WO2021149125A1

WO2021149125A1 - Cartridge and power unit for aerosol generating device, and method for determining cartridge type

Info

Publication number: WO2021149125A1
Application number: PCT/JP2020/001794
Authority: WO
Inventors: 泰弘小野; 寛手塚
Original assignee: 日本たばこ産業株式会社
Priority date: 2020-01-21
Filing date: 2020-01-21
Publication date: 2021-07-29
Also published as: EP4094597A4; JPWO2021149125A1; EP4094597A1; JP7348314B2

Abstract

The present invention: enables the type of an element to be easily determined when an element is attached to an aerosol generating device; and enables the operation of the aerosol generating device to be controlled in accordance with the type. A power unit (10) for an aerosol generating device is provided. The power unit (10) comprises: a light emitting element (171) that emits light to a reflection part (220) provided to a cartridge (200) when the power unit is connected to the cartridge or after the power unit has been connected thereto; a light receiving element (172) that receives light reflected by the reflection part; and a control unit that determines the cartridge type on the basis of the light received by the light receiving element.

Description

A method for determining the power supply unit and cartridge of the aerosol generator and the type of cartridge.

The present disclosure relates to a power supply unit and a cartridge of an aerosol generator, and a method of determining the type of the cartridge.

Aerosol generators such as electronic cigarettes and nebulizers that generate gas with flavor components that are sucked by the user are widespread. The aerosol generating apparatus is equipped with elements that contribute to the generation of the gas to which the flavor component is added, such as an aerosol source for generating an aerosol and a flavor source for imparting a flavor to the aerosol. Then, the contents accumulated in these elements are consumed every time gas is generated. The user can taste the flavor together with the gas by sucking the gas to which the flavor component is added (hereinafter, also referred to as puff) generated by these aerosol generators.

Special table 2018-512141 Special table 2017-538420 Special table 2012-513750 Special table 2015-535760

It is desirable to make effective use of the element while providing a sufficient suction experience to the user, and for that purpose, it is preferable to be able to determine the type of the element when the element is mounted on the aerosol generator. For example, in Patent Document 3, the suctioned article is distinguished from other articles by detecting the identification information printed on the smoke-absorbing article. However, such a detection method often depends on the printing state. That is, it is necessary to clearly print the identification information on the smoke-absorbing article, and it is necessary to perform a highly accurate process for reading the identification information without erroneously recognizing it. Therefore, one of the purposes of the present disclosure is to devise the mechanism of the element and the aerosol generator so that the type of the element can be easily determined when the element is mounted on the aerosol generator. Another purpose is to make it possible to control the operation of the aerosol generator according to the type.

In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, according to the first aspect, a power supply unit of an aerosol generator is provided. Such a power supply unit includes a light emitting element that emits light to a reflecting portion provided on the cartridge when the power supply unit is connected to or after being connected to the cartridge, and a light receiving element that receives light reflected by the reflecting portion. A control unit that determines the type of cartridge based on the light received by the light receiving element.

According to the power supply unit of the aerosol generator, the type of cartridge can be determined easily, inexpensively, and with high accuracy as compared with arranging an element for accurately reading specific print information, for example. In addition, the operation of the aerosol generator can be controlled according to the type. This makes it possible to provide the user with a sufficient suction experience.

In the power supply unit of the second aspect, in the power supply unit of the first aspect, the reflecting portion of the cartridge is provided on the connecting surface with the power supply unit, and the light reflectance of the member of the reflecting portion differs depending on the type of the cartridge. The type of cartridge is determined based on the signal intensity of the received light.

In the power supply unit of the third viewpoint, the lightness of the color of the member may be different depending on the type of the cartridge in the power supply unit of the second viewpoint.

The power supply unit of the fourth viewpoint may differ in the processing mode of the member depending on the type of the cartridge in the power supply unit of the second viewpoint or the third viewpoint.

In the power supply unit according to the fifth aspect, in any of the power supply units from the second aspect to the fourth aspect, the arrangement pattern of the members in the reflecting portion differs depending on the type of the cartridge, and the arrangement pattern has a plurality of reflectances. It may be composed of a combination of a plurality of types of members.

In the power supply unit of the sixth viewpoint, in the power supply unit of the fifth viewpoint, a plurality of types of members may include a light non-reflective member.

The power supply unit of the seventh aspect is the power supply unit of the fifth or sixth aspect, and when the power supply unit is connected to the cartridge, the light receiving element receives the first signal via the first type member. The control unit starts the operation of detecting the cartridge in response to receiving the light of the intensity, and subsequently, in response to the light receiving element receiving the light of the second signal intensity via the member of the second type, The control unit may terminate the operation.

The power supply unit of the eighth viewpoint is any of the power supply units of the first to seventh viewpoints, and further includes a physical switch, and when the power supply unit is connected to the cartridge, the physical switch is the cartridge. The control unit may start the light emitting element to emit light in response to the physical switch being pressed.

The power supply unit of the ninth aspect is the power supply unit of the eighth aspect, and the control unit may end the light emission to the light emitting element in response to the physical switch being pressed again by the cartridge.

The power supply unit of the tenth viewpoint is any of the power supply units of the first to eighth viewpoints, and the control unit may terminate the light emitting element to emit light according to the determination of the type of the cartridge.

The power supply unit according to the eleventh aspect is the power supply unit according to any one of the first to seventh aspects, when the control unit does not receive light from the light receiving element for a predetermined period after the light emission by the light emitting element is started. It may be determined that the connection of the power supply unit to the cartridge has failed, and the light emitting element may end the light emission.

The power supply unit of the twelfth viewpoint is a power supply unit of the eleventh viewpoint, and further includes a notification unit, and the control unit may notify the notification unit of a connection failure.

The power supply unit of the thirteenth viewpoint is the power supply unit of the twelfth viewpoint, and the notification unit may prompt the user to reconnect the power supply unit to the cartridge by notifying the connection failure.

The power supply unit of the 14th viewpoint may prohibit the power supply to the cartridge when the control unit cannot determine the type of the cartridge in any of the power supply units of the 1st to 13th viewpoints.

Further, according to the fifteenth aspect, a cartridge for an aerosol generator is provided. Such a cartridge is provided with a reflecting portion provided with different members depending on the type of the cartridge, and emits light from a light emitting element of the power supply unit when or after the cartridge is connected to the power supply unit of the aerosol generator. The light is reflected by the reflecting unit and received by the light receiving element of the power supply unit, and the type is determined based on the light received by the light receiving element.

According to the cartridge of the aerosol generator, the type of cartridge can be determined easily, inexpensively, and with high accuracy as compared with arranging an element for accurately reading specific print information, for example. In addition, the operation of the aerosol generator can be controlled according to the type. This makes it possible to provide the user with a sufficient suction experience.

The cartridge of the 16th aspect is the cartridge of the 15th aspect, wherein the aerosol generator is assembled to the power supply unit along the axial direction, and the cartridge case for holding the cartridge is provided, and the cartridge of the said cartridge is viewed from the axial direction. The cross section has a concave shape and corresponds to the convex shape of a part of the hollow part of the cartridge case, and the cross section of the cartridge is aligned in the circumferential direction with the cross section of a part of the hollow part of the cartridge case. It may be inserted into the cavity of the cartridge case along the axial direction.

Further, according to the 17th viewpoint, a method for determining the type of cartridge is provided. Such a method includes a step of emitting light to a reflecting portion provided on the cartridge by a light emitting element of the power supply unit when or after the cartridge is connected to the power supply unit of the aerosol generator along the axial direction. The reflectance of the light contained in the member of the reflecting unit includes a step of receiving the light reflected by the reflecting unit by the light receiving element of the power supply unit and a step of determining the type of the cartridge based on the light received by the light receiving element. Depends on the type of cartridge.

According to this method, the type of cartridge can be determined easily, inexpensively, and with high accuracy, as compared with arranging an element for accurately reading specific print information, for example. In addition, the operation of the aerosol generator can be controlled according to the type. This makes it possible to provide the user with a sufficient suction experience.

In the method of the 18th viewpoint, in the method of the 17th viewpoint, the color and / or processing mode of the member may be different depending on the type of the cartridge.

In the method of the 19th viewpoint or the 18th viewpoint, in the reflecting portion, the arrangement pattern of the members differs depending on the type of the cartridge, and the arrangement pattern is composed of a plurality of types having a plurality of reflectances. It may be composed of a combination of members.

In the method of the twentieth viewpoint, the member may include a light non-reflective member in the method of the nineteenth viewpoint.

It is a perspective view of the aerosol generator. It is another perspective view of the aerosol generation apparatus of FIG. It is sectional drawing of the aerosol generation apparatus of FIG. It is a perspective view of the power supply unit of one Embodiment. It is a block diagram of the power supply unit of one embodiment. It is an exploded view of an aerosol generator. The schematic operation of the photosensor and the cartridge provided in the power supply unit of one embodiment is shown. It is a schematic perspective view of the power supply unit of one embodiment. 8A is a plan view of the power supply unit of FIG. 8A as viewed from the axial direction. This is an example of a plan view of the cartridge of one embodiment as viewed from the axial direction. This is an example of a plan view of the cartridge of one embodiment as viewed from the axial direction. This is an example of a plan view of the cartridge of one embodiment as viewed from the axial direction. This is an example of a plan view of the cartridge of one embodiment as viewed from the axial direction. It is a flow chart which shows the determination operation of the type of a cartridge by one Embodiment. This is a modification of the plan view of the cartridge of one embodiment as viewed from the axial direction. This is a modification of the plan view of the cartridge of one embodiment as viewed from the axial direction. This is a modification of the plan view of the cartridge of one embodiment as viewed from the axial direction. It is sectional drawing of the cartridge case 27 of the modification as seen from the axial direction. It is sectional drawing of the cartridge 200 of the modification as seen from the axial direction. This is a modified example of a power supply unit provided with a physical switch. It is a block diagram of the power supply unit of another embodiment.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings. In the accompanying drawings, the same or similar elements are designated by the same or similar reference numerals, and duplicate description of the same or similar elements may be omitted in the description of each embodiment. In addition, the features shown in each embodiment can be applied to other embodiments as long as they do not contradict each other. Furthermore, the drawings are schematic and do not necessarily match the actual dimensions, ratios, etc. Even between drawings, parts with different dimensional relationships and ratios may be included.

In the embodiment of the present disclosure, the aerosol generator includes, but is not limited to, an electronic cigarette and a nebulizer. That is, the aerosol generator may include various suction devices for producing an aerosol or a flavored aerosol that the user sucks. In addition to aerosols, the generated suction component source may also contain invisible vapors.

(1) Configuration of Aerosol Generation Device FIGS. 1 to 5 show an aerosol generation device 1 to which a power supply unit 10 is mounted. 1 and 2 are perspective views of the aerosol generator 1, and FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the aerosol generator 1. Further, FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the power supply unit 10 included in the aerosol generation device 1, and FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing a configuration example of the power supply unit 10.

The aerosol generator 1 is an instrument for letting the user suck the flavor without burning, and has a rod shape extending along a predetermined direction (hereinafter, referred to as a longitudinal direction A). As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the aerosol generator 1 is provided with a power supply unit 10, a cartridge unit 20, and a capsule unit 30 in this order along the longitudinal direction A. The cartridge unit 20 is removable from the power supply unit 10, and the capsule unit 30 is removable from the cartridge unit 20. In other words, the cartridge unit 20 and the capsule unit 30 are interchangeable.

(1-1) Power Supply Unit As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the power supply unit 10 of the present embodiment has a power supply 12, a charger 13, a control unit 50, and various sensors inside a cylindrical power supply unit case 11. Etc. are accommodated. The power source 12 is a rechargeable secondary battery, an electric double layer capacitor, or the like, and is preferably a lithium ion battery.

A discharge terminal 41 is provided on the top portion 11a located on one end side (cartridge unit 20 side) of the power supply unit case 11 in the longitudinal direction A. The discharge terminal 41 is provided so as to project from the upper surface of the top portion 11a toward the cartridge unit 20, and is configured to be electrically connectable to the load 21 of the cartridge unit 20.

Further, on the upper surface of the top portion 11a, an air supply portion 42 for supplying air to the load 21 of the cartridge unit 20 is provided in the vicinity of the discharge terminal 41. As will be described later, the power supply unit 10 of the present embodiment further includes a photosensor 17 including a pair of light emitting elements 171 and a light receiving element 172 on the upper surface of the top portion 11a.

The top portion 11a is capped by a connection cap (not shown). The connection cap forms a connection surface on which the power supply unit 10 connects to the cartridge unit 20 along the longitudinal direction A. The connection cap is made of a resin material that is softer and more elastic than silicone resin, and the tip sides of the discharge terminal 41, the air supply unit 42, and the photosensor 17 project from the connection cap toward the cartridge unit 20.

The bottom portion 11b located on the other end side (opposite side of the cartridge unit 20) of the power supply unit case 11 in the longitudinal direction has a charging terminal that can be electrically connected to an external power supply (not shown) capable of charging the power supply 12. 43 is provided. The charging terminal 43 is provided on the side surface of the bottom portion 11b, and at least one of a USB terminal, a microUSB terminal, and a Lightning terminal can be connected.

The charging terminal 43 may be a power receiving unit capable of receiving power transmitted from an external power source in a non-contact manner. In such a case, the charging terminal 43 (power receiving unit) may be composed of a power receiving coil. The method of wireless power transmission (Wireless Power Transfer) may be an electromagnetic induction type or a magnetic resonance type. Further, the charging terminal 43 may be a power receiving unit capable of receiving power transmitted from an external power source without contact. As another example, the charging terminal 43 may be connected to at least one of a USB terminal, a microUSB terminal, and a Lightning terminal, and may have the power receiving unit described above.

That is, in the power supply unit 10, the discharge terminal 41 and the charging terminal 43 are separately configured and arranged apart from each other in the longitudinal direction A. Therefore, the charging terminal 43 is connected to the power supply 12 via the discharging terminal 41. It is configured so that the external power supply 60 can be electrically connected in a state where the electric power supply 60 can be discharged.

Further, in the power supply unit case 11, a user-operable operation unit 14 is provided on the side surface of the top unit 11a so as to face the side opposite to the charging terminal 43. More specifically, the operation unit 14 and the charging terminal 43 have a point-symmetrical relationship with respect to the intersection of the straight line connecting the operation unit 14 and the charging terminal 43 and the central axis L of the power supply unit 10 in the longitudinal direction A. The operation unit 14 is composed of a button-type switch, a touch panel, and the like, and is used when starting / shutting off the control unit 50 and various sensors reflecting the user's intention to use. A control unit 50 and an intake sensor 15 for detecting a puff operation are provided in the vicinity of the operation unit 14.

The charger 13 is arranged close to the charging terminal 43 and controls the charging power input from the charging terminal 43 to the power supply 12. The charger 13 includes a converter, a voltmeter, an ammeter, a processor, etc. that convert direct current from an inverter 61 or the like mounted on a charging cable connected to the charging terminal 43 to direct current to a direct current of a different size. include.

As shown in FIG. 5, the control unit 50 includes an operation unit 14, an intake sensor 15 that detects a puff (intake) operation, a voltage sensor 16 that measures the voltage of the power supply 12, various sensor devices such as a photo sensor 17, and various sensor devices. It is connected to a memory 18 that stores the number of puff operations, the energization time of the load 21, and the like, and controls various operations of the aerosol generator 1. The intake sensor 15 may be composed of a condenser microphone, a pressure sensor, or the like. The photosensor 17 is preferably configured to include a light emitting element 171 and a light receiving element 172, but is not limited thereto.

Specifically, the control unit 50 is a processor (computer). More specifically, the structure of this processor is an electric circuit in which circuit elements such as semiconductor elements are combined. The details of the control unit 50 will be described later.

Further, the power supply unit case 11 is provided with an air intake port (not shown) for taking in outside air inside. The air intake port may be provided around the operation unit 14, or may be provided around the charging terminal 43.

(1-2) Cartridge unit As shown in FIG. 3, the cartridge unit 20 has a reservoir 23 for storing an aerosol source 22 and electricity for atomizing the aerosol source 22 inside a cylindrical cartridge case 27. Load 21, a wick 24 that draws an aerosol source from the reservoir 23 to the load 21, an aerosol flow path 25 through which the aerosol generated by atomization of the aerosol source 22 flows toward the capsule unit 30, and a capsule. An end cap 26 capable of accommodating a part of the unit 30 is provided.

Here, a member including a reservoir 23, a load 21, a wick 24, and an aerosol flow path 25 can be configured as a cartridge 200. One end of the cartridge 200 can be connected to the power supply unit 10, and the other end can be connected to the end cap 26.

The reservoir 23 is partitioned so as to surround the aerosol flow path 25, and stores the aerosol source 22. The reservoir 23 may contain a porous body such as a resin web or cotton, and the aerosol source 22 may be impregnated with the porous body. Aerosol source 22 contains liquids such as glycerin, propylene glycol and water.

The wick 24 is a liquid holding member that draws the aerosol source 22 from the reservoir 23 to the load 21 by utilizing the capillary phenomenon, and is composed of, for example, glass fiber or porous ceramic.

The load 21 atomizes the aerosol source 22 by the electric power supplied from the power supply 12 via the discharge terminal 41 without combustion. The load 21 is composed of heating wires (coils) wound at a predetermined pitch. The load 21 may be an element capable of atomizing the aerosol source 22 to generate an aerosol, and is, for example, a heat generating element or an ultrasonic generator. Examples of the heat generating element include a heat generating resistor, a ceramic heater, an induction heating type heater, and the like.

The aerosol flow path 25 is provided on the downstream side of the load 21 and along the axis L of the power supply unit 10.

The end cap 26 includes a cartridge accommodating portion 26a for accommodating a part of the capsule unit 30, and a communication passage 26b for communicating the aerosol flow path 25 and the cartridge accommodating portion 26a.

(1-3) Capsule Unit The capsule unit 30 is detachably housed in a cartridge accommodating portion 26a provided at an end cap 26 of the cartridge unit 20 at an end portion on the cartridge unit 20 side. The end of the capsule unit 30 opposite to the cartridge unit 20 side is the user's mouthpiece 32. The mouthpiece 32 is not limited to being integrally inseparable from the capsule unit 30, and may be detachably configured to be detachable from the capsule unit 30. By configuring the mouthpiece 32 separately from the power supply unit 10 and the cartridge unit 20 in this way, the mouthpiece 32 can be kept hygienic.

The capsule unit 30 imparts flavor to the aerosol by passing the aerosol generated by atomizing the aerosol source 22 by the load 21 through the flavor source 31. As the raw material piece constituting the flavor source 31, chopped tobacco or a molded product obtained by granulating the tobacco raw material can be used. The flavor source 31 may be composed of plants other than tobacco (for example, mint, Chinese herbs, herbs, etc.). A fragrance such as menthol may be added to the flavor source 31.

The aerosol generator 1 can generate an aerosol to which a flavor is added by the aerosol source 22, the flavor source 31, and the load 21. That is, the aerosol source 22 and the flavor source 31 can be said to be aerosol generation sources that generate aerosols.

The aerosol generation source used in the aerosol generation device 1 has a configuration in which the aerosol source 22 and the flavor source 31 are separate bodies, and a configuration in which the aerosol source 22 and the flavor source 31 are integrally formed. , The flavor source 31 may be omitted and a substance that can be contained in the flavor source 31 may be added to the aerosol source 22, or a drug or the like may be added to the aerosol source 22 instead of the flavor source 31.

In the aerosol generator 1 configured in this way, as shown by the arrow B in FIG. 3, the air flowing in from the intake port (not shown) provided in the power supply unit case 11 is introduced from the air supply unit 42. It passes near the load 21 of the cartridge unit 20. The load 21 atomizes the aerosol source 22 drawn from the reservoir 23 by the wick 24. The aerosol generated by atomization flows through the aerosol flow path 25 together with the air flowing in from the intake port, and is supplied to the capsule unit 30 via the communication passage 26b. The aerosol supplied to the capsule unit 30 is given a flavor by passing through the flavor source 31, and is supplied to the mouthpiece 32.

(1-4) Control Unit of Power Supply Unit Next, the configuration of the control unit 50 will be specifically described with reference to FIG. The control unit 50 includes an aerosol generation request detection unit 51, an operation detection unit 52, a power control unit 53, a notification control unit 54, and a cartridge detection determination unit 55.

The aerosol generation request detection unit 51 detects the aerosol generation request based on the output result of the intake sensor 15. The intake sensor 15 is configured to output the value of the pressure change in the power supply unit 10 caused by the suction of the user through the suction port 32. The intake sensor 15 has, for example, an output value (for example, a voltage value or a current value) according to the atmospheric pressure that changes according to the flow rate of air sucked from the intake port toward the suction port 32 (that is, the puff operation of the user). It is a pressure sensor that outputs.

The operation detection unit 52 detects the operation of the operation unit 14 by the user.
The power control unit 53 controls the discharge of the power supply 12 via the discharge terminal 41 when the aerosol generation request detection unit 51 detects the aerosol generation request. In one example, the power control unit 53 keeps the amount of aerosol generated by atomizing the aerosol source by the load 21 within a desired range, that is, the amount of power supplied from the power supply 12 to the load 21 is within a certain range. Control to be.

More specifically, the power control unit 53 may be controlled by PWM (Pulse Width Modulation) control or PFM (Pulse Frequency Modulation) control. The output result of the voltage sensor 16 may be used.

Further, the power control unit 53 detects the electrical connection between the charging terminal 43 and the external power supply 60, and controls the charging of the power supply 12 via the charging terminal 43.

The notification control unit 54 controls the notification unit 45 so as to notify various information. For example, the notification control unit 54 controls the notification unit 45 so as to notify the replacement timing of the capsule unit 30 in response to the detection of the replacement timing of the capsule unit 30. The notification control unit 54 notifies the replacement timing of the capsule unit 30 based on the number of puff operations stored in the memory 18 or the cumulative energization time of the load 21. The notification control unit 54 is not limited to notifying the replacement timing of the capsule unit 30, but may also notify the replacement timing of the cartridge 20, the replacement timing of the power supply 12, the charging timing of the power supply 12, an error during operation, and the like. ..

The aerosol generation device 1 is provided with a notification unit 45 for notifying various information, and cooperates with the notification control unit 54. The notification unit 45 may be composed of a light emitting element, a vibrating element, or a sound output element. Further, the notification unit 45 may be a combination of two or more elements among the light emitting element, the vibration element and the sound output element. The notification unit 45 may be provided in any of the power supply unit 10, the cartridge unit 20, and the capsule unit 30, but it is preferably provided in the power supply unit 10. For example, the periphery of the operation unit 14 has translucency, and is configured to emit light by a light emitting element such as an LED.

As will be described later, the cartridge detection determination unit 55 receives the light emitted from the light emitting element 171 via the reflection unit 220 provided in the cartridge 200 when the power supply unit 10 and the cartridge 200 are connected. When the light is received by the 172, the photo sensor 17 detects the cartridge 200. Further, the cartridge detection determination unit 55 determines the type of the connected cartridge 200 based on the detection result of the cartridge 200.

(2) Assembling Method of Aerosol Generation Device An assembly method of the aerosol generation device 1 will be described. FIG. 6 is an exploded view of the aerosol generation device 1. As shown, the aerosol generator 1 is configured by assembling a power supply unit 10, a cartridge case 27, a cartridge 200, an end cap 26, and a capsule unit (capsule) 30.

First, the cartridge case 27 of the cartridge unit 20 is assembled to the power supply unit 10 (procedure A). Specifically, the inside of the cartridge case 27 is inserted into the first rotation connection portion 110 of the power supply unit 10 along the axis L, and then the cartridge case 27 is rotated relative to the power supply unit 10 around the axis L. Let me.

As a result, the power supply unit 10 and the cartridge case 27 are assembled to each other in a state of being positioned in the axial direction and the circumferential direction. When removing the cartridge case 27 from the power supply unit 10, the operation opposite to this operation may be performed.

Subsequently, the cartridge 200 is inserted into the cartridge case 27 (procedure B). Specifically, the cartridge 200 is inserted into the cavity inside the cartridge case 27 with the connection electrode portion 210 provided on the bottom surface of the cartridge 200 facing the cartridge case 27 side. As a result, the cartridge 200 is assembled to the power supply unit 10.

More specifically, the discharge terminal 41 of the power supply unit 10 and the connection electrode portion 210 of the cartridge 200 are connected by contact. The heating wire of the load 21 can be energized via the connection electrode portion 210. Further, a buffer space is defined between the power supply unit 10 and the cartridge 200 by the connection surface of the power supply unit 10, the electrode surface of the cartridge 200, and the cartridge case 27.

When the cartridge 200 is connected to the power supply unit 10, it is aligned with the inner wall of the cavity of the cartridge case 27 so that the electrode surface of the cartridge 200 is aligned with the connection surface of the power supply unit 10 in the circumferential direction. A guide (not shown) is provided.

Next, the end cap 26 is assembled to the cartridge case 27 by the second rotation connection portion 260 (procedure C). Specifically, the male threaded portion of the end cap 26 is screwed onto the female threaded portion provided on the inner wall of the cartridge case 27. When the end cap 26 is tightened in this state, the cartridge 200 is held in the cartridge case 27 in a state of being axially pressed toward the power supply unit 10.

More specifically, on the surface where the end cap 26 comes into contact with the cartridge 200, a non-slip member 261 that rotates the cartridge 200 about the axis L with respect to the power supply unit 10 is provided. The non-slip member 261 comes into contact with the bottom surface of the cartridge 200 while the end cap 26 is being connected to the cartridge case 27. Then, in a state where the non-slip member 261 is in contact with the cartridge 200, the cartridge 200 can rotate around the axis L together with the end cap 26.

Here, when the end cap 26 is screwed in by rotating the end cap 26, the cartridge 200 rotates about the axis L with respect to the power supply unit 10 within a predetermined range. At this time, as will be described later, the determination operation of the cartridge 200 according to the present embodiment is executed. As a result of the cartridge 200 rotating within a predetermined range, the engaging concave portion (not shown) of the cartridge 200 and the engaging convex portion (not shown) of the power supply unit 10 are aligned, and the cartridge 200 and the power supply unit 10 are aligned. Is configured to engage.

When the cartridge 200 and the power supply unit 10 are engaged, the movement of the cartridge 200 in the circumferential direction with respect to the power supply unit 10 is restricted. That is, the cartridge 200 does not rotate around the end cap 26 due to the frictional force acting between the non-slip member 261 of the end cap 26 and the cartridge 200.

Further, the non-slip member 261 of the end cap 26 presses the cartridge 200 toward the power supply unit 10 with the end cap 26 screwed to the cartridge case 27. As a result, the cartridge 200 is fixed to the power supply unit 10.

Finally, the capsule unit 30 is inserted into the end cap 26 (procedure D). Specifically, the capsule unit 30 is fitted into the end cap 26 with the mesh-shaped opening 310 facing the end cap 26. As described above, the assembly of the aerosol generation device 1 is completed.

(3) Determining the Type of Cartridge With reference to FIGS. 7 to 11, the determination of the type of the cartridge 200 connected to the power supply unit 10 will be described according to the present embodiment. FIG. 7 is a schematic view showing the operation of the photo sensor 17 and the reflecting portion 220 of the cartridge 200. FIG. 8A is a schematic perspective view of the power supply unit 10 of the present embodiment provided with the photo sensor 17, and FIG. 8B is a plan view of the power supply unit 10 viewed from the cartridge 200 side in the axial direction. Further, FIGS. 9A to 10B are examples of plan views of the cartridge 200 connected to the power supply unit 10 of the present embodiment as viewed from the axial direction. FIG. 11 is a flow chart showing a method of determining the type of the cartridge 200 by using the power supply unit 10 and the cartridge 200.

According to the present embodiment, the control unit 50 determines the type of the cartridge 200 by emitting light from the light emitting element 171 with a predetermined signal intensity, via a reflection unit 220 provided on the cartridge 200 (that is, emitting light). The light emitted from the element 171 is reflected by the reflecting unit 220), the light receiving element 172 receives the light, and the signal intensity of the received light is measured.

(3-1) Photosensor provided in the power supply unit The photosensor 17 is provided in the power supply unit 10. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 7, the photosensor 17 includes a pair of light emitting elements 171 and a light receiving element 172, and is provided on the connection surface 80 (the connection cap described above) of the power supply unit 10. In one example, the light emitting element 171 of the photosensor 17 is preferably composed of a GaAs infrared light emitting diode, and the light receiving element 172 is preferably composed of a phototransistor (photo IC).

The light emitting element 171 and the light receiving element 172 are arranged in series along the propagation direction of the irradiated optical signal. The light emitting element 171 emits light so as to irradiate light having a predetermined signal intensity at a predetermined angle in response to the instruction of the photosensor 17 to start light emission. Next, the cartridge 200 passes through a position in the light irradiation direction in the vicinity of the photo sensor 17. At that time, the reflecting unit 220 of the cartridge 200 reflects the light from the light emitting element 171 toward the light receiving element 172 with a predetermined reflectance (for example, 80%). Then, when the light receiving element 172 receives the reflected light, the photo sensor 17 detects the passage of the cartridge 200.

More specifically, in the present embodiment, the photo sensor 17 is configured to detect the cartridge 200 when the power supply unit 10 is connected to the cartridge 200. Specifically, as described above, when the power supply unit 10 is connected to the cartridge 200, the cartridge 200 rotates about the axis L with respect to the power supply unit 10 within a predetermined range (FIG. 6: Procedure C). ). At this time, the member of the reflecting portion 220 provided on the cartridge 200 moves the position in the irradiation direction in the vicinity of the photosensor 17, so that the passage of the cartridge 200 is detected as described above.

As shown in FIGS. 8A and 8B, the photosensor 17 is provided on the connection surface 80 of the power supply unit 10 with the cartridge 200. The photosensor 17 is arranged in the vicinity of the peripheral edge of the connection surface 80 in a region that does not overlap with the discharge terminal 41 and the air supply unit 42. Further, the pair of light emitting elements 171 and the light receiving element 172 shown by the dotted lines are arranged in series along the circumferential direction on the connecting surface 80. On the connecting surface 80, the radial distance from the axis L to the photosensor 17 is from the axis L on the electrode surface of the cartridge 200 so that the reflecting portion 220 can move along the arrangement of the light emitting element 171 and the light receiving element 172. It is associated with the radial distance to the reflector 220 (more specifically, the member of the reflector 220).

As described above, in the present embodiment, the photo sensor 17 is provided not on the consumable cartridge 200 but on the power supply unit 10. That is, the cost (for example, initial cost and / or running cost) incurred with respect to the photo sensor 17 can be reduced as compared with the case where the photo sensor 17 is provided on the cartridge 200 side. Further, as a result of the photo sensor 17 being provided in the power supply unit 10, the photo sensor 17 is arranged away from the positions of the load 21 and the reservoir 23 of the cartridge 200, and is less susceptible to heat, liquid leakage, and the like. It can operate stably. Then, the risk of failure can be reduced.

Further, the photo sensor 17 may be installed on the connection surface 80 so as to match the position of the reflection unit 220 provided on the cartridge 200, as compared with, for example, arranging an element for accurately reading specific print information. , It is easy to arrange and can be realized at low cost. Further, since it is sufficient that the reflecting portion 220 is installed on the surface of the cartridge 200 and it is not necessary to print information, for example, the detection of the cartridge 200 can be realized at low cost regardless of the material of the cartridge 200.

It will be understood by those skilled in the art that the arrangement position of the photosensor 17 on the connection surface 80, the arrangement relationship and the shape of the pair of light emitting elements 171 and the light receiving element 172 are not limited to those shown in the drawings. Further, the light emitting element 171 and the light receiving element 172 are not limited to a pair, and may have a plurality of pairs, that is, the power supply unit 10 may include a plurality of photo sensors 17. Further, the photosensor 17 does not necessarily have a pair of light emitting elements 171 and a light receiving element 172 configured as one member, or is configured as separate members without being housed in one housing, and can be arranged individually. Is understood by those skilled in the art.

(3-2) Reflecting part provided on the cartridge As shown in FIGS. 9A and 9B, and FIGS. 10A and 10B, a reflecting part 220 for reflecting the irradiated light is provided on the electrode surface 280 of the cartridge 200. It is provided. Reflecting portion 220 is formed to include one or more members (two members ₂₂₁ 1 in the example shown, 221 _2). For example, the member of the reflecting portion 220 is preferably formed of a light absorbing member. Further, the electrode surface 280 is provided with a pair of connection electrode portions 210 in order to contact and energize the pair of discharge terminals 41 on the power supply unit 10 side.

The reflection portion 220 is provided in an arbitrary region of the electrode surface 280 that does not overlap with the region occupied by the connection electrode portion 210. _{In the illustrated example, two reflecting portion regions AR 1} and AR ₂ facing each other with respect to the center (axis line L) of the electrode surface 280 are provided, and one member 221, ₁ and a reflecting portion region are provided in the reflecting portion region AR _1. the AR ₂ and the one member 221 ₂ is disposed. Incidentally,

members

₂₂₁ 1, 221 ₂ need not be disposed to all of the reflective region _AR 1, AR _2, may also be disposed at any position. On the electrode surface 280, radial distance from the axis L to

members

₂₂₁ 1, 221 ₂ is associated with the radial distance to the photo sensor 17 from the axis L of the connecting surface 80 of the power supply unit 10.

In the present embodiment, in order to determine the type of the cartridge 200, the member of the reflecting unit 220 employs an element having a different light reflectance (or light absorption rate) depending on the type of the cartridge 200. In one example, those skilled in the art know that the color brightness is related to the reflectance of specular reflection of light, and it is preferable to configure the member so that the color brightness differs depending on the type of the cartridge 200. Specifically, in the case of the type "mint flavor cartridge", the color of the member is set to black so as to keep the light brightness low (FIG. 9A), and the signal intensity (or light receiving rate) per unit area received by the light receiving element 172 is set. ) Is relatively small (for example, 10%). Further, in the case of the type "coffee flavor cartridge", the color of the member is set to white so as to increase the brightness of the light (FIG. 9B), and the signal intensity (or the light receiving rate) per unit area received by the light receiving element 172 is relative. Increase (for example, 90%).

In addition to or instead of this, in another example, a shape-processed member is adopted so that the reflectance of diffuse reflection (diffuse reflection) of light differs depending on the type of the cartridge 200. Is good. Specifically, in the case of the type "mint flavor cartridge", the member is processed extremely finely (roughly) (Fig. 10A) to increase the diffused reflectance of light and the signal intensity (or light receiving rate) received by the light receiving element. ) Is relatively small (for example, 10%). Further, in the case of the type "coffee flavor cartridge", it is roughly processed (FIG. 10B) to lower the diffused reflectance of light and relatively increase the signal intensity (or light receiving rate) received by the light receiving element (for example, 90%). ).

In addition to the above, the shape and / or material of the member 221 may be different so that the signal intensity of the light received by the light receiving element 172 of the photo sensor 17 is adjusted differently depending on the type of the cartridge 200. good. That is, in the above-mentioned example, the member of the reflecting portion 220 in the case of the type "mint flavor cartridge" is configured so that the signal intensity of light is relatively small (for example, 10%), and the type "coffee flavor cartridge". In the case of the above case, the member of the reflecting portion 220 may have any configuration as long as it is configured so that the signal intensity of light is relatively large (for example, 90%).

As described above, the cartridge detection determination unit 55 of the control unit 50 can determine the type of the cartridge 200 by configuring the member of the reflection unit so that the reflectance of light differs depending on the type of the cartridge 200. It will be possible. That is, the cartridge detection determination unit 55 is configured to determine the type of the cartridge 200 according to the signal intensity (per unit area) of the light received by the light receiving element 172.

As described above, in the present embodiment, the configuration of the reflective portion 220 of the cartridge 200, particularly the structure of the member 221 is different depending on the type. That is, it is possible to facilitate the operation of determining the type of the cartridge 200 by the cooperation between the reflecting unit 220 and the photo sensor 17 of the power supply unit 10, and improve the accuracy of the determination. Further, since the type of the cartridge 200 can be determined by measuring the signal intensity of the light, the type of the cartridge 200 can be determined as compared with the case where the information on the type is printed on the surface of the refill and recognized. It will be easy.

Those skilled in the art understand that the arrangement position of the reflection portion 220 and the member 221 on the electrode surface 280, the area of the reflection portion region, the arrangement relationship and the number, the arrangement relationship of each member, the number and the shape are not limited to those shown in the drawing. Will be done.

(3-3) Cartridge Type Determining Operation FIG. 11 shows a series of operations relating to cartridge type determination. In a series of operations, when the cartridge 200 is connected to the power supply unit 10 of the aerosol generator 1 along the direction of the axis L, the cartridge detection determination unit 55 and the notification control unit 54 mainly include the photo sensor 17 and the memory. It is executed by cooperating with 18 and the notification unit 45.

First, in step S10, the insertion of the cartridge 200 is detected. Specifically, with the cartridge case 27 assembled to the power supply unit 10 (FIG. 6: procedure A), the cartridge 200 was inserted into the cartridge case 27 and brought into contact with the power supply unit 10 (FIG. 6: procedure B). ) Is detected. More specifically, the cartridge detection determination unit 55 may detect that the discharge terminal 41 of the power supply unit 10 and the connection electrode unit 210 of the cartridge 200 are in contact with each other and the heating wire of the load 21 can be energized. The cartridge 200 is guided by the cartridge case 27 so that the electrode surface 280 is aligned in the circumferential direction with respect to the connection surface 80 of the power supply unit 10 and is inserted into the cartridge case 27.

The photo sensor 17 is activated in step S20 in response to detecting the insertion of the cartridge 200 in step S10. Specifically, the light emitting element 171 of the photo sensor 17 is put into a light emitting state by irradiating light. More specifically, when the power supply unit 10 is connected to the cartridge 200, the control unit 50 may cause the light emitting element 171 to emit light, and at the same time, the light receiving element 172 may be in the light receiving standby state.

Next, in step S30, the cartridge detection determination unit 55 starts detecting the reflection unit 220 provided on the cartridge 200. As a result, the end cap 26 is tightened, and while the cartridge 200 rotates about the axis L with respect to the power supply unit 10 by a predetermined distance (FIG. 6: procedure C), the cartridge detection determination unit 55 sends the photo sensor 17 to the photo sensor 17. The reflection unit 220 is detected.

The execution of the activation operation of the photo sensor 17 in step S20 and the execution of the detection start operation of the reflection unit 220 in step S30 may be performed at the same timing or at different timings. (An example of executing the operation of step S30 in response to a specific trigger different from the execution of step S20 will be described later in the modified example.)

Then, in step S40, while the cartridge 200 is rotating by a predetermined distance (or angle) with respect to the power supply unit 10, the reflecting unit 220 moves in the vicinity of the photo sensor 17, so that the reflecting unit 220 reflects. It is determined whether or not the light receiving element 172 receives the light.

When the light reception by the light emitting element 172 is detected (S40: Yes), the signal intensity of the light is measured in step S50. The signal intensity of light measured here is the signal intensity of light per unit area received by the light receiving element 172, whereby the light receiving rate relative to the signal intensity of the light emitted by the light emitting element 171 is determined. It is determined. In one example, the measurement of signal strength may be repeated until the cartridge 200 finishes rotating a predetermined distance with respect to the power supply unit 10.

According to the identification of the light signal intensity in step S50, then in step S60, the type of the cartridge 200 is determined based on the light signal intensity measured in step S50. As described above, since the reflectance of light in the reflecting unit 220 differs depending on the type of the cartridge 200, the cartridge detection determination unit 55 determines the type of the cartridge 200 according to the signal intensity of the light received by the light receiving element 172. Can be determined.

The rules for determining the type of the cartridge 200 are defined in advance, and in one example, the value of the signal strength may be associated with the range for each type of the cartridge 200. The rules may be pre-stored in memory 18 in the form of a table, for example. That is, in the present embodiment, as long as the signal intensity of the light received by the light receiving element 172 is specified, the cartridge detection determination unit 55 easily determines the type of the cartridge 200 depending on the range of the signal intensity. can do. Note that what is stored in the memory is not limited to the range of signal strength values, and may also store the reflectance and the like of the member of the reflecting portion 220 of the cartridge 200.

Next, in step S70, the light emission by the light emitting element 171 ends. Specifically, in response to the determination of the type of the cartridge 200 in step S60, the cartridge detection determination unit 55 deactivates the photo sensor 17 so as to terminate the light emission by the light emitting element 171.

In this way, by limiting the timing of the end of light emission by the light emitting element 171 to the end of determination of the type of the cartridge 200, it is possible to automate the light emission control of the photo sensor 17. As a result, the power consumption associated with light emission can be reduced. The light emission may be terminated at any timing, such as when the cartridge 200 is rotated over a predetermined distance.

Subsequently, in step S80, it is determined whether or not the result of the determination of the type of the cartridge 200 in step S60 was normal. For example, when the cartridge 200 is a counterfeit product by a third party, the result of the type determination may not be normal. More specifically, the cartridge detection determination unit 55 further determines whether the type of the cartridge 200 is actually determined based on the rules stored in the memory 18 in advance, that is, whether the type is uniquely specified.

When the type of the cartridge 200 is not normally determined (S80: No), in step S85, the cartridge detection determination unit 55 cooperates with the power control unit 53 to load 21 of the connected cartridge 200. Prohibit the supply of power to.

As described above, if the cartridge 200 is connected to the power supply unit 10 but its type cannot be determined, it is highly possible that the cartridge 200 is a counterfeit product or a defective product. If power is supplied to such a cartridge 200, it is assumed that the aerosol generator 1 will fail. In order to prevent such a failure, it is preferable to prohibit the power supply to the load 21 of the cartridge 200.

On the other hand, when the type of the cartridge 200 is normally determined (S80: Yes), the profile information stored in the memory 18 is continuously set in step S90 according to the type. For example, the cartridge detection and determination unit 55 may set the heating profile according to the type of the cartridge 200 and set for life management. As a result, the operation of the aerosol generation device 1 can be individually controlled according to the type of the cartridge 200, and the cartridge can be effectively used while providing a sufficient suction experience to the user.

Specifically, by controlling the heating temperature of the load 21 according to the type of the cartridge 200, it is possible to impart an amount of flavor component more suitable for the type of the cartridge 200 and deliver it to the user. Further, by managing the number of suctions for each cartridge 200, even if the cartridge 200 is replaced by the user, the life of each cartridge 200 can be notified at an appropriate timing.

In step S40 described above, if the light receiving element 172 does not receive light and the cartridge 200 is not detected for a predetermined period preset in the memory 18 (S40: No), the cartridge 200 is the power supply unit 10. It is determined that the connection to is unsuccessful. In this case, in step S75, the cartridge detection determination unit 55 may terminate the light emitting element 171 to emit light. That is, even if the cartridge 200 is not detected, the power consumption associated with the light emission can be reduced by automatically stopping the light emission.

Following step S75, in step S95, the notification unit 45 is notified of the failure of the connection of the cartridge 200 to the power supply unit 10. Specifically, the cartridge detection and determination unit 55 cooperates with the notification control unit 54 to indicate that the connection has failed through any combination of the light emitting element, the vibration element, the sound output element, and the like of the notification unit 45. To the user. In particular, it is preferable to present the user to prompt the user to temporarily disconnect the power supply unit 10 and the cartridge 200 and then perform the connection operation again.

As described above, in the present embodiment, the type of the cartridge 200 is determined by detecting the cartridge 200 in cooperation with the reflecting unit 220 provided on the cartridge 200 by using the photo sensor 17 provided on the power supply unit 10. It can be easily determined. That is, it is possible to provide a method for determining the type of cartridge with high accuracy while reducing the cost.

(4) Modification example (modification example 1)
In the above description, the member 221 of the reflecting unit 220 is configured so that the reflectance of light differs depending on the type of the cartridge 200. In this modification, the arrangement pattern of the plurality of members 222 included in the reflecting portion 220 on the electrode surface 280 may be different depending on the type of the cartridge 200. For example, as shown in FIGS. 12A to 12C, the arrangement pattern may be composed of a combination of a plurality of types of members 222 having a plurality of reflectances.

In the example of FIG. 12A, the reflecting portion 220 is composed of an arrangement pattern in which _five _{circular members 222 1} to 222 5 are combined. In one example, the light reflectance of _{member 222 1} is 90%, the light reflectance of _{member 222 2} _{is 70%, the light reflectance of member 222 3} is 50%, and the light reflectance of _{member 222 4 is 30%.} , and the reflectance of the light of the member 222 ₅ is a layout pattern such that 10%. Since the members 222 ₁ to 222 ₅ have different light reflectances, the light receiving element 172 receives light of a plurality of signal intensities during the period for detecting light reception (FIG. 11: S40).

That is, while the cartridge 200 rotates with respect to the power supply unit 10 over a predetermined distance (FIG. 6: procedure C), the pattern of the signal intensity of the light received by the light receiving element 172 is recorded and stored in the memory 18 as defined in advance. The cartridge detection and determination unit 55 collates the rules with each other. The rule here is that, in the above example, the light receiving unit 172 receives light having a reflectance of 90%, 70%, 50%, 30%, and 10% in this order. By such pattern matching, the type of the cartridge 200 is determined. That is, since the pattern of the light signal intensity can be diversified, the number of types of cartridges 200 that can be determined can be increased.

In the example of FIG. 12B, a plurality of types of members are configured with an arrangement pattern including a light non-reflective member. The non-reflective member is made of a material having a light reflectance of 0%. In one example, the reflectance of the member 221 ₁ of the light is 90%, the circular members 222 ₆ is a non-reflective member is disposed two inside the placement area. That has a period for detecting the light (step S40 in FIG. 11), on the way the light receiving element 172 the light reflected by the member 221 ₁ is received, the two periods without receiving without being reflected by the member 222 ₆ As described above, the presence or absence of light reception by the light receiving element 172 is switched.

That is, recording of a switching pattern in which the light receiving element 172 receives / does not receive light while the cartridge 200 rotates with respect to the power supply unit 10 over a predetermined distance (FIG. 6: procedure C), and a predetermined rule stored in the memory 18. Is collated by the cartridge detection determination unit 55. The rule here is that, in the above-mentioned example, the light receiving unit 172 detects light in the order of light reception presence, absence, presence, absence, and presence. By such pattern matching, the type of the cartridge 200 is determined. That is, since the pattern of the light signal intensity can be diversified, the number of types of cartridges 200 that can be determined can be increased. As a further modification, and the reflectance of the member 221 ₁ and the member 222 ₆ Conversely, the member 221 ₁ is no reflection member, the member 221 ₆ to the reflective member (e.g. reflectance of 90%), A pattern for switching whether or not light is received by the light receiving element 172 may be specified.

In the example of FIG. 12C, consists of five arrangement patterns was circular nonreflective member 222 ₆ circular member ₂₂₂ 1-222 circular member ₂₂₂ 1 at both ends of _5, 222 ₅ Figure 12B of Figure 12A. As in the example of FIG. 12C, by including a specific member such as a non-reflective member 222 ₆ to the reflecting portion 220, in particular, since the cartridge detection determining section 55 causes the start and end sensing and determining operation of the cartridge 200 Can be given an opportunity. That is, in the example of FIG. 12C, in step S30 in FIG. 11, the good cartridge detection determining unit 55 starts detection of the cartridge 200 in the response to that one light for nonreflective member 222 ₆ is not received .. Similarly, it is preferable cartridge detection determining unit 55 finishes the detection of the cartridge 200 in the response to the light for the other non-reflecting members 222 ₆ is not received again.

Here, members for providing an opportunity of detection of the cartridge 200 to the cartridge detection determining unit 55 is not limited to two non-reflecting members 222 ₆ those skilled in the art will appreciate. That is, the cartridge detection determination unit 55 starts the detection operation of the cartridge 200 in response to the light receiving element 172 receiving the light of the first signal intensity via the member of the first type of the reflection unit 220. good. Further, it is preferable to end the detection operation of the cartridge 200 in response to the light receiving element 172 receiving the light of the second signal intensity via the member of the second type.

Then, it is defined in advance according to the recording of the light signal intensity pattern in the light receiving element 172 based on the arrangement pattern of the _{three members 222 2,} 222 _3, 222 ₄ arranged between the two non-reflective members 222 _6. The rule stored in the memory 18 is collated with the cartridge detection determination unit 55. The rule here is that, in the above-mentioned example, the light receiving unit 172 receives light having a reflectance of 70%, 50%, and 30% in this order. By such pattern matching, the type of the cartridge 200 is determined.

As a result, the pattern of the light signal intensity can be diversified, so that the number of types of cartridges 200 that can be determined can be increased. Further, by giving an opportunity for the cartridge detection determination unit 55 to start and end the detection of the cartridge 200, the timing of the detection of the cartridge 200 in step S20 of FIG. 11 described above can be further limited. That is, it is possible to prevent erroneous detection and improve the accuracy of determining the type of the cartridge 200.
In addition to the above, the reflecting portion regions AR _{1 and 2} are the entire region itself (having a predetermined light reflectance) other than the electrode connecting portion 210 on the electrode surface 280, in addition to those shown in FIGS. 10A and 10B. May be.

(Modification 2)
In the above description, the pair of light emitting elements 171 and the light receiving element 172 of the photosensor 17 are provided so as to project in the circumferential direction from the connection surface 80 of the power supply unit 10 with the cartridge 200. In addition to this, the pair of light emitting elements 171 and the light receiving element 172 may be arranged so as to be below the connecting surface, and in this case, a groove for moving the reflecting portion 220 may be provided on the connecting surface 80. good. More specifically, a groove extending downward from the connection surface 80 is provided on the connection surface 80 of the power supply unit 10, and a photo sensor 17 (a pair of light emitting elements 171 and a light receiving element 172) is provided facing the side surface of the groove. May be done. Then, when the cartridge 200 is connected to the power supply unit 10, the reflecting portion 220 provided in the cartridge 200 moves in or near the groove, reflects the light emitted by the photo sensor, and returns it to the photo sensor. Then, the type of cartridge can be determined based on measuring the signal intensity of the received light.

(Modification example 3)
In the above description, the pair of light emitting elements 171 and the light receiving element 172 of the photosensor 17 are provided so as to project from the connection surface 80 of the power supply unit 10 with the cartridge 200. In addition to this, the photo sensor 17 may be provided on the inner peripheral surface of the cartridge case 27. In this case, the reflective portion 220 of the cartridge 200 is arranged so as to be aligned with the outer peripheral surface of the cartridge 200 instead of the electrode surface 280 of the cartridge 200. That is, the reflective portion 220 of the cartridge 200 is arranged on the outer peripheral surface of the cartridge 200 so as to face the inner peripheral surface of the cartridge case 27 so as to be aligned with the photo sensor 17 along the axial direction. As a result, when the cartridge 200 starts rotating with respect to the power supply unit 10 (FIG. 6: procedure C), the photo sensor 17 and the reflecting unit 220 cooperate to detect the cartridge 200.

(Modification example 4)
In the above description, when the cartridge 200 is inserted into the cartridge case 27 and connected to the power supply unit 10 (FIG. 6: procedure B), the electrode surface 280 of the cartridge 200 is connected to the connection surface 80 of the power supply unit 10. It was assumed that it would be aligned in the circumferential direction. In order to improve the accuracy of such alignment, in this modification, as shown in FIGS. 13A and 13B, the cartridge 200 and the hollow portion of the cartridge case 27 holding the cartridge 200 are further aligned. A mechanism for the purpose may be provided.

FIG. 13A is a cross-sectional view of the modified cartridge case 27'viewed from the axial direction. Further, FIG. 13B is a cross-sectional view of the modified cartridge 200'viewed from the axial direction. _{The cartridge case 27'provides two} _{convex portions 27c 1} and 27c 2 facing each other along the axial direction in a part of the inner wall of the cavity portion. The position in the inner wall where the convex portions 27c ₁ and 27c ₂ are arranged should be provided in the vicinity of the end cap 26 on the opposite side of the power supply unit 10 (that is, in the vicinity of the insertion port of the capsule unit 30) along the axial direction. good.

_{Further, the cartridge 200'provides two} _{recesses 200c 1} and 200c 2 facing each other along the axial direction. The cross section of the cartridge 200'is formed to have a concave shape when viewed from the axial direction, and corresponds to the convex shape of the cross section of the cartridge case 27'. Then, when the cartridge 200'is inserted, the cross section of the cartridge 200'is aligned with the cross section of the cartridge case 27'in the circumferential direction.

As a result, when the cartridge 200'is inserted into the cartridge case 27' (FIG. 6: procedure B), the cartridge 200'can be reliably aligned in the circumferential direction. That is, the electrode surface 280 of the cartridge 200'can be more reliably aligned with the connection surface 80 of the power supply unit 10 in the circumferential direction, and when the light emitting element 171 of the subsequent photosensor 17 starts light emission (FIG. 11: S20). The position of can be aligned more accurately.

(Modification 5)
In the above description, the light emission by the light emitting element 171 is started at the timing when the electrode surface 280 of the cartridge 200 is aligned in the circumferential direction with respect to the connection surface 80 of the power supply unit 10 and inserted into the cartridge case 27. FIG. 11: S20). In this modification, in addition to this, as shown in FIG. 14, a physical switch may be used to specify the start timing.

FIG. 14 is a schematic perspective view of a modified example of the power supply unit 10 provided with the physical switch 19. Similar to the photosensor 17, the discharge terminal 41, and the air supply unit 42, the physical switch 19 is provided on the connection surface 80 so as to project along the direction of the axis L. The physical switch 19 is preferably arranged at a position on the connection surface 80 so that the cartridge 200 is pressed with respect to the power supply unit 10 immediately after the cartridge 200 starts rotating (FIG. 6: procedure C).

It suffices if the physical switch 19 is pressed can be identified by the cartridge detection determination unit 55. Then, in step S20 of FIG. 11, it is preferable that the cartridge detection determination unit 55 causes the light emitting element 171 to emit light in response to the physical switch 19 being pressed. Specifically, the cartridge detection determination unit 55 determines that the physical switch 19 is pressed by the cartridge 200 when the power supply unit 10 is connected to the cartridge 200, and with this as an opportunity, the light emitting element 171 emits light. It is better to configure it so that it will.

It is preferable that the cartridge 200 is provided with a protrusion for pressing the physical switch 19 corresponding to the physical switch 19 of the power supply unit 10. As a result, the timing of starting the activation of the photo sensor 17 can be limited, so that the power consumption associated with the light emission can be further reduced.

Similarly, when the physical switch 19 is provided in the power supply unit 10, the cartridge detection determination unit 55 emits light from the light emitting element 171 in response to the fact that the physical switch 19 is pressed again after the light emitting element 171 emits light. You may end it. Specifically, when the cartridge 200 rotates with respect to the power supply unit 10, the physical switch 19 may be configured to be pressed again by the protrusion of the cartridge 200.

The physical switch for ending the light emission may be the same as or separate from the physical switch 19 for causing the light emitting element 171 to emit light. If they are separate, the physical switch 19 is connected so that the physical switch 19 is pressed again by the cartridge 200 just before the cartridge 200 and the power supply unit 10 engage (FIG. 6: step C). It is preferably arranged at a position on the surface 80. As a result, the timing of termination of activating the photo sensor 17 can be limited, so that the power consumption associated with light emission can be further reduced.

(Modification 6)
In the above description, the light emission by the light emitting element 171 is started at the timing when the electrode surface 280 of the cartridge 200 is aligned in the circumferential direction with respect to the connection surface 80 of the power supply unit 10 and inserted into the cartridge case 27. FIG. 11: S20). In the modified example, in addition to this, the start of light emission by the light emitting element 171 is controlled so as to operate in response to the user pressing the operation unit 14 after the cartridge 200 is connected to the power supply unit 10. You may. That is, after the cartridge 200 is connected to the power supply unit 10, the control unit 50 causes the light emitting element 171 to start light emission at the timing when the user presses the operation unit 14 to perform the puff operation, and determines the cartridge. May act to perform a series of actions for.

<Other Embodiments>
Other embodiments of the present disclosure will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 15 is a block diagram showing a configuration example of a power supply unit 10a of the aerosol generation device 1 according to another embodiment of the present disclosure. The power supply unit 10a includes a control unit 50a, a photo sensor 17a, and a memory 18a.

The photo sensor 17a and the memory 18a correspond to, for example, the photo sensor 17 and the memory 18 in one embodiment of the present disclosure shown in FIG. 5, respectively. Further, the control unit 50a corresponds to, for example, a part of the control unit 50 in one embodiment of the present disclosure shown in FIG. In particular, the cartridge detection / determination unit 55a corresponds to, for example, the cartridge detection / determination unit 55 in one embodiment of the present disclosure shown in FIG.

The photo sensor 17a includes a pair of light emitting elements and a light receiving element. Then, when the power supply unit 10a is connected to or after the power supply unit 10a is connected to the cartridge 200, the control unit 50a receives the light emitted from the light emitting element 171 via the reflecting unit 220 provided in the cartridge 200 by the light receiving element 172. By doing so, the photo sensor 17a is configured to detect the cartridge 200, and the type of the cartridge 200 is determined based on the detection result.

In the above description, the power supply unit and cartridge of the aerosol generator according to some embodiments, and the method of determining the type of cartridge have been described with reference to the drawings. It is understood that the present disclosure, when executed by a processor, can also be implemented as a program that causes the processor to execute a method of determining the type of cartridge, or as a computer-readable storage medium that stores the program.

It should be understood that the embodiments of the present disclosure and examples of modifications thereof described so far are merely examples and do not limit the scope of the present disclosure. It should be understood that the embodiments can be changed, added, improved, etc. as appropriate without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure. The scope of the present disclosure should not be limited by any of the embodiments described above, but should be defined only by the claims and their equivalents.

1 ... Aerosol generator, 10, 10a ... Power supply unit, 11 ... Power supply unit case, 110 ... First rotation connection, 12 ... Power supply, 14 ... Operation unit, 15. ... Intake sensor, 16 ... Voltage sensor, 17, 17a ... Photo sensor, 171 ... Light emitting element, 172 ... Light receiving element, 18, 18a ... Memory, 19 ... Physical switch, 45 ... Notification unit, 50, 50a ... Control unit, 51 ... Aerosol generation request detection unit, 52 ... Operation detection unit, 53 ... Power control unit, 54 ... Notification control unit, 55, 55a ... Cartridge detection and determination unit, 80 ... Connection surface, 20 ... Cartridge unit, 27, 27'... Cartridge case, 27c ₁ , 27c ₂ ... Convex part, 200, 200 '... _cartridge, 200c 1, 200c _2, ... recess, 260 ... second rotary connecting portion, 210 ... connecting electrode portion, 220 ... reflecting section, ₂₂₁ (221 1, ₂₂₁ 2), 222 (222 _{1 to 6} ) ... Reflective member, 222 ₆ ... Non-reflective member, 280 ... Electrode surface, Reflective region ... AR ₁ , AR ₂ , 26 ... End cap, 261 ... Non-slip member, 30 ... capsule unit, 310 ... opening

Claims

A power supply unit for an aerosol generator
A light emitting element that emits light to a reflecting portion provided in the cartridge when or after the power supply unit is connected to the cartridge.
A light receiving element that receives the light reflected by the reflecting unit, and
A control unit that determines the type of the cartridge based on the light received by the light receiving element, and
A power supply unit.
In the power supply unit according to claim 1,
A reflective portion of the cartridge is provided on a connection surface with the power supply unit.
The reflectance of light contained in the member of the reflecting portion differs depending on the type of the cartridge.
A power supply unit in which the type of the cartridge is determined based on the signal intensity of the received light.
The power supply unit according to claim 2, wherein the color brightness of the member differs depending on the type of the cartridge.
The power supply unit according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the processing mode of the member differs depending on the type of the cartridge.
In the power supply unit according to any one of claims 2 to 4.
In the reflective portion, the arrangement pattern of the member differs depending on the type of the cartridge.
A power supply unit in which the arrangement pattern is composed of a combination of a plurality of types of the members having a plurality of reflectances.
The power supply unit according to claim 5, wherein the plurality of types of members include a light non-reflective member.
In the power supply unit according to claim 5 or 6, the control unit is used when the power supply unit is connected to a cartridge.
In response to the light receiving element receiving the light of the first signal intensity via the member of the first type, the control unit starts the operation of detecting the cartridge.
Subsequently, the power supply unit in which the control unit terminates the operation in response to the light receiving element receiving the light of the second signal intensity via the member of the second type.
The power supply unit according to any one of claims 1 to 7, further comprising a physical switch.
When the power supply unit is connected to the cartridge, the physical switch is pressed by the cartridge and
The control unit is a power supply unit that causes the light emitting element to start light emission in response to the pressing of the physical switch.
In the power supply unit according to claim 8,
The control unit is a power supply unit that causes the light emitting element to end light emission in response to the physical switch being pressed again by the cartridge.
In the power supply unit according to any one of claims 1 to 8.
The control unit is a power supply unit that causes the light emitting element to end light emission according to the determination of the type of the cartridge.
In the power supply unit according to any one of claims 1 to 10.
When the light receiving element does not receive light for a predetermined period after the light emitting element starts emitting light, the control unit determines that the connection of the power supply unit to the cartridge has failed and causes the light emitting element to emit light. Power supply unit to terminate.
The power supply unit according to claim 11, further comprising a notification unit.
The control unit is a power supply unit that notifies the notification unit of the connection failure.
In the power supply unit according to claim 12,
The notification unit is a power supply unit that prompts the user to perform an operation of reconnecting the power supply unit to the cartridge by notifying the connection failure.
In the power supply unit according to any one of claims 1 to 13.
A power supply unit that prohibits power supply to the cartridge when the control unit cannot determine the type of the cartridge.
It is a cartridge of an aerosol generator and
It is provided with a reflective part to which different members are provided according to the type of the cartridge.
When the cartridge is connected to or after being connected to the power supply unit of the aerosol generator, the light emitted from the light emitting element of the power supply unit is reflected by the reflecting unit and received by the light receiving element of the power supply unit. ,
A cartridge whose type is determined based on the light received by the light receiving element.
In the cartridge according to claim 15,
The aerosol generator comprises a cartridge case for holding the cartridge, which is assembled to the power supply unit along the axial direction.
When viewed from the axial direction, the cross section of the cartridge has a concave shape, and corresponds to the convex shape of a part of the cross section of the hollow portion of the cartridge case.
A cartridge in which the cross section of the cartridge is aligned in the circumferential direction with a partial cross section of the cavity of the cartridge case and inserted into the cavity of the cartridge case along the axial direction.
A method of determining the type of cartridge, when or after the cartridge is axially connected to or after being connected to the power supply unit of the aerosol generator.
A step of emitting light to a reflecting portion provided in the cartridge by the light emitting element of the power supply unit.
A step of receiving the light reflected by the reflecting unit by the light receiving element of the power supply unit, and a step of receiving the light.
A step of determining the type of the cartridge based on the light received by the light receiving element, and
A method in which the reflectance of light contained in the member of the reflecting portion differs depending on the type of the cartridge.
The method according to claim 17, wherein the color and / or processing mode of the member differs depending on the type of the cartridge.
In the method according to any one of claims 17 or 18.
In the reflective portion, the arrangement pattern of the member differs depending on the type of the cartridge.
A method in which the arrangement pattern is composed of a combination of the members having a plurality of types having a plurality of reflectances.
The method according to claim 19, wherein the member includes a light non-reflective member.