations in the aerosol generating device 1 with respect to the user's puffing operation. For example, it counts the number of puffing operations of the user detected in a puffing operation series. In addition, with respect to the second cartridge 30 containing the flavor source 33, it counts the cumulative number of puffs of the user's puffing operation, the number of puffing operation series, etc.

The adjustment unit 50g adjusts the heating profile for the heating operation controlled by the heating control unit 50b. The adjustment here includes modifying the heating profile, changing the heating profile to be applied, etc.

The notification instruction unit 50h instructs the first notification unit 45 and/or the second notification unit 46 to notify various information regarding the operation of the aerosol generation device 1. For example, the notification instruction unit 50h may instruct the first notification unit 45 and/or the second notification unit 46 to notify the user that a series of puffing operations by the user in a puffing operation series has reached the allowable number of puffs.

The functions implemented in the control unit 50 are not limited to the functional blocks described above. It should be understood by those skilled in the art that any other functions may be included. For example, in a puff operation series, when the puff operation reaches the allowable number of puffs, the power supply unit 10 of the aerosol generating device 1 may be controlled to be forcibly turned off.

(2) Heating Profile As described above, the heating control unit 50b controls the supply of power from the power source 12 to the first load 21 and/or the second load 31 based on the heating profile, and causes each of the first load 21 and the second load 31 to perform a heating operation. The heating profile may include, for example, information that specifies the time series transition of the target power to be supplied to the first load 21, and information that specifies the time series transition of the target temperature, which is the target value for the temperature of the second load 31.

Specifically, the heating control unit 50b can control the supply of power so that the power output by the power source 12 to the first load 21 achieves the time series progression of the target power defined in the heating profile. Here, by using the DC/DC converter 51, the heating control unit 50b can adjust the output power of the power source 12 supplied to the first load 21 so that it follows the time series progression of the target power.

The heating control unit 50b can also control the power supply operation so that the power output by the power source 12 to the second load 31 achieves the time series progression of the target temperature defined in the heating profile. Here, the heating control unit 50b adjusts the output power to the second load 31 based on the deviation between the target temperature defined in the heating profile and the actual temperature of the second load 31 (hereinafter referred to as the "actual temperature"). In other words, the heating control unit 50b controls the temperature of the second load 31 so that the time series progression of the actual temperature of the second load 31 follows the time series progression of the target temperature of the second load 31 corresponding to the elapsed time from the start of the puff operation series. The temperature control of the second load 31 can be achieved, for example, by known feedback control.

The heating profile information is stored in the memory unit 50a and is referenced each time the first load 21 and/or the second load 31 is caused to perform a heating operation. The heating profile information may not only be referenced but may also be dynamically updated during the operation of the aerosol generating device 1.

In this way, by controlling the amount of power supply according to the heating profile, it is possible to generate a desired amount of aerosol and add a desired amount of flavor to the aerosol as planned by the heating profile. The heating profile is typically designed to optimize the flavor experienced by the user when the user inhales the generated aerosol. In other words, by controlling the amount of power supply based on the heating profile, it is possible to optimize the flavor experienced by the user.

(3) Processing Flow A method for controlling the operation of the aerosol generating device 1 according to this embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 8 to Fig. 10. Fig. 8 and Fig. 9 are flow charts showing an example of the processing flow executed by the aerosol device 1. Fig. 10 is a graph showing an example of a heating profile used in such processing.

It should be noted that the process steps shown in the flowcharts of this specification are merely examples, and are not limited to these, and any other process steps may be included, or some process steps may be omitted. It should also be understood by those skilled in the art that the order of the process steps is also merely examples, and is not limited to these, and may be in any order, or may be performed in parallel.

8, this process starts with the aerosol generating device 1 (power supply unit 10) first starting operation. Then, in response to a user's operation to instruct the start of heating, the heating control unit 50b instructs the power supply 12 to supply power to the first load 21 and the second load 31. In response to this, the power supply 12 starts supplying power to the first load 21 and the second load 31, and starts a heating operation based on the heating profile (step S10). An example of a user's operation to instruct the start of heating is an operation (e.g., pressing a button) on the operation unit 14 provided on the aerosol generating device 1. Other examples may include a puffing operation, receiving a signal from another device such as a smartphone, etc.

The period from the start of the heating operation to the start of the period during which the user can actually perform a puff operation is also referred to as the "pre-heating period." The heating performed during the pre-heating period is also referred to as "pre-heating." In the pre-heating stage, the aerosol source 22 is heated by the heating operation of the first load 21, and the flavor source 33 is heated by the heating operation of the second load 31. In particular, by heating the flavor source 33 in the pre-heating stage, it is possible to efficiently generate an aerosol to which a desired amount of flavor component is added when the puffing series is started. This makes it possible to improve the quality of the inhalation experience provided to the user.

When the pre-heating period ends and the aerosol generating device 1 is able to generate a sufficient amount of aerosol, the puffing operation series can be started. At that time, the user may be notified of this through the first notification unit 45 and/or the second notification unit 46. When the user performs a puffing operation based on the notification, the intake sensor 15 detects a request to generate aerosol. Then, in response to the request to generate aerosol, the power supply unit 10 of the aerosol generating device 1 starts the puffing operation series under the control of the control unit 50 (step S20).

When the puff operation series is started, a heating operation based on the heating profile shown in Figure 10 is performed by the first load 21 and the second load 31. In the graph of Figure 10, the horizontal axis indicates the number of puffs (times) progressing along a time series throughout the puff operation series. There are also two vertical axes, the first axis on the left indicates the target output power (watts) to the first load 21, and the second axis on the right indicates the target temperature (°C) of the second load 31.

In the graph of Figure 10, solid line 61a represents the time series progression of the target output power to the first load 21 throughout the puffing series. Also, dashed line 62b represents the time series progression of the target temperature of the second load 31 throughout the puffing series. In the example of Figure 10, as a result of preheating, the output power to the first load 21 is 5 watts and the temperature of the second load 31 is 50°C, and the puffing series is started from this state.

When the inhalation sensor 15 detects each puff in the puff series, the puff counting unit 50f counts the number of puffs in the puff series (step S30). In addition, for the second cartridge 30 that contains the flavor source 33, the puff counting unit 50f counts the cumulative number of puffs for each second cartridge 30.

Next, the determination unit 50c determines whether the user's current puff action is at the end stage of the puff action series (step S40). As described above, the end stage is associated with the allowable number of puffs in the puff action series. Then, for example, if it is predefined that the latter "6" puff actions out of the allowable number of "12" puffs are at the end stage, it is determined whether the number of puffs counted in step S30 has reached the seventh.

At the end of the puff operation series, under the control of the heating control unit 50b, the power source 12 increases the amount of power supplied to the second load 31 to make the temperature of the second load 31 reach the desired target temperature. Then, after the temperature of the second load 31 has reached the desired target temperature, under the control of the heating control unit 50b, the power source 12 controls the amount of power supplied to maintain that temperature (step S50).

In the example of Figure 10, as shown by dashed line 62a, the heating profile is defined so that when the number of puffs reaches the seventh, the target temperature is increased from 50°C to 90°C by the eighth puff. In addition, the heating profile is defined so that the temperature of the second load 31 is maintained at 90°C after the seventh puff.

After the power supply 12 increases the amount of power supplied to the second load 31 in step S50, the power supply 12 further reduces the amount of power supplied to the first load 21 under the control of the heating control unit 50b (step S60). In the example of Figure 10, as shown by the solid line 61a, the heating profile is defined so that the target power output to the first load 21 is reduced from 5 watts in the tenth puff (after the seventh puff).

Here, in the heating operation of the second load 31, taking into consideration that it takes some time for the entire flavor source 33 to be sufficiently heated, the amount of power supplied to the second load 31 is increased before the amount of power supplied to the first load 21 is reduced. In detail, the amount of power supplied to the first load 21 is reduced after the control unit 50 determines that the temperature of the entire flavor source 33 has reached a predetermined target temperature as a result of the increase in the amount of power supplied to the second load 31.

This allows the entire flavor source 33 to be sufficiently heated, eliminating the time lag until the flavor delivered to the user becomes stable. In other words, the change in flavor sensation of the inhalation experience provided to the user by reducing the amount of power supplied to the first load 21 and increasing the amount of power supplied to the second load 31 can be more clearly conveyed.

As shown by the solid line 61a in FIG. 10, the amount of power supplied to the first load 21 is controlled to be reduced at the end of the puffing series, but it is not necessary to control it to be increased. This is because it has been experimentally determined that a sufficient amount of aerosol can be delivered to the user by maintaining the target output power of 5 watts from the beginning of the puffing series, as shown by the solid line 61a. In other words, it can be assumed that the quality of the inhalation experience provided to the user is guaranteed without the need to increase the amount of aerosol by increasing the amount of power supplied to the first load 21 at the end of the series.

As shown in the flowchart of Fig. 9, whether the temperature of the entire flavor source 33 has reached a predetermined target temperature may be estimated depending on whether the heating state of the second load 31 has continued for a certain period of time. Fig. 9 shows a detailed flow of the process executed during the transition from step S50 to step S60 described above.

First, the time measurement unit 50e acquires the elapsed time from the timing at which the amount of power supply to the second load 31 was increased in step S50, or the puff counting unit 50f acquires the number of puff operations from that timing (step S51).

Next, the judgment unit 50c judges whether the time elapsed from that timing has exceeded a predetermined time or whether the number of puffing actions performed by the user from that timing has exceeded a predetermined number (step S52).

If the answer is Yes, the control unit 50 determines that the overall temperature of the flavor source 33 has reached the target temperature (step S53), and as described above, in step S60, the power source 12 reduces the amount of power supplied to the first load 21 under the control of the heating control unit 50b.

9, it has been experimentally determined that in the aerosol generating device 1 of this embodiment, it takes approximately 60 to 80 seconds for heat to be conducted from the outside of the second cartridge 30 to its center. In other words, the predetermined time used in the judgment in step S52 is set in the range of 60 to 80 seconds and is preferably stored in advance in the memory unit 50a.

In the example of FIG. 10, the power supply to the second load 31 is increased by the seventh puff as shown by the dashed line 62a, whereas the power supply to the first load 21 is reduced by the tenth puff as shown by the solid line 61a. In other words, there is a time difference of three puff operations. It has been experimentally found that one puff operation lasts about two seconds on average, and the time interval between two consecutive puff operations is about 10 to 20 seconds. In other words, the aforementioned predetermined time of about 60 to 80 seconds is associated with the period of three puff operations. Therefore, in the example of FIG. 10, the predetermined number of times used in the judgment of step S52 is set to "three times" in the heating profile and is stored in advance in the memory unit 50a.

Returning to FIG. 8, after step S60, when the number of puffs counted in step S30 reaches a predetermined stop number, the power source 12 stops supplying power to the first load 21 and/or the second load 31 under the control of the heating control unit 50b (step S70). The stop number is set to a value smaller than the allowable number of puffs and is stored in the memory unit 50a. By stopping the supply of power before the number of puffs reaches the allowable number of puffs, power saving is achieved and the life of the power source 12 can be protected.

In the example of FIG. 10, the number of stops is set to "11 times", and as shown by dashed line 62a, it is specified that when the number of puffs reaches the 11th, the supply of power to the second load 31 is stopped. Therefore, after the 11th puff operation, the target temperature of the second load 31 is lowered. Similar to the stopping of the supply of power to the second load 31, the supply of power to the second load 31 may also be stopped when the number of puffs reaches the 11th.

In this example, even if the power supply to the second load 31 is stopped at the 11th puff in the middle of the final stage, the heating operation of the second load 31 continues due to residual heat. In other words, the desired amount of flavor can be generated and added to the aerosol even at the 12th puff, so the quality of the flavor experience provided to the user can be maintained.

Finally, when the puffing operation reaches the allowable number of puffs (12 in FIG. 10) and the puffing operation series ends, the power supply unit 10 of the aerosol generating device 1 is turned off (step S80). In addition, when the power supply unit 10 is turned off, the first notification unit 45 and/or the second notification unit 46 may be activated to notify the user of the fact.

As a result of step S80, the series of processing steps shown in Figure 9 is terminated.

According to this embodiment, the user can effectively know that the puffing action series is at the end stage, and can intuitively know the end stage during the puffing action without going through a confirmation action, for example, through the notification units 45 and 46. As a result, the user's inhalation experience becomes more comfortable, and the change in flavor sensation during the inhalation experience can be more clearly conveyed to the user.

<<3. Example of changes>>
(Modification 1)
In the above description, the heating operation of the second load 31 is performed under the control of the heating control unit 50b in accordance with the graph of the set heating profile shown in Fig. 10 (dashed line 62a). In the first modified example, instead of this, the heating profile may be dynamically adjusted by the adjustment unit 50g.

Figure 11 is a flowchart of an example process for dynamically adjusting such a heating profile, which can be applied to the flowchart of Figure 9. Also, Figure 12 is a graph of an example of a heating profile when heating profile adjustment is applied to the heating profile graph of Figure 10.

The process of FIG. 11 is preferably performed before the heating operation based on the heating profile is started in step S10 in FIG. 9. Specifically, the puff counting unit 50f counts the number of puff operation series for each second cartridge 30 containing the flavor source 33 (step 101). Next, the adjustment unit 50g dynamically adjusts the amount of power supply to the second load 31, which is specified in the heating profile, based on the counted number of puff operation series (step S102). In particular, the adjustment unit 50g adjusts the heating profile so that the amount of power supply to the second load 31 is greater as the number of puff operation series increases than in the previous puff operation series.

For example, assume that the puffing operation series is the second one. That is, the amount of power supplied to the second load 31 in the second puffing operation series is adjusted to be greater than the amount of power supplied to the second load 31 in the first puffing operation series. In the example of FIG. 12, as shown by the dashed line 62b, the target temperature of the second load 31 is adjusted to 55°C up to the seventh puffing operation, and 95°C from the eighth to the eleventh puffing operation (end stage). That is, the target temperature of the second load 31 in the first puffing operation series (dashed line 62a in FIG. 10) is adjusted to +5°C at any timing. Note that the target temperature of the second load 31 at the end stage of the puffing operation series does not need to be adjusted.

In this way, in the first modified example, the heating profile is adjusted so that the amount of power supplied to the second load 31 in the current puff operation series is greater than the amount of power supplied to the second load 31 in the previous puff operation series, and then the heating operation of the second load 31 is executed. Note that instead of the number of puff operation series used above, the cumulative number of puffs of the second cartridge 30 may be counted, and the target temperature of the second load 31 may be adjusted based on the cumulative number of puffs.

For example, when the number of puffing series progresses and the consumption of the flavor source 33 in the second cartridge 30 progresses, the amount of the flavor source 33 in the second cartridge 30 decreases to a certain extent. In other words, if the same power as that for the second cartridge 30 in the initial state is supplied to the second load 31, the amount of flavor components generated may decrease from the initial amount, and the flavor delivered to the user may change. Therefore, as described above, by updating the heating profile so as to increase the amount of power supplied to the second load 31 according to the number of puffing series and raise the temperature of the flavor source 33, the flavor components added to the aerosol can be kept constant. In other words, the flavor can be maintained constant so as not to affect the quality of the inhalation experience provided to the user.

(Modification 2)
In the above description, the heating operation of the second load 31 is performed under the control of the heating control unit 50b in accordance with the graph of the set heating profile shown in Fig. 10 (dashed line 62a). In the second modification, instead of this, the heating profile may be dynamically adjusted by the adjustment unit 50g, as in the first modification.

Figure 13 is a flowchart of an example process for dynamically adjusting such a heating profile, which can be applied to the flowchart of Figure 9. Also, Figure 14 is a graph of an example of a heating profile when heating profile adjustment is applied to the heating profile graph of Figure 10.

The process of FIG. 13 is preferably executed during the period during which the puff operation is detected in step S30 in FIG. 9. Specifically, the time measurement unit 50e measures the puff operation interval between two consecutive puff operations at a stage prior to the end stage of the puff operation series (step S231). Next, the adjustment unit 50g adjusts the end stage determined in step S40 based on the measured puff operation interval, and determines to advance the timing of increasing the amount of power supplied to the second load 31 at the end stage (step S232). In other words, the timing of increasing the amount of power supplied to the second load 31, as specified in the heating profile, is dynamically adjusted. Based on the adjusted timing, the process of increasing the amount of power supplied to the second load 31 in step 50 is executed (step S50).

The puff interval used to determine the timing in step S232 may be determined using a number of calculated values, for example by calculating the average of a number of puff intervals. Alternatively, it may be determined using a statistical method based on the tendency of the user to perform puffing operations.

14, as shown by dashed line 62c, the timing for increasing the amount of power supplied to the second load 31 is brought forward from the initial seventh puff to the sixth puff. For example, for a user who has a relatively short puff interval and puffs frequently in a certain period of time, it is preferable to present the user with the end stage of the puff series at an earlier stage by bringing forward the timing for increasing the amount of power supplied to the second load 31. This makes it possible to provide a more appropriate inhalation experience to the user over the puff series.

(Modification 3)
In the above description, the heating control unit 50b controls the power source 12 to increase the amount of power supplied to the second load 31 and reduce the amount of power supplied to the first load 21 at the end stage of the puffing operation series in accordance with the heating profile. In the third modification, instead of this, if the execution of such processing is not scheduled, a notification may be given to the user in advance.

Figure 15 is a flowchart of an example of processing in modified example 3, which is applicable to the flowchart in Figure 9. This processing is preferably executed after the puff operation series is started in step S20. Specifically, the control unit 50 calculates the difference between a preset "total allowable number of puffs" for the second cartridge 30 and the cumulative number of puffs counted by the puff counting unit 50f, and determines the remaining allowable number of puffs (step S321).

Next, the determination unit 50c determines whether the remaining allowable number of puffs is smaller than the allowable number of puffs stored in the memory unit 50a (step S322). If the answer is Yes, a predetermined puff action series (e.g., 12 puff actions) is not completed. In other words, the control unit 50 may instruct the first notification unit 45 and/or the second notification unit 46 to notify that the remaining number of puffs is insufficient (step S323).

Even if the remaining number of puffs is insufficient, the puff operation itself may be performed to the limit. In the third modified example, in the puff operation series, the puff counting unit 50f counts the number of puffs in the puff operation series (step S324). Next, when the counted number of puffs reaches the remaining allowable number of puffs, the power source 12 stops supplying power to the first load 21 and/or the second load 31 under the control of the heating control unit 50b (step S325).

Then, the process proceeds to step S80, and the power supply unit 10 of the aerosol generating device 1 is turned off. On the other hand, if the answer is No in step S322, there are a sufficient number of puffs remaining, so the process proceeds to the aforementioned step S30 as usual.

In one example, for the second cartridge 30, the total allowable number of puffs is set to "50 puffs," and the allowable number of puffs for a puff operation series is set to "12 puffs." Then, assume that a new puff operation series is started when the cumulative number of puffs is counted by the puff counting unit 50f to be 48. In this case, the remaining allowable number of puffs allowed for the new puff operation series is calculated to be 2 (= 50 - 48), which is less than the allowable number of 12 puffs. In this case, puff operations from the third onwards are not allowed.

In other words, since the remaining number of puffs for the second cartridge 30 is less than the allowed number of puffs, it is assumed that even if the puffing series is continued, sufficient flavor will not be delivered to the user. At least, the function for intuitively understanding the end stage described above is not used here. Therefore, it is preferable to activate the second notification unit 46 at the start of the puffing series in the above-mentioned step S323 to notify the user of this in advance. Through this notification, the user can know in advance that the remaining number of puffs is insufficient.

(Modification 4)
8, the amount of power supplied to the second load 31 is increased in step S50, and then the amount of power supplied to the first load 21 is reduced in step S60. In the fourth modification, instead of this, the amount of power supplied to the second load 31 may be increased in step S50 and the amount of power supplied to the first load 21 may be reduced in step S60 at the same time.

<<4. Other embodiments>>
In the above description, an aerosol generating device and a method for controlling the operation of an aerosol generating device according to some embodiments have been described with reference to the drawings. It is understood that the present disclosure may also be embodied as a program that, when executed by a processor included in the aerosol generating device, causes the processor to execute the method for controlling the operation of the aerosol generating device, or a computer-readable storage medium having the program stored thereon.

Although the embodiments of the present disclosure have been described above along with their modified examples and application modes, it should be understood that these are merely examples and do not limit the scope of the present disclosure. It should be understood that modifications, additions, improvements, etc. of the embodiments can be made as appropriate without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure. The scope of the present disclosure should not be limited by any of the above-described embodiments, but should be defined only by the claims and their equivalents.

1...aerosol generating device, 10...power supply unit, 12...power supply, 15...intake sensor, 20...first cartridge, 30...second cartridge, 21...first load, 22...aerosol source, 31...second load, 33...flavor source, 45...first notification section, 46...second notification section, 50...control section (MCU), 50a...storage section (memory), 50b...heating control section, 50c...determination section, 50d...temperature acquisition section, 50e...time measurement section, 50f...puff counting section, 50g...adjustment section, 50h...notification instruction section

Claims (20)

An aerosol generating device, comprising:
a first load that vaporizes or atomizes an aerosol source to generate an aerosol;
a second load for heating a flavor source to add flavor components to the aerosol;
A first sensor for detecting a puffing action by a user;
a power source for supplying power to the first load and the second load;
A control unit,
determining whether the user's puff is at the end of a series of puffs;
a control unit that, in the termination stage, causes the power source to reduce an amount of power supplied to the first load and increase an amount of power supplied to the second load;
An aerosol generating device comprising: The aerosol generating device according to claim 1 ,
An aerosol generating device, wherein the control unit is configured to, during the termination stage, cause the power source to increase the amount of power supplied to the second load and then reduce the amount of power supplied to the first load. 3. The aerosol generating device according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising a second sensor for detecting a temperature of the second load,
The control unit:
reducing the amount of power supplied to the first load after it is determined that the temperature of the entire flavor source has reached a predetermined target temperature as a result of increasing the amount of power supplied to the second load;
The aerosol generating device is configured as follows. 4. The aerosol generating device according to claim 1, wherein the control unit:
Measure the time from the timing when the amount of power supplied to the second load is increased;
After a predetermined time has elapsed, reducing the amount of power supplied to the first load.
The aerosol generating device is configured as follows. 4. The aerosol generating device according to claim 1, wherein the control unit:
Counting the number of puffs in the series of puffs;
After the puffing operation is performed a predetermined number of times after the amount of power supplied to the second load is increased, the amount of power supplied to the first load is reduced.
The aerosol generating device is configured as follows. 6. The aerosol generating device according to claim 1, wherein the control unit:
Measure the interval between the puffs at a stage prior to the end of the puff series;
determining a timing for increasing the amount of power supplied to the second load in the termination stage based on the operation interval;
The aerosol generating device is configured as follows. 7. The aerosol generating device according to claim 1, wherein the control unit:
counting said series of puffs for a cartridge containing said flavor source;
adjusting a heating profile such that as the number of puffing series increases, the amount of power supplied to the second load in the puffing series is greater than the amount of power supplied to the second load in a previous puffing series;
The aerosol generating device is configured as follows. The aerosol generating device according to any one of claims 1 to 7,
The aerosol generating device, wherein the termination stage is associated with an allowable number of puffs in the puffing series. The aerosol generating device according to claim 8, further comprising a notification unit,
The control unit:
configured to count a cumulative number of puffs of the puffing action associated with the cartridge containing the flavor source;
activating the notification unit when a remaining allowable number of puffs, determined based on a total allowable number of puffs and the accumulated number of puffs for the cartridge, is smaller than the allowable number of puffs at the start of the puffing series.
The aerosol generating device is configured as follows. The aerosol generating device according to claim 8 or 9, further comprising an operation unit,
An aerosol generating device, wherein the allowable number of puffs can be set through a user's operation on the operating unit. The aerosol generating device according to any one of claims 8 to 10,
The control unit is configured to power off the aerosol generating device when the puffing operation reaches the permitted number of puffs in the puffing operation series. The aerosol generating device according to any one of claims 8 to 11,
The control unit is configured to cause the power source to stop supplying power to the first load and/or the second load when the puff operation reaches a predetermined number of stops in the puff operation series that is less than the allowable number of puffs. 1. A method for controlling operation of an aerosol generating device, comprising the steps of:
The aerosol generating device includes a first load configured to vaporize or atomize an aerosol source to generate an aerosol, and a second load configured to heat a flavor source to add a flavor component to the aerosol, the method comprising:
commencing a supply of power from a power source to the first load and the second load;
initiating a series of puffing operations in response to a request to generate aerosol;
detecting a puff by a user in the series of puffs;
determining whether the user's puff is at the end of the puff series;
controlling the supply of power to the first load and to the second load during the termination stage such that an amount of power supplied to the first load is reduced and an amount of power supplied to the second load is increased;
A method comprising: 14. The method of claim 13,
The method of claim 1, wherein the controlling step is configured to reduce the amount of power supplied to the first load after increasing the amount of power supplied to the second load during the termination phase. 15. The method of claim 13 or 14, further comprising:
obtaining a temperature of the second load during the series of puffs;
The step of controlling includes:
reducing the amount of power supplied to the first load after it is determined that the temperature of the entire flavor source has reached a predetermined target temperature as a result of increasing the amount of power supplied to the second load;
The method is configured to: 16. The method according to any one of claims 13 to 15,
The method, wherein the controlling step is configured to reduce the amount of power supplied to the first load after a predetermined time has elapsed from the time when the amount of power supplied to the second load was increased, or after a predetermined number of puffing operations have been performed. 17. The method of claim 13, wherein the controlling step comprises:
counting said series of puffs for a cartridge containing said flavor source;
adjusting a heating profile such that as the number of puffing series increases, the amount of power supplied to the second load in the puffing series is greater than the amount of power supplied to the second load in a previous puffing series;
A method comprising: 18. The method according to any one of claims 13 to 17,
the termination step being associated with an allowable number of puffs in the series of puffs;
The step of controlling includes:
counting a cumulative number of puffs of the puffing action associated with a cartridge containing the flavor source;
activating a notification when a remaining allowable number of puffs, determined based on a total allowable number of puffs associated with the cartridge and the accumulated number of puffs, is less than the allowed number of puffs at the start of the puffing series;
A method comprising: 20. The method of claim 18, further comprising:
stopping the supply of power to the first load and/or the second load when the puffing series reaches a predetermined number of puffing stops that is less than the allowed number of puffs;
When the puffing operation reaches the permitted number of puffs, powering off the aerosol generating device;
A method comprising: A program for causing a processor provided in an aerosol generating device to execute the method according to any one of claims 14 to 19.