WO2023188102A1

WO2023188102A1 - Aerosol generating device, control method, and program

Info

Publication number: WO2023188102A1
Application number: PCT/JP2022/015963
Authority: WO
Inventors: 啓司丸橋
Original assignee: 日本たばこ産業株式会社
Priority date: 2022-03-30
Filing date: 2022-03-30
Publication date: 2023-10-05

Abstract

This aerosol generating device comprises: a sensor for detecting inhalation performed by a user; a first heating unit for heating a first aerosol source; and a control unit for controlling supply of electric power to the first heating unit. Here, the control unit supplies electric power to the first heating unit in conjunction with detection, of inhalation, by the sensor, and calculates a consumed amount of a second aerosol source on the basis of the duration of heating performed on the first aerosol source by the first heating unit.

Description

Aerosol generation device, control method, and program

The present invention relates to an aerosol generation device, a control method, and a program.

An aerosol generating device (hereinafter referred to as an "aerosol generating device") generates an aerosol by heating an aerosol source containing a fragrance or the like.
When the aerosol source is a liquid, the aerosol is generated by heating the aerosol source guided within a glass fiber called a wick with a heater.

Special Publication No. 2013-516159

In some aerosol generation devices, it is conceivable to calculate the consumption amount of the aerosol source by multiplying the standard consumption amount by the number of inhalations by the user detected by a sensor, for example. In this case, there are various ways of sucking by users, and the actual consumption amount does not necessarily match the standard consumption amount. For example, in the case of a user whose average suction time is shorter than the standard time, the calculated consumption amount will be higher than the actual consumption amount. As a result, the aerosol source will need to be replaced, even though there is still enough available aerosol source to generate aerosol.

For example, in an aerosol generation device that can attach a liquid aerosol source and a solid aerosol source, a solid aerosol source is One possibility is to calculate the consumption amount. However, the way users inhale varies, and the actual consumption amount does not necessarily match the standard consumption amount. For example, in the case of a user whose average suction time is shorter than the standard time, the calculated consumption amount will be higher than the actual consumption amount. As a result, the solid aerosol source will need to be replaced, even though there is still enough aerosol source available for aerosol generation.

The present invention provides a technique that can improve the accuracy of calculating the consumption amount of an aerosol source in an aerosol generation device.

According to one aspect of the present invention, a sensor that detects suction by a user, a first heating section that heats a first aerosol source, and a control section that controls supply of power to the first heating section; The control unit supplies power to the first heating unit in conjunction with the detection of suction by the sensor, and the control unit supplies power to the first heating unit based on the heating time length of the first aerosol source by the first heating unit. Accordingly, an aerosol generation device is provided that calculates consumption of a second aerosol source.

The control unit sets a monitoring period of a predetermined length based on the detection of suction by the user, obtains the heating time length within the monitoring period for each monitoring period, and calculates the heating time length that has been obtained. The amount of consumption of the second aerosol source consumed within the monitoring period may be calculated based on.

If a plurality of suctions are detected within the monitoring period, the control unit may set the total time of the plurality of suctions as the heating time length.

The control unit may calculate the remaining amount of the second aerosol source based on the cumulative value of the consumption amount calculated for each suction time when one monitoring period is one suction time. good.

The control unit may classify the heating time length within the monitoring period into a plurality of ranges according to the size, and calculate the consumption amount using a calculation method prepared for each range.

The control unit further includes a second heating unit that heats the second aerosol source, and the control unit controls the first heating using only the first heating unit and the first heating unit and the second heating unit. If it is possible to switch to a second heating that uses both of the heating parts, the method for calculating the consumption of the second aerosol source is switched in conjunction with switching between the first heating and the second heating. You can.

When the heating time lengths in the first heating and the second heating are the same, the control unit may change the amount of consumption of the second aerosol source during the second heating to the amount consumed in the first heating. It may be calculated as a value larger than the consumption amount of the second aerosol source at the time.

The second aerosol source may be an aerosol source held in the mechanical part.

According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method for controlling an aerosol generating device that generates an aerosol, including the steps of a sensor detecting suction by a user, and a first heating unit heating a first aerosol source. and a step of supplying electric power to the first heating unit in conjunction with detection of suction by the sensor, and a second heating unit based on the heating time length of the first aerosol source by the first heating unit. A control method is provided, comprising: calculating a consumption amount of an aerosol source.

According to another aspect of the invention, the computer is provided with a step in which a sensor detects inhalation by a user, a first heating unit heats a first aerosol source, and a step in conjunction with the detection of inhalation by the sensor. and calculating the consumption amount of the second aerosol source based on the heating time length of the first aerosol source by the first heating unit. A program is provided to run it.

According to the present invention, it is possible to improve the accuracy of calculating the consumption amount of an aerosol source in an aerosol generation device.

1 is a diagram illustrating an example of the appearance of an aerosol generation device assumed in Embodiment 1. FIG. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating how to attach an aerosol source and the like to the main body of the apparatus, which is assumed in the first embodiment. 1 is a diagram schematically showing the internal configuration of an aerosol generation device assumed in Embodiment 1. FIG. It is a figure explaining normal mode and high mode. (A) is a diagram illustrating an example of heating timing in normal mode, and (B) is a diagram illustrating an example of heating timing in high mode. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of heating timing of a cartridge and a capsule in Embodiment 1. FIG. (A) shows the period of suction, (B) shows an example of the heating timing of the cartridge, and (C) shows an example of the heating timing of the capsule. FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating another example of the heating timing of the cartridge and capsule in the first embodiment. (A) shows the period of suction, (B) shows an example of the timing of heating the cartridge, and (C) shows an example of the timing of heating the capsule. FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating another example of the heating timing of the cartridge and capsule in the first embodiment. (A) shows the period of suction, (B) shows an example of the timing of heating the cartridge, and (C) shows an example of the timing of heating the capsule. It is a figure explaining the example of the heating timing of a cartridge and a capsule in high mode. (A) shows the period of suction, (B) shows an example of the heating timing of the cartridge, and (C) shows an example of the heating timing of the capsule. FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating another example of the heating timing of the cartridge and capsule in the high mode. (A) shows the period of suction, (B) shows an example of the timing of heating the cartridge, and (C) shows an example of the timing of heating the capsule. FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating another example of the heating timing of the cartridge and capsule in the high mode. (A) shows the period of suction, (B) shows an example of the timing of heating the cartridge, and (C) shows an example of the timing of heating the capsule. 3 is a flowchart illustrating a part of a method for controlling heating of a cartridge and calculating a consumption amount of capsules in the first embodiment. 7 is a flowchart illustrating the remaining part of the cartridge heating control and capsule consumption calculation method in the first embodiment. It is a figure explaining the example of the table which matches the consumption amount of the capsule according to the combination of the length of heating on time and heating mode. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating suction patterns 1 and 2. (A) shows an example of suction pattern 1, and (B) shows an example of suction pattern 2. FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating suction patterns 3 and 4. (A) shows an example of suction pattern 3, and (B) shows an example of suction pattern 4. 6 is a diagram illustrating suction patterns 5 and 6. FIG. (A) shows an example of suction pattern 5, and (B) shows an example of suction pattern 6. 7 is a diagram illustrating suction patterns 7 and 8. FIG. (A) shows an example of suction pattern 7, and (B) shows an example of suction pattern 8. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating a method of calculating the consumption amount of capsules according to the length of heating-on time. FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating an example of heating timing of a cartridge and a capsule in Embodiment 3; (A) shows the period of suction, (B) shows an example of the heating timing of the cartridge, and (C) shows an example of the heating timing of the capsule. FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating an example of the appearance of an aerosol generation device assumed in Embodiment 4. FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating how to attach an aerosol source, etc., assumed in Embodiment 4. FIG. 7 is a diagram schematically showing the internal configuration of an aerosol generation device assumed in Embodiment 4. 12 is a flowchart illustrating a portion of cartridge heating control in Embodiment 4. FIG. 13 is a flowchart illustrating an example of cartridge heating control and capsule consumption calculation method in Embodiment 5. FIG.

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

<Embodiment 1>
<Features>
The aerosol generating device assumed in Embodiment 1 is a form of electronic cigarette. In the following explanation, the substance generated by the aerosol generation device will be referred to as an aerosol. Aerosol refers to a mixture of minute liquid or solid particles suspended in a gas and air or other gas.
The aerosol generation device assumed in the first embodiment is capable of generating aerosol without combustion.
In the first embodiment, the user's suction of the aerosol generated by the aerosol generation device is simply referred to as "suction" or "puff."

In Embodiment 1, the aerosol generating device is assumed to be a device to which both a liquid aerosol source and a solid aerosol source can be attached. However, aerosol sources are not limited to liquids and solids, but also include jelly-like or gel-like aerosol sources, and aerosol sources in which solids such as cigarettes are impregnated with glycerin or the like.
Hereinafter, a container containing a liquid aerosol source will be referred to as a "cartridge", and a container containing a solid aerosol source will be referred to as a "capsule". Both cartridges and capsules are consumable items. For this reason, replacement standards are set for each cartridge and capsule. The standard for replacement varies depending on the heating mode described below.

The aerosol generation device assumed in the first embodiment includes a heater for heating a liquid aerosol source to generate an aerosol, and a heater for heating a solid aerosol source to generate an aerosol. The heater is an example of a heating section that will be described later.
A liquid aerosol source is an example of a first aerosol source, and a solid aerosol source is an example of a second aerosol source. However, the first aerosol source is not limited to a liquid aerosol source, but also includes a solid aerosol source, a jelly-like or gel-like aerosol source, an aerosol source in which a solid substance such as a cigarette is impregnated with glycerin, etc. You can leave it there. In addition, the second aerosol source is not limited to a solid aerosol source, but also includes a liquid aerosol source, a jelly or gel aerosol source, an aerosol source in which a solid substance such as a cigarette is impregnated with glycerin, etc. You can leave it there.

<Example of appearance>
FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of the appearance of an aerosol generation device 10 assumed in the first embodiment.
The external appearance example shown in FIG. 1 is obtained by observing the front of the aerosol generation device 10 from diagonally above. The aerosol generation device 10 assumed in the embodiment has a size that can be held by a user with one hand. For example, the aerosol generating device 10 has a width of about 32 mm, a height of about 60 mm, and a depth of about 23 mm. These sizes are examples. The width, height, and depth also vary depending on the design of the aerosol generating device 10.

The aerosol generation device 10 shown in FIG. 1 shows a state in which a capsule holder 12 is attached to the device main body 11. As will be described later, the capsule holder 12 can be attached to and detached from the device main body 11.
A display 11A and operation buttons 11B are arranged on the top surface of the device main body 11. For example, a liquid crystal display or an organic EL (Electro Luminescence) display is used as the display 11A. The operation button 11B is used for, for example, turning the power on or off, checking the remaining amount of the solid aerosol source, checking the remaining battery amount, and other operations. The display 11A is an example of a display section.

<Example of installing an aerosol source, etc.>
FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating how to attach an aerosol source and the like to the device main body 11, which is assumed in the first embodiment.
An opening (not shown) is provided in the upper part of the device main body 11. The opening here constitutes an end portion of a cylindrical body (not shown) provided inside the device main body 11.
The cartridge 20 is first inserted into the opening of the device main body 11, and then the capsule holder 12 is attached.

When attaching or removing the capsule holder 12 from the opening of the device main body 11, the user rotates the capsule holder 12 by, for example, 120 degrees with respect to the opening.
The capsule holder 12 attached to the device main body 11 functions as a holder to prevent the cartridge 20 inserted into the device main body 11 from jumping out.
The capsule holder 12 is also provided with an opening. The opening constitutes an end of a cylindrical body (not shown) provided inside the capsule holder 12. The capsule 30 is attached to this opening. The capsule 30 can be attached by being pushed into the opening of the capsule holder 12, and can be removed by being pulled out from the opening of the capsule holder 12.
In the case of this embodiment, the cartridge 20 is installed from the opening provided on the top surface of the device main body 11, but a configuration in which the cartridge 20 is installed from the bottom surface of the device main body 11 may also be adopted.

<Device internal configuration>
FIG. 3 is a diagram schematically showing the internal configuration of the aerosol generation device 10 assumed in the first embodiment. However, the internal configuration here includes a cartridge 20 (see FIG. 2) and a capsule 30 (see FIG. 2) mounted on the device main body 11.
The purpose of the internal configuration shown in FIG. 3 is to explain the components provided inside the device main body 11 and their positional relationships. Therefore, the external appearance of the parts shown in FIG. 3 does not necessarily match the external appearance diagram described above.

The aerosol generation device 10 shown in FIG. 3 includes a power supply section 111L, a sensor section 112L, a notification section 113L, a storage section 114L, a communication section 115L, a control section 116L, a liquid guide section 122L, a liquid storage section 123L, a heating section 121L-1, It has a heating section 121L-2, a holding section 140L, and a heat insulating section 144L.
An air flow path 180L is formed inside the device main body 11. The air flow path 180L functions as a passageway for transporting aerosol generated from a liquid aerosol source stored in the liquid storage section 123L to a capsule-shaped container 130L filled with a solid aerosol source.

The liquid storage section 123L corresponds to the cartridge 20 described above, and the capsule-shaped container 130L corresponds to the capsule 30 described above.
In the case of this embodiment, the user performs suction while the capsule-shaped container 130L is attached to the holding portion 140L. The holding portion 140L corresponds to the aforementioned capsule holder 12 (see FIG. 2) and a cylindrical body on the device main body 11 side to which the capsule holder 12 is attached.

Each part constituting the device main body 11 will be described below.
The power supply section 111L is a device that stores electric power, and supplies electric power to each section constituting the apparatus main body 11. A rechargeable battery such as a lithium ion secondary battery is used for the power supply unit 111L.
If the power supply unit 111L is a rechargeable battery, it can be charged any number of times through an external power supply connected via a USB (Universal Serial Bus) cable or the like.

However, if the device main body 11 supports wireless power transmission, it is possible to charge the power supply unit 111L without contacting the external device that is the power transmitting side.
If the power supply section 111L is removable from the apparatus main body 11, it is possible to replace the consumed power supply section 111L with a new power supply section 111L.

The sensor unit 112L is a device that detects information regarding each part of the apparatus main body 11. The sensor section 112L outputs detected information to the control section 116L.
The sensor section 112L provided in the device main body 11 includes, for example, a pressure sensor such as a microphone capacitor, a flow rate sensor, and a temperature sensor. This type of sensor unit 112L is used, for example, to detect a user's suction. The sensor unit 112L in this sense is an example of a sensor that detects the user's suction.

The sensor unit 112L provided in the device main body 11 includes an input device that receives user operations on buttons, switches, etc., for example. The buttons here include the aforementioned operation button 11B (see FIG. 1). This type of sensor unit 112L is used, for example, to receive user operations.
The sensor section 112L provided in the device main body 11 includes, for example, a thermistor. In the case of this embodiment, the thermistor is used, for example, to measure the temperature of the heating section 121L-2 used to heat the capsule 30.

The notification unit 113L is a device that notifies the user of information.
The notification section 113L provided in the device main body 11 includes a light emitting device such as an LED (=Light Emitting Diode). When the notification unit 113L is a light emitting device, the light emitting device is controlled to emit light in a pattern according to the content of the information to be notified. For example, when notifying the user that the power supply unit 111L needs to be charged, when notifying the user that the power supply unit 111L is being charged, and when notifying the user that an abnormality has occurred, the light emitting device Each light emission is controlled using a different pattern.

The concept of different light emission patterns includes differences in color, differences in timing between turning on and off, and differences in brightness when turning on.
In addition, the notification section 113L provided in the device main body 11 includes, for example, a display device that displays an image, a sound output device that outputs sound, and a vibration device that vibrates. These devices may be used alone or in combination, and may be used together with the light emitting device described above or in place of the light emitting device. An example of a display device here is a display 11A (see FIG. 1).

The storage unit 114L stores various information regarding the operation of the device main body 11. The storage unit 114L is composed of a nonvolatile storage medium such as a flash memory, for example.
The information stored in the storage unit 114L includes, for example, a program executed by the control unit 116L. Programs include an OS (Operating System), firmware, and application programs.

In addition, the information stored in the storage section 114L includes, for example, information required by the control section 116L to control each section.
The information here also includes information on each section detected by the sensor section 112L described above. For example, information regarding suction by the user and remaining battery power are also included. The information regarding suction by the user includes, for example, the number of suctions, the time when the start of suction or the end of suction is detected, the cumulative time of suction, and the heating mode in progress.
The information here also includes a table used to calculate the amount of capsule 30 consumed as the cartridge 20 is sucked.

The communication unit 115L is a communication interface used for transmitting and receiving information with other devices. The communication interface complies with wired and wireless communication standards.
Communication standards include, for example, wireless LAN (Local Area Network), wired LAN, and mobile communication systems such as 4G and 5G. In this embodiment, Wi-Fi (registered trademark) and Bluetooth (registered trademark) are used.

The communication unit 115L is used, for example, to display information regarding the user's suction on a smartphone, tablet type terminal, or the like.
In addition, the communication unit 115L is used, for example, to receive update data for programs stored in the storage unit 114L from the server.

The control unit 116L functions as an arithmetic processing unit and a control unit, and controls the operation of each unit constituting the device main body 11 through execution of a program.
The control unit 116L is provided with an electronic circuit such as a CPU (=Central Processing Unit) and a microprocessor.
In addition, the control unit 116L may be provided with a ROM (=Read Only Memory) that stores programs, calculation parameters, etc., and a RAM (=Random Access Memory) that temporarily stores parameters that change as appropriate.

The control unit 116L, for example, supplies power to each unit from the power supply unit 111L, charges the power supply unit 111L, detects information by the sensor unit 112L, reports information by the notification unit 113L, stores and reads information from the storage unit 114L, and communicates with the communication unit 115L. control the sending and receiving of information by
The control unit 116L also executes processing for accepting information based on user operations, processing based on information output from each unit, and the like.

The liquid storage section 123L is a container that stores a liquid aerosol source. Liquid aerosol sources include polyhydric alcohols such as glycerin and propylene glycol, and liquids such as water.
The liquid aerosol source may include tobacco raw materials or extracts derived from tobacco raw materials that release flavor components upon heating. The liquid aerosol source may also include a nicotine component.

The liquid guide section 122L is a component that guides and holds the liquid aerosol source stored in the liquid storage section 123L from the liquid storage section 123L. The liquid guide portion 122L has a structure in which, for example, a fiber material such as glass fiber or a porous material such as porous ceramic is twisted. This type of component is also called a wick.
Both ends of the liquid guide section 122L are connected to the inside of the liquid storage section 123L. Therefore, the aerosol source stored in the liquid storage section 123L spreads throughout the liquid guide section 122L due to the capillary effect.

The heating unit 121L-1 is a component that heats and atomizes the aerosol source held in the liquid guide unit 122L to generate aerosol. The heating section 121L-1 is an example of a first heating section.
The heating section 121L-1 is not limited to the coil shape shown in FIG. 3, but may be a film shape, a blade shape, or other shapes. The shape of the heating section 121L-1 varies depending on the heating method and the like. The heating section 121L-1 is made of any material such as metal or polyimide.

The heating section 121L-1 is arranged close to the liquid guiding section 122L. In the case of this embodiment, the heating section 121L-1 is a metal coil wound around the outer peripheral surface of the liquid guiding section 122L.
The heating unit 121L-1 generates heat by receiving power from the power supply unit 111L, and heats the aerosol source held in the liquid guiding unit 122L to the vaporization temperature. The aerosol source that has reached the vaporization temperature is released into the air from the liquid guide portion 122L as a gas, but is cooled by the surrounding air and atomized to become an aerosol.

The power supply to the heating unit 121L-1 that heats the liquid aerosol source is basically linked to the user's suction. That is, power is supplied to the heating unit 121L-1 from the start of suction by the user to the end of suction, and when the suction by the user ends, the supply of power to the heating unit 121L-1 is stopped.
However, in the present embodiment, as a countermeasure against liquid drying up, a period may be provided in which the supply of power to the heating unit 121L-1 is stopped even if suction by the user is detected. This period will be described later.

In addition, power supply to the heating unit 121L-1 that heats the liquid aerosol source starts, for example, when a specific button is pressed in a state where no aerosol is generated, and when a specific button is pressed in a state where an aerosol is generated. It may stop when the button is pressed.
The button for instructing to start generating aerosol and the button for instructing to stop generating aerosol may be physically the same button, or may be different buttons.

The capsule type container 130L is a container filled with a solid aerosol source.
The solid aerosol source may include a processed product formed by forming shredded tobacco or tobacco raw material into granules, sheets, or powder, which releases flavor components when heated. That is, the solid aerosol source may include tobacco-derived materials. The solid aerosol source may also include, for example, a nicotine component.
However, the solid aerosol source may also include non-tobacco-derived substances extracted from plants other than tobacco (eg, mint, herbs, etc.). In addition, the solid aerosol source may also contain a fragrance ingredient such as menthol.

The holding portion 140L corresponds to, for example, the capsule holder 12 (see FIG. 2), and has an internal space 141L into which the capsule-shaped container 130L is mounted. The holding portion 140L is a cylindrical body having a bottom portion 143L, and defines a columnar internal space 141L. Note that the holding section 140L is an example of a mechanical section that holds the capsule 30.
A part of the capsule-shaped container 130L is held by the holding part 140L, and the rest is exposed outside the holding part 140L. A portion of the capsule-shaped container 130L exposed from the holding portion 140L is used as a mouthpiece 124L. Mouthpiece 124L is held in the mouth by a user who inhales the aerosol.

An air inlet (that is, an air inflow hole) for the holding portion 140L is provided, for example, at the bottom portion 143L. Note that a hole through which air can flow is formed at the bottom of the capsule-shaped container 130L. Therefore, the air flowing in from the bottom 143L passes through the inside of the capsule-shaped container 130L and reaches the mouthpiece 124L. That is, the mouthpiece 124L serves as an air outlet (that is, an air outflow hole).
Incidentally, the bottom portion 143L communicates with an air outlet hole 182L of an air flow path 180L formed inside the device main body 11. The internal space 141L of the holding portion 140L and the air flow path 180L communicate with each other through the air outflow hole 182L.

The heating unit 121L-2 heats the solid aerosol source filled in the capsule type container 130L. The heating section 121L-2 is an example of a second heating section.
The heating section 121L-2 is made of metal, polyimide, or the like. The heating part 121L-2 is provided at a position in contact with the outer peripheral surface of the metal portion of the holding part 140L.
The heating unit 121L-2 generates heat by receiving power from the power supply unit 111L, and heats the outer peripheral surface of the capsule-shaped container 130L that is in contact with the metal portion of the holding unit 140L.

Therefore, a position close to the outer circumferential surface of the capsule-shaped container 130L is heated first, and then the heating area expands toward the center.
Once the aerosol source reaches its vaporization temperature, it is vaporized. However, it is cooled by the surrounding air and atomizes, becoming an aerosol.
The power supply to the heating unit 121L-2 and the heating accompanying the power supply are controlled by the control unit 116L.

The heat insulating section 144L is a member that prevents heat from propagating from the heating section 121L-2 to other components of the apparatus main body 11. The heat insulating section 144L covers at least the outer peripheral surface of the heating section 121L-2.
The heat insulating section 144L is made of, for example, a vacuum heat insulating material or an airgel heat insulating material. Vacuum insulation materials are insulation materials that reduce heat conduction through gas to as close to zero as possible by wrapping glass wool, silica (silicon powder), etc. in a resin film and creating a high vacuum state.

The air flow path 180L is an air flow path provided inside the device main body 11, as described above. The air flow path 180L has a tubular structure with both ends having an air inflow hole 181L, which is an inlet of air to the air flow path 180L, and an air outflow hole 182L, which is an outlet of air from the air flow path 180L. There is.
With suction by the user, air flows into the air flow path 180L from the air inflow hole 181L, and air flows out from the air outflow hole 182L to the bottom 143L of the holding portion 140L.

A liquid guide section 122L is arranged in the middle of the air flow path 180L. The liquid-derived aerosol generated by the heating of the heating section 121L-1 is mixed with the air flowing in from the air inflow hole 181L. Thereafter, the mixed gas of the liquid-derived aerosol and air passes through the inside of the capsule-shaped container 130L and is output from the mouthpiece 124L into the user's oral cavity. In FIG. 3, this flow path is indicated by an arrow 190L.

A solid-derived aerosol is added to the gas mixture of a liquid-derived aerosol and air when passing through the capsule-shaped container 130L.
The concentration of aerosol derived from solid matter is increased by combining the heating control of the heating section 121L-2.
However, as will be described later, in this embodiment, a heating mode that is not combined with the heating control of the heating section 121L-2 is also provided.

When the heating control of the heating unit 121L-2 is not combined, when the liquid-derived aerosol passes through the capsule-shaped container 130L, the solid aerosol source is heated to generate solid-derived aerosol. .
However, the amount of solid matter-derived aerosol generated by heating the liquid-derived aerosol is smaller than when heating control of the heating section 121L-2 is combined.

<Heating mode>
The aerosol generation device 10 assumed in the first embodiment has two types of heating modes.
The first heating mode is a first mode in which only the heating unit 121L-1 is used to heat the aerosol source stored in the cartridge 20 (see FIG. 2). That is, this is a heating mode in which only the cartridge 20 is heated.
Hereinafter, this heating mode will be referred to as "normal mode." In the normal mode, the heating unit 121L-2 that heats the solid aerosol source is always turned off. Note that in the normal mode, the heating unit 121L-2 that heats the solid aerosol source may be turned off at all times, but the power supplied may be reduced. The normal mode is an example of first heating.

The second heating mode is a heating section 121L-1 that heats the aerosol source stored in the cartridge 20 and a heating section 121L-2 that heats the aerosol source filled in the capsule 30 (see FIG. 2). The second mode uses both. That is, it is a heating mode in which both the cartridge 20 and the capsule 30 are heated.
Hereinafter, this heating mode will be referred to as "high mode." In the high mode, heating of the cartridge 20 by the heating unit 121L-1 and heating of the capsule 30 by the heating unit 121L-2 are performed alternately, or while the heating unit 121L-1 is being heated, the heating unit 121L is heated. -2 is reduced. High mode is an example of second heating.

Switching of the heating mode is performed, for example, by pressing and holding the operation button 11B (see FIG. 1) for 2 seconds or more.
For example, if the operation button 11B is pressed for 2 seconds or more during the high mode, the operation mode is switched to the normal mode. On the other hand, if the operation button 11B is pressed for 2 seconds or more during the normal mode, the operation mode is switched to the high mode.

In the high mode, heating of the cartridge 20 by the heating unit 121L-1 is prioritized over heating of the capsule 30 by the heating unit 121L-2.
That is, during heating by heating unit 121L-1, heating by heating unit 121L-2 is controlled to be stopped or reduced. Further, when an event that starts heating the cartridge 20 occurs while the heating unit 121L-2 is heating the capsule 30, the heating by the heating unit 121L-2 is controlled to stop or reduce.

In the case of the aerosol generation device 10 assumed in the first embodiment, heating of the heating section 121L-1 and heating of the heating section 121L-2 is performed so as not to exceed the upper limit of the output current of the battery used as the power supply section 111L. are controlled so that they are not executed at the same time. In other words, the heating period of the heating section 121L-1 and the heating period of the heating section 121L-2 are separated, or while the heating section 121L-1 is being heated, the heating section 121L-2 is supplied with the heating period. Power is reduced.
Simultaneous here does not mean that the heating timings do not overlap at all. Therefore, overlaps caused, for example, by errors in operational timing are tolerated.

Note that in the high mode, the heating unit 121L-2 that heats the solid aerosol source may be turned off at all times, but the power supplied may be reduced. In other words, a part or all of the heating period by the heating section 121L-1 and the heating period by the heating section 121L-2 may be allowed to overlap. However, if simultaneous heating is allowed, the maximum value of power supplied to heating parts 121L-1 and 121L-2 during simultaneous heating should be set to It is desirable to set the value to be smaller than the maximum value of the power supplied at the time.
For example, when the heating unit 121L-1 starts heating the cartridge 20, the heating of the capsule 30 by the heating unit 121L-2 is reduced so as not to exceed the upper limit of the output current of the battery.

FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating normal mode and high mode. (A) is a diagram illustrating an example of heating timing in normal mode, and (B) is a diagram illustrating an example of heating timing in high mode.
FIG. 4 (A1) shows the heating timing of the cartridge 20 in the normal mode, and FIG. 4 (A2) shows the heating timing of the capsule 30 in the normal mode.
The horizontal axis of FIGS. 4A1 and 4A2 represents time, and the vertical axis represents the presence or absence of heating.
During the heating period, power is supplied to the corresponding heating section, and during the non-heating period, no power is supplied to the corresponding heating section.

Heating control in normal mode is started when the locked state is released.
The locked state is a state in which control by the control unit 116L is stopped. Therefore, even if the user applies the mouthpiece 124L (see FIG. 3) and inhales, no aerosol is generated.
The locked state is released, for example, by pressing the operation button 11B (see FIG. 1) three times in succession within two seconds. The number of presses, the button to be operated, and the time required for the operation are all examples.
When the normal mode heating control starts, the cartridge 20 is heated in conjunction with the suction period, as shown in FIG. 4 (A1).
"Linked to the period of suction" means linked to the detection of suction by the sensor unit 112L.

Therefore, if suction for 1 second is detected, cartridge 20 is heated for 1 second, and if suction for 2 seconds is detected, cartridge 20 is heated for 2 seconds.
In the case of this embodiment, the heating of the cartridge 20 is controlled in units of a monitoring period of a predetermined length that is started upon detection of suction. In this embodiment, this monitoring period may be referred to as "heating-on monitoring time." The heating-on monitoring time is the longest time during which the cartridge 20 can be heated continuously.
Note that the heating of the cartridge may be controlled in units of "suction times." An aspiration cycle is a monitoring period that begins with the detection of the first aspiration after the previous aspiration cycle ends. One monitoring period is one aspiration session.
Therefore, even if suction is detected at the end of the monitoring period, heating of the cartridge 20 is ended.

After the monitoring period ends, a new monitoring period is set upon detection of new suction. In the new monitoring period, heating control similar to the heating of the cartridge 20 during the monitoring period is performed.
If the time between the monitoring period and the new monitoring period is less than a predetermined value, the heating of the cartridge 20 during the new monitoring period may be reduced compared to the heating of the cartridge 20 during the monitoring period. In this case, the degree of reduction in heating of the cartridge 20 in the new monitoring period may be determined based on the length of time between the monitoring period and the new monitoring period. Note that the predetermined value is, for example, 10 seconds, but is not limited to 10 seconds and can be set arbitrarily.
Based on the length of time between the monitoring period and the new monitoring period, the heating of the cartridge 20 during the new monitoring period is reduced compared to the heating of the cartridge 20 during the monitoring period, so that short interval aspiration Even if this is repeated, the amount of aerosol produced can be reduced, and the liquid aerosol source in the liquid guide section will not be depleted. In other words, liquid depletion is suppressed, and the user is able to continue suctioning the aerosol.

In the present embodiment, a period (hereinafter referred to as "heating prohibition time") during which heating of the cartridge 20 is prohibited regardless of suction detection may be provided after the monitoring period.
By providing a monitoring period and a heating prohibition time, even if short intervals of suction are repeated (or even if suction is detected continuously for a long time), the liquid will be removed before heating of the cartridge 20 begins. It becomes possible to secure time for supplying the aerosol source to the wick. Note that specific examples of suction times and the like will be described later.

In the normal mode, as shown in FIG. 4 (A2), heating of the capsule 30 is not performed regardless of the presence or absence of suction.
In the case of this embodiment, when a predetermined time has elapsed since suction was last detected, the control unit 116L shifts to the locked state.
Even in the locked state, the heating mode will not change. There is no change in the heating mode even when returning from the locked state.

In this embodiment, 6 minutes (ie, 360 seconds) is adopted as the predetermined time. This time is an example. If 6 minutes have passed since the last inhalation, it means that the user has likely stopped inhaling the aerosol.
Therefore, in the present embodiment, the device main body 11 (see FIG. 2) shifts to the locked state for the purpose of suppressing the power consumed. The same applies to the high mode. That is, when 6 minutes have passed since the last suction, the aerosol generating device 10 is controlled to be in a locked state.

Note that the device also transitions to the locked state when the user instructs the transition to the locked state. The manual transition to the locked state by the user is performed by, for example, pressing the operation button 11B (see FIG. 1) three times in succession within 2 seconds before 6 minutes have passed since the last suction. The number of presses, the button to be operated, and the time required for the operation are all examples.

FIG. 4 (B1) shows the heating timing of the cartridge 20 in the high mode, and FIG. 4 (B2) shows the heating timing of the capsule 30 in the high mode.
The horizontal axis of FIGS. 4 (B1) and (B2) represents time, and the vertical axis represents the presence or absence of heating.
As described above, in this embodiment, simultaneous heating of cartridge 20 and capsule 30 may be prohibited. Therefore, the heating timing of the cartridge 20 and the heating timing of the capsule 30 do not have to overlap. Also, the power supplied to the capsule 30 may be reduced while the cartridge 20 is being heated. In this case, the heating timing of the cartridge 20 and the heating timing of the capsule 30 may partially overlap.
Note that during the period when heating is indicated, power is supplied to the corresponding heating section, and during the period when there is no heating, no power is supplied to the corresponding heating section, or the power supplied to the corresponding heating section is reduced. Ru.

Heating control in the high mode is started when the lock state is released or when the normal mode is switched to the high mode.
When the high mode heating control starts, heating of the capsule 30 starts as shown in FIG. 4 (B2). This heating essentially continues until suction is detected, and heating of the capsule 30 is stopped or reduced during the period when suction is detected.
As shown in FIGS. 4(B1) and (B2), heating of the capsule 30 is stopped or reduced at the timing when heating of the cartridge 20 is started. Note that the initial temperature of the capsule 30 is, for example, the temperature of the environment in which the aerosol generating device 10 is used, for example, room temperature.

In the case of the aerosol generating device 10 according to the present embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 4(B1) and (B2), heating of the capsule 30 is stopped or reduced when 30 seconds have elapsed since suction was last detected. and reduce power consumption. In other words, it goes into a sleep state. In the sleep state, the temperature of the capsule 30 gradually decreases.

In the sleep state, heating of the capsule 30 is stopped or reduced, but the sensor unit 112L that detects suction is operating. Therefore, when the user's suction is detected in the sleep state, the cartridge 20 is heated as shown in FIG. 4 (B1). Moreover, when the heating of the cartridge 20 is completed, the heating of the capsule 30 is started or increased as shown in FIG. 4 (B2).

In the case of this embodiment, the user is not notified of the transition to the sleep state, but the user may be notified.
Note that when another 5 minutes and 30 seconds elapse in the sleep state, the device shifts to the lock state described above.

<Heating on monitoring time>
In this embodiment, heating of capsule 30 may be stopped or reduced during the monitoring period.

5 to 7 show examples of controlling heating timing when heating of capsule 30 is stopped or reduced during the monitoring period. Note that the heating control example described below can be applied to heating the cartridge 20 (see FIG. 2) in the normal mode, except for heating the capsule 30 (see FIG. 2).
5 to 7 correspond to different suction patterns.

FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an example of heating timing of the cartridge 20 and capsule 30 in the first embodiment. (A) shows the suction period, (B) shows an example of the heating timing of the cartridge 20, and (C) shows an example of the heating timing of the capsule 30.

In this embodiment, the monitoring period may be referred to as "heat-on monitoring time." In the following, the monitoring period will be described as a "heating-on monitoring time." In the case of FIG. 8, the heating-on monitoring time is 2.4 seconds. Note that the heating-on monitoring time is not limited to 2.4 seconds, and may be 2 seconds or 3 seconds.

In the case of FIG. 5A, two suctions are detected during the heating-on monitoring time, and the second suction ends before the heating-on monitoring time elapses. In this case, the heating timing of the cartridge 20 coincides with the detected suction period, as shown in FIG. 5(B).
After the heating-on monitoring time ends, a new heating-on monitoring time is set by detecting new suction. The new heating-on monitoring time is set by the detection of new suction after the heating-on monitoring time ends, so even if the second suction is detected during the heating-on monitoring time, the new heating-on monitoring time will not be set. is not set.
Note that the heating of the cartridge may be controlled in units of "suction times." The suction cycle is a heating-on monitoring time that starts when the first suction is detected after the previous suction cycle ends. One heat-on monitoring time is one suction cycle.
In the case of this embodiment, the heating of the capsule 30 is stopped (off control) or reduced during the entire period of the heating-on monitoring time, as shown in FIG. 5(C). Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 5C, heating of the capsule 30 is started or increased during a period that is not the heating-on monitoring time.

Note that in this embodiment, the time between the heating-on monitoring time and the new heating-on monitoring time may be referred to as the "heating-off time." For example, the time from the end time of the heating-on monitoring time to the start time of a new heating-on monitoring time is referred to as the "heating off time." In other words, the time from the end of the heating-on monitoring time until new suction is detected is referred to as the "heating-off time." In FIG. 5(A), the heating off time is 1.8 seconds.

Assuming that suction is detected during the entire heating-on monitoring time, the capsule 30 should be replaced approximately 50 times in normal mode and approximately 30 times in high mode, for example.
In the case of high mode, since the capsule 30 is preheated, more aerosol source is consumed during the passage of the liquid-derived aerosol than in normal mode, so the number of times is lower than in normal mode. .
Note that this standard number of times is an example, and is not limited to these numbers. Moreover, this standard number of times varies depending on the type and type of cartridge. Further, this standard number of times can be set arbitrarily.

By the way, the method of suction varies depending on the user. Therefore, the aerosol source of the capsule 30 is not necessarily consumed as expected.
Therefore, in this embodiment, the "heating time length" is measured every suction or every heating-on monitoring time. Then, using the measured heating time length or the total time of the heating time lengths, the consumption amount of the solid material aerosol source is calculated.
Note that the heating time length may also be referred to as "heating on time". In the following, explanation will be made using heating on time.

The heating on time is the time during which the cartridge 20 is heated. The heating on time may be the time during which power is supplied to the heating section 121L-1. The heating-on time may be the length of time during which the user's suction is detected during the heating-on monitoring time. The heating-on time may be calculated for each suction, or may be calculated as the total time of suction that occurred within the heating-on monitoring time.
Calculating the consumption of the solid aerosol source in units of heating-on monitoring time is because heating in normal mode and heating in high mode may be mixed during use of one capsule 30, This is because even if the time is the same, the amount consumed is not necessarily the same.

In the case of FIG. 5(A), two suctions are detected in one suction cycle, and the second suction ends before the heating-on monitoring time elapses. In this case, the heating timing of the cartridge 20 coincides with the detected suction period, as shown in FIG. 5(B). In this example, the total time of the "heating on time" corresponding to the two suctions that occurred during the heating on monitoring time is 1.2 seconds.

FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating another example of the heating timing of the cartridge 20 and capsule 30 in the first embodiment. (A) shows the suction period, (B) shows an example of the timing of heating the cartridge 20, and (C) shows an example of the timing of heating the capsule 30.
In FIG. 6, parts corresponding to those in FIG. 5 are shown with corresponding symbols.
The difference between FIG. 6 and FIG. 5 is that in the case of FIG. 9A, the second suction during the heating monitoring on time continues beyond the heating on monitoring time.

In FIG. 6(A), the heating off time is 1.2 seconds. As shown in FIG. 6(B), even if suction continues beyond the heating-on monitoring time, heating of the cartridge 20 is stopped after the heating-on monitoring time has elapsed. Also, as shown in FIG. 6(C), heating of the capsule 30 is started or increased.
In the case of FIG. 6, the total time of the heating-on time corresponding to the two suctions that occurred during the heating-on monitoring time is 2.0 seconds.

FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating another example of the heating timing of the cartridge 20 and capsule 30 in the first embodiment. (A) shows the suction period, (B) shows an example of the timing of heating the cartridge 20, and (C) shows an example of the timing of heating the capsule 30.
In FIG. 7, parts corresponding to those in FIG. 5 are shown with corresponding symbols.
The difference between FIG. 7 and FIG. 5 is that the non-suction state continues even after the heating-on monitoring time has elapsed, and the device shifts to the sleep state.

In FIG. 7, the start of the period of transition to the sleep state is the time when the heating-on monitoring time ends, and the transition to the sleep state occurs when the non-suction state continues for 30 seconds. Note that the device may enter a sleep state when 30 seconds have elapsed from the end time of suction within the heating-on monitoring time, which is the time when the second suction ended in FIG. 7(A). In FIG. 7(A), the heating off time is 10 seconds or more.
Note that in FIGS. 5(A), 6(A), and 7(A), the number of suctions detected during the heating-on monitoring time is two, but the number of suctions detected during the heating-on monitoring time is The number of times may be one or three or more times.
In the case of FIG. 6, the total heating-on time corresponding to one suction occurring during the heating-on monitoring time is 1.2 seconds.

In addition, in FIG. 5(A), FIG. 6(A), and FIG. 7(A), the number of suctions detected during the heating-on monitoring time (one suction time) is two times, but The number of suctions during the on-monitoring time (one suction time) may be one or three or more times.

<Heating on monitoring time and heating inhibit time>
In this embodiment, in addition to the heating period (heating-on monitoring time), a heating prohibition time may be provided. Hereinafter, a specific example of heating control during the above-mentioned heating-on monitoring time and heating inhibiting time will be described using FIGS. 8 to 10.
8 to 10 show examples of heating timing control in the high mode. However, the heating control example described below can be applied to heating the cartridge 20 (see FIG. 2) in the normal mode, except for heating the capsule 30 (see FIG. 2).
8 to 10 correspond to different suction patterns.

FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating an example of heating timing of the cartridge 20 and capsule 30 in the high mode. (A) shows the suction period, (B) shows an example of the heating timing of the cartridge 20, and (C) shows an example of the heating timing of the capsule 30.
As mentioned above, the suction round (ie, the heating-on monitoring time) is started by the detection of the first suction after the previous suction round ends. In the case of FIG. 8, the heating-on monitoring time is 2.4 seconds. However, the heating-on monitoring time is not limited to 2.4 seconds, and may be 2 seconds or 3 seconds.

In the case of FIG. 8A, two suctions are detected in one suction cycle, and the second suction ends before the heating-on monitoring time elapses. In this case, the heating timing of the cartridge 20 coincides with the detected period of suction, as shown in FIG. 8(B). In this example, the total time of the "heating on time" corresponding to the two suctions that occurred during the heating on monitoring time is 1.2 seconds.
Aerosol derived from a solid substance is generated when a high temperature aerosol derived from a liquid passes through the capsule 30 in both normal mode and high mode.

By the way, the suction cycle (i.e. heating-on monitoring time) starts with the detection of the first suction after the end of the previous suction cycle, so even if the second suction is detected in the same suction cycle, the suction cycle (i.e. (heat-on monitoring time) will not be reset.
In the case of this embodiment, the heating of the capsule 30 is stopped (off control) or reduced during the entire period of the heating-on monitoring time, as shown in FIG. 8(C).

After the heating-on monitoring time ends, a heating inhibition time of, for example, 1.2 seconds is provided. Note that the heating prohibition time of 1.2 seconds is an example.
The heating prohibition time is a time during which heating of the cartridge 20 is prohibited. Therefore, even if suction is detected within the heating prohibition time as shown in FIG. 8(A), heating of the cartridge 20 is not performed as shown in FIG. 8(B). On the other hand, when the heating prohibition time starts, heating of the capsule 30 is started or increased as shown in FIG. 8(C).

In the example of FIG. 8(A), suction is not detected even after the heating prohibition time has elapsed. Therefore, even after the heating prohibition time ends, the heating state of the capsule 30 continues until the next suction is detected.
When a new suction is detected in this state, a new heating-on monitoring time is set, and the heating of the cartridge 20 is started and the heating of the capsule 30 is stopped or reduced.
In the present embodiment, the time from the end time of the heating-on monitoring time (or the starting time of the heating prohibition time) to the start time of the first suction detected after the end of the heating prohibition time is referred to as the "heating off time." In the case of FIG. 8(A), the heating off time is 1.8 seconds.

FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating another example of the heating timing of the cartridge 20 and capsule 30 in the high mode. (A) shows the suction period, (B) shows an example of the timing of heating the cartridge 20, and (C) shows an example of the timing of heating the capsule 30.
In FIG. 9, parts corresponding to those in FIG. 8 are shown with corresponding symbols.
The difference between FIG. 9 and FIG. 8 is that in the case of FIG. 9(A), the second suction in one suction cycle continues beyond the heating-on monitoring time, and the next suction is the heating prohibition time. The point is that it starts within.

Even if suction continues beyond the heating-on monitoring time, the heating prohibition time starts after the heating-on monitoring time elapses, so heating of the cartridge 20 is stopped as shown in FIG. 9(B).
Furthermore, even if suction starts before the heating prohibition time has elapsed, heating of the cartridge 20 is prohibited. Therefore, the next suction cycle, that is, the heating-on monitoring time, starts after the heating prohibition time has elapsed.
In the case of FIG. 9, the total time of the heating-on time corresponding to the two suctions that occurred during the heating-on monitoring time is 2.0 seconds.

FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating another example of the heating timing of the cartridge 20 and capsule 30 in the high mode. (A) shows the suction period, (B) shows an example of the timing of heating the cartridge 20, and (C) shows an example of the timing of heating the capsule 30.
In FIG. 10, parts corresponding to those in FIG. 8 are shown with corresponding symbols.
The difference between FIG. 10 and FIG. 8 is that the non-suction state continues even after the heating prohibition time has elapsed, and the device shifts to the sleep state.

In FIG. 10, the start of the period for transitioning to the sleep state is the time when the heating-on monitoring time ends, that is, the time when the heating prohibition time starts, and even after the heating prohibition time ends, the non-suction state continues for 28.8 seconds. It has gone to sleep at this point.
However, when 30 seconds have elapsed from the end time of suction within the heating-on monitoring time, which is the time when the second suction ended in FIG. 10(A), the device may enter the sleep state.
In the case of FIG. 10, the total heating-on time corresponding to one suction occurring during the heating-on monitoring time is 1.2 seconds.

Note that in FIGS. 8(A), 9(A), and 10(A) described above, the number of suctions detected during the heating-on monitoring time (one suction time) is two times. The number of suctions during the heating-on monitoring time (one suction time) may be one or three or more times.

<Cartridge heating control and capsule consumption calculation>
FIG. 11 is a flowchart illustrating a part of a method for controlling the heating of the cartridge 20 and calculating the consumption amount of the capsule 30 in the first embodiment. FIG. 12 is a flowchart illustrating the remaining part of the method for controlling the heating of the cartridge 20 and calculating the consumption amount of the capsule 30 in the first embodiment.
The symbol S shown in the figure means a step.
The processes shown in FIGS. 11 and 12 are realized through program execution. The program here is stored in the storage unit 114L (see FIG. 3) and executed by the control unit 116L (see FIG. 3).
Note that the control shown in FIGS. 11 and 12 is executed in both normal mode and high mode.

First, the control unit 116L determines whether or not the start of suction as the start event of the heating-on monitoring time is detected (step 1).
For example, if the start of suction is detected after the heating-on monitoring time has elapsed, the control unit 116L obtains an affirmative result in step 1 (“YES” in step 1).
In addition, when setting the heating prohibition time, for example, if the start of suction is detected after the heating prohibition time of the cartridge 20 has elapsed, the control unit 116L returns an affirmative result in step 1 (“YES” in step 1). It may be configured to obtain. After the heating prohibition time has elapsed, the period before going to sleep and the period during sleep are included. In the case of this embodiment, if suction is started during the heating prohibition time and continues even when the heating prohibition time ends, the start of suction is detected at the same time as the heating prohibition time ends. regarded as.
On the other hand, for example, if the start of suction is detected within the heating-on monitoring time, the control unit 116L obtains a negative result in step 1 (“NO” in step 1). In this case, although not shown in FIG. 14, power is supplied to the heating unit 121L-1 that heats the cartridge 20 until the detected suction ends or until the heating-on monitoring time elapses. Good too.
Further, if the start of suction is detected within the heating prohibition time, the control unit 116L may be configured to obtain a negative result in step 1 (“NO” in step 1).

The pressure sensor used to detect suction requires approximately 60 ms to detect the start of suction. At the shortest, the start of suction can be detected in approximately 20 ms. However, in this embodiment, the accuracy of detecting the start of suction is increased by repeating the 20 ms determination three times. The same applies to the detection of the end of suction, which will be described later. That is, the control unit 116L increases the accuracy of detecting the end of suction by repeating the determination three times for approximately 20 ms.
While a negative result (“NO” in step 1) is obtained in step 1, the control unit 116L repeats the determination in step 1.

If a positive result is obtained in step 1 (“YES” in step 1), the control unit 116L sets a heating-on monitoring time (step 2). The length of the heating-on monitoring time is predetermined.
Next, the control unit 116L instructs the heating unit 121L-1 that heats the cartridge 20 to supply power (step 3).
Subsequently, the control unit 116L determines whether the heating-on monitoring time has ended (step 4).
In the case of the present embodiment, it is necessary to stop heating the cartridge 20 even if the end of suction, which is the start event of the heating-on monitoring time, is not detected within the heating-on monitoring time. Therefore, the control unit 116L determines whether or not the heating-on monitoring time has ended.

If a negative result is obtained in step 4 (“NO” in step 4), the control unit 116L determines whether or not the end of suction has been detected (step 5). The end of suction that is the object of detection is not limited to the end of the suction that became the start event of the heating-on monitoring time, but also the end of the second and subsequent suctions within the same heating-on monitoring time.
If the ongoing suction continues or the second and subsequent suctions have not been started, the control unit 116L obtains a negative result in step 5 (“NO” in step 5).
In this case, the control unit 116L determines whether or not the start of suction has been detected (step 6). The start of suction to be detected is the start of second and subsequent suctions.

If no new suction is detected, the control unit 116L obtains a negative result in step 6 (“NO” in step 6) and returns to step 4. That is, if neither the end of the suction in progress nor the start of a new suction is detected within the heating-on monitoring time, the loop process of step 4-step 5-step 6-step 4 is repeated.
Note that if the end of the suction in progress is detected during this loop process, the control unit 116L obtains a positive result in step 5 ("YES" in step 5). In this case, the control unit 116L stops supplying power to the heating unit 121L-1 that heats the cartridge 20 (step 7).
Subsequently, the control unit 116L obtains the heating on time regarding the current suction (step 8), and returns to step 4. Obtaining the heating on time in step 8 is performed every time the end of suction is detected within the heating on time.

On the other hand, if a new breath is detected during the loop processing of step 4 - step 5 - step 6 - step 4, the control unit 116L obtains a positive result in step 6 ("YES" in step 6), and in step 3 Return to
In this case, the control unit 116L instructs the heating unit 121L-1 that heats the cartridge 20 to supply power in conjunction with the newly detected suction (step 3), and thereafter executes the above-described process.
Eventually, when the heating-on monitoring time ends, the control unit 116L obtains a positive result in step 4 ("YES" in step 4). In this case, the control unit 116L determines whether or not suction is continuing (step 9).
If a positive result is obtained in step 9 (“YES” in step 9), the control unit 116L stops the power supply to the heating unit 121L-1 that heats the cartridge 20 (step 10), and Obtain heating on time (step 11).

Note that if the suction has already ended when the heating-on monitoring time ends, the control unit 116L obtains a negative result in step 9 (“NO” in step 9).
If a negative result is obtained in step 9 (“NO” in step 9), or after executing step 11, the control unit 116L calculates the total heating-on time within the current heating-on monitoring time ( Step 12).
After that, the control unit 116L acquires the heating mode (step 13), and further calculates the amount of capsules 30 consumed during the current heating-on monitoring time based on the calculated total time and heating mode ( Step 14).
In the case of the present embodiment, the control unit 116L calculates the consumption amount of the capsule 30 regarding the current heating-on monitoring time using a table stored in the storage unit 114L (see FIG. 13, which will be described later).

FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating an example of a table in which the consumption amount of the capsule 30 is associated with the length of the heating on time and the combination of the heating mode.
In the table shown in FIG. 13, the first column from the left is "Length of heating on time", the second column from the left is the amount of consumption in "Normal mode", and the third column from the left is "Length of heating on time". This is the amount of consumption in "high mode".
In the case of the table shown in FIG. 13, the unit of "length of heating on time" is "second", and the unit of amount of consumption in each heating mode is "%". The length of the heating on time here is the total time corresponding to suction detected within the heating on monitoring time.

In this embodiment, the remaining amount of aerosol in the solid aerosol source filled in an unused capsule 30 is set to 100%, and the consumption amount calculated according to the length of the heating-on time is recorded. .
In the normal mode, for example, the consumption amount is set to 100% when the heating on time of 2.4 seconds is repeated 50 times. Therefore, the value in the normal mode corresponding to the heating on time of 2.4 seconds is 2% (=100%÷50).
In the high mode, for example, the consumption amount is set to 100% when the heating on time of 2.4 seconds is repeated 30 times. Therefore, the high mode value corresponding to the heating on time of 2.4 seconds is 3.333% (=100%÷30).

Note that the consumption amount depending on the length of the heating-on time does not have a perfect linear relationship, as will be described later. For example, the rate of change in the consumption amount in the range from 0.5 seconds to 1.5 seconds is larger than the rate of change in the consumption amount in the range from 0.5 seconds to 1.5 seconds than the rate of change in the consumption amount in the range from 0.5 seconds to 1.5 seconds. The rate of change in consumption in the range from 1.5 seconds to 2.4 seconds is greater than the rate of change in consumption in the range up to 5 seconds. This tendency is common to normal mode and high mode.

However, depending on the composition of the aerosol source, etc., the number of points of change in the rate of change is not limited to two, and the values of the points of change may differ between the normal mode and the high mode.
In the table shown in FIG. 13, the numerical value of the consumption amount reflecting this rate of change is recorded in association with the length of the heating-on time.
Although the table shown in FIG. 13 is in increments of 0.1 seconds, the increments may be smaller. For example, the interval may be 0.05 seconds or 0.01 seconds.

Returning to the explanation of FIG. 12.
When the consumption amount of the solid aerosol source consumed during each heating-on monitoring time is calculated in step 14, the control unit 116L updates the cumulative consumption amount with the newly calculated consumption amount (step 15).
As mentioned above, the heating mode may be switched while one capsule 30 is in use, and the consumption amount differs depending on the heating mode even for the same heating-on time, but the consumption amount calculated per heating-on monitoring time is Since the cumulative value is calculated, the accuracy of consumption calculation is improved.

Note that when the user requests display of the remaining amount of the capsule 30, the remaining amount R may be calculated and displayed using the following equation.
Remaining amount R (%) = 100 (%) - Cumulative consumption amount (%)
Further, when the remaining amount R of the aerosol source filled in the capsule 30 becomes 0%, the control unit 116L displays a notification requesting the user to replace the capsule on the display 11A (see FIG. 1).

Note that in the flowcharts shown in FIGS. 11 and 12, the cumulative consumption of the solid aerosol source filled in the capsule 30 is calculated every time the heating-on monitoring time ends. The cumulative consumption amount of the solid aerosol source and the cumulative consumption amount of the capsule 30 in the high mode are calculated separately and stored in the storage unit 114L, and when it is required to calculate the cumulative consumption amount of the solid aerosol source or display the remaining amount. , the total value of the two cumulative consumption amounts may be calculated, or the remaining amount may be calculated using the total value.

The storage unit 114L may also store the number of capsules 30 whose cumulative consumption has reached 100%, the number of suctions in normal mode, and the number of suctions in high mode. By storing these numerical values as a log, it becomes possible to analyze when a malfunction occurs. However, these numerical values may be displayed on the display 11A (see FIG. 1).

<Specific example of the relationship between suction pattern and heating on time>
Below, specific examples of various suction patterns and heating on times will be described using FIGS. 14 to 16.
FIG. 14 is a diagram illustrating suction patterns 1 and 2. (A) shows an example of suction pattern 1, and (B) shows an example of suction pattern 2. In FIG. 14, parts corresponding to those in FIG. 8 are shown with corresponding symbols.

In addition, in the explanation of FIGS. 14 to 16, in the normal mode, for example, the consumption amount is set to 100% when the heating on time of 2.4 seconds is repeated 50 times, and in the high mode, for example, An example will be explained in which the consumption amount is set to 100% when the heating on time of 2.4 seconds is repeated 30 times.

Suction pattern 1 includes two heating-on monitoring times.
The first heating-on monitoring period includes two suctions, and the second suction continues until the end of the heating-on monitoring period.
The total heating on time in suction pattern 1 is 2.0 seconds. Therefore, in the example of FIG. 13, 1.6% of the aerosol source is consumed in the normal mode, and 2.5% of the aerosol source is consumed in the high mode.

Suction pattern 2 also includes two heat-on monitoring times. Further, the first heating-on monitoring time includes two suctions.
However, the second suction during the first heating-on monitoring time is different from suction pattern 1 in that it ends before the end of the heating-on monitoring time.
The total heating on time in suction pattern 2 is 1.2 seconds. Therefore, in the example of FIG. 13, 0.86% of the aerosol source is consumed in the normal mode, and 1.2% of the aerosol source is consumed in the high mode.

FIG. 15 is a diagram illustrating suction patterns 3 and 4. (A) shows an example of suction pattern 3, and (B) shows an example of suction pattern 4. In FIG. 15, parts corresponding to those in FIG. 14 are shown with corresponding symbols.
Suction pattern 3 also includes two heat-on monitoring times. Further, the first heating-on monitoring time includes two suctions.
However, the second suction during the first heating-on monitoring time is different from suction pattern 1 in that it continues even after the heating-on monitoring time ends.
However, since heating of the cartridge 20 is stopped after the heating-on monitoring time has elapsed, the total heating-on time in suction pattern 3 is 2.0 seconds. Therefore, the total amount of consumption within the heating-on monitoring time is the same as in suction pattern 1.

Suction pattern 4 also includes two heat-on monitoring times.
However, the suction during the first heating-on monitoring time is one time.
In this case, the total heating-on time within the heating-on monitoring time matches the heating-on time for one suction. In the case of FIG. 15(B), the heating on time is 0.8 seconds. Therefore, in the example of FIG. 13, 0.54% of the aerosol source is consumed in the normal mode, and 0.8% of the aerosol source is consumed in the high mode.

FIG. 16 is a diagram illustrating suction patterns 5 and 6. (A) shows an example of suction pattern 5, and (B) shows an example of suction pattern 6. In FIG. 16, parts corresponding to those in FIG. 15 are shown with corresponding symbols.
Suction pattern 5 also includes two heat-on monitoring times. Further, the first heating-on monitoring time includes one suction.
The difference between suction pattern 5 and suction pattern 4 is the length of the heating on time. The heating on time in suction pattern 5 is 2.0 seconds.
Therefore, the amount of capsule 30 consumed within the heating-on monitoring time is the same as in pattern 1.

Suction pattern 6 also includes two heat-on monitoring times. Further, the first heating-on monitoring time includes one suction.
However, in the case of pattern 6, one suction within the first heating-on monitoring time continues beyond the heating-on monitoring time, and is different from suction patterns 4 and 5 in this point. Even if the suction continues, the power supply to the heating unit 121L-1 that heats the cartridge 20 is stopped when the heating-on monitoring time has elapsed, so the heating-on time is 2.4 seconds. Therefore, in the example of FIG. 13, 2.0% of the aerosol source is consumed in the normal mode, and 3.3% of the aerosol source is consumed in the high mode.
For users who repeat this suction pattern, it is possible to use one capsule 30 approximately 50 times (suction times) in normal mode, and approximately 30 times (suction times) in high mode. Become.

<Example of setting heating prohibition time>
Below, an example of determining the power supplied to generate a plurality of suction patterns and liquid-derived aerosol in the case of setting the heating prohibition time will be described using FIG. 17.
FIG. 17 is a diagram illustrating suction patterns 7 and 8. (A) shows an example of suction pattern 7, and (B) shows an example of suction pattern 8. In FIG. 17, parts corresponding to those in FIG. 14 are shown with corresponding symbols.

<Suction pattern 7>
Suction pattern 7 includes two heating-on monitoring times.
The first heating-on monitoring period includes two suctions, and the second suction continues until the end of the heating-on monitoring period.
In suction pattern 7, a heating inhibition time of 1.2 seconds is set after the first heating-on monitoring time has elapsed. Furthermore, in suction pattern 7, a new puff is detected within the heating prohibition time after the first heating-on monitoring time has elapsed. Furthermore, in suction pattern 7, a new puff is detected again 1.2 seconds after the first heating-on monitoring time elapses.
Note that in suction pattern 7, since suction is detected at the timing of the end of the heating prohibition period, the length of the heating prohibition period and the heating off period are the same, 1.2 seconds. If the first suction detected after the end of the heating prohibition period is, for example, 1.0 seconds later, the heating off time is 2.2 seconds (after the first heating on monitoring time elapses, heating is prohibited) 2.2 seconds after the end of the period until the time of the first detected aspiration).

Since the cartridge 20 is not heated during the heating prohibition time, the total heating on time in the suction pattern 7 is 2.0 seconds. Therefore, in the example of FIG. 13, 1.6% of the aerosol source is consumed in the normal mode, and 2.5% of the aerosol source is consumed in the high mode.

<Suction pattern 8>
Suction pattern 8 also includes two heat-on monitoring times. However, the second suction in the first heating-on monitoring time in suction pattern 8 ends before the heating-on monitoring time ends. Note that the first suction during the second heating-on monitoring time is the same as suction pattern 7.
In the case of suction pattern 8, the length of the heating off time immediately before the first heating on monitoring time starts and the length of the heating off time immediately before the second heating on monitoring time starts are determined by the suction pattern. Same as 7.

In suction pattern 8, a heating inhibition time of 1.2 seconds is set after the first heating-on monitoring time elapses. Furthermore, in suction pattern 8, a new puff is detected within the heating prohibition time after the first heating-on monitoring time has elapsed. Furthermore, in suction pattern 8, a new puff is detected again 1.2 seconds after the first heating-on monitoring time elapses.
Therefore, in suction pattern 8, the heating off period is 1.2 seconds, which is the time from the elapse of the first heating on monitoring time to the first suction start time detected after the end of the heating inhibition period. becomes. That is, even if suction is detected within the heating prohibition time, heating of the cartridge 20 is not executed, so it is not included in the calculation of the heating off period.

Since the cartridge 20 is not heated during the heating prohibition time, the total heating on time in the suction pattern 8 is 1.2 seconds. Therefore, in the example of FIG. 13, 0.86% of the aerosol source is consumed in the normal mode, and 1.2% of the aerosol source is consumed in the high mode.

<Embodiment 2>
In this embodiment, an example will be described in which the consumption amount corresponding to the total value of the heating-on time measured for each heating-on monitoring time is calculated based on a calculation formula.
Note that the external appearance, internal configuration, etc. of the aerosol generation device 10 assumed in this embodiment are the same as the aerosol generation device 10 described in the first embodiment.

FIG. 18 is a diagram illustrating a method of calculating the consumption amount of the capsule 30 according to the length of the heating-on time.
The horizontal axis in FIG. 18 is the length of the heating on time, and the unit is seconds. Moreover, the vertical axis in FIG. 18 is the consumption amount of the capsule 30, and the unit is %. Note that when multiple suctions are included in one heating-on monitoring time, as in suction patterns 1 to 3 (see Figures 14 and 15) described above, the heating-on time shown on the horizontal axis corresponds to each suction. This is the total value of the heating on time.

In FIG. 18, the relationship between the length of the heating on time and the consumption amount of the capsule 30 in the normal mode is shown by a solid line, and the relationship between the length of the heating on time and the consumption amount of the capsule 30 in the high mode is shown by a broken line.
As can be seen from FIG. 18, when the heating on time is the same length, the consumption amount in the high mode is larger than the consumption amount in the normal mode.
Note that the changes in the graph shown in FIG. 18 are also used to calculate the table shown in FIG. 13.

Incidentally, when the length of the heating-on time is x and the consumption amount of the capsule 30 is y, the consumption amount in each operation mode is calculated using the following formula, for example.
・Normal mode y=1.0x-0.4 (1.5≦x≦2.4)
y=0.8x-0.1 (0.5≦x<1.5)
y=0.3 (however, x<0.5)
・In high mode y=2.0x-1.5 (1.5≦x≦2.4)
y=1.0x (0.5≦x<1.5)
y=0.5 (however, x<0.5)

Note that the calculation formula shown in FIG. 18 is an example, and different values may be used for the angle of inclination and the length of the heating on time during which the inclination is switched.
Moreover, although the calculation formula shown in FIG. 18 is a linear equation, the consumption amount calculated according to the length of the heating on time may be expressed by a nonlinear equation. Note that linear equations and nonlinear equations may coexist for each range to which each calculation formula corresponds.
If a calculation formula is prepared in advance as in the case of this embodiment, it is necessary to calculate the consumption amount every time the heating-on monitoring time ends, but if the heating-on monitoring time is not prepared in the table, It is also possible to improve the accuracy of calculation of consumption amount regarding length.

<Embodiment 3>
In this embodiment, another example of heating control of the capsule 30 used in the high mode will be described.
The aerosol generation device 10 (see FIG. 1) assumed in the third embodiment differs from the first embodiment in that the heating of the capsule 30 during the heating-on monitoring time is controlled in conjunction with the heating of the cartridge 20.
Note that the external appearance, internal configuration, etc. of the aerosol generation device 10 assumed in this embodiment are the same as the aerosol generation device 10 described in the first embodiment.

FIG. 19 is a diagram illustrating an example of heating timing for the cartridge 20 and capsule 30 in the third embodiment. (A) shows the suction period, (B) shows an example of the heating timing of the cartridge 20, and (C) shows an example of the heating timing of the capsule 30.
In FIG. 19, parts corresponding to those in FIG. 8 are shown with corresponding symbols.
The suction pattern shown in FIG. 19(A) is the same as the suction pattern shown in FIG. 8(A). That is, two suctions are detected within the first heating-on monitoring time, and the second suction ends before the heating-on monitoring time elapses. Therefore, during the heating-on monitoring time, as shown in FIG. 19(B), heating of the cartridge 20 is performed twice in conjunction with the detected suction period.

The difference is in the heating control of the capsule 30.
In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 19(C), the heating control of the capsule 30 is executed during the period in which the heating of the cartridge 20 is controlled to be turned off. Further, when the heating of the cartridge 20 is controlled to be on, the heating of the capsule 30 is stopped (controlled off) or reduced. That is, the heating control of the cartridge 20 takes priority over the heating control of the capsule 30.
In the case of FIG. 19A, the second suction ends before the heating-on monitoring time elapses, so heating of the capsule 30 starts before the heating-on monitoring time ends. Note that when setting a heating prohibition time, heating of the capsule 30 may be continued during the heating prohibition time.
When this heating control is adopted, the temperature of the capsule 30 becomes difficult to fall, so it is possible to increase the concentration of aerosol derived from solids contained in the aerosol inhaled by the user.

<Embodiment 4>
In this embodiment, an aerosol generation device that does not include a heating section 121L-2 (see FIG. 3) that heats the capsule 30 will be described.
<Example of appearance>
FIG. 20 is a diagram illustrating an example of the appearance of an aerosol generation device 1000 assumed in the fourth embodiment.
The aerosol generation device 1000 shown in FIG. 20 is also one form of electronic cigarette. The aerosol generation device 1000 has a generally cylindrical shape and generates a liquid-derived aerosol without combustion.

Aerosol generation device 1000 is composed of a plurality of units. In the case of FIG. 20, the plurality of units includes a power supply unit 1010, a cartridge cover 1020 to which the cartridge 20 (see FIG. 2) is attached, and a capsule holder 1030 to which the capsule 30 (see FIG. 2) is attached. .
The cartridge cover 1020 is removable from the power supply unit 1010, and the capsule holder 1030 is removable from the cartridge cover 1020. In other words, both the cartridge cover 1020 and the capsule holder 1030 are replaceable.

The power supply unit 1010 has a built-in electronic circuit and the like. An operation button 1011 is provided on the side surface of the power supply unit 1010. The operation button 1011 is an example of an operation unit used to input user instructions to the power supply unit 1010. The operation button 1011 corresponds to the aforementioned operation button 11B (see FIG. 1).
An air inflow hole (hereinafter referred to as "air inflow hole") 1021 is provided on the side surface of the cartridge cover 1020. Air flowing in through the air inflow hole 1021 passes through the inside of the cartridge cover 1020 and is discharged from the capsule holder 1030.
The user applies the mouthpiece 1031 of the capsule holder 1030 to inhale the aerosol.

<Example of installing an aerosol source, etc.>
FIG. 21 is a diagram illustrating how to attach an aerosol source, etc., assumed in the fourth embodiment.
First, the cartridge cover 1020 is attached to the top of the power supply unit 1010. Note that the cartridge cover 1020 is attached to and removed from the power supply unit 1010 by rotating the cartridge cover 1020 by, for example, 120 degrees with respect to the power supply unit 1010.

The cartridge cover 1020 is a cylindrical body, and the cartridge 20 is attached and detached through its upper end.
After the cartridge 20 is attached to the cartridge cover 1020, the lower end of the capsule holder 1030 is attached to the cartridge cover 1020. The capsule holder 1030 can also be attached to and removed from the cartridge cover 1020 by rotating, for example, 120 degrees. The capsule holder 1030 attached to the cartridge cover 1020 functions as a holder to prevent the cartridge 20 inserted into the cartridge cover 1020 from jumping out.

An opening is provided at the upper end of the capsule holder 1030. The opening constitutes an end of a cylindrical body (not shown) provided inside the capsule holder 1030. The capsule 30 is attached to this opening. The capsule 30 can be attached by being pushed into the opening of the capsule holder 1030, and can be removed by being pulled out from the opening of the capsule holder 1030. Note that the upper end of the capsule 30 is used as a mouthpiece 1031.

<Device internal configuration>
FIG. 22 is a diagram schematically showing the internal configuration of an aerosol generation device 1000 assumed in the fourth embodiment. In FIG. 22, parts corresponding to those in FIG. 3 are shown with corresponding symbols.
The internal configuration shown in FIG. 22 also includes a cartridge 20 (see FIG. 2) attached to a cartridge cover 1020 and a capsule 30 (see FIG. 2) attached to a capsule holder 1030.
The internal configuration shown in FIG. 22 is also intended to explain the components provided inside the power supply unit 1010, cartridge cover 1020, and capsule holder 1030 and their positional relationships. Therefore, the external appearance of the parts etc. shown in FIG. 21 does not necessarily match the external appearance diagram described above.
The difference in the schematic diagram is that the capsule holder 1030 is not provided with the heating section 121L-1, the holding section 140L, the heat insulating section 144L, etc., but the basic configuration is the same as that of the aerosol generation device 10 (see FIG. 3). It's the same.

<Heating mode>
FIG. 23 is a flowchart illustrating a portion of the heating control of the cartridge 20 in the fourth embodiment. In FIG. 23, parts corresponding to those in FIG. 12 are shown with corresponding symbols.
The aerosol generation device 1000 assumed in this embodiment does not have the heating section 121L-2 that heats the capsule 30, and therefore is not provided with a high mode in the sense of the first embodiment. Therefore, there is no need to switch the power depending on the heating mode. Therefore, step 13 (see FIG. 12) is not provided.

Since the heating mode is not acquired, the control unit 116L that executed step 12 calculates the amount of capsules consumed during the current heating-on monitoring time based on the added total time (step 21).
The difference from the flowchart shown in FIG. 12 is that step 21 replaces step 14 (see FIG. 12).

<Summary>
Aerosol generating device 1000 in this embodiment has only the normal mode described in Embodiment 1 as a heating mode, but similarly to Embodiment 1, it accurately calculates the consumption amount of capsule 30 due to aerosol suction. It becomes possible to do so. This also makes it possible to increase the accuracy of the remaining amount of the aerosol source.
Note that even in the case of the aerosol generating device 1000 having only the heating section 121L-1 that heats the cartridge 20, a plurality of types of heating modes for the cartridge 20 may be prepared.

For example, a standard mode in which the amount of aerosol produced is standard, and an increase mode in which the amount of aerosol produced is greater than in the standard mode may be provided. For example, when using the increase mode, the amount of heat generated by the heating section 121L-1 is increased by making the power supplied to the heating section 121L-1 larger than the power supplied to the heating section 121L-1 when using the standard mode. may be increased.
If switching between the standard mode and the increased amount mode is possible, the consumption amount of the capsules 30 is calculated for each heating mode, as in the first embodiment.

<Embodiment 5>
In this embodiment, a case will be described in which a heating mode in which the heating-on monitoring time is not set is adopted.
This embodiment is based on the aerosol generation device 1000 (see FIG. 20) described in Embodiment 4. However, the aerosol generation device 10 (see FIG. 1) described in Embodiment 1 may be used as a premise.
Note that the external appearance, internal configuration, etc. of the aerosol generation device 1000 etc. assumed in this embodiment are the same as the aerosol generation device 1000 etc. described in Embodiment 4.

In the case of this embodiment, since no heating-on monitoring time is provided, as the suction becomes longer, the heating-on time also becomes longer. For this reason, the table and calculation formula for recording the correspondence of the consumption amount according to the length of the heating-on time may be extended in the direction of increasing the heating-on time.
FIG. 24 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a method for controlling the heating of the cartridge 20 and calculating the consumption amount of the capsule 30 in the fifth embodiment. In FIG. 24, parts corresponding to those in FIGS. 11 and 12 are shown with corresponding symbols.

First, the control unit 116L that starts control when the locked state is released or the like determines whether or not the start of suction has been detected (step 31).
While the start of suction is not detected, the control unit 116L obtains a negative result in step 31 (“NO” in step 31) and repeats the determination in step 31.
When the start of suction is detected, the control unit 116L obtains a positive result in step 31 (“YES” in step 31), and instructs the heating unit 121L-1 that heats the cartridge 20 to supply power (step 3).
Next, the control unit 116L determines whether or not the end of suction is detected (step 5). The control unit 116L obtains a negative result in step 5 (“NO” in step 5) and repeats the determination in step 5 until the end of suction is detected.

When the end of suction is detected, the control unit 116L obtains a positive result in step 5 (“YES” in step 5), and stops supplying power to the heating unit 121L-1 that heats the cartridge 20 (step 7).
Next, the control unit 116L obtains the heating on time regarding the current suction (step 8). In the case of this embodiment, since the heating-on monitoring time is not set, there is no need to calculate the total value.
When the heating-on time is acquired, the control unit 116L calculates the consumption amount of the capsule 30 consumed by the current suction (step 32).
For example, when only normal mode is used, the consumption amount is calculated using a table or calculation formula for normal mode.

However, when it is possible to switch between normal mode and high mode, or when it is possible to switch between standard mode and increased volume mode, the consumption is calculated using tables and calculation formulas prepared for each heating mode, as in the first embodiment. Calculate quantity.
Next, the control unit 116L updates the cumulative consumption amount with the newly calculated consumption amount (step 15), and returns to step 31. The loop process shown in FIG. 24 is repeated until the lock state is reached.

<Other embodiments>
(1) Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the technical scope of the present invention is not limited to the range described in the above-described embodiments. It is clear from the claims that various changes or improvements made to the embodiments described above are also included within the technical scope of the present invention.

(2) In the embodiments described above, a case has been described in which the aerosol generating devices 10 (see FIG. 1) and 1000 (see FIG. 20) are electronic cigarettes, but they may also be medical inhalers such as nebulizers. When the aerosol generating device 10 or the like is a nebulizer, the liquid aerosol source or the solid aerosol source may include a drug for inhalation by the patient.

(3) In the above embodiment, the aerosol is generated by heating the liquid aerosol source with the heating unit 121L-1, but the aerosol may also be generated by vibrating the liquid aerosol source with a vibrator. good. Alternatively, the heating unit 121L-1 may be configured as a susceptor made of a conductive material such as metal, and the susceptor may be heated by induction using an electromagnetic induction source to generate the aerosol.

(4) In the embodiment described above, simultaneous heating of the heating section 121L-1 and the heating section 121L-2 in the high mode is prohibited, but simultaneous heating may be allowed. In other words, a part or all of the heating period by the heating section 121L-1 and the heating period by the heating section 121L-2 may be allowed to overlap. However, if simultaneous heating is allowed, the maximum value of power supplied to heating parts 121L-1 and 121L-2 during simultaneous heating should be set to It is desirable to set the value to be smaller than the maximum value of the power supplied at the time.
Note that when the cartridge 20 and the capsule 30 are allowed to be heated simultaneously, the consumption amount of the capsule 30 may be different from that when the cartridge 20 and the capsule 30 are heated individually. In that case, it is desirable to prepare a dedicated table or calculation formula for the simultaneous heating mode.

(5) In the embodiment described above, it is assumed that the heating-on monitoring time is fixed at the initial value, but multiple values are prepared as the heating-on monitoring time, and the user can select one of the values. It may be made selectable. In this case, the maximum time that the cartridge 20 can be heated continuously will change, but if you have prepared a table or calculation formula that includes the largest value among the multiple selectable values, you can For the calculation of , it is possible to apply the methods of each of the embodiments described above.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10, 1000...Aerosol generation device, 11...Device main body, 11A...Display, 11B...Operation button, 12,1030...Capsule holder, 20...Cartridge, 30...Capsule, 121L-1, 121L-2...Heating part, 1010... Power supply unit, 1020...Cartridge cover

Claims

A sensor that detects the user's suction,
a first heating section that heats the first aerosol source;
a control unit that controls supply of electric power to the first heating unit;
has
The control unit includes:
supplying power to the first heating unit in conjunction with detection of suction by the sensor;
calculating the consumption amount of the second aerosol source based on the heating time length of the first aerosol source by the first heating unit;
Aerosol generator.
The control unit includes:
setting a monitoring period of a predetermined length based on the detection of the user's suction;
Obtaining the heating time length within the monitoring period for each monitoring period,
calculating a consumption amount of the second aerosol source consumed within the monitoring period based on the obtained heating time length;
The aerosol generation device according to claim 1.
The control unit includes:
If a plurality of suctions are detected within the monitoring period, the total time of the plurality of suctions is set as the heating time length;
The aerosol generation device according to claim 2.
The control unit includes:
When one monitoring period is one suction, calculating the remaining amount of the second aerosol source based on the cumulative value of the consumption amount calculated for each suction.
The aerosol generation device according to claim 2 or 3.
The control unit includes:
Classifying the heating time length within the monitoring period into a plurality of ranges according to size, and calculating the consumption amount using a calculation method prepared for each range.
The aerosol generation device according to claim 1.
further comprising a second heating section that heats the second aerosol source,
The control unit includes:
If it is possible to switch between the first heating that uses only the first heating section and the second heating that uses both the first heating section and the second heating section, switching the calculation method of the consumption amount of the second aerosol source in accordance with switching between heating and the second heating;
The aerosol generating device according to any one of claims 1 to 5.
The control unit includes:
When the heating time length in the first heating and the second heating are the same, the consumption amount of the second aerosol source during the second heating is equal to the consumption amount of the second aerosol source during the first heating. calculated as a value greater than the consumption of the aerosol source,
The aerosol generation device according to claim 6.
the second aerosol source is an aerosol source held in a mechanical part;
The aerosol generation device according to any one of claims 1 to 7.
A method for controlling an aerosol generation device that generates an aerosol, the method comprising:
a step in which the sensor detects suction by the user;
the first heating section heating the first aerosol source;
supplying power to the first heating unit in conjunction with detection of suction by the sensor;
calculating a consumption amount of a second aerosol source based on a heating time length of the first aerosol source by the first heating unit;
A control method characterized by comprising:
to the computer,
a step in which the sensor detects suction by the user;
the first heating section heating the first aerosol source;
supplying power to the first heating unit in conjunction with detection of suction by the sensor;
calculating a consumption amount of a second aerosol source based on a heating time length of the first aerosol source by the first heating unit;
A program to run.