US20230089306A1 - Power supply unit for aerosol generation device - Google Patents
Power supply unit for aerosol generation device Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20230089306A1 US20230089306A1 US18/070,815 US202218070815A US2023089306A1 US 20230089306 A1 US20230089306 A1 US 20230089306A1 US 202218070815 A US202218070815 A US 202218070815A US 2023089306 A1 US2023089306 A1 US 2023089306A1
- Authority
- US
- United States
- Prior art keywords
- menthol
- aerosol
- load
- heater
- discharging
- 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.)
- Abandoned
Links
- 239000000443 aerosol Substances 0.000 title claims abstract description 468
- NOOLISFMXDJSKH-UTLUCORTSA-N (+)-Neomenthol Chemical compound CC(C)[C@@H]1CC[C@@H](C)C[C@@H]1O NOOLISFMXDJSKH-UTLUCORTSA-N 0.000 claims abstract description 466
- NOOLISFMXDJSKH-UHFFFAOYSA-N DL-menthol Natural products CC(C)C1CCC(C)CC1O NOOLISFMXDJSKH-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 claims abstract description 431
- 229940041616 menthol Drugs 0.000 claims abstract description 431
- 239000000796 flavoring agent Substances 0.000 claims abstract description 399
- 235000019634 flavors Nutrition 0.000 claims abstract description 388
- 238000007599 discharging Methods 0.000 claims abstract description 171
- 230000004044 response Effects 0.000 claims description 22
- 230000007704 transition Effects 0.000 claims description 21
- 230000003247 decreasing effect Effects 0.000 claims description 20
- 239000002775 capsule Substances 0.000 description 321
- 238000010438 heat treatment Methods 0.000 description 75
- 230000004308 accommodation Effects 0.000 description 54
- 238000012545 processing Methods 0.000 description 37
- 238000001179 sorption measurement Methods 0.000 description 36
- 235000019504 cigarettes Nutrition 0.000 description 34
- 239000007788 liquid Substances 0.000 description 33
- 239000008187 granular material Substances 0.000 description 32
- 238000001514 detection method Methods 0.000 description 28
- 238000003860 storage Methods 0.000 description 24
- 238000004891 communication Methods 0.000 description 23
- 230000007423 decrease Effects 0.000 description 19
- DNIAPMSPPWPWGF-UHFFFAOYSA-N Propylene glycol Chemical compound CC(O)CO DNIAPMSPPWPWGF-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 9
- 239000002609 medium Substances 0.000 description 8
- 230000008859 change Effects 0.000 description 7
- 238000002474 experimental method Methods 0.000 description 7
- PEDCQBHIVMGVHV-UHFFFAOYSA-N Glycerine Chemical compound OCC(O)CO PEDCQBHIVMGVHV-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 6
- 238000010586 diagram Methods 0.000 description 6
- 230000002093 peripheral effect Effects 0.000 description 6
- 230000032258 transport Effects 0.000 description 6
- 101100434411 Saccharomyces cerevisiae (strain ATCC 204508 / S288c) ADH1 gene Proteins 0.000 description 5
- 101150102866 adc1 gene Proteins 0.000 description 5
- 101150042711 adc2 gene Proteins 0.000 description 5
- 238000003795 desorption Methods 0.000 description 5
- 238000005192 partition Methods 0.000 description 5
- 239000011347 resin Substances 0.000 description 5
- 229920005989 resin Polymers 0.000 description 5
- 238000002834 transmittance Methods 0.000 description 5
- 229910052751 metal Inorganic materials 0.000 description 4
- 239000002184 metal Substances 0.000 description 4
- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 description 4
- 239000000203 mixture Substances 0.000 description 4
- 239000002243 precursor Substances 0.000 description 4
- 239000000758 substrate Substances 0.000 description 4
- 239000000919 ceramic Substances 0.000 description 3
- 235000011187 glycerol Nutrition 0.000 description 3
- 239000000126 substance Substances 0.000 description 3
- 229920000742 Cotton Polymers 0.000 description 2
- 239000002156 adsorbate Substances 0.000 description 2
- 239000003463 adsorbent Substances 0.000 description 2
- 229910052782 aluminium Inorganic materials 0.000 description 2
- XAGFODPZIPBFFR-UHFFFAOYSA-N aluminium Chemical compound [Al] XAGFODPZIPBFFR-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 2
- 238000009835 boiling Methods 0.000 description 2
- 238000002485 combustion reaction Methods 0.000 description 2
- 239000000470 constituent Substances 0.000 description 2
- 239000002612 dispersion medium Substances 0.000 description 2
- 230000005674 electromagnetic induction Effects 0.000 description 2
- 230000005669 field effect Effects 0.000 description 2
- 230000006870 function Effects 0.000 description 2
- 230000006698 induction Effects 0.000 description 2
- 238000002844 melting Methods 0.000 description 2
- 230000008018 melting Effects 0.000 description 2
- 238000012986 modification Methods 0.000 description 2
- 230000004048 modification Effects 0.000 description 2
- 238000013021 overheating Methods 0.000 description 2
- 229920006395 saturated elastomer Polymers 0.000 description 2
- 239000004065 semiconductor Substances 0.000 description 2
- 229910001220 stainless steel Inorganic materials 0.000 description 2
- 239000010935 stainless steel Substances 0.000 description 2
- 241000196324 Embryophyta Species 0.000 description 1
- HBBGRARXTFLTSG-UHFFFAOYSA-N Lithium ion Chemical compound [Li+] HBBGRARXTFLTSG-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 235000006679 Mentha X verticillata Nutrition 0.000 description 1
- 235000002899 Mentha suaveolens Nutrition 0.000 description 1
- 235000001636 Mentha x rotundifolia Nutrition 0.000 description 1
- 241000208125 Nicotiana Species 0.000 description 1
- 235000002637 Nicotiana tabacum Nutrition 0.000 description 1
- 238000005411 Van der Waals force Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000002159 abnormal effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000009471 action Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000012387 aerosolization Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000003990 capacitor Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000001816 cooling Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000001186 cumulative effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000005485 electric heating Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000003792 electrolyte Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000008151 electrolyte solution Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000011245 gel electrolyte Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000003365 glass fiber Substances 0.000 description 1
- 230000005484 gravity Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000002608 ionic liquid Substances 0.000 description 1
- 229910001416 lithium ion Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 238000004519 manufacturing process Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000012544 monitoring process Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000000465 moulding Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000002245 particle Substances 0.000 description 1
- 230000000149 penetrating effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000004033 plastic Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000004417 polycarbonate Substances 0.000 description 1
- 229920000515 polycarbonate Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 230000008569 process Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000002994 raw material Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000004088 simulation Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000007784 solid electrolyte Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000012546 transfer Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000008016 vaporization Effects 0.000 description 1
Images
Classifications
-
- 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
- A24B—MANUFACTURE OR PREPARATION OF TOBACCO FOR SMOKING OR CHEWING; TOBACCO; SNUFF
- A24B15/00—Chemical features or treatment of tobacco; Tobacco substitutes, e.g. in liquid form
- A24B15/18—Treatment of tobacco products or tobacco substitutes
- A24B15/28—Treatment of tobacco products or tobacco substitutes by chemical substances
- A24B15/30—Treatment of tobacco products or tobacco substitutes by chemical substances by organic substances
- A24B15/34—Treatment of tobacco products or tobacco substitutes by chemical substances by organic substances containing a carbocyclic ring other than a six-membered aromatic ring
-
- 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
- A24F40/40—Constructional details, e.g. connection of cartridges and battery parts
- A24F40/46—Shape or structure of electric heating means
-
- 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
- A24B—MANUFACTURE OR PREPARATION OF TOBACCO FOR SMOKING OR CHEWING; TOBACCO; SNUFF
- A24B15/00—Chemical features or treatment of tobacco; Tobacco substitutes, e.g. in liquid form
- A24B15/18—Treatment of tobacco products or tobacco substitutes
- A24B15/28—Treatment of tobacco products or tobacco substitutes by chemical substances
- A24B15/281—Treatment of tobacco products or tobacco substitutes by chemical substances the action of the chemical substances being delayed
- A24B15/283—Treatment of tobacco products or tobacco substitutes by chemical substances the action of the chemical substances being delayed by encapsulation of the chemical substances
-
- 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
-
- 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
- A24F40/20—Devices using solid inhalable precursors
Abstract
A power supply unit for an aerosol generation device includes a controller configured to determine whether an aerosol source and a flavor source contain menthol, control discharging to a first heater and a second heater by a menthol mode upon determination that the aerosol source contains menthol, and control the discharging to the first heater and the second heater by a regular mode upon determination that the aerosol source and the flavor source do not contain menthol. A manner of the discharging to the first heater in the menthol mode is different from a manner of the discharging to the first heater in the regular mode, and/or a manner of the discharging to the second heater in the menthol mode is different from a manner of the discharging to the second heater in the regular mode.
Description
- This application is a continuation of International Patent Application No. PCT/JP2021/019236 filed on May 20, 2021, claiming priority to Japanese Patent Application No. 2020-193900 filed on Nov. 20, 2020, the content of which is incorporated herein by reference.
- The present invention relates to a power supply unit for an aerosol generation device.
- JP2019-150031A discloses an aerosol delivery system 100 (an aerosol generation device) that generates aerosol by vaporizing and/or atomizing an aerosol source by heating the aerosol source. In the aerosol delivery system according to JP2019-150031A, the generated aerosol flows through a second aerosol generation device 400 (an accommodation chamber) that accommodates an aerosol generation element 425 (a flavor source), whereby a flavor component contained in the flavor source is added to the aerosol, and a user can inhale the aerosol containing the flavor component.
- The aerosol delivery system described in JP2019-150031A includes a reservoir substrate 214, a space (a heating chamber) that accommodates a liquid transport element 238 and a heat generating element 240, and the second aerosol generation device 400 (an accommodation chamber) that accommodates the aerosol generation element 425. An aerosol precursor composition is stored in the reservoir substrate 214. The liquid transport element 238 transports and holds the aerosol precursor composition from the reservoir substrate 214 to the heating chamber. The aerosol precursor composition held by the liquid transport element 238 is heated by the heat generating element 240 to be aerosolized, passes through the aerosol generation element 425 of the second aerosol generation device 400, is added with the flavor component, and is then supplied to the user.
- In addition, JP2019-150031A discloses that menthol may be contained in both the aerosol precursor composition of the reservoir substrate 214 and the aerosol generation element of the second aerosol generation device 400.
- In a similar manner to cigarettes, among users who use an aerosol generation device, there are users who prefer the flavor of menthol and users who prefer the flavor (a so-called regular flavor) that does not contain menthol. In order to cope with users having different preference, an aerosol generation device capable of generating an aerosol containing menthol and an aerosol not containing menthol is desired. In such an aerosol generation device, it is necessary to appropriately control discharging to a heater for heating an aerosol source or a flavor source from the viewpoint of flavor, and with regard to this point, the technique in the related art needs to be improved.
- An object of the present invention is to make it possible to appropriately control discharging to a first heater for heating an aerosol source and/or a second heater for heating a flavor source depending on whether the aerosol source contains menthol.
- According to an aspect of the present invention, there is provided a power supply unit for an aerosol generation device including a first connector connectable to a first heater configured to heat an aerosol source, a second connector connectable to a second heater configured to heat a flavor source capable of imparting a flavor to the aerosol source vaporized and/or atomized by being heated with the first heater, a power supply electrically connected to the first connector and the second connector, and a controller capable of controlling discharging from the power supply to the first heater and discharging from the power supply to the second heater. The controller is configured to determine whether the aerosol source and the flavor source contain menthol, control the discharging to the first heater and the discharging to the second heater by a menthol mode upon determination that the aerosol source contains menthol, and control the discharging to the first heater and the discharging to the second heater by a regular mode upon determination that the aerosol source and the flavor source do not contain menthol. A manner of the discharging to the first heater in the menthol mode is different from a manner of the discharging to the first heater in the regular mode, and/or a manner of the discharging to the second heater in the menthol mode is different from a manner of the discharging to the second heater in the regular mode.
-
FIG. 1 is a perspective view schematically showing a schematic configuration of an aerosol inhaler. -
FIG. 2 is another perspective view of the aerosol inhaler inFIG. 1 . -
FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the aerosol inhaler inFIG. 1 . -
FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a power supply unit in the aerosol inhaler inFIG. 1 . -
FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing a state in which a capsule is accommodated in a capsule holder in the aerosol inhaler inFIG. 1 . -
FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram showing a hardware configuration of the aerosol inhaler inFIG. 1 . -
FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a specific example of the power supply unit inFIG. 6 . -
FIG. 8 is a flowchart (part 1) showing an operation of the aerosol inhaler inFIG. 1 . -
FIG. 9 is a flowchart (part 2) showing the operation of the aerosol inhaler inFIG. 1 . -
FIG. 10 is a flowchart (part 3) showing the operation of the aerosol inhaler inFIG. 1 . -
FIG. 11 is a flowchart (part 4) showing the operation of the aerosol inhaler inFIG. 1 . -
FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing processing contents of flavor identification processing. -
FIG. 13 is a diagram (part 1) showing a specific control example in a menthol mode. -
FIG. 14 is a diagram (part 2) showing the specific control example in the menthol mode. -
FIG. 15 is a diagram (part 3) showing the specific control example in the menthol mode. - Hereinafter, an
aerosol inhaler 1, which is an aerosol generation device according to an embodiment of the present invention, will be described with reference toFIGS. 1 to 15 . The drawings are viewed in directions of reference numerals. - (Overview of Aerosol Inhaler)
- As shown in
FIGS. 1 to 3 , theaerosol inhaler 1 is an instrument for generating an aerosol without combustion, adding a flavor component to the generated aerosol, and allowing a user to inhale the aerosol containing the flavor component. As an example, theaerosol inhaler 1 has a rod shape. - The
aerosol inhaler 1 includes apower supply unit 10, acartridge cover 20 that accommodates acartridge 40 in which anaerosol source 71 is stored, and acapsule holder 30 that accommodates acapsule 50 including anaccommodation chamber 53 in which aflavor source 52 is accommodated. Thepower supply unit 10, the cartridge cover 20, and thecapsule holder 30 are provided in this order from one end side to the other end side in a longitudinal direction of theaerosol inhaler 1. - The
power supply unit 10 has a substantially cylindrical shape centered on a center line L extending in the longitudinal direction of theaerosol inhaler 1. Thecartridge cover 20 and thecapsule holder 30 have a substantially annular shape centered on the center line L extending in the longitudinal direction of theaerosol inhaler 1. An outer peripheral surface of thepower supply unit 10 and an outer peripheral surface of thecartridge cover 20 have a substantially annular shape having substantially the same diameter, and thecapsule holder 30 has a substantially annular shape having a slightly smaller diameter than thepower supply unit 10 and thecartridge cover 20. - Hereinafter, in order to simplify and clarify descriptions in the present description and the like, the longitudinal direction of the rod-
shaped aerosol inhaler 1 is defined as a first direction X. In the first direction X, a side of theaerosol inhaler 1 where thepower supply unit 10 is disposed is defined as a bottom side, and a side of theaerosol inhaler 1 where thecapsule holder 30 is disposed is defined as a top side for convenience. In the drawings, the bottom side of theaerosol inhaler 1 in the first direction X is denoted by D, and the top side of theaerosol inhaler 1 in the first direction X is denoted by U. - The
cartridge cover 20 has a hollow and substantially annular shape of which both end surfaces at the bottom side and the top side are opened. Thecartridge cover 20 is made of a metal such as stainless steel. An end portion at the bottom side of thecartridge cover 20 is coupled to an end portion at the top side of thepower supply unit 10. Thecartridge cover 20 is attachable to and detachable from thepower supply unit 10. Thecapsule holder 30 has a hollow and substantially annular shape of which both end surfaces at the bottom side and the top side are opened. An end portion at the bottom side of thecapsule holder 30 is coupled to an end portion at the top side of thecartridge cover 20. Thecapsule holder 30 is made of a metal such as aluminum. Thecapsule holder 30 is attachable to and detachable from thecartridge cover 20. - The
cartridge 40 has a substantially cylindrical shape and is accommodated in thecartridge cover 20. In a state in which thecapsule holder 30 is removed from thecartridge cover 20, thecartridge 40 can be accommodated in thecartridge cover 20 and can be taken out from thecartridge cover 20. Therefore, theaerosol inhaler 1 can be used in a manner of replacing thecartridge 40. - The
capsule 50 has a substantially cylindrical shape, and is accommodated in a hollow portion of thecapsule holder 30 that has a hollow and substantially annular shape such that an end portion at the top side of thecapsule 50 in the first direction X is exposed in the first direction X from an end portion at the top side of thecapsule holder 30. Thecapsule 50 is attachable to and detachable from thecapsule holder 30. Therefore, theaerosol inhaler 1 can be used in a manner of replacing thecapsule 50. - (Power Supply Unit)
- As shown in
FIGS. 3 and 4 , thepower supply unit 10 includes a powersupply unit case 11 that has a hollow and substantially annular shape and is centered on the center line L extending in the first direction X. The powersupply unit case 11 is made of a metal such as stainless steel. The powersupply unit case 11 includes atop surface 11 a which is an end surface at the top side of the powersupply unit case 11 in the first direction X, abottom surface 11 b which is an end surface at the bottom side of the powersupply unit case 11 in the first direction X, and aside surface 11 c which extends in the first direction X in a substantially annular shape centered on the center line L from thetop surface 11 a to thebottom surface 11 b. -
Discharge terminals 12 are provided on thetop surface 11 a of the powersupply unit case 11. Thedischarge terminals 12 protrude from thetop surface 11 a of the powersupply unit case 11 toward the top side in the first direction X. - An
air supply portion 13 that supplies air to aheating chamber 43 of thecartridge 40 to be described later is provided on thetop surface 11 a in the vicinity of thedischarge terminals 12. Theair supply portion 13 protrudes from thetop surface 11 a of the powersupply unit case 11 toward the top side in the first direction X. - A charging
terminal 14 that can be electrically connected to an external power supply (not shown) is provided on theside surface 11 c of the powersupply unit case 11. In the present embodiment, the chargingterminal 14 is, for example, a receptacle that can be connected to a universal serial bus (USB) terminal, a micro USB terminal, or the like, and the chargingterminal 14 is provided on theside surface 11 c in the vicinity of thebottom surface 11 b. - The charging
terminal 14 may be a power receiving unit that can receive power transmitted from the external power supply in a wireless manner. In such a case, the charging terminal 14 (a power receiving unit) may be implemented by a power receiving coil. A wireless power transfer (WPT) system may be of an electromagnetic induction type, a magnetic resonance type, or a combination of an electromagnetic induction type and a magnetic resonance type. In addition, the chargingterminal 14 may be a power receiving unit that can receive power transmitted from an external power supply without contact. As another example, the chargingterminal 14 may include both the power receiving unit described above and the receptacle that can be connected to a USB terminal, a micro USB terminal, or the like. - An
operation unit 15 that can be operated by the user is provided on theside surface 11 c of the powersupply unit case 11. Theoperation unit 15 is provided on theside surface 11 c in the vicinity of thetop surface 11 a. In the present embodiment, theoperation unit 15 is provided at a position about 180 degrees away from the chargingterminal 14 centered on the center line L when viewed from the first direction X. In the present embodiment, theoperation unit 15 is a push button type switch having a circular shape when theside surface 11 c of the powersupply unit case 11 is viewed from the outside. Theoperation unit 15 may have a shape other than the circular shape, or may be implemented by a switch other than a push button type switch, a touch panel, or the like. - The power
supply unit case 11 is provided with anotification unit 16 that notifies various kinds of information. Thenotification unit 16 includes alight emitting element 161 and a vibration element 162 (seeFIG. 6 ). In the present embodiment, thelight emitting element 161 is provided inward of theoperation unit 15 on the powersupply unit case 11. A periphery of thecircular operation unit 15 is translucent when theside surface 11 c of the powersupply unit case 11 is viewed from the outside, and light is emitted by thelight emitting element 161. In the present embodiment, thelight emitting element 161 can emit red light, green light, blue light, white light, and purple light. - The power
supply unit case 11 is provided with an air intake port (not shown) through which outside air is taken into the powersupply unit case 11. The air intake port may be provided around the chargingterminal 14, may be provided around theoperation unit 15, or may be provided in the powersupply unit case 11 at a position away from the chargingterminal 14 and theoperation unit 15. The air intake port may be provided in thecartridge cover 20. The air intake port may be provided at two or more positions of the above-described positions. - A
power supply 61, aninhalation sensor 62, a micro controller unit (MCU) 63, and a charging integrated circuit (IC) 64 are accommodated in a hollow portion of the powersupply unit case 11 that has a hollow and substantially annular shape. A low drop out (LDO)regulator 65, a DC/DC converter 66, a firsttemperature detection element 67 including avoltage sensor 671 and acurrent sensor 672, and a secondtemperature detection element 68 including avoltage sensor 681 and acurrent sensor 682 are further accommodated in the power supply unit case 11 (seeFIGS. 6 and 7 ). - The
power supply 61 is a chargeable and dischargeable power storage device such as a secondary battery or an electric double layer capacitor, and is preferably a lithium ion secondary battery. An electrolyte of thepower supply 61 can be implemented by one of or a combination of a gel electrolyte, an electrolytic solution, a solid electrolyte, and an ionic liquid. - The
inhalation sensor 62 is a pressure sensor that detects a puff (inhaling) operation, and is provided, for example, in the vicinity of theoperation unit 15. Theinhalation sensor 62 outputs a value of a change in pressure (internal pressure) inside thepower supply unit 10 caused by an inhalation of the user through aninhalation port 58 of thecapsule 50 to be described later. For example, theinhalation sensor 62 outputs an output value (for example, a voltage value or a current value) corresponding to the internal pressure that changes according to a flow rate of air inhaled from the air intake port toward theinhalation port 58 of the capsule 50 (that is, an inhaling operation of the user). Theinhalation sensor 62 may output an analog value, or may output a digital value converted from the analog value. - In order to compensate for a pressure to be detected, the
inhalation sensor 62 may include a temperature sensor that detects a temperature (an outside air temperature) of an environment in which thepower supply unit 10 is placed. In addition, theinhalation sensor 62 may be implemented by a condenser microphone, a flow rate sensor, or the like, instead of the pressure sensor. - The
MCU 63 is an electronic component (a controller) that performs various controls of theaerosol inhaler 1. Specifically, theMCU 63 is mainly implemented by a processor, and further includes amemory 63 a implemented by a storage medium such as a random access memory (RAM) necessary for an operation of the processor and a read only memory (ROM) that stores various kinds of information (seeFIG. 6 ). The processor in the present description is an electric circuit in which circuit elements such as semiconductor elements are combined. - For example, when the user performs an inhaling operation and the output value of the
inhalation sensor 62 exceeds a threshold, theMCU 63 determines that there is an aerosol generation request. Thereafter, for example, when the user ends the inhaling operation and the output value of theinhalation sensor 62 falls below the threshold, theMCU 63 determines that the aerosol generation request is ended. In this way, the output value of theinhalation sensor 62 is used as a signal indicating an aerosol generation request. Therefore, theinhalation sensor 62 constitutes a sensor that outputs an aerosol generation request. Instead of theMCU 63, theinhalation sensor 62 may determine whether there is an aerosol generation request, and theMCU 63 may receive a digital value corresponding to a determination result from theinhalation sensor 62. As a specific example, theinhalation sensor 62 may output a high-level signal when it is determined that there is an aerosol generation request, and may output a low-level signal when it is determined that there is no aerosol generation request (that is, the aerosol generation request is ended). The threshold for theMCU 63 or theinhalation sensor 62 to determine that there is an aerosol generation request may be different from the threshold for theMCU 63 or theinhalation sensor 62 to determine that the aerosol generation request is ended. - Instead of the
inhalation sensor 62, theMCU 63 may detect the aerosol generation request based on an operation performed on theoperation unit 15. For example, when the user performs a predetermined operation on theoperation unit 15 to start inhalation of aerosol, theoperation unit 15 may output a signal indicating an aerosol generation request to theMCU 63. In this case, theoperation unit 15 constitutes a sensor that outputs an aerosol generation request. - The charging
IC 64 is provided in the vicinity of the chargingterminal 14. The chargingIC 64 controls the charging of thepower supply 61 by controlling power input from the chargingterminal 14 to charge thepower supply 61. The chargingIC 64 may be disposed in the vicinity of theMCU 63. - (Cartridge)
- As shown in
FIG. 3 , thecartridge 40 includes acartridge case 41 having a substantially cylindrical shape whose axial direction is a longitudinal direction. Thecartridge case 41 is made of a resin such as polycarbonate. Astorage chamber 42 that stores theaerosol source 71 and theheating chamber 43 that heats theaerosol source 71 are formed inside thecartridge case 41. Theheating chamber 43 accommodates awick 44 that transports theaerosol source 71 stored in thestorage chamber 42 to theheating chamber 43 and holds theaerosol source 71 in theheating chamber 43, and afirst load 45 that heats theaerosol source 71 held in thewick 44 to vaporize and/or atomize theaerosol source 71. Thecartridge 40 further includes a firstaerosol flow path 46 through which theaerosol source 71 that is vaporized and/or atomized by being heated with thefirst load 45 is aerosolized and aerosol is transported from theheating chamber 43 toward thecapsule 50. - The
storage chamber 42 and theheating chamber 43 are formed adjacent to each other in the longitudinal direction of thecartridge 40. Theheating chamber 43 is formed on one end side in the longitudinal direction of thecartridge 40, and thestorage chamber 42 is formed to be adjacent to theheating chamber 43 in the longitudinal direction of thecartridge 40 and to extend to an end portion on the other end side in the longitudinal direction of thecartridge 40. Aconnection terminal 47 is provided on an end surface on one end side in the longitudinal direction of thecartridge case 41, that is, an end surface of thecartridge case 41 on a side where theheating chamber 43 is disposed, in the longitudinal direction of thecartridge 40. - The
storage chamber 42 has a hollow and substantially annular shape whose axial direction is the longitudinal direction of thecartridge 40, and stores theaerosol source 71 in an annular portion. Thestorage chamber 42 accommodates a porous body such as a resin web or cotton, and theaerosol source 71 may be impregnated in the porous body. Thestorage chamber 42 may store only theaerosol source 71 without accommodating a porous body such as a resin web or cotton. Theaerosol source 71 contains a liquid such as glycerin and/or propylene glycol. - In the present embodiment, the
cartridge 40 of a regular type that stores theaerosol source 71 containing nomenthol 80 and thecartridge 40 of a menthol type that stores theaerosol source 71 containing thementhol 80 are provided to the user by a manufacturer or the like of theaerosol inhaler 1.FIG. 3 shows an example in which thecartridge 40 of a menthol type is mounted on theaerosol inhaler 1. InFIG. 3 , thementhol 80 is shown in a form of particles in order to facilitate understanding of the description, but in practice, thementhol 80 is dissolved in a liquid such as glycerin and/or propylene glycol that constitutes theaerosol source 71. It should be noted that thementhol 80 shown inFIG. 3 and the like is merely a simulation, and positions and quantity of thementhol 80 in thestorage chamber 42, positions and quantity of thementhol 80 in thecapsule 50, and a positional relationship between thementhol 80 and theflavor source 52 do not necessarily coincide with actual ones. - The
wick 44 is a liquid holding member that draws theaerosol source 71 stored in thestorage chamber 42 from thestorage chamber 42 into theheating chamber 43 using a capillary action and holds theaerosol source 71 in theheating chamber 43. Thewick 44 is made of, for example, glass fiber or porous ceramic. Thewick 44 may extend into thestorage chamber 42. - The
first load 45 is electrically connected to theconnection terminal 47. In the present embodiment, thefirst load 45 is implemented by an electric heating wire (a coil) wound around thewick 44 at a predetermined pitch. Thefirst load 45 may be an element that can heat theaerosol source 71 held by thewick 44 to vaporize and/or atomize theaerosol source 71. Thefirst load 45 may be, for example, a heat generating element such as a heat generating resistor, a ceramic heater, or an induction heating type heater. As thefirst load 45, a load whose temperature and electric resistance value have a correlation is used. For example, as thefirst load 45, a load having a positive temperature coefficient (PTC) characteristic is used in which an electric resistance value increases as the temperature increases. Alternatively, as thefirst load 45, for example, a load having a negative temperature coefficient (NTC) characteristic may be used in which an electric resistance value decreases as the temperature increases. A part of thefirst load 45 may be provided outside theheating chamber 43. - The first
aerosol flow path 46 is formed in a hollow portion of thestorage chamber 42 having a hollow and substantially annular shape, and extends in the longitudinal direction of thecartridge 40. The firstaerosol flow path 46 is formed by awall portion 46a that extends in a substantially annular shape in the longitudinal direction of thecartridge 40. Thewall portion 46a of the firstaerosol flow path 46 is also an inner peripheral side wall portion of thestorage chamber 42 having a substantially annular shape. Afirst end portion 461 of the firstaerosol flow path 46 in the longitudinal direction of thecartridge 40 is connected to theheating chamber 43, and asecond end portion 462 of the firstaerosol flow path 46 in the longitudinal direction of thecartridge 40 is opened to an end surface at the other end side of thecartridge case 41. - The first
aerosol flow path 46 is formed such that a cross-sectional area thereof does not change or increases from thefirst end portion 461 toward thesecond end portion 462 in the longitudinal direction of thecartridge 40. The cross-sectional area of the firstaerosol flow path 46 may increase discontinuously from thefirst end portion 461 toward thesecond end portion 462, or may increase continuously as shown inFIG. 3 . - The
cartridge 40 is accommodated in a hollow portion of thecartridge cover 20 having a hollow and substantially annular shape such that the longitudinal direction of thecartridge 40 is the first direction X which is the longitudinal direction of theaerosol inhaler 1. Further, thecartridge 40 is accommodated in the hollow portion of thecartridge cover 20 such that theheating chamber 43 is at the bottom side of the aerosol inhaler 1 (that is, at apower supply unit 10 side) and thestorage chamber 42 is at the top side of the aerosol inhaler 1 (that is, at acapsule 50 side) in the first direction X. - The first
aerosol flow path 46 of thecartridge 40 extends in the first direction X on the center line L of theaerosol inhaler 1 in a state in which thecartridge 40 is accommodated inside thecartridge cover 20. - When the
aerosol inhaler 1 is in use, thecartridge 40 is accommodated in the hollow portion of thecartridge cover 20 so as to maintain a state in which theconnection terminal 47 comes into contact with thedischarge terminals 12 provided on thetop surface 11 a of the powersupply unit case 11. When thedischarge terminals 12 of thepower supply unit 10 and theconnection terminal 47 of thecartridge 40 come into contact with each other, thefirst load 45 of thecartridge 40 is electrically connected to thepower supply 61 of thepower supply unit 10 via thedischarge terminals 12 and theconnection terminal 47. - Further, when the
aerosol inhaler 1 is in use, thecartridge 40 is accommodated in the hollow portion of thecartridge cover 20 such that air flowing in from the air intake port (not shown) provided in the powersupply unit case 11 is taken into theheating chamber 43 from theair supply portion 13 provided on thetop surface 11 a of the powersupply unit case 11 as indicated by an arrow B inFIG. 3 . The arrow B is inclined with respect to the center line L inFIG. 3 , and may be in the same direction as the center line L. In other words, the arrow B may be parallel to the center line L. - When the
aerosol inhaler 1 is in use, thefirst load 45 heats theaerosol source 71 held by thewick 44 without combustion using power supplied from thepower supply 61 via thedischarge terminals 12 provided in the powersupply unit case 11 and theconnection terminal 47 provided in thecartridge 40. In theheating chamber 43, theaerosol source 71 heated by thefirst load 45 is vaporized and/or atomized. When thecartridge 40 is of a menthol type, the vaporized and/or atomizedaerosol source 71 at this time contains the vaporized and/or atomizedmenthol 80 and vaporized and/or atomized glycerin and/or propylene glycol, or the like. - The
aerosol source 71 vaporized and/or atomized in theheating chamber 43 aerosolizes air taken into theheating chamber 43 from theair supply portion 13 of the powersupply unit case 11 as a dispersion medium. Further, theaerosol source 71 vaporized and/or atomized in theheating chamber 43 and the air taken into theheating chamber 43 from theair supply portion 13 of the powersupply unit case 11 flow through the firstaerosol flow path 46 from thefirst end portion 461 of the firstaerosol flow path 46 communicating with theheating chamber 43 to thesecond end portion 462 of the firstaerosol flow path 46, while being further aerosolized. A temperature of theaerosol source 71 vaporized and/or atomized in theheating chamber 43 decreases in the process of flowing through the firstaerosol flow path 46, which promotes aerosolization. In this way, theaerosol source 71 vaporized and/or atomized in theheating chamber 43 and the air taken into theheating chamber 43 from theair supply portion 13 of the powersupply unit case 11 are used to generateaerosol 72 in theheating chamber 43 and the firstaerosol flow path 46. When thecartridge 40 is of a menthol type, theaerosol 72 in theheating chamber 43 and the firstaerosol flow path 46 also contains thementhol 80 that is aerosolized and derived from theaerosol source 71. - (Capsule Holder)
- The
capsule holder 30 includes aside wall 31 extending in the first direction X in a substantially annular shape, and has a hollow and substantially annular shape of which both end surfaces at the bottom side and the top side are opened. Theside wall 31 is formed of a metal such as aluminum. An end portion at the bottom side of thecapsule holder 30 is coupled to an end portion at the top side of thecartridge cover 20 by screwing, locking, or the like, and thecapsule holder 30 is attachable to and detachable from thecartridge cover 20. An innerperipheral surface 31 a of theside wall 31 having a substantially annular shape has an annular shape centered on the center line L of theaerosol inhaler 1, and has a diameter larger than that of the firstaerosol flow path 46 of thecartridge 40 and smaller than that of thecartridge cover 20. - The
capsule holder 30 includes abottom wall 32 provided at an end portion at the bottom side of theside wall 31. Thebottom wall 32 is made of, for example, a resin. Thebottom wall 32 is fixed to the end portion at the bottom side of theside wall 31, and closes a hollow portion surrounded by an inner peripheral surface of theside wall 31 at the end portion at the bottom side of theside wall 31 except for acommunication hole 33 to be described later. - The
bottom wall 32 is provided with thecommunication hole 33 penetrating thebottom wall 32 in the first direction X. Thecommunication hole 33 is formed at a position overlapping the center line L when viewed from the first direction. In a state in which thecartridge 40 is accommodated in thecartridge cover 20 and thecapsule holder 30 is mounted on thecartridge cover 20, thecommunication hole 33 is formed such that the firstaerosol flow path 46 of thecartridge 40 is located inside thecommunication hole 33 when viewed from the top side in the first direction X. - A
second load 34 is provided on theside wall 31 of thecapsule holder 30. As shown inFIG. 5 , thesecond load 34 is provided at the bottom side of theside wall 31, has an annular shape along theside wall 31 having a substantially annular shape, and extends in the first direction X. Thesecond load 34 heats thestorage chamber 53 of thecapsule 50 to heat theflavor source 52 accommodated in theaccommodation chamber 53. Thesecond load 34 may be an element that can heat theflavor source 52 by heating theaccommodation chamber 53 of thecapsule 50. Thesecond load 34 may be, for example, a heat generating element such as a heat generating resistor, a ceramic heater, or an induction heating type heater. As thesecond load 34, a load whose temperature and electric resistance value have a correlation is used. For example, as thesecond load 34, a load having a positive temperature coefficient (PTC) characteristic is used in which an electric resistance value increases as the temperature increases. Alternatively, as thesecond load 34, for example, a load having a negative temperature coefficient (NTC) characteristic may be used in which an electric resistance value decreases as the temperature increases. - In a state in which the
cartridge cover 20 is mounted on thepower supply unit 10 and thecapsule holder 30 is mounted on thecartridge cover 20, thesecond load 34 is electrically connected to thepower supply 61 of the power supply unit 10 (seeFIGS. 6 and 7 ). Specifically, when thecartridge cover 20 is mounted on thepower supply unit 10 and thecapsule holder 30 is mounted on thecartridge cover 20, a discharge terminal 17 (seeFIG. 6 ) of thepower supply unit 10 and a connection terminal (not shown) of thecapsule holder 30 come into contact with each other, whereby thesecond load 34 of thecapsule holder 30 is electrically connected to thepower supply 61 of thepower supply unit 10 via thedischarge terminal 17 and the connection terminal of thecapsule holder 30. - (Capsule)
- Returning to
FIG. 3 , thecapsule 50 has a substantially cylindrical shape and includes aside wall 51 which is opened at both end surfaces and extends in a substantially annular shape. Theside wall 51 is formed of a resin such as plastic. Theside wall 51 has a substantially annular shape having a diameter slightly smaller than that of the innerperipheral surface 31 a of theside wall 31 of thecapsule holder 30. - The
capsule 50 includes theaccommodation chamber 53 that accommodates theflavor source 52. As shown inFIG. 3 , theaccommodation chamber 53 may be formed in an internal space of thecapsule 50 surrounded by theside wall 51. Alternatively, the entire internal space of thecapsule 50 excluding anoutlet portion 55 to be described later may serve as theaccommodation chamber 53. - The
accommodation chamber 53 includes aninlet portion 54 provided at one end side in a cylindrical axis direction of thecapsule 50 extending in a substantially cylindrical shape, and anoutlet portion 55 provided at the other end side in the cylindrical axis direction of thecapsule 50. - The
flavor source 52 includescigarette granules 521 obtained by molding a cigarette raw material into granules. In the present embodiment, thecapsule 50 of a regular type that accommodates theflavor source 52 containing nomenthol 80 and thecapsule 50 of a menthol type that accommodates theflavor source 52 containing thementhol 80 are provided to the user by the manufacturer or the like of theaerosol inhaler 1. In thecapsule 50 of a menthol type, for example, thementhol 80 is adsorbed to thecigarette granules 521 constituting theflavor source 52. - The
flavor source 52 may include cut tobacco instead of thecigarette granules 521. In addition, instead of thecigarette granules 521, theflavor source 52 may include a plant (for example, mint, Chinese herb, and herb) other than cigarettes. In addition, theflavor source 52 may be added with another flavor in addition to thementhol 80. - As shown in
FIG. 3 , when theaccommodation chamber 53 is formed in an internal space of thecapsule 50, theinlet portion 54 may be a partition wall that partitions the internal space of thecapsule 50 in the cylindrical axis direction of thecapsule 50 at a position separated from a bottom portion of thecapsule 50 in the cylindrical axis direction of thecapsule 50. Theinlet portion 54 may be a mesh-like partition wall through which theflavor source 52 cannot pass and through which theaerosol 72 can pass. - When the entire internal space of the
capsule 50 excluding theoutlet portion 55 is theaccommodation chamber 53, the bottom portion of thecapsule 50 also serves as theinlet portion 54. - The
outlet portion 55 is a filter member that is filled in the internal space of thecapsule 50 surrounded by theside wall 51 at an end portion at the top side of theside wall 51 in the cylindrical axis direction of thecapsule 50. Theoutlet portion 55 is a filter member through which theflavor source 52 cannot pass and through which theaerosol 72 can pass. In the present embodiment, theoutlet portion 55 is provided in the vicinity of the top portion of thecapsule 50, and theoutlet portion 55 may be provided at a position separated from the top portion of thecapsule 50. - The
accommodation chamber 53 includes afirst space 531 in which theflavor source 52 is present and asecond space 532 in which theflavor source 52 is not present, thesecond space 532 being located between thefirst space 531 and theoutlet portion 55 and being adjacent to theoutlet portion 55. According to the present embodiment, in theaccommodation chamber 53, thefirst space 531 and thesecond space 532 are formed adjacent to each other in the cylindrical axis direction of thecapsule 50. One end side of thefirst space 531 in the cylindrical axis direction of thecapsule 50 is adjacent to theinlet portion 54, and the other end side of thefirst space 531 in the cylindrical axis direction of thecapsule 50 is adjacent to thesecond space 532. One end side of thesecond space 532 in the cylindrical axis direction of thecapsule 50 is adjacent to thefirst space 531, and the other end side of thesecond space 532 in the cylindrical axis direction of thecapsule 50 is adjacent to theoutlet portion 55. Thefirst space 531 and thesecond space 532 may be partitioned by a mesh-like partition wall 56 through which theflavor source 52 cannot pass and through which theaerosol 72 can pass. Thefirst space 531 and thesecond space 532 may be formed without using such apartition wall 56. As a specific example, thefirst space 531 and thesecond space 532 may be formed by accommodating theflavor source 52 in a pressed state in a part of theaccommodation chamber 53 and making it difficult for theflavor source 52 to move in theaccommodation chamber 53. As another specific example, thefirst space 531 and thesecond space 532 may be formed by allowing theflavor source 52 to freely move in theaccommodation chamber 53 and moving theflavor source 52 to a bottom side of theaccommodation chamber 53 due to gravity when the user performs an inhaling operation through theinhalation port 58. - As shown in
FIG. 3 , when theaccommodation chamber 53 is formed in the internal space of thecapsule 50, a secondaerosol flow path 57 may be formed in thecapsule 50 between the bottom portion of thecapsule 50 and theinlet portion 54 in the cylindrical axis direction of thecapsule 50. - The second
aerosol flow path 57 is formed by the internal space of thecapsule 50 surrounded by theside wall 51 between the bottom portion of thecapsule 50 and theinlet portion 54 in the cylindrical axis direction of thecapsule 50. Therefore, afirst end portion 571 of the secondaerosol flow path 57 in the cylindrical axis direction of thecapsule 50 is opened at the bottom portion of thecapsule 50, and asecond end portion 572 of the secondaerosol flow path 57 in the cylindrical axis direction of thecapsule 50 is connected to theaccommodation chamber 53 at theinlet portion 54 of theaccommodation chamber 53. - An opening area of the
communication hole 33 provided in thebottom wall 32 of thecapsule holder 30 is larger than a cross-sectional area of the firstaerosol flow path 46 of thecartridge 40, and a cross-sectional area of the secondaerosol flow path 57 is larger than the cross-sectional area of the firstaerosol flow path 46 of thecartridge 40 and the opening area of thecommunication hole 33 provided in thebottom wall 32 of thecapsule holder 30. Therefore, a cross-sectional area of thesecond end portion 572 of the secondaerosol flow path 57 connected to theaccommodation chamber 53 of thecapsule 50 is larger than a cross-sectional area of thefirst end portion 461 of the firstaerosol flow path 46 connected to theheating chamber 43 of thecartridge 40. Anaerosol flow path 90 in the present embodiment includes the firstaerosol flow path 46, thecommunication hole 33, and the secondaerosol flow path 57. The cross-sectional area of thefirst end portion 461 of the firstaerosol flow path 46 connected to theheating chamber 43 is smaller than the cross-sectional area of thesecond end portion 462 of the firstaerosol flow path 46 connected to thecommunication hole 33. The cross-sectional area of thefirst end portion 461 of the firstaerosol flow path 46 connected to theheating chamber 43 is smaller than the cross-sectional area of thecommunication hole 33. The cross-sectional area of thecommunication hole 33 is smaller than the cross-sectional area of the secondaerosol flow path 57. That is, in theaerosol path 90, the cross-sectional area of thesecond end portion 572 of the secondaerosol flow path 57 that constitutes a second end portion connected to theaccommodation chamber 53 is larger than the cross-sectional area of thefirst end portion 461 of the firstaerosol flow path 46 that constitutes a first end portion connected to theheating chamber 43. Theaerosol flow path 90 is formed such that the cross-sectional area increases from the first end portion toward the second end portion. - When the entire internal space of the
capsule 50 excluding theoutlet portion 55 serves as theaccommodation chamber 53, the bottom portion of thecapsule 50 serves as theinlet portion 54, and thus the secondaerosol flow path 57 described above is not formed. That is, theaerosol flow path 90 in the present embodiment includes the firstaerosol flow path 46 and thecommunication hole 33. The cross-sectional area of thefirst end portion 461 of the firstaerosol flow path 46 connected to theheating chamber 43 is smaller than the cross-sectional area of thesecond end portion 462 of the firstaerosol flow path 46 connected to thecommunication hole 33. The cross-sectional area of thefirst end portion 461 of the firstaerosol flow path 46 connected to theheating chamber 43 is smaller than the cross-sectional area of thecommunication hole 33. In the present embodiment, in theaerosol path 90, the cross-sectional area of thecommunication hole 33 that constitutes the second end portion connected to theaccommodation chamber 53 is also larger than the cross-sectional area of thefirst end portion 461 of the firstaerosol flow path 46 that constitutes the first end portion connected to theheating chamber 43. Theaerosol flow path 90 is formed such that the cross-sectional area increases from the first end portion toward the second end portion. - In a state in which the
capsule 50 is accommodated in thecapsule holder 30, a space may be formed between thebottom wall 32 of thecapsule holder 30 and the bottom portion of thecapsule 50. That is, theaerosol flow path 90 in the present embodiment includes the firstaerosol flow path 46, thecommunication hole 33, and the space formed between thebottom wall 32 of thecapsule holder 30 and the bottom portion of thecapsule 50. The cross-sectional area of thefirst end portion 461 of the firstaerosol flow path 46 connected to theheating chamber 43 is smaller than the cross-sectional area of thesecond end portion 462 of the firstaerosol flow path 46 connected to thecommunication hole 33. The cross-sectional area of thefirst end portion 461 of the firstaerosol flow path 46 connected to theheating chamber 43 is smaller than the cross-sectional area of thecommunication hole 33. The cross-sectional area of thecommunication hole 33 is smaller than the cross-sectional area of the space formed between thebottom wall 32 of thecapsule holder 30 and the bottom portion of thecapsule 50. In this case, in theaerosol flow path 90, the cross-sectional area of the space that is formed between thebottom wall 32 of thecapsule holder 30 and the bottom portion of thecapsule 50 and that constitutes the second end portion connected to theaccommodation chamber 53 is also larger than the cross-sectional area of thefirst end portion 461 of the firstaerosol flow path 46 that constitutes the first end portion connected to theheating chamber 43. Theaerosol flow path 90 is formed such that the cross-sectional area increases from the first end portion toward the second end portion. - The
capsule 50 is accommodated in a hollow portion of thecapsule holder 30 having a hollow and substantially annular shape such that the cylindrical axis direction of the substantially cylindrical shape is the first direction X which is the longitudinal direction of theaerosol inhaler 1. Further, thecapsule 50 is accommodated in the hollow portion of thecapsule holder 30 such that theinlet portion 54 is at the bottom side of the aerosol inhaler 1 (that is, acartridge 40 side) and theoutlet portion 55 is at the top side of theaerosol inhaler 1 in the first direction X. Thecapsule 50 is accommodated in the hollow portion of thecapsule holder 30 such that an end portion at the other end side of theside wall 51 is exposed in the first direction X from an end portion at the top side of thecapsule holder 30 in a state in which thecapsule 50 is accommodated in the hollow portion of thecapsule holder 30. The end portion at the other end side of theside wall 51 serves as theinhalation port 58 through which the user performs an inhaling operation when theaerosol inhaler 1 is in use. The end portion at the other end side of theside wall 51 may have a step so as to be easily exposed in the first direction X from the end portion at the top side of thecapsule holder 30. - As shown in
FIG. 5 , in a state in which thecapsule 50 is accommodated in the hollow portion of thecartridge cover 20 having a hollow and substantially annular shape, a part of theaccommodation chamber 53 is accommodated in a hollow portion of thesecond load 34 that has an annular shape and that is provided in thecapsule holder 30. - Returning to
FIG. 3 , in a state of being accommodated in the hollow portion of thecartridge cover 20 in the cylindrical axis direction of thecapsule 50, theaccommodation chamber 53 includes aheating region 53A in which thesecond load 34 of thecapsule holder 30 is disposed and anon-heating region 53B which is located between theheating region 53A and theoutlet portion 55, which is adjacent to theoutlet portion 55, and in which thesecond load 34 of thecapsule holder 30 is not disposed. - According to the present embodiment, the
heating region 53A overlaps at least a part of thefirst space 531, and thenon-heating region 53B overlaps at least a part of thesecond space 532 in the cylindrical axis direction of thecapsule 50. According to the present embodiment, in the cylindrical axis direction of thecapsule 50, thefirst space 531 and theheating region 53A substantially coincide with each other, and thesecond space 532 and thenon-heating region 53B substantially coincide with each other. - (Configuration of Aerosol Inhaler During Use)
- The
aerosol inhaler 1 having the above configuration is used in a state in which thecartridge cover 20, thecapsule holder 30, thecartridge 40, and thecapsule 50 are mounted on thepower supply unit 10. In this state, theaerosol flow path 90 is formed in theaerosol inhaler 1 by at least the firstaerosol flow path 46 provided in thecartridge 40 and thecommunication hole 33 provided in thebottom wall 32 of thecapsule holder 30. When theaccommodation chamber 53 is formed in the internal space of thecapsule 50 as shown inFIG. 3 , the secondaerosol flow path 57 provided in thecapsule 50 also constitutes a part of theaerosol flow path 90. When thecapsule 50 is accommodated in thecapsule holder 30 and a space is formed between the bottom wall of thecapsule holder 30 and the bottom portion of thecapsule 50, the space formed between the bottom wall of thecapsule holder 30 and the bottom portion of thecapsule 50 also constitutes a part of theaerosol flow path 90. Theaerosol flow path 90 connects theheating chamber 43 of thecartridge 40 and theaccommodation chamber 53 of thecapsule 50, and is used to transport theaerosol 72 generated in theheating chamber 43 from theheating chamber 43 to theaccommodation chamber 53. - When the user performs an inhaling operation through the
inhalation port 58 during use of theaerosol inhaler 1, air flowing in from the air intake port (not shown) provided in the powersupply unit case 11 is taken into theheating chamber 43 of thecartridge 40 from theair supply portion 13 provided on thetop surface 11 a of the powersupply unit case 11, as indicated by an arrow B inFIG. 3 . Further, thefirst load 45 generates heat, theaerosol source 71 held by thewick 44 is heated, and theaerosol source 71 heated by thefirst load 45 is vaporized and/or atomized in theheating chamber 43. Theaerosol source 71 vaporized and/or atomized by thefirst load 45 aerosolizes the air taken into theheating chamber 43 from theair supply portion 13 of the powersupply unit case 11 as a dispersion medium. Theaerosol source 71 vaporized and/or atomized in theheating chamber 43 and the air taken into theheating chamber 43 from theair supply portion 13 of the powersupply unit case 11 flow through the firstaerosol flow path 46 from thefirst end portion 461 of the firstaerosol flow path 46 communicating with theheating chamber 43 to thesecond end portion 462 of the firstaerosol flow path 46, while being further aerosolized. Theaerosol 72 generated in this way is introduced from thesecond end portion 462 of the firstaerosol flow path 46 into theaccommodation chamber 53 through theinlet portion 54 of thecapsule 50 by passing through thecommunication hole 33 provided in thebottom wall 32 of thecapsule holder 30. According to the embodiment, before theaerosol 72 is introduced into theaccommodation chamber 53, theaerosol 72 flows through the secondaerosol flow path 57 provided in thecapsule 50 or flows through the space formed between the bottom wall of thecapsule holder 30 and the bottom portion of thecapsule 50. - When flowing through the
accommodation chamber 53 in the first direction X of theaerosol inhaler 1 from theinlet portion 54 to theoutlet portion 55, theaerosol 72 introduced into theaccommodation chamber 53 through theinlet portion 54 passes through theflavor source 52 accommodated in thefirst space 531 so as to be added with a flavor component from theflavor source 52. - In this way, the
aerosol 72 flows through theaccommodation chamber 53 from theinlet portion 54 to theoutlet portion 55 in the first direction X of theaerosol inhaler 1. Therefore, in the present embodiment, a flow direction of theaerosol 72, in theaccommodation chamber 53, in which theaerosol 72 flows from theinlet portion 54 to theoutlet portion 55 is the cylindrical axis direction of thecapsule 50, and is the first direction X of theaerosol inhaler 1. - Further, during use of the
aerosol inhaler 1, thesecond load 34 provided in thecapsule holder 30 generates heat to heat theheating region 53A of theaccommodation chamber 53. Accordingly, theflavor source 52 accommodated in thefirst space 531 of theaccommodation chamber 53 and theaerosol 72 flowing through theheating region 53A of theaccommodation chamber 53 are heated. - In order to increase an amount of the flavor component to be added to the aerosol in the
aerosol inhaler 1, it is found from experiments that it is effective to increase an amount of aerosol generated from theaerosol source 71 and increase a temperature of theflavor source 52. It can be said that a phenomenon in which the amount of the flavor component to be added to the aerosol increases as the amount of the aerosol generated from theaerosol source 71 increases is because the amount of the flavor component accompanying the aerosol passing through theflavor source 52 increases as the amount of aerosol increases. A phenomenon that the amount of the flavor component to be added to the aerosol increases as the temperature of theflavor source 52 increases can be explained based on that theflavor source 52 and a flavor added to theflavor source 52 are more likely to be entrained by the aerosol as the temperature of theflavor source 52 increases. - Here, adsorption of the
menthol 80 to theflavor source 52 inside thecapsule 50 will be described in detail. Thecigarette granules 521 constituting theflavor source 52 are fairly larger than molecules of thementhol 80, and function as an adsorbent of thementhol 80 which is an adsorbate. Thementhol 80 is adsorbed to thecigarette granules 521 by chemical adsorption, and is also adsorbed to thecigarette granules 521 by physical adsorption. The chemical adsorption can be caused by covalent bonding between outermost shell electrons in molecules constituting thecigarette granules 521 and outermost shell electrons in molecules constituting thementhol 80. The physical adsorption may be caused by a Van der Waals force acting between surfaces of thecigarette granules 521 and surfaces of thementhol 80. As an adsorption amount of thementhol 80 to thecigarette granules 521 increases, thecigarette granules 521 and thementhol 80 are brought into a state referred to as an adsorption equilibrium state. In the adsorption equilibrium state, an amount of thementhol 80 newly adsorbed to thecigarette granules 521 is equal to an amount of thementhol 80 desorbed from thecigarette granules 521. That is, even when thementhol 80 is newly supplied to thecigarette granules 521, an apparent adsorption amount does not change. Not only thecigarette granules 521 and thementhol 80, but also the adsorption amount in the adsorption equilibrium state decreases as temperatures of the adsorbent and the adsorbate increase. Both chemical adsorption and physical adsorption proceed in a manner in which adsorption sites at interfaces of thecigarette granules 521 are occupied by thementhol 80, and an adsorption amount of thementhol 80 when the adsorption sites are filled up is referred to as a saturated adsorption amount. It will be easily understood that the adsorption amount in the adsorption equilibrium state described above is less than the saturated adsorption amount. - As described above, in general, as the temperature of the
flavor source 52 increases, the adsorption amount of thementhol 80 to thecigarette granules 521 in the adsorption equilibrium state between thecigarette granules 521 and thementhol 80 decreases. Therefore, when theflavor source 52 is heated by thesecond load 34 and the temperature of theflavor source 52 increases, the adsorption amount of thementhol 80 adsorbed to thecigarette granules 521 is reduced, and a part of thementhol 80 adsorbed to thecigarette granules 521 is desorbed. - The
aerosol 72 containing thementhol 80 aerosolized and derived from theaerosol source 71 and thementhol 80 aerosolized and derived from theflavor source 52 flows through thesecond space 532, are discharged to the outside of theaccommodation chamber 53 from theoutlet portion 55, and are supplied to a mouth of a user from theinhalation port 58. - (Details of Power Supply Unit)
- Next, the
power supply unit 10 will be described in detail with reference toFIG. 6 . As shown inFIG. 6 , in thepower supply unit 10, the DC/DC converter 66 which is an example of a voltage converter capable of converting an output voltage of thepower supply 61 and applying the converted output voltage to thefirst load 45 is connected between thefirst load 45 and thepower supply 61 in a state in which thecartridge 40 is mounted on thepower supply unit 10. TheMCU 63 is connected between the DC/DC converter 66 and thepower supply 61. Thesecond load 34 is connected between theMCU 63 and the DC/DC converter 66 in a state in which thecartridge 40 is mounted on thepower supply unit 10. In this way, in thepower supply unit 10, thesecond load 34 and a series circuit of the DC/DC converter 66 and thefirst load 45 are connected in parallel to thepower supply 61 in a state in which thecartridge 40 is mounted. - The DC/
DC converter 66 is controlled by theMCU 63 and is a step-up circuit capable of stepping up an input voltage (for example, an output voltage of the power supply 61) and outputting the stepped-up voltage. The DC/DC converter 66 can apply an input voltage or a voltage obtained by stepping up the input voltage to thefirst load 45. Since power supplied to thefirst load 45 can be adjusted by changing a voltage applied to thefirst load 45 by the DC/DC converter 66, an amount of theaerosol source 71 vaporized or atomized by thefirst load 45 can be controlled. As the DC/DC converter 66, for example, a switching regulator that converts an input voltage into a desired output voltage by controlling an on/off time of a switching element while monitoring an output voltage is used. When a switching regulator is used as the DC/DC converter 66, an input voltage can be output without being stepped up by controlling the switching element. The DC/DC converter 66 is not limited to a step-up type (a boost converter) described above, and may be a step-down type (a buck converter) or a step-up and step-down type converter. For example, the DC/DC converter 66 may be used to set a voltage applied to thefirst load 45 to V1 to V5 [V] to be described later. - The
MCU 63 can acquire a temperature of thesecond load 34, a temperature of theflavor source 52, or a temperature of the accommodation chamber 53 (that is, second temperature T2 to be described later) in order to control discharging to thesecond load 34 using a switch (not shown). In addition, theMCU 63 can preferably acquire a temperature of thefirst load 45. The temperature of thefirst load 45 can be used to prevent overheating of thefirst load 45 and theaerosol source 71 and highly control an amount of theaerosol source 71 vaporized or atomized by thefirst load 45. - The
voltage sensor 671 measures a value of a voltage applied to thefirst load 45 and outputs the value of the voltage. Thecurrent sensor 672 measures a value of a current that flows through thefirst load 45 and outputs the value of the current. An output of thevoltage sensor 671 and an output of thecurrent sensor 672 are input to theMCU 63. TheMCU 63 acquires a resistance value of thefirst load 45 based on the output of thevoltage sensor 671 and the output of thecurrent sensor 672, and acquires the temperature of thefirst load 45 based on the acquired resistance value of thefirst load 45. Specifically, for example, thevoltage sensor 671 and thecurrent sensor 672 may be implemented by an operational amplifier and an analog-to-digital converter. At least a part of thevoltage sensor 671 and/or at least a part of thecurrent sensor 672 may be provided inside theMCU 63. - In a case where a constant current flows through the
first load 45 when the resistance value of thefirst load 45 is acquired, thecurrent sensor 672 in the firsttemperature detection element 67 is unnecessary. Similarly, in a case where a constant voltage is applied to thefirst load 45 when the resistance value of thefirst load 45 is acquired, thevoltage sensor 671 in the firsttemperature detection element 67 is unnecessary. - The
voltage sensor 681 measures a value of a voltage applied to thesecond load 34 and outputs the value of the voltage. Thecurrent sensor 682 measures a value of a current that flows through thesecond load 34 and outputs the value of the current. An output of thevoltage sensor 681 and an output of thecurrent sensor 682 are input to theMCU 63. TheMCU 63 acquires a resistance value of thesecond load 34 based on the output of thevoltage sensor 681 and the output of thecurrent sensor 682, and acquires a temperature of thesecond load 34 based on the acquired resistance value of thesecond load 34. - Here, the temperature of the
second load 34 does not strictly coincide with the temperature of theflavor source 52 heated by thesecond load 34, and can be regarded as substantially the same as the temperature of theflavor source 52. In addition, the temperature of thesecond load 34 does not strictly coincide with the temperature of theaccommodation chamber 53 of thecapsule 50 heated by thesecond load 34, and can be regarded as substantially the same as the temperature of theaccommodation chamber 53 of thecapsule 50. Therefore, the secondtemperature detection element 68 can also be used as a temperature detection element for detecting the temperature of theflavor source 52 or the temperature of theaccommodation chamber 53 of thecapsule 50. Specifically, for example, thevoltage sensor 681 and thecurrent sensor 682 may be implemented by an operational amplifier and an analog-to-digital converter. At least a part of thevoltage sensor 681 and/or at least a part of thecurrent sensor 682 may be provided inside theMCU 63. - In a case where a constant current flows through the
second load 34 when the resistance value of thesecond load 34 is acquired, thecurrent sensor 682 in the secondtemperature detection element 68 is unnecessary. Similarly, in a case where a constant voltage is applied to thesecond load 34 when the resistance value of thesecond load 34 is acquired, thevoltage sensor 681 in the secondtemperature detection element 68 is unnecessary. - Even when the second
temperature detection element 68 is provided in thecapsule holder 30 or thecartridge 40, the temperature of thesecond load 34, the temperature of theflavor source 52, or the temperature of theaccommodation chamber 53 of thecapsule 50 can be acquired based on an output of the secondtemperature detection element 68, and the secondtemperature detection element 68 is preferably provided in thepower supply unit 10 with a lowest replacement frequency in theaerosol inhaler 1. In this way, it is possible to reduce the manufacturing cost of thecapsule holder 30 and thecartridge 40 and provide, to the user at low cost, thecapsule holder 30 and thecartridge 40 whose replacement frequencies are higher than that of thepower supply unit 10. -
FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a specific example of thepower supply unit 10 shown inFIG. 6 .FIG. 7 shows a specific example of a configuration in which thecurrent sensor 682 is not provided as the secondtemperature detection element 68 and thecurrent sensor 672 is not provided as the firsttemperature detection element 67. - As shown in
FIG. 7 , thepower supply unit 10 includes thepower supply 61, theMCU 63, theLDO regulator 65, a parallel circuit Cl including a switch SW1 and a series circuit of a resistance element R1 and a switch SW2 connected in parallel to the switch SW1, a parallel circuit C2 including a switch SW3 and a series circuit of a resistance element R2 and a switch SW4 connected in parallel to the switch SW3, an operational amplifier OP1 and an analog-to-digital converter ADC1 that constitute thevoltage sensor 671, and an operational amplifier OP2 and an analog-to-digital converter ADC2 that constitute thevoltage sensor 681. At least one of the operational amplifier OP1 and the operational amplifier OP2 may be provided inside theMCU 63. - The resistance element described in the present description may be an element having a fixed electric resistance value, for example, a resistor, a diode, or a transistor. In the example of
FIG. 7 , each of the resistance element R1 and the resistance element R2 is a resistor. - The switch described in the present description is a switching element such as a transistor that switches a wiring path between disconnection and conduction, and for example, the switch may be a bipolar transistor such as an insulated gate bipolar transistor (IGBT) or a field effect transistor such as a metal-oxide-semiconductor field-effect transistor (MOSFET). In addition, the switch described in the present description may be implemented by a relay. In the example of
FIG. 7 , each of the switches SW1 to SW4 is a transistor. - The
LDO regulator 65 is connected to a main positive bus LU connected to a positive electrode of thepower supply 61. TheMCU 63 is connected to theLDO regulator 65 and a main negative bus LD connected to a negative electrode of thepower supply 61. TheMCU 63 is also connected to each of the switches SW1 to SW4, and controls opening and closing of the switches SW1 to SW4. TheLDO regulator 65 steps down the voltage from thepower supply 61 and outputs the stepped-down voltage. An output voltage V. of theLDO regulator 65 is also used as an operation voltage of each of theMCU 63, the DC/DC converter 66, the operational amplifier OP1, the operational amplifier OP2, and thenotification unit 16. Alternatively, at least one of theMCU 63, the DC/DC converter 66, the operational amplifier OP1, the operational amplifier OP2, and thenotification unit 16 may use the output voltage of thepower supply 61 as an operation voltage. Alternatively, at least one of theMCU 63, the DC/DC converter 66, the operational amplifier OP1, the operational amplifier OP2, and thenotification unit 16 may use a voltage output from a regulator (not shown) other than theLDO regulator 65 as an operation voltage. The output voltage of the regulator may be different from V0 or may be the same as V0. - The DC/
DC converter 66 is connected to the main positive bus LU. Thefirst load 45 is connected to the main negative bus LD. The parallel circuit C1 is connected to the DC/DC converter 66 and thefirst load 45. - The parallel circuit C2 is connected to the main positive bus LU. The
second load 34 is connected to the parallel circuit C2 and the main negative bus LD. - A non-inverting input terminal of the operational amplifier OP1 is connected to a connection node between the parallel circuit Cl and the
first load 45. An inverting input terminal of the operational amplifier OP1 is connected to an output terminal of the operational amplifier OP1 and the main negative bus LD via a resistance element. - A non-inverting input terminal of the operational amplifier OP2 is connected to a connection node between the parallel circuit C2 and the
second load 34. An inverting input terminal of the operational amplifier OP2 is connected to an output terminal of the operational amplifier OP2 and the main negative bus LD via a resistance element. - The analog-to-digital converter ADC1 is connected to the output terminal of the operational amplifier OP1. The analog-to-digital converter ADC2 is connected to the output terminal of the operational amplifier OP2. The analog-to-digital converter ADC1 and the analog-to-digital converter ADC2 may be provided outside the
MCU 63. - (MCU)
- Next, functions of the
MCU 63 will be described. TheMCU 63 includes a temperature detection unit, a power control unit, and a notification control unit as functional blocks implemented by the processor executing a program stored in a ROM. - The temperature detection unit acquires a first temperature T1 which is a temperature of the
first load 45 based on an output of the firsttemperature detection element 67. In addition, the temperature detection unit acquires a second temperature T2, which is the temperature of thesecond load 34, the temperature of theflavor source 52, or the temperature of theaccommodation chamber 53, based on an output of the secondtemperature detection element 68. - In the case of a circuit example shown in
FIG. 7 , the temperature detection unit controls the switch SW1, the switch SW3, and the switch SW4 to be in a disconnection state, and controls the DC/DC converter 66 to output a predetermined constant voltage. Further, the temperature detection unit acquires an output value (the value of the voltage applied to the first load 45) of the analog-to-digital converter ADC1 in a state in which the switch SW2 is controlled to be in a conductive state, and acquires the first temperature T1 based on the output value. - The non-inverting input terminal of the operational amplifier OP1 may be connected to a terminal of the resistance element R1 on a DC/
DC converter 66 side, and the inverting input terminal of the operational amplifier OP1 may be connected to a terminal of the resistance element R1 on a switch SW2 side. In this case, the temperature detection unit controls the switch SW1, the switch SW3, and the switch SW4 to be in a disconnection state, and controls the DC/DC converter 66 to output a predetermined constant voltage. - Furthermore, the temperature detection unit can acquire an output value of the analog-to-digital converter ADC1 (a value of a voltage applied to the resistance element R1) in a state where the switch SW2 is controlled to be in a conductive state, and acquire the first temperature T1 based on the output value.
- In addition, in the case of the circuit example shown in
FIG. 7 , the temperature detection unit controls the switch SW1, the switch SW2, and the switch SW3 to be in a disconnection state, and controls an element such as a DC/DC converter (not shown) so as to output a predetermined constant voltage. Further, the temperature detection unit acquires an output value (the value of the voltage applied to the second load 34) of the analog-to-digital converter ADC2 in a state in which the switch SW4 is controlled to be in a conductive state, and acquires the second temperature T2 based on the output value. - The non-inverting input terminal of the operational amplifier OP2 may be connected to a terminal of the resistance element R2 on a main positive bus line LU side, and the inverting input terminal of the operational amplifier OP2 may be connected to a terminal of the resistance element R2 on a switch SW4 side. In this case, the temperature detection unit controls the switch SW1, the switch SW2, and the switch SW3 to be in a disconnection state, and controls an element such as a DC/DC converter (not shown) so as to output a predetermined constant voltage. Further, the temperature detection unit can acquire an output value of the analog-to-digital converter ADC2 (a value of a voltage applied to the resistance element R2) in a state in which the switch SW4 is controlled to be in a conductive state, and acquire the second temperature T2 based on the output value.
- The notification control unit controls the
notification unit 16 to notify the user of various kinds of information. For example, when it is detected to be a replacement timing of thecapsule 50, the notification control unit controls thenotification unit 16 to perform a capsule replacement notification for prompting replacement of thecapsule 50. In addition, when it is detected to be a replacement timing of thecartridge 40, the notification control unit controls thenotification unit 16 to perform a cartridge replacement notification for prompting replacement of thecartridge 40. Further, when it is detected that a remaining amount of thepower supply 61 is low, the notification control unit may control thenotification unit 16 to make a notification for prompting replacement or charging of thepower supply 61, or may control thenotification unit 16 to make a notification about a control state (for example, a discharge mode to be described later) of theMCU 63 at a predetermined timing. - The power control unit controls discharging from the
power supply 61 to the first load 45 (hereinafter, also simply referred to as discharging to the first load 45) and discharging from thepower supply 61 to the second load 34 (hereinafter, also simply referred to as discharging to the second load 34). For example, when thepower supply unit 10 has the circuit configuration shown inFIG. 7 , the power control unit can implement the discharging to thefirst load 45 by setting the switch SW2, the switch SW3, and the switch SW4 to a disconnection state (that is, OFF) and setting the switch SW1 to a conductive state (that is, ON). In addition, when thepower supply unit 10 has the circuit configuration shown inFIG. 7 , the power control unit can implement the discharging to thesecond load 34 by setting the switch SW1, the switch SW2, and the switch SW4 to a disconnection state and setting the switch SW3 to a conductive state. - When an aerosol generation request from the user is detected based on an output of the inhalation sensor 62 (that is, when the user performs an inhaling operation), the power control unit performs the discharging to the
first load 45 and thesecond load 34. Accordingly, theaerosol source 71 is heated by the first load 45 (that is, aerosol is generated) and theflavor source 52 is heated by thesecond load 34 in response to the aerosol generation request. At this time, the power control unit controls the discharging to thefirst load 45 and thesecond load 34 such that an amount of a flavor component added from the flavor source 52 (hereinafter, simply referred to as a flavor component amount, and for example, a flavor component amount Wflavor to be described later) to aerosol (vaporized and/or atomized aerosol source 71) generated in response to the aerosol generation request converges to a predetermined target amount. The target amount is a value determined as appropriate, and for example, a target range of the flavor component amount may be determined as appropriate, and a median value in the target range may be determined as the target amount. - Accordingly, the flavor component amount converges to the target amount, such that the flavor component amount can converge in the target range having a certain range. A unit of the flavor component amount and the target amount may be weight (for example, [mg]).
- As described above, the
cartridge 40 mounted on theaerosol inhaler 1 includes a cartridge of a menthol type in which theaerosol source 71 contains menthol and a cartridge of a regular type in which theaerosol source 71 does not contain menthol. Similarly, thecapsule 50 mounted on theaerosol inhaler 1 includes a capsule of a menthol type in which theflavor source 52 contains menthol and a capsule of a regular type in which theflavor source 52 does not contain menthol. - Therefore, the
aerosol inhaler 1 may be in a state in which thecartridge 40 of a menthol type is mounted and thecapsule 50 of a menthol type is mounted, in other words, in a state in which both theaerosol source 71 and theflavor source 52 contain menthol. - The
aerosol inhaler 1 may be in a state in which thecartridge 40 of a menthol type is mounted and thecapsule 50 of a regular type is mounted, in other words, in a state in which only theaerosol source 71 contains menthol. - The
aerosol inhaler 1 may be in a state in which thecartridge 40 of a regular type is mounted, thecapsule 50 of a menthol type is mounted, in other words, in a state in which only theflavor source 52 contains menthol. - The
aerosol inhaler 1 may be in a state in which thecartridge 40 of a regular type is mounted and thecapsule 50 of a regular type is mounted, in other words, in a state in which neither theaerosol source 71 nor theflavor source 52 contains menthol. - In the
aerosol inhaler 1, it is preferable to appropriately control the discharging to thefirst load 45 and thesecond load 34 in accordance with a target containing (or not containing) menthol between theaerosol source 71 and theflavor source 52. Therefore, theMCU 63 can determine (identify) types of thecartridge 40 and thecapsule 50 mounted on theaerosol inhaler 1, that is, can determine (identify) whether theaerosol source 71 and theflavor source 52 contain menthol. The determination on whether theaerosol source 71 and theflavor source 52 contain menthol may be implemented using any method. For example, as will be described later, theMCU 63 may determine whether theaerosol source 71 and theflavor source 52 contain menthol based on an operation performed on theoperation unit 15. - The power control unit controls the discharging to the
first load 45 and thesecond load 34 based on a determination result (an identification result) on whether theaerosol source 71 and theflavor source 52 contain menthol. In this way, it is possible to set a manner of the discharging to thefirst load 45 and thesecond load 34 to be different from each other in accordance with a target containing (or not containing) menthol by controlling the discharging to thefirst load 45 and thesecond load 34 in accordance with a target containing (or not containing) menthol between theaerosol source 71 and theflavor source 52. Accordingly, it is possible to appropriately control the discharging to thefirst load 45 and thesecond load 34 in accordance with a target containing (or not containing) menthol. - For example, it is assumed that the
aerosol inhaler 1 is in a state in which both theaerosol source 71 and theflavor source 52 contain menthol (that is, both thecartridge 40 and thecapsule 50 are of a menthol type). In this case, the power control unit controls the discharging to thefirst load 45 and the discharging to thesecond load 34 by a menthol mode. A manner of the discharging to thefirst load 45 in the menthol mode in this case is different from a manner of the discharging to thefirst load 45 in a regular mode to be described later. For example, the manner of the discharging to thefirst load 45 in the menthol mode in this case is a manner in which a voltage applied to thefirst load 45 is increased (that is, changed) in a stepwise manner or is increased (that is, changed) continuously, as will be described later with reference to part (b) ofFIG. 13 . Accordingly, an amount of aerosol generated by being heated with thefirst load 45 can be changed. Therefore, an amount of menthol derived from theaerosol source 71 and an amount of menthol derived from theflavor source 52 can be highly controlled. - A manner of the discharging to the
second load 34 in the menthol mode in a case where both theaerosol source 71 and theflavor source 52 contain menthol is different from a manner of discharging to thesecond load 34 in the regular mode to be described later. For example, the manner of the discharging to thesecond load 34 in the menthol mode in this case is a manner in which a target temperature of thesecond load 34 is decreased (that is, changed) in a stepwise manner or is decreased (that is, changed) continuously, as will be described later with reference to part (a) ofFIG. 13 . Accordingly, for example, an appropriate amount of menthol can be supplied to the user and menthol provided to the user can be stabilized at an appropriate amount in a period before the flavor source 52 (specifically, the cigarette granules 521) in thecapsule 50 and menthol reach the adsorption equilibrium state and in a period after theflavor source 52 and menthol reach the adsorption equilibrium state, as will be descried later. - For example, it is assumed that the
aerosol inhaler 1 is in a state in which only theaerosol source 71 contains menthol (that is, thecartridge 40 is of a menthol type and thecapsule 50 is of a regular type). In this case, the power control unit also controls the discharging to thefirst load 45 and the discharging to thesecond load 34 by the menthol mode. A manner of the discharging to thefirst load 45 in the menthol mode in this case is different from the manner of the discharging to thefirst load 45 in the menthol mode and the manner of the discharging to thefirst load 45 in the regular mode in the above-described case where both theaerosol source 71 and theflavor source 52 contain menthol. For example, the manner of the discharging to thefirst load 45 in the menthol mode in this case is a manner in which a voltage applied to thefirst load 45 is decreased (that is, changed) in a stepwise manner or is decreased (that is, changed) continuously, as will be described later with reference to part (b) ofFIG. 14 . Accordingly, an amount of aerosol generated by being heated with thefirst load 45 can be changed. Therefore, an amount of menthol derived from theaerosol source 71 and an amount of menthol derived from theflavor source 52 can be highly controlled. - The manner of the discharging to the
second load 34 in the menthol mode in a case where only theaerosol source 71 contains menthol is the same as, for example, the manner of the discharging to thesecond load 34 in the menthol mode in a case where both theaerosol source 71 and theflavor source 52 contain menthol. That is, the manner of the discharging to thesecond load 34 in the menthol mode in this case is a manner in which a target temperature of thesecond load 34 is decreased (that is, changed) in a stepwise manner or is decreased (that is, changed) continuously (see part (a) ofFIG. 13 and part (a) ofFIG. 14 ). In other words, the manner of the discharging to thesecond load 34 in the menthol mode in this case is different from the manner of the discharging to thesecond load 34 in the regular mode. Accordingly, in this case, an appropriate amount of menthol can also be supplied to the user and menthol provided to the user can also be stabilized at an appropriate amount in a period before the flavor source 52 (specifically, the cigarette granules 521) in thecapsule 50 and menthol reach the adsorption equilibrium state and in a period after theflavor source 52 and menthol reach the adsorption equilibrium state. - For example, it is assumed that the
aerosol inhaler 1 is in a state where neither theaerosol source 71 nor theflavor source 52 contains menthol (that is, both thecartridge 40 and thecapsule 50 are of a regular type). In this case, the power control unit controls the discharging to thefirst load 45 and the discharging to thesecond load 34 by the regular mode. The manner of the discharging to thefirst load 45 in the regular mode is, for example, a manner in which a voltage applied to thefirst load 45 is maintained constant, as will be described later with reference to part (b) ofFIG. 13 . Accordingly, control on the voltage applied to the first load 45 (that is, the power supplied to the first load 45) can be simplified in the regular mode. - The manner of the discharging to the
second load 34 in the regular mode is, for example, a manner in which a target temperature of thesecond load 34 is increased (that is, changed) in a stepwise manner or is increased (that is, changed) continuously, as will be described later with reference to part (a) ofFIG. 13 . Accordingly, it is possible to compensate the flavor component (that is, flavor derived from the flavor source 52), which decreases due to inhalation of the user, by increasing the temperature of the second load 34 (that is, flavor source 52) in the regular mode. - For example, the
aerosol inhaler 1 is in a state in which only theflavor source 52 contains menthol (that is, thecartridge 40 is of a regular type and thecapsule 50 is of a menthol type). In this case, the power control unit also controls the discharging to thefirst load 45 and the discharging to thesecond load 34 by the menthol mode. The manner of the discharging to thefirst load 45 in the menthol mode in this case is different from the manner of the discharging to thefirst load 45 in the above-described case where both theaerosol source 71 and theflavor source 52 contain menthol and the manner of the discharging to thefirst load 45 in the case where only theaerosol source 71 contains menthol. For example, the manner of the discharging to thefirst load 45 in the menthol mode in this case is the same as the manner of discharging to thefirst load 45 in the regular mode. That is, the manner of the discharging to thefirst load 45 in the menthol mode in this case is a manner in which a voltage applied to thefirst load 45 is maintained constant. Accordingly, an amount of aerosol generated by being heated with thefirst load 45 can be made constant, and an amount of menthol that is derived from theflavor source 52 and generated by being heated with thesecond load 34 can be easily controlled. - A manner of the discharging to the
second load 34 in the menthol mode in a case where only theflavor source 52 contains menthol is different from the manner of the discharging to thesecond load 34 in the menthol mode in the above-described case where both theaerosol source 71 and theflavor source 52 contain menthol and the manner of the discharging to thesecond load 34 in the menthol mode in the case where only theaerosol source 71 contains menthol. For example, the manner of the discharging to thesecond load 34 in the menthol mode in this case is the same as the manner of the discharging to thesecond load 34 in the regular mode. That is, the manner of the discharging to thesecond load 34 in the menthol mode in this case is a manner in which a target temperature of thesecond load 34 is increased (that is, changed) in a stepwise manner or is increased (that is, changed) continuously. Accordingly, desorption of menthol adsorbed to the flavor source 52 (specifically, cigarette granules 521) from theflavor source 52 can be gradually progressed, and an amount of menthol provided to the user (that is, a flavor derived from menthol) can be stabilized. - In a case where only the
flavor source 52 contains menthol, the power control unit also controls the discharging to thefirst load 45 and the discharging to thesecond load 34 by the regular mode. - (Various Parameters Used for Generating Aerosol)
- Before specific control on the discharging to the
first load 45 and the like performed by theMCU 63 is described, various parameters used for the control on the discharging to thefirst load 45 and the like performed by theMCU 63 will be described. - A weight [mg] of aerosol that is generated by being heated with the
first load 45 and that passes through the flavor source 52 (that is, inside the capsule 50) in response to one inhaling operation performed by the user is defined as an aerosol weight Waerosol. Power required to be supplied to thefirst load 45 in order to generate aerosol having the aerosol weight Waerosol is defined as atomized power Pliquid. A supply time of the atomized power Pliquid to thefirst load 45 is defined as a supply time tsense. From the viewpoint of preventing overheating of thefirst load 45 and the like, a predetermined upper limit value tupper (for example, 2.4 [s]) is set for the supply time tsense, and theMCU 63 stops power supply to thefirst load 45 regardless of an output value of theinhalation sensor 62 when the supply time tsense reaches the upper limit value tupper (see steps S19 and S20 to be described later). - A weight [mg] of a flavor component contained in the
flavor source 52 when the user performs an inhaling operation for npuff times (npuff is a natural number of 0 or more) after thecapsule 50 is mounted on theaerosol inhaler 1 is defined as a flavor component remaining amount Wcapsule (npuff). A weight [mg] of a flavor component contained in theflavor source 52 of the new capsule 50 (capsule 50 in which the inhaling operation is not performed even once after being mounted), that is, the flavor component remaining amount Wcapsule (npuff=0) is also defined as Winitial. - A weight [mg] of a flavor component added to the aerosol passing through the flavor source 52 (that is, inside the capsule 50) in response to one inhaling operation performed by the user is defined as a flavor component amount Wflavor. A parameter related to a temperature of the
flavor source 52 is defined as a temperature parameter Tcapsule. The temperature parameter Tcapsule is a parameter indicating the second temperature T2 described above, and is, for example, a parameter indicating a temperature of thesecond load 34. - It is experimentally found that the flavor component amount Wflavor depends on the flavor component remaining amount Wcapsule, the temperature parameter Tcapsule, and the aerosol weight Waerosol. Therefore, the flavor component amount Wflavor can be modeled by the following formula (1).
-
W flavor=β×(W capsule ×T capsule)×γ×W aerosol (1) - β in the above formula (1) is a coefficient indicating a ratio of a flavor component to be added to the aerosol generated in response to one inhaling operation performed by the user when the aerosol passes through the
flavor source 52, and is obtained from experiments. γ in the above formula (1) is a coefficient obtained from experiments. In a period in which one inhaling operation is performed, the temperature parameter Tcapsule and the flavor component remaining amount Wcapsule may vary, and γ is introduced here in order to treat the temperature parameter Tcapsule and the flavor component remaining amount Wcapsule as constant values. - The flavor component remaining amount Wcapsule is decreased each time the user performs an inhaling operation. Therefore, the flavor component remaining amount Wcapsule is inversely proportional to the number of times of the inhaling operation (hereinafter, also referred to as the number of times of inhalation). In the
aerosol inhaler 1, since the discharging to thefirst load 45 is performed each time an inhaling operation is performed, it can be said that the flavor component remaining amount Wcapsule is inversely proportional to the number of times the discharging to thefirst load 45 is performed to generate aerosol or a cumulative value in a period in which the discharging to thefirst load 45 is performed. - As can be seen from the above formula (1), when it is assumed that the aerosol weight Waerosol generated in response to one inhaling operation performed by the user is controlled to be substantially constant, it is necessary to increase the temperature parameter Tcapsule (that is, the temperature of the flavor source 52) as the flavor component remaining amount Wcapsule decreases (that is, the number of times of inhalation increases) in order to stabilize the flavor component amount Wflavor.
- Therefore, when the
cartridge 40 and thecapsule 50 mounted on theaerosol inhaler 1 are of a regular type (that is, when neither theaerosol source 71 nor theflavor source 52 contains menthol), the MCU 63 (the power control unit) sets a discharge mode for controlling the discharging to thefirst load 45 and thesecond load 34 to a regular mode. When the discharge mode is set to the regular mode, theMCU 63 controls the discharging to thesecond load 34 in order to increase the temperature of theflavor source 52 as the flavor component remaining amount Wcapsule decreases (that is, the number of times of inhalation increases) (seeFIGS. 13 and 14 ). - On the other hand, when the
cartridge 40 or thecapsule 50 mounted on theaerosol inhaler 1 is of a menthol type (that is, when theaerosol source 71 or theflavor source 52 contains menthol), the MCU 63 (the power control unit) sets the discharge mode to a menthol mode different from the regular mode. When the discharge mode is set to the menthol mode, theMCU 63 controls the discharging to thesecond load 34 in order to lower the temperature of theflavor source 52 as the flavor component remaining amount Wcapsule decreases (that is, the number of times of inhalation increases) from the viewpoint of supplying an appropriate amount of menthol to the user (seeFIGS. 13 and 14 ). Accordingly, as will be described later, it is possible to supply an appropriate amount of menthol to the user. - When the temperature of the
flavor source 52 is lowered as the flavor component remaining amount Wcapsule decreases, the flavor component amount Wflavor decreases. Therefore, when the temperature of theflavor source 52 is lowered as the flavor component remaining amount Wcapsule decreases, theMCU 63 may increase the aerosol weight Waerosol by increasing a voltage applied to thefirst load 45 to increase the power supplied to the first load 45 (seeFIG. 13 ). Accordingly, a decrease in the flavor component amount Wflavor caused by lowering the temperature of theflavor source 52 in order to supply an appropriate amount of menthol to the user can be compensated by an increase in the aerosol weight Waerosol of aerosol generated by being heated with thefirst load 45. Therefore, it is possible to prevent a decrease in the flavor component amount Wflavor supplied to the mouth of the user, and it is possible to stably supply menthol and a flavor component to the user. - (Operation of Aerosol Inhaler)
- Next, an example of an operation of the
aerosol inhaler 1 will be described with reference toFIGS. 8 to 12 . For example, the operation of theaerosol inhaler 1 to be described below is implemented by a processor of theMCU 63 executing a program stored in advance in thememory 63 a or the like. - As shown in
FIG. 8 , theMCU 63 is in standby until a power supply of theaerosol inhaler 1 is turned on by an operation performed on theoperation unit 15 or the like (step S0: NO loop). When the power supply of theaerosol inhaler 1 is turned on (step S0: YES), theMCU 63 transitions an operation mode of theaerosol inhaler 1 to a startup mode in which aerosol can be generated, and executes flavor identification processing (to be described later) of identifying types of thecartridge 40 and the capsule 50 (step S1). - The
MCU 63 may start the discharging to thesecond load 34 such that a target temperature of the second load 34 (hereinafter, also referred to as a target temperature Tcap_target) to be described later converges to a predetermined temperature in response to the transition to the startup mode. Accordingly, thesecond load 34 can be preheated in response to the transition to the startup mode, and a temperature of thesecond load 34 and theflavor source 52 can be increased at an early stage. For example, as will be described later, the initial target temperature Tcap_target is set to 80 [° C.] which is high in the menthol mode from the viewpoint of ensuring an amount of menthol that can be supplied to the user. Although a certain period of time is required for thesecond load 34 to reach such a high temperature, thesecond load 34 is promoted to reach such a high temperature at an early stage by preheating thesecond load 34 in response to the transition to the startup mode. Therefore, in a case where theaerosol source 71 or the like contains menthol, an amount of menthol (the flavor derived from menthol) provided to the user can be stabilized at an early stage, and an appropriate amount of menthol can be stably supplied to the user immediately after the transition to the startup mode (for example, after a so-called inhalation start). - The
MCU 63 may start the discharging to thesecond load 34 before executing the flavor identification processing, that is, before determining whether theaerosol source 71 and theflavor source 52 contain menthol. Accordingly, a timing when preheating of thesecond load 34 is started can be advanced, and the temperature of thesecond load 34 and theflavor source 52 can be increased at an early stage. In a case where the discharging to thesecond load 34 before executing the flavor identification processing in this way is started, when theMCU 63 executes the flavor identification processing (that is, when theMCU 63 determines whether theaerosol source 71 and theflavor source 52 contain menthol), the preheating of thesecond load 34 is ended. Thereafter, theMCU 63 may start the discharging to thesecond load 34 in accordance with a target containing (or not containing) menthol between theaerosol source 71 and theflavor source 52. Accordingly, after determining whether theaerosol source 71 and theflavor source 52 contain menthol, it is possible to appropriately control the discharging to thesecond load 34 in accordance with the determined target. - When preheating of the
second load 34 is performed in response to the transition to the startup mode, for example, theMCU 63 sets the target temperature (the predetermined temperature) of thesecond load 34 during the preheating to be a temperature lower than a minimum value (60 [° C.] in the present embodiment) of the target temperature of thesecond load 34 in the menthol mode in a case where both theaerosol source 71 and theflavor source 52 contain menthol and in a case where only theaerosol source 71 contains menthol. Accordingly, it is possible to prevent thesecond load 34 and theflavor source 52 from being excessively heated due to the preheating of thesecond load 34, it is possible to preheat thesecond load 34 to an appropriate temperature, it is possible to stabilize flavor, and it is possible to reduce power consumption due to the preheating of thesecond load 34. Specifically, even when both theaerosol source 71 and theflavor source 52 contain menthol or only theaerosol source 71 contains menthol, it is possible to prevent theflavor source 52 from being excessively heated due to the preheating of thesecond load 34, and it is possible to prevent a large amount of menthol which may lead to a decrease in flavor from being supplied to the user. - When preheating of the
second load 34 is performed in response to the transition to the startup mode, for example, theMCU 63 sets the target temperature of thesecond load 34 during the preheating to a temperature lower than a minimum value (30 [° C.] in the present embodiment) of the target temperature of thesecond load 34 in the regular mode. Since the discharging to thesecond load 34 in a case where only theflavor source 52 contains menthol is controlled in the same discharging manner as the regular mode, in other words, theMCU 63 sets the target temperature of thesecond load 34 during preheating to a temperature lower than the minimum value of the target temperature of thesecond load 34 in a case where only theflavor source 52 contains menthol. Accordingly, in a case where neither theaerosol source 71 nor theflavor source 52 contains menthol and in a case where only theflavor source 52 contains menthol, it is possible to prevent thesecond load 34 and theflavor source 52 from being excessively heated due to the preheating of thesecond load 34, it is possible to preheat thesecond load 34 to an appropriate temperature, it is possible to stabilize flavor, and it is possible to reduce power consumption due to the preheating of thesecond load 34. Specifically, in a case where neither theaerosol source 71 nor theflavor source 52 contains menthol and in a case where only theflavor source 52 contains menthol, it is possible to prevent theflavor source 52 from being excessively heated due to the preheating of thesecond load 34, and it is possible to prevent a large amount of flavor component or menthol which may lead to a decrease in flavor from being supplied to the user. - In the present embodiment, as will be described later, the minimum value of the target temperature of the
second load 34 in the regular mode is a temperature lower than the minimum value of the target temperature of thesecond load 34 in the menthol mode in a case where both theaerosol source 71 and theflavor source 52 contain menthol and in a case where only theaerosol source 71 contains menthol. Therefore, by setting the target temperature of thesecond load 34 during the preheating to a temperature lower than the minimum value of the target temperature of thesecond load 34 in the regular mode, the target temperature of thesecond load 34 during the preheating naturally becomes a temperature lower than the minimum value of the target temperature of thesecond load 34 in the menthol mode in a case where both theaerosol source 71 and theflavor source 52 contain menthol and in a case where only theaerosol source 71 contains menthol. Therefore, by setting the target temperature of thesecond load 34 during the preheating to a temperature lower than the minimum value of the target temperature of thesecond load 34 in the regular mode, it is possible to prevent thesecond load 34 and theflavor source 52 from being excessively heated due to the preheating of thesecond load 34, it is possible to stabilize flavor, and it is possible to reduce power consumption due to the preheating of thesecond load 34 regardless of the target containing (or not containing) menthol between theaerosol source 71 and theflavor source 52. - Next, the
MCU 63 determines whether thecartridge 40 or thecapsule 50 is of a menthol type based on a processing result of the flavor identification processing (step S2). For example, when it is set that thecartridge 40 or thecapsule 50 is of a menthol type as the processing result of the flavor identification processing, theMCU 63 makes an affirmative determination in step S2 (step S2: YES), and executes menthol mode processing in order to control the discharging from thepower supply 61 to thefirst load 45 and thesecond load 34 by the menthol mode. - In the menthol mode processing, the
MCU 63 first notifies the user of the menthol mode by the notification unit 16 (step S3). At this time, for example, theMCU 63 causes thelight emitting element 161 to emit green light and causes thevibration element 162 to vibrate, thereby notifying the user of the menthol mode. - Next, the
MCU 63 sets the target temperature Tcap_target and the atomized power to be supplied to the first load 45 (hereinafter, also referred to as atomized power Pliquid) based on the flavor component remaining amount Wcapsule (npuff−1) contained in the flavor source 52 (step S4), and proceeds to step S5. Here, when the inhaling operation is not performed even once after thenew capsule 50 is mounted, the flavor component remaining amount Wcapsule (npuff−1) is Winitial, and when the inhaling operation is performed once or more, the flavor component remaining amount Wcapsule (npuff−1) is the flavor component remaining amount Wcapsule (npuff) calculated by remaining amount update processing (to be described later) immediately before the inhaling operation. A specific setting example of the target temperature Tcap_target and the like in the menthol mode will be described later with reference toFIGS. 13 and 14 . - Next, the
MCU 63 acquires a current temperature of the second load 34 (hereinafter, also referred to as temperature Tcap_sense) based on an output of the second temperature detection element 68 (step S5). The temperature Tcap_sense which is a temperature of thesecond load 34 is an example of the temperature parameter Tcapsule described above. Here, although an example in which the temperature of thesecond load 34 is used as the temperature parameter Tcapsule is described, a temperature of theflavor source 52 or theaccommodation chamber 53 may be used instead of the temperature of thesecond load 34. - Next, the
MCU 63 controls the discharging from thepower supply 61 to thesecond load 34 based on the set target temperature Tcap_target and the acquired temperature Tcap_sense such that the temperature Tcap_sense converges to the target temperature Tcap_target (step S6). At this time, theMCU 63 performs, for example, proportional-integral-differential (PID) control such that the temperature Tcap_sense converges to the target temperature Tcap_target. - As the control for converging the temperature Tcap_sense to the target temperature Tcap_target, ON and OFF control for turning on and off the power supply to the
second load 34, proportional (P) control, proportional-integral (PI) control, or the like may be used instead of the PID control. The target temperature Tcap_target may have hysteresis. - Next, the
MCU 63 determines whether there is an aerosol generation request (step S7). When there is no aerosol generation request (step S7: NO), theMCU 63 determines whether a predetermined period is elapsed in a state in which there is no aerosol generation request (step S8). When the predetermined period is not elapsed in a state in which there is no aerosol generation request (step S8: NO), theMCU 63 returns to step S6. - When the predetermined period is elapsed in a state in which there is no aerosol generation request (step S8: YES), the
MCU 63 stops the discharging to the second load 34 (step S9), transitions the operation mode of theaerosol inhaler 1 to a sleep mode (step S10), and proceeds to step S29 to be described later. Here, the sleep mode is an operation mode in which power consumption of theaerosol inhaler 1 is lower than that in the startup mode, and that can be transitioned to the startup mode. Therefore, theMCU 63 transitions theaerosol inhaler 1 to the sleep mode, such that power consumption of theaerosol inhaler 1 can be reduced while maintaining a state capable of returning to the startup mode as needed. - On the other hand, when there is an aerosol generation request (step S7: YES), the
MCU 63 temporarily stops the heating of theflavor source 52 performed by the second load 34 (that is, the discharging to the second load 34), and acquires the temperature Tcap_sense based on an output of the second temperature detection element 68 (step S11). TheMCU 63 may not stop the heating of theflavor source 52 performed by the second load 34 (that is, the discharging to the second load 34) when executing step S11. - Next, the
MCU 63 determines whether the acquired temperature Tcap_sense is higher than the set target temperature Tcap_target−δ(δ≥0) (step S12). δ can be freely determined by a manufacturer of theaerosol inhaler 1. When the temperature Tcap_sense is higher than the target temperature Tcap_target−δ (step S12: YES), theMCU 63 sets the current atomized power Pliquid−Δ(Δ>0) as a new atomized power Pliquid (step S13), and proceeds to step S16. - In the present embodiment, when the target temperature Tcap_target is controlled by the menthol mode, the
MCU 63 changes the target temperature Tcap_target from 80 [° C.] to 60 [° C.] in a predetermined period, details of which will be described later with reference toFIG. 13 and the like. Immediately after the target temperature Tcap_target is changed in such a manner, the temperature Tcap_sense (for example, 80 [° C.]) which is the temperature of thesecond load 34 at that time may exceed the target temperature Tcap_target (that is, 60 [° C.]) after the change. In such a case, theMCU 63 makes an affirmative determination in step S12 and performs processing in step S13 to reduce the atomized power Pliquid. Accordingly, even when an actual temperature of theflavor source 52, thesecond load 34, or the like is higher than 60 [° C.] immediately after the target temperature Tcap_target is changed from 80 [° C.] to 60 [° C.], the atomized power Pliquid can be reduced, and an amount of theaerosol source 71 that is generated by being heated with thefirst load 45 and is supplied to theflavor source 52 can be reduced. Therefore, it is possible to prevent a large amount of menthol from being supplied to the mouth of the user, and it is possible to stably supply an appropriate amount of menthol to the user. - On the other hand, when the temperature Tcap_sense is not higher than the target temperature Tcap_target−δ (step S12: NO), the
MCU 63 determines whether the temperature Tcap_sense is lower than the target temperature Tcap_target−δ (step S14). When the temperature Tcap_sense is lower than the target temperature Tcap_target−δ (step S14: YES), theMCU 63 sets the current atomized power Pliquid+Δ as a new atomized power Pliquid (step S15), and proceeds to step S16. - On the other hand, when the temperature Tcap_sense is not lower than the target temperature Tcap_target−δ (step S14: NO), since the temperature Tcap_sense=the target temperature Tcap_target−δ, the
MCU 63 maintains the current atomized power Pliquid and proceeds to step S16. - Next, the
MCU 63 notifies the user of the current discharge mode (step S16). For example, in the case of the menthol mode (that is, in a case where menthol mode processing is executed), in step S16, theMCU 63 notifies the user of the menthol mode by, for example, causing thelight emitting element 161 to emit green light. On the other hand, in the case of the regular mode (that is, in a case where regular mode processing is executed), in step 516, theMCU 63 notifies the user of the regular mode by, for example, causing thelight emitting element 161 to emit white light. - Next, the
MCU 63 controls the DC/DC converter 66 such that the atomized power Pliquid set in step S13 or step S15 is supplied to the first load 45 (step S17). Specifically, theMCU 63 controls a voltage applied to thefirst load 45 by the DC/DC converter 66, such that the atomized power Pliquid is supplied to thefirst load 45. Accordingly, the atomized power Pliquid is supplied to thefirst load 45, theaerosol source 71 is heated by thefirst load 45, and the vaporized and/or atomizedaerosol source 71 is generated. - Next, the
MCU 63 determines whether the aerosol generation request is ended (step S18). When the aerosol generation request is not ended (step S18: NO), theMCU 63 determines whether an elapsed time from the start of the supply of the atomized power Pliquid, that is, the supply time tsense, reaches the upper limit value tupper (step S19). When the supply time tsense does not reach the upper limit value tupper (step S19: NO), theMCU 63 returns to step S16. In this case, the supply of the atomized power Pliquid to thefirst load 45, that is, the generation of the vaporized and/or atomizedaerosol source 71, is continued. - On the other hand, when the aerosol generation request is ended (step S18: YES), and when the supply time tsense reaches the upper limit value tupper (step S19: YES), the
MCU 63 stops the supply of the atomized power Pliquid to the first load 45 (that is, the discharging to the first load 45) (step S20), and executes remaining amount update processing of calculating the flavor component remaining amount contained in theflavor source 52. - In the remaining amount update processing, the
MCU 63 first acquires the supply time tsense in which the atomized power Pliquid is supplied (step S21). Next, theMCU 63 adds “1” to npuff which is a count value of a puff number counter (step S22). - Further, the
MCU 63 updates the flavor component remaining amount Wcapsule (npuff) contained in theflavor source 52 based on the acquired supply time tsense, the atomized power Pliquid supplied to thefirst load 45 in response to the aerosol generation request, and the target temperature Tcap_target set when the aerosol generation request is detected (step S23). For example, theMCU 63 calculates the flavor component remaining amount Wcapsule (npuff) according to the following formula (2), and stores the calculated flavor component remaining amount Wcapsule (npuff) in thememory 63 a, thereby updating the flavor component remaining amount Wcapsule (npuff). -
- β and γ in the above formula (2) are the same as β and γ in the above formula (1), and are obtained from experiments. In addition, δ in the above formula (2) is the same as δ used in step S13, and is set in advance by a manufacturer of the
aerosol inhaler 1. α in the above formula (2) is a coefficient obtained from experiments in a similar manner to β and γ. - Next, the
MCU 63 determines whether the updated flavor component remaining amount Wcapsule (npuff) is less than a predetermined remaining amount threshold that is a condition for performing a capsule replacement notification (step S24). When the updated flavor component remaining amount Wcapsule (npuff) is equal to or larger than the remaining amount threshold (step S24: NO), it is considered that the flavor component contained in the flavor source 52 (that is, in the capsule 50) is still sufficient, and thus theMCU 63 proceeds to step S29. - On the other hand, when the updated flavor component remaining amount Wcapsule (npuff) is less than the remaining amount threshold (step S24: YES), it is considered that the flavor component contained in the
flavor source 52 almost runs out, and thus theMCU 63 determines whether replacement of thecapsule 50 is performed for a predetermined number of times after replacement of the cartridge 40 (step S25). For example, in the present embodiment, theaerosol inhaler 1 is provided to the user in a manner of combining fivecapsules 50 with onecartridge 40. In this case, in step S25, theMCU 63 determines whether the replacement of thecapsule 50 is performed for five times after the replacement of thecartridge 40. - When the replacement of the
capsule 50 is not performed for a predetermined number of times after the replacement of the cartridge 40 (step S25: NO), it is considered that thecartridge 40 is still in a usable state, and thus theMCU 63 performs a capsule replacement notification (step S26). For example, theMCU 63 performs the capsule replacement notification by operating thenotification unit 16 in an operation mode for the capsule replacement notification. - On the other hand, when the replacement of the
capsule 50 is performed for a predetermined number of times after the replacement of the cartridge 40 (step S25: YES), it is considered that thecartridge 40 reaches the end of life, and thus theMCU 63 performs a cartridge replacement notification (step S27). For example, theMCU 63 performs the cartridge replacement notification by operating thenotification unit 16 in an operation mode for the cartridge replacement notification. - Next, the
MCU 63 resets the count value of the puff number counter to 1 and initializes the setting of the target temperature Tcap_target(step S28). In initialization on the setting of the target temperature Tcap_target, for example, theMCU 63 sets the target temperature Tcap_target to −273 [° C.] which is an absolute zero degree. Accordingly, regardless of the temperature of thesecond load 34 at that time, the discharging to thesecond load 34 can be substantially stopped and the heating of theflavor source 52 performed by thesecond load 34 can be substantially stopped. - Next, the
MCU 63 determines whether the power supply of theaerosol inhaler 1 is turned off by an operation performed on theoperation unit 15 or the like (step S29). When the power supply of theaerosol inhaler 1 is turned off (step S29: YES), theMCU 63 ends the series of processing. On the other hand, when the power supply of theaerosol inhaler 1 is not turned off (step S29: NO), theMCU 63 returns to step 51. - When the
cartridge 40 and thecapsule 50 are set to the regular type as a processing result of the flavor identification processing instep 51, theMCU 63 makes a negative determination in step S2 (step S2: NO), and executes the regular mode processing to control the discharging from thepower supply 61 to thefirst load 45 and thesecond load 34 by the regular mode. - In the regular mode processing, the
MCU 63 first notifies the user of the regular mode by the notification unit 16 (step S30). At this time, for example, theMCU 63 causes thelight emitting element 161 to emit white light and causes thevibration element 162 to vibrate, thereby notifying the user of the regular mode. - Next, the
MCU 63 determines the aerosol weight Waerosol required to achieve the target flavor component amount Wflavor based on the flavor component remaining amount Wcapsule (npuff−1) contained in the flavor source 52 (step S31). In step S31, for example, theMCU 63 calculates the aerosol weight Waerosol according to the following formula (3) obtained by modifying the above formula (1), and determines the calculated aerosol weight Waerosol as the aerosol weight Waerosol. -
- β and γ in the above formula (3) are the same as β and γ in the above formula (1), and are obtained from experiments. In the above formula (3), the target flavor component amount Wflavor is set in advance by a manufacturer of the
aerosol inhaler 1. When the inhaling operation is not performed even once after thenew capsule 50 is mounted, the flavor component remaining amount Wcapsule (npuff−1) in the above formula (3) is Winitial, and when the inhaling operation is performed once or more, the flavor component remaining amount Wcapsule (npuff−1) in the above formula (3) is the flavor component remaining amount Wcapsule (npuff) calculated in remaining amount update processing immediately before the inhaling operation. - Next, the
MCU 63 sets the atomized power Pliquid to be supplied to thefirst load 45 based on the aerosol weight Waerosol determined in step S31 (step S32). In step S32, theMCU 63 calculates, for example, the atomized power Pliquid according to the following formula (4), and sets the calculated atomized power Pliquid. -
- α in the above formula (4) is the same as a in the above formula (2), and is obtained from experiments. The aerosol weight Waerosol in the above formula (4) is the aerosol weight Waerosol determined in step S31. t in the above formula (4) is the supply time tsense in which the atomized power Pliquid is expected to be supplied, and may have, for example, the upper limit value tupper.
- Next, the
MCU 63 determines whether the atomized power Pliquid determined in step S32 is equal to or smaller than predetermined upper limit power that can be discharged from thepower supply 61 to thefirst load 45 at that time (step S33). When the atomized power Pliquid is equal to or smaller than the upper limit power (step S33: Yes), theMCU 63 returns to step S6 described above. On the other hand, when the atomized power Pliquid exceeds the upper limit power (step S33: NO), theMCU 63 increases the target temperature Tcap_target by a predetermined amount (step S34), and returns to step S30. - That is, as can be seen from the above formula (1), by increasing the target temperature Tcap_target (that is, Tcapsule), the aerosol weight Waerosol required to achieve the target flavor component amount Wflavor can be reduced by the increase amount of the target temperature Tcap_target, and as a result, the atomized power Pliquid determined in the above step S32 can be reduced. The
MCU 63 repeats steps S31 to S34, so that the determination in step S33 determined initially as NO is determined as YES, and the processing can be shifted to step S5 as shown inFIG. 8 . - (Flavor Identification Processing)
- Next, the flavor identification processing shown in step S1 will be described. As shown in
FIG. 12 , in the flavor identification processing, theMCU 63 first determines whether it is immediately after the power supply of theaerosol inhaler 1 is turned on (step S41). For example, theMCU 63 makes an affirmative determination in step S41 only in the case of the first time flavor identification processing after the power supply of theaerosol inhaler 1 is turned on. - Next, the
MCU 63 tries to acquire types of thecartridge 40 and the capsule 50 (step S42). TheMCU 63 can acquire the types of thecartridge 40 and thecapsule 50 based on, for example, an operation performed on theoperation unit 15. In addition, each of thecartridge 40 and thecapsule 50 may be provided with a storage medium (for example, an IC chip) that stores information indicating the types, and theMCU 63 may acquire the types of thecartridge 40 and thecapsule 50 by reading the information stored in the storage medium. Further, electric resistance values of thecartridge 40 and thecapsule 50 may be different according to types, and theMCU 63 may acquire the types of thecartridge 40 and thecapsule 50 based on the electric resistance values. Instead of the electric resistance value, the types of thecartridge 40 and thecapsule 50 may be acquired using other detectable physical quantities such as light transmittance and light reflectance of thecapsule 50 and thecartridge 40. - Next, the
MCU 63 determines whether the types of thecartridge 40 and thecapsule 50 are acquired in step S42 (step S43). When the types of thecartridge 40 and thecapsule 50 are acquired (step S43: YES), theMCU 63 stores information indicating the types of thecartridge 40 and thecapsule 50 acquired in step S42 in thememory 63 a (step S44). Then, theMCU 63 sets the types of thecartridge 40 and thecapsule 50 acquired in step S42 as a processing result of the current flavor identification processing, and ends the flavor identification processing. - On the other hand, when the types of the
cartridge 40 and thecapsule 50 are not acquired (step S43: NO), theMCU 63 performs predetermined error processing (step S45), and ends the flavor identification processing. A situation in which the types of thecartridge 40 and thecapsule 50 cannot be acquired may occur, for example, when mounting (connection) of thecartridge 40 to thepower supply unit 10 is poor or the accommodation of thecapsule 50 in thecapsule holder 30 is poor. When theoperation unit 15 is not operated, theMCU 63 cannot read information stored in the storage medium of thecartridge 40 or thecapsule 50, or the electric resistance value, the light transmittance, or the light reflectance of thecartridge 40 or thecapsule 50 has an abnormal value, theMCU 63 cannot acquire the types of thecartridge 40 and thecapsule 50. - When it is determined that it is not immediately after the power supply of the
aerosol inhaler 1 is turned on (step S41: NO), theMCU 63 determines whether thecartridge 40 or thecapsule 50 is attached or detached (step S46). When thecartridge 40 or thecapsule 50 is attached or detached (step S46: YES), the types of thecartridge 40 and thecapsule 50 may be changed, and thus theMCU 63 proceeds to step S42 described above and tries to acquire the types of thecartridge 40 and thecapsule 50. - On the other hand, when the
cartridge 40 and thecapsule 50 are not attached or detached (step S46: NO), there is no change in the types, and thus theMCU 63 reads the information indicating the types of thecartridge 40 and thecapsule 50 stored in thememory 63 a. Then, theMCU 63 sets the types of thecartridge 40 and thecapsule 50 indicated by the information read in step S47 as a processing result of the current flavor identification processing, and ends the flavor identification processing. - The
MCU 63 may detect the attachment and detachment of thecartridge 40 and thecapsule 50 using any method. - For example, the
MCU 63 may detect the attachment and detachment of thecartridge 40 based on an electric resistance value between a pair ofdischarge terminals 12 acquired using thevoltage sensor 671 and thecurrent sensor 672 or an electric resistance value between a pair ofdischarge terminals 17 acquired using thevoltage sensor 681 and thecurrent sensor 682. It is clear that the electric resistance value between thedischarge terminals 12 that can be acquired by theMCU 63 is different between a state in which the pair ofdischarge terminals 12 are electrically connected by connecting thefirst load 45 between the pair ofdischarge terminals 12 and a state in which thefirst load 45 is not connected between the pair ofdischarge terminals 12 and the pair ofdischarge terminals 12 are insulated by air. Therefore, theMCU 63 can detect the attachment and detachment of thecartridge 40 based on the electric resistance value between thedischarge terminals 12. - Similarly, it is clear that the electric resistance value between the
discharge terminals 17 that can be acquired by theMCU 63 is different between a state in which the pair ofdischarge terminals 17 are electrically connected by connecting thesecond load 34 between the pair ofdischarge terminals 17 and a state in which thesecond load 34 is not connected between the pair ofdischarge terminals 17 and the pair ofdischarge terminals 17 are insulated by air. Therefore, theMCU 63 can detect the attachment and detachment of thecartridge 40 based on the electric resistance value between thedischarge terminals 17. - In addition, the
MCU 63 may detect attachment and detachment of thecapsule 50 based on fluctuation in the electric resistance value between the pair ofdischarge terminals 12 acquired using thevoltage sensor 671 and thecurrent sensor 672 or fluctuation in the electric resistance value between the pair ofdischarge terminals 17 acquired using thevoltage sensor 681 and thecurrent sensor 682. For example, when thecapsule 50 is attached and detached, stress is applied to thedischarge terminals 12 and thedischarge terminals 17 due to the attachment and detachment. This stress causes fluctuation in the electric resistance value between the pair ofdischarge terminals 12 and the electric resistance value between the pair ofdischarge terminals 17. Therefore, theMCU 63 can detect the attachment and detachment of thecapsule 50 based on the fluctuation in the electric resistance value between thedischarge terminals 12 and the fluctuation in the electric resistance value between thedischarge terminals 17. - In addition, the
MCU 63 may detect attachment and detachment of thecartridge 40 and thecapsule 50 based on information stored in the storage medium provided in each of thecartridge 40 and thecapsule 50. For example, when the information stored in the storage medium transitions from an acquirable (readable) state to an unacquirable state, theMCU 63 detects detachment of thecartridge 40 and thecapsule 50. In addition, when the information stored in the storage medium transitions from an unacquirable state to an acquirable state, theMCU 63 detects the attachment of thecartridge 40 and thecapsule 50. - In addition, identification information (ID) for identifying the
cartridge 40 and thecapsule 50 may be stored in the storage medium provided in each of thecartridge 40 and thecapsule 50, and theMCU 63 may detect attachment and detachment of thecartridge 40 and thecapsule 50 based on the identification information. In this case, when the identification information on thecartridge 40 and thecapsule 50 changes, theMCU 63 detects attachment and detachment (in this case, replacement) of thecartridge 40 and thecapsule 50. - In addition, the
MCU 63 may detect the attachment and detachment of thecartridge 40 and thecapsule 50 based on light transmittance and light reflectance of thecartridge 40 and thecapsule 50. For example, when the light transmittance and the light reflectance of thecartridge 40 and thecapsule 50 change from a value indicating attachment to a value indicating detachment, theMCU 63 detects detachment of thecartridge 40 and thecapsule 50. When the light transmittance and the light reflectance of thecartridge 40 and thecapsule 50 change from a value indicating detachment to a value indicating attachment, theMCU 63 detects attachment of thecartridge 40 and thecapsule 50. - (Specific Control Example when
Cartridge 40 andCapsule 50 are of Menthol Type) - Next, a specific control example of the
MCU 63 when both thecartridge 40 and thecapsule 50 are of the menthol type (that is when both theaerosol source 71 and theflavor source 52 contain menthol) will be described with reference toFIG. 13 . Here, it is assumed that an inhaling operation is performed for a predetermined number of times from when thenew capsule 50 is mounted on theaerosol inhaler 1 up to when the flavor component remaining amount in thecapsule 50 is smaller than the above-described remaining amount threshold (that is, when the flavor component remaining amount in thecapsule 50 almost runs out). In addition, it is assumed that a sufficient amount of theaerosol source 71 is stored in thecartridge 40 during a period in which the inhaling operation is performed for a predetermined number of times. - In parts (a), (b), and (c) of
FIG. 13 , a horizontal axis indicates a remaining amount [mg] of the flavor component contained in theflavor source 52 in the capsule 50 (that is, the flavor component remaining amount Wcapsule). A vertical axis in part (a) ofFIG. 13 indicates a target temperature (that is, the target temperature Tcap_target) [° C.] of thesecond load 34 which is a heater for heating the capsule 50 (that is, the flavor source 52). A vertical axis in part (b) ofFIG. 13 indicates a voltage [V] applied to thefirst load 45 which is a heater for heating theaerosol source 71 stored in thecartridge 40. - A vertical axis at a left side in part (c) of
FIG. 13 indicates an amount of menthol supplied to the mouth of the user by one inhaling operation [mg/puff]. A vertical axis at a right side in part (c) ofFIG. 13 indicates an amount of the flavor component supplied to the mouth of the user by one inhaling operation [mg/puff]. Hereinafter, the amount of menthol supplied to the mouth of the user by one inhaling operation is also referred to as a unit supply menthol amount. Hereinafter, the amount of the flavor component supplied to the mouth of the user by one inhaling operation is also referred to as a unit supply flavor component amount. - In
FIG. 13 , a first period Tm1 is a certain period immediately after thecapsule 50 is replaced. Specifically, the first period Tm1 is a period from when the flavor component remaining amount in thecapsule 50 is Winitial up to when the flavor component remaining amount in thecapsule 50 reaches Wth1 which is set in advance by a manufacturer of theaerosol inhaler 1. Here, Wth1 is set to a value smaller than Winitial and larger than Wth2 that is the above-described remaining amount threshold which is a condition for performing the capsule replacement notification. For example, Wth1 may be a flavor component remaining amount when the inhaling operation is performed for about ten times after thenew capsule 50 is mounted. InFIG. 13 , a second period Tm2 is a period after the first period Tm1, and specifically, is a period from when the flavor component remaining amount in thecapsule 50 reaches Wth1 up to when the flavor component remaining amount reaches Wth2. - When both the
cartridge 40 and thecapsule 50 are of the menthol type, as described above, theMCU 63 controls the discharging to thefirst load 45 and thesecond load 34 by the menthol mode. Specifically, in the menthol mode in this case, theMCU 63 sets the target temperature of thesecond load 34 in the first period Tm1 to 80 [° C.], as indicated by a thick solid line in part (a) ofFIG. 13 . - For example, the target temperature (80 [° C.]) of the
second load 34 in the first period Tm1 in this case is a temperature higher than a melting point (for example, 42 [° C.] to 45 [° C.]) of the menthol and lower than a boiling point (for example, 212 [° C.] to 216 [° C.]) of the menthol. The target temperature of thesecond load 34 in the first period Tm1 in this case may be a temperature equal to or lower than 90 [° C.]. Accordingly, in the present embodiment, in the first period Tm1, the temperature of the second load 34 (that is, the flavor source 52) is controlled to converge to 80 [° C.]. Therefore, in the first period Tm1, since the menthol adsorbed to theflavor source 52 is heated to an appropriate temperature by thesecond load 34, rapid progress of desorption of the menthol from theflavor source 52 can be prevented, and an appropriate amount of menthol can be stably supplied to the user. - Further, in the menthol mode in a case where both the
cartridge 40 and thecapsule 50 are of the menthol type, in the second period Tm2 after the first period Tm1, theMCU 63 sets the target temperature of thesecond load 34 to 60 [° C.] which is lower than the target temperature in the immediately preceding first period Tm1. For example, the target temperature (60 [° C.]) of thesecond load 34 in the second period Tm2 in this case is also a temperature higher than the melting point of the menthol and lower than the boiling point of the menthol. The target temperature of thesecond load 34 in the first period Tm2 in this case may be a temperature equal to or lower than 90 [° C.]. Accordingly, in the present embodiment, in the first period Tm2, the temperature of the second load 34 (that is, the flavor source 52) is controlled to converge to 60 [° C.]. Therefore, in the first period Tm2, since the menthol adsorbed to theflavor source 52 is heated to an appropriate temperature by thesecond load 34, rapid progress of desorption of the menthol from theflavor source 52 can be prevented, and an appropriate amount of menthol can be stably supplied to the user. - In this way, in the menthol mode in a case where the
cartridge 40 and thecapsule 50 are of the menthol type, theMCU 63 increases the target temperature of thesecond load 34 in two stages from 80 [° C.] to 60 [° C.]. That is, in the menthol mode in a case where both thecartridge 40 and thecapsule 50 are of the menthol type, in the first period Tm1, theMCU 63 controls the discharging to thesecond load 34 whose target temperature is 80 [° C.] so as to converge the temperature of the second load 34 (that is, the flavor source 52) to be close to 80 [° C.] which is high. In the second period Tm2 after the first period Tm1, theMCU 63 controls the discharging to thesecond load 34 whose target temperature is 60 [° C.] so as to converge the temperature of the second load 34 (that is, the flavor source 52) to be close to 60 [° C.] which is low. - In the menthol mode in a case where both the
cartridge 40 and thecapsule 50 are of the menthol type, theMCU 63 sets a voltage applied to thefirst load 45 in the first period Tm1 to V1 [V] as indicated by a thick solid line in part (b) ofFIG. 13 . V1 [V] is a voltage set in advance by a manufacturer of theaerosol inhaler 1. Accordingly, in the first period Tm1 in this case, power corresponding to the applied voltage V1 [V] is supplied from thepower supply 61 to thefirst load 45, and theaerosol source 71 vaporized and/or atomized by an amount corresponding to the power is generated by thefirst load 45. - In the menthol mode in a case where both the
cartridge 40 and thecapsule 50 are of the menthol type, theMCU 63 sets a voltage applied to thefirst load 45 to V2 [V] in the second period Tm2 after the first period Tm1. V2 [V] is a voltage higher than V1 [V] as shown in part (b) ofFIG. 13 . V2 [V] is set in advance by a manufacturer of theaerosol inhaler 1. For example, theMCU 63 can apply a voltage such as V1 [V] or V2 [V] to thefirst load 45 by controlling the DC/DC converter 66. - In this way, in the menthol mode in a case where the
cartridge 40 and thecapsule 50 are of the menthol type, theMCU 63 increases the voltage applied to thefirst load 45 in two stages from V1 [V] to V2 [V]. That is, in the menthol mode in a case where both thecartridge 40 and thecapsule 50 are of the menthol type, the discharging to thefirst load 45 with an applied voltage of V1 [V] which is low is performed in the first period Tm1. In the second period Tm2 after the first period Tm1, the discharging to thefirst load 45 with an applied voltage of V2 [V] which is high is performed, and power larger than that in the immediately preceding first period Tm1 is supplied to thefirst load 45. Accordingly, an amount of the vaporized and/or atomizedaerosol source 71 generated by thefirst load 45 is increased as compared with that in the immediately preceding first period Tm1. - An example of a unit supply menthol amount in a case where both the
cartridge 40 and thecapsule 50 are of the menthol type and theMCU 63 controls the target temperature of thesecond load 34 and the voltage applied to thefirst load 45 by the menthol mode is indicated by a unitsupply menthol amount 131 a in part (c) ofFIG. 13 . - An example of a unit supply flavor component amount in a case where both the
cartridge 40 and thecapsule 50 are of the menthol type and theMCU 63 controls the target temperature of thesecond load 34 and the voltage applied to thefirst load 45 by the menthol mode is indicated by a unit supplyflavor component amount 131 b in part (c) ofFIG. 13 . - In order to compare the unit
supply menthol amount 131 a with the unit supplyflavor component amount 131 b, an example will be described in which theMCU 63 controls the discharging to thefirst load 45 and the second load 34 (that is, the target temperature of thesecond load 34 and the voltage applied to the first load 45) by the regular mode even though both thecartridge 40 and thecapsule 50 are of the menthol type. - As indicated by a thick broken line in part (a) of
FIG. 13 , in the regular mode, theMCU 63 increases the target temperature of thesecond load 34 in the first period Tm1 and the second period Tm2 in a stepwise manner in multiple stages, such as 30 [° C.], 60 [° C.], 70 [° C.], and 85 [° C.], which is more than stages in the menthol mode in a case where at least theaerosol source 71 contains menthol. In other words, the number of steps at which the target temperature of thesecond load 34 is changed (decreased) in the menthol mode in a case where at least theaerosol source 71 contains menthol is smaller than the number of steps at which the target temperature of thesecond load 34 is changed (increased) in the regular mode. - That is, in a mode such as the regular mode in which the target temperature of the second load 34 (that is, the flavor source 52) is increased in a stepwise manner, since actual temperatures can easily follow the target temperature, it is possible to provide a stable flavor component (that is, the flavor derived from the flavor source 52) to the user by finely switching the target temperature. On the other hand, in a mode such as the menthol mode in which the target temperature of the second load 34 (that is, the flavor source 52) is decreased in a stepwise manner, it is difficult for actual temperatures to follow the target temperature.
- Therefore, it is possible to prevent the occurrence of a situation in which actual temperatures deviate from the target temperature by reducing switching of the target temperature. The target temperature of the
second load 34 and a timing of changing the target temperature in the regular mode are set in advance by a manufacturer of theaerosol inhaler 1. As another example, the timing of changing the target temperature of thesecond load 34 in the regular mode may be determined based on a remaining amount [mg] of the flavor component (that is, the flavor component remaining amount Wcapsule) contained in theflavor source 52 in thecapsule 50. - For example, here, a maximum value (here, 70 [° C.]) of the target temperature of the
second load 34 in the first period Tm1 in the regular mode is lower than the target temperature (here, 80 [° C.]) of thesecond load 34 in the first period Tm1 in the menthol mode. A minimum value (here, 70 [° C.]) of the target temperature of thesecond load 34 in the second period Tm2 in the regular mode is higher than the target temperature (here, 60 [° C.]) of thesecond load 34 in the second period Tm2 in the menthol mode. - In the regular mode, the
MCU 63 maintains the voltage applied to thefirst load 45 in the first period Tm1 and the second period Tm2 at a constant V3 [V], as indicated by a thick broken line in part (b) ofFIG. 13 . V3 [V] is a voltage higher than V1 [V] and lower than V2 [V], and is a voltage set in advance by a manufacturer of theaerosol inhaler 1. For example, theMCU 63 can apply a voltage of V3 [V] to thefirst load 45 by controlling the DC/DC converter 66. - An example of a unit supply menthol amount in a case where both the
cartridge 40 and thecapsule 50 are of the menthol type and theMCU 63 controls the target temperature of thesecond load 34 and the voltage applied to thefirst load 45 by the regular mode is indicated by a unitsupply menthol amount 132a in part (c) ofFIG. 13 . - An example of a unit supply flavor component amount in a case where both the
cartridge 40 and thecapsule 50 are of the menthol type and theMCU 63 controls the target temperature of thesecond load 34 and the voltage applied to thefirst load 45 by the regular mode is indicated by a unit supplyflavor component amount 132b in part (c) ofFIG. 13 . - That is, even when both the
cartridge 40 and thecapsule 50 are of the menthol type, the discharging to thefirst load 45 and the second load 34 (that is, the target temperature of thesecond load 34 and the voltage applied to the first load 45) are controlled by the regular mode. In this case, since the target temperature of thesecond load 34 in the first period Tm1 is lower than that in a case where the target temperature of thesecond load 34 and the voltage applied to thefirst load 45 are controlled by the menthol mode, the temperature of theflavor source 52 in the first period Tm1 is low. - Therefore, when the discharging to the
first load 45 or the like is controlled by the regular mode in a case where both thecartridge 40 and thecapsule 50 are of the menthol type, a time up to when the flavor source 52 (specifically, the cigarette granules 521) and the menthol reach the adsorption equilibrium state in thecapsule 50 is longer than that in a case where the discharging to thefirst load 45 or the like is controlled by the menthol mode. During this period, most menthol derived from theaerosol source 71 is adsorbed to theflavor source 52, and menthol that can pass through theflavor source 52 is reduced. - As described above, when the discharging to the
first load 45 or the like is controlled by the regular mode in a case where both thecartridge 40 and thecapsule 50 are of the menthol type, the unit supply menthol amount of menthol that can be supplied to the user in the first period Tm1 is reduced as indicated by the unitsupply menthol amount 131 a and the unitsupply menthol amount 132 a, as compared with a case where the discharging to thefirst load 45 or the like is controlled by the menthol mode as described above. Therefore, in this way, a sufficient amount of menthol may not be supplied to the user in the first period Tm1. - On the other hand, in the menthol mode in a case where both the
cartridge 40 and thecapsule 50 are of the menthol type, theMCU 63 sets the second load 34 (that is, the flavor source 52) to have a high temperature in the vicinity of 80 [° C.] in the first period Tm1 which is assumed to be a period before the flavor source 52 (specifically, the cigarette granules 521) and the menthol reach the adsorption equilibrium state. Accordingly, in the first period Tm1, theMCU 63 can prompt the flavor source 52 (specifically, the cigarette granules 521) and the menthol to reach the adsorption equilibrium state at an early stage in thecapsule 50, and can prevent the menthol derived from theaerosol source 71 from being adsorbed to theflavor source 52, and can ensure an amount of the menthol to be supplied to the mouth of the user avoiding the menthol being adsorbed to theflavor source 52 among the menthol derived from theaerosol source 71. Further, theMCU 63 can increase the menthol derived from theflavor source 52, which is desorbed from the flavor source 52 (specifically, the cigarette granules 521) and is to be supplied to the mouth of the user by setting the second load 34 (that is, the flavor source 52) to have a high temperature in the first period Tm1. Therefore, a sufficient amount of menthol can be supplied to the user from a period when the flavor component contained in theflavor source 52 is sufficient (new product time), as indicated by the unitsupply menthol amount 131 a. - In part (c) of
FIG. 13 , a unitsupply menthol amount 133 a is an example of a unit supply menthol amount in a case where both thecartridge 40 and thecapsule 50 are of the menthol type and theflavor source 52 is not heated by thesecond load 34. In this case, the temperature of the second load 34 (that is, the flavor source 52) in the first period Tm1 is the room temperature (see R.T. in part (c) ofFIG. 13 ). Therefore, in this case, since the temperature of theflavor source 52 in the first period Tm1 is lower than that in a case where the discharging to thefirst load 45 or the like is controlled by the menthol mode, a sufficient amount of menthol cannot be supplied to the user in the first period Tm1, as indicated by the unitsupply menthol amount 133 a. - In order to supply a sufficient amount of menthol to the user in the first period Tm1, the target temperature of the
second load 34 in the first period Tm1 is set to be high in the menthol mode in a case where both thecartridge 40 and thecapsule 50 are of the menthol type. However, when theflavor source 52 heated to a high temperature in the first period Tm1 is also continuously heated at a high temperature in the second period Tm2, a large amount of menthol is supplied to the user, which may lead to a decrease in flavor. - Therefore, as described above, in the menthol mode in a case where both the
cartridge 40 and thecapsule 50 are of the menthol type, by setting the target temperature of thesecond load 34 in the second period Tm2 to be lower than the target temperature of thesecond load 34 in the first period Tm1, theflavor source 52 that is heated to a high temperature in the first period Tm1 is prevented from being continued to be heated at a high temperature in the second period Tm2. Accordingly, as indicated by the unitsupply menthol amount 131 a, in the second period Tm2 which is assumed to be a period after the flavor source 52 (specifically, the cigarette granules 521) and the menthol reach the adsorption equilibrium state, by lowering the temperature of theflavor source 52, an amount of the menthol that can be adsorbed to the flavor source 52 (specifically, the cigarette granules 521) can be increased, and the unit supply menthol amount can be prevented from increasing. Therefore, it is possible to supply an appropriate amount of menthol to the user in the second period Tm2. - In order to prevent a large amount of menthol from being supplied to the user in the second period Tm2, the target temperature of the
second load 34 in the second period Tm2 is set to be low in the menthol mode in a case where both thecartridge 40 and thecapsule 50 are of the menthol type. However, when the target temperature of thesecond load 34 is set to be low in this manner, it is possible to prevent an increase in the unit supply menthol amount in the second period Tm2, but it is considered that the unit supply flavor component amount in the second period Tm2 also decreases, and it is not possible to provide a sufficient inhalation feeling to the user. - Therefore, in the menthol mode in a case where both the
cartridge 40 and thecapsule 50 are of the menthol type, that is, theaerosol source 71 and theflavor source 52 contain menthol, theMCU 63 sets the voltage applied to thefirst load 45 in the first period Tm1 to V1 [V], and sets the voltage applied to thefirst load 45 in the second period Tm2 after the first period Tm1 to V2 [V] which is higher than V1 [V]. Accordingly, the voltage applied to thefirst load 45 can be changed to V2 [V] which is high in accordance with the period becoming the second period Tm2 and the target temperature of thesecond load 34 being changed to 60 [° C.] which is low. Therefore, in the second period Tm2, an amount of theaerosol source 71 that is generated by being heated with thefirst load 45 and is supplied to theflavor source 52 can be increased, and the unit supply flavor component amount in the second period Tm2 can be prevented from decreasing as indicated by the unit supplyflavor component amount 131 b. - (Specific Control Example when Only
Cartridge 40 is of Menthol Type) - Next, a specific control example of the
MCU 63 when only thecartridge 40 is of the menthol type (that is when only theaerosol source 71 contains menthol) will be described with reference toFIG. 14 . In the menthol mode in a case where only thecartridge 40 is of the menthol type, only the voltage applied to thefirst load 45 in the first period Tm1 and the second period Tm2 is different from that in the menthol mode in a case where both thecartridge 40 and thecapsule 50 are of the menthol type. Therefore, in the following description, portions different from those described with reference toFIG. 13 will be mainly described, and description of portions similar to those described with reference toFIG. 13 will be omitted as appropriate. - In the menthol mode in a case where only the
cartridge 40 is of the menthol type, theMCU 63 sets the voltage applied to thefirst load 45 in the first period Tm1 to V4 [V] as indicated by a thick solid line in part (b) ofFIG. 14 . V4 [V] is a voltage higher than V3 [V] as shown in part (b) ofFIG. 14 , and is a voltage set in advance by a manufacturer of theaerosol inhaler 1. Accordingly, in the first period Tm1 in this case, power corresponding to the applied voltage V3 [V] is supplied from thepower supply 61 to thefirst load 45, and theaerosol source 71 vaporized and/or atomized by an amount corresponding to the power is generated by thefirst load 45. - In the menthol mode in a case where only the
cartridge 40 is of the menthol type, theMCU 63 sets the voltage applied to thefirst load 45 to V5 [V] in the second period Tm2 after the first period Tm1. As shown in part (b) ofFIG. 14 , V5 [V] is a voltage higher than V3 [V] and lower than V4 [V]. V5 [V] is set in advance by a manufacturer of theaerosol inhaler 1. For example, theMCU 63 can apply a voltage such as V4 [V] or V5 [V] to thefirst load 45 by controlling the DC/DC converter 66. - In this way, in the menthol mode in a case where only the
cartridge 40 is of the menthol type, the voltage applied to thefirst load 45 is decreased in two stages from V4 [V] to V5 [V]. That is, in the menthol mode in a case where only thecartridge 40 is of the menthol type, the discharging to thefirst load 45 with an applied voltage of V4 [V] which is high is performed in the first period Tm1. In the second period Tm2 after the first period Tm1, the discharging to thefirst load 45 with an applied voltage of V5 [V] which is low is performed, and power lower than that in the immediately preceding first period Tm1 is supplied to thefirst load 45. Accordingly, an amount of the aerosol source 71 (vaporized and/or atomized aerosol source 71) that is generated by being heated with thefirst load 45 and is supplied to theflavor source 52 is reduced as compared with that in the immediately preceding first period Tm1. - An example of a unit supply menthol amount in a case where only the
cartridge 40 is of the menthol type and theMCU 63 controls the target temperature of thesecond load 34 and the voltage applied to thefirst load 45 by the menthol mode is indicated by a unitsupply menthol amount 141 a in part (c) ofFIG. 14 . - An example of a unit supply flavor component amount in a case where only the
cartridge 40 is of the menthol type and theMCU 63 controls the target temperature of thesecond load 34 and the voltage applied to thefirst load 45 by the menthol mode is indicated by a unit supplyflavor component amount 141 b in part (c) ofFIG. 14 . - An example of a unit supply menthol amount in a case where only the
cartridge 40 is of the menthol type and theMCU 63 controls the target temperature of thesecond load 34 and the voltage applied to thefirst load 45 by the regular mode is indicated by a unitsupply menthol amount 142a in part (c) ofFIG. 14 . - An example of a unit supply flavor component amount in a case where only the
cartridge 40 is of the menthol type and theMCU 63 controls the target temperature of thesecond load 34 and the voltage applied to thefirst load 45 by the regular mode is indicated by a unit supplyflavor component amount 142b in part (c) ofFIG. 14 . - An example of a unit supply menthol amount in a case where only the
cartridge 40 is of the menthol type and theflavor source 52 is not heated by thesecond load 34 is indicated by a unitsupply menthol amount 143 a in part (c) ofFIG. 14 . - An example of a unit supply flavor component amount in a case where only the
cartridge 40 is of the menthol type and theflavor source 52 is not heated by thesecond load 34 is indicated by a unit supplyflavor component amount 143 b in part (c) ofFIG. 14 . - That is, in the menthol mode in a case where only the
cartridge 40 is of the menthol type, that is, theflavor source 52 does not contain menthol, theMCU 63 sets the voltage applied to thefirst load 45 in the first period Tm1 to V4 [V], and sets the voltage applied to thefirst load 45 in the second period Tm2 after the first period Tm1 to V5 [V] lower than V4 [V]. Accordingly, in the first period Tm1 which is assumed to be a period before the flavor source 52 (specifically, the cigarette granules 521) and menthol reach the adsorption equilibrium state in thecapsule 50, an amount of theaerosol source 71 that is generated by being heated with thefirst load 45 and is supplied to theflavor source 52 can be increased by applying V4 [V] which is high to the first load 45 (that is, by supplying large power to the first load 45). - Therefore, in the period before the
flavor source 52 and the menthol reach the adsorption equilibrium state, it is possible to increase an amount of menthol supplied to the mouth of the user avoiding the menthol being adsorbed to theflavor source 52 among the menthol derived from theaerosol source 71, and it is possible to promote theflavor source 52 and the menthol to reach the adsorption equilibrium state at an early stage in thecapsule 50. Therefore, it is possible to stably supply an appropriate and sufficient amount of menthol to the user from a time (for example, a so-called inhalation start) when the flavor component contained in theflavor source 52 is sufficient, as indicated by the unitsupply menthol amount 141a. - (Specific Control Example when Only
Capsule 50 is of Menthol Type) - Next, a specific control example of the
MCU 63 when only thecapsule 50 is of the menthol type (that is, when only theflavor source 52 contains menthol) will be described with reference toFIG. 15 . In the following description, portions different from those described with reference toFIG. 13 will be mainly described, and description of portions similar to those described with reference toFIG. 13 will be omitted as appropriate. - As described above, in the menthol mode in a case where only the
capsule 50 is of the menthol type, theMCU 63 controls the discharging to thefirst load 45 and thesecond load 34 in a discharging manner similar to that in the regular mode. Specifically, in the menthol mode in this case, for example, theMCU 63 increases the target temperature of thesecond load 34 in the first period Tm1 and the second period Tm2 in a stepwise manner in multiple stages (for example, four stages here) such as 30 [° C.], 60 [° C.], 70 [° C.], and 85 [° C.], as indicated by a thick solid line in part (a) ofFIG. 15 . In the menthol mode in this case, theMCU 63 maintains the voltage applied to thefirst load 45 in the first period Tm1 and the second period Tm2 at a constant V3 [V], as indicated by a thick solid line in part (b) ofFIG. 15 . - An example of a unit supply menthol amount in a case where only the
capsule 50 is of the menthol type and theMCU 63 controls the target temperature of thesecond load 34 and the voltage applied to thefirst load 45 by the menthol mode is indicated by a unitsupply menthol amount 151 a in part (c) ofFIG. 15 . - An example of a unit supply flavor component amount in a case where only the
capsule 50 is of the menthol type and theMCU 63 controls the target temperature of thesecond load 34 and the voltage applied to thefirst load 45 by the menthol mode is indicated by a unit supplyflavor component amount 151 b in part (c) ofFIG. 15 . - An example of a unit supply menthol amount in a case where only the
capsule 50 is of the menthol type and theflavor source 52 is not heated by thesecond load 34 is indicated by a unitsupply menthol amount 153 a in part (c) ofFIG. 15 . - An example of a unit supply flavor component amount in a case where only the
capsule 50 is of the menthol type and theflavor source 52 is not heated by thesecond load 34 is indicated by a unit supplyflavor component amount 153 b in part (c) ofFIG. 15 . - In the menthol mode in a case where only the
capsule 50 is of the menthol type, that is, in a case where only theflavor source 52 contains menthol, theMCU 63 can gradually increase the temperature of the second load 34 (that is, the flavor source 52) by increasing the target temperature of thesecond load 34 in a stepwise manner in the first period Tm1 and the second period Tm2. Accordingly, desorption of menthol that is adsorbed to the flavor source 52 (specifically, the cigarette granules 521) in thecapsule 50 from theflavor source 52 can be gradually progressed. Therefore, it is possible to stably supply a sufficient amount of menthol to the user from a time (for example, a so-called inhalation start) when the flavor component remaining amount Wcapsule is sufficient. In other words, an amount of menthol (that is, the flavor derived from menthol) provided to the user can be stabilized. - As described above, the
power supply unit 10 can appropriately control the discharging to thefirst load 45 and thesecond load 34 in accordance with a target containing (or not containing) menthol. - Although an embodiment of the present invention has been described above with reference to the accompanying drawings, it is needless to say that the present invention is not limited to the embodiment. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various changes and modifications may be conceived within the scope of the claims, and it is understood that such changes and modifications naturally fall within the technical scope of the present invention. Further, respective constituent elements in the embodiment described above may be combined as desired without departing from the gist of the present invention.
- For example, although the voltage applied to the
first load 45 is changed in a stepwise manner in two stages in the menthol mode in a case where at least theaerosol source 71 contains menthol in the present embodiment, the present invention is not limited thereto. The voltage applied to thefirst load 45 may be changed in a stepwise manner in stages more than two stages, or may be changed continuously. - For example, although the target temperature of the
second load 34 is changed in a stepwise manner in two stages in the menthol mode in a case where at least theaerosol source 71 contains menthol in the present embodiment, the present invention is not limited thereto. The target temperature of thesecond load 34 may be changed in a stepwise manner in stages more than two stages (in stages smaller than that in the regular mode), or may be changed continuously. Similarly, the target temperature of thesecond load 34 may also be changed in a stepwise manner in stages more than four stages, or may be changed continuously in the regular mode. - For example, although the target temperature of the
second load 34 during preheating of thesecond load 34 in response to the transition to the startup mode is lower than the minimum value of the target temperature of thesecond load 34 in the menthol mode and the regular mode in the present embodiment, the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, the target temperature of thesecond load 34 during the preheating of thesecond load 34 in response to the transition to the startup mode may be a temperature higher than the minimum value of the target temperature of thesecond load 34 in the regular mode. In other words, the target temperature of thesecond load 34 during the preheating may be a temperature higher than the minimum value of the target temperature of thesecond load 34 in the menthol mode in a case where only theflavor source 52 contains menthol. Accordingly, in a case where only theflavor source 52 contains menthol, the temperature of thesecond load 34 can be lowered to an appropriate target temperature by stopping the preheating of thesecond load 34. In a case where at least theaerosol source 71 contains menthol, the temperature of thesecond load 34 can be easily brought to an appropriate target temperature by supplying more power to thesecond load 34. Therefore, thesecond load 34 can be easily brought to an appropriate target temperature in accordance with a target regardless of whether the target contains (or does not contain) menthol. - For example, although the
heating chamber 43 of thecartridge 40 and theaccommodation chamber 53 of thecapsule 50 are arranged physically separated from each other and communicate with each other through theaerosol flow path 90 in the present embodiment, theheating chamber 43 and theaccommodation chamber 53 may not necessarily be arranged physically separated from each other. Theheating chamber 43 and theaccommodation chamber 53 may be thermally insulated from each other and may be in communication with each other. In this case, theheating chamber 43 and theaccommodation chamber 53 are also thermally insulated from each other, and thus it is possible to make theaccommodation chamber 53 less likely to be affected by heat from thefirst load 45 of theheating chamber 43. Accordingly, rapid desorption of menthol from theflavor source 52 is prevented, and thus menthol can be stably supplied to the user. In addition, theheating chamber 43 and theaccommodation chamber 53 may be physically separated from each other, may be thermally insulated from each other, and may be in communication with each other. - For example, an overall shape of the
aerosol inhaler 1 is not limited to a shape in which thepower supply unit 10, thecartridge 40, and thecapsule 50 are arranged in a line as shown inFIG. 1 . Theaerosol inhaler 1 may be implemented such that thecartridge 40 and thecapsule 50 can be replaced with respect to thepower supply unit 10, and may adopt any shape such as a substantially box shape. - For example, the
cartridge 40 may be integrated with thepower supply unit 10. - For example, the
capsule 50 may be replaceable with respect to thepower supply unit 10, and may be attachable to and detachable from thepower supply unit 10. - For example, in the present embodiment, the
first load 45 and thesecond load 34 are heaters that generate heat by power discharged from thepower supply 61, but thefirst load 45 and thesecond load 34 may be Peltier elements that can perform heat generating and cooling by power discharged from thepower supply 61. When thefirst load 45 and thesecond load 34 are implemented in this way, the degree of freedom in controlling the temperature of theaerosol source 71 and the temperature of theflavor source 52 is improved, and thus the unit flavor amount can be controlled at a higher level. - In addition, for example, in the present embodiment, the
MCU 63 controls the discharging from thepower supply 61 to thefirst load 45 and thesecond load 34 such that the flavor component amount converges to the target amount, but the target amount is not limited to a specific value and may be a range having a certain width. - In addition, for example, in the present embodiment, the
MCU 63 controls the discharging from thepower supply 61 to thesecond load 34 such that the temperature of theflavor source 52 converges to the target temperature, but the target temperature is not limited to a specific value and may be a range having a certain width. - In the present description, at least the following matters are described. Although corresponding constituent elements or the like in the above embodiment are shown in parentheses, the present invention is not limited thereto.
- (1) A power supply unit for an aerosol generation device includes a first connector (the discharge terminal 12) connectable to a first heater (the first load 45) configured to heat an aerosol source (the aerosol source 71), a second connector (the discharge terminal 17) connectable to a second heater (the second load 34) configured to heat a flavor source (the flavor source 52) capable of imparting a flavor to the aerosol source vaporized and/or atomized by being heated with the first heater, a power supply (the power supply 61) electrically connected to the first connector and the second connector, and a controller (the MCU 63) capable of controlling discharging from the power supply to the first heater and discharging from the power supply to the second heater. The controller is configured to determine whether the aerosol source and the flavor source contain menthol, control the discharging to the first heater and the discharging to the second heater by a menthol mode upon determination that the aerosol source contains menthol, and control the discharging to the first heater and the discharging to the second heater by a regular mode upon determination that the aerosol source and the flavor source do not contain menthol. A manner of the discharging to the first heater in the menthol mode is different from a manner of the discharging to the first heater in the regular mode, and/or a manner of the discharging to the second heater in the menthol mode is different from a manner of the discharging to the second heater in the regular mode.
- According to (1), the modes for controlling the discharging to the first heater and the second heater can be made different between the case where the aerosol source contains menthol and the case where the aerosol source and the flavor source do not contain menthol. Specifically, the discharging to the first heater and the second heater can be controlled by the menthol mode when the aerosol source contains menthol, and can be controlled by the regular mode when the aerosol source and the flavor source do not contain menthol. Accordingly, the discharging to the first heater and/or the second heater can be appropriately controlled in accordance with whether the aerosol source contains menthol.
- (2) The power supply unit for an aerosol generation device according to (1), in which the manner of the discharging to the second heater in the menthol mode is different from the manner of the discharging to the second heater in the regular mode.
- According to (2), in the case of the menthol mode, the discharging to the second heater is controlled in a discharge manner different from that in the case of the regular mode. Accordingly, the discharging to the second heater can be appropriately controlled in accordance with whether the aerosol source contains menthol.
- (3) The power supply unit for an aerosol generation device according to (2), in which the manner of the discharging to the second heater in the menthol mode is a manner in which a target temperature for converging a temperature of the second heater or the flavor source is decreased in a stepwise manner or is decreased continuously, and the manner of the discharging to the second heater in the regular mode is a manner in which a target temperature for converging the temperature of the second heater or the flavor source is increased in a stepwise manner or is increased continuously.
- According to (3), in the case of the menthol mode, the target temperature of the temperature of the second heater or the flavor source is increased in a stepwise manner or is increased continuously. Accordingly, in the case of the menthol mode, in a period before the flavor source and the menthol reach an adsorption equilibrium state (for example, at an inhalation start), the target temperature can be set to a high temperature, an amount of menthol that can be adsorbed to the flavor source can be reduced, and menthol derived from the aerosol source can be prevented from being adsorbed to the flavor source. Therefore, in this period, it is possible to ensure an amount of menthol to be supplied to the user avoiding the menthol being adsorbed to the flavor source among the menthol derived from the aerosol source. In addition, in the case of the menthol mode, at a period thereafter (for example, after the flavor source and the menthol reach an adsorption equilibrium state), the target temperature is set to a low temperature, the amount of the menthol that can be adsorbed to the flavor source is increased, and it is possible to prevent supply of a large amount of the menthol to the user. Therefore, the menthol provided to the user can be stabilized at an appropriate amount. Further, according to (3), in the case of the regular mode, the target temperature of the temperature of the second heater or the flavor source is increased in a stepwise manner or is increased continuously. Accordingly, it is possible to compensate the flavor component, which decreases due to inhalation of the user, by increasing the temperature of the second heater (that is, the flavor source) in the regular mode. As described above, according to (3), it is possible to provide the user with a stable flavor derived from the menthol in the menthol mode and a stable flavor derived from the flavor source in the regular mode.
- (4) The power supply unit for an aerosol generation device according to (3), in which the manner of the discharging to the second heater in the menthol mode is a manner in which the target temperature for converging the temperature of the second heater or the flavor source is decreased inn stages, the manner of the discharging to the second heater in the regular mode is a manner in which the target temperature for converging the temperature of the second heater or the flavor source is increased in m stages, and n is smaller than m.
- According to (4), in the case of the menthol mode, the target temperature of the temperature of the second heater or the flavor source is decreased in a stepwise manner or is decreased continuously, and in the case of the regular mode, the target temperature is increased in m (n<m) stages. That is, in a mode such as the regular mode in which the target temperature is increased in a stepwise manner, since actual temperatures can easily follow the target temperature, it is possible to provide the user with a stable flavor derived from the flavor source by finely switching the target temperature. On the other hand, in a mode such as the menthol mode in which the target temperature is decreased in a stepwise manner, since it is difficult for actual temperatures to follow the target temperature, it is possible to prevent the occurrence of a situation in which actual temperatures deviate from the target temperature by reducing switching of the target temperature.
- (5) The power supply unit for an aerosol generation device according to any one of (1) to (4), in which the manner of the discharging to the first heater in the menthol mode is different from the manner of the discharging to the first heater in the regular mode.
- According to (5), in the case of the menthol mode, the discharging to the first heater is controlled in a discharge manner different from that in the case of the regular mode. Accordingly, it is possible to appropriately control the discharging to the first heater in accordance with whether the aerosol source contains the menthol.
- (6) The power supply unit for an aerosol generation device according to (5), in which the manner of the discharging to the first heater in the menthol mode is a manner in which a voltage applied to the first heater is changed in a stepwise manner or is changed continuously, and the manner of the discharging to the first heater in the regular mode is a manner in which the voltage applied to the first heater is maintained constant.
- According to (6), in the case of the menthol mode, the voltage applied to the first heater is changed in a stepwise manner or is changed continuously. Accordingly, in a case where the aerosol source contains the menthol, the amount of aerosol generated by being heated with the first heater can be changed, and the menthol derived from the aerosol source and the flavor component derived from the flavor source can be stably supplied to the user. According to (6), in the regular mode, the control on the voltage applied to the first heater (that is, power supplied to the first heater) can be simplified by maintaining the voltage applied to the first heater constant. Therefore, it is possible to appropriately control the discharging to the first heater in accordance with whether the aerosol source contains the menthol.
- (7) The power supply unit for an aerosol generation device according to any one of (1) to (6), in which the controller is configured to cause the aerosol generation device to operate in a startup mode and in a sleep mode in which power consumption is smaller than that in the startup mode and which can be transitioned to the startup mode, and in response to transition to the startup mode, start the discharging to the second heater such that a temperature of the second heater or the flavor source converges to a predetermined temperature.
- According to (7), in response to transition to the startup mode of the aerosol generation device, the discharging to the second heater is started such that the target temperature of the second heater or the flavor source converges to a predetermined temperature. Accordingly, the second heater can be preheated in response to the transition to the startup mode, the temperature of the second heater or the flavor source can be increased at an early stage, and the amount of menthol provided to the user (that is, the flavor derived from the menthol) can be stabilized at an early stage.
- (8) The power supply unit for an aerosol generation device according to (7), in which the manner of the discharging to the second heater in the regular mode is a manner in which the target temperature for converging the temperature of the second heater or the flavor source is increased in a stepwise manner or is increased continuously, and the predetermined temperature is equal to or higher than a minimum value of the target temperature in the regular mode.
- According to (8), regardless of the target containing (or not containing) the menthol, it is possible to make it easy for the second heater to reach an appropriate target temperature corresponding to the target.
- (9) The power supply unit for an aerosol generation device according to (7), in which the manner of the discharging to the second heater in the regular mode is a manner in which the target temperature for converging the temperature of the second heater or the flavor source is increased in a stepwise manner or is increased continuously, and the predetermined temperature is lower than the minimum value of the target temperature in the regular mode.
- According to (9), the target temperature at the time of preheating the second heater in response to the transition to the startup mode is set to a temperature lower than the minimum value of the target temperature of the second heater or the like in the regular mode. Accordingly, it is possible to prevent the second load and the flavor source from being excessively heated due to the preheating of the second load, it is possible to preheat the second load to an appropriate temperature, it is possible to stabilize flavor, and it is possible to reduce power consumption due to the preheating of the second load.
- (10) The power supply unit for an aerosol generation device according to (7), in which the controller is configured to, in response to the transition to the startup mode, start the discharging to the second heater before determining whether at least the aerosol source out of the aerosol source and the flavor source contains menthol such that the temperature converges to the predetermined temperature.
- According to (10), the preheating of the second heater in response to the transition to the startup mode is performed before determining whether the flavor source or the aerosol source contains the menthol. In other words, when it is determined whether the flavor source or the aerosol source contains the menthol, the preheating of the second heater can be ended. Accordingly, after it is determined whether the flavor source or the aerosol source contains the menthol, it is possible to appropriately control the discharging to the first heater and/or the second heater in accordance with a target containing the menthol between the aerosol source and the flavor source.
Claims (10)
1. A power supply unit for an aerosol generation device, comprising:
a first connector connectable to a first heater configured to heat an aerosol source;
a second connector connectable to a second heater configured to heat a flavor source capable of imparting a flavor to the aerosol source vaporized and/or atomized by being heated with the first heater;
a power supply electrically connected to the first connector and the second connector; and
a controller configured to control discharging from the power supply to the first heater and discharging from the power supply to the second heater, wherein
the controller is configured to:
determine whether the aerosol source and the flavor source contain menthol;
control the discharging to the first heater and the discharging to the second heater by a menthol mode upon determination that the aerosol source contains menthol; and
control the discharging to the first heater and the discharging to the second heater by a regular mode upon determination that the aerosol source and the flavor source do not contain menthol, and
a manner of the discharging to the first heater in the menthol mode is different from a manner of the discharging to the first heater in the regular mode, and/or
a manner of the discharging to the second heater in the menthol mode is different from a manner of the discharging to the second heater in the regular mode.
2. The power supply unit for an aerosol generation device according to claim 1 , wherein
the manner of the discharging to the second heater in the menthol mode is different from the manner of the discharging to the second heater in the regular mode.
3. The power supply unit for an aerosol generation device according to claim 2 , wherein
the manner of the discharging to the second heater in the menthol mode is a manner in which a target temperature for converging a temperature of the second heater or the flavor source is decreased in a stepwise manner or is decreased continuously, and
the manner of the discharging to the second heater in the regular mode is a manner in which a target temperature for converging the temperature of the second heater or the flavor source is increased in a stepwise manner or is increased continuously.
4. The power supply unit for an aerosol generation device according to claim 3 , wherein
the manner of the discharging to the second heater in the menthol mode is a manner in which the target temperature for converging the temperature of the second heater or the flavor source is decreased in n stages,
the manner of the discharging to the second heater in the regular mode is a manner in which the target temperature for converging the temperature of the second heater or the flavor source is increased in m stages, and
n is smaller than m.
5. The power supply unit for an aerosol generation device according to claim 1 , wherein
the manner of the discharging to the first heater in the menthol mode is different from the manner of the discharging to the first heater in the regular mode.
6. The power supply unit for an aerosol generation device according to claim 5 , wherein
the manner of the discharging to the first heater in the menthol mode is a manner in which a voltage applied to the first heater is changed in a stepwise manner or is changed continuously, and
the manner of the discharging to the first heater in the regular mode is a manner in which the voltage applied to the first heater is maintained constant.
7. The power supply unit for an aerosol generation device according to claim 1 , wherein
the controller is configured to:
cause the aerosol generation device to operate in a startup mode and in a sleep mode in which power consumption is smaller than that in the startup mode and which can be transitioned to the startup mode; and
in response to transition to the startup mode, start the discharging to the second heater such that a temperature of the second heater or the flavor source converges to a predetermined temperature.
8. The power supply unit for an aerosol generation device according to claim 7 , wherein
the manner of the discharging to the second heater in the regular mode is a manner in which the target temperature for converging the temperature of the second heater or the flavor source is increased in a stepwise manner or is increased continuously, and
the predetermined temperature is equal to or higher than a minimum value of the target temperature in the regular mode.
9. The power supply unit for an aerosol generation device according to claim 7 , wherein
the manner of the discharging to the second heater in the regular mode is a manner in which the target temperature for converging the temperature of the second heater or the flavor source is increased in a stepwise manner or is increased continuously, and
the predetermined temperature is lower than the minimum value of the target temperature in the regular mode.
10. The power supply unit for an aerosol generation device according to claim 7 , wherein
the controller is configured to, in response to the transition to the startup mode, start the discharging to the second heater before determining whether at least the aerosol source out of the aerosol source and the flavor source contains menthol such that the temperature converges to the predetermined temperature.
Applications Claiming Priority (3)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
JP2020193900A JP6915142B1 (en) | 2020-11-20 | 2020-11-20 | Power supply unit of aerosol generator |
JP2020-193900 | 2020-11-20 | ||
PCT/JP2021/019236 WO2022107358A1 (en) | 2020-11-20 | 2021-05-20 | Aerosol generator power-supply unit |
Related Parent Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
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PCT/JP2021/019236 Continuation WO2022107358A1 (en) | 2020-11-20 | 2021-05-20 | Aerosol generator power-supply unit |
Publications (1)
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US20230089306A1 true US20230089306A1 (en) | 2023-03-23 |
Family
ID=77057580
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
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US18/070,815 Abandoned US20230089306A1 (en) | 2020-11-20 | 2022-11-29 | Power supply unit for aerosol generation device |
Country Status (6)
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US (1) | US20230089306A1 (en) |
EP (1) | EP4248773A1 (en) |
JP (1) | JP6915142B1 (en) |
KR (1) | KR20230088308A (en) |
CN (1) | CN115697104A (en) |
WO (1) | WO2022107358A1 (en) |
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JP6854961B1 (en) * | 2020-11-20 | 2021-04-07 | 日本たばこ産業株式会社 | Power supply unit for aerosol generator |
US11789476B2 (en) | 2021-01-18 | 2023-10-17 | Altria Client Services Llc | Heat-not-burn (HNB) aerosol-generating devices including intra-draw heater control, and methods of controlling a heater |
WO2023105772A1 (en) * | 2021-12-10 | 2023-06-15 | 日本たばこ産業株式会社 | Power supply unit for aerosol generation device |
WO2023105773A1 (en) * | 2021-12-10 | 2023-06-15 | 日本たばこ産業株式会社 | Power supply unit for aerosol generation device |
JPWO2023112075A1 (en) * | 2021-12-13 | 2023-06-22 |
Family Cites Families (7)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
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EP2609820A1 (en) * | 2011-12-30 | 2013-07-03 | Philip Morris Products S.A. | Detection of aerosol-forming substrate in an aerosol generating device |
US20150335070A1 (en) | 2014-05-20 | 2015-11-26 | R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Company | Electrically-powered aerosol delivery system |
WO2017141359A1 (en) * | 2016-02-16 | 2017-08-24 | 日本たばこ産業株式会社 | Non-combustion-type flavor inhaler |
CA3033621C (en) * | 2016-08-26 | 2022-06-21 | Japan Tobacco Inc. | Non-combustion flavor inhaler |
KR20180124739A (en) * | 2017-05-11 | 2018-11-21 | 주식회사 케이티앤지 | An aerosol generating device for controlling the temperature of a heater according to the type of cigarette and method thereof |
WO2019088559A2 (en) * | 2017-10-30 | 2019-05-09 | 주식회사 케이티앤지 | Aerosol generating device |
JP7295703B2 (en) | 2019-05-29 | 2023-06-21 | 株式会社アドバンテスト | test equipment |
-
2020
- 2020-11-20 JP JP2020193900A patent/JP6915142B1/en active Active
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2021
- 2021-05-20 CN CN202180039399.2A patent/CN115697104A/en active Pending
- 2021-05-20 WO PCT/JP2021/019236 patent/WO2022107358A1/en unknown
- 2021-05-20 EP EP21894235.7A patent/EP4248773A1/en not_active Withdrawn
- 2021-05-20 KR KR1020227041769A patent/KR20230088308A/en not_active Application Discontinuation
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JP2022082384A (en) | 2022-06-01 |
JP6915142B1 (en) | 2021-08-04 |
KR20230088308A (en) | 2023-06-19 |
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