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(11) | EP 4 434 369 A1 |
| (12) | EUROPEAN PATENT APPLICATION |
| published in accordance with Art. 153(4) EPC |
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| (54) | CIRCUIT UNIT FOR AEROSOL GENERATION DEVICE, AEROSOL GENERATION DEVICE, AND PROGRAM |
| (57) A control unit that controls the supply of power to a load that heats an aerosol
source is provided in a circuit unit of an aerosol generation device. The control
unit controls the amount of power supplied to the load to generate aerosol, to less
than a reference value if the interval between aerosol puffs is shorter than a first
period. |
Technical Field
[0001] The present invention relates to a circuit unit of an aerosol generation device, the aerosol generation device, and a program.
Background Art
[0002] In an aerosol generation device for heating a liquid containing, for example, a flavor to generate an aerosol, energization to a heater is started in response to sensing of a user's inhalation action, and the liquid in a glass fiber called a wick is atomized (aerosolized). The aerosol is generated in response to the temperature of the liquid in the wick reaching the boiling point.
Citation List
Patent Literature
Summary of Invention
Technical Problem
[0004] In the aerosol generation device, the time for energizing the heater is designed on the assumption of a standard inhalation action. However, if an inhalation action with a shorter interval between inhalations (puffs) (hereinafter, also referred to as "puff interval") than the standard inhalation action is repeated, heating of the liquid starts to be heated before the liquid temperature in the wick is sufficiently lowered. A high liquid temperature at the start of energization promotes vaporization of the liquid. As a result, the amount of consumed liquid after the start of energization increases more than that during the standard inhalation action.
[0005] Meanwhile, the supply of the liquid to the wick depends on the capillary action. For this reason, repeating an inhalation action with a short puff interval may cause a situation in which the supply of the liquid to the wick is not in time. If the supply of the liquid is not in time, the generation of the aerosol is stopped even when the energization of the heater continues. This phenomenon is called drying up.
[0006] The present invention provides a technique for preventing or reducing drying up during inhalation regardless of a method of use of an aerosol generation device by a user.
Solution to Problem
[0007] An invention according to claim 1 provides a circuit unit of an aerosol generation device, including a controller that controls supply of electric power to a load that heats an aerosol source. The controller performs control such that an amount of electric power to be supplied to the load to generate an aerosol is smaller than a reference value when an interval between inhalations of the aerosol is shorter than a first period.
[0008] An invention according to claim 2 provides the circuit unit of an aerosol generation device according to claim 1, further including a first sensor that detects inhalation of the aerosol by a user. The controller makes a time for supplying electric power to the load shorter than a second period when a time from an end of an immediately preceding inhalation detected by the first sensor to a start of a current inhalation detected by the first sensor is shorter than the first period.
[0009] An invention according to claim 3 provides the circuit unit of an aerosol generation device according to claim 1, in which the controller makes a time for supplying electric power to the load shorter than a second period when a time from an end of immediately preceding heating at which generation of the aerosol from the aerosol source ends to a start of current heating is shorter than the first period.
[0010] An invention according to claim 4 provides the circuit unit of an aerosol generation device according to claim 1, further including a first sensor that detects inhalation of the aerosol by a user. The controller makes a time for supplying electric power to the load shorter than a second period when a time from an end of immediately preceding heating at which generation of the aerosol from the aerosol source ends to a start of a current inhalation detected by the first sensor is shorter than the first period.
[0011] An invention according to claim 5 provides the circuit unit of an aerosol generation device according to claim 1, including an operation unit that receives a user operation related to supply and stop of supply of electric power to the load. The controller makes a time for supplying electric power to the load shorter than a second period when a time from an immediately preceding stop of supply of electric power in response to a user operation on the operation unit to a current start of supply of electric power is shorter than the first period.
[0012] An invention according to claim 6 provides the circuit unit of an aerosol generation device according to claim 1, further including a first sensor that detects inhalation of the aerosol by a user, and a second sensor that detects a temperature of the load. The controller makes a time for supplying electric power to the load shorter than a second period when the temperature detected by the second sensor at a start of inhalation of the aerosol detected by the first sensor is higher than a first temperature.
[0013] An invention according to claim 7 provides the circuit unit of an aerosol generation device according to claim 1, further including a first sensor that detects inhalation of the aerosol by a user. The controller makes a time for supplying electric power to the load shorter than a second period when a resistance value of the load at a start of inhalation of the aerosol detected by the first sensor is higher than a first resistance value.
[0014] An invention according to claim 8 provides the circuit unit of an aerosol generation device according to claim 1, further including a first sensor that detects inhalation of the aerosol by a user, and a third sensor that detects a temperature of the aerosol source. The controller makes a time for supplying electric power to the load shorter than a second period when the temperature detected by the third sensor at a start of inhalation of the aerosol detected by the first sensor is higher than a second temperature.
[0015] An invention according to claim 9 provides the circuit unit of an aerosol generation device according to claim 1, in which the controller predicts a next interval or next and subsequent intervals from a tendency of a plurality of previous intervals between inhalations of the aerosol, and when the predicted interval or intervals are shorter than the first period, the controller sets a time for supply of electric power to the load in a predicted inhalation to be shorter than a second period.
[0016] An invention according to claim 10 provides the circuit unit of an aerosol generation device according to claim 1, in which the controller acquires measurement values of a plurality of previous intervals between inhalations of the aerosol, and when the number of consecutive appearances of a measurement value shorter than the first period exceeds a first number, the controller performs control such that a time for supplying electric power to the load in next and subsequent inhalations decreases stepwise to be shorter than the second period with an increase in the number of consecutive appearances of the measurement value.
[0017] An invention according to claim 11 provides the circuit unit of an aerosol generation device according to claim 10, in which when the measurement values include a measurement value longer than the first period by a time less than a third period, the controller calculates the number of consecutive appearances of the measurement value including the measurement value.
[0018] An invention according to claim 12 provides the circuit unit of an aerosol generation device according to any one of claims 1 to 8, in which when the interval between inhalations of the aerosol is shorter than the first period, the controller performs control such that the amount of electric power to be supplied to the load decreases as the interval decreases.
[0019] An invention according to claim 13 provides the circuit unit of an aerosol generation device according to any one of claims 1 to 8, in which when a residual amount of the aerosol source is smaller than a first residual amount, the controller performs control such that the amount of electric power to be supplied to the load decreases as the residual amount decreases.
[0020] An invention according to claim 14 provides the circuit unit of an aerosol generation device according to any one of claims 1 to 8, in which in a case where the aerosol source is to be heated in a temperature range over which the aerosol is not generated prior to heating of the aerosol source that results in generation of the aerosol, the controller controls the amount of electric power to be supplied to the load to a value smaller than an amount of electric power at a time of only the heating that results in generation of the aerosol when the interval between inhalations of the aerosol is shorter than the first period.
[0021] An invention according to claim 15 provides the circuit unit of an aerosol generation device according to any one of claims 1 to 8, further including a second sensor that detects a temperature of the load. The controller forcibly terminates heating of the load at a point in time when the temperature detected by the second sensor reaches a third temperature.
[0022] An invention according to claim 16 provides the circuit unit of an aerosol generation device according to any one of claims 1 to 8, further including a third sensor that detects a temperature of the aerosol source. The controller forcibly terminates heating of the load at a point in time when the temperature detected by the third sensor reaches a fourth temperature.
[0023] An invention according to claim 17 provides the circuit unit of an aerosol generation device according to any one of claims 1 to 8, in which when the interval between inhalations of the aerosol is shorter than the first period, the controller controls a first maximum voltage value to be supplied to the load to generate the aerosol, to a value smaller than a second maximum voltage value to be supplied to the load when the interval between inhalations of the aerosol is longer than the first period.
[0024] An invention according to claim 18 provides an aerosol generation device including a controller that controls supply of electric power to a load that heats an aerosol source. The controller performs control such that an amount of electric power to be supplied to the load to generate an aerosol is smaller than a reference value when an interval between inhalations of the aerosol is shorter than a first period.
[0025] An invention according to claim 19 provides a program for causing a computer that controls supply of electric power to a load that heats an aerosol source to implement a function of performing control such that an amount of electric power to be supplied to the load to generate an aerosol is smaller than a reference value when an interval between inhalations of the aerosol is shorter than a first period.
Advantageous Effects of Invention
[0026] The present invention according to claim 1 can provide a technique for preventing or reducing drying up during inhalation regardless of a method of use of an aerosol generation device by a user.
[0027] The invention according to claim 2 can prevent or reduce drying up even when the user has a short inhalation interval.
[0028] The invention according to claim 3 can prevent or reduce drying up even when the user has a short inhalation interval.
[0029] The invention according to claim 4 can prevent or reduce drying up even when the user has a short inhalation interval.
[0030] The invention according to claim 5 can prevent or reduce drying up even when the user has a short inhalation interval.
[0031] The invention according to claim 6 can prevent or reduce drying up even when the user has a short inhalation interval.
[0032] The invention according to claim 7 can prevent or reduce drying up even when the user has a short inhalation interval.
[0033] The invention according to claim 8 can prevent or reduce drying up even when the user has a short inhalation interval.
[0034] The invention according to claim 9 makes it possible to perform control to prevent drying up when a tendency of the user to have a short inhalation interval is detected.
[0035] The invention according to claim 10 makes it possible to perform control to prevent drying up when a tendency of the user to have a short inhalation interval is confirmed.
[0036] The invention according to claim 11 makes it possible to perform control to prevent drying up when a tendency of the user to have a short inhalation interval is confirmed.
[0037] The invention according to claim 12 can prevent or reduce drying up even when the user has a short inhalation interval.
[0038] The invention according to claim 13 can prevent or reduce drying up even when the user has a short inhalation interval.
[0039] The invention according to claim 14 can prevent or reduce drying up for a short inhalation interval of the user even when the aerosol source is heated prior to heating that results in generation of the aerosol to promote the generation of the aerosol.
[0040] The invention according to claim 15 can prevent or reduce drying up also when an environment in which drying up is likely to occur is detected.
[0041] The invention according to claim 16 can prevent or reduce drying up also when an environment in which drying up is likely to occur is detected.
[0042] The invention according to claim 17 can prevent or reduce drying up even when the user has a short inhalation interval.
[0043] The present invention according to claim 18 can provide a technique for preventing or reducing drying up during inhalation regardless of a method of use of an aerosol generation device by a user.
[0044] The present invention according to claim 19 can provide a technique for preventing or reducing drying up during inhalation regardless of a method of use of an aerosol generation device by a user.
Brief Description of Drawings
[0045]
[Fig. 1] Fig. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example external configuration of an aerosol generation device provided in Embodiment 1.
[Fig. 2] Fig. 2 is a diagram schematically illustrating an internal configuration of the aerosol generation device provided in Embodiment 1.
[Fig. 3] Fig. 3 is a flowchart illustrating an example of control of the main-heating time by a controller used in Embodiment 1.
[Figs. 4A and 4B] Figs. 4A and 4B are diagrams illustrating a relationship between a puff interval and a set main-heating time in Embodiment 1.
[Fig. 5] Fig. 5 is a flowchart illustrating an example of control of the main-heating time by a controller used in Embodiment 2.
[Figs. 6A and 6B] Figs. 6A and 6B are diagrams illustrating a relationship between a puff interval and a set main-heating time in Embodiment 2. Fig. 6A illustrates example timings of inhalation (puff), and Fig. 6B illustrates an example of setting of the main-heating time.
[Fig. 7] Fig. 7 is a flowchart illustrating an example of control of the main-heating time by a controller used in Embodiment 3.
[Figs. 8A and 8B] Figs. 8A and 8B are diagrams illustrating a relationship between a puff interval and a set main-heating time in Embodiment 3. Fig. 8A illustrates example timings of inhalation (puff), and Fig. 8B illustrates an example of setting of the main-heating time.
[Fig. 9] Fig. 9 is a flowchart illustrating an example of control of the main-heating time by a controller used in Embodiment 4.
[Figs. 10A and 10B] Figs. 10A and 10B are diagrams illustrating a relationship between a puff interval and a set main-heating time in Embodiment 4. Fig. 10A illustrates example timings of inhalation (puff), and Fig. 10B illustrates an example of setting of the main-heating time.
[Fig. 11] Fig. 11 is a diagram schematically illustrating an internal configuration of an aerosol generation device provided in Embodiment 5.
[Fig. 12] Fig. 12 is a flowchart illustrating an example of control of the main-heating time by a controller used in Embodiment 5.
[Figs. 13A to 13C] Figs. 13A to 13C are diagrams illustrating a relationship between a puff interval and a set main-heating time in Embodiment 5. Fig. 13A illustrates example timings of inhalation (puff), Fig. 13B illustrates a temperature change of a heater, and Fig. 13C illustrates an example of setting of the main-heating time.
[Fig. 14] Fig. 14 is a diagram schematically illustrating an internal configuration of an aerosol generation device provided in Embodiment 6.
[Fig. 15] Fig. 15 is a flowchart illustrating an example of control of the main-heating time by a controller used in Embodiment 6.
[Figs. 16A to 16C] Figs. 16A to 16C are diagrams illustrating a relationship between a puff interval and a set main-heating time in Embodiment 6. Fig. 16A illustrates example timings of inhalation (puff), Fig. 16B illustrates a change in the resistance value of a heater, and Fig. 16C illustrates an example of setting of the main-heating time.
[Fig. 17] Fig. 17 is a diagram schematically illustrating an internal configuration of an aerosol generation device provided in Embodiment 7.
[Fig. 18] Fig. 18 is a flowchart illustrating an example of control of the main-heating time by a controller used in Embodiment 7.
[Figs. 19A to 19C] Figs. 19A to 19C are diagrams illustrating a relationship between a puff interval and a set main-heating time in Embodiment 7. Fig. 19A illustrates example timings of inhalation (puff), Fig. 19B illustrates a change in the temperature of a liquid guide, and Fig. 19C illustrates an example of setting of the main-heating time.
[Fig. 20] Fig. 20 is a diagram schematically illustrating an internal configuration of an aerosol generation device provided in Embodiment 8.
[Fig. 21] Fig. 21 is a flowchart illustrating an example of control of the main-heating time by a controller used in Embodiment 8.
[Figs. 22A to 22C] Figs. 22A to 22C are diagrams illustrating a relationship between a puff interval and a set main-heating time in Embodiment 8. Fig. 22A illustrates example timings of inhalation (puff), Fig. 22B illustrates a change in ambient air temperature, and Fig. 22C illustrates an example of setting of the main-heating time.
[Fig. 23] Fig. 23 is a flowchart illustrating an example of control of the main-heating time by a controller used in Embodiment 9.
[Figs. 24A to 24C] Figs. 24A to 24C are diagrams illustrating a relationship between a puff interval and a set main-heating time in Embodiment 9. Fig. 24A illustrates example timings of inhalation (puff), Fig. 24B illustrates an example of setting of the main-heating time when a predicted puff interval is equal to or longer than the first period, and Fig. 24C illustrates an example of setting of the main-heating time when the predicted puff interval is less than the first period.
[Fig. 25] Fig. 25 is a flowchart illustrating an example of control of the main-heating time by a controller used in Embodiment 10.
[Figs. 26A to 26C] Figs. 26A to 26C are diagrams illustrating a relationship between a puff interval and a set main-heating time in Embodiment 10. Fig. 26A illustrates example timings of inhalation (puff), Fig. 26B illustrates an example of setting of the main-heating time when the number of consecutive short puffs is equal to or less than the first number, and Fig. 26C illustrates an example of setting of the main-heating time when the number of consecutive short puffs is greater less than the first number.
[Fig. 27] Fig. 27 is a flowchart illustrating an example of control of the main-heating time by a controller used in Embodiment 11.
[Fig. 28] Fig. 28 is a flowchart illustrating an example of control of the main-heating time by a controller used in Embodiment 12.
[Fig. 29] Fig. 29 is a diagram schematically illustrating an internal configuration of an aerosol generation device provided in Embodiment 13.
[Fig. 30] Fig. 30 is a flowchart illustrating an example of control of the main-heating time by a controller used in Embodiment 13.
[Figs. 31A and 31B] Figs. 31A and 31B are diagrams illustrating a preheating time. Fig. 31A illustrates the positions of the preheating time and the main-heating time, and Fig. 31B illustrates a temperature change of an aerosol source.
[Figs. 32A and 32B] Figs. 32A and 32B are diagrams illustrating an example of setting of the main-heating time according to the presence or absence of preheating and the length of a puff interval. Fig. 32A illustrates a case without the preheating, and Fig. 32B illustrates a case with the preheating.
[Fig. 33] Fig. 33 is a flowchart illustrating an example of control of the main-heating time by a controller used in Embodiment 14.
[Fig. 34] Fig. 34 is a flowchart illustrating an example of control of the main-heating time by a controller used in Embodiment 15.
[Fig. 35] Fig. 35 is a flowchart illustrating an example of control of the main-heating time by a controller used in Embodiment 16.
[Fig. 36] Fig. 36 is a flowchart illustrating an example of control of the main-heating time by a controller used in Embodiment 17.
[Fig. 37] Fig. 37 is a diagram illustrating an example external configuration of an aerosol generation device provided in Embodiment 18.
[Fig. 38] Fig. 38 is a diagram schematically illustrating an example internal configuration of an aerosol generation device provided in Embodiment 19.
Description of Embodiments
[0046] Embodiments of the present invention will be described hereinafter with reference to the drawings. In the individual drawings, the same components are denoted by the same reference numerals.
<Embodiment 1>
<External Configuration>
[0047] Fig. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example external configuration of an aerosol generation device 1 provided in Embodiment 1.
[0048] The aerosol generation device 1 illustrated in Fig. 1 is one form of an electronic cigarette and generates an aerosol to which a flavor is imparted without combustion. The electronic cigarette illustrated in Fig. 1 has a substantially cylindrical shape.
[0049] The aerosol generation device 1 illustrated in Fig. 1 includes a plurality of units. In Fig. 1, the plurality of units include a power supply unit 10, a cartridge 20 that incorporates an aerosol source, and a cartridge 30 that incorporates a flavor source.
[0050] In the present embodiment, the cartridge 20 is removably attached to the power supply unit 10, and the cartridge 30 is removably attached to the cartridge 20. In other words, the cartridge 20 and the cartridge 30 are each replaceable.
[0051] The power supply unit 10 incorporates an electronic circuit and so on. The power supply unit 10 is one form of a circuit unit. The power supply unit 10 has a power button 1 1 on a side surface thereof. The power button 11 is an example of an operation unit to be used by a user to input an instruction to the power supply unit 10.
[0052] The cartridge 20 incorporates a liquid storage for storing a liquid as the aerosol source, a liquid guide for drawing the liquid from the liquid storage by capillary action, and a heater for heating and vaporizing the liquid held in the liquid guide.
[0053] The cartridge 20 has a side surface thereof an inlet hole for air (hereinafter referred to as "air inlet hole") 21. The air flowing in through the air inlet hole 21 passes through the inside of the cartridge 20 and is released from the cartridge 30. The cartridge 20 is also referred to as an atomizer.
[0054] The cartridge 30 incorporates a flavor unit for imparting a flavor to an aerosol. The cartridge 30 is provided with a mouthpiece 31.
<Internal Configuration>
[0055] Fig. 2 is a diagram schematically illustrating an internal configuration of the aerosol generation device 1 provided in Embodiment 1.
[0056] The aerosol generation device 1 includes the power supply unit 10 and the cartridges 20 and 30.
[0057] The power supply unit 10 incorporates a power supply 111, a puff sensor 112, a power button sensor 113, a notifier 114, a memory 115, a communicator 116, and a controller 117.
[0059] The cartridge 30 incorporates a flavor source 311. One end of the cartridge 30 is used as the mouthpiece 31.
[0060] The cartridges 20 and 30 have formed therein an airflow path 40 connected to the air inlet hole 21.
[0061] The power supply 111 is a device that stores electric power necessary for operation. The power supply 111 supplies electric power to the individual components of the aerosol generation device 1 under the control of the controller 117. The power supply 111 is configured as, for example, a rechargeable battery such as a lithium ion secondary battery.
[0062] The puff sensor 112 is a sensor that detects inhalation of an aerosol by the user, and is formed of, for example, a flow sensor. The puff sensor 112 is an example of a first sensor.
[0063] The power button sensor 113 is a sensor that detects an operation performed on the power button 11 (see Fig. 1), and is formed of, for example, a pressure sensor. The power supply unit 10 is provided with various sensors in addition to the puff sensor 112 and the power button sensor 113.
[0064] The notifier 114 is a device to be used to notify the user of information. Examples of the notifier 114 include a light-emitting device, a display device, a sound output device, and a vibration device.
[0065] The memory 115 is a device that stores various types of information necessary for the operation of the aerosol generation device 1. A non-volatile storage medium such as a flash memory is used as the memory 115.
[0066] The communicator 116 is a communication interface that is in conformity with a wired or wireless communication standard. Examples of the communication standard to be used include Wi-Fi (registered trademark) and Bluetooth (registered trademark).
[0067] The controller 117 is a device that functions as an arithmetic processing unit or a control device, and controls the overall operation in the aerosol generation device 1 through execution of various programs. The controller 117 is implemented by an electronic circuit such as a CPU (= Central Processing Unit) or an MPU (= Micro Processing Unit).
[0068] The liquid storage 213 is a tank for storing the aerosol source. The aerosol source stored in the liquid storage 213 is atomized to generate an aerosol.
[0069] A liquid such as polyhydric alcohol, such as glycerine or propylene glycol, or a liquid such as water is used as the aerosol source. The aerosol source may include a flavor component derived from tobacco or not derived from tobacco.
[0070] When the aerosol generation device 1 is a medical inhaler such as a nebulizer, the aerosol source may include medicine.
[0071] The liquid guide 212 is a member that guides the aerosol source, which is a liquid, from the liquid storage 213 to a heating region and holds the aerosol source in the heating region. A member called a wick formed by twisting a fiber material such as a glass fiber or a porous material such as porous ceramic is used as the liquid guide 212. When the liquid guide 212 is formed of a wick, the aerosol source stored in the liquid storage 213 is guided to the heating region by capillary action of the wick.
[0072] The heater 211 is a member that heats the aerosol source held in the heating region to atomize the aerosol source to generate an aerosol.
[0073] In Fig. 2, the heater 211 is a coil and is wound around the liquid guide 212. A region of the liquid guide 212 around which the coil is wound serves as the heating region. Heat produced by the heater 211 allows the temperature of the aerosol source held in the heating region to rise to the boiling point, and an aerosol is generated.
[0074] The heater 211 produces heat when supplied with electric power from the power supply 111. The supply of electric power to the heater 211 is started when a predetermined condition is satisfied. Examples of the predetermined condition include the start of inhalation by the user, pressing of the power button 11 a predetermined number of times, and input of certain information determined in advance. In the present embodiment, the supply of electric power to the heater 211 is started in response to the detection of inhalation.
[0075] The supply of electric power to the heater 211 is stopped when a predetermined condition is satisfied. Examples of the predetermined condition include the end of inhalation by the user, the end of a main-heating time described below, pressing and holding down of the power button 11, and input of certain information determined in advance. In the present embodiment, the supply of electric power to the heater 211 is stopped in response to the end of inhalation.
[0077] The flavor source 311 is a structural element that imparts a flavor component to the aerosol generated in the cartridge 20. The flavor source 311 includes a flavor component derived from tobacco or not derived from tobacco.
[0078] The airflow path 40, which passes through the inside of the cartridge 20 and the cartridge 30, is a flow path of air and aerosol inhaled by the user. The airflow path 40 has a tubular structure having the air inlet hole 21 as an inlet of air and an air outlet hole 42 as an outlet of air.
[0079] The liquid guide 212 is disposed upstream of the airflow path 40, and the flavor source 311 is disposed downstream of the airflow path 40.
[0080] As the user inhales, the air flowing in through the air inlet hole 21 is mixed with the aerosol generated by the heater 211. A gas as a result of mixture passes through the flavor source 311 and is conveyed to the air outlet hole 42, as indicated by an arrow 41. When the gas obtained by mixing the aerosol and the air passes through the flavor source 311, the flavor component of the flavor source 311 is imparted to the gas.
[0082] The mouthpiece 31 is a member to be held in the user's mouth during inhalation. The mouthpiece 31 is provided with the air outlet hole 42. The user inhales with the mouthpiece 31 held in their mouth, thereby being able to take the gas, which is obtained by mixing the aerosol and the air, into their oral cavity.
[0083] While an example internal configuration of the aerosol generation device 1 has been described above, the configuration illustrated in Fig. 2 is merely one form.
[0084] For example, the aerosol generation device 1 can be configured such that the cartridge 30 is not included in the aerosol generation device 1. In this case, the cartridge 20 is provided with the mouthpiece 31.
[0085] Further, the aerosol generation device 1 can include a plurality of types of aerosol sources. A plurality of types of aerosols generated from the plurality of types of aerosol sources may be mixed in the airflow path 40 to produce a chemical reaction, thereby generating still another type of aerosol.
[0086] In addition, the method for atomizing the aerosol source is not limited to heating using the heater 211. For example, the technique of induction heating may be used to atomize the aerosol source.
<Control of Length of Main-Heating Time>
[0087] Fig. 3 is a flowchart illustrating an example control of the main-heating time by the controller 117 (see Fig. 2) used in Embodiment 1. The control by the controller 117 is implemented through execution of a program. Thus, the controller 117 is one form of a computer. In Fig. 3, symbol S is used to represent a step.
[0088] In the present embodiment, the term "main-heating time" is used to mean the time during which the aerosol source held in the liquid guide 212 (see Fig. 2) is heated and atomized to generate an aerosol.
[0089] In the present embodiment, the supply of electric power to the heater 211 coincides with the inhalation of the aerosol generation device 1 (see Fig. 1) by the user. The inhalation of the aerosol generation device 1 by the user is hereinafter also referred to as "inhalation of aerosol" generated from the aerosol source.
[0090] The temperature of the heater 211 rises with the start of supply of electric power and falls with the stop of supply of electric power. In the present embodiment, the temperature of the heater 211 rises to the boiling point of the aerosol or higher with the start of supply of electric power, and falls to the boiling point of the aerosol or lower with the stop of supply of electric power.
[0091] In the present embodiment, it is assumed that the time for supplying electric power to the heater 211 is substantially the same as the time for generating an aerosol from the liquid guide 212.
[0092] More exactly, the electric power immediately after the start of supply is consumed to increase the temperature of the aerosol source held in the liquid guide 212. For this reason, a time difference occurs until the generation of aerosol is started after the liquid temperature of the aerosol source reaches the boiling point. However, since the time difference is very small, the time difference is ignored in the present embodiment.
[0093] First, the controller 117 determines whether the puff sensor 112 has detected the start of inhalation (step 1).
[0094] If the start of inhalation of the aerosol by the user is not detected, the controller 117 obtains a negative result in step 1. The controller 117 repeats the determination of step 1 while a negative result is obtained in step 1.
[0095] On the other hand, if the start of inhalation of the aerosol by the user is detected, the controller 117 obtains a positive result in step 1. If a positive result is obtained in step 1, the controller 117 starts the main heating (step 1100), and then acquires the immediately preceding puff interval (step 2).
[0096] In the present embodiment, the immediately preceding puff interval is given by the time period from the end of the immediately preceding inhalation (puff) to the start of the current inhalation (puff). The puff interval may be measured by, for example, a timer, or may be calculated as a difference between the end time of the immediately preceding inhalation and the start time of the current inhalation. The time is acquired from, for example, a timer incorporated in the controller 117, an integrated circuit that implements a timer function, or the like.
[0097] When the puff interval is acquired, the controller 117 determines whether the puff interval is shorter than the first period (step 3).
[0098] The first period, as used here, is set by the balance between the capacity of the liquid guide 212 to supply the aerosol source and the period of time during which drying up is likely to occur. In the present embodiment, the first period is, for example, 10 seconds. It should be noted that this value is an example. The first period is not an absolute value. As described below in other embodiments, the first period varies depending on the heating mode or the like to be used.
[0099] If the puff interval is equal to or longer than the first period, the controller 117 obtains a negative result in step 3. In this case, the controller 117 sets the main-heating time of the current inhalation to a reference time LT1 (step 4). The reference time LT1, as used here, is an example of a second period. In the present embodiment, for example, 2.4 seconds is used as the reference time. It should be noted that this value is an example of the reference time. The reference time is set to a time over which no drying up occurs due to inhalation of the aerosol by an expected standard user when the puff interval is longer than a threshold.
[0100] On the other hand, if the puff interval is shorter than the threshold, the controller 117 obtains a positive result in step 3. This case is referred to as "short puff".
[0101] The short puff refers to a state in which the puff interval is shorter than the first period. At this time, the controller 117 sets the main-heating time of the current inhalation to a time LT2 shorter than the reference time (step 5). In the present embodiment, only the main-heating time is shortened, and the voltage value and the current value to be supplied to the heater 211 remain the same regardless of the difference in puff interval.
[0102] In the present embodiment, for example, 1.7 seconds is used as the time LT2. It should be noted that this value is an example of the main-heating time for the short puff. As the time LT2 is shorter, the drying-up phenomenon in which no aerosol is generated even by heating the aerosol source is less likely to occur.
[0103] After the main-heating time is set in step 4 or step 5, the controller 117 determines whether the end time of the main heating is reached (step 6).
[0104] In the present embodiment, the main heating ends in response to, for example, the end of the set main-heating time, the end of inhalation of the aerosol by the user, or forced termination. Accordingly, even if the set main-heating time remains, the supply of electric power to the heater 211 is terminated if the end of the main heating is determined. The elapse of the main-heating time is monitored using the elapsed time from the start of supply of electric power to the heater 211.
[0105] The forced termination may be operated by, for example, using long-term pressing of the power button 11 (see Fig. 1). The long-term pressing of the power button 11 means that the power button 11 is continuously pressed for a predetermined time or longer. For example, when the power button 11 is pressed and held down for three seconds or longer, the controller 117 determines that a long-term pressing operation has been performed.
[0106] The controller 117 repeats the determination of step 6 while a negative result is obtained in step 6. During this time period, the supply of electric power to the heater 211 is continued.
[0107] On the other hand, if a positive result is obtained in step 6, the controller 117 ends the main heating (step 7). That is, the supply of electric power to the heater 211 stops.
[0109] In the case of a short puff, the main-heating time is shorter than the reference time. Thus, the amount of electric power to be supplied to the heater 211 during one cycle of inhalation is smaller than the amount of electric power to be supplied in the case of the reference time.
[0110] Figs. 4A and 4B are diagrams illustrating a relationship between a puff interval and a set main-heating time in Embodiment 1. Fig. 4A illustrates example timings of inhalation (puff), and Fig. 4A illustrates an example of setting of the main-heating time. In Fig. 4A, the vertical axis represents puff intensity. In Fig. 4B, the vertical axis represents heating intensity. In Figs. 4A and 4B, the horizontal axis represents time. The puff intensity is detected by the puff sensor. In the present embodiment, the puff intensity is detected as the presence or absence of a puff. Alternatively, the puff intensity may be defined as the amount of air inhaled. The heating intensity is the amount of electric power and is given by the product of a voltage value and a current value supplied to the heater 211.
[0112] In Fig. 4A, the interval between the first puff and the second puff is IT1, the interval between the second puff and the third puff is IT2, the interval between the third puff and the fourth puff is IT3, and the interval between the fourth puff and the fifth puff is IT4. In this example, the third and fourth puff intervals IT3 and IT4 are shorter than the first period. That is, the third and fourth puff intervals are determined to be short puffs. Accordingly, the first and second puff intervals IT1 and IT2 are not short puffs.
[0113] Accordingly, the main-heating times of the first puff, the second puff, and the third puff are set to the reference time LT1, whereas the main-heating times of the fourth puff and the fifth puff are set to the time LT2 shorter than the reference time LT1.
[0114] As a result, even if the puff interval until the start of the fourth puff is short and the amount of supply of the aerosol source to be supplied to the heater 211 until the start of inhalation is small, the main-heating time is shorter than the reference time LT2. Thus, no drying up occurs during the fourth puff. The same applies to the fifth puff.
[0115] In the sixth and subsequent puffs, if the immediately preceding puff interval is longer than the threshold, the main-heating time of the current inhalation is set to the reference time LT1 again.
[0116] In Figs. 4A and 4B, the time period of inhalation of the aerosol by the user and the heating time of the heater 211 are made to match within a preset main-heating time. Alternatively, the main heating may be started in response to a turn-on operation of the power button 11, or the main heating may be continued until the main-heating time elapses even after the user finishes inhalation.
[0117] In these cases, the puff interval does not coincide with the time during which the main heating is at a standstill. However, as in the example control described above, drying up can be effectively prevented or reduced during a short puff.
<Embodiment 2>
[0118] In Embodiment 2, the puff interval is defined as a period during which the supply of electric power to the heater 211 (see Fig. 2) is at a standstill.
[0119] In the present embodiment, the supply of electric power to the heater 211 is started in response to a predetermined operation performed on the power button 11 (see Fig. 1), and the supply of electric power to the heater 211 is ended in response to the elapse of a preset main-heating time, or forced termination of the supply of electric power or any other operation by the user.
[0120] Alternatively, as in Embodiment 1, electric power may be supplied to the heater 211 in accordance with inhalation of the aerosol by the user.
[0121] The other configurations of the aerosol generation device 1 (see Fig. 1) in the present embodiment are the same as those in Embodiment 1. That is, the aerosol generation device 1 has the same external configuration and internal configuration as those in Embodiment 1.
[0122] Fig. 5 is a flowchart illustrating an example of control of the main-heating time by the controller 117 (see Fig. 2) used in Embodiment 2. In Fig. 5, parts corresponding to those in Fig. 3 are denoted by corresponding reference numerals. The control by the controller 117 is implemented through execution of a program.
[0123] In the present embodiment, the controller 117 determines whether the start of heating of the heater 211 is detected (step 11). That is, it is determined whether the main heating has started.
[0124] The start of heating of the heater 211 is detected by, for example, a turn-on operation of the power button 11 (see Fig. 1), start of inhalation by the user, or the like.
[0125] The turn-on operation, as used here, is an operation of giving an instruction to start supplying electric power to the heater 211. Examples of such an operation include the long-term pressing of the power button 11.
[0126] The start of heating of the aerosol source using the heater 211 may be detected by detection of a current for the main heating, detection of a voltage for the main heating, a change in the resistance value of the heater 211, a rise in the temperature of the liquid guide 212, or the like.
[0127] If the start of heating of the heater 211 is not detected, the controller 117 obtains a negative result in step 11. The controller 117 repeats the determination of step 11 while a negative result is obtained in step 11.
[0128] On the other hand, if the start of heating of the heater 211 is detected, the controller 117 obtains a positive result in step 11. If a positive result is obtained in step 11, the controller 117 starts the main heating (step 11), and then acquires the immediately preceding heating stop time (step 12). The immediately preceding heating stop time is given by the elapsed time from the end of heating in the previous inhalation to the start of heating in the current inhalation.
[0129] The heating stop time may be measured by, for example, a timer, or may be calculated as a difference between the time at which the immediately preceding heating operation ends and the time at which the current heating operation starts.
[0130] When the heating stop time is acquired, the controller 117 determines whether the heating stop time is shorter than the first period (step 13).
[0131] The first period, as used here, is set by the balance between the capacity of the liquid guide 212 to supply the aerosol source and the period of time during which drying up is likely to occur, as in Embodiment 1. Also in the present embodiment, the first period is, for example, 10 seconds. It should be noted that this value is an example. The first period is not an absolute value. As described below in other embodiments, the first period varies depending on the heating mode or the like to be used.
[0132] If the heating stop time is equal to or longer than the first period, the controller 117 obtains a negative result in step 13. In this case, the controller 117 sets the main-heating time of the current inhalation to a reference time LT1 (step 4).
[0133] On the other hand, if the heating stop time is shorter than the first period, that is, if the condition for a short puff is satisfied, the controller 117 sets the main-heating time of the current inhalation to the time LT2 shorter than the reference time (step 5).
[0134] After the main-heating time is set in step 4 or step 5, the controller 117 sequentially executes step 6 and step 7, and completes one cycle of inhalation.
[0135] As described above, the controller 117 in the present embodiment detects the occurrence of a short puff, which causes drying up, with a focus on the heating stop time, which is a time period during which the generation of aerosol stops. Thus, the occurrence of drying up can be effectively prevented or reduced.
[0136] Also in the present embodiment, in the case of a short puff, the main-heating time is shorter than the reference time. Thus, the amount of electric power to be supplied to the heater 211 during one cycle of inhalation is smaller than the amount of electric power to be supplied in the case of the reference time.
[0137] Figs. 6A and 6B are diagrams illustrating a relationship between a puff interval and a set main-heating time in Embodiment 2. Fig. 6A illustrates example timings of inhalation (puff), and Fig. 6B illustrates an example of setting of the main-heating time. In Fig. 6A and 6B, parts corresponding to those in Figs. 4A and 4B are denoted by corresponding reference numerals. In Fig. 6A, the vertical axis represents puff intensity. In Fig. 6B, the vertical axis represents heating intensity. In Figs. 6A and 6B, the horizontal axis represents time.
[0138] Figs. 6A and 6B illustrate a case where the period during which the heater 211 is heated does not coincide with the period during which the user inhales. That is, Figs. 6A and 6B illustrate a case where heating of the heater 211 starts in response to, for example, a turn-on operation of the power button 11 and the heating ends after the main-heating time set in advance elapses. Alternatively, as described above, the time during which the heater 211 is heated can coincide with the time during which the user inhales the aerosol.
[0140] In Fig. 6A, the heating stop time that gives the interval between the first puff and the second puff is IT11, the heating stop time that gives the interval between the second puff and the third puff is IT12, the heating stop time that gives the interval between the third puff and the fourth puff is IT13, and the heating stop time that gives the interval between the fourth puff and the fifth puff is IT14. In this example, the third and fourth puff intervals are shorter than the first period. That is, the third and fourth puff intervals are determined to be short puffs.
[0141] Accordingly, the main-heating times of the first puff, the second puff, and the third puff are set to the reference time LT1, whereas the main-heating times of the fourth puff and the fifth puff are set to the time LT2 shorter than the reference time LT1.
[0142] As a result, even if the puff interval until the start of the fourth puff is short and the amount of supply of the aerosol source to be supplied to the heater 211 until the start of inhalation is small, the main-heating time is shorter than the reference time LT2. Thus, no drying up occurs during the fourth puff. The same applies to the fifth puff.
[0143] In the sixth and subsequent puffs, if the immediately preceding puff interval is longer than the first period, the main-heating time of the current inhalation is set to the reference time LT1 again.
<Embodiment 3>
[0144] In Embodiment 3, the puff interval is defined as an elapsed time from the stop of the supply of electric power to the heater 211 (see Fig. 2) for the immediately preceding inhalation to the start of the current inhalation. In other words, control corresponding to the combined control of Embodiment 1 and Embodiment 2 is provided.
[0145] The other configurations of the aerosol generation device 1 (see Fig. 1) in the present embodiment are the same as those in Embodiment 1. That is, the aerosol generation device 1 has the same external configuration and internal configuration as those in Embodiment 1.
[0146] Fig. 7 is a flowchart illustrating an example of control of the main-heating time by the controller 117 (see Fig. 2) used in Embodiment 3. In Fig. 7, parts corresponding to those in Fig. 3 and Fig. 5 are denoted by corresponding reference numerals. The control by the controller 117 is implemented through execution of a program.
[0147] In the present embodiment, the controller 117 determines whether the start of heating of the heater 211 is detected (step 11).
[0148] If the start of heating of the heater 211 is not detected, the controller 117 obtains a negative result in step 11. The controller 117 repeats the determination of step 11 while a negative result is obtained in step 11.
[0149] On the other hand, if the start of heating of the heater 211 is detected, the controller 117 obtains a positive result in step 11. If a positive result is obtained in step 11, the controller 117 acquires the immediately preceding heating end time (step 21). In the present embodiment, the heating end time refers to the time at which the main heating ends.
[0150] Then, the controller 117 determines whether the puff sensor 112 has detected the start of inhalation (step 1).
[0151] If the start of inhalation of the aerosol by the user is not detected, the controller 117 obtains a negative result in step 1. The controller 117 repeats the determination of step 1 while a negative result is obtained in step 1.
[0152] On the other hand, if the start of inhalation of the aerosol by the user is detected, the controller 117 obtains a positive result in step 1. If a positive result is obtained in step 1, the controller 117 acquires the current puff start time (step 22). The current puff start time is the time at which a positive result is obtained in step 1.
[0153] Then, the controller 117 calculates the elapsed time from the immediately preceding heating end time to the current puff start time (step 23).
[0154] When the elapsed time is calculated, the controller 117 determines whether the elapsed time is shorter than the first period (step 24).
[0155] If the elapsed time is equal to or longer than the first period, the controller 117 obtains a negative result in step 24. In this case, the controller 117 sets the main-heating time of the current inhalation to a reference time LT1 (step 4).
[0156] On the other hand, if the elapsed time is shorter than the first period, the controller 117 obtains a positive result in step 24. In this case, the controller 117 sets the main-heating time of the current inhalation to the time LT2 shorter than the reference time (step 5).
[0157] After the main-heating time is set in step 4 or step 5, the controller 117 sequentially executes step 6 and step 7, and completes one cycle of inhalation.
[0158] As described above, the controller 117 in the present embodiment detects the occurrence of a short puff, which causes drying up, with a focus on the elapsed time from the time at which the immediately preceding heating ends to the start of the current inhalation of the aerosol. Thus, the occurrence of drying up can be effectively prevented or reduced.
[0159] Also in the present embodiment, in the case of a short puff, the main-heating time is shorter than the reference time. Thus, the amount of electric power to be supplied to the heater 211 during one cycle of inhalation is smaller than the amount of electric power to be supplied in the case of the reference time.
[0160] Figs. 8A and 8B are diagrams illustrating a relationship between a puff interval and a set main-heating time in Embodiment 3. Fig. 8A illustrates example timings of inhalation (puff), and Fig. 8B illustrates an example of setting of the main-heating time. In Figs. 8A and 8B, parts corresponding to those in Figs. 4A and 4B are denoted by corresponding reference numerals. In Fig. 8A, the vertical axis represents puff intensity. In Fig. 8B, the vertical axis represents heating intensity. In Figs. 8A and 8B, the horizontal axis represents time.
[0161] Figs. 8A and 8B also illustrate a case where the period during which the heater 211 is heated does not coincide with the period during which the user inhales. That is, Figs. 8A and 8B illustrate a case where heating of the heater 211 starts in response to a turn-on operation of the power button 11 and the heating ends after the main-heating time set in advance elapses. Alternatively, as described above, the time during which the heater 211 is heated can coincide with the time during which the user inhales the aerosol.
[0163] In Fig. 8A, the elapsed time that gives the interval between the first puff and the second puff is IT21, the elapsed time that gives the interval between the second puff and the third puff is IT22, the elapsed time that gives the interval between the third puff and the fourth puff is IT23, and the elapsed time that gives the interval between the fourth puff and the fifth puff is IT24. In this example, the third and fourth puff intervals are shorter than the first period. That is, the third and fourth puff intervals are determined to be short puffs.
[0164] Accordingly, the main-heating times of the first puff, the second puff, and the third puff are set to the reference time LT1, whereas the main-heating times of the fourth puff and the fifth puff are set to the time LT2 shorter than the reference time LT1.
[0165] As a result, even if the puff interval until the start of the fourth puff is short and the amount of supply of the aerosol source to be supplied to the heater 211 until the start of inhalation is small, the main-heating time is shorter than the reference time LT2. Thus, no drying up occurs during the fourth puff. The same applies to the fifth puff.
[0166] In the sixth and subsequent puffs, if the immediately preceding puff interval is longer than the threshold, the main-heating time of the current inhalation is set to the reference time LT1 again.
<Embodiment 4>
[0167] In Embodiment 4, the puff interval is defined as a period from a turn-on operation to a turn-off operation of the power button 11 (see Fig. 1). Also in the present embodiment, the supply of electric power to the heater 211 is started in response to a turn-on operation of the power button 11, and the supply of electric power to the heater 211 is ended in response to the elapse of a preset main-heating time or a turn-off operation by the user.
[0168] In the present embodiment, the end of the supply of electric power in response to the elapse of a preset main-heating time is regarded as the end of the supply of electric power in response to a turn-off operation by the user.
[0169] The other configurations of the aerosol generation device 1 (see Fig. 1) in the present embodiment are the same as those in Embodiment 1. That is, the aerosol generation device 1 has the same external configuration and internal configuration as those in Embodiment 1.
[0170] Fig. 9 is a flowchart illustrating an example of control of the main-heating time by the controller 117 (see Fig. 2) used in Embodiment 4. In Fig. 9, parts corresponding to those in Fig. 3 are denoted by corresponding reference numerals. The control by the controller 117 is implemented through execution of a program.
[0171] In the present embodiment, the controller 117 determines whether a turn-on operation of the power button 11 is detected (step 31).
[0172] If a turn-on operation of the power button 11 is not detected, the controller 117 obtains a negative result in step 31. The controller 117 repeats the determination of step 31 while a negative result is obtained in step 31.
[0173] On the other hand, if a turn-on operation of the power button 11 is detected, the controller 117 obtains a positive result in step 31. If a positive result is obtained in step 31, the controller 117 acquires the time of the current turn-on operation (step 32).
[0174] When the time of the turn-on operation is acquired, the controller 117 acquires the time of the immediately preceding turn-off operation (step 33).
[0175] Then, the controller 117 calculates the elapsed time from the immediately preceding turn-off operation to the current turn-on operation (step 34).
[0176] When the elapsed time is calculated, the controller 117 determines whether the elapsed time is shorter than the first period (step 35).
[0177] If the elapsed time is equal to or longer than the first period, the controller 117 obtains a negative result in step 35. In this case, the controller 117 sets the main-heating time of the current inhalation to a reference time LT1 (step 4).
[0178] If the elapsed time is shorter than the first period, the controller 117 obtains a positive result in step 35. In this case, the controller 117 sets the main-heating time of the current inhalation to the time LT2 shorter than the reference time (step 5).
[0179] After the main-heating time is set in step 4 or step 5, the controller 117 sequentially executes step 6 and step 7, and completes one cycle of inhalation.
[0180] In the present embodiment, the controller 117 detects the occurrence of a short puff, which causes drying up, based on the relationship between the first period and the elapsed time from a turn-off operation to a turn-on operation of the power button 11. Thus, the occurrence of drying up can be effectively prevented or reduced.
[0181] Also in the present embodiment, in the case of a short puff, the main-heating time is shorter than the reference time. Thus, the amount of electric power to be supplied to the heater 211 during one cycle of inhalation is smaller than the amount of electric power to be supplied in the case of the reference time.
[0182] Figs. 10A and 10B are diagrams illustrating a relationship between a puff interval and a set main-heating time in Embodiment 4. Fig. 10A illustrates example timings of inhalation (puff), and Fig. 10B illustrates an example of setting of the main-heating time. In Fig. 10, parts corresponding to those in Figs. 4A and 4B are denoted by corresponding reference numerals. In Fig. 10A, the vertical axis represents puff intensity. In Fig. 10B, the vertical axis represents heating intensity. In Figs. 10A and 10B, the horizontal axis represents time.
[0183] Figs. 10A and 10B also illustrate a case where the period during which the heater 211 is heated does not coincide with the period during which the user inhales. That is, Figs. 10A and 10B illustrate a case where the user inhales the aerosol in any period within a main-heating period started in response to a turn-on operation of the power button 11.
[0185] In Fig. 10A, the elapsed time that gives the interval between the first puff and the second puff is IT31, the elapsed time that gives the interval between the second puff and the third puff is IT32, the elapsed time that gives the interval between the third puff and the fourth puff is IT33, and the elapsed time that gives the interval between the fourth puff and the fifth puff is IT34. In this example, the third and fourth puff intervals are shorter than the first period. That is, the third and fourth puff intervals are determined to be short puffs.
[0186] Accordingly, the main-heating times of the first puff, the second puff, and the third puff are set to the reference time LT1, whereas the main-heating times of the fourth puff and the fifth puff are set to the time LT2 shorter than the reference time LT1.
[0187] As a result, even if the puff interval until the start of the fourth puff is short and the amount of supply of the aerosol source to be supplied to the heater 211 until the start of inhalation is small, the main-heating time is shorter than the reference time LT2. Thus, no drying up occurs during the fourth puff. The same applies to the fifth puff.
[0188] In the sixth and subsequent puffs, if the immediately preceding puff interval is longer than the first period, the main-heating time of the current inhalation is set to the reference time LT1 again.
[0189] In the present embodiment, the turn-on operation and turn-off operation of the power button 11 are to be detected. Alternatively, electric power may be supplied to the heater 211 by an operation of another button or a GUI. In this case, the control operation described in the present embodiment is desirably executed in response to the detection of such an operation.
<Embodiment 5>
[0190] Embodiment 5 describes an example of a method for indirectly detecting the occurrence of a short puff. As described above, when the puff interval is short, the aerosol source in the liquid guide 212 starts to be reheated before the liquid temperature of the aerosol source is sufficiently lowered. In the present embodiment, a focus is on this phenomenon.
[0191] An aerosol generation device 1 according to the present embodiment also has the same external configuration as that in Embodiment 1. However, the aerosol generation device 1 provided in the present embodiment has an internal configuration that is partially different from that in Embodiment 1.
[0192] Fig. 11 is a diagram schematically illustrating an internal configuration of the aerosol generation device 1 provided in Embodiment 5. In Fig. 11, parts corresponding to those in Fig. 2 are denoted by corresponding reference numerals.
[0193] Unlike the aerosol generation device 1 illustrated in Fig. 2, the aerosol generation device 1 illustrated in Fig. 11 is provided with a coil temperature sensor 113A. The heater 211 is a coil.
[0194] For example, a thermistor is used as the coil temperature sensor 113A. The thermistor is disposed in the vicinity of the coil. The coil temperature sensor 113A is an example of a second sensor.
[0195] However, instead of the coil temperature sensor 113A, a current value flowing through the heater 211 may be measured, or a voltage appearing in a resistor connected in series to the heater 211 may be measured.
[0196] When the puff interval is short, the temperature of the heater 211 at the start of inhalation is higher and the heater 211 has a larger resistance value than when the puff interval is long. Thus, when the puff interval is short, the current is more difficult to flow than when the puff interval is long.
[0197] Accordingly, monitoring the value of the current (i.e., "current value") flowing through the heater 211 or the value of the voltage (i.e., "voltage value") appearing in the resistor connected in series to the heater 211 enables the detection of the temperature of the heater 211.
[0198] For example, a table in which the relationship between the current value or the voltage value is associated with the temperature of the heater 211 is prepared. In this case, the controller 117 reads the temperature corresponding to the measured current value or voltage value from the table.
[0199] For example, a conversion formula between the current value or the voltage value and the temperature of the heater 211 is prepared. In this case, the controller 117 substitutes the measured current value or voltage value into a variable to calculate the corresponding temperature.
[0200] Fig. 12 is a flowchart illustrating an example of control of the main-heating time by the controller 117 (see Fig. 2) used in Embodiment 5. In Fig. 12, parts corresponding to those in Fig. 3 are denoted by corresponding reference numerals. The control by the controller 117 is implemented through execution of a program.
[0201] In the present embodiment, the controller 117 determines whether the puff sensor 112 has detected the start of inhalation (step 1). This determination is performed when the main heating starts in response to the start of inhalation by the user. As in Embodiment 2, it may be determined whether heating of the heater 211 has started. Alternatively, as in Embodiment 4, it may be determined whether a turn-on operation of the power button 11 (see Fig. 1) has been performed.
[0202] If the start of inhalation of the aerosol by the user is not detected, the controller 117 obtains a negative result in step 1. The controller 117 repeats the determination of step 1 while a negative result is obtained in step 1.
[0203] On the other hand, if the start of inhalation of the aerosol by the user is detected, the controller 117 obtains a positive result in step 1. If a positive result is obtained in step 1, the controller 117 starts the main heating (step 1100), and then acquires the temperature of the coil at the start of inhalation (step 41). The temperature of the coil is the temperature of the heater 211.
[0204] When the temperature of the coil is acquired, the controller 117 determines whether the temperature of the coil at the start of inhalation is higher than a first temperature (step 42). The first temperature is set to an intermediate value between a temperature that appears for a short puff and a temperature that appears for a non-short puff.
[0205] If the temperature of the coil is equal to or lower than the first temperature, the controller 117 obtains a negative result in step 42. In this case, the controller 117 sets the main-heating time of the current inhalation to a reference time LT1 (step 4).
[0206] On the other hand, if the temperature of the coil is higher than the first temperature, the controller 117 obtains a positive result in step 42. In this case, the controller 117 sets the main-heating time of the current inhalation to the time LT2 shorter than the reference time (step 5).
[0207] After the main-heating time is set in step 4 or step 5, the controller 117 sequentially executes step 6 and step 7, and completes one cycle of inhalation.
[0208] In the present embodiment, the controller 117 detects the occurrence of a short puff, which causes drying up, with a focus on the temperature of the heater 211 for generating an aerosol. Thus, the occurrence of drying up can be effectively prevented or reduced.
[0209] Also in the present embodiment, in the case of a short puff, the main-heating time is shorter than the reference time. Thus, the amount of electric power to be supplied to the heater 211 during one cycle of inhalation is smaller than the amount of electric power to be supplied in the case of the reference time.
[0210] Figs. 13A to 13C are diagrams illustrating a relationship between a puff interval and a set main-heating time in Embodiment 5. Fig. 13A illustrates example timings of inhalation (puff), Fig. 13B illustrates a temperature change of the heater 211, and Fig. 13C illustrates an example of setting of the main-heating time. In Figs. 13A to 13C, parts corresponding to those in Figs. 4A and 4B are denoted by corresponding reference numerals. In Fig. 13A, the vertical axis represents puff intensity. In Fig. 13B, the vertical axis represents temperature. In Fig. 13C, the vertical axis represents heating intensity. In Figs. 13A to 13C, the horizontal axis represents time.
[0211] Figs. 13A and 13B illustrate a case where the time during which the heater 211 is heated does not coincide with the period during which the user inhales. That is, Figs. 13A and 13B illustrate a case where the user inhales the aerosol in any period within a main-heating period started in response to a turn-on operation of the power button 11.
[0213] In Fig. 13A, it is assumed that the interval between the first puff and the second puff, the interval between the second puff and the third puff, and the interval between the fourth puff and the fifth puff are not short puffs, but the interval between the third puff and the fourth puff is a short puff.
[0214] Accordingly, in the example illustrated in Fig. 13B, temperatures TA of the heater 211 at the start of the second puff, the start of the third puff, and the start of the fifth puff are lower than the first temperature. However, a temperature TB of the heater 211 at the start of the fourth puff is higher than the first temperature.
[0215] Accordingly, in the example illustrated in Fig. 13C, the main-heating times of the first puff, the second puff, the third puff, and the fifth puff are set to the reference time LT1, whereas the main-heating time of the fourth puff is set to the time LT2 shorter than the reference time LT1.
[0216] As a result, even if the puff interval until the start of the fourth puff is short and the amount of supply of the aerosol source to be supplied to the heater 211 until the start of inhalation is small, the main-heating time is shorter than the reference time LT2. Thus, no drying up occurs during the fourth puff.
<Embodiment 6>
[0217] Embodiment 6 also describes an example of a method for indirectly detecting the occurrence of a short puff. In the present embodiment, a change in resistance value is used to detect a high-temperature state of the heater 211 at the start of inhalation.
[0218] An aerosol generation device 1 according to the present embodiment also has the same external configuration as that in Embodiment 1. However, the aerosol generation device 1 provided in the present embodiment has an internal configuration that is partially different from that in Embodiment 1.
[0219] Fig. 14 is a diagram schematically illustrating an internal configuration of the aerosol generation device 1 provided in Embodiment 6. In Fig. 14, parts corresponding to those in Fig. 2 are denoted by corresponding reference numerals.
[0220] Unlike the aerosol generation device 1 illustrated in Fig. 2, the aerosol generation device 1 illustrated in Fig. 14 is provided with a resistance value sensor 113B. The measurement target of the resistance value sensor 113B is the resistance value of the heater 211.
[0221] For example, the resistance value sensor 113B measures the current value flowing through the heater 211 to detect the resistance value of the heater 211. In this method, a change in resistance value caused by a temperature change of the heater 211 is detected as a change in current value.
[0222] Further, for example, the resistance value sensor 113B measures a voltage value appearing across a resistor connected in series to the heater 211 to detect a change in the resistance value of the heater 211. In this method, a change in the resistance value of the heater 211 caused by a temperature change is detected through a change in voltage appearing across a resistor connected in series to the heater 211.
[0223] Fig. 15 is a flowchart illustrating an example of control of the main-heating time by the controller 117 (see Fig. 2) used in Embodiment 6. In Fig. 15, parts corresponding to those in Fig. 3 are denoted by corresponding reference numerals. The control by the controller 117 is implemented through execution of a program.
[0224] The controller 117 according to the present embodiment also determines whether the puff sensor 112 has detected the start of inhalation (step 1). This determination is performed when the main heating starts in response to the start of inhalation by the user. As in Embodiment 2, it may be determined whether heating of the heater 211 has started. Alternatively, as in Embodiment 4, it may be determined whether a turn-on operation of the power button 11 (see Fig. 1) has been performed.
[0225] If the start of inhalation of the aerosol by the user is not detected, the controller 117 obtains a negative result in step 1. The controller 117 repeats the determination of step 1 while a negative result is obtained in step 1.
[0226] On the other hand, if the start of inhalation of the aerosol by the user is detected, the controller 117 obtains a positive result in step 1. If a positive result is obtained in step 1, the controller 117 starts the main heating (step 1100), and then acquires the resistance value of the coil at the start of inhalation (step 51). The resistance value of the coil is the resistance value of the heater 211.
[0227] When the resistance value of the coil is acquired, the controller 117 determines whether the resistance value of the coil at the start of inhalation is larger than a first resistance value (step 52). The first resistance value is determined in accordance with an actual measurement value of a change in resistance value according to the elapsed time from the end of the supply of electric power to the heater 211. The first resistance value is set to an intermediate value between a resistance value that appears for a short puff and a resistance value that appears for a non-short puff.
[0228] If the resistance value of the coil is equal to or less than the first resistance value, the controller 117 obtains a negative result in step 52. In this case, the controller 117 sets the main-heating time of the current inhalation to a reference time LT1 (step 4).
[0229] On the other hand, if the resistance value of the coil is larger than the first resistance value, the controller 117 obtains a positive result in step 52. In this case, the controller 117 sets the main-heating time of the current inhalation to the time LT2 shorter than the reference time (step 5).
[0230] After the main-heating time is set in step 4 or step 5, the controller 117 sequentially executes step 6 and step 7, and completes one cycle of inhalation.
[0231] In the present embodiment, the controller 117 detects the occurrence of a short puff, which causes drying up, with a focus on the resistance value of the heater 211 for generating an aerosol. Thus, the occurrence of drying up can be effectively prevented or reduced.
[0232] Also in the present embodiment, in the case of a short puff, the main-heating time is shorter than the reference time. Thus, the amount of electric power to be supplied to the heater 211 during one cycle of inhalation is smaller than the amount of electric power to be supplied in the case of the reference time.
[0233] Figs. 16A to 16C are diagrams illustrating a relationship between a puff interval and a set main-heating time in Embodiment 6. Fig. 16A illustrates example timings of inhalation (puff), Fig. 16B illustrates a change in the resistance value of the heater 211, and Fig. 16C illustrates an example of setting of the main-heating time. In Figs. 16A to 16C, parts corresponding to those in Figs. 4A and 4B are denoted by corresponding reference numerals. In Fig. 16A, the vertical axis represents puff intensity. In Fig. 16B, the vertical axis represents resistance value. In Fig. 16C, the vertical axis represents heating intensity. In Figs. 16A to 16C, the horizontal axis represents time.
[0234] Figs. 16A and 16B also illustrate a case where the period during which the heater 211 is heated does not coincide with the period during which the user inhales. That is, Figs. 16A and 16B illustrate a case where the user inhales the aerosol in any period within a main-heating period started in response to a turn-on operation of the power button 11.
[0236] In Fig. 16A, it is assumed that the interval between the first puff and the second puff, the interval between the second puff and the third puff, and the interval between the fourth puff and the fifth puff are not short puffs, but the interval between the third puff and the fourth puff is a short puff.
[0237] Accordingly, in the example illustrated in Fig. 16B, resistance values RA of the coil at the start of the second puff, the start of the third puff, and the start of the fifth puff are lower than the first resistance value. This is because the temperature of the coil decreases and the resistance value also decreases as a result of the elapse of time from the end of the immediately preceding heating.
[0238] However, a resistance value RB of the coil at the start of the fourth puff is higher than the first resistance value. This is because the third and fourth puff intervals are short and the temperature of the heater 211 is not sufficiently lowered.
[0239] Accordingly, in the example illustrated in Fig. 16C, the main-heating times of the first, second, third, and fifth puffs are set to the reference time LT1, whereas the main-heating time of the fourth puff is set to the time LT2 shorter than the reference time LT1.
[0240] As a result, even if the puff interval until the start of the fourth puff is short and the amount of supply of the aerosol source to be supplied to the heater 211 until the start of inhalation is small, the main-heating time is shorter than the reference time LT2. Thus, no drying up occurs during the fourth puff.
<Embodiment 7>
[0241] Embodiment 7 also describes an example of a method for indirectly detecting the occurrence of a short puff. In the present embodiment, the temperature change of the liquid guide 212 is used to detect a high-temperature state of the heater 211 at the start of inhalation.
[0242] An aerosol generation device 1 according to the present embodiment also has the same external configuration as that in Embodiment 1. However, the aerosol generation device 1 provided in the present embodiment has an internal configuration that is partially different from that in Embodiment 1.
[0243] Fig. 17 is a diagram schematically illustrating an internal configuration of the aerosol generation device 1 provided in Embodiment 7. In Fig. 17, parts corresponding to those in Fig. 2 are denoted by corresponding reference numerals.
[0244] Unlike the aerosol generation device 1 illustrated in Fig. 2, the aerosol generation device 1 illustrated in Fig. 17 is provided with a liquid temperature sensor 113C. The measurement target of the liquid temperature sensor 113C is the temperature of the liquid guide 212. For this reason, the liquid temperature sensor 113C is disposed in the vicinity of the liquid guide 212. For example, a temperature sensor or a thermistor is used as the liquid temperature sensor 113C. The liquid temperature sensor 113C is an example of a third sensor.
[0245] Fig. 18 is a flowchart illustrating an example of control of the main-heating time by the controller 117 (see Fig. 2) used in Embodiment 7. In Fig. 18, parts corresponding to those in Fig. 3 are denoted by corresponding reference numerals. The control by the controller 117 is implemented through execution of a program.
[0246] The controller 117 according to the present embodiment also determines whether the puff sensor 112 has detected the start of inhalation (step 1). This determination is performed when the main heating starts in response to the start of inhalation by the user. As in Embodiment 2, it may be determined whether heating of the heater 211 has started. Alternatively, as in Embodiment 4, it may be determined whether a turn-on operation of the power button 11 (see Fig. 1) has been performed.
[0247] If the start of inhalation of the aerosol by the user is not detected, the controller 117 obtains a negative result in step 1. The controller 117 repeats the determination of step 1 while a negative result is obtained in step 1.
[0248] On the other hand, if the start of inhalation of the aerosol by the user is detected, the controller 117 obtains a positive result in step 1. If a positive result is obtained in step 1, the controller 117 starts the main heating (step 1100), and then acquires the liquid temperature at the start of inhalation (step 61). The liquid temperature is the temperature of the liquid guide 212.
[0249] When the temperature of the liquid guide 212 is acquired, the controller 117 determines whether the liquid temperature at the start of inhalation is higher than a second temperature (step 62). The second temperature is determined in accordance with an actual measurement value of a change in the liquid temperature according to the elapsed time from the end of the supply of electric power to the heater 211.
[0250] If the liquid temperature is equal to or lower than the second temperature, the controller 117 obtains a negative result in step 62. In this case, the controller 117 sets the main-heating time of the current inhalation to a reference time LT1 (step 4).
[0251] On the other hand, if the liquid temperature is higher than the second temperature, the controller 117 obtains a positive result in step 62. In this case, the controller 117 sets the main-heating time of the current inhalation to the time LT2 shorter than the reference time (step 5).
[0252] After the main-heating time is set in step 4 or step 5, the controller 117 sequentially executes step 6 and step 7, and completes one cycle of inhalation.
[0253] In the present embodiment, the controller 117 detects the occurrence of a short puff, which causes drying up, with a focus on the liquid temperature of the heater 211 for generating an aerosol. Thus, the occurrence of drying up can be effectively prevented or reduced.
[0254] Also in the present embodiment, in the case of a short puff, the main-heating time is shorter than the reference time. Thus, the amount of electric power to be supplied to the heater 211 during one cycle of inhalation is smaller than the amount of electric power to be supplied in the case of the reference time.
[0255] Figs. 19A to 19C are diagrams illustrating a relationship between a puff interval and a set main-heating time in Embodiment 7. Fig. 19A illustrates example timings of inhalation (puff), Fig. 19B illustrates a change in the temperature of the liquid guide 212, and Fig. 19C illustrates an example of setting of the main-heating time. In Figs. 19A to 19C, parts corresponding to those in Figs. 4A and 4B are denoted by corresponding reference numerals. In Fig. 19A, the vertical axis represents puff intensity. In Fig. 19B, the vertical axis represents liquid temperature. In Fig. 19C, the vertical axis represents heating intensity. In Figs. 19A to 19C, the horizontal axis represents time.
[0256] Figs. 19A and 19B illustrate a case where the time during which the heater 211 is heated does not coincide with the period during which the user inhales. That is, Figs. 19A and 19B illustrate a case where the user inhales the aerosol in any period within a main-heating period started in response to a turn-on operation of the power button 11. Fig. 19B illustrates that the liquid temperature starts to rise simultaneously with the start of the main heating.
[0258] In Fig. 19A, it is assumed that the interval between the first puff and the second puff, the interval between the second puff and the third puff, and the interval between the fourth puff and the fifth puff are not short puffs, but the third and fourth puff intervals are short puffs.
[0259] Accordingly, in the example illustrated in Fig. 19B, liquid temperatures TA at the start of the second puff and the start of the third puff, and a liquid temperature TC at the start of the fifth puff are lower than the second temperature. This is because, as a result of the elapse of time from the end of the immediately preceding heating, heating is started from a state in which the liquid temperature has dropped to room temperature or close to room temperature.
[0260] However, a liquid temperature TB at the start of the fourth puff is higher than the second temperature. This is because the interval between the third puff and the fourth puff is short and the temperature of the liquid guide 212 is not sufficiently lowered.
[0261] Accordingly, in the example illustrated in Fig. 19C, the main-heating times of the first puff, the second puff, the third puff, and the fifth puff are set to the reference time LT1, whereas the main-heating time of the fourth puff is set to the time LT2 shorter than the reference time LT1.
[0262] As a result, even if the puff interval until the start of the fourth puff is short and the amount of supply of the aerosol source to be supplied to the heater 211 until the start of inhalation is small, the main-heating time is shorter than the reference time LT2. Thus, no drying up occurs during the fourth puff.
[0263] The present embodiment provides a case where a puff of the user is detected substantially at the same time as the start of heating of the heater 211. Alternatively, the liquid temperature at the point in time when heating of the heater 211 starts may be acquired. The liquid temperature at the point in time when heating of the heater 211 starts is the lowest temperature in one cycle. In this case, a value lower than that in the example illustrated in Figs. 19A to 19C is used as the second temperature.
<Embodiment 8>
[0264] The present embodiment provides a case where the air temperature in an environment in which the aerosol generation device 1 is used is low. In high-latitude countries or regions, the outside air temperature in winter is low. When the outside air temperature is low, the liquid temperature of the aerosol source stored in the liquid storage 213 of the aerosol generation device 1 is also low, and the viscosity increases simultaneously. As the viscosity increases, the liquid feed rate of the aerosol decreases, as compared with when the air temperature is high in a case where the puff interval is short, as well as in a case where the puff interval is long. As a result, if the amount of supply of the aerosol source to be supplied to the heater 211 until the start of inhalation falls below the amount of liquid required for the generation of aerosol, the same phenomenon as drying up occurs.
[0265] In the present embodiment, accordingly, a focus is on the air temperature in an environment or atmosphere in which the aerosol generation device 1 is used.
[0266] An aerosol generation device 1 according to the present embodiment also has the same external configuration as that in Embodiment 1. However, the aerosol generation device 1 provided in the present embodiment has an internal configuration that is partially different from that in Embodiment 1.
[0267] Fig. 20 is a diagram schematically illustrating an internal configuration of the aerosol generation device 1 provided in Embodiment 8. In Fig. 20, parts corresponding to those in Fig. 2 are denoted by corresponding reference numerals.
[0268] Unlike the aerosol generation device 1 illustrated in Fig. 2, the aerosol generation device 1 illustrated in Fig. 20 is provided with an air temperature sensor 113D. The measurement target of the air temperature sensor 113D is the ambient air temperature. For this reason, the air temperature sensor 113D is desirably disposed as far as possible from the heat source in the device. However, since the viscosity of the aerosol source depends on the liquid temperature of the aerosol source stored in the liquid storage 213, the liquid temperature sensor may be disposed in the vicinity of the liquid storage 213.
[0269] Fig. 21 is a flowchart illustrating an example of control of the main-heating time by the controller 117 (see Fig. 2) used in Embodiment 8. In Fig. 21, parts corresponding to those in Fig. 3 are denoted by corresponding reference numerals. The control by the controller 117 is implemented through execution of a program.
[0270] The controller 117 according to the present embodiment also determines whether the puff sensor 112 has detected the start of inhalation (step 1). This determination is performed when the main heating starts in response to the start of inhalation by the user.
[0271] As in Embodiment 2, it may be determined whether heating of the heater 211 has started. Alternatively, as in Embodiment 4, it may be determined whether a turn-on operation of the power button 11 (see Fig. 1) has been performed.
[0272] If the start of inhalation of the aerosol by the user is not detected, the controller 117 obtains a negative result in step 1. The controller 117 repeats the determination of step 1 while a negative result is obtained in step 1.
[0273] On the other hand, if the start of inhalation of the aerosol by the user is detected, the controller 117 obtains a positive result in step 1. If a positive result is obtained in step 1, the controller 117 starts the main heating (step 1100), and then acquires the air temperature at the start of inhalation (step 71). The air temperature is the ambient air temperature around the aerosol generation device 1.
[0274] When the ambient air temperature is acquired, the controller 117 determines whether the air temperature at the start of inhalation is lower than a threshold for air temperature determination (hereinafter referred to as an "air temperature threshold") (step 72). The air temperature threshold is determined in accordance with the relationship between the viscosity of the aerosol source and the air temperature.
[0275] If the air temperature is equal to or higher than the air temperature threshold, the controller 117 obtains a negative result in step 72. In this case, the controller 117 sets the main-heating time of the current inhalation to a reference time LT1 (step 4).
[0276] On the other hand, if the air temperature is lower than the air temperature threshold, the controller 117 obtains a positive result in step 72. In this case, the controller 117 sets the main-heating time of the current inhalation to the time LT2 shorter than the reference time (step 5).
[0277] After the main-heating time is set in step 4 or step 5, the controller 117 sequentially executes step 6 and step 7, and completes one cycle of inhalation.
[0278] In the present embodiment, the controller 117 detects use in an environment in which drying up occurs, with a focus on the ambient air temperature at which the efficiency of aerosol generation decreases. Thus, the occurrence of drying up can be effectively prevented or reduced.
[0279] Figs. 22A to 22C are diagrams illustrating a relationship between a puff interval and a set main-heating time in Embodiment 8. Fig. 22A illustrates example timings of inhalation (puff), Fig. 22B illustrates a change in ambient air temperature, and Fig. 22C illustrates an example of setting of the main-heating time. In Figs. 22A to 22C, parts corresponding to those in Figs. 4A and 4B are denoted by corresponding reference numerals. In Fig. 22A, the vertical axis represents puff intensity. In Fig. 22B, the vertical axis represents air temperature. In Fig. 22C, the vertical axis represents heating intensity. In Figs. 22A to 22C, the horizontal axis represents time.
[0280] Figs. 22A and 22C illustrate a case where the time during which the heater 211 is heated does not coincide with the period during which the user inhales. That is, Figs. 22A and 22C illustrate a case where the user inhales the aerosol in any period within a main-heating period started in response to a turn-on operation of the power button 11. Fig. 22B illustrates a change in ambient air temperature at which the aerosol generation device 1 is used. In Fig. 22B, it is assumed that as a result of movement from a room with a heater turned on to the outdoors in winter, the air temperature drops to such an extent that the viscosity of the aerosol source is affected.
[0281] Also in Fig. 22A, the number of inhalations (puffs) is five. Note that in Fig. 22A, none of the interval between the first puff and the second puff, the interval between the second puff and the third puff, the interval between the third puff and the fourth puff, and the interval between the fourth puff and the fifth puff is a short puff.
[0282] Note that the first puff, the second puff, and the third puff are performed indoors, whereas the fourth puff and the fifth puff are performed outdoors. Accordingly, in Fig. 22B, the air temperature drops between the third puff and the fourth puff.
[0283] It is assumed that a period of time during which the liquid temperature of the aerosol source decreases is present between the third puff and the fourth puff, and consequently, the liquid temperature of the aerosol source is close to the air temperature at the start of the fourth puff. It is also assumed that the liquid temperature of the aerosol source at that time is lowered to a value lower than the air temperature threshold. Accordingly, in the example illustrated in Fig. 22C, the main-heating times of the first puff, the second puff, and the third puff are set to the reference time LT1, whereas the main-heating times of the fourth puff and the fifth puff are set to the time LT2 shorter than the reference time LT1.
[0284] As a result, even if the amount of supply of the aerosol source to be supplied to the heater 211 until the start of inhalation is small in the fourth puff and the fifth puff due to the low ambient air temperature, the main-heating time is shorter than the reference time LT2. Thus, no drying up occurs.
<Embodiment 9>
[0285] The present embodiment describes a case where the main-heating time is controlled by predicting the occurrence of drying up. The other configurations of the aerosol generation device 1 (see Fig. 1) in the present embodiment are the same as those in Embodiment 1. That is, the aerosol generation device 1 has the same external configuration and internal configuration as those in Embodiment 1.
[0286] Fig. 23 is a flowchart illustrating an example of control of the main-heating time by the controller 117 (see Fig. 2) used in Embodiment 9. In Fig. 23, parts corresponding to those in Fig. 3 are denoted by corresponding reference numerals. The control by the controller 117 is implemented through execution of a program.
[0287] In the present embodiment, the controller 117 determines whether the start of inhalation is detected (step 1).
[0288] If the start of inhalation of the aerosol by the user is not detected, the controller 117 obtains a negative result in step 1. The controller 117 repeats the determination of step 1 while a negative result is obtained in step 1.
[0289] On the other hand, if the start of inhalation of the aerosol by the user is detected, the controller 117 obtains a positive result in step 1. If a positive result is obtained in step 1, the controller 117 starts the main heating (step 1100), and then acquires a history of a plurality of previous puff intervals (step 81). The number of puff intervals to be acquired in the history is set in advance. For example, a history of three to five puff intervals is acquired.
[0290] The purpose is to prevent drying up in the next inhalation. Thus, too many puff intervals to be acquired may hinder the knowledge of the most recent inhalation tendency. However, many puff intervals to be acquired in the history make it possible to analyze a long-term inhalation tendency of the user.
[0291] When the history of a plurality of previous puff intervals is acquired, the controller 117 predicts the next puff interval (step 82). In the embodiments described above, the latest puff interval is acquired each time a new inhalation starts. In the present embodiment, the puff interval is predicted before the next inhalation starts.
[0292] Then, the controller 117 determines whether the predicted next puff interval is shorter than the first period (step 83).
[0293] If the predicted next puff interval is equal to or longer than the first period, the controller 117 obtains a negative result in step 83. In this case, the controller 117 sets the main-heating time of the current inhalation to a reference time LT1 (step 4).
[0294] On the other hand, if the predicted next puff interval is shorter than the first period, the controller 117 obtains a positive result in step 83. In this case, the controller 117 sets the main-heating time of the current inhalation to the time LT2 shorter than the reference time (step 5).
[0295] After the main-heating time is set in step 4 or step 5, the controller 117 sequentially executes step 6 and step 7, and completes one cycle of inhalation.
[0296] In the present embodiment, when the predicted value satisfies the condition for a short puff, the controller 117 shortens the main-heating time in a preventive manner. As a result, when the puff interval immediately before the start of the next inhalation is a short puff, the main-heating time of the next inhalation is the same as that in the other embodiments described above.
[0297] On the other hand, when the puff interval immediately before the start of the next inhalation is not a short puff, the main-heating time is shorter than that in the other embodiments described above. The puff interval until the next inhalation is further substantially longer accordingly, and drying up is less likely to occur.
[0298] Also in the present embodiment, if the predicted value is a short puff, the main-heating time is shorter than the reference time. Thus, the amount of electric power to be supplied to the heater 211 during one cycle of inhalation is smaller than the amount of electric power to be supplied in the case of the reference time.
[0299] Figs. 24A to 24C are diagrams illustrating a relationship between a puff interval and a set main-heating time in Embodiment 9. Fig. 24A illustrates example timings of inhalation (puff), Fig. 24B illustrates an example of setting of the main-heating time when a predicted puff interval is equal to or longer than the threshold, and Fig. 24C illustrates an example of setting of the main-heating time when the predicted puff interval is shorter than the threshold. In Figs. 24A to 24C, parts corresponding to those in Figs. 4A and 4B are denoted by corresponding reference numerals. In Fig. 24A, the vertical axis represents puff intensity. In Figs. 24B and 24C, the vertical axis represents heating intensity. In Figs. 24A to 24C, the horizontal axis represents time.
[0300] In Fig. 24A, before the start of the (M + 1)-th puff, the next puff interval is predicted from the N puff intervals.
[0301] In the example illustrated in Fig. 24B, the predicted puff interval is not a short puff. Thus, the main-heating time is set to the reference time LT1.
[0302] In the example illustrated in Fig. 24C, the predicted puff interval is a short puff. Thus, the main-heating time is set to the time LT2 shorter than the reference time.
[0303] In the present embodiment, the interval of the next inhalation is predicted from the tendency of a plurality of previous intervals. Alternatively, the intervals of the inhalation that is next to the next inhalation and the subsequent inhalations (i.e., the next and subsequent inhalations) may be predicted, and the electric power to be supplied in the predicted inhalation may be controlled.
<Embodiment 10>
[0304] Also in the present embodiment, the main-heating time is set using a plurality of previous puff intervals. In the present embodiment, however, instead of prediction, the main-heating time of the current inhalation, which is in progress, is set after the start of the current inhalation, as in Embodiments 1 to 7.
[0305] The other configurations of the aerosol generation device 1 (see Fig. 1) in the present embodiment are the same as those in Embodiment 1. That is, the aerosol generation device 1 has the same external configuration and internal configuration as those in Embodiment 1.
[0306] Fig. 25 is a flowchart illustrating an example of control of the main-heating time by the controller 117 (see Fig. 2) used in Embodiment 10. In Fig. 25, parts corresponding to those in Fig. 3 are denoted by corresponding reference numerals. The control by the controller 117 is implemented through execution of a program.
[0307] In the present embodiment, the controller 117 determines whether the start of inhalation is detected (step 1).
[0308] If the start of inhalation of the aerosol by the user is not detected, the controller 117 obtains a negative result in step 1. The controller 117 repeats the determination of step 1 while a negative result is obtained in step 1.
[0309] On the other hand, if the start of inhalation of the aerosol by the user is detected, the controller 117 obtains a positive result in step 1. If a positive result is obtained in step 1, the controller 117 starts the main heating (step 1100), and then acquires a history of a plurality of previous puff intervals including the current puff interval (step 91). In the present embodiment, since an actual measurement value is used instead of a predicted value, the current puff interval is also measured.
[0310] The number of puff intervals to be acquired in the history is set in advance. For example, a history of three to five puff intervals is acquired. The number of puff intervals to be acquired in the history is set as long as the most recent inhalation tendency is detectable.
[0311] When the history of a plurality of previous puff intervals is acquired, the controller 117 acquires the number of consecutive puff intervals each shorter than the threshold until the current puff (step 92). As the number of consecutive puff intervals increases, the likelihood that the liquid temperature of the aerosol source at the start of inhalation is high increases, and the likelihood that the supply of the aerosol source is not in time during the main heating also increases.
[0312] Instead of the number of consecutive puff intervals until the current puff, the maximum value of the number of consecutive puff intervals in the acquired history may be determined. The likelihood that the liquid temperature is high may be known without the use of the number of consecutive puff intervals until the current puff.
[0313] Then, the controller 117 determines whether the number of consecutive puff intervals is larger than the first number (step 93).
[0314] If the number of consecutive puff intervals is equal to or less than the first number, the controller 117 obtains a negative result in step 93. In this case, the controller 117 sets the main-heating time of the current inhalation to a reference time LT1 (step 4).
[0315] On the other hand, if the number of consecutive puff intervals is larger than the first number, the controller 117 obtains a positive result in step 93. In this case, the controller 117 sets the main-heating time of the current inhalation to a shorter time LT3 (< LT1) as the number of consecutive puff intervals is larger (step 94). In the present embodiment, the controller 117 sets the time LT3 to a value that decreases stepwise as the number of consecutive puff intervals increases. For example, the main-heating time is shortened by an amount given by 0.2 seconds × the number of consecutive puff intervals. In this example, the time LT3 is linearly shortened in accordance with the number of consecutive puff intervals. However, the time LT3 may be nonlinearly shortened in accordance with a quadratic curve or the like.
[0316] After the main-heating time is set in step 4 or step 94, the controller 117 sequentially executes step 6 and step 7, and completes one cycle of inhalation.
[0317] In the present embodiment, the controller 117 shortens the main-heating time as the number of times a short puff consecutively occurs increases. This is because, as the number of consecutive short puffs increases, the main heating with the liquid temperature of the aerosol source kept high is continuously performed, resulting in it being more likely that an increase in the amount of generated aerosol causes drying up.
[0318] In the present embodiment, however, the length of the main-heating time decreases as the number of consecutive short puffs increases. Thus, drying up is effectively prevented or reduced.
[0319] Figs. 26A to 26C are diagrams illustrating a relationship between a puff interval and a set main-heating time in Embodiment 10. Fig. 26A illustrates example timings of inhalation (puff), Fig. 26B illustrates an example of setting of the main-heating time when the number of consecutive short puffs is equal to or less than the first number, and Fig. 26C illustrates an example of setting of the main-heating time when the number of consecutive short puffs is greater than the first number.
[0320] In Figs. 26A to 26C, parts corresponding to those in Figs. 4A and 4B are denoted by corresponding reference numerals. In Fig. 26A, the vertical axis represents puff intensity. In Figs. 26B and 26C, the vertical axis represents heating intensity. In Figs. 26A to 26C, the horizontal axis represents time.
[0321] In Fig. 26A, the number of consecutive short puffs up to the current puff among N puff intervals up to the (M + 1)-th puff is acquired.
[0322] In the example illustrated in Fig. 26B, the number of consecutive short puffs is equal to or less than the first number. Thus, the main-heating time is set to the reference time LT1.
[0323] In the example illustrated in Fig. 26C, the number of consecutive short puffs is larger than the first number. Thus, the main-heating time is set to the time LT3 shorter than the reference time.
<Embodiment 11>
[0324] The present embodiment describes a modification of Embodiment 10. In Embodiment 10, the number of consecutive short puffs is counted, and the count is reset when the puff interval exceeds the threshold even slightly.
[0325] However, in some cases, it is desirable to substantially identify a short puff for an inhalation exceeding the threshold, in terms of prevention or reduction in drying up. For example, this case applies to a user whose puff interval is slightly greater than the threshold or a user whose puff interval varies slightly across the threshold. In the case of these users, even if the number acquired in step 92 (see Fig. 25) is small, the liquid temperature at the start of the main heating is likely to be high as in the case of a large number of consecutive short puffs.
[0327] The other configurations of the aerosol generation device 1 (see Fig. 1) in the present embodiment are the same as those in Embodiment 1. That is, the aerosol generation device 1 has the same external configuration and internal configuration as those in Embodiment 1.
[0328] Fig. 27 is a flowchart illustrating an example of control of the main-heating time by the controller 117 (see Fig. 2) used in Embodiment 11. In Fig. 27, parts corresponding to those in Fig. 25 are denoted by corresponding reference numerals. The control by the controller 117 is implemented through execution of a program.
[0330] If the start of inhalation of the aerosol by the user is not detected, the controller 117 obtains a negative result in step 1. The controller 117 repeats the determination of step 1 while a negative result is obtained in step 1.
[0331] On the other hand, if the start of inhalation of the aerosol by the user is detected, the controller 117 obtains a positive result in step 1. If a positive result is obtained in step 1, the controller 117 starts the main heating (step 1100), and then acquires a history of a plurality of previous puff intervals including the current puff interval (step 91). In the present embodiment, since an actual measurement value is used instead of a predicted value, the current puff interval is also measured.
[0332] When the history of a plurality of previous puff intervals is acquired, the controller 117 acquires the number of consecutive puff intervals each shorter than a value obtained by adding a margin to the threshold for short puff determination (represented as "threshold + α" in Fig. 27) until the current puff (step 101). The value obtained by adding the margin to the threshold for short puff determination is a threshold for determination of a pseudo short puff. The value a of the margin is given in advance through an empirical rule or the like. The value α of the margin is an example of a third period.
[0333] The number acquired in step 101 is likely to be larger than the number acquired in step 92 (see Fig. 25).
[0334] Then, the controller 117 determines whether the number of consecutive puff intervals is larger than the first number (step 93).
[0335] If the number of consecutive puff intervals is equal to or less than the first number, the controller 117 obtains a negative result in step 93. In this case, the controller 117 sets the main-heating time of the current inhalation to a reference time LT1 (step 4).
[0336] On the other hand, if the number of consecutive puff intervals is larger than the first number, the controller 117 obtains a positive result in step 93. In this case, the controller 117 sets the main-heating time of the current inhalation to the shorter time LT3 (< LT1) as the number of consecutive puff intervals is larger (step 94).
[0337] Afterthe main-heating time is set in step 4 or step 94, the controller 117 sequentially executes step 6 and step 7, and completes one cycle of inhalation.
[0338] In the present embodiment, the controller 117 counts the number of consecutive short puffs including a pseudo short puff. Thus, even if a pseudo short puff occurs consecutively, drying up is effectively prevented or reduced.
<Embodiment 12>
[0339] The present embodiment describes a modification of Embodiments 1 to 7. In Embodiment 1, the main-heating time for a puff determined to be a short puff is a fixed value. That is, the main-heating time for a puff determined to be a short puff is the time LT2, which is given in advance. In other words, the amount of electric power to be supplied to the heater 211 (see Fig. 2) during a short puff is always constant.
[0340] In the present embodiment, the amount of electric power to be supplied to the heater 211 during a short puff is decreased as the immediately preceding puff interval decreases.
[0341] The other configurations of the aerosol generation device 1 (see Fig. 1) in the present embodiment are the same as those in Embodiment 1. That is, the aerosol generation device 1 has the same external configuration and internal configuration as those in Embodiment 1.
[0342] Fig. 28 is a flowchart illustrating an example of control of the main-heating time by the controller 117 (see Fig. 2) used in Embodiment 12. In Fig. 28, parts corresponding to those in Fig. 3 are denoted by corresponding reference numerals. The control by the controller 117 is implemented through execution of a program. That is, Fig. 28 illustrates a modification of Embodiment 1.
[0343] Also in the present embodiment, the controller 117 determines whether the start of inhalation is detected (step 1).
[0344] If the start of inhalation of the aerosol by the user is not detected, the controller 117 obtains a negative result in step 1. The controller 117 repeats the determination of step 1 while a negative result is obtained in step 1.
[0345] On the other hand, if the start of inhalation of the aerosol by the user is detected, the controller 117 obtains a positive result in step 1. If a positive result is obtained in step 1, the controller 117 starts the main heating (step 1100), and then acquires the immediately preceding puff interval (step 2).
[0346] When the puff interval is acquired, the controller 117 determines whether the puff interval is shorter than the first period (step 3).
[0347] If the puff interval is equal to or longer than the first period, the controller 117 obtains a negative result in step 3. In this case, the controller 117 sets the main-heating time of the current inhalation to a reference time LT1 (step 4).
[0348] On the other hand, if the puff interval is shorter than the first period, the controller 117 obtains a positive result in step 3. In this case, the controller 117 sets the main-heating time of the current inhalation to the shorter time LT3 (< LT1) as the immediately preceding puff interval is shorter (step 111). The time LT3 may be linearly shortened in accordance with the number of consecutive puff intervals, or may be shortened in a nonlinear manner such as a quadratic curve.
[0349] After the main-heating time is set in step 4 or step 111, the controller 117 sequentially executes step 6 and step 7, and completes one cycle of inhalation.
[0350] In the present embodiment, the amount of electric power to be supplied to the heater 211 during the main-heating time is decreased as the immediately preceding puff interval decreases. Thus, drying up is less likely to occur.
[0351] When the method according to the present embodiment is applied to the method according to Embodiment 2, the length of the main-heating time is reduced as the time from the end of the immediately preceding heating to the start of the current heating decreases.
[0352] When the method according to the present embodiment is applied to the method according to Embodiment 3, the length of the main-heating time is reduced as the time from the end of the immediately preceding heating to the start of the current inhalation decreases.
[0353] When the method according to the present embodiment is applied to the method according to Embodiment 4, the length of the main-heating time is reduced as the time from the immediately preceding turn-off operation of the power button 11 to the current turn-on operation of the power button 11 decreases.
[0354] When the method according to the present embodiment is applied to the method according to Embodiment 5, the length of the main-heating time is reduced as the temperature of the heater 211 at the start of inhalation increases.
[0355] When the method according to the present embodiment is applied to the method according to Embodiment 6, the length of the main-heating time is reduced as the resistance value of the heater 211 at the start of inhalation increases.
[0356] When the method according to the present embodiment is applied to the method according to Embodiment 7, the length of the main-heating time is reduced as the temperature of the liquid guide 212 at the start of inhalation increases.
<Embodiment 13>
[0357] The present embodiment describes a control method that focuses on the amount of residual liquid in the aerosol source at the start of the main heating.
[0358] As described above, the aerosol source is supplied to the liquid guide 212 by capillary action. The present embodiment describes a control method in a case where the rate of liquid feeding by capillary action depends on the amount of residual liquid. For example, example control will be described in which, in a situation where the rate of liquid supply is decreased due to a decrease in the amount of residual liquid, the amount of liquid in the aerosol source that can be supplied during one inhalation is smaller than that when the amount of residual liquid is large. In this case, sufficient aerosol is not generated during one inhalation.
[0359] For this reason, if the main-heating time is the same regardless of the amount of residual liquid, the supply of the aerosol source is not in time, and a phenomenon similar to drying up may occur.
[0360] In the present embodiment, accordingly, the length of the main-heating time is controlled also in consideration of the amount of residual liquid.
[0361] An aerosol generation device 1 according to the present embodiment also has the same external configuration as that in Embodiment 1. However, the aerosol generation device 1 provided in the present embodiment has an internal configuration that is partially different from that in Embodiment 1.
[0362] Fig. 29 is a diagram schematically illustrating an internal configuration of the aerosol generation device 1 provided in Embodiment 13. In Fig. 29, parts corresponding to those in Fig. 2 are denoted by corresponding reference numerals.
[0363] Unlike the aerosol generation device 1 illustrated in Fig. 2, the aerosol generation device 1 illustrated in Fig. 29 is provided with an amount-of-residual-liquid sensor 113E.
[0364] For example, a level switch, a level meter, an electrostatic capacitance sensor, or a sensor for measuring the distance to the liquid surface is used as the amount-of-residual-liquid sensor 113E. The distance to the liquid surface can be measured by, for example, the time taken until an ultrasonic wave, an electromagnetic wave, or a laser beam is reflected by the liquid surface and returns.
[0365] The amount of residual liquid to be finally used is corrected by the controller 117 using information on the posture of the aerosol generation device 1. For example, an output signal of a gyro sensor is used as the information on the posture.
[0366] In the present embodiment, the amount-of-residual-liquid sensor 113E is used. Alternatively, the amount of residual liquid may be determined by calculation. For example, the amount of liquid consumed for each inhalation can be calculated as a function of the amount of electric power to be supplied to the heater 211, and thus, the integrated value thereof is subtracted from the initial value to calculate the amount of residual liquid at each point in time.
[0367] Fig. 30 is a flowchart illustrating an example of control of the main-heating time by the controller 117 (see Fig. 2) used in Embodiment 13. In Figs. 13A to 13C, parts corresponding to those in Fig. 3 are denoted by corresponding reference numerals. The control by the controller 117 is implemented through execution of a program.
[0368] Also in the present embodiment, the controller 117 determines whether the start of inhalation is detected (step 1).
[0369] If the start of inhalation of the aerosol by the user is not detected, the controller 117 obtains a negative result in step 1. The controller 117 repeats the determination of step 1 while a negative result is obtained in step 1.
[0370] On the other hand, if the start of inhalation of the aerosol by the user is detected, the controller 117 obtains a positive result in step 1. If a positive result is obtained in step 1, the controller 117 starts the main heating (step 1100), and then acquires the immediately preceding puff interval (step 2).
[0371] Then, the controller 117 acquires the amount of residual liquid in the liquid storage 213 (step 121). The amount of residual liquid may be acquired by using the measurement value obtained by the amount-of-residual-liquid sensor 113E, or may be calculated by using the amount of electric power to be supplied for each inhalation.
[0372] When the amount of residual liquid is acquired, the controller 117 determines whether the amount of residual liquid is smaller than a first residual amount (step 122). The first residual amount is set in advance.
[0373] If the amount of residual liquid is equal to or greater than the first residual amount, the controller 117 obtains a negative result in step 122. In this case, the amount of residual liquid is large, and control similar to that in, for example, Embodiment 1 described above is executed.
[0374] That is, the controller 117 determines whether the puff interval is shorter than the first period (step 3). If a negative result is obtained in step 3, the controller 117 executes step 4. If a positive result is obtained in step 3, the controller 117 executes step 5.
[0375] On the other hand, if the amount of residual liquid is smaller than the first residual amount, the controller 117 obtains a positive result in step 122. Then, the controller 117 determines whether the puff interval is shorter than the first period (step 3A). The threshold used for the determination of step 3A may be different from that for step 3. For example, the threshold used for the determination of step 3A may be smaller than the threshold used for the determination of step 3.
[0376] If the amount of residual liquid is smaller than the first residual amount, but no short puff occurs, the controller 117 obtains a negative result in step 3A. In this case, the controller 117 sets the main-heating time of the current inhalation to the time LT2 shorter than the reference time (step 5). The main-heating time set when a negative result is obtained in step 3A is desirably shorter than the reference time LT1, and need not be LT2.
[0377] In other words, if the amount of residual liquid is small, but no short puff occurs, the controller 117 performs control to make the length of the main-heating time shorter than that when the amount of residual liquid is large. Thus, drying up is less likely to occur.
[0378] If the amount of residual liquid is smaller than the first residual amount and a short puff occurs, the controller 117 obtains a positive result in step 123. In this case, the controller 117 sets the main-heating time of the current inhalation to the shorter time LT3 (< LT1) as the amount of residual liquid is smaller (step 123).
[0379] In other words, if the amount of residual liquid is small and a short puff occurs, the controller 117 performs control such that the length of the main-heating time decreases as the puff interval decreases. Also in this case, the main-heating time is shortened stepwise, for example. However, the main-heating time may be nonlinearly shortened in accordance with a binary curve or the like. In any case, even when the liquid supply capacity of the aerosol source is reduced, the occurrence of drying up can be effectively prevented or reduced.
[0380] Afterthe main-heating time is set in step 4, step 5, or step 123, the controller 117 sequentially executes step 6 and step 7, and completes one cycle of inhalation.
[0381] When the method according to the present embodiment is applied to the method according to Embodiment 2, the time from the end of the immediately preceding heating to the start of the current heating is desirably used as the puff interval.
[0382] When the method according to the present embodiment is applied to the method according to Embodiment 3, the time from the end of the immediately preceding heating to the start of the current inhalation is desirably used as the puff interval.
[0383] When the method according to the present embodiment is applied to the method according to Embodiment 4, the time from the immediately preceding turn-off operation of the power button 11 to the current turn-on operation of the power button 11 is desirably used as the puff interval.
[0384] When the method according to the present embodiment is applied to the method according to Embodiment 5, the temperature of the heater 211 at the start of inhalation and the determination step thereof are desirably used for the puff interval and the determination step thereof.
[0385] When the method according to the present embodiment is applied to the method according to Embodiment 6, the resistance value of the heater 211 at the start of inhalation and the determination step thereof are desirably used for the puff interval and the determination step thereof.
[0386] When the method according to the present embodiment is applied to the method according to Embodiment 7, the temperature of the liquid guide 212 at the start of inhalation and the determination step thereof are desirably used for the puff interval and the determination step thereof.
<Embodiment 14>
[0387] The present embodiment provides a case where the aerosol generation device 1 has a function of preliminarily heating the heater 211 (see Fig. 2) prior to main heating.
[0388] Figs. 31A and 31B are diagrams illustrating a preheating time LT0. Fig. 31A illustrates the positions of the preheating time LT0 and a main-heating time LT11, and Fig. 31B illustrates a temperature change of an aerosol source. In Fig. 31A, the vertical axis represents heating intensity. In Fig. 31B, the vertical axis represents temperature. In Figs. 31A and 31B, the horizontal axis represents time.
[0389] The preheating time LT0 is a time for preheating and is arranged immediately before the main-heating time LT11.
[0390] Preheating is provided for heating in advance the liquid temperature of the aerosol source in the liquid guide 212 (see Fig. 2) to room temperature or higher and lower than the boiling point. The preheating is a technique for shortening the delay time from the start of supply of electric power to the heater 211 to the generation of aerosol.
[0391] The preheating can increase the liquid temperature of the aerosol source in advance. Accordingly, the electric power to be supplied in the main-heating time LT11 can be allocated more to the generation of aerosol than to the rise in the liquid temperature of the aerosol source. As a result, aerosol can be generated immediately after the start of the main-heating time, and consequently, the total amount of aerosol generated within the main-heating time can be increased.
[0392] The time from the start of the main-heating time LT11 until the temperature of the aerosol source reaches the boiling point is TD 1 without the use of the preheating, but can be shortened to TD2 (< TD1) with the use of the preheating. Accordingly, if the main-heating time LT11 has the same length as that without the use of the preheating, a larger amount of aerosol can be generated with the use of the preheating.
[0393] In Figs. 31(A) and 31(B), the main-heating time LT11 with the use of the preheating is shorter than a main-heating time LT1 without the use of the preheating. This is to equalize the total amounts of aerosol generated within the main-heating time.
[0394] In other words, when the amount of generated aerosol is controlled to be the same as that without the preheating, the main-heating time LT11 with the use of the preheating can be made shorter than the main-heating time LT1 without the preheating.
[0395] One of the reasons why generation of aerosol is promoted by the preheating is that the viscosity of the aerosol source at the start of the main-heating time is lower than that without the use of the preheating. The reason is as follows: as the viscosity of the aerosol source decreases, the liquid feed rate for the liquid guide 212 increases, and consequently, the amount of supplied liquid increases.
[0396] As the preheating time increases, the amount of electric power consumed also increases accordingly. It is therefore desirable to set the length of the preheating time in consideration of the balance with the amount of electric power consumed in the main-heating time.
[0397] Figs. 32A and 32B are diagrams illustrating an example of setting of the main-heating time according to the presence or absence of preheating and the length of the puff interval. Fig. 32A illustrates a case without the preheating, and Fig. 32B illustrates a case with the preheating. The terms "without the preheating" and "with the preheating", as used here, do not mean whether the preheating function is included or not, but mean whether the preheating function is to be used or not.
[0398] The example of setting of the main-heating time illustrated in Fig. 32A is the same as that in, for example, Embodiment 1. That is, the main-heating time is set to 2.4 seconds for a long puff interval, and is set to 1.7 seconds for a short puff interval.
[0399] On the other hand, as illustrated in Fig. 32B, with the use of the preheating, the main-heating time is set to be shorter than that without the use of the preheating, regardless of whether the puff interval is long or short. For example, the main-heating time is 1.7 seconds for a long puff interval "with the preheating". By contrast, the main-heating time is 1.2 seconds for a short puff interval "with the preheating".
[0400] The main-heating times illustrated in Figs. 32(A) and 32(B) are examples, and the main-heating time for a long puff interval "with the preheating" can be set to be shorter or longer than 1.7 seconds.
[0401] Fig. 33 is a flowchart illustrating an example of control of the main-heating time by the controller 117 (see Fig. 2) used in Embodiment 14. In Fig. 33, parts corresponding to those in Fig. 3 are denoted by corresponding reference numerals.
[0402] In the present embodiment, first, the controller 117 determines whether the preheating is involved (step 131).
[0403] If a negative result is obtained in step 131, the controller 117 performs an operation similar to that in, for example, Embodiment 1. That is, the controller 117 sets the main-heating time in accordance with the flowchart illustrated in Fig. 3.
[0404] On the other hand, if a positive result is obtained in step 131, the controller 117 determines whether the puff sensor 112 has detected the start of inhalation (step 1A). This determination is repeated until a positive result is obtained in step 1A. If a positive result is obtained in step 1A, the controller 117 starts the main heating (step 1100A) after the end of the preheating. Thereafter, the controller 117 acquires the immediately preceding puff interval (step 2A), and then determines whether the acquired puff interval is shorter than the first period (step 3A).
[0405] If a negative result is obtained in step 3A, the process proceeds to step 5, and the controller 117 sets the main-heating time of the current inhalation to the time LT2 shorter than the reference time. As described above, the main-heating time can be set a time different from LT2.
[0406] If a positive result is obtained in step 3A, the controller 117 sets the main-heating time of the current inhalation to a time LT11 shorter than the reference time (step 132). The time LT11, as used here, is, for example, 1.2 seconds, which is shorter than the main-heating time set in step 4 and step 5.
[0407] Afterthe main-heating time is set in step 4, step 5, or step 132, the controller 117 sequentially executes step 6 and step 7, and completes one cycle of inhalation.
[0408] In the present embodiment, as in Embodiment 13, the threshold used for the determination of step 3A may be different from that for step 3. The main-heating time set when a negative result is obtained in step 3A is desirably shorter than the reference time LT1, and need not be LT2.
<Embodiment 15>
[0409] The present embodiment describes a control operation performed when overheating is detected during the main-heating time. An aerosol generation device 1 according to the present embodiment also has the same external configuration as that in Embodiment 1. The present embodiment can be combined with any of Embodiments 1 to 7, except that the coil temperature sensor 113A (see Fig. 11) is provided.
[0410] Fig. 34 is a flowchart illustrating an example of control of the main-heating time by the controller 117 (see Fig. 2) used in Embodiment 15. In Fig. 34, parts corresponding to those in Fig. 12 are denoted by corresponding reference numerals. The control by the controller 117 is implemented through execution of a program.
[0411] In the present embodiment, the controller 117 determines whether the puff sensor 112 has detected the start of inhalation (step 1).
[0412] The controller 117 repeats the determination of step 1 while a negative result is obtained in step 1.
[0413] If a positive result is obtained in step 1, the controller 117 starts the main heating (step 1100), and then acquires the temperature of the coil at the start of inhalation (step 41). That is, the temperature of the heater 211 (see Fig. 2) is acquired.
[0414] When the temperature of the coil is acquired, the controller 117 determines whether the temperature of the coil at the start of inhalation is higher than a third temperature (step 141). The third temperature is a threshold for determination of overheating.
[0415] If the acquired temperature is higher than the third temperature, the controller 117 obtains a positive result in step 141. In this case, the controller 117 forcibly terminates the main heating (step 142). That is, even if the set main-heating time remains, the controller 117 ends the supply of electric power to the heater 211.
[0416] Even if the supply of electric power ends, the temperature of the heater 211 is kept high for a while. Thus, the generation of the aerosol continues for a while.
[0417] Since heating ends before the set main-heating time expires, the amount of time for cooling until the next inhalation can be extended as compared with a case where the heating is continued until the main-heating time expires. As a result, the liquid temperature of the aerosol source at the start of the next inhalation is likely to be lower than that in a case where the control according to the present embodiment is not used. In addition, the overheating is eliminated, thereby making it possible to continue the use of the aerosol generation device 1 within the design temperature.
[0418] On the other hand, if a negative result is obtained in step 141, the controller 117 continues the heating according to the set main-heating time (step 143).
<Embodiment 16>
[0419] The present embodiment describes another control operation performed when overheating is detected during the main-heating time. An aerosol generation device 1 according to the present embodiment also has the same external configuration as that in Embodiment 1. The present embodiment can be combined with any of Embodiments 1 to 7, except that the liquid temperature sensor 113C (see Fig. 17) is provided.
[0420] Fig. 35 is a flowchart illustrating an example of control of the main-heating time by the controller 117 (see Fig. 2) used in Embodiment 16. In Fig. 35, parts corresponding to those in Fig. 18 are denoted by corresponding reference numerals. The control by the controller 117 is implemented through execution of a program.
[0421] The controller 117 according to the present embodiment also determines whether the puff sensor 112 has detected the start of inhalation (step 1).
[0422] The controller 117 repeats the determination of step 1 while a negative result is obtained in step 1.
[0423] If a positive result is obtained in step 1, the controller 117 starts the main heating (step 1100), and then acquires the liquid temperature at the start of inhalation (step 61). The liquid temperature, as used here, is the temperature of the liquid guide 212.
[0424] When the liquid temperature is acquired, the controller 117 determines whether the liquid temperature at the start of inhalation is higher than a fourth temperature (step 151). The fourth temperature is a threshold for determination of overheating.
[0425] If the acquired liquid temperature is higher than the fourth temperature, the controller 117 obtains a positive result in step 151. In this case, the controller 117 forcibly terminates the main heating (step 152). That is, even if the set main-heating time remains, the controller 117 ends the supply of electric power to the heater 211.
[0426] Even if the supply of electric power ends, the temperature of the heater 211 is kept high for a while. Thus, the generation of the aerosol continues for a while.
[0427] Since heating ends before the set main-heating time expires, the amount of time for cooling until the next inhalation can be extended as compared with a case where the heating is continued until the main-heating time expires. As a result, the liquid temperature of the aerosol source at the start of the next inhalation is likely to be lower than that in a case where the control according to the present embodiment is not used. In addition, the overheating is eliminated, thereby making it possible to continue the use of the aerosol generation device 1 within the design temperature.
[0428] On the other hand, if a negative result is obtained in step 151, the controller 117 continues the heating according to the set main-heating time (step 153).
<Embodiment 17>
[0429] In the present embodiment, at the time of detection of a short puff, the main-heating time is not shortened, but the voltage value or the current value to be applied to the heater 211 is set to a low value, thereby preventing or reducing the occurrence of drying up.
[0430] The other configurations of the aerosol generation device 1 (see Fig. 1) in the present embodiment are the same as those in Embodiment 1. That is, the aerosol generation device 1 has the same external configuration and internal configuration as those in Embodiment 1.
[0431] Fig. 36 is a flowchart illustrating an example of control of the main-heating time by the controller 117 (see Fig. 2) used in Embodiment 17. In Fig. 36, parts corresponding to those in Fig. 3 are denoted by corresponding reference numerals. The control by the controller 117 is implemented through execution of a program.
[0432] The controller 117 according to the present embodiment also determines whether the puff sensor 112 has detected the start of inhalation (step 1).
[0433] The controller 117 repeats the determination of step 1 while a negative result is obtained in step 1.
[0434] If a positive result is obtained in step 1, the controller 117 starts the main heating (step 1100), and then acquires the immediately preceding puff interval (step 2).
[0435] Then, the controller 117 determines whether the puff interval is shorter than the first period (step 3). That is, it is determined whether the latest puff interval is a short puff.
[0436] If a negative result is obtained in step 3, the controller 117 sets the maximum voltage value to be applied in the main-heating time of the current inhalation to a reference voltage value (step 161). The reference voltage value, as used here, is the same as the voltage value used in, for example, Embodiment 1. The reference voltage value, as used here, is an example of a second maximum voltage value. As described above, it is also possible to specify a current value.
[0437] If a positive result is obtained in step 3, the controller 117 sets the maximum voltage value to be applied in the main-heating time of the current inhalation to a value smaller than the reference voltage value (step 162).
[0438] That is, the main-heating time is not shortened, but the maximum voltage value is set to a low value. The maximum voltage value set in step 162 is an example of a first maximum voltage value. As a result, the electric power to be supplied to the heater 211 within the main-heating time is smaller than that in a case where the puff interval is not short. That is, the electric power to be supplied to the heater 211 within the main-heating time is smaller than the reference value. As the maximum voltage value is set to be lower than the reference voltage value, the electric power to be supplied to the heater 211 within the main-heating time decreases. It should be noted that a current value, instead of a voltage value, can be specified.
<Embodiment 18>
[0439] In the embodiments described above, the aerosol generation device 1 having the power button 11 (see Fig. 1) has been described. However, the present invention is also applicable to an aerosol generation device 1 that does not have the power button 11.
[0440] Fig. 37 is a diagram illustrating an example external configuration of an aerosol generation device 1 provided in Embodiment 18. In Fig. 37, parts corresponding to those in Fig. 1 are denoted by corresponding reference numerals.
[0441] In the present embodiment, in response to detection of the start of inhalation by the user, the supply of electric power to the heater 211 (see Fig. 2) is started.
<Embodiment 19>
[0442] ] The present embodiment describes an aerosol generation device 1 having a mechanism for heating a substrate containing an aerosol, in addition to a mechanism for heating an aerosol source as a liquid.
[0443] Fig. 38 is a diagram schematically illustrating an example internal configuration of the aerosol generation device 1 provided in Embodiment 19. In Fig. 38, parts corresponding to those in Fig. 2 are denoted by corresponding reference numerals.
[0444] The aerosol generation device 1 illustrated in Fig. 38 is provided with the power supply 111, the puff sensor 112, the power button sensor 113, the notifier 114, the memory 115, the communicator 116, the controller 117, the heater 211, the liquid guide 212, and the liquid storage 213. The aerosol generation device 1 illustrated in Fig. 38 is further provided with a holder 301 used to hold a stick substrate 400, a heater 302 disposed on the outer circumference of the holder 301, and a heat insulator 303 disposed on the outer circumference of the heater 302.
[0445] In Fig. 38, the holder 301 is loaded with the stick substrate 400. The user performs an inhalation operation with the stick substrate 400 inserted in the holder 301.
[0446] In the aerosol generation device 1, the airflow path 40 is formed for conveying the air flowing in through the air inlet hole 21 to a bottom 301C of the holder 301 via the liquid guide 212. With this configuration, the air flowing in through the air inlet hole 21 in response to the inhalation action of the user flows through the inside of the airflow path 40 along an arrow 500. This flow of air is mixed with an aerosol generated by the heater 211 and an aerosol generated by the heater 302.
[0447] In the present embodiment, the controller 117 controls a heating operation of the heater 211 and also controls a heating operation of the heater 302. At this time, the controller 117 acquires information such as the temperature of the heater 302 by using a sensor (not illustrated).
[0448] The holder 301 has a substantially cylindrical shape. Thus, the inside of the holder 301 is hollow. The hollow is referred to as an internal space 301A. The internal space 301A has substantially the same diameter as the stick substrate 400 and accommodates the stick substrate 400 inserted through an opening 301B while being in contact with the leading end of the stick substrate 400. That is, the stick substrate 400 is held in the internal space 301A.
[0449] The holder 301 has the bottom 301C on a side thereof opposite to the side adjacent to the opening 301B. The bottom 301C is coupled to the airflow path 40.
[0450] The inside diameter of the holder 301 is smaller than the outside diameter of the stick substrate 400 in at least part of the tubular body in the height direction. With this configuration, the outer circumference surface of the stick substrate 400 inserted into the internal space 301A through the opening 301B is subjected to pressure by the inner wall of the holder 301. This pressure holds the stick substrate 400 in the holder 301.
[0451] The holder 301 also has a function of defining the flow path of air passing through the stick substrate 400. The bottom 301C, as used here, is an inlet hole through which air enters the holder 301, and the opening 301B is an outlet hole through which air leaves the holder 301.
[0452] The stick substrate 400 is a substantially cylindrical member. The stick substrate 400 provided in the present embodiment includes a substrate 401 and an inhalation port 402.
[0453] The substrate 401 accommodates an aerosol source. The aerosol source is a substance that is atomized when heated to generate an aerosol. Examples of the aerosol source accommodated in the substrate 401 include a substance derived from tobacco, such as a processed product obtained by forming shredded tobacco or a tobacco raw material into a granular shape, a sheet shape, or a powder shape. However, the aerosol source accommodated in the substrate 401 may include a substance not derived from tobacco, which is made from non-tobacco plants (such as mints and herbs, for example). For example, the aerosol source may include a flavor component such as menthol.
[0454] When the aerosol generation device 1 is a medical inhaler, the aerosol source of the stick substrate 400 may contain medicine to be inhaled by a patient. The aerosol source is not limited to a solid and may be, for example, a liquid such as polyhydric alcohol, for example, glycerine or propylene glycol, or water.
[0455] At least a portion of the substrate 401 is accommodated in the internal space 301A of the holder 301 with the stick substrate 400 remaining held in the holder 301.
[0456] The inhalation port 402 is a member to be held in the user's mouth during inhalation. At least a portion of the inhalation port 402 protrudes from the opening 301B with the stick substrate 400 remaining held in the holder 301.
[0457] When the user holds the inhalation port 402 protruding from the opening 301B in their mouth and inhales, as described above, air flows into the bottom 301C of the holder 301 through the air inlet hole 21. The air having flowed in passes through the internal space 301A of the holder 301 and the substrate 401 and reaches the inside of the user's mouth. The gas passing through the internal space 301A of the holder 301 and the substrate 401 is mixed with an aerosol generated from the substrate 401.
[0458] The heater 302 heats the aerosol source contained in the substrate 401 to atomize the aerosol source and generate an aerosol. The heater 302 is made of any material such as metal or polyimide. For example, the heater 302 is formed in a film shape and is disposed so as to cover the outer circumference of the holder 301.
[0459] When the heater 302 produces heat, the aerosol source contained in the stick substrate 400 is heated from the outer circumference of the stick substrate 400 and atomized to generate an aerosol.
[0460] The heater 302 produces heat when supplied with electric power from the power supply 111. For example, when a predetermined user input is detected by a sensor or the like (not illustrated), supply of electric power to the heater 302 is started, and an aerosol is generated.
[0461] When the temperature of the stick substrate 400 reaches a predetermined temperature as a result of heating by the heater 302, the generation of aerosol is started, allowing the user to inhale the aerosol.
[0462] Thereafter, when a predetermined user input is detected by the sensor or the like (not illustrated), the supply of electric power to the heater 302 is stopped.
[0463] While the inhalation by the user is detected by the puff sensor 112, the supply of electric power to the heater 302 may be continued to keep generating an aerosol.
<Other Embodiments>
[0464] While embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the technical scope of the present invention is not limited to the scope described in the embodiments described above. It is apparent from the description of the claims that various modifications or improvements made to the embodiments described above are also included in the technical scope of the present invention.
Reference Signs List
[0465]
- 1
- aerosol generation device
- 10
- power supply unit
- 11
- power button
- 20, 30
- cartridge
- 21
- air inlet hole
- 40
- airflow path
- 42
- air outlet hole
- 112
- puff sensor
- 113
- power button sensor
- 113A
- coil temperature sensor
- 113B
- resistance value sensor
- 113C
- liquid temperature sensor
- 113D
- air temperature sensor
- 113E
- amount-of-residual-liquid sensor
- 117
- controller
- 211, 302
- heater
- 212
- liquid guide
- 213
- liquid storage
1. A circuit unit of an aerosol generation device, comprising:
a controller that controls supply of electric power to a load that heats an aerosol source, wherein
the controller performs control such that an amount of electric power to be supplied to the load to generate an aerosol is smaller than a reference value when an interval between inhalations of the aerosol is shorter than a first period.
2. The circuit unit of an aerosol generation device according to claim 1, further comprising:
a first sensor that detects inhalation of the aerosol by a user, wherein
the controller makes a time for supplying electric power to the load shorter than a second period when a time from an end of an immediately preceding inhalation detected by the first sensor to a start of a current inhalation detected by the first sensor is shorter than the first period.
3. The circuit unit of an aerosol generation device according to claim 1, wherein
the controller makes a time for supplying electric power to the load shorter than a second period when a time from an end of immediately preceding heating at which generation of the aerosol from the aerosol source ends to a start of current heating is shorter than the first period.
the controller makes a time for supplying electric power to the load shorter than a second period when a time from an end of immediately preceding heating at which generation of the aerosol from the aerosol source ends to a start of current heating is shorter than the first period.
4. The circuit unit of an aerosol generation device according to claim 1, further comprising:
a first sensor that detects inhalation of the aerosol by a user, wherein
the controller makes a time for supplying electric power to the load shorter than a second period when a time from an end of immediately preceding heating at which generation of the aerosol from the aerosol source ends to a start of a current inhalation detected by the first sensor is shorter than the first period.
5. The circuit unit of an aerosol generation device according to claim 1, comprising:
an operation unit that receives a user operation related to supply and stop of supply of electric power to the load, wherein
the controller makes a time for supplying electric power to the load shorter than a second period when a time from an immediately preceding stop of supply of electric power in response to a user operation on the operation unit to a current start of supply of electric power is shorter than the first period.
6. The circuit unit of an aerosol generation device according to claim 1, further comprising:
a first sensor that detects inhalation of the aerosol by a user; and a second sensor that detects a temperature of the load, wherein
the controller makes a time for supplying electric power to the load shorter than a second period when the temperature detected by the second sensor at a start of inhalation of the aerosol detected by the first sensor is higher than a first temperature.
7. The circuit unit of an aerosol generation device according to claim 1, further comprising:
a first sensor that detects inhalation of the aerosol by a user, wherein
the controller makes a time for supplying electric power to the load shorter than a second period when a resistance value of the load at a start of inhalation of the aerosol detected by the first sensor is higher than a first resistance value.
8. The circuit unit of an aerosol generation device according to claim 1, further comprising:
a first sensor that detects inhalation of the aerosol by a user; and a third sensor that detects a temperature of the aerosol source, wherein
the controller makes a time for supplying electric power to the load shorter than a second period when the temperature detected by the third sensor at a start of inhalation of the aerosol detected by the first sensor is higher than a second temperature.
9. The circuit unit of an aerosol generation device according to claim 1, wherein
the controller predicts a next interval or next and subsequent intervals from a tendency of a plurality of previous intervals between inhalations of the aerosol, and when the predicted interval or intervals are shorter than the first period, the controller sets a time for supply of electric power to the load in a predicted inhalation to be shorter than a second period.
the controller predicts a next interval or next and subsequent intervals from a tendency of a plurality of previous intervals between inhalations of the aerosol, and when the predicted interval or intervals are shorter than the first period, the controller sets a time for supply of electric power to the load in a predicted inhalation to be shorter than a second period.
10. The circuit unit of an aerosol generation device according to claim 1, wherein
the controller acquires measurement values of a plurality of previous intervals between inhalations of the aerosol, and when the number of consecutive appearances of a measurement value shorter than the first period exceeds a first number, the controller performs control such that a time for supplying electric power to the load in next and subsequent inhalations decreases stepwise to be shorter than the second period with an increase in the number of consecutive appearances of the measurement value.
the controller acquires measurement values of a plurality of previous intervals between inhalations of the aerosol, and when the number of consecutive appearances of a measurement value shorter than the first period exceeds a first number, the controller performs control such that a time for supplying electric power to the load in next and subsequent inhalations decreases stepwise to be shorter than the second period with an increase in the number of consecutive appearances of the measurement value.
11. The circuit unit of an aerosol generation device according to claim 10, wherein
when one of the measurement values is longer than the first period, in a case where an exceeding time thereof is less than a third period, the controller performs calculation by including a number of inhalation thereof into the number of consecutive appearances of the measurement value.
when one of the measurement values is longer than the first period, in a case where an exceeding time thereof is less than a third period, the controller performs calculation by including a number of inhalation thereof into the number of consecutive appearances of the measurement value.
12. The circuit unit of an aerosol generation device according to any one of claims 1
to 8, wherein
when the interval between inhalations of the aerosol is shorter than the first period, the controller performs control such that the amount of electric power to be supplied to the load decreases as the interval decreases.
when the interval between inhalations of the aerosol is shorter than the first period, the controller performs control such that the amount of electric power to be supplied to the load decreases as the interval decreases.
13. The circuit unit of an aerosol generation device according to any one of claims 1
to 8, wherein
when a residual amount of the aerosol source is smaller than a first residual amount, the controller performs control such that the amount of electric power to be supplied to the load decreases as the residual amount decreases.
when a residual amount of the aerosol source is smaller than a first residual amount, the controller performs control such that the amount of electric power to be supplied to the load decreases as the residual amount decreases.
14. The circuit unit of an aerosol generation device according to any one of claims 1
to 8, wherein
in a case where the aerosol source is to be heated in a temperature range over which the aerosol is not generated prior to heating of the aerosol source that results in generation of the aerosol, the controller controls the amount of electric power to be supplied to the load to a value smaller than an amount of electric power at a time of only the heating that results in generation of the aerosol when the interval between inhalations of the aerosol is shorter than the first period.
in a case where the aerosol source is to be heated in a temperature range over which the aerosol is not generated prior to heating of the aerosol source that results in generation of the aerosol, the controller controls the amount of electric power to be supplied to the load to a value smaller than an amount of electric power at a time of only the heating that results in generation of the aerosol when the interval between inhalations of the aerosol is shorter than the first period.
15. The circuit unit of an aerosol generation device according to any one of claims 1
to 8, further comprising:
a second sensor that detects a temperature of the load, wherein
the controller forcibly terminates heating of the load at a point in time when the temperature detected by the second sensor reaches a third temperature.
16. The circuit unit of an aerosol generation device according to any one of claims 1
to 8, further comprising:
a third sensor that detects a temperature of the aerosol source, wherein
the controller forcibly terminates heating of the load at a point in time when the temperature detected by the third sensor reaches a fourth temperature.
17. The circuit unit of an aerosol generation device according to any one of claims 1
to 8, wherein
when the interval between inhalations of the aerosol is shorter than the first period, the controller controls a first maximum voltage value to be supplied to the load to generate the aerosol, to a value smaller than a second maximum voltage value to be supplied to the load when the interval between inhalations of the aerosol is longer than the first period.
when the interval between inhalations of the aerosol is shorter than the first period, the controller controls a first maximum voltage value to be supplied to the load to generate the aerosol, to a value smaller than a second maximum voltage value to be supplied to the load when the interval between inhalations of the aerosol is longer than the first period.
18. An aerosol generation device comprising:
a controller that controls supply of electric power to a load that heats an aerosol source, wherein
the controller performs control such that an amount of electric power to be supplied to the load to generate an aerosol is smaller than a reference value when an interval between inhalations of the aerosol is shorter than a first period.
19. A program for causing a computer that controls supply of electric power to a load
that heats an aerosol source to implement:
a function of performing control such that an amount of electric power to be supplied to the load to generate an aerosol is smaller than a reference value when an interval between inhalations of the aerosol is shorter than a first period.
a function of performing control such that an amount of electric power to be supplied to the load to generate an aerosol is smaller than a reference value when an interval between inhalations of the aerosol is shorter than a first period.
REFERENCES CITED IN THE DESCRIPTION
This list of references cited by the applicant is for the reader's convenience only. It does not form part of the European patent document. Even though great care has been taken in compiling the references, errors or omissions cannot be excluded and the EPO disclaims all liability in this regard.
Patent documents cited in the description