US20220007738A1 - Control unit of aerosol generation device - Google Patents

Control unit of aerosol generation device Download PDF

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Publication number
US20220007738A1
US20220007738A1 US17/369,957 US202117369957A US2022007738A1 US 20220007738 A1 US20220007738 A1 US 20220007738A1 US 202117369957 A US202117369957 A US 202117369957A US 2022007738 A1 US2022007738 A1 US 2022007738A1
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US
United States
Prior art keywords
aerosol
remaining amount
source
aerosol source
electric power
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Pending
Application number
US17/369,957
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English (en)
Inventor
Takuma Nakano
Yutaka Kaihatsu
Keiji MARUBASHI
Ikuo FUJINAGA
Hajime Fujita
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Japan Tobacco Inc
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Japan Tobacco Inc
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Assigned to JAPAN TOBACCO INC. reassignment JAPAN TOBACCO INC. ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST (SEE DOCUMENT FOR DETAILS). Assignors: FUJITA, HAJIME, NAKANO, TAKUMA, Fujinaga, Ikuo, KAIHATSU, YUTAKA, MARUBASHI, Keiji
Publication of US20220007738A1 publication Critical patent/US20220007738A1/en
Pending legal-status Critical Current

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    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A24—TOBACCO; CIGARS; CIGARETTES; SIMULATED SMOKING DEVICES; SMOKERS' REQUISITES
    • A24F—SMOKERS' REQUISITES; MATCH BOXES; SIMULATED SMOKING DEVICES
    • A24F40/00—Electrically operated smoking devices; Component parts thereof; Manufacture thereof; Maintenance or testing thereof; Charging means specially adapted therefor
    • A24F40/50—Control or monitoring
    • A24F40/53—Monitoring, e.g. fault detection
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A24—TOBACCO; CIGARS; CIGARETTES; SIMULATED SMOKING DEVICES; SMOKERS' REQUISITES
    • A24F—SMOKERS' REQUISITES; MATCH BOXES; SIMULATED SMOKING DEVICES
    • A24F40/00—Electrically operated smoking devices; Component parts thereof; Manufacture thereof; Maintenance or testing thereof; Charging means specially adapted therefor
    • A24F40/30—Devices using two or more structurally separated inhalable precursors, e.g. using two liquid precursors in two cartridges
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A24—TOBACCO; CIGARS; CIGARETTES; SIMULATED SMOKING DEVICES; SMOKERS' REQUISITES
    • A24F—SMOKERS' REQUISITES; MATCH BOXES; SIMULATED SMOKING DEVICES
    • A24F40/00—Electrically operated smoking devices; Component parts thereof; Manufacture thereof; Maintenance or testing thereof; Charging means specially adapted therefor
    • A24F40/50—Control or monitoring
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A24—TOBACCO; CIGARS; CIGARETTES; SIMULATED SMOKING DEVICES; SMOKERS' REQUISITES
    • A24F—SMOKERS' REQUISITES; MATCH BOXES; SIMULATED SMOKING DEVICES
    • A24F40/00—Electrically operated smoking devices; Component parts thereof; Manufacture thereof; Maintenance or testing thereof; Charging means specially adapted therefor
    • A24F40/50—Control or monitoring
    • A24F40/57—Temperature control
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A24—TOBACCO; CIGARS; CIGARETTES; SIMULATED SMOKING DEVICES; SMOKERS' REQUISITES
    • A24F—SMOKERS' REQUISITES; MATCH BOXES; SIMULATED SMOKING DEVICES
    • A24F40/00—Electrically operated smoking devices; Component parts thereof; Manufacture thereof; Maintenance or testing thereof; Charging means specially adapted therefor
    • A24F40/10—Devices using liquid inhalable precursors

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a control unit of an aerosol generation device.
  • Patent Literatures 1, 4 and 5 disclose a device configured to cause aerosol generated by heating a liquid to pass through a flavor source, thereby adding flavor to aerosol and allowing a user to inhale aerosol having the flavor added thereto.
  • Patent Literatures 2 and 3 disclose an electrically operated aerosol generation system including a liquid storage for storing a liquid aerosol forming matrix and an electric heater including at least one heating element for heating the liquid aerosol forming matrix.
  • Patent Literature 1 WO2020/039589
  • Patent Literature 2 Japanese Patent No. 5,999,716
  • Patent Literature 3 Japanese Patent No. 5,959,532
  • Patent Literature 5 WO2019/017654
  • the aerosol generation device configured to generate aerosol and to allow a user to inhale the same, it is important to provide the user with aerosol of an appropriate quality.
  • An object of the present invention is to increase a commercial value of the aerosol generation device.
  • a control unit of an aerosol generation device including a processing device configured to acquire a remaining amount of an aerosol source, wherein when the remaining amount of the aerosol source is smaller than a threshold value, the processing device further suppresses discharge from a power supply to an atomizer configured to atomize the aerosol source than when the remaining amount of the aerosol source is equal to or greater than the threshold value, and wherein when the remaining amount of the aerosol source is equal to or greater than the threshold value, the processing device controls the discharge from the power supply to the atomizer so as to make an amount of the aerosol source to be atomized different, based on the remaining amount of the aerosol source.
  • a control unit of an aerosol generation device including a processing device configured to acquire a remaining amount of an aerosol source, wherein when the remaining amount of the aerosol source is a first remaining amount, the processing device electrically discharges first electric power from a power supply to an atomizer to atomize the aerosol source, and wherein when the remaining amount of the aerosol source is a second remaining amount different from the first remaining amount, the processing device electrically discharges second electric power different from the first electric power from the power supply to the atomizer.
  • a control unit of an aerosol generation device including a processing device configured to acquire a remaining amount of an aerosol source, wherein the processing device is configured to control electric power that is electrically discharged from a power supply to an adjustor capable of adjusting an amount of flavor to be added from a flavor source to aerosol generated from the aerosol source, based on the remaining amount of the aerosol source.
  • FIG. 1 is a perspective view schematically showing a configuration of an aerosol generation device.
  • FIG. 2 is another perspective view of the aerosol generation device shown in FIG. 1 .
  • FIG. 3 is a sectional view of the aerosol generation device shown in FIG. 1 .
  • FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a power supply unit of the aerosol generation device shown in FIG. 1 .
  • FIG. 5 is a schematic view showing a hardware configuration of the aerosol generation device shown in FIG. 1 .
  • FIG. 6 is a schematic view showing a modified embodiment of the hardware configuration of the aerosol generation device shown in FIG. 1 .
  • FIG. 7 is a flowchart for showing operations of the aerosol generation device shown in FIG. 1 .
  • FIG. 8 is a flowchart for showing operations of the aerosol generation device shown in FIG. 1 .
  • FIG. 9 is a schematic view showing an example of an electric power threshold value P max and an amount of increase ⁇ P.
  • FIG. 10 is a schematic view showing an example of the electric power threshold value P max and the amount of increase ⁇ P.
  • FIG. 11 is a schematic view showing atomizing electric power that is supplied to a first load 21 in step S 17 of FIG. 8 .
  • FIG. 12 is a schematic view showing atomizing electric power that is supplied to the first load 21 in step S 19 of FIG. 8 .
  • FIG. 13 is a schematic view showing an example of a table showing a relationship between a remaining amount of a flavor component and a remaining amount of a reservoir.
  • FIG. 14 is a schematic view showing another example of the electric power threshold value P max and the amount of increase ⁇ P.
  • FIG. 15 is a flowchart for showing operations of the aerosol generation device 1 of a second modified embodiment.
  • FIG. 16 is a flowchart for showing operations of the aerosol generation device 1 of the second modified embodiment.
  • FIG. 17 is a flowchart for showing operations of the aerosol generation device 1 of a third modified embodiment.
  • FIG. 18 is a flowchart for showing operations of the aerosol generation device 1 of the third modified embodiment.
  • FIGS. 1 to 6 an aerosol generation device 1 that is one embodiment of the aerosol generation device of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 6 .
  • the aerosol generation device 1 is a device configured to generate aerosol having a flavor component added thereto without burning, and to cause the aerosol to be inhaled, and has a rod shape extending in a predetermined direction (hereinafter, referred to as the longitudinal direction X), as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 .
  • the aerosol generation device 1 includes a power supply unit 10 , a first cartridge 20 , and a second cartridge 30 provided in corresponding order in the longitudinal direction X.
  • the first cartridge 20 can be attached and detached (in other words, replaced) with respect to the power supply unit 10 .
  • the second cartridge 30 can be attached and detached (in other words, replaced) with respect to the first cartridge 20 . As shown in FIG.
  • the first cartridge 20 is provided with a first load 21 and a second load 31 .
  • An overall shape of the aerosol generation device 1 is not limited to such a shape that the power supply unit 10 , the first cartridge 20 and the second cartridge 30 are aligned in line, as shown in FIG. 1 .
  • the aerosol generation device 1 may have any shape such as a substantial box shape as long as the first cartridge 20 and the second cartridge 30 can be replaced with respect to the power supply unit 10 .
  • the second cartridge 30 may also be attached and detached (in other words, replaced) with respect to the power supply unit 10 .
  • the power supply unit 10 is configured to accommodate, in a cylindrical power supply unit case 11 , a power supply 12 , a charging IC 55A, an MCU (Micro Controller Unit) 50 , a DC/DC converter 51 , an inlet air sensor 15 , a temperature detection device Ti including a voltage sensor 52 and a current sensor 53 , a temperature detection device T 2 including a voltage sensor 54 and a current sensor 55 , a first notification unit 45 and a second notification unit 46 .
  • MCU Micro Controller Unit
  • the power supply 12 is a chargeable secondary battery, an electric double layer capacitor or the like, and is preferably a lithium ion secondary battery.
  • An electrolyte of the power supply 12 may be one or a combination of a gel-like electrolyte, an electrolytic solution, a solid electrolyte and an ionic liquid.
  • the MCU 50 is connected to the diverse sensor devices such as the inlet air sensor 15 , the voltage sensor 52 , the current sensor 53 , the voltage sensor 54 and the current sensor 55 , the DC/DC converter 51 , the operation unit 14 , the first notification unit 45 , and the second notification unit 46 , and is configured to perform a variety of controls of the aerosol generation device 1 .
  • the MCU 50 is mainly constituted by a processor, and further includes a memory 50 a constituted by a storage medium such as a RAM (Random Access Memory) necessary for operations of the processor and a ROM (Read Only Memory) in which a variety of information is stored.
  • the processor is specifically an electric circuit including circuit devices such as semiconductor devices.
  • a top portion 11 a on one end side (first cartridge 20-side) of the power supply unit case 11 in the longitudinal direction X is provided with discharge terminals 41 .
  • the discharge terminals 41 are provided to protrude from an upper surface of the top portion 11 a toward the first cartridge 20 , and are each configured to be electrically connectable to each of the first load 21 and the second load 31 of the first cartridge 20 .
  • the upper surface of the top portion 11 a is also provided with an air supply part 42 configured to supply air to the first load 21 of the first cartridge 20 , in the vicinity of the discharge terminals 41 .
  • a bottom portion 11 b on the other end-side (an opposite side to the first cartridge 20 ) of the power supply unit case 11 in the longitudinal direction X is provided with a charging terminal 43 that can be electrically connected to an external power supply(not shown).
  • the charging terminal 43 is provided on a side surface of the bottom portion 11 b , and is, for example, connected to a USB (Universal Serial Bus) terminal, a micro USB terminal or the like.
  • USB Universal Serial Bus
  • the charging terminal 43 may also be a power receiving unit that can receive electric power transmitted from the external power supply in a wireless manner.
  • the charging terminal 43 (power receiving unit) may be constituted by a power receiving coil.
  • the method of wireless power transfer may be an electromagnetic induction method, a magnetic resonance method or a combination of the electromagnetic induction method and the magnetic resonance method.
  • the charging terminal 43 may also be a power receiving unit that can receive electric power transmitted from the external power supply in a contactless manner.
  • the charging terminal 43 can be connected to a USB terminal or a micro USB terminal and may also have the power receiving unit.
  • the power supply unit case 11 is provided with an operation unit 14 that can be operated by a user and is provided on a side surface of the top portion 11 a so as to face toward an opposite side to the charging terminal 43 . More specifically, the operation unit 14 and the charging terminal 43 are point-symmetrical with respect to an intersection of a straight line connecting the operation unit 14 and the charging terminal 43 and a center line of the power supply unit 10 in the longitudinal direction X.
  • the operation unit 14 is constituted by a button-type switch, a touch panel or the like.
  • the inlet air sensor 15 configured to detect a puff (inhalation) operation is provided in the vicinity of the operation unit 14 .
  • the power supply unit case 11 is provided with an air intake port(not shown) to take external air into an inside.
  • the air intake port may be provided near the operation unit 14 or the charging terminal 43 .
  • the inlet air sensor 15 is configured to output a value in change of pressure (internal pressure) in the power supply unit 10 generated as a result of user's inhalation through an inhalation port 32 (which will be described later).
  • the inlet air sensor 15 is, for example, a pressure sensor configured to output an output value (for example, a voltage value or a current value) corresponding to the internal pressure that changes according to a flow rate (i.e., a user's puff operation) of air inhaled from the air intake port toward the inhalation port 32 .
  • the inlet air sensor 15 may be configured to output an analog value or a digital value converted from the analog value.
  • the inlet air sensor 15 may also have a built-in temperature sensor configured to detect a temperature (external air temperature) of an environment in which the power supply unit 10 is put, so as to compensate for the detected pressure.
  • the inlet air sensor 15 may also be constituted by a capacitor microphone or the like, other than the pressure sensor.
  • the MCU 50 determines that a request for aerosol generation (an atomization command of the aerosol source 22 , which will be described later) is made, and thereafter, when the output value of the inlet air sensor 15 falls below the output threshold value, the MCU 50 determines that the request for aerosol generation is over.
  • a request for aerosol generation an atomization command of the aerosol source 22 , which will be described later
  • the MCU 50 determines that the request for aerosol generation is over.
  • the request for aerosol generation may also be detected based on the operation on the operation unit 14 , instead of the inlet air sensor 15 .
  • the operation unit 14 may output a signal indicative of the request for aerosol generation to the MCU 50 .
  • the charging IC 55A is disposed near the charging terminal 43 , and is configured to control charging of electric power input from the charging terminal 43 to the power supply 12 . Note that, the charging IC 55A may also be disposed near the MCU 50 .
  • the first cartridge 20 has, in a cylindrical cartridge case 27 , a reservoir 23 that constitutes a storage part in which the aerosol source 22 is stored, a first load 21 that constitutes an atomizer configured to generate aerosol by atomizing the aerosol source 22 , a wick 24 configured to suck the aerosol source 22 from the reservoir 23 to a position of the first load 21 , an aerosol flow path 25 that constitutes a cooling passage for making particle sizes of aerosol generated by atomizing the aerosol source 22 to sizes suitable for inhalation, an end cap 26 configured to accommodate a part of the second cartridge 30 , and a second load 31 provided to the end cap 26 and configured to heat the second cartridge 30 .
  • the reservoir 23 is partitioned to surround the aerosol flow path 25 , and is configured to store the aerosol source 22 .
  • a porous body such as resin web, cotton or the like may be accommodated, and the aerosol source 22 may be impregnated in the porous body.
  • the porous body such as resin web, cotton or the like may not be accommodated, and only the aerosol source 22 may be stored.
  • the aerosol source 22 includes a liquid such as glycerin, propylene glycol, water or the like.
  • the wick 24 is a liquid retaining member for sucking the aerosol source 22 from the reservoir 23 to a position of the first load 21 by using a capillary phenomenon.
  • the wick 24 constitutes a retaining part configured to retain the aerosol source 22 supplied from the reservoir 23 in a position in which the first load 21 can atomize the aerosol source.
  • the wick 24 is constituted, for example, by glass fiber, porous ceramic or the like.
  • the aerosol source 22 included in the first cartridge 20 is retained by each in the reservoir 23 and the wick 24 .
  • a remaining amount W reservoir in the reservoir which is a remaining amount of the aerosol source 22 stored in the reservoir 23 , is treated as a remaining amount of the aerosol source 22 included in the first cartridge 20 .
  • the remaining amount W reservoir in the reservoir is 100% when the first cartridge 20 is in a brand-new state and gradually decreases as aerosol is generated (aerosol source 22 is atomized).
  • the remaining amount W reservoir in the reservoir is calculated by the MCU 50 and is stored in the memory 50 a of the MCU 50 . In the below, the remaining amount W reservoir in the reservoir is simply described as the remaining amount in the reservoir, in some cases.
  • the first load 21 is configured to heat the aerosol source 22 without burning by electric power supplied from the power supply 12 via the discharge terminals 41 , thereby atomizing the aerosol source 22 .
  • the first load 21 is constituted by a heating wire (coil) wound at a predetermined pitch.
  • the first load 21 may be an element that can generate aerosol by heating and atomizing the aerosol source 22 .
  • the first load 21 is, for example, a heat generating element.
  • the heat generating element may include a heat generating resistor, a ceramic heater, an induction heating type heater, and the like.
  • the first load 21 a load whose temperature and electric resistance value have a correlation is used.
  • a load having a PTC (Positive Temperature Coefficient) characteristic in which the electric resistance value increases as the temperature rises is used.
  • the aerosol flow path 25 is provided on a center line L of the power supply unit 10 , on a downstream side of the first load 21 .
  • the end cap 26 has a cartridge accommodating part 26 a configured to accommodate a part of the second cartridge 30 and a communication path 26 b configured to communicate the aerosol flow path 25 and the cartridge accommodating part 26 a each other.
  • the second load 31 is embedded in the cartridge accommodating part 26 a .
  • the second load 31 is configured to heat the second cartridge 30 (more specifically, the flavor source 33 included in the second cartridge 30 ) accommodated in the cartridge accommodating part 26 a by electric power supplied from the power supply 12 via the discharge terminals 41 .
  • the second load 31 is constituted by a heating wire (coil) wound at a predetermined pitch, for example.
  • the second load 31 may be an element that can heat the second cartridge 30 .
  • the second load 31 is, for example, a heat generating element.
  • the heat generating element may include a heat generating resistor, a ceramic heater, an induction heating type heater, and the like.
  • the second load 31 a load whose temperature and electric resistance value have a correlation is used.
  • a load having a PTC characteristic is used.
  • the second cartridge 30 is configured to store the flavor source 33 .
  • the second cartridge 30 is heated by the second load 31 , so that the flavor source 33 is heated.
  • the second cartridge 30 is detachably accommodated in the cartridge accommodating part 26 a provided to the end cap 26 of the first cartridge 20 .
  • An end portion of the second cartridge 30 on an opposite side to the first cartridge 20 -side is configured as the inhalation port 32 for a user.
  • the inhalation port 32 is not limited to the configuration where it is integrated with the second cartridge 30 , and may be detachably attached to the second cartridge 30 . In this way, the inhalation port 32 is configured separately from the power supply unit 10 and the first cartridge 20 , so that the inhalation port 32 can be hygienically kept.
  • the second cartridge 30 is configured to cause aerosol, which are generated as the aerosol source 22 is atomized by the first load 21 , to pass through the flavor source 33 , thereby adding a flavor component to the aerosol.
  • a raw material piece that forms the flavor source 33 chopped tobacco or a molded product obtained by molding a tobacco raw material into granules can be used.
  • the flavor source 33 may also be formed by plants (for example, mint, Chinese herbs, herbs and the like) other than tobacco.
  • a fragrance such as menthol may be added to the flavor source 33 .
  • the aerosol generation device 1 it is possible to generate aerosol having a flavor component added thereto by the aerosol source 22 and the flavor source 33 .
  • the aerosol source 22 and the flavor source 33 constitute an aerosol generating source that generates aerosol.
  • the aerosol generating source of the aerosol generation device 1 is a part that is replaced and used by a user. This part is provided to the user, as a set of one first cartridge 20 and one or more (for example, five) second cartridges 30 , for example. Note that, the first cartridge 20 and the second cartridge 30 may be integrated to constitute one cartridge.
  • the air introduced from an intake port(not shown) provided to the power supply unit case 11 passes from the air supply part 42 to the vicinity of the first load 21 of the first cartridge 20 .
  • the first load 21 is configured to atomize the aerosol source 22 introduced from the reservoir 23 by the wick 24 . Aerosol generated as a result of the atomization flows in the aerosol flow path 25 together with the air introduced from the intake port, and are supplied to the second cartridge 30 via the communication path 26 b .
  • the aerosol supplied to the second cartridge 30 is added with the flavor component as the aerosol pass through the flavor source 33 , and are then supplied to the inhalation port 32 .
  • the aerosol generation device 1 is also provided with the first notification unit 45 and the second notification unit 46 for notifying a variety of information to the user (refer to FIG. 5 ).
  • the first notification unit 45 is to give a notification that acts on a user's tactile sense, and is constituted by a vibration element such as a vibrator.
  • the second notification unit 46 is to give a notification that acts on a user's visual sense, and is constituted by a light emitting element such as an LED (Light Emitting Diode).
  • a sound output element may be further provided so as to give a notification that acts on a user's auditory sense.
  • the first notification unit 45 and the second notification unit 46 may be provided to any of the power supply unit 10 , the first cartridge 20 and the second cartridge 30 but is preferably provided to the power supply unit 10 .
  • the periphery of the operation unit 14 is transparent, and is configured to emit light by a light emitting element such as an LED.
  • the DC/DC converter 51 is connected between the first load 21 and the power supply 12 in a state where the first cartridge 20 is mounted to the power supply unit 10 .
  • the MCU 50 is connected between the DC/DC converter 51 and the power supply 12 .
  • the second load 31 is connected between the MCU 50 and the DC/DC converter 51 in the state where the first cartridge 20 is mounted to the power supply unit 10 . In this way, in the power supply unit 10 , in the state where the first cartridge 20 is mounted, a series circuit of the DC/DC converter 51 and the first load 21 and the second load 31 are connected in parallel to the power supply 12 .
  • the DC/DC converter 51 is a booster circuit capable of boosting an input voltage, and is configured to be able to supply a voltage obtained by boosting an input voltage or the input voltage to the first load 21 . According to the DC/DC converter 51 , since it is possible to adjust electric power that is supplied to the first load 21 , it is possible to control an amount of the aerosol source 22 that is atomized by the first load 21 .
  • a switching regulator configured to convert an input voltage into a desired output voltage by controlling on/off time of a switching element while monitoring an output voltage may be used. In a case where the switching regulator is used as the DC/DC converter 51 , it is possible to output an input voltage, as it is, without boosting the input voltage by controlling the switching element.
  • the processor of the MCU 50 is configured to be able to acquire temperatures of the flavor source 33 and the second load 31 so as to control the discharge to the second load 31 . Further, the processor of the MCU 50 is preferably configured to be able to acquire a temperature of the first load 21 .
  • the temperature of the first load 21 can be used to suppress overheating of the first load 21 or the aerosol source 22 and to highly control an amount of the aerosol source 22 that is atomized by the first load 21 .
  • the voltage sensor 52 is configured to measure and output a voltage value that is applied to the second load 31 .
  • the current sensor 53 is configured to measure and output a current value that flows through the second load 31 .
  • the output of the voltage sensor 52 and the output of the current sensor 53 are each input to the MCU 50 .
  • the processor of the MCU 50 is configured to acquire a resistance value of the second load 31 , based on the output of the voltage sensor 52 and the output of the current sensor 53 , and to acquire a temperature of the second load 31 corresponding to the resistance value.
  • the temperature of the second load 31 is not strictly matched with the temperature of the flavor source 33 that is heated by the second load 31 but can be regarded as being substantially the same as the temperature of the flavor source 33 .
  • the current sensor 53 is not required in the temperature detection device T 1 .
  • the voltage sensor 52 is not required in the temperature detection device T 1 .
  • the first cartridge 20 may be provided with a temperature detection device T 3 for detecting a temperature of the second cartridge 30 or the second load 31 .
  • the temperature detection device T 3 is constituted, for example, by a thermistor disposed near the second cartridge 30 or the second load 31 .
  • the processor of the MCU 50 is configured to acquire the temperature of the second load 31 or the temperature of the second cartridge 30 , in other words, the temperature of the flavor source 33 , based on an output of the temperature detection device T 3 .
  • the temperature of the flavor source 33 is acquired using the temperature detection device T 3 , so that it is possible to acquire the temperature of the flavor source 33 more precisely, as compared to the configuration where the temperature of the flavor source 33 is acquired using the temperature detection device T 1 of FIG. 5 .
  • the temperature detection device T 3 may also be mounted to the second cartridge 30 . According to the configuration of FIG. 6 where the temperature detection device T 3 is mounted to the first cartridge 20 , it is possible to reduce the manufacturing cost of the second cartridge 30 that is most frequently replaced in the aerosol generation device 1 .
  • the temperature detection device T 1 when acquiring the temperature of the flavor source 33 by using the temperature detection device T 1 , the temperature detection device T 1 may be provided to the power supply unit 10 that is least frequently replaced in the aerosol generation device 1 . Therefore, it is possible to reduce the manufacturing costs of the first cartridge 20 and the second cartridge 30 .
  • the voltage sensor 54 is configured to measure and output a voltage value that is applied to the first load 21 .
  • the current sensor 55 is configured to measure and output a current value that flows through the first load 21 .
  • the output of the voltage sensor 54 and the output of the current sensor 55 are each input to the MCU 50 .
  • the processor of the MCU 50 is configured to acquire a resistance value of the first load 21 , based on the output of the voltage sensor 54 and the output of the current sensor 55 , and to acquire a temperature of the first load 21 corresponding to the resistance value. Note that, in a configuration where constant current is caused to flow through the first load 21 when acquiring the resistance value of the first load 21 , the current sensor 55 is not required in the temperature detection device T 2 . Likewise, in a configuration where a constant voltage is applied to the first load 21 when acquiring the resistance value of the first load 21 , the voltage sensor 54 is not required in the temperature detection device T 2 .
  • the MCU 50 has a temperature detection unit, an electric power control unit and a notification control unit, as functional blocks that are implemented as the processor executes programs stored in the ROM.
  • the temperature detection unit is configured to acquire a temperature of the flavor source 33 , based on an output of the temperature detection device T 1 (or the temperature detection device T 3 ).
  • the temperature detection unit is also configured to acquire a temperature of the first load 21 , based on an output of the temperature detection device T 2 .
  • the notification control unit is configured to control the first notification unit 45 and the second notification unit 46 to notify a variety of information.
  • the notification control unit is configured to control at least one of the first notification unit 45 and the second notification unit 46 to issue a notification for urging replacement of the second cartridge 30 , according to detection of a replacement timing of the second cartridge 30 .
  • the notification control unit may also be configured to issue a notification for urging replacement of the first cartridge 20 , a notification for urging replacement of the power supply 12 , a notification for urging charging of the power supply 12 , and the like, without being limited to the notification for urging replacement of the second cartridge 30 .
  • the electric power control unit is configured to control discharge (discharge necessary for heating of a load) from the power supply 12 to at least the first load 21 of the first load 21 and the second load 31 , according to a signal indicative of a request for aerosol generation output from the inlet air sensor 15 .
  • the electric power control unit is configured to perform at least first discharge of first discharge from the power supply 12 to the first load 21 for atomizing the aerosol source 22 and second discharge from the power supply 12 to the second load 31 for heating the flavor source 33 .
  • the flavor source 33 can be heated by the discharge to the second load 31 . It is experimentally known that it is effective to increase an amount of aerosol generated from the aerosol source 22 and to raise a temperature of the flavor source 33 so as to increase an amount of the flavor component to be added to aerosol.
  • the electric power control unit is configured to control the discharge for heating from the power supply 12 to the first load 21 and the second load 31 so that a unit amount of flavor (an amount W flavor of the flavor component, which will be described later), which is an amount of the flavor component to be added to aerosol generated in response to each request for aerosol generation, is to converge to a target amount, based on information about the temperature of the flavor source 33 .
  • the target amount is a value that is determined as appropriate. However, for example, a target range of the unit amount of flavor may be determined as appropriate, and an intermediate value of the target range may be determined as the target amount.
  • the unit amount of flavor (amount W flavor of the flavor component) can be converged to the target amount, so that the unit amount of flavor can also be converged to the target range having a width to some extent.
  • a weight may be used as units of the unit amount of flavor and the amount W flavor of the flavor component, and the target amount.
  • the electric power control unit is configured to control the discharge for heating from the power supply 12 to the second load 31 so that the temperature of the flavor source 33 is to converge to a target temperature (a target temperature T cap_target , which will be described later), based on an output of the temperature detection device T 1 (or the temperature detection device T 3 ) configured to output information about the temperature of the flavor source 33 .
  • a weight[mg] of aerosol that are generated in the first cartridge 20 by one inhalation operation by a user is denoted as the aerosol weight W aerosol .
  • the electric power that should be supplied to the first load 21 so as to generate the aerosol is denoted as the atomizing electric power P liquid .
  • the aerosol weight W aerosol is proportional to the atomizing electric power P liquid , and a supply time t sense of the atomizing electric power P liquid to the first load 21 (in other words, an energization time to the first load 21 or a time for which puff is performed). For this reason, the aerosol weight W aerosol can be modeled by a following equation (1).
  • ⁇ is a coefficient that is experimentally obtained.
  • the upper limit value of the supply time t sense is the above-described upper limit time t upper .
  • the equation (1) may be replaced with an equation (1A).
  • an intercept b having a positive value is introduced into the equation (1).
  • the intercept is a term that can be arbitrarily introduced, considering a fact that a part of the atomizing electric power P liquid is used for temperature rising of the aerosol source 22 that occurs before atomization of the aerosol source 22 .
  • the intercept b can also be experimentally obtained.
  • a weight[mg] of the flavor component included in the flavor source 33 in a state where inhalation is performed n puff times (n puff : natural number greater than 0) is denoted as the remaining amount W capsule (n puff ) of the flavor component.
  • the information about the temperature of the flavor source 33 is denoted as the capsule temperature parameter T capsule .
  • a weight[mg] of the flavor component that is added to aerosol passing through the flavor source 33 by one inhalation operation by a user is denoted as the amount W flavor of the flavor component.
  • the information about the temperature of the flavor source 33 indicates, for example, a temperature of the flavor source 33 or the second load 31 that is acquired based on the output of the temperature detection device T 1 (or the temperature detection device T 3 ).
  • the remaining amount W capsule (n puff ) of the flavor component may be simply denoted as the remaining amount of the flavor component, in some cases.
  • the amount W flavor of the flavor component depends on the remaining amount W capsule (n puff ) of the flavor component, the capsule temperature parameter T capsule and the aerosol weight W aerosol . Therefore, the amount W flavor of the flavor component can be modeled by a following equation (2).
  • the remaining amount W capsule (n puff ) of the flavor component is reduced by the amount W flavor of the flavor component each time inhalation is performed. For this reason, the remaining amount W capsule (n puff ) of the flavor component when n puff is set to 1 or greater, specifically, the remaining amount of the flavor component after inhalation is performed one or more times can be modeled by a following equation (3).
  • ⁇ is a coefficient indicating a ratio of how much of the flavor component included in the flavor source 33 is added to aerosol in one inhalation, and is experimentally obtained.
  • ⁇ in the equation (2) and ⁇ in the equation (3) are coefficients that are each experimentally obtained.
  • the capsule temperature parameter T capsule and the remaining amount W capsule (n puff ) of the flavor component may each vary.
  • ⁇ and ⁇ are introduced so as to treat the corresponding parameters as constant values.
  • FIGS. 7 and 8 are flowcharts for describing operations of the aerosol generation device 1 shown in FIG. 1 .
  • the MCU 50 determines whether aerosol have been generated (whether inhalation by the user has been performed even once) after the power supply ON or replacement of the second cartridge 30 (step S 1 ).
  • the MCU 50 has a built-in puff-number counter configured to count up n puff from an initial value (for example, 0) each time inhalation (request for aerosol generation) is performed.
  • a count value of the puff-number counter is stored in the memory 50 a .
  • the MCU 50 refers to the count value to determine whether it is a state after inhalation has been performed even once. Note that, when extremely short (for example, shorter than 0.1 second) inhalation or extremely weak (for example, 10 mL/second) inhalation is detected, the puff-number counter may not count up n puff . In other words, the puff-number counter is not counted up until sufficient inhalation is performed, and a count value at the time when the last sufficient inhalation is performed is continuously kept.
  • the MCU 50 acquires, as the capsule temperature parameter T capsule , the temperature of the flavor source 33 acquired based on the output of the temperature detection device T 1 (or the temperature detection device T 3 ), sets the acquired temperature of the flavor source 33 as the target temperature T cap_target of the flavor source 33 , and stores the same in the memory 50 a (step S 2 ).
  • step S 2 in the state where the determination in step S 1 is NO, there is a high possibility that the temperature of the flavor source 33 is close to the outside air temperature or the temperature of the power supply unit 10 .
  • the outside air temperature or the temperature of the power supply unit 10 may be acquired as the capsule temperature parameter T capsule , and may be set as the target temperature T cap_target .
  • the outside air temperature is preferably acquired from a temperature sensor embedded in the inlet air sensor 15 , for example.
  • the temperature of the power supply unit 10 is preferably acquired from a temperature sensor embedded in the MCU 50 so as to manage an inside temperature of the MCU 50 , for example.
  • both the temperature sensor embedded in the inlet air sensor 15 and the temperature sensor embedded in the MCU 50 function as elements configured to output the information about the temperature of the flavor source 33 .
  • step S 1 the MCU 50 acquires the target temperature T cap_target used for previous generation of aerosol and stored in the memory 50 a , as the capsule temperature parameter T capsule , and sets the same as the target temperature T cap_target , as it is (step S 3 ).
  • the memory 50 a functions as a device configured to output the information about the temperature of the flavor source 33 .
  • the MCU 50 may acquire, as the capsule temperature parameter T capsule , the temperature of the flavor source 33 acquired based on the output of the temperature detection device T 1 (or the temperature detection device T 3 ), and set the acquired temperature of the flavor source 33 as the target temperature T cap_target of the flavor source 33 . In this way, the capsule temperature parameter T capsule can be acquired more accurately.
  • the MCU 50 determines the aerosol weight W aerosol necessary to achieve the target amount W flavor of the flavor component by an equation (4), based on the set target temperature T cap_target , and the remaining amount W capsule (n puff ) of the flavor component of the flavor source 33 at the present moment (step S 4 ).
  • the equation (4) is a modification of the equation (2), in which T capsule is changed to T cap_target .
  • the MCU 50 determines the atomizing electric power Num necessary to realize the aerosol weight W aerosol determined in step S 4 by the equation (1) where t sense is set as the upper limit time t upper (step S 5 ).
  • a table where a combination of the target temperature T cap_target and the remaining amount W capsule (n puff ) of the flavor component and the atomizing electric power P liquid are associated with each other may be stored in the memory 50 a of the MCU 50 , and the MCU 50 may determine the atomizing electric power P liquid by using the table. Thereby, the atomizing electric power P liquid can be determined at high speed and low power consumption.
  • the deficiency in the amount W flavor of the flavor component is supplemented by an increase in the aerosol weight W aerosol (an increase in the atomizing electric power).
  • an increase in the atomizing electric power it is necessary to make the atomizing electric power determined in step S 5 lower than an upper limit value P upper of electric power that can be supplied to the first load 21 determined by the hardware configuration.
  • step S 5 the MCU 50 sets an electric power threshold value P max lower than the upper limit value P upper (step S 6 a ).
  • step S 6 : NO the MCU 50 increases the target temperature T cap_target of the flavor source 33 (step S 7 ), and returns the processing to step S 4 .
  • the aerosol weight W aerosol necessary to achieve the target amount W flavor of the flavor component can be reduced by increasing the target temperature T cap_target .
  • the atomizing electric power P liquid that is determined in step S 5 can be reduced.
  • the MCU 50 can set the determination in step S 6 , which was originally determined NO, to YES and shift the processing to step S 8 by repeating steps S 4 to S 7 .
  • the electric power threshold value P max is not a single fixed value, and any one of multiple values is set.
  • the atomizing electric power that is determined in step S 5 is determined on the premise that the aerosol source 22 (remaining amount W reservoir in the reservoir) is sufficiently large.
  • the aerosol source 22 residual amount W reservoir in the reservoir
  • an amount of the aerosol source 22 that is supplied to the wick 24 is smaller and it takes more time for the wick 24 to retain a sufficient amount of the aerosol source 22 , so that the desired aerosol weight may not be realized.
  • the necessary aerosol weight may not be realized. Therefore, it is preferably to reduce the necessary aerosol weight by increasing the target temperature of the flavor source 33 as much as that.
  • step S 6 a the MCU 50 acquires the remaining amount W reservoir in the reservoir, and sets the electric power threshold value P max , based on the remaining amount W reservoir in the reservoir. Specifically, the MCU 50 sets the electric power threshold value P max to a large value so that the larger the remaining amount W reservoir in the reservoir is, the greater the aerosol weight is. In other words, when the remaining amount W reservoir in the reservoir is a first remaining amount, the MCU 50 sets the electric power threshold value P max to a smaller value than when the remaining amount W reservoir in the reservoir is a second remaining amount different from the first remaining amount (for example, a remaining amount larger than the first remaining amount). In this way, the atomizing electric power that is supplied to the first load 21 can be adjusted based on the remaining amount W reservoir in the reservoir. Therefore, it is possible to realize the target amount of the flavor component, irrespective of the remaining amount W reservoir in the reservoir.
  • the upper limit value P upper is described.
  • the current flowing through the first load 21 and the voltage of the power supply 12 are each denoted as I and V LIB
  • an upper limit value of a boost rate of the DC/DC converter 51 is denoted as ⁇ upper
  • an upper limit value of an output voltage of the DC/DC converter 51 is denoted as P DC/DC_upper
  • the upper limit value P upper can be expressed by a following equation (5).
  • the DC/DC converter 51 is not necessarily required, and may be omitted.
  • the upper limit value P upper can be expressed by a following equation (6).
  • step S 6 When the atomizing electric power P liquid determined in step S 5 is equal to or less than the electric power threshold value P max (step S 6 : YES), the MCU 50 acquires the temperature T cap_sense of the flavor source 33 at the present moment, based on the output of the temperature detection device T 1 (or the temperature detection device T 3 ) (step S 8 ).
  • the MCU 50 controls the discharge to the second load 31 for heating of the second load 31 , based on the temperature T cap_sense and the target temperature T cap_target (step S 9 ). Specifically, the MCU 50 supplies electric power to the second load 31 by PID (Proportional-Integral-Differential) control or ON/OFF control so that the temperature T cap_sense is to converge to the target temperature T cap_target .
  • PID Proportional-Integral-Differential
  • the PID control a difference between the temperature T cap_sense and the target temperature T cap_target is fed back and electric power control is performed based on a result of the feedback so that the temperature T cap_sense is to converge to the target temperature T cap_target .
  • the temperature T cap_sense can be converged to the target temperature T cap_target with high accuracy.
  • the MCU 50 may also use P (Proportional) control or PI (Proportional-Integral) control, instead of the PID control.
  • the ON/OFF control in a state where the temperature T cap_sense is lower than the target temperature T cap_target , electric power is supplied to the second load 31 , and in a state where the temperature T cap_sense is equal to or higher than the target temperature T cap_target , the supply of electric power to the second load 31 is stopped until the temperature T cap_sense falls below the target temperature T cap_target .
  • the temperature of the flavor source 33 can be raised more rapidly than the PID control. For this reason, it is possible to increase a possibility that the temperature T cap_sense will reach the target temperature T cap_target , before the request for aerosol generation is detected.
  • the target temperature T cap_target may have a hysteresis.
  • step S 10 the MCU 50 determines whether there is a request for aerosol generation.
  • step S 10 determines a length of a time (hereinafter, referred to as the non-operation time) during which the request for aerosol generation is not performed, in step S 11 .
  • the non-operation time has reached a predetermined time (step S 11 : YES)
  • step S 12 the MCU 50 ends the discharge to the second load 31 (step S 12 ), and shifts to a sleep mode in which the power consumption is reduced (step S 13 ).
  • step S 11 YES
  • the MCU 50 shifts the processing to step S 8 .
  • step S 10 When a request for aerosol generation is detected (step S 10 : YES), the MCU 50 ends the discharge to the second load 31 , and acquires a temperature T cap_sense of the flavor source 33 at that time, based on the output of the temperature detection device T 1 (or the temperature detection device T 3 ) (step S 14 ). Then, the MCU 50 determines whether the temperature T cap_sense acquired in step S 14 is equal to or higher than the target temperature T cap_target (step S 15 ).
  • the MCU 50 increases the atomizing electric power P liquid determined in step S 5 so as to supplement a decrease in the amount of the flavor component due to the insufficient temperature of the flavor source 33 .
  • the MCU 50 first determines an amount of increase ⁇ P of the atomizing electric power, based on the remaining amount W reservoir in the reservoir (step S 19 a ), and supplies, to the first load 21 , atomizing electric power P liquid ′ obtained by adding the amount of increase ⁇ P to the atomizing electric power P liquid determined in step S 5 , thereby starting heating of the first load 21 (step S 19 ).
  • the amount of increase ⁇ P is a variable value corresponding to the remaining amount W reservoir in the reservoir but may also be a single fixed value.
  • FIGS. 9 and 10 are schematic views showing examples of a combination of the electric power threshold value P max and the amount of increase ⁇ P.
  • the amount of increase ⁇ P is a constant value P 1 , irrespective of the remaining amount W reservoir in the reservoir.
  • the electric power threshold value P max is a constant value P 2 when the remaining amount W reservoir in the reservoir is equal to or greater than a threshold value TH 1 , and is a value smaller than the value P 2 when the remaining amount W reservoir in the reservoir is equal to or greater than a threshold value TH 2 and smaller than the threshold value TH 1 .
  • a sum of the electric power threshold value P max and the amount of increase ⁇ P corresponding to each remaining amount W reservoir in the reservoir is equal to or smaller than the upper limit value P upper .
  • a summed value of the value P 1 and the value P 2 is the same as the upper limit value P upper . Note that, when the remaining amount W reservoir in the reservoir is equal to or greater than the threshold value TH 2 and smaller than the threshold value TH 1 , the change in the electric power threshold value P max may be curved other than linear. Note that, the summed value of the value P 1 and the value P 2 may be smaller than the upper limit value P upper .
  • the amount of increase ⁇ P is a constant value P 1
  • the amount of increase ⁇ P is a value smaller than the value P 1 .
  • the electric power threshold value P max is a constant value P 2
  • the electric power threshold value P max is a value smaller than the value P 2 .
  • the sum of the electric power threshold value P max and the amount of increase ⁇ P corresponding to each remaining amount W reservoir in the reservoir is equal to or smaller than the upper limit value P upper .
  • the summed value of the value P 1 and the value P 2 is the same as the upper limit value P upper .
  • the threshold value TH 2 shown in FIGS. 9 and 10 is a value smaller than the threshold value TH 1 , and is used to perform a determination to suppress the discharge for heating to the first load 21 .
  • the description “suppress the discharge for heating to the first load 21 ” means prohibiting the discharge to the first load 21 or setting electric power that can be electrically discharged to the first load 21 to be lower than a minimum value of electric power that is supplied to the first load 21 for heating of the first load 21 according to a request for aerosol generation.
  • the MCU 50 When the remaining amount W reservoir in the reservoir acquired in step S 6 a is smaller than the threshold value TH 2 , for example, the MCU 50 performs control of prohibiting the discharge from the power supply 12 to the first load 21 , in other words, control of further suppressing the discharge from the power supply 12 to the first load 21 than when the remaining amount W reservoir in the reservoir is equal to or greater than the threshold value TH 2 , and further performs control of issuing a replacement notification of the first cartridge 20 .
  • the MCU 50 may perform control of prohibiting the discharge from the power supply 12 to the first load 21 , and further perform control of issuing a replacement notification of the first cartridge 20 .
  • the MCU 50 resets the remaining amount W reservoir in the reservoir stored in the memory 50 a to 100%.
  • step S 15 when the temperature T cap_sense is equal to or higher than the target temperature T cap_target (step S 15 : YES), the MCU 50 supplies the atomizing electric power P liquid determined in step S 5 to the first load 21 to start heating of the first load 21 , thereby generating aerosol (step S 17 ).
  • step S 18 After starting heating of the first load 21 in step S 19 or step S 17 , when the request for aerosol generation is not over (step S 18 : NO) and the duration of the request for aerosol generation is less than the upper limit time t upper (step S 18 a : YES), the MCU 50 continues to heat the first load 21 . When the duration of the request for aerosol generation reaches the upper limit time t upper (step S 18 a : NO) or when the request for aerosol generation is over (step S 18 : YES), the MCU 50 stops the supply of electric power to the first load 21 (step S 21 ).
  • the MCU 50 may control the heating of the first load 21 in step S 17 or step S 19 , based on the output of the temperature detection device T 2 .
  • the MCU 50 executes the PID control or the ON/OFF control, in which the boiling point of the aerosol source 22 is set as the target temperature, based on the output of the temperature detection device T 2 , it is possible to suppress overheating of the first load 21 and the aerosol source 22 , and to accurately control the amount of the aerosol source 22 that is atomized by the first load 21 .
  • FIG. 11 is a schematic view showing the atomizing electric power that is supplied to the first load 21 in step S 17 of FIG. 8 .
  • FIG. 12 is a schematic view showing the atomizing electric power that is supplied to the first load 21 in step S 19 of FIG. 8 .
  • the atomizing electric power P liquid is increased, which is then supplied to the first load 21 .
  • step S 19 the processing of step S 19 is performed, so that the amount of aerosol to be generated can be increased.
  • the decrease in the amount of the flavor component to be added to aerosol which is caused due to the temperature of the flavor source 33 being lower than the target temperature, can be supplemented by the increase in the amount of aerosol. Therefore, the amount of the flavor component to be added to aerosol can be converged to the target amount.
  • the amount of increase ⁇ P of the atomizing electric power to be increased in step S 19 is a value based on the remaining amount W reservoir in the reservoir.
  • step S 19 Even when the atomizing electric power is increased in step S 19 , the smaller the remaining amount W reservoir in the reservoir is, the amount of increase ⁇ P is set to be smaller, so that an appropriate amount of aerosol corresponding to the remaining amount W reservoir in the reservoir can be generated. As a result, it is possible to suppress aerosol having unintended flavor and taste from being generated, which is caused when electric power more than necessity is supplied to the remaining amount W reservoir in the reservoir.
  • step S 21 the MCU 50 acquires a supply time t sense of the atomizing electric power supplied to the first load 21 in step S 17 or step S 19 to the first load 21 (step S 22 ). Note that, it should be noted that when the MCU 50 detects the request for aerosol generation beyond the upper limit time t upper , the supply time t sense is the same as the upper limit time t upper . Further, the MCU 50 increases the puff-number counter by “1” (step S 23 ).
  • the MCU 50 updates the remaining amount W capsule (n puff ) of the flavor component of the flavor source 33 , based on the supply time t sense acquired in step S 22 , the atomizing electric power supplied to the first load 21 according to the received request for aerosol generation, and the target temperature T cap_target at the time of detection of the request for aerosol generation (step S 24 ).
  • the amount W flavor of the flavor component that is added to aerosol generated from start to end of the request for aerosol generation can be obtained by a following equation (7).
  • (t end -t start ) in the equation (7) indicates the supply time t sense .
  • the remaining amount W capsule (n puff ) of the flavor component in the equation (7) is a value at a point of time immediately before the request for aerosol generation is performed.
  • W flavor ⁇ W capsule ( n puff ) ⁇ T cap_target ⁇ P liquid ⁇ ( t end ⁇ t start ) (7)
  • the amount W flavor of the flavor component that is added to aerosol generated from start to end of the request for aerosol generation can be obtained by a following equation (7A).
  • (t end ⁇ t start ) in the equation (7A) indicates the supply time t sense .
  • the remaining amount W capsule (n puff ) of the flavor component in the equation (7A) is a value at a point of time immediately before the request for aerosol generation is performed.
  • W flavor ⁇ W capsule ( n puff ) ⁇ T cap_target ⁇ P liquid ′ ⁇ ( t end ⁇ t start ) (7A)
  • W flavor for each request for aerosol generation obtained in this way is stored in the memory 50 a , and values of the past amounts W flavor of the flavor component including the amount W flavor of the flavor component at the time of current aerosol generation and the amount W flavor of the flavor component at the time of aerosol generation before the previous time are substituted into the equation (3) (specifically, a value obtained by multiplying the coefficient ⁇ by an integral value of the values of the past amounts W flavor of the flavor component is subtracted from W initial ), so that the remaining amount W capsule (n puff ) of the flavor component after generation of aerosol can be derived with high accuracy and updated.
  • the MCU 50 updates the remaining amount W reservoir in the reservoir stored in the memory 50 a (step S 24 a ).
  • the remaining amount W reservoir in the reservoir can be derived based on a cumulative value of the supply time t sense of the atomizing electric power to the first load 21 after the first cartridge 20 is replaced with a brand-new cartridge. A relationship between the cumulative value and the remaining amount W reservoir in the reservoir may be experimentally obtained.
  • the remaining amount W reservoir in the reservoir may be derived based on a cumulative value of products of the supply time t sense of the atomizing electric power to the first load 21 after the first cartridge 20 is replaced with a brand-new cartridge and the electric power (the atomizing electric power P liquid , the atomizing electric power P liquid ′) electrically discharged to the first load 21 .
  • a relationship between the cumulative value and the remaining amount W reservoir in the reservoir may also be experimentally obtained.
  • the MCU 50 may derive the remaining amount W reservoir in the reservoir, based on the remaining amount W capsule (n puff ) of the flavor component of the second cartridge 30 updated in step S 24 .
  • the five second cartridges 30 can be used for one first cartridge 20 .
  • data indicating a relationship between the change in the remaining amount W reservoir in the reservoir at the time when one second cartridge 30 is used and the change in the remaining amount W capsule (n puff ) of the flavor component of the second cartridge 30 is experimentally obtained.
  • the remaining amount W reservoir in the reservoir of the brand-new first cartridge 20 is equally divided for the five second cartridges 30 , and a table shown in FIG.
  • step S 24 a the MCU 50 reads out, from the table, the remaining amount W reservoir in the reservoir corresponding to the current number of the used second cartridges 30 and remaining amount W capsule (n puff ) of the flavor component, based on the cumulative number of the used second cartridges 30 after the first cartridge 20 is replaced with a brand-new cartridge, the remaining amount W capsule (n puff ) of the flavor component acquired in step S 24 , and the table shown in FIG. 13 , and stores the read remaining amount W reservoir in the reservoir in the memory 50 a , as the latest information.
  • the MCU 50 determines whether the updated remaining amount W capsule (n puff ) of the flavor component is smaller than the threshold value of the remaining amount (step S 25 ).
  • the MCU 50 shifts the processing to step S 28 .
  • the MCU 50 causes at least one of the first notification unit 45 and the second notification unit 46 to issue a notification for urging replacement of the second cartridge 30 (step S 26 ).
  • the initialization of the target temperature T cap_target means excluding, from the setting values, the target temperature T cap_target at that time stored in the memory 50 a .
  • the initialization of the target temperature T cap_target means setting the target temperature T cap_target at that time stored in the memory 50 a to a room temperature.
  • step S 27 when the power supply is not turned off (step S 28 : NO), the MCU 50 returns the processing to step S 1 , and when the power supply is turned off (step S 28 : YES), the MCU 50 ends the processing.
  • the discharge from the power supply 12 to the first load 21 and the second load 31 is controlled so that the amount of the flavor component included in aerosol each time the user inhales the aerosol is to converge to the target amount. For this reason, the amount of the flavor component that is provided for the user can be stabilized every inhalation, so that the commercial value of the aerosol generation device 1 can be increased.
  • the amount of the flavor component that is provided for the user can be stabilized every inhalation, so that the commercial value of the aerosol generation device 1 can be further increased.
  • the aerosol generation device 1 when the atomizing electric power determined in step S 5 exceeds the electric power threshold value P max , and hence, generation of aerosol necessary to achieve the target amount of the flavor component cannot be performed, the control of electric discharging from the power supply 12 to the second load 31 is performed. In this way, since the discharge to the second load 31 is performed as necessary, the amount of the flavor component that is provided for the user can be stabilized every inhalation, and the amount of electric power for achieving the same can be reduced.
  • the remaining amount of the flavor component is updated in step S 24 , based on the discharge time (t sense ) to the first load 21 corresponding to the request for aerosol generation, T cap_target at the time of receiving the request for aerosol generation, and the electric power (the atomizing electric power P liquid , the atomizing electric power P liquid ′) electrically discharged to the first load according to the request for aerosol generation or an amount of the electric power (electric power ⁇ t sense ), and the electric power that is electrically discharged to the first load 21 is determined based on the remaining amount of the flavor component, in step S 4 and step S 5 .
  • the discharge to the first load 21 can be controlled.
  • the discharge to the first load 21 is controlled after appropriately considering the state of the aerosol generation device 1 , so that the amount of the flavor component can be stabilized with high accuracy every inhalation and the commercial value of the aerosol generation device 1 can be thus increased.
  • the flavor source 33 is heated before the request for aerosol generation is detected. For this reason, the flavor source 33 can be warmed before the generation of aerosol, so that it is possible to shorten a necessary time after the request for aerosol generation is received until aerosol to which a desired amount of the flavor component is added are generated.
  • the aerosol generation device 1 after the request for aerosol generation is received, the discharge to the second load 31 is stopped. For this reason, it is not necessary to perform the discharge to the first load 21 and the second load 31 at the same time, so that it is possible to suppress deficiency in electric power that is electrically discharged to the second load 31 . In addition to this, the large current is suppressed from being electrically discharged from the power supply 12 . Therefore, the deterioration in the power supply 12 can be suppressed.
  • the aerosol generation device 1 after aerosol is generated, the discharge to the second load 31 is resumed, so that even when aerosol is continuously generated, the flavor source 33 can be kept warmed. For this reason, it is possible to provide the user with the stable amount of the flavor component over a plurality of continuous inhalations.
  • the aerosol generation device 1 since the electric power threshold value P max is changed based on the remaining amount W reservoir in the reservoir, the atomizing electric power is controlled based on the remaining amount W reservoir in the reservoir.
  • the aerosol generation device 1 when the temperature of the flavor source 33 is lower than the target temperature, the electric power that is supplied to the first load 21 is controlled according to the remaining amount W reservoir in the reservoir. For this reason, it is possible to provide the user with aerosol having appropriate flavor and taste, which can improve the commercial value.
  • the electric power threshold value P max is determined based on the remaining amount W reservoir in the reservoir, the electric power that is electrically discharged from the power supply 12 to the second load 31 is controlled based on the remaining amount W reservoir in the reservoir. For this reason, it is possible to supply the appropriate electric power based on the remaining amount of the aerosol source 22 to the second load 31 . Therefore, it is possible to provide the user with aerosol having appropriate flavor and taste, which can improve the commercial value.
  • step S 24 the remaining amount of the flavor component is updated based on the discharge time (t sense ) to the first load 21 according to the request for aerosol generation, and the remaining amount W reservoir in the reservoir can be derived based on the remaining amount of the flavor component.
  • the remaining amount W reservoir in the reservoir can be derived based on the remaining amount of the flavor component.
  • the MCU 50 may set the electric power threshold value P max , which is used for determination in step S 6 a , to a single fixed value, and set the amount of increase ⁇ P, which is used in step S 19 a , to a variable value based on the remaining amount W reservoir in the reservoir.
  • FIG. 14 is a schematic view showing another example of the electric power threshold value P max and the amount of increase ⁇ P.
  • the amount of increase ⁇ P is a constant value P 1
  • the amount of increase ⁇ P is a value smaller than the value P 1 .
  • the electric power threshold value P max is a constant value P 2 .
  • the sum of the electric power threshold value P max and the amount of increase ⁇ P corresponding to each remaining amount W reservoir in the reservoir is equal to or smaller than the upper limit value P upper .
  • the summed value of the value P 1 and the value P 2 is the same as the upper limit value P upper . Note that, the summed value of the value P 1 and the value P 2 may be smaller than the upper limit value P upper .
  • the electric power that is supplied to the first load 21 is controlled according to the remaining amount W reservoir in the reservoir. For this reason, it is possible to provide the user with aerosol having appropriate flavor and taste, which can improve the commercial value.
  • the remaining amount W reservoir in the reservoir is used as the parameter that is used to determine each of the electric power threshold value P max and the amount of increase ⁇ P.
  • a remaining amount W wick in the wick which is an amount of the aerosol source retained in the wick 24 , may be used. Aerosol that are generated by the aerosol generation device 1 are generated as the aerosol source 22 retained in the wick 24 is atomized. For this reason, it is possible to control the electric power that is supplied to the first load 21 with higher accuracy when the remaining amount W wick in the wick is used than when the remaining amount W reservoir in the reservoir is used, as the parameter.
  • the remaining amount W wick in the wick can be derived based on the remaining amount W reservoir in the reservoir. Specifically, the remaining amount W wick in the wick can be expressed by a function whose variables are the remaining amount W wick in the wick at the end of aerosol inhalation performed immediately before deriving the remaining amount W wick in the wick, elapsed time from the end to the derivation, and the remaining amount W reservoir in the reservoir at the end of aerosol inhalation.
  • the remaining amount W wick in the wick before i th inhalation is performed is described as the remaining amount W wick (i) in the wick.
  • the time at which the supply of electric power to the first load 21 at the time of i th inhalation is stopped is described as t end (i).
  • the time at which the supply of electric power to the first load 21 at the time of i th inhalation is started is described as t start (i).
  • the time at which the remaining amount W wick (i) in the wick is derived is described as t.
  • the electric power supplied to the first load 21 at the time of i th inhalation is described as P(i).
  • the remaining amount W wick (n puff ) in the wick at time t before n puff th inhalation is performed can be expressed by a function f 2 expressed by a following equation (10).
  • the function f 2 is a function whose variables are a function f 1 indicating a remaining amount in the wick at the end of(n puff ⁇ 1) th inhalation, elapsed time (t ⁇ t end (n puff ⁇ 1)) from the end of(n puff ⁇ 1) th inhalation to time t, and a remaining amount W reservoir (n puff ) in the reservoir at time t end (n puff ⁇ 1).
  • the function f 1 is a function whose variables are w wick (n puff ⁇ 1), time from t start (n puff ⁇ 1) to t end (n puff ⁇ 1), and P(n puff ⁇ 1).
  • the function f 1 and the function f 2 can be obtained by multiple tests, deep learning, or the like.
  • FIGS. 15 and 16 are flowcharts for describing operations of the aerosol generation device 1 according to a second modified embodiment.
  • the flowcharts shown in FIGS. 15 and 16 are the same as the flowcharts shown in FIGS. 7 and 8 , except that step S 6 a is changed to step S 6 b and step S 6 c and step 519 a is changed to step S 19 b and step 19 c.
  • step S 5 of FIG. 15 the MCU 50 acquires the remaining amount W reservoir in the reservoir, and derives the remaining amount W wick in the wick based on the remaining amount W reservoir in the reservoir (step S 6 b ). Then, the MCU 50 sets the electric power threshold value P max , based on the derived the remaining amount W wick in the wick (step S 6 c ). As the electric power threshold value P max , for example, one in a graph where the remaining amount in the reservoir in the graph shown in FIG. 9 or 10 is replaced with the remaining amount in the wick can be used. After step S 6 c , processing of step S 6 is performed.
  • step S 15 in FIG. 15 When a determination of step S 15 in FIG. 15 is NO, the MCU 50 again acquires the remaining amount W reservoir in the reservoir, and again derives the remaining amount W wick in the wick based on the remaining amount W reservoir in the reservoir (step S 19 b ). Then, the MCU 50 sets the amount of increase ⁇ P, based on the derived the remaining amount W wick in the wick (step S 19 c ). As the amount of increase ⁇ P, one in a graph where the remaining amount in the reservoir in the graph shown in FIG. 10 or 14 is replaced with the remaining amount in the wick can be used. After step S 19 b, processing of step S 19 is performed.
  • the electric power that is supplied to the first load 21 is controlled based on the remaining amount W wick in the wick, so that it is possible to supply the more appropriate electric power to the first load 21 , as compared to the configuration where the electric power that is supplied to the first load 21 is controlled based on the remaining amount W reservoir in the reservoir.
  • the remaining amount W wick in the wick can change by the deriving timing (time t).
  • the remaining amount W wick in the wick derived in step S 6 b may be increased over time by the aerosol source 22 supplied from the reservoir 23 . Therefore, when the request for aerosol generation is performed, it is effective to again derive the remaining amount W wick in the wick in step S 19 b immediately before performing the discharge from the power supply 12 to the first load 21 . Thereby, it is possible to supply the more appropriate electric power to the first load 21 .
  • the remaining amount of the flavor component is derived, and the atomizing electric power P liquid and the target temperature T cap_target necessary to achieve the target amount W flavor of the flavor component are determined based on the remaining amount of the flavor component before the request for aerosol generation is performed.
  • the atomizing electric power P liquid that is determined before the request for aerosol generation is performed is set to a constant value, and the target temperature T cap_target is variably controlled based on the remaining amount of the flavor source 33 (specifically, the smaller the remaining amount is, the target temperature is raised), thereby achieving the target amount W flavor of the flavor component.
  • the deficiency in the amount W flavor of the flavor component is supplemented by the increase in the aerosol weight W aerosol (increase in the atomizing electric power).
  • the atomizing electric power P liquid that is determined before detecting the request for aerosol generation is set lower than the upper limit value P upper .
  • the MCU 50 does not derive the remaining amount of the flavor component, and variably controls the target temperature T cap_target by using another parameter equivalent to the remaining amount of the flavor component.
  • the remaining amount of the flavor component is reduced each time inhalation is performed. For this reason, the remaining amount of the flavor component is inversely proportional to the number of inhalation times, which is the number of times that inhalation is performed (in other words, the number of cumulative times of the discharge operation to the first load 21 for aerosol generation according to the request for aerosol generation). Further, the remaining amount of the flavor component is more reduced as the time during which the discharge to the first load 21 for aerosol generation is performed according to inhalation is longer. For this reason, the remaining amount of the flavor component is also inversely proportional to a cumulative value of time (hereinbelow, referred to as the cumulative discharge time) during which the discharge to the first load 21 for aerosol generation is performed according to inhalation. Therefore, the remaining amount of the flavor component of the second cartridge 30 can be calculated based on the number of inhalation times or the cumulative discharge time while one second cartridge 30 is used, without deriving the remaining amount of the flavor component by the complex calculation as described above.
  • the cumulative discharge time a cumulative
  • the electric power control unit of the MCU 50 manages the target temperature according to a table stored in advance in the memory 50 a , in which the number of inhalation times or the cumulative discharge time (or the remaining amount of the flavor source 33 calculated based on the same) and the target temperature of the flavor source 33 are stored in association with each other.
  • FIGS. 17 and 18 are flowcharts for describing operations of the aerosol generation device 1 according to the third modified embodiment.
  • the MCU 50 determines (sets) the target temperature T cap_target of the flavor source 33 , based on the number of inhalation times or the cumulative discharge time (or the remaining amount of the flavor source 33 ) stored in the memory 50 a (step S 31 ).
  • the MCU 50 acquires the temperature of the flavor source 33 T cap_sense at the present moment, based on the output of the temperature detection device T 1 (or the temperature detection device T 3 ) (step S 32 ).
  • the MCU 50 controls the discharge for heating of the flavor source 33 to the second load 31 , based on the temperature T cap_sense and the target temperature T cap_target (step S 33 ). Specifically, the MCU 50 supplies the electric power to the second load 31 by the PID control or the ON/OFF control so that the temperature T cap_sense is to converge to the target temperature T cap_target .
  • step S 34 the MCU 50 determines whether there is a request for aerosol generation.
  • step S 34 determines a request for aerosol generation is not detected (step S 34 : NO).
  • step S 35 determines a length of the non-operation time during which the request for aerosol generation is not performed, in step S 35 .
  • step S 35 ends the discharge to the second load 31 (step S 36 ), and shifts to the sleep mode in which the power consumption is reduced (step S 37 ).
  • step S 35 YES
  • step S 34 When a request for aerosol generation is detected (step S 34 : YES), the MCU 50 ends the discharge for heating of the flavor source 33 to the second load 31 , and acquires the temperature T cap_sense of the flavor source 33 at that time, based on the output of the temperature detection device T 1 (or the temperature detection device T 3 ) (step S 41 ). Then, the MCU 50 determines whether the temperature T cap_sense acquired in step S 41 is equal to or higher than the target temperature T cap_target (step S 42 ).
  • step S 42 When the temperature T cap_sense is equal to or higher than the target temperature T cap_target (step S 42 : YES), the MCU 50 supplies the predetermined atomizing electric power P liquid to the first load 21 , thereby starting heating of the first load 21 (heating for atomizing the aerosol source 22 ) (step S 43 ).
  • the MCU 50 increases the predetermined atomizing electric power P liquid so as to supplement the decrease in the amount of the flavor component due to the insufficient temperature of the flavor source 33 . Specifically, the MCU 50 first acquires the remaining amount W reservoir in the reservoir (or the remaining amount W wick in the wick), and determines an amount of increase ⁇ Pa of the atomizing electric power P liquid , based on the acquired remaining amount W reservoir in the reservoir (or the remaining amount W wick in the wick) (step S 45 ).
  • the MCU 50 supplies, to the first load 21 , the atomizing electric power P liquid ′ obtained by adding the amount of increase ⁇ Pa to the atomizing electric power P liquid , thereby starting heating of the first load 21 (step S 46 ).
  • the amount of increase ⁇ Pa for example, a variable value that is the same as the amount of increase ⁇ P shown in FIG. 10 is used.
  • the remaining amount W reservoir in the reservoir can be derived based on a cumulative value of the supply time t sense of the atomizing electric power to the first load 21 after the first cartridge 20 is replaced with a brand-new cartridge.
  • the remaining amount W wick in the wick can be derived based on the remaining amount W reservoir in the reservoir derived in this way.
  • step S 44 NO
  • step S 44 a NO
  • step S 44 a NO
  • step S 48 the MCU 50 stops the supply of electric power to the first load 21 .
  • step S 46 even when the atomizing electric power is increased in step S 46 , the smaller the remaining amount W reservoir in the reservoir is, the amount of increase ⁇ Pa is set to be smaller, so that the appropriate electric power corresponding to the remaining amount W reservoir in the reservoir can be supplied to the first load 21 .
  • the appropriate electric power corresponding to the remaining amount W reservoir in the reservoir can be supplied to the first load 21 .
  • step S 48 the MCU 50 acquires the supply time t sense to the first load 21 of the atomizing electric power supplied to the first load 21 in step S 43 or step S 46 (step S 49 ). Then, the MCU 50 updates the cumulative discharge time stored in the memory 50 a, based on the supply time t sense (step S 50 ). If the number of inhalation times is used when determining the target temperature in step S 31 , the MCU 50 updates the number of inhalation times stored in the memory 50 a in step S 50 . In addition, the MCU 50 updates the remaining amount W reservoir in the reservoir (step S 51 ).
  • the cumulative discharge time or the number of inhalation times is a parameter indicating a consumed amount of the flavor source 33 after the second cartridge 30 is replaced with a brand-new cartridge. Therefore, it is possible to acquire the remaining amount of the flavor source 33 by comparing the cumulative discharge time or the number of inhalation times and the upper limit value of the cumulative discharge time or the number of inhalation times per one second cartridge 30 . For example, the remaining amount[%] of the flavor source 33 can be acquired by dividing a value, which is obtained by subtracting the cumulative discharge time or the number of inhalation times from the upper limit value, by the upper limit value and multiplying 100.
  • the MCU 50 determines whether the number of inhalation times or the cumulative discharge time after the update in step S 50 exceeds a threshold value (step S 52 ).
  • a threshold value step S 52 : NO
  • the MCU 50 shifts the processing to step S 55 .
  • the MCU 50 causes at least one of the first notification unit 45 and the second notification unit 46 to issue a notification for urging replacement of the second cartridge 30 (step S 53 ).
  • the initialization of the target temperature T cap_target means excluding, from the setting values, the target temperature T cap_target at that time stored in the memory 50 a.
  • step S 54 when the power supply is not turned off (step S 55 : NO), the MCU 50 returns the processing to step S 31 , and when the power supply is turned off (step S 55 : YES), the MCU 50 ends the processing.
  • step S 55 when the power supply is not turned off (step S 55 : NO), the MCU 50 returns the processing to step S 31 , and when the power supply is turned off (step S 55 : YES), the MCU 50 ends the processing.
  • the aerosol generation device 1 described above is configured to be able to heat the flavor source 33 .
  • this configuration is not necessarily required.
  • the MCU 50 controls the electric power that is supplied to the first load 21 for generation of aerosol, based on the remaining amount W reservoir in the reservoir (or the remaining amount W wick in the wick), thereby making amounts of generated aerosol to be different according to the remaining amount W reservoir in the reservoir (or the remaining amount W wick in the wick).
  • the MCU 50 controls the electric power that is supplied to the first load 21 for generation of aerosol, based on the remaining amount W reservoir in the reservoir (or the remaining amount W wick in the wick), thereby making amounts of generated aerosol to be different according to the remaining amount W reservoir in the reservoir (or the remaining amount W wick in the wick).
  • the first cartridge 20 is detachably mounted to the power supply unit 10 .
  • the first cartridge 20 may also be integrated with the power supply unit 10 .
  • the first load 21 and the second load 31 are each configured as a heater that generates heat by electric power electrically discharged from the power supply 12 .
  • the first load 21 and the second load 31 may also be each configured as a Peltier device that can generate heat and cool by electric power electrically discharged from the power supply 12 .
  • first load 21 may also be configured by a device that can atomize the aerosol source 22 without heating the aerosol source 22 by ultrasonic waves or the like.
  • second load 31 may also be configured by a device that can change the amount of the flavor component to be added to aerosol by the flavor source 33 without heating the flavor source 33 by ultrasonic waves or the like.
  • the MCU 50 may control the discharge to the first load 21 and the second load 31 , based on a wavelength of ultrasonic waves applied to the flavor source 33 , for example, not the temperature of the flavor source 33 , as the parameter that influences the amount of the flavor component to be added to aerosol passing through the flavor source 33 .
  • the device that can be used for the first load 21 is not limited to a heater, a Peltier device and an ultrasonic device described above, and a variety of devices or a combination thereof can be used as long as it can atomize the aerosol source 22 by consuming the electric power supplied from the power supply 12 .
  • the device that can be used for the second load 31 is not limited to a heater, a Peltier device and an ultrasonic device as described above, and a variety of devices or a combination thereof can be used as long as it can change the amount of the flavor component to be added to aerosol by consuming the electric power supplied from the power supply 12 .
  • a control unit (power supply unit 10 ) of an aerosol generation device (aerosol generation device 1 ) including a processing device (MCU 50 ) configured to acquire a remaining amount (the remaining amount W reservoir in the reservoir or the remaining amount W wick in the wick) of an aerosol source (aerosol source 22 ),
  • the processing device suppresses discharge from a power supply (power supply 12 ) to an atomizer (first load 21 ) configured to atomize the aerosol source, and
  • the processing device controls the discharge from the power supply to the atomizer so as to make an amount of the aerosol source to be atomized different, based on the remaining amount of the aerosol source.
  • the electric power that is supplied to the atomizer is controlled based on the remaining amount of the aerosol source. For this reason, it is possible to supply the appropriate electric power based on the remaining amount of the aerosol source to the atomizer. Therefore, it is possible to provide the user with aerosol having appropriate flavor and taste, which can improve the commercial value.
  • the remaining amount of the aerosol source is equal to or greater than the threshold value and the remaining amount is small, the electric power that is supplied to the atomizer is reduced. For this reason, it is possible to generate aerosol while suppressing aerosol having unintended flavor and taste from being generated, which is caused when electric power more than necessity is supplied to the remaining amount of the aerosol source.
  • a control unit (power supply unit 10 ) of an aerosol generation device including a processing device (MCU 50 ) configured to acquire a remaining amount (the remaining amount W reservoir in the reservoir or the remaining amount W wick in the wick) of an aerosol source (aerosol source 22 ),
  • the processing device electrically discharges first electric power from a power supply (power supply 12 ) to an atomizer (first load 21 ) configured to atomize the aerosol source, and
  • the processing device electrically discharges second electric power different from the first electric power from the power supply to the atomizer.
  • the electric power that is supplied to the atomizer is controlled based on the remaining amount of the aerosol source. For this reason, it is possible to supply the appropriate electric power based on the remaining amount of the aerosol source to the atomizer. Therefore, it is possible to provide the user with aerosol having appropriate flavor and taste, which can improve the commercial value.
  • control unit of an aerosol generation device further including a storage part (reservoir 23) configured to store the aerosol source
  • processing device is configured to acquire the remaining amount of the aerosol source (remaining amount W reservoir in the reservoir) in the storage part, as the remaining amount of the aerosol source.
  • the remaining amount of the aerosol source in the storage part which is difficult to recover even after a while
  • the remaining amount of the aerosol source in the retaining part which is easy to recover after a while, is acquired immediately before the discharge to the atomizer. For this reason, it is possible to improve the accuracy of the discharge control based on the remaining amount of the aerosol source.
  • the remaining amount of the aerosol source in the storage part which is difficult to recover even after a while
  • the remaining amount of the aerosol source in the retaining part which is easy to recover after a while, is acquired immediately before the discharge to the atomizer. For this reason, it is possible to improve the accuracy of the discharge control based on the remaining amount of the aerosol source.
  • the electric power that is supplied to the adjustor is controlled based on the remaining amount of the aerosol source.
  • the electric power to the second load 31 is controlled according to the electric power threshold value P max determined in step S 6 a based on the remaining amount in the reservoir derived based on the remaining amount of the flavor component. For this reason, an amount of the flavor that is added to aerosol can be set as appropriate in consideration of the remaining amount of the aerosol source.
  • processing device is configured to control, based on the remaining amount of the aerosol source, electric power that is electrically discharged from the power supply to the adjustor so that an amount of flavor added to aerosol generated in response to the atomization command acquired at a first timing is the same as an amount of flavor added to aerosol generated in response to the atomization command acquired at a second timing after the first timing.
  • the amounts of flavors that are added to aerosol generated by each atomization command can be made to be the same. For this reason, flavor and taste upon inhalation of aerosol are stabilized, so that the merchantability of the aerosol generation device is improved.
  • processing device is configured to determine electric power that is electrically discharged from the power supply to the atomizer according to the atomization command acquired at the second timing, based on the upper limit time.
  • the control unit of an aerosol generation device according to one of the above (1) to (4), further including a temperature detection device (temperature detection device T 1 or T 3 ) capable of outputting a temperature of a heat generating element (second load 31 ) that can heat a flavor source (flavor source 33 ) configured to add flavor to aerosol generated from the aerosol source,
  • the processing device can acquire an atomization command of the aerosol source by the atomizer
  • processing device is configured to control discharge from the power supply to the heat generating element so that a temperature of the heat generating element is to converge to a target temperature (target temperature T cap_target ),
  • step S 15 when a temperature of the heat generating element acquired in response to the atomization command is lower than the target temperature (step S 15 : NO), the processing device electrically discharges third electric power (atomizing electric power P liquid ′) from the power supply to the atomizer,
  • step S 15 when a temperature of the heat generating element acquired in response to the atomization command is equal to or higher than the target temperature (step S 15 : YES), the processing device electrically discharges fourth electric power (atomizing electric power P liquid ) from the power supply to the atomizer, and
  • the third electric power is set based on the remaining amount of the aerosol source and is greater than the fourth electric power.
  • the electric power that is supplied to the atomizer is controlled according to the remaining amount of the aerosol source. For this reason, it is possible to stabilize flavor and taste while considering the remaining amount of the aerosol source.
  • the electric power that is supplied to the atomizer is controlled according to the remaining amount of the aerosol source. For this reason, it is possible to stabilize flavor and taste while considering the remaining amount of the aerosol source.
  • a control unit (power supply unit 10 ) of an aerosol generation device including a processing device (MCU 50 ) configured to acquire a remaining amount (remaining amount W reservoir in the reservoir or the remaining amount W wick in the wick) of an aerosol source (aerosol source 22 ),
  • the processing device is configured to control, based on the remaining amount of the aerosol source, electric power that is electrically discharged from a power supply (power supply 12 ) to an adjustor (second load 31 ) capable of adjusting an amount of flavor that is added from a flavor source (flavor source 33 ) to aerosol generated from the aerosol source.
  • an amount of the flavor that is added to aerosol can be set as appropriate in consideration of the remaining amount of the aerosol source.

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  • Disinfection, Sterilisation Or Deodorisation Of Air (AREA)
  • Apparatus For Disinfection Or Sterilisation (AREA)
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US17/369,957 2020-07-08 2021-07-08 Control unit of aerosol generation device Pending US20220007738A1 (en)

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EP4289299A2 (fr) 2023-12-13
EP3935968B1 (fr) 2023-11-29
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EP3935968A3 (fr) 2022-03-16
EP4289299A3 (fr) 2024-03-13

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