RU2773817C1 - Fragrance generating device, power supply, method for controlling the fragrance generating device and program - Google Patents

Abstract

FIELD: aerosol generating devices.

SUBSTANCE: invention relates to aerosol generating devices with a power supply. Aroma generating device comprises electrically connected power source, first electrical receiver for spraying the aerosol source or heating the aroma source and a second electrical receiver different from the first electrical receiver; control unit and reduction means. When the control unit receives the request and supplies power simultaneously to the first and second power receivers, the reduction means reduces the electrical power drawn from the power source, or the amount of electricity, so that it is less than the maximum electrical power when the power source feeds the first power receiver and the second electrical receiver at the same time, or the maximum amount of electricity.

EFFECT: preventing a sharp decrease in the energy remaining in the power supply and damage to the power supply.

8 cl, 17 dwg

Description

FIELD OF TECHNOLOGY TO WHICH THE INVENTION RELATES

[0001] The present invention relates to an aroma-generating device, an electric power supply unit, a method for controlling an aroma-generating device, and a program.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] A flavor generating device, which is used instead of a cigarette, for tasting an aerosol (flavor) that is generated by spraying an aerosol source using an electrical receiver (electrical load) such as a heater has been known (Patent Documents 1-3). The aroma generating device includes a heating element for spraying the aerosol source or heating the aroma source, a power supply for supplying the heating element with electric power, and a control unit for controlling an electric receiver, a power supply, and so on.

[0003] Patent Document 2 discloses a smoking article that includes a first electric resistance heating element that receives electric power from a power supply and heats air sucked in through an opening at the distal end of the outer case, and a second electric resistive heating element that receives electric power from power source, and heats the aerosol-forming material and the tobacco material.

[0004] Patent Document 3 discloses a smoking material heating apparatus that includes multiple heating cylinders for heating the smoking material. The above cylinders are driven by electrical power supply.

LIST OF CITATIONS

PATENT LITERATURE

[0005] PTL 1: Public Disclosure of Japanese Patent Application No. 2015-204833

PTL 2: Public Disclosure of Japanese Patent Application No. 2010-506594

PTL 3: Public Disclosure of Japanese Patent Application No. 2014-525251

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0006] The first feature includes an aroma generating device, and its essence is that the aroma generating device includes: a circuit for electrically connecting a power source, a first electrical receiver (load) for spraying an aerosol source or heating an aroma source, and a second electrical receiver (load) , which differs from the first electrical receiver; a control unit for receiving respective requests for supplying power to the first power receiver and the second power receiver, and controlling a circuit for supplying power from the power source to the first power receiver and the second power receiver, respectively, based on the respective requests; and reduction means configured to reduce the electric power or the electric power supplied from the power supply when the control unit has received a request for the first electric receiver and a request for the second electric receiver in the same time period, or when the control unit controls the circuit to perform the supply of electric power. to the first electrical receiver and supplying electricity to the second electrical receiver in the same period of time, so that it is less than the maximum electrical power or the maximum electrical power that is diverted in the case when the power source performs power supply to the first electrical receiver and power supply to the second electrical receiver at the same time.

[0007] The second feature includes the flavor generating device according to the first feature, and its essence is that the reduction means is configured such that power is not supplied from the power supply to the first power receiver and the second power receiver at the same time.

[0008] The third feature includes the flavor generating device according to the first feature or the second feature, and its essence is that the circuit includes a first switch for opening/closing an electrical connection between the first power receiver and a power supply, and a second switch for opening/closing the electrical connection between the second electrical receiver and the power supply; the switching cycle of the first switch and the switching cycle of the second switch are the same; and the reduction means is configured to adjust or adjust at least one of the first switch ON period and the second switch ON period such that the sum of the first switch ON period and the second switch ON period does not exceed the switching cycle .

[0009] The fourth feature includes the aroma generating device according to the third feature, and its essence is that the reduction means is configured to shift the switching phase of the first switch by a period of time equal to or longer than the switching period of the second switch from the switching phase of the second switch , or to shift the switching phase of the second switch by a period of time equal to or longer than the on period of the first switch, from the switching phase of the first switch.

[0010] The fifth feature includes the flavor generating device according to the third feature or the fourth feature, and its essence is that the reduction means is configured to adjust or adjust at least one of the first switch on period and the second switch on period such that the sum the on period of the first switch and the on period of the second switch becomes a period of time shorter than the switching cycle, and shifting the switching phase of the first switch by a period of time much longer than the on period of the second switch from the switching phase of the second switch, or shifting the switching phase of the second switch for a period of time much longer than the first switch on period from the switching phase of the first switch.

[0011] The sixth feature includes the aroma-generating device according to the first feature, and its essence is that the circuit includes a first switch for opening/closing an electrical connection between the first electrical receiver and a power supply, and a second switch for opening/closing the electrical connection between the second electrical receiver and power supply; and the reduction means is configured to adjust or correct at least one of the variable or mode related to the switching control of the first switch and the variable or mode related to the switching control of the second switch to reduce the electrical power or electrical energy supplied from power source.

[0012] The seventh feature includes the aroma generating device according to the sixth feature, and its essence is that the reduction means is configured to shorten at least one of the first switch on period and the second switch on period.

[0013] The eighth feature includes the aroma generating device according to the sixth feature, and its essence is that the reduction means is configured to shorten at least one of the switching cycle of the first switch and the switching cycle of the second switch.

[0014] The ninth feature includes the flavor-generating device according to the sixth feature or the eighth feature, and its essence is that the control unit is configured to be able to control the first switch and the second switch based on feedback control, which uses a width pulse (PWM, PWM) modulation, and the reduction means is configured to control at least one of the first switch and the second switch based on feedback control, which uses pulse frequency modulation (PFM, PWM) instead of PWM modulation.

[0015] The tenth feature includes the aroma generating device according to one of the first feature and the sixth feature to the ninth feature, and its essence is that the reduction means is configured to reduce the electric power supplied to the second power receiver, which is supplied at the same time when electrical power is supplied to the first electrical receiver, or to reduce the electrical power supplied to the first electrical receiver, which is supplied at the same time as the electrical power is supplied to the second electrical receiver.

[0016] The eleventh feature includes the aroma-generating device according to the tenth feature, and its essence is that the control unit is configured to regulate, based on feedback control, the electric power supplied from the power supply to at least one of the first power receiver and the second power sink, and the reduction means is configured to adjust at least one of the upper limit of the limiter and the proportional gain in feedback control, to reduce the electrical power supplied from the power supply to at least one of the first power sink and the second power sink.

[0017] The twelfth feature includes the aroma-generating device according to the tenth feature, and its essence is that the circuit includes a regulator for adjusting the current output to at least one of the first power receiver and the second power receiver, and the reduction means is configured to control the regulator to reduce the magnitude of the current output from the regulator.

[0018] The thirteenth feature includes the flavor-generating device according to one of the first feature to the eleventh feature, and its essence is that the circuit includes a first circuit and a second circuit that is connected in parallel with the first circuit and has an electrical resistance value higher than than the first circuit, and the reduction means is configured to activate the second circuit without activating the first circuit.

[0019] The fourteenth feature includes a flavor generating device according to one of the features from the first feature to the thirteenth feature, and its essence is that the reduction means includes a protective integrated circuit or an electric fuse, which is located in the circuit and has a normalized current value, which is higher than the value of the maximum current that can be supplied to one of the first electrical receiver and the second electrical receiver.

[0020] The fifteenth feature includes the aroma-generating device according to the fourteenth feature, and its essence is that the reduction means is configured to regulate the circuit such that the sum of the first current that is supplied to the first electric receiver and the second current that is supplied to the second electric receiver at the same time, when the first current is supplied to the first power receiver, does not exceed the normalized current value.

[0021] The sixteenth feature includes a flavor-generating device according to one of the features from the first feature to the fifteenth feature, and its essence is that the reducing means includes a fuse that is placed in the circuit and has a normalized current value that is equal to or less than, than half the value of the current that flows when electrical power is supplied to the first electrical receiver and the second electrical receiver at the same time.

[0022] The seventeenth feature includes the flavor generating device according to one of the first feature to the fifteenth feature, and its essence is that the reduction means includes an auxiliary power source that can supply power to the first power receiver and the second power receiver.

[0023] The eighteenth feature includes the aroma-generating device according to the seventeenth feature, and its essence is that the auxiliary power supply has a higher power density than the power supply power density.

[0024] The nineteenth feature includes the aroma-generating device according to the seventeenth feature or the eighteenth feature, and its essence is that the control unit or reduction means is capable of obtaining value knowledge regarding the remaining amount of power in the auxiliary power supply, and the control unit or reduction means is configured for adjusting the circuit such that the electric power or electric power output from the power supply is reduced when the amount relative to the remaining amount of power in the auxiliary power supply becomes larger.

[0025] The twentieth feature includes the aroma-generating device according to one of the first feature to the nineteenth feature, and its essence is that a power supply and an auxiliary power supply are connected in parallel with at least one of the first power receiver and the second power receiver, and the circuit includes a converter that is placed between the power supply and the auxiliary power supply, and is capable of converting the value of at least one of the input current, the input voltage and the input electric power, and output it/them.

[0026] The twenty-first feature includes a power supply for the flavor generating device, and its essence is that the power supply includes: a power supply; a circuit for electrically connecting the first electrical receiver for spraying the aerosol source or heating the aroma source, and the second electrical receiver, which is different from the first electrical receiver, with a power supply; a control unit configured to receive respective requests for supplying electrical power to the first electrical receiver and the second electrical receiver, and controlling a circuit for supplying electrical power from the power source to the first electrical receiver and the second electrical receiver, respectively, based on the respective requests; and reducing means configured to reduce the electric power or the electric power outputted from the power supply when the control unit has received a request for the first electric receiver and a request for the second electric receiver in the same time period, or when the control unit controls the circuit to perform the supply of electric power. to the first electrical receiver and supplying electrical power to the second electrical receiver in the same period of time, so that it is less than the maximum electrical power or the maximum electrical energy that is supplied in the case when the power supply supplies the first electrical receiver and the supply to the second electrical receiver at the same time.

[0027] The twenty-second feature includes a method for controlling an aroma-generating device, including a first electric receiver for spraying an aerosol source or heating an aroma source, and a second electric receiver that differs from the first electric receiver, and its essence is that the method includes: the stage of obtaining corresponding requests for supplying electrical power to the first electrical receiver and the second electrical receiver, and controlling a circuit for supplying electrical power from the power source to the first electrical receiver and the second electrical receiver, respectively, based on respective requests; and a step of reducing electric power or electric power outputted from the power source when a request for the first power sink and a request for the second power sink are received in the same time period, or when the circuit is controlled to supply electric power to the first power receiver and supply electric power to the second electrical receiver at the same time period, so that it is less than the maximum electrical power or the maximum electrical energy that is supplied in the case when the power supply supplies the first electrical receiver and the second electrical receiver at the same time .

[0028] The essence of the twenty-third feature includes a program that makes the aroma-generating device capable of executing the method according to the twenty-second feature.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0029] [Fig. 1] FIG. 1 is a schematic representation of a flavor generating device according to one embodiment.

[Fig. 2] FIG. 2 is a schematic representation of an atomizer according to one embodiment.

[Fig. 3] FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram showing one example of the construction of an inspiratory sensor according to one embodiment.

[Fig. 4] FIG. 4 is a block diagram of a flavor generating device.

[Fig. 5] FIG. 5 is a schematic representation of a flavor generating device that includes an atomizer and a power supply unit.

[Fig. 6] FIG. 6 is a process flow diagram showing control performed by a control unit according to one embodiment.

[Fig. 7] FIG. 7 is a graph showing one example of supplying electric power to a spray electric receiver and a fragrance electric receiver.

[Fig. 8] FIG. 8 is a control block diagram showing the switching control of the first switch and the second switch.

[Fig. 9] FIG. 9 is a graph showing the switching control of the first switch and the second switch.

[Fig. 10] FIG. 10 is a graph showing another example of supplying electric power to the atomization electric receiver and the fragrance electric receiver.

[Fig. 11] FIG. 11 is a graph showing a further different example of supplying electrical power to the atomization electric inlet and the fragrance electric inlet.

[Fig. 12] FIG. 12 is a schematic diagram of a circuit diagram of a flavor generating device that includes an atomizer and a power supply unit in the fourth embodiment.

[Fig. 13] FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram of a modified electrical circuit example of an aroma generating device that includes an atomizer and a power supply unit in the fourth embodiment.

[Fig. 14] FIG. 14 is a schematic diagram of a circuit diagram of a flavor generating device that includes an atomizer and a power supply unit in the fifth embodiment.

[Fig. 15] FIG. 15 is a schematic diagram of a circuit diagram of an aroma-generating device that includes an atomizer and a power supply unit in the sixth embodiment.

[Fig. 16] FIG. 16 is a schematic diagram of a circuit diagram of an aroma-generating device that includes an atomizer and a power supply unit in the seventh embodiment.

[Fig. 17] FIG. 17 is a schematic diagram of a circuit diagram of an aroma-generating device that includes an atomizer and a power supply unit in an eighth embodiment.

DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

[0030] In the following description, embodiments of the invention will be explained. It should be noted that in the descriptions of the following figures, the same or similar reference numerals are assigned to the same or similar parts. In this regard, it should be recalled that the figures are drawn in a schematic representation, and the ratios of the corresponding dimensions in them may differ from the dimensions in the actual embodiments.

[0031] Thus, specific dimensions, and so on, are as to be determined by taking into account the following description. In addition, although it is self-evident, it may be the case that the relationship, ratios, and so on between sizes in a part of a figure are different from the sizes in parts of other figures.

[0032] [Summary]

In each of the devices disclosed in Patent Document 2 and Patent Document 3, electrical power from a power supply may be supplied to multiple electrical receivers (electrical loads) such as two or more electrical heating elements. The inventors of the present invention in the present application have considered the operation for driving each electric receiver individually, and the operation for driving multiple electric receivers in the same time period, in an aroma-generating device including multiple electric receivers. In the above case, in order to independently control the respective power receivers, multiple power receivers may be electrically connected in parallel with respect to the power supply. In the case where multiple power receivers are electrically connected in parallel with respect to the power supply, the value of the total electrical resistance of the multiple power receivers becomes less than the electrical resistance value of each power receiver. Thus, in the case where electric power is supplied from the power supply to multiple power sinks at the same time, more current is supplied from the power supply than the current output when electric power is supplied from the power supply to a single power sink.

[0033] In addition, it has been known that damage to the power supply develops when the electrical power and current output per unit time increase.

[0034] Accordingly, in the case where multiple power receivers are driven at the same time, the amount of output power becomes relatively large, so that the remaining amount of power in the power supply may decrease sharply, and/or may tend to damage to the power supply. Thus, even in such a case, as explained above, it is preferable to prevent a drastic reduction of the energy remaining in the power supply and/or a tendency to accelerate the development of damage to the power supply.

[0035] According to one embodiment, the aroma generating device includes: a circuit for electrically connecting a power source, a first electrical receiver for spraying the aerosol source or heating the aroma source, and a second electrical receiver that is different from the first electrical receiver; a control unit configured to receive respective requests for supplying power to the first power receiver and the second power receiver, and controlling a circuit for supplying power from the power source to the first power receiver and the second power receiver, respectively, based on the respective requests; and reduction means configured to reduce the electric power or the electric power supplied from the power supply when the control unit has received a request for the first electric receiver and a request for the second electric receiver in the same time period, or when the control unit controls the circuit to perform the supply of electric power. to the first electrical receiver and supplying electricity to the second electrical receiver in the same period of time, so that it is less than the maximum electric power or the maximum electric power that is diverted in the case when the power source performs power supply to the first electrical receiver and power supply to the second electrical receiver at the same time.

[0036] According to one embodiment, the power supply includes: a power supply; a circuit for electrically connecting the first electrical receiver for spraying the aerosol source or heating the aroma source, and the second electrical receiver, which is different from the first electrical receiver, with a power supply; a control unit configured to receive respective requests for supplying electrical power to the first electrical receiver and the second electrical receiver, and controlling a circuit for supplying electrical power from the power source to the first electrical receiver and the second electrical receiver, respectively, based on the respective requests; and reduction means configured to reduce the electric power or the electric power outputted from the power supply when the control unit has received a request for the first electric receiver and a request for the second electric receiver at the same time period, or when the control unit controls the circuit to perform the supply of electric power. to the first electrical receiver and supplying electrical power to the second electrical receiver in the same period of time, so that it is less than the maximum electrical power or the maximum electrical energy that is supplied in the case when the power supply supplies the first electrical receiver and the supply to the second electrical receiver at the same time.

[0037] According to each of the above embodiments, the electric power or electric power output from the power supply is reduced when the request for the first power sink and the request for the second power sink are received in the same time period, or when the circuit control for supplying electric power is carried out. to the first power receiver and supplying electric power to the second power receiver in the same period of time. Thus, even in such a case, as explained above, the amount of power to be drained from the power supply is reduced so that a sudden reduction in the amount of power remaining in the power supply and/or a tendency for power supply failure to accelerate can be prevented.

[0038] (Aroma generating device)

In the following description, an aroma generating device according to one embodiment will be explained. Fig. 1 is an exploded view showing a flavor generating device according to one embodiment. Fig. 2 is a schematic representation of an atomizer according to one embodiment. Fig. 3 is a schematic diagram showing one example of the construction of an inspiratory sensor according to one embodiment. Fig. 4 is a block diagram of a flavor generating device.

[0039] The aroma generating device 100 may be a non-burning type aroma inhaler for inhaling aroma without a combustion process. The aroma generating device 100 may preferably be a portable aroma inhaler. The flavor generating device 100 may have a shape that extends along a predetermined direction A, which is the direction from the non-suction end E2 to the suction end E1. In this case, the aroma generating device 100 may include an end E1 that includes an aroma inhalation port 141 and another end E2 placed opposite the suction port 141.

[0040] The flavor generating device 100 may include a power supply unit 110 and an atomizer 120. Atomizer 120 may be configured to be attached to/detachable from the power supply unit 110 via the mechanical connection parts 111 and 121. When the atomizer 120 and the power supply unit 110 are mechanically connected to each other, the atomization electric receiver 122R and the fragrance electric receiver 124R, which will be explained later, in the atomizer 120 are electrically connected to the power supply 10 housed in the power supply unit 110.

[0041] The atomizer 120 includes an aerosol source (aroma source) that is inhaled by a user when it is in a sprayed state, and a spray power inlet 122R for spraying the aerosol source using electric power from the power supply 10.

[0042] The atomizing electric receiver 122R may be any element that can control the amount of aerosol (the amount of aroma component) generated from the aerosol source according to the electrical power input. For example, the spray electrical receiver 122R may be a spray temperature controller 122 that can control the temperature of the aerosol source. For example, the spray electrical receiver 122R, including the spray temperature controller 122, may be a resistive heating element. It will be apparent to one skilled in the art that the amount of aerosol generated from an aerosol source varies according to the temperature of the aerosol source.

[0043] In the following description, an example of the atomizer 120 will be explained in more detail with reference to FIG. 1 and FIG. 2. The atomizer 120 may include a reservoir 122P, a wick 122Q, and an atomizer 122R. Reservoir 122P may be configured to store an aerosol source in liquid form. For example, reservoir 122P may be a porous member made using a material such as a polymer mesh or the like. The wick 122Q may be a liquid retaining member for directing the aerosol source from the reservoir 122P to a position close to the atomizing electrical receiver 122R using the phenomenon of capillarity. For example, the wick 122Q may be formed using glass fiber, a porous ceramic material, or the like.

[0044] The atomizing electric receiver 122R heats the aerosol source held in the wick 122Q. The spray electrical receiver 122R is formed, for example, using a resistive heating element (eg, a heating wire) that is wound around the wick 122Q.

[0045] For example, the spray electrical receiver 122R may be a temperature controller 122 such as an electric heater. Alternatively, the atomizer power receiver 122R may be a temperature controller that has the function of heating and cooling the aerosol source held in the wick 122Q.

[0046] The air entering from the inlet port 125 and flowing through the passageway 127 passes through the space near the atomizing electric inlet 122R to the atomizer 120. The aerosol generated at the position of the atomizing electric inlet 122R flows towards the suction port 141 together with the incoming air. In this regard, the inlet 125 may be formed in at least one of the power supply unit 110 and the atomizer 120.

[0047] The aerosol source may be liquid at normal temperature. For example, a polyhydric alcohol such as glycerol, propylene glycol, or the like can be used as the aerosol source. The source of the aerosol may include a tobacco raw material or an extract obtained from a tobacco raw material which, when heated, releases an inhalable flavor component.

[0048] An example was explained in detail in which the aerosol source is liquid at normal temperature; however, instead of the above aerosol source, an aerosol source that is solid at normal temperature can be used. In such a case, the spray electrical receiver 122R may be placed in contact with or close to the solid aerosol source to generate an aerosol from the solid aerosol source.

[0049] The atomizer 120 may include an aroma unit 130 that is formed to be replaceable. The fragrance unit 130 includes a cylindrical body 131 for storing a fragrance source (source of an inhalant component). The cylindrical body 131 may include a membrane element 133 and a filter 132 that allow air, aerosol, and so on to pass through. The aroma source can be placed in the volume formed by the membrane element 133 and the filter 132.

[0050] The aroma generating device 100 has passages 127 and 128 through which at least a portion of the aerosol generated from the aerosol source is directed through the aroma source until reaching the outlet. As a result, the fragrance source in the fragrance unit 130 adds a fragrance component to the aerosol generated by the atomizing electric receiver 122R in the atomizer 120. The fragrance components added to the aerosol by the fragrance source are transferred to the suction port 141 of the fragrance generating device 100.

[0051] The aroma source in aroma block 130 may be solid at normal temperature. For example, the flavor source includes a piece of plant material raw material that introduces an inhalable flavor component into the aerosol. With respect to the raw material piece that is a flavor source component, shredded tobacco or a molded block which is formed by processing the tobacco material so that the tobacco raw material has a granular shape can be used as the raw material piece. Alternatively, the flavor source may include a molded block that is formed by processing the tobacco material to be in the form of a sheet. In addition, the piece of raw material that is a flavor source component may include a plant other than tobacco (eg, mint, grass, and so on). The aroma source may have an aroma such as menthol or the like.

[0052] The aroma source may be held within the volume formed by the membrane element 133 and the filter 132 such that the aroma source may flow into the volume. In such a case, the aroma source flows into the aroma unit 130 when it is used, so that an imbalance between the aroma source parts that comes into contact with the aroma electric receiver 124R can be prevented, and aroma components can be emitted stably.

[0053] Alternatively, the aroma source fills the volume formed by the membrane element 133 and the filter 132 so that the aroma source can be substantially fixed. In such a case, heat can be efficiently transferred from the aroma electric receiver 124R to the aroma source.

[0054] The fragrance electrical inlet 124R incorporated in the atomizer 120 may be placed in a volume around the cylindrical body 131 of the aroma block 130 attached to the atomizer 120. The fragrance electrical inlet 124R may be configured to adjust the amount of fragrance (inhalable components) generated from the source. aroma. The fragrance electric receiver 124R may be an element that can adjust the amount of fragrance generated from the fragrance source according to the electrical power input. For example, the fragrance electrical receiver 124R may be a temperature controller 124 that can control the temperature of the fragrance source. Temperature controller 124 may include a resistive heating element. Temperature controller 124 may include an induction heating element. Alternatively, temperature controller 124 may include a cooling element, such as a Peltier element. In addition, the temperature controller 124 may be an element that can perform both a heating function and a cooling function.

[0055] On the outside of the aroma electric receiver 124R, a heat insulator 126 can be placed. It then becomes possible to prevent a difference between the temperature of the periphery of the aroma generating device 100 and the air temperature of the outside environment from becoming excessively large. That is, it becomes possible to prevent the outside of the aroma-generating device 100 from becoming excessively cold and excessively hot. In addition, by using the heat insulator 126, the heat transfer loss from the aroma electric receiver 124R can be reduced, and the temperature can be adjusted in an energy-saving mode.

[0056] The flavor generating device 100 may include a mouthpiece that has a suction port to allow the user to inhale the inhaled component. Mouthpiece 142 may be configured to be attached to and detachable from atomizer 120 or aroma block 130, or may be integrally integrated with them. Alternatively, a portion of the atomizer 120 or aroma block 130 may act as a mouthpiece.

[0057] In addition, the flavor generating device 100, more specifically the atomizer 120, may include a first duct 128 that conducts the aerosol to the suction port 141 through a flavor source and a second duct 129 that conducts the aerosol to the suction port 141 without passing through the source. aroma. The aerosol passed through the second duct 129 reaches the suction port 141 without the addition of aroma from the aroma unit. In such a case, the atomizer 120 may include a flow rate control device, which is not shown in the figures, to adjust the relationship between the flow rate in the first passageway 128 and the flow rate in the second passageway 129.

[0058] The power supply unit 110 may include a power supply 10 and a control unit 50. The control unit 50 may include a memory 52 for storing information necessary to execute the various types of controls required to operate the flavor generating device 100.

[0059] The control unit 50 may execute various types of regulation necessary for the operation of the flavor generating device 100. For example, the control unit 50 receives the respective requests for supplying electric power to the spray electric power inlet 122R and the aroma electric inlet 124R, and controls the electric circuit to supply the electric power from the power source 10 to the atomizer power 122R and the fragrance power 124R, respectively, based on respective requests. As will be explained later, the electrical power supply request is determined based on an output signal from a push button, inspiratory sensor, or the like.

[0060] In addition, the control unit 50 may include, if necessary, a notification unit for outputting a notification to notify the user of various information. For example, the notification unit may be an element that emits light, such as a light-emitting diode (LED), an element that emits an audible signal, or a vibrator that creates vibration. Alternatively, the notification unit may be configured to include a combination of elements that generate light, sound, and vibration.

[0061] The power supply 10 stores the power required to operate the flavor generating device 100. The power supply 10 may be attachable to and detachable from the power supply unit 110. For example, power supply 10 may be a rechargeable battery such as a lithium ion battery, an electric double layer capacitor, or a combination of both.

[0062] The control unit 50 may include an inhalation detector to detect a signal that the user is performing an act of inhalation. For example, the inhalation detector may be an inhalation sensor 20 for detecting the act of inhalation performed by the user. Alternatively, for example, the breath detector may be a push button to be pressed by the user.

[0063] The control unit 50 issues a command to activate the atomizer electroreceiver 122R and/or the aroma electroreceiver 124R when the inhalation detector detects the inhalation act signal. The control unit 50 may be configured to adjust the variable electrical power supplied to the atomizer power 122R and fragrance power 124R according to a user-selected mode of operation, environmental conditions, or the like.

[0064] When the inhalation detector detects the inhalation signal, it is preferable that the control unit 50 supplies electrical power in the form of electrical pulses from the power supply 10 to the atomizer electrical inlet 122R and/or aroma inlet 124R. The control unit 50 can then control the electrical power supplied to the atomizer 122R and/or fragrance 124R by controlling the on-time by pulse width modulation (PWM) or pulse frequency modulation (PFM).

[0065] The flavor generating device 100 may optionally include a first temperature sensor 150 that can estimate or obtain a temperature value of the spray electrical receiver 122R, and a second temperature sensor 160 that can estimate or obtain a temperature value of the aroma electrical receiver 124R. For example, each of the first temperature sensor 150 and the second temperature sensor 160 may include a thermistor or a thermocouple.

[0066] The inspiratory sensor 20 may be configured to provide an output signal whose value changes according to inhalation from the suction port. More specifically, the inspiratory sensor 20 may be a sensor for outputting a value (e.g., a voltage value or a current value) that varies according to the amount of flowing air that is drawn in from a non-suction side to a suction side (i.e., according to a user act). breath). Examples of such sensors that may be listed are a condenser microphone sensor, a conventional flow sensor, or the like.

[0067] FIG. 3 shows a specific example of the design of the inspiratory sensor 20. Illustrated in FIG. 3, the inspiratory sensor 20 includes a sensor main body 21, a cover 22, and a circuit board 23. The sensor main body 21 includes, for example, a capacitor. The capacitance of the sensor main body 21 changes according to the vibration (pressure) generated by the air sucked from the inlet port 125 (that is, the air sucked in from the non-suction side to the suction side). The cover 22 is placed on the main body 21 on the mouthpiece side thereof, and has an opening 40. By placing the cover 22 having the opening 40, the capacitance of the sensor main body 21 can be more easily changed so that the response characteristic of the sensor main body 21 is improved. The circuit board 23 outputs a value (in this case a voltage value) corresponding to the capacitance of the sensor main body 21 (capacitor).

[0068] (First version)

Fig. 5 is a schematic diagram of an electrical circuit of a flavor generating device 100 that includes an atomizer 120 and a power supply unit 110. It should be recalled that in FIG. 5, the construction of the electrical circuit is shown schematically for convenience in order to explain the control of the spray electric receiver 122R and the fragrance electric receiver 124R by the control unit 50.

[0069] When the atomizer 120 is connected to the power supply unit 110, the atomizer power supply 122R (first power supply) and the fragrance power supply 124R (second power supply) are electrically connected to the power supply 10 in the power supply unit 110. The spray electrical receiver 122R (first electrical receiver) and the fragrance electrical receiver 124R (second electrical receiver) may be connected in parallel to each other with respect to the power supply 10 .

[0070] The flavor generating device 100 may include a first switch 142 for opening/closing the electrical connection between the spray power receiver 122R and the power supply 10, and a second switch 144 for opening/closing the electrical connection between the aroma power source 124R and the power supply 10. The first switch 142 and the second switch 144 may be connected in parallel with each other with respect to the power supply 10 .

[0071] The first switch 142 and the second switch 144 are opened/closed by the control unit 50. For example, each of the first switch 142 and the second switch 144 may include a MOSFET. In this regard, the elements used in the first switch 142 and the second switch 144 are not limited to MOSFETs, and may be any of a variety of elements that can open/close the electrical connection between the first switch 142 and the power supply 10, and the electrical connection between the second switch 144 and power supply 10, respectively. In another example, the first switch 142 and the second switch 144 may be formed using conductors, for example.

[0072] When the first switch 142 is closed (in the on state), electrical power is supplied from the power supply 10 to the spray power receiver 122R. When the second switch 144 is closed (in the on state), electrical power is supplied from the power supply 10 to the flavor electrical receiver 124R. When both the first switch 142 and the second switch 144 are closed (in the on state), electrical power can be supplied from the power supply 10 to the spray power inlet 122R and the fragrance power inlet 124R at the same time.

[0073] FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing an example of control performed by the control unit 50 according to one embodiment.

[0074] When the control unit 50 has detected the beginning of the inhalation cycle, it measures or estimates the temperature of the aroma electric receiver 124R (step S305 and step S306). For example, the inhalation cycle may be detected when the user has pressed a push button, or the like. In this regard, an inhalation cycle is a cycle in a state that electrical power can be supplied to the atomizer power receiver 122R and/or fragrance power receiver 124R as a result of a user's inhalation act, and may include a single inhalation act or multiple inhalation acts performed by the user. In addition, the act of inhaling means an action such as pressing a push button by a user, an action such as inhaling from a suction port, or the like.

[0075] The temperature of the aroma inlet 124R may be estimated or measured, for example, by a second temperature sensor 160. Alternatively, the aroma inlet 124R may be formed using a PTC (positive temperature coefficient) heater that has a positive temperature coefficient, and the control unit 50 may estimate the temperature of the aroma electrical receiver 124R by measuring or estimating the electrical resistance value of the aroma electrical receiver 124R. It should be recalled that the fragrance electric receiver 124R may be formed using a heater with an NTC element having a negative temperature coefficient instead of a PTC heater. This is due to the fact that, depending on the temperature, the value of the electrical resistance of the electric receiver 124R for flavor changes. In this regard, the electrical resistance value of the aroma electrical receiver 124R can be estimated by measuring, by means of a voltage sensor, the magnitude of the voltage drop in the aroma electrical receiver 124R.

[0076] Next, the control unit 50 judges whether the difference (absolute value of the difference) between the temperature of the aroma electric receiver 124R and the set temperature is larger than a predetermined threshold value (step S307). If the difference (absolute value of the difference) between the temperature of the aroma inlet 124R and the set temperature is larger than a predetermined threshold value, the control unit 50 adjusts the electrical power supplied to the aroma inlet 124R to control the aroma inlet 124R to maintain its temperature. at a level around a predetermined temperature (step S308). The predetermined threshold value is an allowable temperature error value, and can be set to a value in the range of, for example, a few degrees Celsius to less than 10 degrees Celsius.

[0077] Electrical power may be supplied to the flavor electrical receiver 124R in the form of a pulse of electrical power. In such a case, the temperature of the fragrance electric receiver 124R can be adjusted by setting the on duration in pulse width modulation (PWM) or pulse frequency modulation (PFM) mode. More specifically, the temperature control of the fragrance electric receiver 124R can be performed by setting the on duration in a pulse width modulation (PWM) or pulse frequency modulation (PFM) mode, for example, by means of feedback control.

[0078] In addition, in the case where the difference (absolute value of the difference) between the temperature of the aroma power source 124R and the set temperature is equal to or less than a predetermined threshold value, it is not necessary to perform electric power control on the aroma power source 124R. In the case where PWM is used, the supply of electric power to the fragrance electric receiver 124R is stopped by setting the on duration to 0%.

[0079] The control unit 50 monitors the presence of the user's inhalation act at the time of operating the fragrance electric receiver 124R (step S309). The inhalation act of the user can be detected using the inhalation sensor 20 explained above.

[0080] When the control unit 50 has detected the act of inhaling the user, it supplies electric power to the spray power inlet 122R and heats the spray power inlet 122R (step S310). As a result, an aerosol is generated from the atomizer 120. The flavor is added to at least a portion of the aerosol generated in the atomizer 120 by passing it through a flavor source. Thus, the user inhales the aerosol to which the fragrance has been added.

[0081] Electrical power may be supplied to the spray electrical receiver 122R in the form of an electrical pulse. In such a case, the temperature of the sprayer 122R can be adjusted by setting the on-time in Pulse Width Modulation (PWM) or Pulse Frequency Modulation (PFM) mode. More specifically, the temperature control of the atomizer power receiver 122R can be performed by setting the duty cycle in a pulse width modulation (PWM) or pulse frequency modulation (PFM) mode, for example, through feedback control. In another example, it may be performed by controlling the duty cycle in pulse width modulation (PWM) or pulse frequency modulation (PFM) mode by means of feed-forward control. Alternatively, it may be possible to perform a constant power control with an increase in the duty cycle in response to a decrease in the output voltage of the power supply 10 .

[0082] When the control unit 50 has detected the end of the act of inhalation (step S311), it stops the supply of electric power to the spray power receiver 122R (step S312). In this regard, the end of the act of inhalation can be detected by the inspiratory sensor 20 .

[0083] Further, the control unit 50 may stop supplying electric power to the spray power receiver 122R at a time mode other than the time of detection of the end of the act of inhalation. For example, in the event that the user continues to inhale for a very long time, or an abnormality is detected in the sprayer 122R and/or the power supply 10, the electrical power supply to the sprayer 122R may be stopped.

[0084] When the control unit 50 has detected the end of the inhalation cycle (step S313), it may stop supplying electric power to the aroma electric receiver 124R (step S314). For example, control unit 50 may deduce that an inhalation cycle is completed when a user presses a predetermined push button, or when a predetermined period of time has elapsed since the end of the last act of inspiration. Alternatively, the control unit 50 may conclude that the inhalation cycle has ended when a predetermined number of inhalations are detected during a single inhalation cycle, or when a predetermined period of time has elapsed since the start of the inhalation cycle.

[0085] In the control scheme explained above, the start timing and end timing of the electric power supply to the spray power inlet 122R differ from those of the aroma power inlet 124R. In the above case, electric power may be supplied from the power supply 10 to the spray power inlet 122R and the fragrance power inlet 124R at the same time during the period between step S308 and step S312. Alternatively, the start time mode and/or the end time mode of the electrical power supply to the atomizer power unit 122R may be set to the same mode as that of the aroma power unit 124R. In such a case, electrical power can be supplied from the power supply 10 to the atomizer power 122R and the fragrance power 124R at the same time during the period from the beginning to the end of the inhalation cycle.

[0086] FIG. 7 shows a more specific example of supplying electrical power to atomizer power inlet 122R and fragrance power inlet 124R. In FIG. 7, the solid line (line in the middle portion) shows the electrical power supply to the spray power receiver 122R. The dotted line (the line at the bottom) shows the electrical power supply to the flavor electrical receiver 124R. The dotted line (the line at the top) shows the amount of current drawn from the power supply.

[0087] As explained above, the control unit 50 adjusts the electrical circuitry to supply electrical power to the aroma electrical receiver 124R during the inhalation cycle. In addition, the control unit 50, when detecting the act of inhalation during the inhalation cycle, controls the circuitry to supply electric power in the form of an electric power pulse to the atomizing power receiver 122R. The electric power pulse is generated by opening/closing the first switch 142 and the second switch 144.

[0088] In the first embodiment, as shown in FIG. 7, the control unit 50 is designed such that electrical power is not supplied from the power supply 10 to both of the atomizer power inlet 122R and the fragrance power inlet 124R at the same time during inhalation. More specifically, the control unit 50 operates to avoid simultaneously supplying electrical power from the power supply 10 to both of the spray power inlet 122R and the fragrance power inlet 124R when the control unit 50 has received an electrical power supply request to the atomizer power inlet 122R and an electrical power supply request. power to the fragrance electric receiver 124R at the same time period, or when the control unit 50 controls the circuit to power the spray electric receiver 122R and supply electric power to the fragrance electric receiver 124R at the same time period.

[0089] In a specific example, the control unit 50 may turn off the second switch 144 during the period from the detection of the beginning of the act of inhalation to the detection of the end of the act of inhalation, to stop the supply of electric power to the fragrance electric receiver 124R.

[0090] If electric power is supplied to both of the atomization power inlet 122R and the aroma power inlet 124R at the same time, the amount of current output from the power supply becomes larger than when electric power is supplied to only one of the atomization power inlet 122R and fragrance electrical receiver 124R because the combined electrical resistance value of the spray electrical receiver 122R and the fragrance electrical receiver 124R is less than the electrical resistance of each of the atomizer electrical receiver 122R and the fragrance electrical receiver 124R.

[0091] In the present embodiment, since the control unit 50 operates to avoid simultaneously supplying electric power from the power supply 10 to both of the atomizer power supply 122R and the fragrance power supply 124R, the electric power or electric power output from the power supply 10 is reduced so to be less than the maximum electric power or the maximum electric power output when the power supply 10 performs power supply to the first power sink and power supply to the second power sink at the same time. In other words, the control unit 50 functions as a reduction means that is configured to reduce the electric power or electric power output from the power supply 10 so that it is less than the maximum electric power or the maximum electric power output when the power supply 10 supplies energy to the first electrical receiver and the supply of energy to the second electrical receiver at the same time. As a result, the load on the power supply 10 can be reduced, and a drastic reduction in the amount of power remaining in the power supply and/or a tendency to accelerate damage to the power supply 10 can be prevented.

[0092] (Second version)

In the first embodiment, the control unit 50, acting as a reduction means, turns off the second switch 144 during the period from the detection of the act of inhalation to the detection of the end of the act of inhalation. Instead of the above structure, in the second embodiment, the control unit 50, acting as a reduction means, turns on the second switch 144 even in the period from the inhalation act detection to the end of inhalation act detection, to supply electric power to the fragrance electric receiver 124R.

[0093] In the following description, a control example will be explained with respect to the second embodiment with reference to FIG. 8 and FIG. 9. FIG. 8 is a control block diagram showing the switching control of the first switch 142 and the second switch 144. FIG. 9 is a graph showing the switching control of the first switch 142 and the second switch 144. It will be recalled that instead of the electric power pulse in FIG. 7, the switching command timing of each of the first switch 142 and the second switch 144 is shown in FIG. 9. In addition, it should be recalled that the explanation of structures similar to the structures in the first embodiment may be omitted in the following explanation.

[0094] In the second embodiment, the control unit 50 supplies pulses of electric power to the atomizing power receiver 122R and the fragrance power receiver 124R even in the period from the detection of the act of inhalation to the detection of the end of the act of inhalation. Like the first embodiment, the control unit 50 may perform closed-loop control or feed-forward control using PWM control or PFM control.

[0095] In the second embodiment, the control unit 50 issues a turn-on command to the first switch 142, as shown in FIG. 9 (reference to (D) in FIG. 9). In other words, the control unit 50 may turn on the second switch 142 during the OFF period of the first switch 142, even in the period from the detection of the act of inhalation to the detection of the end of the act of inhalation.

[0096] Such control can be performed in the manner explained below. First, the switching cycle of the first switch 142 and the switching cycle of the second switch 144 are set to coincide with each other. In this case, if the switching timing of the first switch 142 and the switching timing of the second switch 144 are set to coincide with each other, the first switch 142 and the second switch 144 are turned on at the same time so that the command to turn on the first switch 142 and the command to turn on the second switch 144 is issued at the same time (refer to (A) and (B) in Fig. 9).

[0097] Thus, the control unit 50 acting as a reduction means can be designed to shift the switching phase of the second switch 144 from the switching phase of the first switch 142 by a period of time equal to or longer than the on period of the first switch 142 (refer to ( C) in Fig. 9). It should be recalled that in the following description, such a phase shift, as explained above, may be referred to as "phase shift".

[0098] In the example shown in FIG. 9 as (c), the switching phase of the second switch 144 is shifted by a period of time equal to the period of the first switch 142. the on-period derived from the above pulse width or on-duration (also refer to FIG. 8).

[0099] As a result of such a phase shift, as explained above, the on period of the second switch 144 starts at the off period of the first switch. Thus, it becomes possible, when the turn-on period of the second switch 144 begins, to prevent the occurrence of a state that both the first switch 142 and the second switch 144 will be turned on at the same time. Accordingly, the control unit 50 acting as a reduction means can reduce the electric power or electric power output from the power supply 10 at least when the on period of the second switch 144 begins.

[0100] The control unit 50 is more preferably designed to shift the switching phase of the second switch 144 from the switching phase of the first switch 142 by a period of time much longer than the on period of the second switch 144. Then a predetermined period will be formed between the time when the first switch is turned on. 142, a turn-off command is sent, and a time when the turn-on command is sent to the second switch 144. Even if the turn-off command is sent to the switch that is in the turn-on state, there is a predetermined turn-off time until the switch changes its state to the turn-off state. Thus, a small amount of current flows from the power supply 10 in a short period of time after the turn-off command is sent to the first switch 142. Accordingly, creating a predetermined period between the time when the turn-off command is sent to the first switch 142 and the time when the turn-on command is sent to the second switch 144, overlapping of the turn-on period of the first switch 142 and the turn-on period of the second switch 144 can be prevented. power supply at least when the on period of the second switch 144 begins.

[0101] In addition, the control unit 50, acting as a reduction means, is configured to adjust or adjust at least one of the on period of the first switch 142 and the on period of the second switch 144 such that, during a single switching cycle, the sum of the on period of the first switch 142 and the on period of the second switch 144 does not exceed the switching cycle. In this regard, in the following description, setting any one of the periods as explained above may be referred to as "delay time compensation" (referring to FIG. 8). In the delay time compensation shown in FIG. 8, the turn-on period of the second switch 144 is shortened. As a result, it is ensured that the turn-on command is sent to the first switch 142 after the turn-off command is again sent to the second switch 144 (refer to (C) and (D) in FIG. 9). Thus, the control unit 50 acting as a reduction means can prevent the occurrence of the condition that the first switch 142 and the second switch 144 are turned on at the same time.

[0102] Delay time compensation, such as explained above, can be implemented by adjusting the upper limit of the electrical power pulse width on the electrical receiver 122R for fragrance, on duration, or on period of the second switch 144, based on the electrical power pulse width of the atomizing electrical receiver 122R, duration on, or the on period of the first switch 142. That is, the control unit 50 acting as the reduction means is configured to adjust or adjust the on period in the switching control of the second switch 144 to reduce the electric power or the electric power drawn from the power supply 10.

[0103] As explained above, in the delay time compensation, the control unit 50 acting as a reduction means can correct at least one of the upper limit limiter and the proportional gain in the feedback control to reduce the electrical power supplied from the power supply 10 to the power receiver 124R for flavor (refer also to Fig. 8). In such a case, even in the design that the electric pulse supplied to the aroma power supply 124R is made variable feedback control, it can be prevented from occurring that the electric power supplied from the power supply 10 to the aroma power supply 124R is increased.

[0104] In the example shown in FIG. 8 and FIG. 9, the control unit 50, acting as a reduction means, is designed to shift the switching phase of the second switch 144 from the switching phase of the first switch 142 by a period of time equal to or longer than the on period of the first switch 142. Alternatively, the control unit 50 may shift the switching phase of the first switch 142 from the switching phase of the second switch 144 for a period of time equal to or longer than the on period of the second switch 144. More preferably, the control unit 50 may shift the switching phase of the first switch 142 from the switching phase of the second switch 144 by a period of time, much longer than the turn-on period of the second switch 144. Even in the above case, the electric pulse to the atomizing electric inlet 122R and the electric impulse to the fragrance electric inlet 124R do not overlap, and are generated in a shifted time mode. As a result, the control unit 50 acting as the reduction means can reduce the electric power or the electric power output from the power supply 10 to a value less than the maximum electric power or the maximum output electric power in the case where the power supply supplies power to the spray gun. the electrical receiver 122R and supplying power to the fragrance electrical receiver 124R at the same time.

[0105] In the example shown in FIG. 8 and FIG. 9, the control unit 50 acting as a reduction means is designed to adjust or adjust the on period in the switching control of the second switch 144 to reduce the electric power or the electric power drawn from the power supply 10 . Alternatively, the control unit 50 acting as a reduction means can be configured to adjust or adjust the on period in the switching control of the first switch 142 to reduce the electric power or the electric power drawn from the power supply 10 . That is, the turn-on period of the first switch 142 can be shortened.

[0106] In addition, in the case where the electric power supplied to the atomizer power receiver 122R is adjusted based on the feedback control, the control unit 50 may correct at least one of the upper limit of the limiter and the proportional gain in the feedback control, to reducing the electrical power supplied from the power source 10 to the spray power receiver 122R.

[0107] (Third version)

In each of the first embodiment and the second embodiment, the control unit 50 mainly performs switching control to avoid overlapping of the on period of the first switch 142 and the on period of the second switch 144. turn on the first switch 142 and part of the turn on period of the second switch 144. Even in the above case, the control unit 50 acting as a reduction means can reduce the electric power or electric power output from the power supply 10 to less than the maximum electric power or maximum electric power, discharged in the case where the power supply supplies power to the spray power inlet 122R and power supply to the fragrance power inlet 124R at the same time, since the time period when both of the first switch 142 and the second switch 144 are turned on.

[0108] In the case where electrical pulses are applied to both the atomizer power supply 122R and the aroma power supply 124R at the same time, the control unit 50 may be configured to adjust or adjust at least one of the variable value or mode in the switching control of the first switch 122, and a variable value or mode in the switching control of the second switch 124, to reduce the electric power or the electric power supplied from the power supply 10.

[0109] In a specific example, the control unit 50 acting as a reduction means is configured to shorten at least one of the on period of the first switch 142 and the on period of the second switch 144, in the case where electric power is supplied to both the atomizing power receiver 122R and to the 124R fragrance outlet at the same time. For example, as shown in FIG. 10, the control unit 50 operates to shorten the turn-on period of the second switch 144 in the case that the power supply request to the spray power supply 122R and the power supply request to the aroma power supply 124R are received in the same time period. More specifically, the control unit 50 operates to shorten the turn-on period of the second switch 144 during the period from the detection of the act of inhalation to the detection of the end of the act of inhalation. Such control can be realized by reducing the duty cycle in the PWM control. the turn-on period of the second switch 144 and the turn-on duration in the PWM control represent a specific example of variables in the switching control of the second switch 144.

[0110] In another specific example, the control unit 50, acting as a reduction means, is designed to reduce at least one of the switching cycle of the first switch 142 and the switching cycle of the second switch 144 in the case where electrical power is supplied to both the spray electrical receiver 122R and to the 124R fragrance outlet at the same time. In the above case, the control unit 50 can maintain the on duration for switching the first switch 142 and the on duration for switching the second switch 144. As a result, the width of each electric power pulse can be reduced in PWM control. For example, as shown in FIG. 11, the control unit 50 operates to shorten the switching cycle of the second switch 144 while maintaining the turn-on duration of the second switch 144 during the period from the detection of the act of inhalation to the detection of the end of the act of inhalation. The switching cycle of the first switch 142 is a specific example of the variable in the switching control of the first switch 142. The switching cycle of the second switch 144 is a specific example of the variable in the switching control of the second switch 144.

[0111] In another specific example, the control unit 50 may be configured to control at least one of the first switch 142 and the second switch 144 based on feedback control or feedforward control, using PFM control instead of PWM control, in the case where electrical pulses are applied to both the atomizing power inlet 122R and the fragrance power inlet 124R at the same time. In the above case, the control unit 50 may determine the turn-on duration to reduce the electric power that is supplied to the aroma power inlet 124R at the same time that the electric power is supplied to the atomizer power inlet 122R, or to reduce the electric power that is supplied to the atomizer power inlet 122R at the same time. the time when the electric power is supplied to the flavor electric receiver 124R. By switching it to PFM control, it becomes possible to vary the off period without changing the pulse width. That is, if the upper limit of the pulse width (on-period) is set in advance, an increase in the total value of the electric power supplied to the aroma electric receiver 124R in the period from the detection of the act of inhalation to the detection of the end of the act of inhalation can be prevented. The PWM control or PFM control for controlling the first switch 142 represents a specific example of a mode in the switching control of the first switch 142. The PWM control or PFM control for controlling the second switch 144 represents a specific example of a mode in the switching control of the second switch 144.

[0112] (Fourth embodiment)

Each of Fig. 12 and FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram of the circuit diagram of the aroma generating devices, which includes an atomizer and a power supply, in the fourth embodiment. In the example shown in FIG. 12, the flavor generating device includes a protection chip 200 that has a rated current value that is higher than the maximum current value that can be supplied to one of the atomizer power inlet 122R and the flavor power inlet 124R. The above protective IC 200 prevents the flow of high current, which may cause a problem in the electrical circuit. More specifically, the protection IC 200 is useful in a case where a control is performed that may cause the atomizing power inlet 122R and the fragrance power inlet 124R to be turned on at the same time.

[0113] Instead of the above protective integrated circuit 200, it may be possible to use an electrical (power) fuse 210, which has a rated current value that is higher than the maximum current value that can be supplied to one of the spray power receiver 122R and the power receiver 124R for aroma.

[0114] In the case where the protective integrated circuit 200 or the electric fuse 210 explained above is provided, it is preferable that the control unit 50 acting as a reduction means is designed to control the circuit so that the sum of the current (the first current) supplied to the atomizer power 122R, and the current (second current) supplied to the fragrance power 124R does not exceed the above-mentioned rated current. In other words, the phase shift explained above, delay time compensation, pulse width reduction or on duration upper limit, and/or feedback control, or the like, can be implemented to avoid the occurrence of such a condition that the sum of the first current and the second current, that is, the maximum value of the current drawn from the power supply 10 exceeds the rated current value.

[0115] More specifically, in the case where an electric fuse is used, the circuit will be opened if a current having a value higher than the rated current value flows for a predetermined time period; so that the control unit 50 can control the first switch 142 and the second switch 144 so that the sum of the first current and the second current becomes less than the normalized current value, or the period of time when the first current and the second current overlap becomes a smaller period time than the set time.

[0116] In this regard, it may be possible to use, as a reduction means, the protective integrated circuit 200 itself or the electric fuse 210, which breaks the circuit if a current begins to flow, having a value greater than the value of the maximum current that can be supplied to one from the 122R atomizing electrical inlet and the 124R fragrance electrical inlet.

[0117] In addition, it may be possible to use a fuse instead of the protective integrated circuit 200 or electrical fuse 210 (Fig. 13). As for the fuse, it melts when a current having a value greater than the rated current value flows for a predetermined time corresponding to the current value. Thus, it is preferable that the fuse is rated for a rated value of current equal to or less than half the value of the current that flows when electrical power is applied to both of the atomizer power inlet 122R and the flavor power inlet 124R at the same time, so that provide additional protection for the electrical circuit. It is also possible to use such a fuse as a reducing agent.

[0118] (Fifth embodiment)

Fig. 14 is a schematic diagram of a circuit diagram of an aroma generating device that includes an atomizer and a power supply in the fifth embodiment. In the fifth embodiment, the circuit that is a component of the aroma generating device includes a regulator 300 for adjusting the current drawn to at least one of the atomizing electric receiver 122R and the aroma electric receiver 124R.

[0119] In the example shown in FIG. 14, the regulator 300 is placed in a position where both the current supplied to the atomizer power supply 122R and the current supplied to the fragrance power supply 124R flow through it. In other words, the regulator 300 is placed at a position between the node on the high voltage side of the parallel connection of the atomizing power inlet 122R and the fragrance power inlet 124R, and the positive electrode side of the power supply 10. In the above case, the controller 300 adjusts the current supplied to both of the atomizer power 122R and the flavor power 124R.

[0120] Alternatively, the regulator 300 may be placed in a position where current flows through it to the atomizer power 122R, although it does not flow current to the flavor power 124R, or in a position where current flows through it. , supplied to the fragrance electrical inlet 124R, although no current is flowing through it, supplied to the atomizer electrical inlet 122R. In other words, the regulator 300 can be placed between the above high voltage side node and the first switch 142, or between the high voltage side node explained above and the second switch 144. In the above case, the regulator 300 can adjust the current supplied to the sprayer 122R or the 124R. for flavor.

[0121] The control unit 50 may be configured to reduce the amount of current or the amount of electric power supplied to the controller 300 when a request to supply electric power to the spray power inlet 122R and a request to supply electric power to the aroma inlet 124R are received at the same time. the same time period, or when the circuit is controlled to perform the electric power supply to the spray power inlet 122R and the electric power supply to the aroma power inlet 124R in the same time period. That is, the regulator 300 acts as at least part of the reduction means for reducing the amount of current. With respect to a specific example of regulator 300, it may include a linear regulator or a switching regulator. In this regard, in the case where a switching regulator is used, and either of the first switch 142 and the second switch 144 is turned on by the control unit 50, the switching in the switching regulator can be stopped to keep only the conductive state.

[0122] As explained above, in the case where the regulator 300 is used to reduce the amount of current, the complicated control of electric power pulses can be eliminated, which was explained in relation to the above embodiments. However, it is possible to use the regulator 300 as explained in the fifth embodiment and with the electric power pulse control explained in relation to the above embodiments in conjunction with each other.

[0123] (Sixth embodiment)

Fig. 15 is a schematic diagram of a circuit diagram of a flavor generating device that includes an atomizer and a power supply in the sixth embodiment. In the sixth embodiment, instead of the controller 300 in the fifth embodiment, a first circuit 410 and a second circuit 420 are provided, which are connected in parallel to each other.

[0124] The first circuit 410 is provided with a third switch 412. The second circuit 420 is provided with a fourth switch 422. The electrical resistance value of the second circuit 420 is higher than the electrical resistance of the first circuit 410. In this embodiment, the second circuit 420 is provided with a resistor 424.

[0125] The control unit 50 may control the third switch 412 and the fourth switch 422 to open/close them, respectively. In the case that the third switch 412 is in the on state and the fourth switch 422 is in the off state, the current drawn from the power supply 10 passes through the first circuit 410 without flowing through the second circuit 420. In the case where the third switch 412 is in the off state, and the fourth switch 422 is in the on state, the current drawn from the power supply 10 passes through the second circuit 420 without flowing through the first circuit 410. In this regard, since the electrical resistance value of the second circuit 420 is higher than that of the first circuit 410, the amount of current flowing through the second circuit 420 is reduced if the second circuit 420 is activated without actuating the first circuit 410. That is, the amount of current drawn from the power supply 10 can be reduced.

[0126] The control unit 50 activates the second circuit 420 without activating the first circuit 410 when a power supply request to the spray power inlet 122R and a power supply request to the fragrance power inlet 124R are received in the same time period, or when the circuit is controlled to perform electric power supply to the spray power inlet 122R and the fragrance power inlet 124R in the same time period. More specifically, the control unit 50 may activate the second circuit 420 without activating the first circuit 410 when both of the first switch 142 and the second switch 144 are turned on at the same time. On the other hand, the control unit 50 may activate the first circuit 410 without activating the second circuit 420 when one of the first switch 142 and the second switch 144 is turned on. As a result, the control unit 50 can reduce the electrical power output from the power supply 10 when both of the first switch 142 and the second switch 144 are turned on at the same time. That is, the first circuit 410 and the second circuit 420 can be used as a reduction means.

[0127] (Seventh embodiment)

Fig. 16 is a schematic diagram of a circuit diagram of a flavor generating device that includes an atomizer and a power supply in the seventh embodiment. The structures of the power supply 10, the control unit 50, the atomizer 122R, the fragrance 124R, the first switch 142, and the second switch 144 are similar to those in the first embodiment.

[0128] In the seventh embodiment, the fragrance generating device includes an auxiliary power supply 500 that can supply power to the spray power inlet 122R and the fragrance power inlet 124R. As shown in FIG. 16, the auxiliary power supply 500, the spray power supply 122R, and the fragrance power supply 124R are connected in parallel to each other with respect to the power supply 10. As a result, it is provided that the current drawn from the auxiliary power supply 500 may flow to the atomizer power 122R and/or the flavor power 124R.

[0129] The auxiliary power supply 500 may preferably be a chargeable/dischargeable power source. In such a case, if the state of charge of the auxiliary power supply 500 is low, the auxiliary power supply 500 is charged with electric power from the power supply 10 . On the other hand, when the state of charge of the auxiliary power supply 500 is high, a current drawn from it flows to the atomizer power supply 122R and the aroma power supply 124R. It is preferable that the auxiliary power supply 500 has a specific power (W/kg) higher than the specific power of the power supply 10. For example, an electrical double layer capacitor (EDLC, electrical double layer capacitor) can be used as the auxiliary power supply 500 .

[0130] In the seventh embodiment, the current drawn from the power supply 10 becomes smaller when the output voltage (state of charge) of the auxiliary power supply 500 becomes higher. Thus, by using the auxiliary power supply 500, the electric power or electric power drawn from the power supply 10 can be reduced. As explained above, the auxiliary power supply 500 acts as a reduction means for reducing the electric power or electric power drawn from the power supply 10 .

[0131] The control unit 50 may be able to obtain information regarding the remaining state of charge of the auxiliary power source 500. The information regarding the remaining state of charge of the auxiliary power supply 500 may be, for example, in the form of the voltage of the auxiliary power supply 500. It may be possible to measure or estimate the voltage of the auxiliary power supply 500 using, for example, a voltage sensor 510. In such a case, it is preferable that the control unit 50 is designed to control the circuit such that the electric power or electric power output from the power supply 10 is reduced when a value relative to the remaining charge state, such as voltage, of the auxiliary power supply 500 becomes high. The electric power or electric power drawn from the power supply 10 may be controlled by a converter that includes, for example, a switch 520, a backflow prevention diode 540, and an inductance 560. The converter is not limited to the one explained above, and the converter may be one placed between the power supply 10 and an auxiliary power supply 500, and is capable of converting the amount of at least one of the incoming current, the applied voltage, and the input electric power, and diverting it/them. It should be recalled that the electric power or electric power output from the power supply 10 can be controlled by performing the setting of the duration of the electric power pulses through the switch 520, instead of using the above converter. As explained above, the auxiliary power supply 500 can be effectively utilized by applying it to adjust the electric power or electric power output from the power supply 10 based on information regarding the residual state of charge of the auxiliary power supply 500.

[0132] (Eighth version)

Fig. 17 is a schematic diagram of a circuit diagram of a flavor generating device that includes an atomizer and a power supply in an eighth embodiment. The structures of the power supply 10, the control unit 50, the atomizing electric receiver 122R, the fragrance electric receiver 124R, the first switch 142, and the second switch 144 are substantially similar to those in the seventh embodiment. However, the position of the auxiliary power supply 500 is different from the position in the seventh embodiment.

[0133] The auxiliary power supply 500 is placed at a position where it supplies a current to flow to the atomizer power 122R, although it cannot supply a current to flow to the flavor power 124R. That is, the auxiliary power supply 500 acts as an auxiliary power supply dedicated to the spray power receiver 122R. In this regard, it is preferable that the auxiliary power supply 500 is one that is chargeable/dischargeable as explained with respect to the seventh embodiment.

[0134] In addition, the flavor generating device 100 includes a fifth switch 146 to enable or disable the flow of current drawn from the power source 10 to the auxiliary power source 500 and/or to the atomizer power receiver 122R. The fifth switch 146 is configured to be open/closed by the control unit 50. Thus, when the fifth switch 146 is in the ON state, the auxiliary power supply 500 can be charged with electric power from the power supply 10 .

[0135] In addition, the first switch 142 may be capable of allowing or inhibiting the flow of current drawn from the power source 10 or from the auxiliary power source 500 to the spray power receiver 122R. The second switch 144 may be capable of allowing or disabling the flow of current drawn from the power source 10 to the flavor electrical receiver 124R.

[0136] In the eighth embodiment, various modes can be implemented based on the combination of on/off states of the first switch 142, the second switch 144, and the fifth switch 146.

[0137] In the case where all of the first switch 142, the second switch 144, and the fifth switch 146 are in off states, no electric power is supplied to the atomizer power inlet 122R and the fragrance power inlet 124R. In the case where the power supply 10 is a rechargeable/dischargeable battery and the power supply 10 is to be charged from an external power source, all of the first switch 142, the second switch 144, and the fifth switch 146 can be turned off.

[0138] In the case where only the first switch 142 is in the on state, and the second switch 144 and the fifth switch 146 are in the off states, the atomizing power receiver 122R can be driven because the current drawn from the auxiliary power supply 500 flows to spray receiver 122R. In this case, no electric power is supplied to the flavor electric receiver 124R.

[0139] In the case that only the second switch 144 is in the on state, and the first switch 142 and the fifth switch 146 are in the off states, the flavor power 124R can be driven because the current drawn from the auxiliary power supply 500 flows to the 124R fragrance outlet. In this case, no electrical power is supplied to the spray power receiver 122R.

[0140] In the case that only the fifth switch 146 is in the on state, and the first switch 142 and the second switch 144 are in the off states, electric power is not supplied to the atomizer power inlet 122R and the fragrance power inlet 124R. In this regard, since the electric power from the power supply 10 is supplied to the auxiliary power supply 500, the auxiliary power supply 500 can thereby be charged.

[0141] In the case that only the first switch 142 is in the off state, and the second switch 144 and the fifth switch 146 are in the on states, the flavor power sink 124R can be activated because the current drawn from the power supply 10 flows to the power sink 124R for flavor. In this case, no electrical power is supplied to the spray power receiver 122R. In addition, since the electric power from the power supply 10 is supplied to the auxiliary power supply 500, the auxiliary power supply 500 can thereby be charged.

[0142] In the case that only the second switch 144 is in the OFF state, and the first switch 142 and the fifth switch 146 are in the ON states, the sprayer 122R can be driven because the current drawn from both the power supply 10 and from the auxiliary power source 500 flows to the spray power receiver 122R. In this case, no electric power is supplied to the flavor electric receiver 124R. In the above case, the current drawn from the power supply 10 can be reduced compared to the situation that the electric power is supplied to the sprayer 122R only from the power supply 10, that is, without using the auxiliary power supply 500.

[0143] In the case that only the fifth switch 146 is in the off state, and the first switch 142 and the second switch 144 are in the on states, the current drawn from the auxiliary power supply 500 flows to the spray power receiver 122R, and the current drawn from the power source 10 power supply, flows to the fragrance electrical receiver 124R. That is, the power supply 10 and the auxiliary power supply 500 supply, individually, electric power to the fragrance electric inlet 124R and the spray electric inlet 122R, respectively.

[0144] In the case where all of the first switch 142, the second switch 144, and the fifth switch 146 are in the ON states, the current drawn from the power supply 10 flows to the flavor power sink 124R. In addition, the current drawn from both the power supply 10 and the auxiliary power supply 500 flows to the spray power receiver 122R. In this case, the current drawn from the power supply 10 can be reduced, compared with the situation that the electric power is supplied only from the power supply 10, that is, without using the auxiliary power supply 500, to the atomizer power supply 122R and the fragrance power supply 124R in the same time. Thus, like the seventh embodiment, the auxiliary power supply 500 acts as a reduction means for reducing the electric power or electric power taken from the power supply 10 .

[0145] (Program and storage medium)

The technological process regarding the embodiments explained above can be carried out by means of the control unit 50 . That is, the control unit 50 may include a program in which the flavor generating device 100 executes the methods explained above. A program such as explained above is also included within the scope of the present invention. In addition, it should be recalled that the storage medium in which the above program is stored is also included within the scope of the present invention. The storage medium, such as explained above, may be a computer-readable, non-volatile storage medium.

[0146] [Other versions]

The present invention has been explained with reference to the above embodiments; however, it should be recalled that the description and figures that form part of the present invention are not intended to limit the present invention. Based on the present invention, a variety of alternative embodiments, examples, and process steps would become apparent to those skilled in the art.

[0147] For example, in the above embodiments, the cases in which the first electrical receiver defined in the claims is a spray electrical receiver 122R (first electrical receiver) and the second electrical receiver defined in the claims is an aroma electrical receiver 124R (second receiver) were explained in a specific way. However, the structures are not limited to those explained above, and the first electrical receiver may be an electrical receiver that atomizes an aerosol source or heats a fragrance source. Thus, it should be recalled that there may be an embodiment in which the first electrical receiver corresponds to the aroma electrical receiver 124R.

[0148] In addition, there is no particular limitation on the second power receiver as long as it is a different power receiver from the first power receiver. For example, the second electrical receiver may be a light emitting element such as an LED.

[0149] In addition, it should be recalled that the structures and controls explained in the above multiple embodiments can be combined and/or replaced as much as possible.

Claims (33)

1. Aroma generating device, comprising: a circuit for electrically connecting the power source, the first electrical receiver and the second electrical receiver, which is different from the first electrical receiver, and the first electrical receiver is a temperature controller having an induction heating element; and a control unit configured to control the circuit for supplying electricity from the power source to the first power receiver and the second power receiver, respectively, to create a flavor aerosol, wherein the circuit comprises a first switch for opening/closing the electrical connection between the first electrical receiver and the power supply and a second switch for opening/closing the electrical connection between the second electrical receiver and the power supply, wherein the control unit is configured to: opening the second switch while generating a plurality of electric power pulses by opening/closing the first switch; opening the first switch while generating a plurality of electric power pulses by opening/closing the second switch; and controlling the amount of electric power supplied by modulating the widths of a plurality of electric power pulses generated by opening/closing the first switch or the second switch. 2. The aroma-generating device according to claim 1, wherein the control unit is further configured to: controlling the second switch by opening/closing the second switch to generate a plurality of electric power pulses during the first period, and controlling the first switch by opening/closing the first switch to generate a plurality of electric power pulses during the second period, wherein the control unit controls such that the first period is before and after the second period. 3. The aroma-generating device according to claim 2, wherein the control unit performs switching-on control of a second period that is longer than the first period. 4. The aroma-generating device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the current supplied from the power source to the second electrical receiver by closing the second switch is greater than the current supplied from the electrical source to the first electrical receiver by closing the first switch. 5. An aroma-generating device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the first electric inlet is located closer to the suction port of the aroma-generating device from which the aroma aerosol is emitted than the second electric inlet. 6. Aroma generating device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, further comprising a cylindrical body, wherein the first electrical receiver is placed around the cylindrical body. 7. A method for controlling an aroma-generating device, comprising: - a circuit for electrically connecting the power source, the first electrical receiver and the second electrical receiver, which is different from the first electrical receiver, and the first electrical receiver is a temperature controller having an induction heating element; and - a control unit configured to control the circuit for supplying electricity from the power source to the first power receiver and the second power receiver, respectively, to create a flavor aerosol, - moreover, the circuit contains the first switch for opening/closing the electrical connection between the first electrical receiver and the power supply and the second switch for opening/closing the electrical connection between the second electrical receiver and the power supply, wherein the method includes steps in which: opening the second switch at the time of generating a plurality of electrical pulses by opening/closing the first switch; opening the first switch while generating a plurality of electrical pulses by opening/closing the second switch; and controlling the amount of electric power supplied by modulating the widths of a plurality of electric power pulses generated by opening/closing the first switch or the second switch. 8. A computer-readable storage medium that stores one or more programs with instructions that, when executed by the processor of a flavor-generating device, comprising: - a circuit for electrically connecting the power source, the first electrical receiver and the second electrical receiver, which is different from the first electrical receiver, and the first electrical receiver is a temperature controller having an induction heating element; and - a control unit configured to control the circuit for supplying electricity from the power source to the first power receiver and the second power receiver, respectively, to create a flavor aerosol, - moreover, the circuit contains the first switch for opening/closing the electrical connection between the first electrical receiver and the power supply and the second switch for opening/closing the electrical connection between the second electrical receiver and the power supply, cause the processor to perform operations: opening the second switch while generating a plurality of electric power pulses by opening/closing the first switch; opening the first switch while generating a plurality of electric power pulses by opening/closing the second switch; and controlling the amount of electric power supplied by modulating the widths of the plurality of electric power pulses generated by opening/closing the first switch or the second switch.

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