WO2023089759A1

WO2023089759A1 - Circuit unit for aerosol generation device, aerosol generation device, and program

Info

Publication number: WO2023089759A1
Application number: PCT/JP2021/042550
Authority: WO
Inventors: 拓磨中野; 一真水口
Original assignee: 日本たばこ産業株式会社
Priority date: 2021-11-19
Filing date: 2021-11-19
Publication date: 2023-05-25

Abstract

A control unit that controls the supply of power to a load that heats an aerosol source is provided in a circuit unit for an aerosol generation device. The control unit controls the amount of power supplied to the load to generate aerosol, to less than a reference value if the interval between aerosol puffs is shorter than a first period.

Description

Aerosol generator circuit unit, aerosol generator and program

The present invention relates to a circuit unit of an aerosol generator, an aerosol generator, and a program.

In aerosol generators that generate aerosol by heating a liquid containing fragrance, the heater is energized when the user's inhalation action is detected, and the liquid inside the glass fiber called a wick is atomized (aerosolized). be done. Aerosols are generated when the temperature of the liquid in the wick reaches its boiling point.

U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2020/0329776

In the aerosol generator, the energization time for the heater is designed assuming standard suction behavior, but compared to the standard suction behavior, the interval between suction (puff) and suction (puff) (hereinafter referred to as " When the suction action with a short puff interval” is repeated, heating of the liquid starts before the temperature of the liquid in the wick drops sufficiently. If the liquid temperature at the start of energization is high, vaporization of the liquid is promoted. As a result, the amount of liquid consumed after the start of energization is greater than during standard suction behavior.
On the other hand, the supply of liquid to the wick depends on capillary action. Therefore, when the suction action with short puff intervals is repeated, a situation may arise in which the supply of the liquid to the wick is not in time. If the liquid is not supplied in time, the generation of aerosol will stop even if the heater continues to be energized. This phenomenon is called dryness.

The present invention provides a technique for suppressing liquid drying during inhalation regardless of how the aerosol generator is used by the user.

The invention according to claim 1 has a control unit that controls the supply of electric power to a load that heats the aerosol source, and the control unit sets the interval between suctions of the aerosols to be greater than the first period. A circuit unit of an aerosol generator for controlling, if short, the amount of power supplied to said load to generate an aerosol to be less than a reference value.
The invention according to claim 2 further includes a first sensor that detects the inhalation of the aerosol by the user, and the controller controls the current inhalation start from the end of the previous inhalation detected by the first sensor. 2. The circuit unit of an aerosol generating device according to claim 1, wherein the time to power the load is shorter than the second period if the time to is shorter than the first period.
In the invention according to claim 3, when the time from the end of heating immediately before the end of the generation of aerosol from the aerosol source to the start of heating this time is shorter than the first period, the control unit controls the load. 2. A circuit unit of an aerosol generating device according to claim 1, wherein the power supply time is shorter than the second period.
The invention according to claim 4 further includes a first sensor for detecting inhalation of aerosol by the user, and the control unit controls the first sensor from the end of heating immediately before the end of generation of aerosol from the aerosol source. 2. The aerosol generating device according to claim 1, wherein the time to supply power to the load is shorter than the second period when the time until the current suction start detected by the sensor of is shorter than the first period. is a circuit unit of
The invention according to claim 5 has an operation unit that receives a user's operation related to supply and stop of power supply to the load, and the control unit is configured to stop the supply of power immediately before according to the user's operation on the operation unit. 2. The circuit unit of the aerosol generating device according to claim 1, wherein, if the time from the start of power supply to the current power supply start is shorter than the first period, the time to supply power to the load is shorter than the second period. is.
The invention according to claim 6 further comprises a first sensor for detecting inhalation of the aerosol by the user and a second sensor for detecting the temperature of the load, wherein the control unit detects the temperature of the first sensor. If the temperature detected by the second sensor at the start of suction of the aerosol detected in is higher than the first temperature, the time for supplying power to the load is shortened from the second period. A circuit unit of the aerosol generator according to .
The invention according to claim 7 further includes a first sensor for detecting inhalation of aerosol by the user, and the control unit detects the resistance of the load at the start of inhalation of the aerosol detected by the first sensor. 2. The circuit unit of an aerosol generating device according to claim 1, wherein when the value is higher than the first resistance value, the load is powered for less time than the second period.
The invention according to claim 8 further comprises a first sensor for detecting inhalation of the aerosol by the user and a third sensor for detecting the temperature of the aerosol source, wherein the control unit detects the temperature of the first sensor If the temperature detected by the third sensor at the start of suction of the aerosol detected in is higher than the second temperature, the time for supplying power to the load is shortened from the second period. 1 is a circuit unit of the described aerosol generating device;
According to the ninth aspect of the invention, the control unit predicts the next interval or the next interval from the tendency of the intervals between the aerosol inhalations of a plurality of times in the past, and the predicted interval is compared with the first period. 2. The circuit unit of the aerosol generating device according to claim 1, wherein, if shorter than the second period, the power supply time to the load in the predicted suction cycle is set shorter than the second period.
According to the tenth aspect of the invention, the control unit obtains a plurality of past measured values of intervals between aerosol inhalations, and the number of consecutive occurrences of measured values shorter than the first period is the first. 2. The aerosol generation according to claim 1, wherein when the number of times exceeds 1, the time for supplying power to the load in the next and subsequent suction times is controlled stepwise shorter than the second period as the number of times increases. It is the circuit unit of the device.
In the invention according to claim 11, even if the measured value is longer than the first period, if the overtime period is less than a third period, the control unit includes it in the calculation of the number of times. 11. A circuit unit of the aerosol generator according to item 10.
According to a twelfth aspect of the invention, when an interval between suctions of aerosols is shorter than the first period, the controller controls the amount of electric power supplied to the load to be smaller as the interval is shorter. A circuit unit for an aerosol generator according to any one of items 1 to 8.
In the invention according to claim 13, when the remaining amount of the aerosol source is less than the first remaining amount, the control unit controls the amount of electric power supplied to the load to be smaller as the remaining amount is smaller. 9. A circuit unit of an aerosol generator according to any one of 1 to 8.
In the invention according to claim 14, when the aerosol source is heated in a temperature range that does not generate aerosol prior to the heating of the aerosol source that generates aerosol, the controller controls the interval between suctions of the aerosol is shorter than the first period, the amount of power supplied to the load is controlled to a value smaller than the amount of power only for heating with aerosol generation. or a circuit unit of the aerosol generator according to item 1.
The invention according to claim 15 further includes a second sensor that detects the temperature of the load, and the control unit, when the temperature detected by the second sensor reaches a third temperature, The circuit unit of an aerosol generating device according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the heating of the load is forcibly terminated at that point.
The invention according to claim 16 further includes a third sensor that detects the temperature of the aerosol source, and the control unit detects that when the temperature detected by the third sensor reaches a fourth temperature, The circuit unit of an aerosol generating device according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the heating of the load is forcibly terminated at that point.
According to the seventeenth aspect of the invention, the controller controls the first maximum voltage to be supplied to the load to generate the aerosol when the interval between suctions of the aerosol is shorter than the first period. value is controlled to a value smaller than the second maximum voltage value supplied to the load when the interval between aerosol inhalations is longer than the first period. or a circuit unit of the aerosol generator according to item 1.
The invention according to claim 18 has a control unit for controlling power supply to a load that heats the aerosol source, and the control unit sets the interval between suctions of the aerosols to be greater than the first period. If shorter, the aerosol generating device controls the amount of power supplied to the load to generate the aerosol below a reference value.
In the invention according to claim 19, the computer for controlling the supply of power to the load that heats the aerosol source generates aerosol when the interval between aspirations of the aerosol is shorter than the first period. is a program for realizing a function of controlling the amount of electric power supplied to the load to be smaller than a reference value.

According to the first aspect of the invention, it is possible to provide a technique for suppressing the drying up of liquid during suction regardless of the usage method of the user who uses the aerosol generating device.
According to the second aspect of the invention, it is possible to prevent the liquid from drying up even when the suction interval of the user is short.
According to the third aspect of the invention, it is possible to prevent the liquid from drying up even when the suction interval of the user is short.
According to the fourth aspect of the invention, it is possible to prevent the liquid from drying up even when the suction interval of the user is short.
According to the fifth aspect of the invention, it is possible to prevent the liquid from drying up even when the suction interval of the user is short.
According to the sixth aspect of the present invention, it is possible to suppress the drying up of the liquid even when the suction interval of the user is short.
According to the seventh aspect of the present invention, it is possible to prevent the liquid from drying up even when the user's suction interval is short.
According to the eighth aspect of the invention, it is possible to suppress the liquid drying even when the user's suction interval is short.
According to the ninth aspect of the invention, when it is detected that the user's suction interval tends to be short, control can be executed to prevent the liquid from drying up.
According to the tenth aspect of the invention, when it is confirmed that the user's suction interval tends to be short, control can be executed to prevent the liquid from drying up.
According to the eleventh aspect of the invention, when it is confirmed that the user's suction interval tends to be short, control can be executed to prevent the liquid from drying up.
According to the twelfth aspect of the present invention, it is possible to suppress the drying up of the liquid even when the suction interval of the user is short.
According to the thirteenth aspect of the present invention, it is possible to suppress the drying up of the liquid even when the suction interval of the user is short.
According to the fourteenth aspect of the invention, even when the aerosol source is heated prior to the heating that accompanies the generation of the aerosol in order to promote the generation of the aerosol, it is possible to suppress the drying up of the liquid when the suction interval of the user is short.
According to the fifteenth aspect of the present invention, it is possible to suppress liquid drying even when an environment in which liquid drying is likely to occur is detected.
According to the sixteenth aspect of the present invention, it is possible to suppress liquid drying even when an environment in which liquid drying is likely to occur is detected.
According to the seventeenth aspect of the invention, even when the user's suction interval is short, it is possible to prevent the liquid from drying up.
According to the eighteenth aspect of the invention, it is possible to provide a technique for suppressing drying up of the liquid during inhalation regardless of the usage method of the user who uses the aerosol generating device.
According to the nineteenth aspect of the invention, it is possible to provide a technique for suppressing drying up of liquid during inhalation regardless of the usage method of the user who uses the aerosol generating device.

1 is a diagram for explaining an example of the external configuration of an aerosol generating device assumed in Embodiment 1; FIG. 1 is a diagram schematically showing the internal configuration of an aerosol generator assumed in Embodiment 1. FIG. 4 is a flowchart for explaining an example of control of main heating time by a control unit used in Embodiment 1. FIG. 4 is a diagram for explaining the relationship between the puff interval and the setting of the main heating time in Embodiment 1. FIG. 9 is a flowchart for explaining an example of control of main heating time by a control unit used in Embodiment 2. FIG. FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining the relationship between the puff interval and the setting of the main heating time in Embodiment 2; (A) shows an example of the timing of suction (puff), and (B) shows an example of setting the main heating time. 10 is a flowchart for explaining an example of control of main heating time by a control unit used in Embodiment 3. FIG. FIG. 11 is a diagram for explaining the relationship between the puff interval and the setting of the main heating time in Embodiment 3; (A) shows an example of the timing of suction (puff), and (B) shows an example of setting the main heating time. FIG. 12 is a flowchart for explaining an example of control of main heating time by a control unit used in Embodiment 4. FIG. FIG. 13 is a diagram for explaining the relationship between the puff interval and the setting of the main heating time in Embodiment 4; (A) shows an example of the timing of suction (puff), and (B) shows an example of setting the main heating time. FIG. 10 is a diagram schematically showing the internal configuration of an aerosol generating device assumed in Embodiment 5; 14 is a flowchart for explaining an example of control of main heating time by a control unit used in Embodiment 5. FIG. FIG. 12 is a diagram for explaining the relationship between the puff interval and the setting of the main heating time in Embodiment 5. FIG. (A) shows an example of the timing of suction (puff), (B) shows a temperature change of the heating section, and (C) shows an example of setting the main heating time. FIG. 12 is a diagram schematically showing the internal configuration of an aerosol generating device assumed in Embodiment 6; 14 is a flowchart for explaining an example of control of main heating time by a control unit used in Embodiment 6. FIG. FIG. 14 is a diagram for explaining the relationship between the puff interval and the setting of the main heating time in Embodiment 6. FIG. (A) shows an example of the timing of suction (puff), (B) shows a change in the resistance value of the heating unit, and (C) shows an example of setting the main heating time. FIG. 12 is a diagram schematically showing the internal configuration of an aerosol generating device assumed in Embodiment 7; FIG. 12 is a flowchart for explaining an example of control of main heating time by a control unit used in Embodiment 7; FIG. FIG. 14 is a diagram for explaining the relationship between the puff interval and the setting of the main heating time in Embodiment 7. FIG. (A) shows an example of a suction (puff) timing, (B) shows a change in the temperature of the liquid guide section, and (C) shows an example of setting the main heating time. FIG. 20 is a diagram schematically showing the internal configuration of an aerosol generating device assumed in Embodiment 8; FIG. 13 is a flowchart for explaining an example of control of main heating time by a control unit used in Embodiment 8. FIG. FIG. 20 is a diagram for explaining the relationship between the puff interval and the setting of the main heating time in Embodiment 8. FIG. (A) shows an example of a suction (puff) timing, (B) shows a change in ambient temperature, and (C) shows an example of setting the main heating time. FIG. 20 is a flowchart for explaining an example of control of main heating time by a control unit used in Embodiment 9. FIG. FIG. 22 is a diagram for explaining the relationship between the puff interval and the setting of the main heating time in Embodiment 9. FIG. (A) shows an example of the timing of suction (puff), (B) shows an example of setting the main heating time when the predicted puff interval is longer than or equal to the first period, and (C) shows the predicted puff interval. is smaller than the first period. FIG. 20 is a flowchart for explaining an example of control of main heating time by a control unit used in Embodiment 10. FIG. FIG. 22 is a diagram for explaining the relationship between the puff interval and the setting of the main heating time in Embodiment 10. FIG. (A) shows an example of the timing of suction (puff), (B) shows an example of setting the main heating time when the number of consecutive short puffs is the first number or less, and (C) shows a continuous short puff. An example of setting the main heating time when the number of times of heating is smaller than the first number of times is shown. FIG. 13 is a flow chart for explaining an example of control of the main heating time by a control unit used in Embodiment 11; FIG. FIG. 22 is a flowchart for explaining an example of control of the main heating time by a control unit used in Embodiment 12; FIG. FIG. 20 is a diagram schematically showing the internal configuration of an aerosol generating device assumed in Embodiment 13; FIG. 22 is a flowchart for explaining an example of control of main heating time by a control unit used in Embodiment 13; FIG. It is a figure explaining preheating time. (A) shows the positional relationship between the preheating time and the main heating time, and (B) shows the temperature change of the aerosol source. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of setting the main heating time depending on the presence or absence of preheating and the length of the puff interval. (A) shows the case without preheating, and (B) shows the case with preheating. FIG. 20 is a flowchart for explaining an example of control of the main heating time by a control unit used in Embodiment 14; FIG. 29 is a flowchart for explaining an example of control of the main heating time by a control unit used in Embodiment 15. FIG. FIG. 22 is a flowchart for explaining an example of control of main heating time by a control unit used in Embodiment 16; FIG. FIG. 22 is a flowchart for explaining an example of control of main heating time by a control unit used in Embodiment 17; FIG. FIG. 20 is a diagram for explaining an example of the external configuration of an aerosol generating device assumed in Embodiment 18; FIG. 20 is a diagram schematically showing an internal configuration example of an aerosol generating device assumed in Embodiment 19;

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In each drawing, the same parts are indicated by the same reference numerals.

<Embodiment 1>
<External configuration>
FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of the external configuration of an aerosol generating device 1 assumed in Embodiment 1. FIG.
The aerosol generator 1 shown in FIG. 1 is one form of electronic cigarette, and generates flavored aerosol without combustion. The electronic cigarette shown in FIG. 1 has a generally cylindrical shape.
The aerosol generator 1 shown in FIG. 1 is composed of a plurality of units. In the case of FIG. 1, the multiple units are composed of a power supply unit 10, a cartridge 20 containing an aerosol source, and a cartridge 30 containing a flavor source.

In the case of this embodiment, the cartridge 20 can be attached to and detached from the power supply unit 10, and the cartridge 30 can be attached to and detached from the cartridge 20. FIG. In other words, both the cartridge 20 and the cartridge 30 are replaceable.
The power supply unit 10 incorporates an electronic circuit and the like. The power supply unit 10 is one form of a circuit unit. Incidentally, a power button 11 is provided on the side surface of the power supply unit 10 . The power button 11 is an example of an operation unit that is used to input user instructions to the power supply unit 10 .

The cartridge 20 includes a liquid storage section for storing the liquid that is the aerosol source, a liquid guide section for drawing the liquid from the liquid storage section by capillary action, and a heating section for heating and vaporizing the liquid held in the liquid guide section. and are built-in.
A side surface of the cartridge 20 is provided with an air inlet (hereinafter referred to as an “air inlet”) 21 . The air that has flowed in through the air inlet holes 21 passes through the cartridge 20 and is discharged from the cartridge 30 . Cartridge 20 is also called an atomizer.
The cartridge 30 incorporates a flavor unit that adds flavor to the aerosol. A mouthpiece 31 is provided in the cartridge 30 .

<Internal configuration>
FIG. 2 is a diagram schematically showing the internal configuration of the aerosol generator 1 assumed in Embodiment 1. As shown in FIG.
The aerosol generator 1 is composed of a power supply unit 10 and

cartridges

20 and 30 .
The power supply unit 10 incorporates a power supply unit 111, a puff sensor 112, a power button sensor 113, a notification unit 114, a storage unit 115, a communication unit 116, and a control unit 117.
The cartridge 20 incorporates a heating portion 211 , a liquid guiding portion 212 and a liquid storing portion 213 .

A flavor source 311 is built in the cartridge 30 . One end of cartridge 30 is used as mouthpiece 31 .
An air flow path 40 connected to the air inlet 21 is formed inside the

cartridges

20 and 30 .
The power supply unit 111 is a device that stores power necessary for operation. The power supply unit 111 supplies electric power to each unit constituting the aerosol generation device 1 through control by the control unit 117 . The power supply unit 111 is composed of a rechargeable battery such as a lithium ion secondary battery, for example.

The puff sensor 112 is a sensor that detects inhalation of aerosol by the user, and is configured by, for example, a flow rate sensor. Puff sensor 112 is an example of a first sensor.
The power button sensor 113 is a sensor that detects an operation on the power button 11 (see FIG. 1), and is composed of, for example, a pressure sensor. In addition to the puff sensor 112 and the power button sensor 113, the power supply unit 10 is provided with various sensors.
The notification unit 114 is a device used to notify the user of information. The notification unit 114 includes, for example, a light emitting device, a display device, a sound output device, and a vibration device.

The storage unit 115 is a device that stores various information necessary for the operation of the aerosol generator 1 . A nonvolatile storage medium such as a flash memory is used for the storage unit 115 .
The communication unit 116 is a communication interface conforming to a wired or wireless communication standard. Wi-Fi (registered trademark) and Bluetooth (registered trademark), for example, are used as communication standards.
The control unit 117 is a device that functions as an arithmetic processing unit and a control unit, and controls overall operations in the aerosol generation device 1 through execution of various programs. The control unit 117 is implemented by an electronic circuit such as a CPU (=Central Processing Unit) and an MPU (=Micro Processing Unit).

The liquid storage unit 213 is a tank that stores the aerosol source. Aerosol is generated by atomization of an aerosol source stored in liquid reservoir 213 .
Liquids such as water and polyhydric alcohols such as glycerin and propylene glycol are used as aerosol sources. The aerosol source may include tobacco-derived or non-tobacco-derived flavoring ingredients.
If the aerosol-generating device 1 is a medical inhaler such as a nebulizer, the aerosol source may contain a medicament.

The liquid guide section 212 is a member that guides and holds the liquid aerosol source from the liquid storage section 213 to the heating area. A member called a wick made by twisting a fiber material such as glass fiber or a porous material such as porous ceramic is used for the liquid guide portion 212 . When the liquid guiding part 212 is composed of a wick, the aerosol source stored in the liquid storing part 213 is guided to the heating area by capillary action of the wick.

The heating unit 211 is a member that heats the aerosol source held in the heating region to atomize the aerosol source and generate an aerosol.
In the case of FIG. 2, the heating part 211 is a coil and is wound around the liquid guiding part 212 . The area around which the coil is wound in the liquid guide portion 212 serves as a heating area. Due to the heat generated by the heating unit 211, the temperature of the aerosol source held in the heating area rises to the boiling point to generate an aerosol.
The heating unit 211 generates heat by power supply from the power supply unit 111 . Power supply to the heating unit 211 is started when a predetermined condition is satisfied. Predetermined conditions include, for example, the user's start of suction, pressing of the power button 11 a predetermined number of times, and input of predetermined information. However, in the case of the present embodiment, power supply to heating unit 211 is started upon detection of suction.

Power supply to heating unit 211 is stopped when a predetermined condition is satisfied. Predetermined conditions include, for example, the end of suction by the user, the end of the main heating time described later, the long press of the power button 11, and the input of predetermined information. However, in the case of the present embodiment, the power supply to the heating unit 211 stops when the suction ends.
The heating unit 211 here is an example of a load that consumes power.

Flavor source 311 is a component that imparts a flavor component to the aerosol generated within cartridge 20 . The flavor source 311 includes tobacco-derived or non-tobacco-derived flavor components.
An air flow path 40 passing through the insides of the

cartridges

20 and 30 is a flow path for air and aerosol inhaled by the user. The air flow path 40 has a tubular structure with the air inflow hole 21 as an air inlet and the air outflow hole 42 as an air outlet.
A liquid guide portion 212 is arranged on the upstream side of the air flow path 40, and a flavor source 311 is arranged on the downstream side thereof.

As the user inhales, the air that has flowed in through the air inflow hole 21 is mixed with the aerosol generated by the heating section 211 . The mixed gas passes through the flavor source 311 and is transported to the air outlet holes 42 as indicated by arrows 41 . The gas in which the aerosol and air are mixed is imparted with the flavor component of the flavor source 311 when passing through the flavor source 311 .
It is also possible to use the flavor source 311 without attaching it to the cartridge 30 .

The mouthpiece 31 is a member held by the user when inhaling. The mouthpiece 31 is provided with an air outlet hole 42 . By holding the mouthpiece 31 in one's mouth and sucking, the user can take in the gas in which the aerosol and the air are mixed into the oral cavity.
An example of the internal configuration of the aerosol generator 1 has been described above, but the configuration shown in FIG. 2 is just one form.
For example, the aerosol generator 1 can be configured without the cartridge 30 . In that case, the cartridge 20 is provided with a mouthpiece 31 .

The aerosol generator 1 can also include multiple types of aerosol sources. A plurality of types of aerosol generated from a plurality of types of aerosol sources may be mixed in the air flow path 40 to cause a chemical reaction, thereby generating another type of aerosol.
Moreover, the means for atomizing the aerosol source is not limited to heating by the heating unit 211 . For example, induction heating techniques may be used to atomize the aerosol source.

<Controlling the length of main heating time>
FIG. 3 is a flowchart for explaining an example of control of the main heating time by the controller 117 (see FIG. 2) used in the first embodiment. Control by the control unit 117 is realized through execution of a program. Therefore, the control unit 117 is a form of computer. In FIG. 3, the symbol S is used to mean step.
In the present embodiment, the “main heating time” is used to mean the time during which the aerosol source held in the liquid guide section 212 (see FIG. 2) is heated and atomized to generate an aerosol.

In the case of the present embodiment, power supply to the heating unit 211 coincides with suction of the aerosol generating device 1 (see FIG. 1) by the user. In the following, inhalation of the aerosol generating device 1 by the user is also referred to as "inhalation of aerosol" generated from the aerosol source.
The temperature of the heating unit 211 rises when power supply is started, and decreases when power supply is stopped. In the case of the present embodiment, the temperature of the heating unit 211 rises above the boiling point of the aerosol when power supply is started, and drops below the boiling point of the aerosol when power supply is stopped.

In the present embodiment, it is assumed that the power feeding time to the heating part 211 and the aerosol generation time from the liquid guiding part 212 are almost the same.
Strictly speaking, however, the power immediately after the start of supply is consumed to raise the temperature of the aerosol source held in the liquid guide section 212 . Therefore, there is a time lag between when the liquid temperature of the aerosol source reaches the boiling point and when the aerosol starts to be generated. However, since this time difference is very small, this time difference is ignored in this embodiment.

First, the controller 117 determines whether or not the puff sensor 112 has detected the start of suction (step 1).
If the user's start of aerosol inhalation is not detected, the control unit 117 obtains a negative result in step 1 . While a negative result is obtained in step 1, the control unit 117 repeats the determination in step 1.
On the other hand, when the user's start of aerosol inhalation is detected, the control unit 117 obtains a positive result in step 1 . If a positive result is obtained in step 1, the controller 117 starts main heating (step 1100), and then obtains the last puff interval (step 2).

In the case of the present embodiment, the last puff interval is given by the time from the end of the previous suction (puff) to the start of the current suction (puff). The puff interval may be measured, for example, by a timer, or may be calculated as the difference between the last suction end time and the current suction start time. The time is acquired, for example, from a timer built in the control unit 117 or an integrated circuit that realizes the timer function.
After obtaining the puff interval, the control unit 117 determines whether the puff interval is shorter than the first period (step 3).
Here, the first period is set in consideration of the ability to supply the aerosol source by the liquid guide section 212 and the time when the liquid may dry up. In the case of this embodiment, the first period is 10 seconds, for example. Of course, this value is an example. It should be noted that the first period is not an absolute value, but differs depending on the adopted heating mode and the like, as described in other embodiments described later.

If the puff interval is longer than or equal to the first period, the control section 117 obtains a negative result in step 3 . In this case, the controller 117 sets the current main heating time to the reference time LT1 (step 4). The reference time LT1 here is an example of the second period. In this embodiment, for example, 2.4 seconds is used as the reference time. Of course, this value is an example of the reference time. The reference time is set to a time during which liquid drying does not occur due to inhalation of aerosol by an assumed standard user when the puff interval is longer than the threshold.
On the other hand, if the puff interval is shorter than the threshold, the control section 117 obtains a positive result in step 3. This case is called a "short puff".

A short puff is a state in which the puff interval is shorter than the first period. At this time, the controller 117 sets the current main heating time to a time LT2 shorter than the reference time (step 5). In the case of this embodiment, only the main heating time is shortened, and the voltage value and current value supplied to the heating unit 211 are the same regardless of the difference in the puff interval.
In this embodiment, 1.7 seconds, for example, is used as the time LT2. Of course, this value is an example of the main heating time for short puffs. The shorter the time LT2, the more difficult it is for the liquid drying phenomenon, in which no aerosol is generated even if the aerosol source is heated, to occur.

After setting the main heating time in step 4 or step 5, the controller 117 determines whether or not it is time to finish the main heating (step 6).
In the case of the present embodiment, the main heating is ended by, for example, the end of the set main heating time, the end of aerosol suction by the user, or a forced end operation. Therefore, even if the set main heating time remains, the power supply to the heating unit 211 is finished when it is determined that the main heating is finished. The elapse of the main heating time is monitored by the elapsed time from the start of power supply to the heating unit 211 .
It should be noted that, for example, a long press of the power button 11 (see FIG. 1) is used for the forced termination operation. Pressing the power button 11 for a long time means that the power button 11 is continuously pressed for a predetermined time or longer. For example, when the power button 11 is pressed for three seconds or more, the control unit 117 determines that a long press operation has been performed.

While a negative result is obtained in step 6, the control unit 117 repeats the determination in step 6. During this time, power supply to the heating unit 211 is continued.
On the other hand, when a positive result is obtained in step 6, the control section 117 terminates the main heating (step 7). That is, power supply to the heating unit 211 is stopped.
Thus, one cycle of suction is completed.
In the case of a short puff, the main heating time is shorter than the reference time, so the amount of power supplied to the heating unit 211 during one suction cycle is smaller than the amount of power supplied in the case of the reference time.

FIG. 4 is a diagram for explaining the relationship between the puff interval and the setting of the main heating time in the first embodiment. (A) shows an example of the timing of suction (puff), and (B) shows an example of setting the main heating time. The vertical axis in FIG. 4A is puff intensity, the vertical axis in FIG. 4B is heating intensity, and the horizontal axis in FIGS. 4A and 4B is time. The puff intensity is detected by a puff sensor. In the case of this embodiment, the strength of the puff is detected by the presence or absence of the puff, but it may be defined as the amount of air sucked. The intensity of heating is the amount of electric power, and is given by the product of the voltage value and the current value supplied to the heating unit 211 .
In the case of FIGS. 4A and 4B, the number of suctions (puffs) is five.
In the case of FIG. 4A, the interval between the first and second puffs is IT1, the interval between the second and third puffs is IT2, and the interval between the third and fourth puffs is IT2. The interval is IT3 and the interval between the 4th and 5th puffs is IT4. In this example, the third and fourth puff intervals IT3 and IT4 are shorter than the first period. That is, the third and fourth puff intervals are determined as short puffs. Therefore, the first and second puff intervals IT1 and IT2 are not short puffs.

Therefore, the main heating times of the first puff, the second puff, and the third puff are set to the reference time LT1, while the main heating times of the fourth puff and the fifth puff are set to the reference time LT1. The time LT2 is set to be shorter than the time LT1.
As a result, even if the puff interval until the start of the fourth puff is short and the supply amount of the aerosol source supplied to the heating unit 211 before the start of suction is small, the main heating time is shortened from the reference time LT2. No dryness occurs during the fourth puff. The same is true for the fifth puff.
It should be noted that in the sixth and subsequent puffs, if the immediately preceding puff interval is longer than the threshold value, the main heating time for that suction time is again set to the reference time LT1.

Incidentally, in FIG. 4, the aerosol suction period by the user and the heating time of the heating unit 211 are matched within the preset main heating time, but the main heating may be started by turning on the power button 11. However, the main heating may be continued until the main heating time elapses even after the user finishes inhaling.
Although the puff interval in these cases does not coincide with the time during which the main heating is stopped, it is possible to effectively suppress liquid drying during short puffs, as in the control example described above.

<Embodiment 2>
In Embodiment 2, the puff interval is defined as a period during which power supply to heating unit 211 (see FIG. 2) is stopped.
In the case of this embodiment, power supply to the heating unit 211 is started by a predetermined operation of the power button 11 (see FIG. 1), and heating is performed when a preset main heating time elapses or when the user forcibly terminates power supply. Power supply to the unit 211 ends.
However, as in the case of the first embodiment, the power supply to the heating unit 211 may be executed in accordance with the inhalation of the aerosol by the user.

Other configurations of the aerosol generator 1 (see FIG. 1) in the present embodiment are the same as in the first embodiment. That is, the external configuration and internal configuration of the aerosol generator 1 are the same as those of the first embodiment.
FIG. 5 is a flowchart for explaining an example of control of the main heating time by the controller 117 (see FIG. 2) used in the second embodiment. In FIG. 5, the parts corresponding to those in FIG. 3 are indicated by the reference numerals. Control by the control unit 117 is realized through execution of a program.

Control unit 117 in the present embodiment determines whether or not the start of heating by heating unit 211 has been detected (step 11). That is, it is determined whether or not the main heating has started.
The start of heating by the heating unit 211 is detected, for example, by an ON operation of the power button 11 (see FIG. 1), the start of suction by the user, or the like.
The ON operation here is an operation for instructing the start of power supply to the heating unit 211, and means, for example, pressing the power button 11 for a long time.
The start of heating of the aerosol source by the heating part 211 is detected by detection of current for main heating, detection of voltage for main heating, change in resistance value of the heating part 211, temperature rise of the liquid guide part 212, and the like. may

If the start of heating by the heating unit 211 is not detected, the control unit 117 obtains a negative result in step 11 . While a negative result is obtained in step 11, the control unit 117 repeats the determination of step 11.
On the other hand, when the start of heating by the heating unit 211 is detected, the control unit 117 obtains a positive result in step 11 . When a positive result is obtained in step 11, the control unit 117 starts main heating (step 11), and then obtains the last heating stop time (step 12). The immediately preceding heating stop time is given by the elapsed time from the end of heating in the previous suction cycle to the start of heating in the current suction cycle.
The heating stop time may be measured, for example, by a timer, or may be calculated as the difference between the time when the previous heating was finished and the time when the current heating was started.

When the heating stop time is obtained, the controller 117 determines whether or not the heating stop time is shorter than the first period (step 13).
As in the first embodiment, the first period here is set in consideration of the ability to supply the aerosol source by the liquid guide section 212 and the time when the liquid may dry up. Also in this embodiment, the first period is, for example, 10 seconds. Of course, this value is an example. It should be noted that the first period is not an absolute value, but differs depending on the adopted heating mode and the like, as described in other embodiments described later.

If the heating stop time is longer than or equal to the first period, the controller 117 obtains a negative result in step 13 . In this case, the controller 117 sets the current main heating time to the reference time LT1 (step 4).
On the other hand, if the heating stop time is shorter than the first period, that is, if the short puff condition is met, the controller 117 sets the current main heating time to LT2, which is shorter than the reference time (step 5).
After setting the main heating time in step 4 or step 5, the control unit 117 sequentially executes steps 6 and 7, and completes one cycle of suction.

As described above, control unit 117 in the present embodiment detects the occurrence of short puffs that cause liquid drying, focusing on the heating stop time, which is the period during which aerosol generation is stopped. Therefore, it is possible to effectively suppress the occurrence of dryness.
Also in this embodiment, in the case of a short puff, the main heating time is shorter than the reference time, so the amount of power supplied to the heating unit 211 during one cycle of suction is equal to the amount of power supplied in the case of the reference time. become smaller.

FIG. 6 is a diagram for explaining the relationship between the puff interval and the setting of the main heating time in the second embodiment. (A) shows an example of the timing of suction (puff), and (B) shows an example of setting the main heating time. In FIG. 6, parts corresponding to those in FIG. The vertical axis in FIG. 6A is puff intensity, the vertical axis in FIG. 6B is heating intensity, and the horizontal axis in FIGS. 6A and 6B is time.
FIGS. 6A and 6B show a case where the period during which the heating unit 211 is heated does not match the period during which the user sucks. That is, a case is shown in which heating of the heating unit 211 is started by an ON operation of the power button 11 or the like, and heating is finished after a pre-set main heating time elapses. However, as described above, it is also possible to match the time during which the heating unit 211 is heated and the time during which the user inhales the aerosol.

In the cases of FIGS. 6A and 6B as well, the number of times of suction (puff) is five.
In the case of FIG. 6(A), the heating stop time that gives the interval between the first puff and the second puff is IT11, and the heating stop time that gives the interval between the second puff and the third puff is IT12. The heating stop time that provides the interval between the third puff and the fourth puff is IT13, and the heating stop time that provides the interval between the fourth puff and the fifth puff is IT14. In this example, the third and fourth puff intervals are shorter than the first period. That is, the third and fourth puff intervals are determined as short puffs.

Therefore, the main heating times of the first puff, the second puff, and the third puff are set to the reference time LT1, while the main heating times of the fourth puff and the fifth puff are set to the reference time LT1. The time LT2 is set to be shorter than the time LT1.
As a result, even when the puff interval until the start of the fourth puff is short and the supply amount of the aerosol source supplied to the heating unit 211 before the start of suction is small, the main heating time is shortened from the reference time LT2. No dryness occurs during the fourth puff. The same is true for the fifth puff.
Note that in the sixth and subsequent puffs, if the immediately preceding puff interval is longer than the first period, the main heating time for that suction time is again set to the reference time LT1.

<Embodiment 3>
In Embodiment 3, the puff interval is defined as the elapsed time from the stoppage of power supply to the heating unit 211 (see FIG. 2) immediately before to the start of current suction. In other words, it corresponds to the combined control of the first embodiment and the second embodiment.
Other configurations of the aerosol generator 1 (see FIG. 1) in the present embodiment are the same as in the first embodiment. That is, the external configuration and internal configuration of the aerosol generator 1 are the same as those of the first embodiment.
FIG. 7 is a flowchart for explaining an example of control of the main heating time by the controller 117 (see FIG. 2) used in the third embodiment. In FIG. 7, parts corresponding to those in FIGS. 3 and 5 are indicated by reference numerals. Control by the control unit 117 is realized through execution of a program.

Control unit 117 in the present embodiment determines whether or not the start of heating by heating unit 211 has been detected (step 11).
If the start of heating by the heating unit 211 is not detected, the control unit 117 obtains a negative result in step 11 . While a negative result is obtained in step 11, the control unit 117 repeats the determination of step 11.
On the other hand, when the start of heating by the heating unit 211 is detected, the control unit 117 obtains a positive result in step 11 . When a positive result is obtained in step 11, the control unit 117 acquires the last heating end time (step 21). In the case of the present embodiment, the heating end time refers to the time when the main heating is completed.

Next, the controller 117 determines whether or not the puff sensor 112 has detected the start of suction (step 1).
If the user's start of aerosol inhalation is not detected, the control unit 117 obtains a negative result in step 1 . While a negative result is obtained in step 1, the control unit 117 repeats the determination in step 1.
On the other hand, when the user's start of aerosol inhalation is detected, the control unit 117 obtains a positive result in step 1 . If a positive result is obtained in step 1, the control section 117 acquires the current puff start time (step 22). The current puff start time is the time when a positive result was obtained in step 1.

Subsequently, the control unit 117 calculates the elapsed time from the last heating end time to the current puff start time (step 23).
After the elapsed time is calculated, the controller 117 determines whether the elapsed time is shorter than the first period (step 24).
If the elapsed time is longer than or equal to the first period, the control section 117 obtains a negative result in step 24 . In this case, the controller 117 sets the current main heating time to the reference time LT1 (step 4).
On the other hand, if the elapsed time is shorter than the first period, the control section 117 obtains a positive result in step 24 . In this case, the controller 117 sets the current main heating time to a time LT2 shorter than the reference time (step 5).

After setting the main heating time in step 4 or step 5, the control unit 117 sequentially executes steps 6 and 7, and completes one cycle of suction.
As described above, the control unit 117 in the present embodiment focuses on the elapsed time from the end of the previous heating to the start of the current suction of the aerosol, and the short puff that causes the liquid to dry up. Detect occurrence. Therefore, it is possible to effectively suppress the occurrence of dryness.
Also in this embodiment, in the case of a short puff, the main heating time is shorter than the reference time, so the amount of power supplied to the heating unit 211 during one cycle of suction is equal to the amount of power supplied in the case of the reference time. become smaller.

FIG. 8 is a diagram for explaining the relationship between the puff interval and the setting of the main heating time in the third embodiment. (A) shows an example of suction (puff) timing, and (B) shows an example of setting the main heating time. In FIG. 8, parts corresponding to those in FIG. 4 are shown with reference numerals. The vertical axis in FIG. 8A is puff intensity, the vertical axis in FIG. 8B is heating intensity, and the horizontal axis in FIGS. 8A and 8B is time.
FIGS. 8A and 8B also show a case where the period during which the heating unit 211 is heated does not match the period during which the user sucks. That is, a case is shown in which the heating of the heating unit 211 is started by the ON operation of the power button 11 and the heating is finished after the pre-set main heating time elapses. However, as described above, it is also possible to match the time during which the heating unit 211 is heated and the time during which the user inhales the aerosol.

In the cases of FIGS. 8A and 8B as well, the number of times of suction (puff) is five.
In the case of FIG. 8A, IT21 is the elapsed time that gives the interval between the first puff and the second puff, IT22 is the elapsed time that gives the interval between the second puff and the third puff, and IT22 is the elapsed time that gives the interval between the second puff and the third puff. The elapsed time giving the interval between the first puff and the fourth puff is IT23, and the elapsed time giving the interval between the fourth and fifth puffs is IT24. In this example, the third and fourth puff intervals are shorter than the first period. That is, the third and fourth puff intervals are determined as short puffs.

<Embodiment 4>
In the fourth embodiment, the puff interval is defined as the period from when the power button 11 (see FIG. 1) is turned on to when it is turned off. In the present embodiment as well, power supply to the heating unit 211 starts when the power button 11 is turned on, and power supply to the heating unit 211 ends when the preset main heating time elapses or the user turns off the power button 11 .
In the case of the present embodiment, the termination of power supply due to the elapse of the preset main heating time is regarded as the termination of power supply due to the user's turning off operation.

Other configurations of the aerosol generator 1 (see FIG. 1) in the present embodiment are the same as in the first embodiment. That is, the external configuration and internal configuration of the aerosol generator 1 are the same as those of the first embodiment.
FIG. 9 is a flowchart for explaining an example of control of the main heating time by the controller 117 (see FIG. 2) used in the fourth embodiment. In FIG. 9, parts corresponding to those in FIG. Control by the control unit 117 is realized through execution of a program.
Control unit 117 in the present embodiment determines whether or not an ON operation of power button 11 has been detected (step 31).

If the ON operation of the power button 11 is not detected, the control unit 117 obtains a negative result in step 31 . While a negative result is obtained in step 31 , the control section 117 repeats the determination of step 31 .
On the other hand, when the ON operation of the power button 11 is detected, the control unit 117 obtains a positive result in step 31 . When a positive result is obtained in step 31, the control unit 117 acquires the time of the current ON operation (step 32).
When the time of the ON operation is acquired, the control unit 117 acquires the time of the previous OFF operation (step 33).

Next, the control unit 117 calculates the elapsed time from the previous OFF operation to the current ON operation (step 34).
After the elapsed time is calculated, the controller 117 determines whether the elapsed time is shorter than the first period (step 35).
If the elapsed time is greater than or equal to the first period, the control section 117 obtains a negative result in step 35 . In this case, the controller 117 sets the current main heating time to the reference time LT1 (step 4).
If the elapsed time is shorter than the first period, the control unit 117 gets a positive result in step 35 . In this case, the controller 117 sets the current main heating time to a time LT2 shorter than the reference time (step 5).

After setting the main heating time in step 4 or step 5, the control unit 117 sequentially executes steps 6 and 7, and completes one cycle of suction.
In the case of the present embodiment, the control unit 117 detects the occurrence of a short puff that causes liquid drying, based on the relationship between the first period and the elapsed time from the OFF operation to the ON operation of the power button 11. . Therefore, it is possible to effectively suppress the occurrence of dryness.
Also in this embodiment, in the case of a short puff, the main heating time is shorter than the reference time, so the amount of power supplied to the heating unit 211 during one cycle of suction is equal to the amount of power supplied in the case of the reference time. become smaller.

FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating the relationship between the puff interval and the setting of the main heating time in the fourth embodiment. (A) shows an example of the timing of suction (puff), and (B) shows an example of setting the main heating time. In FIG. 10, parts corresponding to those in FIG. 4 are shown with reference numerals. The vertical axis in FIG. 10A is puff intensity, the vertical axis in FIG. 10B is heating intensity, and the horizontal axis in FIGS. 10A and 10B is time.
FIGS. 10A and 10B also show a case where the period during which the heating unit 211 is heated does not match the period during which the user sucks. That is, it represents the case where the user inhales the aerosol during an arbitrary period within the main heating period started by turning on the power button 11 .

In the cases of FIGS. 10A and 10B as well, the number of times of suction (puff) is five.
In the case of FIG. 10A, IT31 is the elapsed time that provides the interval between the first and second puffs, IT32 is the elapsed time that provides the interval between the second and third puffs, and IT32 is the elapsed time that provides the interval between the second and third puffs. The elapsed time giving the interval between the first puff and the fourth puff is IT33, and the elapsed time giving the interval between the fourth and fifth puffs is IT34. In this example, the third and fourth puff intervals are shorter than the first period. That is, the third and fourth puff intervals are determined as short puffs.

Therefore, the main heating times of the first puff, the second puff, and the third puff are set to the reference time LT1, while the main heating times of the fourth puff and the fifth puff are set to the reference time LT1. The time LT2 is set to be shorter than the time LT1.
As a result, even when the puff interval until the start of the fourth puff is short and the supply amount of the aerosol source supplied to the heating unit 211 before the start of suction is small, the main heating time is shortened from the reference time LT2. No dryness occurs during the fourth puff. The same is true for the fifth puff.

Note that, in the sixth and subsequent puffs, if the immediately preceding puff interval is longer than the first period, the main heating time for that suction time is again set to the reference time LT1.
In the present embodiment, the ON operation and OFF operation of the power button 11 are targeted for detection. is detected, the control operation described in the present embodiment may be executed.

<Embodiment 5>
Embodiment 5 will explain an example of a technique for indirectly detecting the occurrence of a short puff. As described above, when the puff interval is short, reheating of the aerosol source is started before the liquid temperature of the aerosol source in the liquid guide section 212 has fully decreased. This embodiment focuses on this phenomenon.
In the case of the present embodiment as well, the external configuration of the aerosol generator 1 is the same as that of the first embodiment. However, the internal configuration of the aerosol generator 1 assumed in this embodiment is partially different from that in the first embodiment.
FIG. 11 is a diagram schematically showing the internal configuration of the aerosol generator 1 assumed in Embodiment 5. As shown in FIG. In FIG. 11, parts corresponding to those in FIG. 2 are shown with reference numerals corresponding thereto.

The aerosol generator 1 shown in FIG. 11 is different from the aerosol generator 1 shown in FIG. 2 in that a coil temperature sensor 113A is provided. Note that the heating unit 211 is a coil.
A thermistor, for example, is used for the coil temperature sensor 113A. A thermistor is placed near the coil. Coil temperature sensor 113A is an example of a second sensor.
However, instead of the coil temperature sensor 113A, the current value flowing through the heating unit 211 may be measured, or the voltage appearing in the resistor connected in series to the heating unit 211 may be measured.
When the puff interval is short, the temperature of the heating unit 211 at the start of suction becomes higher than when the puff interval is long, and the resistance value of the heating unit 211 becomes large. Therefore, when the puff interval is short, the current is less likely to flow than when the puff interval is long.

Therefore, by monitoring the value of the current flowing through the heating unit 211 (that is, the “current value”) and the value of the voltage that appears across the resistance that is connected in series with the heating unit 211 (that is, the “voltage value”), Sensing of the temperature of the portion 211 is possible.
For example, if a table that associates the current value or voltage value with the temperature of the heating unit 211 is prepared, the control unit 117 reads the temperature corresponding to the measured current value or voltage value from the table.
Further, for example, if a conversion formula for the current value or voltage value and the temperature of the heating unit 211 is prepared, the control unit 117 substitutes the measured current value or voltage value for variables and calculates the corresponding temperature. .

FIG. 12 is a flowchart for explaining an example of control of the main heating time by the controller 117 (see FIG. 2) used in the fifth embodiment. In FIG. 12, parts corresponding to those in FIG. 3 are shown with reference numerals. Control by the control unit 117 is realized through execution of a program.
Control unit 117 in the present embodiment determines whether or not the puff sensor 112 has detected the start of suction (step 1). This determination is performed when main heating is initiated by the user's initiation of suction. As in the second embodiment, it may be determined whether or not the heating of the heating unit 211 has started. It may be determined whether or not an ON operation has been performed.

If the user's start of aerosol inhalation is not detected, the control unit 117 obtains a negative result in step 1 . While a negative result is obtained in step 1, the control unit 117 repeats the determination in step 1.
On the other hand, when the start of inhalation of aerosol by the user is detected, the control unit 117 obtains a positive result in step 1 . If a positive result is obtained in step 1, the controller 117 starts main heating (step 1100), and then acquires the temperature of the coil at the start of suction (step 41). The temperature of the coil is the temperature of the heating unit 211 .
When the temperature of the coil is acquired, the control unit 117 determines whether the temperature of the coil at the start of suction is higher than the first temperature (step 42). The first temperature is set to an intermediate value between the temperature encountered for short puffs and the temperature encountered for non-short puffs.

If the temperature of the coil is equal to or lower than the first temperature, the controller 117 obtains a negative result in step 42 . In this case, the controller 117 sets the current main heating time to the reference time LT1 (step 4).
On the other hand, if the temperature of the coil is higher than the first temperature, the controller 117 obtains a positive result in step 42 . In this case, the controller 117 sets the current main heating time to a time LT2 shorter than the reference time (step 5).
After setting the main heating time in step 4 or step 5, the control unit 117 sequentially executes steps 6 and 7, and completes one cycle of suction.

In the case of this embodiment, the control unit 117 focuses on the temperature of the heating unit 211 that generates the aerosol, and detects the occurrence of short puffs that cause liquid drying. Therefore, it is possible to effectively suppress the occurrence of dryness.
Also in this embodiment, in the case of a short puff, the main heating time is shorter than the reference time, so the amount of power supplied to the heating unit 211 during one cycle of suction is equal to the amount of power supplied in the case of the reference time. become smaller.

13A and 13B are diagrams for explaining the relationship between the puff interval and the setting of the main heating time in Embodiment 5. FIG. (A) shows a timing example of suction (puff), (B) shows a temperature change of the heating unit 211, and (C) shows a setting example of the main heating time. In FIG. 13, the parts corresponding to those in FIG. 4 are indicated by the reference numerals. The vertical axis in FIG. 13(A) is puff intensity, the vertical axis in FIG. 13(B) is temperature, and the vertical axis in FIG. 13(C) is heating intensity. Note that the horizontal axis in FIGS. 13A to 13C is time.
FIGS. 13A and 13B also show a case where the time during which the heating unit 211 is heated does not match the user's sucking period. That is, it represents the case where the user inhales the aerosol during an arbitrary period within the main heating period started by turning on the power button 11 .

In the cases of FIGS. 13A and 13B as well, the number of times of suction (puff) is five.
In the case of FIG. 13(A), the interval between the first and second puffs, the interval between the second and third puffs, and the interval between the fourth and fifth puffs are not short puffs, It is assumed that the interval between the third puff and the fourth puff is a short puff.
Therefore, in the example of FIG. 13B, the temperature TA of the heating unit 211 at the start of the second puff, at the start of the third puff, and at the start of the fifth puff is the first temperature. is in a lower state than However, the temperature TB of the heating unit 211 at the start of the fourth puff is higher than the first temperature.

Therefore, in the example shown in FIG. 13C, the main heating time of the first puff, the second puff, the third puff, and the fifth puff is set to the reference time LT1, The main heating time for the fourth puff is set to LT2, which is shorter than the reference time LT1.
As a result, even if the puff interval until the start of the fourth puff is short and the supply amount of the aerosol source supplied to the heating unit 211 before the start of suction is small, the main heating time is shortened from the reference time LT2. No dryness occurs during the fourth puff.

<Embodiment 6>
Embodiment 6 also describes an example of a technique for indirectly detecting the occurrence of short puffs. In the present embodiment, it is detected through a change in resistance that the heating portion 211 is in a high temperature state at the start of suction.
In the case of the present embodiment as well, the external configuration of the aerosol generator 1 is the same as that of the first embodiment. However, the internal configuration of the aerosol generator 1 assumed in this embodiment is partially different from that in the first embodiment.
FIG. 14 is a diagram schematically showing the internal configuration of the aerosol generator 1 assumed in Embodiment 6. As shown in FIG. In FIG. 14, parts corresponding to those in FIG. 2 are shown with reference numerals.

The aerosol generator 1 shown in FIG. 14 is different from the aerosol generator 1 shown in FIG. 2 in that a resistance value sensor 113B is provided. Note that the resistance value sensor 113B measures the resistance value of the heating unit 211 .
The resistance value sensor 113B detects the resistance value of the heating unit 211 by measuring the value of current flowing through the heating unit 211, for example. This method detects changes in the resistance value due to temperature changes in the heating unit 211 as changes in the current value.

Also, the resistance value sensor 113B detects a change in the resistance value of the heating unit 211 by measuring the voltage value appearing across the resistor connected in series with the heating unit 211, for example. This method detects changes in the resistance value of the heating unit 211 due to temperature changes through changes in voltage appearing across a resistor connected in series to the heating unit 211 .

FIG. 15 is a flowchart for explaining an example of control of the main heating time by the controller 117 (see FIG. 2) used in the sixth embodiment. In FIG. 15, parts corresponding to those in FIG. 3 are shown with reference numerals. Control by the control unit 117 is realized through execution of a program.
Control unit 117 in the present embodiment also determines whether or not the start of suction is detected by puff sensor 112 (step 1). This determination is performed when main heating is initiated by the user's initiation of suction. As in the second embodiment, it may be determined whether or not the heating of the heating unit 211 has started. It may be determined whether or not an ON operation has been performed.

If the user's start of aerosol inhalation is not detected, the control unit 117 obtains a negative result in step 1 . While a negative result is obtained in step 1, the control unit 117 repeats the determination in step 1.
On the other hand, when the user's start of aerosol inhalation is detected, the control unit 117 obtains a positive result in step 1 . If a positive result is obtained in step 1, the control unit 117 starts main heating (step 1100), and then acquires the resistance value of the coil at the start of suction (step 51). The resistance value of the coil is the resistance value of the heating unit 211 .
When the resistance value of the coil is acquired, the control unit 117 determines whether or not the resistance value of the coil at the start of suction is greater than the first resistance value (step 52). The first resistance value is determined according to the actual measurement value of the change in the resistance value according to the elapsed time from the end of the power supply to the heating unit 211 . The first resistance value is set to an intermediate value between the resistance value that appears for short puffs and the resistance value that appears for non-short puffs.

If the resistance value of the coil is less than or equal to the first resistance value, the controller 117 obtains a negative result in step 52 . In this case, the controller 117 sets the current main heating time to the reference time LT1 (step 4).
On the other hand, if the resistance value of the coil is greater than the first resistance value, the controller 117 obtains a positive result in step 52 . In this case, the controller 117 sets the current main heating time to a time LT2 shorter than the reference time (step 5).
After setting the main heating time in step 4 or step 5, the control unit 117 sequentially executes steps 6 and 7, and completes one cycle of suction.

In the case of this embodiment, the control unit 117 focuses on the resistance value of the heating unit 211 that generates the aerosol, and detects the occurrence of short puffs that cause liquid drying. Therefore, it is possible to effectively suppress the occurrence of dryness.
Also in this embodiment, in the case of a short puff, the main heating time is shorter than the reference time, so the amount of power supplied to the heating unit 211 during one cycle of suction is equal to the amount of power supplied in the case of the reference time. become smaller.

FIG. 16 is a diagram for explaining the relationship between the puff interval and the setting of the main heating time in the sixth embodiment. (A) shows an example of a suction (puff) timing, (B) shows a change in the resistance value of the heating unit 211, and (C) shows an example of setting the main heating time. In FIG. 16, parts corresponding to those in FIG. 4 are shown with reference numerals. The vertical axis in FIG. 16(A) is the puff intensity, the vertical axis in FIG. 16(B) is the resistance value, and the vertical axis in FIG. 16(C) is the heating intensity. Note that the horizontal axis in FIGS. 16A to 16C is time.
FIGS. 16A and 16B also show a case where the period during which the heating unit 211 is heated does not match the period during which the user sucks. That is, it represents a case where the user inhales the aerosol during an arbitrary period within the main heating period started by turning on the power button 11 .

In the case of FIGS. 16A and 16B as well, the number of times of suction (puff) is five.
In the case of FIG. 16(A), the interval between the first and second puffs, the interval between the second and third puffs, and the interval between the fourth and fifth puffs are not short puffs, It is assumed that the interval between the third puff and the fourth puff is a short puff.
Therefore, in the example of FIG. 16B, the resistance value RA of the coil at the start of the second puff, at the start of the third puff, and at the start of the fifth puff is higher than the first resistance value. is also at a low level. This is because the temperature of the coil has decreased and the resistance value has also decreased as a result of the passage of time since the end of the previous heating.

However, the resistance value RB of the coil at the start of the fourth puff is higher than the first resistance value. This is because the interval between the third puff and the fourth puff is short, and the temperature of the heating unit 211 has not sufficiently decreased.
Therefore, in the example shown in FIG. 16C, the main heating times for the first, second, third, and fifth puffs are set to the reference time LT1, while the main heating time for the fourth puff is set to LT1. , is set to a time LT2 shorter than the reference time LT1.
As a result, even when the puff interval until the start of the fourth puff is short and the supply amount of the aerosol source supplied to the heating unit 211 before the start of suction is small, the main heating time is shortened from the reference time LT2. No dryness occurs during the fourth puff.

<Embodiment 7>
Embodiment 7 also describes an example of a technique for indirectly detecting the occurrence of short puffs. In this embodiment, it is detected through the temperature change of the liquid guide portion 212 that the heating portion 211 is in a high temperature state at the start of suction.
Also in the present embodiment, the external configuration of the aerosol generator 1 is the same as that of the first embodiment. However, the internal configuration of the aerosol generator 1 assumed in this embodiment is partially different from that in the first embodiment.
FIG. 17 is a diagram schematically showing the internal configuration of the aerosol generator 1 assumed in Embodiment 7. As shown in FIG. In FIG. 17, parts corresponding to those in FIG.

The aerosol generator 1 shown in FIG. 17 is different from the aerosol generator 1 shown in FIG. 2 in that a liquid temperature sensor 113C is provided. The temperature of the liquid guide portion 212 is measured by the liquid temperature sensor 113C. Therefore, the liquid temperature sensor 113</b>C is arranged near the liquid guide section 212 . A temperature sensor or a thermistor, for example, is used as the liquid temperature sensor 113C. Liquid temperature sensor 113C is an example of a third sensor.
FIG. 18 is a flowchart for explaining an example of control of the main heating time by the controller 117 (see FIG. 2) used in the seventh embodiment. In FIG. 18, parts corresponding to those in FIG. 3 are shown with reference numerals. Control by the control unit 117 is realized through execution of a program.

Control unit 117 in the present embodiment also determines whether or not the start of suction is detected by puff sensor 112 (step 1). This determination is performed when main heating is initiated by the user's initiation of suction. As in the second embodiment, it may be determined whether or not the heating of the heating unit 211 has started. It may be determined whether or not an ON operation has been performed.
If the user's start of aerosol inhalation is not detected, the control unit 117 obtains a negative result in step 1 . While a negative result is obtained in step 1, the control unit 117 repeats the determination in step 1.

On the other hand, when the user's start of aerosol inhalation is detected, the control unit 117 obtains a positive result in step 1 . If a positive result is obtained in step 1, the controller 117 starts main heating (step 1100), and then acquires the liquid temperature at the start of suction (step 61). The liquid temperature is the temperature of the liquid guide portion 212 .
When the temperature of the liquid guide part 212 is obtained, the control part 117 determines whether or not the liquid temperature at the start of suction is higher than the second temperature (step 62). The second temperature is determined according to the actual measurement value of the liquid temperature change according to the elapsed time from the end of power supply to the heating unit 211 .

If the liquid temperature is equal to or lower than the second temperature, the control section 117 obtains a negative result in step 62 . In this case, the controller 117 sets the current main heating time to the reference time LT1 (step 4).
On the other hand, if the liquid temperature is higher than the second temperature, the controller 117 obtains a positive result in step 62 . In this case, the controller 117 sets the current main heating time to a time LT2 shorter than the reference time (step 5).
After setting the main heating time in step 4 or step 5, the control unit 117 sequentially executes steps 6 and 7, and completes one cycle of suction.

In the case of this embodiment, the control unit 117 focuses on the temperature of the liquid in the heating unit 211 that generates the aerosol, and detects the occurrence of short puffs that cause the liquid to dry up. Therefore, it is possible to effectively suppress the occurrence of dryness.
Also in this embodiment, in the case of a short puff, the main heating time is shorter than the reference time, so the amount of power supplied to the heating unit 211 during one cycle of suction is equal to the amount of power supplied in the case of the reference time. become smaller.

FIG. 19 is a diagram for explaining the relationship between the puff interval and the setting of the main heating time in the seventh embodiment. (A) shows an example of a suction (puff) timing, (B) shows a change in the temperature of the liquid guide section 212, and (C) shows an example of setting the main heating time. In FIG. 19, the parts corresponding to those in FIG. The vertical axis in FIG. 19(A) is puff strength, the vertical axis in FIG. 19(B) is liquid temperature, and the vertical axis in FIG. 19(C) is heating strength. Note that the horizontal axis in FIGS. 19A to 19C is time.
FIGS. 19A and 19B also show a case where the time during which the heating unit 211 is heated does not match the user's sucking period. That is, it represents a case where the user inhales the aerosol during an arbitrary period within the main heating period started by turning on the power button 11 . FIG. 19B shows how the liquid temperature starts to rise at the same time as the main heating starts.

In the cases of FIGS. 19A and 19C as well, the number of suctions (puffs) is five.
In the case of FIG. 19(A), the interval between the first and second puffs, the interval between the second and third puffs, and the interval between the fourth and fifth puffs are not short puffs, It is assumed that the third and fourth puff intervals are short puffs.
Therefore, in the example of FIG. 19B, the liquid temperature TA at the start of the second and third puffs and the liquid temperature TC at the start of the fifth puff are the second values. lower than the temperature. This is because heating is started in a state where the liquid temperature has dropped to or near room temperature as a result of the passage of time since the end of the previous heating.

However, the liquid temperature TB at the start of the fourth puff is higher than the second temperature. This is because the interval between the third puff and the fourth puff is short, and the temperature of the liquid guide portion 212 has not sufficiently decreased.
Therefore, in the example shown in FIG. 19C, the main heating time of the first puff, the second puff, the third puff, and the fifth puff is set to the reference time LT1, The main heating time for the fourth puff is set to LT2, which is shorter than the reference time LT1.

As a result, even if the puff interval until the start of the fourth puff is short and the supply amount of the aerosol source supplied to the heating unit 211 before the start of suction is small, the main heating time is shortened from the reference time LT2. No dryness occurs during the fourth puff.
In the present embodiment, it is assumed that the user's puff is detected almost at the same time as the heating of the heating unit 211 is started. good too. The liquid temperature at the time when heating of the heating unit 211 starts is the timing at which the temperature becomes the lowest in one cycle. In this case, a lower value than the example of FIG. 19 is used for the second temperature.

<Embodiment 8>
In this embodiment, it is assumed that the temperature of the environment where the aerosol generator 1 is used is low. In countries and regions with high latitudes, the outside temperature is low in winter. When the outside air temperature is low, the liquid temperature of the aerosol source stored in the liquid storage unit 213 of the aerosol generator 1 also becomes low, and at the same time the viscosity increases. When the viscosity increases, not only when the puff interval is short, but also when the puff interval is long, the aerosol liquid transfer speed is lower than when the air temperature is high. As a result, when the amount of the aerosol source supplied to the heating unit 211 before the start of suction falls below the amount of liquid required to generate the aerosol, the same phenomenon as liquid depletion occurs.
Therefore, in the present embodiment, attention is focused on the temperature of the environment or atmosphere in which the aerosol generator 1 is used.

Also in the present embodiment, the external configuration of the aerosol generating device 1 is the same as that of the first embodiment. However, the internal configuration of the aerosol generator 1 assumed in this embodiment is partially different from that in the first embodiment.
FIG. 20 is a diagram schematically showing the internal configuration of the aerosol generator 1 assumed in the eighth embodiment. In FIG. 20, parts corresponding to those in FIG. 2 are shown with reference numerals corresponding thereto.
The aerosol generator 1 shown in FIG. 20 is different from the aerosol generator 1 shown in FIG. 2 in that an air temperature sensor 113D is provided. Air temperature sensor 113D is intended for measuring ambient temperature. Therefore, it is desirable to place the air temperature sensor 113D as far away from the heat source in the device as possible. However, since the viscosity of the aerosol source depends on the liquid temperature of the aerosol source stored in liquid reservoir 213 , a liquid temperature sensor may be arranged near liquid reservoir 213 .

FIG. 21 is a flowchart for explaining an example of control of the main heating time by the controller 117 (see FIG. 2) used in the eighth embodiment. In FIG. 21, parts corresponding to those in FIG. Control by the control unit 117 is realized through execution of a program.
Control unit 117 in the present embodiment also determines whether or not the start of suction is detected by puff sensor 112 (step 1). This determination is performed when main heating is initiated by the user's initiation of suction.

As in the second embodiment, it may be determined whether or not the heating of the heating unit 211 has started. It may be determined whether or not the ON operation has been performed.
If the user's start of aerosol inhalation is not detected, the control unit 117 obtains a negative result in step 1 . While a negative result is obtained in step 1, the control unit 117 repeats the determination in step 1.

On the other hand, when the user's start of aerosol inhalation is detected, the control unit 117 obtains a positive result in step 1 . If a positive result is obtained in step 1, the controller 117 starts main heating (step 1100), and then obtains the air temperature at the start of suction (step 71). The air temperature is the air temperature around the aerosol generator 1 .
When the ambient temperature is acquired, the control unit 117 determines whether or not the temperature at the start of suctioning is lower than a threshold value for temperature determination (hereinafter referred to as "temperature threshold value") (step 72). The air temperature threshold is determined according to the relationship between the viscosity of the aerosol source and air temperature.

If the temperature is equal to or higher than the temperature threshold, the controller 117 obtains a negative result in step 72 . In this case, the controller 117 sets the current main heating time to the reference time LT1 (step 4).
On the other hand, if the temperature is lower than the temperature threshold, the controller 117 obtains a positive result in step 72 . In this case, the controller 117 sets the current main heating time to a time LT2 shorter than the reference time (step 5).
After setting the main heating time in step 4 or step 5, the control unit 117 sequentially executes steps 6 and 7, and completes one cycle of suction.

In the case of the present embodiment, the control unit 117 detects the use in an environment where the liquid dries up by focusing on the ambient temperature at which the aerosol generation efficiency decreases. Therefore, it is possible to effectively suppress the occurrence of dryness.
FIG. 22 is a diagram for explaining the relationship between the puff interval and the setting of the main heating time in the eighth embodiment. (A) shows an example of a suction (puff) timing, (B) shows a change in ambient temperature, and (C) shows an example of setting the main heating time. In FIG. 22, parts corresponding to those in FIG. 4 are shown with reference numerals. The vertical axis in FIG. 22A is puff intensity, the vertical axis in FIG. 22B is temperature, and the vertical axis in FIG. 22C is heating intensity. Note that the horizontal axis in FIGS. 22A to 22C is time.

FIGS. 22A and 22C also show cases where the time during which the heating unit 211 is heated does not match the user's suction period. That is, it represents the case where the user inhales the aerosol during an arbitrary period within the main heating period started by turning on the power button 11 . FIG. 22(B) shows changes in ambient temperature where the aerosol generator 1 is used. In FIG. 22(B), it is assumed that the air temperature drops enough to affect the viscosity of the aerosol source as a result of moving from a heated room to the outdoors in winter.

In the case of FIG. 22A as well, the number of times of suction (puff) is five. However, in the case of FIG. 22(A), the interval between the first and second puffs, the interval between the second and third puffs, the interval between the third and fourth puffs, and the fourth puff and the fifth puff interval are not short puffs.
However, the 1st, 2nd and 3rd puffs were performed indoors, while the 4th and 5th puffs were performed outdoors. Therefore, in FIG. 22B, the temperature drops between the third puff and the fourth puff.

Between the third puff and the fourth puff, there is time for the temperature of the liquid in the aerosol source to drop. shall be It is also assumed that the liquid temperature of the aerosol source at that time has decreased to a value lower than the air temperature threshold. Therefore, in the example shown in FIG. 22C, the main heating time of the first puff, the second puff, and the third puff is set to the reference time LT1, while the fourth puff and 5 The main heating time of the first puff is set to a time LT2 shorter than the reference time LT1.
As a result, in the fourth puff and the fifth puff, even if the amount of aerosol source supplied to the heating unit 211 before the start of suction is small due to the low ambient temperature, the main heating time is longer than the reference time LT2. Since the time is shortened, drying of the liquid does not occur.

<Embodiment 9>
In the present embodiment, a case will be described in which the main heating time is controlled by predicting the occurrence of liquid dryness. Other configurations of the aerosol generator 1 (see FIG. 1) in the present embodiment are the same as in the first embodiment. That is, the external configuration and internal configuration of the aerosol generator 1 are the same as those of the first embodiment.
FIG. 23 is a flowchart for explaining an example of control of the main heating time by the controller 117 (see FIG. 2) used in the ninth embodiment. In FIG. 23, parts corresponding to those in FIG. 3 are shown with reference numerals. Control by the control unit 117 is realized through execution of a program.
Control unit 117 in the present embodiment determines whether or not the start of suction has been detected (step 1).
If the user's start of aerosol inhalation is not detected, the control unit 117 obtains a negative result in step 1 . While a negative result is obtained in step 1, the control unit 117 repeats the determination in step 1.

On the other hand, when the start of inhalation of aerosol by the user is detected, the control unit 117 obtains a positive result in step 1 . If a positive result is obtained in step 1, the control unit 117 starts main heating (step 1100), and then acquires a history of past puff intervals (step 81). The number of puff interval histories to be acquired is preset. For example, a history of 3 to 5 times is acquired.
Since the purpose is to prevent the liquid from drying up in the next suction session, even if the number of samples to be acquired is increased too much, the latest suction tendency cannot be determined. On the other hand, if the number of histories to be acquired is increased, it becomes possible to analyze the user's long-term inhalation tendency.
When the history of the past puff intervals is acquired, the control unit 117 predicts the next puff interval (step 82). In the above-described embodiment, the latest puff interval is obtained each time a new suction cycle is started, but in the present embodiment, the puff interval is predicted before the next suction cycle is started. .

Subsequently, the control unit 117 determines whether or not the predicted next puff interval is shorter than the first period (step 83).
If the predicted next puff interval is greater than or equal to the first period, the control section 117 obtains a negative result in step 83 . In this case, the controller 117 sets the current main heating time to the reference time LT1 (step 4).
On the other hand, if the predicted next puff interval is shorter than the first period, the controller 117 obtains a positive result in step 83 . In this case, the controller 117 sets the current main heating time to a time LT2 shorter than the reference time (step 5).
After setting the main heating time in step 4 or step 5, the control unit 117 sequentially executes steps 6 and 7, and completes one cycle of suction.

In the case of the present embodiment, control unit 117 preemptively shortens the main heating time when the predicted value satisfies the short puff condition. As a result, when the puff interval immediately before the start of the next suction is short, the next main heating time is the same as in the above-described other embodiments.
On the other hand, if the puff interval immediately before the start of the next suction is not a short puff, the main heating time is shorter than in the above-described other embodiments. As a result, the puff interval until the next suction time is substantially longer, and drying up of the liquid is less likely to occur.
Also in the present embodiment, when the predicted value is a short puff, the main heating time is shorter than the reference time. power consumption.

FIG. 24 is a diagram for explaining the relationship between the puff interval and the setting of the main heating time in the ninth embodiment. (A) shows an example of the timing of suction (puff), (B) shows an example of setting the main heating time when the predicted puff interval is equal to or greater than the threshold, and (C) shows an example of the predicted puff interval than the threshold. An example of setting the main heating time when it is short is shown. In FIG. 24, parts corresponding to those in FIG. 4 are shown with reference numerals. The vertical axis in FIG. 24(A) is puff intensity, and the vertical axis in FIGS. 24(B) and (C) is heating intensity. The horizontal axis in FIGS. 24A to 24C is time.
In FIG. 24A, the next puff interval is predicted from N puff intervals before the M+1 puff starts.
In the example of FIG. 24B, the predicted puff interval is not a short puff, so the main heating time is set to the reference time LT1.
In the example of FIG. 24C, the predicted puff interval is a short puff, so the main heating time is set to LT2, which is shorter than the reference time.
In the present embodiment, the interval of the next suction time is predicted from the tendency of a plurality of times in the past. The power supplied to the predicted aspiration times may be controlled.

<Embodiment 10>
Also in the present embodiment, the main heating time is set using the puff intervals of a plurality of times in the past. However, in the case of the present embodiment, the actual heating time of the ongoing suction is set after the start of the current suction, as in the first to seventh embodiments, instead of prediction.
Other configurations of the aerosol generator 1 (see FIG. 1) in the present embodiment are the same as in the first embodiment. That is, the external configuration and internal configuration of the aerosol generating device 1 are the same as those of the first embodiment.

FIG. 25 is a flowchart for explaining an example of control of the main heating time by the controller 117 (see FIG. 2) used in the tenth embodiment. In FIG. 25, parts corresponding to those in FIG. Control by the control unit 117 is realized through execution of a program.
Control unit 117 in the present embodiment determines whether or not the start of suction has been detected (step 1).
If the user's start of aerosol inhalation is not detected, the control unit 117 obtains a negative result in step 1 . While a negative result is obtained in step 1, the control unit 117 repeats the determination in step 1.

On the other hand, when the user's start of aerosol inhalation is detected, the control unit 117 obtains a positive result in step 1 . If a positive result is obtained in step 1, the control unit 117 starts main heating (step 1100), and then acquires the history of past puff intervals including the current puff interval (step 91). . In the case of the present embodiment, actual measurements are used instead of predictions, so the current puff interval is also measured.
The number of puff interval histories to be acquired is preset. For example, a history of 3 to 5 times is acquired. The number of puff interval histories to be acquired is set within a range in which the most recent inhalation tendency can be detected.
When the history of past puff intervals is acquired, the control unit 117 acquires the number of consecutive puff intervals shorter than the threshold up to the present time (step 92). The higher the number of consecutive times, the higher the possibility that the liquid temperature of the aerosol source at the start of suction is higher, and the higher the possibility that the aerosol source will not be supplied in time during the main heating.
Note that instead of the number of consecutive times up to this time, the maximum number of consecutive times in the acquired history may be obtained. It can be seen that the liquid temperature may have increased even if it is not a continuous number of times up to this time.

Subsequently, the control unit 117 determines whether or not the number of consecutive times is greater than the first number (step 93).
If the number of consecutive times is equal to or less than the first number of times, the control unit 117 obtains a negative result in step 93 . In this case, the controller 117 sets the current main heating time to the reference time LT1 (step 4).
On the other hand, if the consecutive number of times is greater than the first number of times, the control section 117 obtains a positive result in step 93 . In this case, the controller 117 sets the current main heating time to a shorter time LT3 (<LT1) as the number of times increases (step 94). In the case of the present embodiment, the control unit 117 sets the time LT3 to a shorter value step by step as the number of consecutive times increases. For example, the main heating time is shortened by 0.2 seconds×the number of consecutive times. This example is an example in which the time LT3 is linearly shortened according to the number of consecutive times. However, the time LT3 may be shortened non-linearly according to a quadratic curve or the like.

After setting the main heating time in step 4 or step 94, the control unit 117 sequentially executes steps 6 and 7, and completes one cycle of suction.
In the case of the present embodiment, control unit 117 shortens the main heating time as the number of times short puffs appear in succession increases. This is because, as the number of consecutive short puffs increases, the main heating continues in a state where the temperature of the liquid in the aerosol source is high, and the increase in the amount of generated aerosol tends to cause the liquid to dry up.
However, in the present embodiment, the more the number of consecutive short puffs increases, the shorter the main heating time, so the drying up of the liquid is effectively suppressed.

FIG. 26 is a diagram illustrating the relationship between the puff interval and the setting of the main heating time in the tenth embodiment. (A) shows an example of the timing of suction (puff), (B) shows an example of setting the main heating time when the number of consecutive short puffs is the first number or less, and (C) shows a continuous short puff. An example of setting the main heating time when the number of times of heating is greater than the first number of times is shown.
In FIG. 26, the parts corresponding to those in FIG. The vertical axis in FIG. 26(A) is puff intensity, the vertical axis in FIGS. 26(B) and (C) is heating intensity, and the horizontal axis in FIGS. 26(A) to (C) is time. .
FIG. 26A depicts how the number of consecutive short puffs up to the current time is acquired among the N puff intervals up to the M+1th puff.
In the example of FIG. 26(B), the number of consecutive times is equal to or less than the first number of times, so the main heating time is set to the reference time LT1.
In the example of FIG. 26(C), since the number of consecutive times is greater than the first number, the main heating time is set to a time LT3 shorter than the reference time.

<Embodiment 11>
In this embodiment, a modification of the tenth embodiment will be described. In Embodiment 10, the number of consecutive short puffs is counted, but if the puff interval even slightly exceeds the threshold value, the number is once reset.
However, in some cases, it is preferable to regard the number of times of suction exceeding the threshold value as being substantially short puffs in order to suppress the drying up of the liquid. For example, this is the case for a user whose puff interval slightly exceeds the threshold or for a user whose puff interval slightly fluctuates across the threshold. For these users, even if the number of times obtained in step 92 (see FIG. 25) is small, the liquid temperature at the start of main heating is likely to be high, as in the case of a large number of short puffs in succession.
In this embodiment, countermeasures against this type of phenomenon will be described.
Other configurations of the aerosol generator 1 (see FIG. 1) in the present embodiment are the same as in the first embodiment. That is, the external configuration and internal configuration of the aerosol generator 1 are the same as those of the first embodiment.

FIG. 27 is a flowchart for explaining an example of control of the main heating time by the controller 117 (see FIG. 2) used in the eleventh embodiment. In FIG. 27, the parts corresponding to those in FIG. 25 are indicated by the reference numerals. Control by the control unit 117 is realized through execution of a program.
Control unit 117 in the present embodiment detects the start of suction (step 1).
If the user's start of aerosol inhalation is not detected, the control unit 117 obtains a negative result in step 1 . While a negative result is obtained in step 1, the control unit 117 repeats the determination in step 1.
On the other hand, when the start of inhalation of aerosol by the user is detected, the control unit 117 obtains a positive result in step 1 . If a positive result is obtained in step 1, the control unit 117 starts main heating (step 1100), and then acquires the history of past puff intervals including the current puff interval (step 91). . In the case of the present embodiment, actual measurements are used instead of predictions, so the current puff interval is also measured.

When the history of the puff intervals of a plurality of times in the past is acquired, the control unit 117 determines that the puff interval shorter than the value obtained by adding the margin to the threshold value for judging short puffs (indicated as “threshold value +α” in FIG. 27) Obtain the number of consecutive times (step 101). A value obtained by adding a margin to the short puff determination threshold is a pseudo short puff determination threshold. The margin value α is given in advance through an empirical rule or the like. The margin value α is an example of the third period.
The number of times acquired by step 101 is likely to be greater than the number of times acquired by step 92 (see FIG. 25).
Subsequently, the control unit 117 determines whether or not the number of consecutive times is greater than the first number (step 93).

If the number of consecutive times is equal to or less than the first number of times, the control unit 117 obtains a negative result in step 93 . In this case, the controller 117 sets the current main heating time to the reference time LT1 (step 4).
On the other hand, if the consecutive number of times is greater than the first number of times, the control section 117 obtains a positive result in step 93 . In this case, the controller 117 sets the current main heating time to a shorter time LT3 (<LT1) as the number of times increases. (step 94).
After setting the main heating time in step 4 or step 94, the control unit 117 sequentially executes steps 6 and 7, and completes one cycle of suction.
In the case of the present embodiment, the control unit 117 counts the number of continuous puffs including pseudo short puffs, so even if the pseudo short puffs are continuous, dryness is effectively suppressed.

<Embodiment 12>
In this embodiment, modified examples of the first to seventh embodiments will be described. In Embodiment 1, the main heating time is a fixed value when it is determined that the puff is short. That is, it was the time LT2 given in advance. In other words, the amount of power supplied to the heating unit 211 (see FIG. 2) during short puffs was always constant.
In the present embodiment, the amount of electric power supplied to the heating unit 211 during short puffs is made smaller as the immediately preceding puff interval is shorter.
Other configurations of the aerosol generator 1 (see FIG. 1) in the present embodiment are the same as in the first embodiment. That is, the external configuration and internal configuration of the aerosol generator 1 are the same as those of the first embodiment.

FIG. 28 is a flowchart for explaining an example of control of the main heating time by the controller 117 (see FIG. 2) used in the twelfth embodiment. In FIG. 28, parts corresponding to those in FIG. 3 are shown with reference numerals. Control by the control unit 117 is realized through execution of a program. That is, FIG. 28 describes a modification of the first embodiment.
Also in this embodiment, the control unit 117 determines whether or not the start of suction is detected (step 1).
If the user's start of aerosol inhalation is not detected, the control unit 117 obtains a negative result in step 1 . While a negative result is obtained in step 1, the control unit 117 repeats the determination in step 1.

On the other hand, when the user's start of aerosol inhalation is detected, the control unit 117 obtains a positive result in step 1 . If a positive result is obtained in step 1, the controller 117 starts main heating (step 1100), and then obtains the last puff interval (step 2).
After obtaining the puff interval, the control unit 117 determines whether the puff interval is shorter than the first period (step 3).
If the puff interval is longer than or equal to the first period, the control section 117 obtains a negative result in step 3 . In this case, the controller 117 sets the current main heating time to the reference time LT1 (step 4).

On the other hand, if the puff interval is shorter than the first period, the control section 117 obtains a positive result in step 3 . In this case, the controller 117 sets the current main heating time to LT3 (<LT1), which is shorter as the previous puff interval is shorter (step 111). Note that the time LT3 may be shortened linearly according to the number of consecutive times, or may be shortened non-linearly such as by a quadratic curve.
After setting the main heating time in step 4 or step 111, the control unit 117 sequentially executes steps 6 and 7 to complete one cycle of suction.
In the case of the present embodiment, the shorter the immediately preceding puff interval, the less the amount of electric power supplied to the heating unit 211 during the main heating time.

When applying the method of the present embodiment to the method of the second embodiment, the shorter the time from the end of the previous heating to the start of the current heating, the shorter the main heating time.
When the method of the present embodiment is applied to the method of the third embodiment, the shorter the time from the end of the previous heating to the start of suction this time, the shorter the main heating time.
When the method of the present embodiment is applied to the method of Embodiment 4, the length of the main heating time is shortened as the time from the last power button 11 off operation to the current on operation is shorter. .
When the technique of this embodiment is applied to the technique of Embodiment 5, the length of the main heating time is shortened as the temperature of the heating unit 211 at the start of suction is higher.
When the technique of the present embodiment is applied to the technique of the sixth embodiment, the length of the main heating time is shortened as the resistance value of the heating unit 211 at the start of suction is higher.
When applying the method of the present embodiment to the method of the seventh embodiment, the length of the main heating time is shortened as the temperature of the liquid guide portion 212 at the start of suction is higher.

<Embodiment 13>
In this embodiment, a control method focusing on the amount of liquid remaining in the aerosol source at the start of main heating will be described.
As described above, the supply of the aerosol source to the liquid guide portion 212 is based on capillary action. In this embodiment, a control method will be described in which the speed of liquid transfer by capillarity depends on the amount of residual liquid. For example, in a situation where the liquid supply rate is decreasing due to a decrease in the remaining liquid amount, the control example in which the liquid amount of the aerosol source that can be supplied during one suction is less than when the remaining liquid amount is large is shown. explain. In this case, not enough aerosol is generated during one inhalation.
Therefore, if the main heating time is the same regardless of the amount of residual liquid, the aerosol source may not be supplied in time and a phenomenon similar to drying up may occur.
Therefore, in the present embodiment, the length of the main heating time is controlled in consideration of the remaining liquid amount.

In the case of the present embodiment as well, the external configuration of the aerosol generator 1 is the same as that of the first embodiment. However, the internal configuration of the aerosol generator 1 assumed in this embodiment is partially different from that in the first embodiment.
FIG. 29 is a diagram schematically showing the internal configuration of the aerosol generator 1 assumed in the thirteenth embodiment. In FIG. 29, parts corresponding to those in FIG. 2 are shown with reference numerals corresponding thereto.
The aerosol generating device 1 shown in FIG. 29 is different from the aerosol generating device 1 shown in FIG. 2 in that a remaining liquid amount sensor 113E is provided.

For the remaining liquid amount sensor 113E, for example, a level switch, a level meter, a capacitance sensor, or a sensor that measures the distance to the liquid surface is used. The distance to the liquid surface can be measured by, for example, the time it takes for an ultrasonic wave, an electromagnetic wave, or a laser to return after being reflected by the liquid surface.
However, the control unit 117 corrects the amount of remaining liquid to be finally used using information on the attitude of the aerosol generating device 1 . For the attitude information, for example, an output signal of a gyro sensor is used.
In this embodiment, the remaining liquid amount sensor 113E is used, but it is also possible to calculate the remaining liquid amount by calculation. For example, since the amount of liquid consumed for each suction cycle can be calculated as a function of the amount of power supplied to the heating unit 211, by subtracting the integrated value from the initial value, the remaining amount of liquid at each time can be calculated. .

FIG. 30 is a flowchart for explaining an example of control of the main heating time by the controller 117 (see FIG. 2) used in the thirteenth embodiment. In FIG. 13, parts corresponding to those in FIG. 3 are denoted by reference numerals. Control by the control unit 117 is realized through execution of a program.
Also in this embodiment, the control unit 117 determines whether or not the start of suction is detected (step 1).
If the user's start of aerosol inhalation is not detected, the control unit 117 obtains a negative result in step 1 . While a negative result is obtained in step 1, the control unit 117 repeats the determination in step 1.
On the other hand, when the start of inhalation of aerosol by the user is detected, the control unit 117 obtains a positive result in step 1 . If a positive result is obtained in step 1, the controller 117 starts main heating (step 1100), and then acquires the last puff interval (step 2).

Next, the control section 117 acquires the remaining liquid amount in the liquid storage section 213 (step 121). The remaining liquid amount may be obtained using the measured value of the remaining liquid amount sensor 113E, or may be calculated using the power supply amount for each suction.
When the remaining liquid amount is acquired, the control unit 117 determines whether or not the remaining liquid amount is less than the first remaining liquid amount (step 122). The first remaining amount is set in advance.
If the remaining liquid amount is greater than or equal to the first remaining amount, the controller 117 obtains a negative result in step 122 . In this case, the remaining liquid amount is large, and the same control as in the first embodiment and the like is executed.
That is, the control unit 117 determines whether or not the puff interval is shorter than the first period (step 3). is obtained, step 5 is executed.

On the other hand, when the remaining liquid amount is less than the first remaining amount, the control section 117 obtains a positive result in step 122 . Next, the control section 117 determines whether or not the puff interval is shorter than the first period (step 3A). However, the threshold used for determination in step 3A may be different from that in step 3. For example, the threshold used for the determination of step 3A may be smaller than the threshold used for the determination of step 3.
If the remaining liquid amount is less than the first remaining amount but the puff is not a short puff, the control section 117 obtains a negative result in step 3A. In this case, the controller 117 sets the current main heating time to a time LT2 shorter than the reference time (step 5). However, the main heating time when a negative result is obtained in step 3A should be shorter than the reference time LT1, and does not necessarily have to be LT2.
In other words, the controller 117 controls the length of the main heating time to be shorter when the residual liquid amount is small but the puff is not a short puff, compared to when the residual liquid amount is large. This suppresses the possibility that the liquid will dry up.

If the remaining liquid amount is less than the first remaining amount and the puff is short, the controller 117 obtains a positive result in step 123 . In this case, the controller 117 sets the current main heating time to LT3 (<LT1), which is shorter as the remaining liquid amount is smaller (step 123).
In other words, when the remaining liquid amount is small and the puff is short, the controller 117 controls the main heating time to be shorter as the puff interval is shorter. Again, the main heating time is reduced stepwise, for example. However, it may be shortened non-linearly according to a binary curve or the like. In any case, even if the liquid supply capability of the aerosol source is lowered, it is possible to effectively suppress the occurrence of liquid depletion.
After setting the main heating time in step 4, step 5, or step 123, the control unit 117 sequentially executes steps 6 and 7, and completes one suction cycle.

When applying the method of the present embodiment to the method of the second embodiment, the time from the end of the previous heating to the start of the current heating may be used as the puff interval.
When applying the method of the present embodiment to the method of the third embodiment, the time from the end of the previous heating to the start of current suction may be used as the puff interval.
When applying the method of the present embodiment to the method of the fourth embodiment, the time from the last power button 11 off operation to the current power on operation may be used as the puff interval.
When applying the method of the present embodiment to the method of the fifth embodiment, the temperature of the heating unit 211 at the start of suction and the determination step may be used for the puff interval and the determination step.
When the method of the present embodiment is applied to the method of the sixth embodiment, the resistance value of the heating unit 211 at the start of suction and the determination step thereof may be used for the puff interval and the determination step thereof.
When the method of the present embodiment is applied to the method of Embodiment 7, the temperature of the liquid guide portion 212 at the start of suction and the determination step may be used for the puff interval and the determination step.

<Embodiment 14>
In this embodiment, it is assumed that the heating unit 211 (see FIG. 2) is preliminarily heated prior to the main heating.
FIG. 31 is a diagram for explaining the preheating time LT0. (A) shows the positional relationship between the preheating time LT0 and the main heating time LT11, and (B) shows the temperature change of the aerosol source. The vertical axis in FIG. 31A is heating intensity, the vertical axis in FIG. 31B is temperature, and the horizontal axis in FIGS. 31A and 31B is time.
The preheating time LT0 is a time for preheating, and is arranged immediately before the main heating time LT11.
Preheating is provided to preheat the liquid temperature of the aerosol source in the liquid guide section 212 (see FIG. 2) to room temperature or higher and lower than the boiling point. Preheating is a technique for shortening the delay time from the start of power supply to the heating unit 211 to the generation of aerosol.

By preheating, the liquid temperature of the aerosol source can be raised in advance. Therefore, it becomes possible to allocate the power supplied during the main heating time LT11 to the generation of the aerosol rather than to the increase in the liquid temperature of the aerosol source. As a result, it becomes possible to generate aerosol immediately after the start of the main heating time, and as a result, it is possible to increase the total amount of aerosol generated during the main heating time.
The time from the start of the main heating time LT11 until the temperature of the aerosol source reaches the boiling point is TD1 when preheating is not used, but can be shortened to TD2 (<TD1) when preheating is used. Therefore, if the length of the main heating time LT11 is the same as when preheating is not used, more aerosol can be generated when preheating is used.

However, in FIGS. 31A and 31B, the main heating time LT11 when preheating is used is shorter than the main heating time LT1 when preheating is not used. This is to equalize the total amount of aerosol generated during the main heating time.
In other words, when controlling the amount of aerosol generated to be the same as in the case without preheating, the main heating time LT11 with preheating should be shorter than the main heating time LT1 without preheating. becomes possible.
The reason why preheating promotes aerosol generation is that the viscosity of the aerosol source at the start of the main heating time is lower than when preheating is not used. This is because the lower the viscosity of the aerosol source, the higher the liquid feeding speed to the liquid guide section 212, resulting in an increase in the amount of liquid supplied.
However, the longer the preheating time is, the more power is consumed. Therefore, it is necessary to set the length of the preheating time in consideration of the balance with the amount of power consumed during the main heating time.

FIG. 32 is a diagram for explaining an example of setting the main heating time depending on the presence or absence of preheating and the length of the puff interval. (A) shows the case without preheating, and (B) shows the case with preheating. Here, "without preheating" and "with preheating" do not mean the presence or absence of the preheating function, but rather whether the preheating function is used.
The setting example of the main heating time shown in FIG. 32(A) is the same as that of the first embodiment. That is, when the puff interval is long, the main heating time is set to 2.4 seconds, and when the puff interval is short, the main heating time is set to 1.7 seconds.
On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 32B, when preheating is used, the main heating time is set shorter than when preheating is not used, both when the puff interval is long and when the puff interval is short. For example, when "with preheating" and the puff interval is long, the main heating time is 1.7 seconds. On the other hand, when "with preheating" and the puff interval is short, the main heating time is 1.2 seconds.
However, the main heating time shown in FIGS. 32A and 32B is an example, and the main heating time in the case of "with preheating" and a long puff interval can be shortened or lengthened to less than 1.7 seconds. is also possible.

FIG. 33 is a flowchart for explaining an example of control of the main heating time by the controller 117 (see FIG. 2) used in the fourteenth embodiment. In FIG. 33, parts corresponding to those in FIG. 3 are shown with reference numerals.
Control unit 117 in the present embodiment first determines whether or not there is preheating (step 131).
If a negative result is obtained in step 131, control unit 117 performs the same operation as in the first embodiment and the like. That is, the controller 117 sets the main heating time according to the flowchart shown in FIG.

On the other hand, if a positive result is obtained in step 131, the control unit 117 determines whether or not the puff sensor 112 has detected the start of suction (step 1A). This determination is repeated until a positive result is obtained in step 1A. When a positive result is obtained in step 1A, the control unit 117 starts main heating after preheating (step 1100A), acquires the immediately preceding puff interval (step 2A), and then acquires the acquired puff interval. Determine whether the interval is shorter than the first period (step 3A).

If a negative result is obtained in step 3A, the controller 117 proceeds to step 5 and sets the current main heating time to LT2, which is shorter than the reference time. As described above, it is also possible to set a time different from LT2 as the main heating time.
If a positive result is obtained in step 3A, the controller 117 sets the current main heating time to a time LT11 shorter than the reference time (step 132). The time LT11 here is, for example, 1.2 seconds, which is shorter than the main heating time set in

steps

4 and 5.
After setting the main heating time in step 4, step 5, or step 132, the control unit 117 sequentially executes steps 6 and 7, and completes one suction cycle.
Also in the case of this embodiment, the threshold used for the determination in step 3A may be different from that in step 3, as in the thirteenth embodiment. Also, if a negative result is obtained in step 3A, the main heating time need not be LT2 if it is shorter than the reference time LT1.

<Embodiment 15>
In this embodiment, a control operation when overheating is detected during the main heating time will be described. In the case of the present embodiment as well, the external configuration of the aerosol generator 1 is the same as that of the first embodiment. It should be noted that this embodiment can be combined with any of Embodiments 1 to 7, except that a coil temperature sensor 113A (see FIG. 11) is provided.
FIG. 34 is a flowchart for explaining an example of control of the main heating time by the controller 117 (see FIG. 2) used in the fifteenth embodiment. In FIG. 34, parts corresponding to those in FIG. Control by the control unit 117 is realized through execution of a program.
Control unit 117 in the present embodiment determines whether or not start of suction has been detected by puff sensor 112 (step 1).

While a negative result is obtained in step 1, the control unit 117 repeats the determination in step 1.
If a positive result is obtained in step 1, the controller 117 starts main heating (step 1100), and then acquires the temperature of the coil at the start of suction (step 41). That is, the temperature of the heating unit 211 (see FIG. 2) is obtained.
When the temperature of the coil is acquired, the control unit 117 determines whether or not the temperature of the coil at the start of suction is higher than the third temperature (step 141). The third temperature is a threshold for determining overheating.

If the obtained temperature is higher than the third temperature, the controller 117 obtains a positive result in step 141 . In this case, the controller 117 forcibly terminates the main heating (step 142). That is, the control unit 117 ends the power supply to the heating unit 211 even if the set main heating time remains.
Note that the temperature of the heating unit 211 remains high for a while even after the power supply is terminated. Therefore, aerosol generation continues for a while.

By completing the heating before the set main heating time expires, it is possible to extend the cooling time until the next suction time compared to the case where the heating is continued until the main heating time expires. Become. As a result, the liquid temperature of the aerosol source at the start of the next suction cycle tends to be lower than when the control according to the present embodiment is not employed. In addition, by eliminating overheating, it is possible to continue using the aerosol generator 1 within the design temperature.
On the other hand, if a negative result is obtained in step 141, the controller 117 continues heating according to the set main heating time (step 143).

<Embodiment 16>
In this embodiment, another control operation when overheating is detected during the main heating time will be described. In the case of the present embodiment as well, the external configuration of the aerosol generator 1 is the same as that of the first embodiment. It should be noted that this embodiment can be combined with any of Embodiments 1 to 7, except that a liquid temperature sensor 113C (see FIG. 17) is provided.
FIG. 35 is a flowchart for explaining an example of control of the main heating time by the controller 117 (see FIG. 2) used in the sixteenth embodiment. In FIG. 35, the parts corresponding to those in FIG. 18 are indicated by the reference numerals. Control by the control unit 117 is realized through execution of a program.
Control unit 117 in the present embodiment also determines whether or not the start of suction is detected by puff sensor 112 (step 1).

While a negative result is obtained in step 1, the control unit 117 repeats the determination in step 1.
If a positive result is obtained in step 1, the controller 117 starts main heating (step 1100), and then obtains the liquid temperature at the start of suction (step 61). The liquid temperature here is the temperature of the liquid guide portion 212 .
When the liquid temperature is acquired, the control unit 117 determines whether or not the liquid temperature at the start of suction is higher than the fourth temperature (step 151). The fourth temperature is a threshold for judging overheating.

If the obtained liquid temperature is higher than the fourth temperature, the controller 117 obtains a positive result in step 151 . In this case, the controller 117 forcibly terminates the main heating (step 152). That is, the control unit 117 ends the power supply to the heating unit 211 even if the set main heating time remains.
Note that the temperature of the heating unit 211 remains high for a while even after the power supply is stopped. Therefore, aerosol generation continues for a while.

By completing the heating before the set main heating time expires, it is possible to extend the cooling time until the next suction time compared to the case where the heating is continued until the main heating time expires. Become. As a result, the liquid temperature of the aerosol source at the start of the next suction cycle tends to be lower than when the control according to the present embodiment is not employed. In addition, by eliminating overheating, it is possible to continue using the aerosol generator 1 within the design temperature.
On the other hand, if a negative result is obtained in step 151, the controller 117 continues heating according to the set main heating time (step 153).

<Embodiment 17>
In this embodiment, when a short puff is detected, rather than shortening the main heating time, the voltage value or current value applied to the heating unit 211 is set to a low value to suppress the occurrence of liquid drying.
Other configurations of the aerosol generator 1 (see FIG. 1) in the present embodiment are the same as in the first embodiment. That is, the external configuration and internal configuration of the aerosol generator 1 are the same as those of the first embodiment.
FIG. 36 is a flowchart for explaining an example of control of the main heating time by the controller 117 (see FIG. 2) used in the seventeenth embodiment. In FIG. 36, parts corresponding to those in FIG. Control by the control unit 117 is realized through execution of a program.

Control unit 117 in the present embodiment also determines whether or not the start of suction is detected by puff sensor 112 (step 1).
While a negative result is obtained in step 1, the control unit 117 repeats the determination in step 1.
If a positive result is obtained in step 1, the controller 117 starts main heating (step 1100), and then acquires the last puff interval (step 2).
Subsequently, the control section 117 determines whether or not the puff interval is shorter than the first period (step 3). That is, it is determined whether or not the latest puff interval is a short puff.

If a negative result is obtained in step 3, the control unit 117 sets the maximum voltage value applied during the current main heating time as the reference voltage value (step 161). The reference voltage value here is the same as the voltage value used in the first embodiment and the like. The reference voltage value here is an example of the second maximum voltage value. In addition, as described above, it is also possible to specify the current value.
If a positive result is obtained in step 3, the control unit 117 sets the maximum voltage value to be applied during the current main heating time to a value smaller than the reference voltage value (step 162).
That is, the maximum voltage value is set to a low value instead of shortening the main heating time. The maximum voltage value set in step 162 is an example of a first maximum voltage value. As a result, the power supplied to the heating unit 211 during the main heating time is smaller than when the puff interval is not short. That is, it becomes smaller than the reference value. Note that the lower the maximum voltage value is set than the reference voltage value, the smaller the power supplied to the heating unit 211 during the main heating time. Of course, it is also possible to specify a current value instead of a voltage value.

<Embodiment 18>
Although the aerosol generator 1 having the power button 11 (see FIG. 1) has been described in the above embodiment, the aerosol generator 1 without the power button 11 can also be applied.
FIG. 37 is a diagram for explaining an example of the external configuration of the aerosol generating device 1 assumed in the eighteenth embodiment. In FIG. 37, parts corresponding to those in FIG. 1 are shown with reference numerals.
In the case of the present embodiment, when the start of suction by the user is detected, power supply to the heating unit 211 (see FIG. 2) is started.

<Embodiment 19>
In the present embodiment, an aerosol generator 1 having a mechanism for heating a substrate containing an aerosol in addition to a mechanism for heating a liquid aerosol source will be described.
FIG. 38 is a diagram schematically showing an internal configuration example of the aerosol generating device 1 assumed in the nineteenth embodiment. In FIG. 38, parts corresponding to those in FIG. 2 are shown with reference numerals.
The aerosol generating device 1 shown in FIG. 38 includes a power supply unit 111, a puff sensor 112, a power button sensor 113, a notification unit 114, a storage unit 115, a communication unit 116, a control unit 117, a heating unit 211, a liquid induction unit 212, and a liquid storage unit. 213, a holding portion 301 used to hold the stick-shaped substrate 400, a heating portion 302 arranged on the outer periphery of the holding portion 301, and a heat insulating portion 303 arranged on the outer periphery of the heating portion 302 are provided.

FIG. 38 shows a state in which the stick-shaped base material 400 is attached to the holding portion 301 . The user performs a suction operation while inserting the stick-shaped substrate 400 into the holding portion 301 .
The aerosol generator 1 is formed with an air flow path 40 that transports the air introduced from the air inlet 21 to the bottom 301</b>C of the holding section 301 via the liquid guide section 212 . Therefore, the air that has flowed in from the air inflow hole 21 flows along the arrow 500 in the air flow path 40 as the user sucks. The aerosol generated by the heating unit 211 and the aerosol generated by the heating unit 302 are mixed with this airflow.
Note that control unit 117 in the present embodiment controls the heating operation of heating unit 302 in addition to the heating operation of heating unit 211 . At that time, the control unit 117 acquires information such as the temperature of the heating unit 302 by a sensor (not shown).

The holding portion 301 has a substantially cylindrical shape. Therefore, the inside of the holding portion 301 is hollow. This cavity is called internal space 301A. The internal space 301A has approximately the same diameter as the stick-shaped substrate 400, and accommodates the tip portion of the stick-shaped substrate 400 inserted from the opening 301B while being in contact therewith. That is, stick-type substrate 400 is held in internal space 301A.
The holding portion 301 has a bottom portion 301C on the opposite side of the opening 301B. The bottom portion 301C is connected to the air flow path 40 .

The inner diameter of the holding portion 301 is configured to be smaller than the outer diameter of the stick-shaped base material 400 at least in part in the height direction of the cylindrical body. Therefore, the outer peripheral surface of stick-shaped base material 400 inserted into internal space 301A through opening 301B is pressed by the inner wall of holding portion 301 . The stick-type base material 400 is held by the holding part 301 by this compression.
The holding portion 301 also functions to define air flow paths through the stick-shaped substrate 400 . Here, the bottom portion 301C is an air inflow hole for the holding portion 301, and the opening 301B is an air outflow hole from the holding portion 301. As shown in FIG.

The stick-type base material 400 is a substantially cylindrical member. A stick-shaped base material 400 assumed in the present embodiment is composed of a base material portion 401 and a mouthpiece portion 402 .
The base portion 401 houses an aerosol source. An aerosol source is a substance that is atomized by heating to form an aerosol. The aerosol source accommodated in the base member 401 includes tobacco-derived substances, such as cut tobacco or tobacco raw materials that have been formed into granules, sheets, or powder. However, the aerosol source housed in the substrate portion 401 may also include non-tobacco-derived substances made from plants other than tobacco, such as mints and herbs. For example, the aerosol source may contain a perfume ingredient such as menthol.

When the aerosol generating device 1 is a medical inhaler, the aerosol source of the stick-type substrate 400 may contain a drug for patient inhalation. The aerosol source is not limited to solids, and may be polyhydric alcohols such as glycerin and propylene glycol, or liquids such as water.
At least part of the base material part 401 is housed in the internal space 301A of the holding part 301 while the stick-shaped base material 400 is held by the holding part 301 .

The mouthpiece 402 is a member held by the user when inhaling. At least part of the mouthpiece 402 protrudes from the opening 301B when the stick-shaped base material 400 is held by the holding part 301 .
When the user sucks while holding the mouthpiece 402 projecting from the opening 301B, air flows into the bottom 301C of the holding part 301 through the air inlet 21 as described above. The inflowing air passes through the inner space 301A of the holding portion 301 and the base portion 401 and reaches the user's mouth. The aerosol generated from the base member 401 is mixed with the gas passing through the inner space 301A of the holding member 301 and the base member 401 .

The heating unit 302 heats the aerosol source included in the base member 401 to atomize the aerosol source and generate an aerosol. The heating part 302 is made of any material such as metal or polyimide. For example, the heating part 302 is configured in a film shape and arranged so as to cover the outer periphery of the holding part 301 .
When the heating part 302 generates heat, the aerosol source contained in the stick-shaped base material 400 is heated from the outer periphery of the stick-shaped base material 400 and atomized to generate an aerosol.

The heating unit 302 generates heat by power supply from the power supply unit 111 . For example, when a predetermined user input is detected by a sensor or the like (not shown), power supply to the heating unit 302 is started and aerosol is generated.
When the temperature of the stick-shaped base material 400 reaches a predetermined temperature due to the heating by the heating unit 302, the aerosol starts to be generated and the user can inhale the aerosol.
After that, when a sensor or the like (not shown) detects that a predetermined user input has been performed, power supply to the heating unit 302 is stopped.
It should be noted that while the puff sensor 112 detects the user's inhalation, power supply to the heating unit 302 may be continued to generate aerosol.

<Other embodiments>
Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the technical scope of the present invention is not limited to the scope described in the above-described embodiments. It is clear from the scope of claims that the technical scope of the present invention includes various modifications and improvements to the above-described embodiment.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1... Aerosol generating apparatus 10... Power supply unit 11...

Power button

20, 30... Cartridge 21... Air inflow hole 40... Air flow path 42... Air outflow hole 112... Puff sensor 113... Power button sensor, 113A... Coil temperature sensor 113B... Resistance value sensor 113C... Liquid temperature sensor 113D... Air temperature sensor 113E... Remaining liquid amount sensor 117...

Control unit

211, 302... Heating unit 212... Liquid induction unit 213... liquid reservoir

Claims

a controller for controlling power supply to a load that heats the aerosol source;
The control unit controls the amount of power supplied to the load to generate the aerosol to be smaller than a reference value when the interval between suctions of the aerosol is shorter than the first period.
A circuit unit for an aerosol generator.
further comprising a first sensor for detecting inhalation of the aerosol by the user;
When the time from the last suction end detected by the first sensor to the current suction start is shorter than the first period, the control unit sets the time for supplying power to the load to the second period. be shorter than
A circuit unit of an aerosol generator according to claim 1.
If the time from the end of heating immediately before the end of generation of aerosol from the aerosol source to the start of heating this time is shorter than the first period, the control unit sets the time for supplying power to the load to a second period. shorten the period,
A circuit unit of an aerosol generator according to claim 1.
further comprising a first sensor for detecting inhalation of the aerosol by the user;
If the time from the end of heating immediately before the end of generation of aerosol from the aerosol source to the start of suction this time detected by the first sensor is shorter than the first period, the control unit shortening the period of time to supply power than the second period;
A circuit unit of an aerosol generator according to claim 1.
an operation unit that receives a user's operation regarding supply and stop of power supply to the load;
If the time period from the immediately preceding power supply stop by the user's operation on the operation unit to the current power supply start time is shorter than the first period, the control unit sets the power supply time to the load as the first period. shorter than the period of 2,
A circuit unit of an aerosol generator according to claim 1.
further comprising a first sensor for detecting inhalation of aerosol by a user and a second sensor for detecting temperature of the load;
When the temperature detected by the second sensor at the start of suction of the aerosol detected by the first sensor is higher than the first temperature, the control unit controls the time for supplying power to the load to a second time. less than the period of
A circuit unit of an aerosol generator according to claim 1.
further comprising a first sensor for detecting inhalation of the aerosol by the user;
When the resistance value of the load at the start of suction of the aerosol detected by the first sensor is higher than the first resistance value, the control unit supplies power to the load for a period longer than the second period. Shorten,
A circuit unit of an aerosol generator according to claim 1.
further comprising a first sensor for sensing inhalation of the aerosol by the user and a third sensor for sensing the temperature of the aerosol source;
When the temperature detected by the third sensor at the start of suction of the aerosol detected by the first sensor is higher than a second temperature, the control unit sets the time for supplying power to the load to a second temperature. shorten the period,
A circuit unit of an aerosol generator according to claim 1.
The control unit predicts the next interval or the interval after the next time based on the trend of the intervals between the aerosol inhalations of a plurality of times in the past, and if the predicted interval is shorter than the first period, the predicted inhalation times setting the power supply time to the load in the second period shorter than the second period,
A circuit unit of an aerosol generator according to claim 1.
The control unit acquires a plurality of past measured values of intervals between inhalations of the aerosol, and when the number of consecutive appearances of measured values shorter than the first period exceeds the first number of times, the number of times Controls the time for supplying power to the load in the next and subsequent suction times to be shorter than the second period step by step with the increase of
A circuit unit of an aerosol generator according to claim 1.
11. The aerosol generating device according to claim 10, wherein even if the measured value is longer than the first period, if the overtime period is less than the third period, the controller includes it in the number of times in the calculation. circuit unit.
When the interval between aerosol suctions is shorter than the first period, the control unit controls the amount of power supplied to the load to be smaller as the interval is shorter.
The circuit unit of an aerosol generator according to any one of claims 1-8.
When the remaining amount of the aerosol source is less than the first remaining amount, the control unit controls the amount of power supplied to the load to be smaller as the remaining amount is smaller.
The circuit unit of an aerosol generator according to any one of claims 1-8.
If the aerosol source is heated in a temperature range that does not generate aerosol prior to the heating of the aerosol source that generates aerosol, the control unit adjusts the interval between suctions of the aerosol to be greater than the first period. controlling the amount of power supplied to the load when the time is short to a value smaller than the amount of power when only heating with aerosol generation is performed;
The circuit unit of an aerosol generator according to any one of claims 1-8.
further comprising a second sensor that detects the temperature of the load;
When the temperature detected by the second sensor reaches a third temperature, the control unit forcibly terminates the heating of the load at that point.
The circuit unit of an aerosol generator according to any one of claims 1-8.
further comprising a third sensor that senses the temperature of the aerosol source;
When the temperature detected by the third sensor reaches a fourth temperature, the control unit forcibly terminates the heating of the load at that point.
The circuit unit of an aerosol generator according to any one of claims 1-8.
The control unit sets a first maximum voltage value to be supplied to the load to generate aerosol when an interval between suctions of the aerosol is shorter than the first period. Control to a value smaller than a second maximum voltage value supplied to the load when the interval is longer than the first period;
The circuit unit of an aerosol generator according to any one of claims 1-8.
a controller for controlling power supply to a load that heats the aerosol source;
The control unit controls the amount of power supplied to the load to generate the aerosol to be smaller than a reference value when the interval between suctions of the aerosol is shorter than the first period.
Aerosol generator.
a computer that controls the supply of power to the load that heats the aerosol source;
A program for realizing a function of controlling the amount of power supplied to the load to generate aerosol to be smaller than a reference value when the interval between aerosol inhalations is shorter than the first period.