WO2021149126A1 - Cartridge and power unit for aerosol generating device, and method for determining cartridge type - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention: enables the type of an element to be easily determined when an element is attached to an aerosol generating device; and enables the operation of the aerosol generating device to be controlled in accordance with the type. A power unit (10) for an aerosol generating device is provided. The power unit (10) comprises: a friction force sensor (17) that is provided to a contact surface between the power unit and a cartridge; and a control unit that is configured so that when the power unit is connected to a cartridge (200) or after the power unit has been connected thereto, the control unit determines the cartridge type on the basis of friction resistance detected as a result of the friction force sensor making contact with a friction part (220) provided to the cartridge.

Description

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

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

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

Special table 2018-512141 Special table 2017-538420 Special table 2012-513750 Special table 2015-535760 Special table 2019-500988

It is desirable to make effective use of the elements while providing the user with a sufficient suction experience. Therefore, one of the purposes of the present disclosure is to devise the mechanism of the element and the aerosol generator so that the type of the element can be easily determined when the element is mounted on the aerosol generator. Another purpose is to make it possible to control the operation of the aerosol generator according to the type.

In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, according to the first aspect, a power supply unit of an aerosol generator is provided. Such a power supply unit has a frictional force sensor provided on a contact surface of the power supply unit with a cartridge, and a frictional force sensor provided on the cartridge when or after the power supply unit is connected to the cartridge. A control unit for determining the type of cartridge based on the frictional resistance detected by contacting the unit is provided.

According to the power supply unit of the aerosol generator, the type of cartridge can be determined easily, inexpensively, and with high accuracy. In addition, the operation of the aerosol generator can be controlled according to the type. This makes it possible to provide the user with a sufficient suction experience.

The power supply unit of the second viewpoint is the power supply unit of the first viewpoint. , Determine the type of cartridge based on the magnitude of frictional resistance.

The power supply unit of the third aspect is the power supply unit of the first aspect or the second aspect, and the frictional force sensor is generated by the friction portion having a different arrangement pattern depending on the type of the cartridge, and is different depending on the type of the cartridge. The frictional resistance of the magnitude is detected by contact, the control unit determines the type of the cartridge based on the magnitude of the frictional resistance, and the arrangement pattern is composed of a combination of a plurality of types of members.

The power supply unit of the fourth viewpoint is any power supply unit of any of the three viewpoints from the first viewpoint, and the friction force sensor differs depending on the type of cartridge generated by the first friction part and the second friction part. The frictional resistance of the magnitude is detected at the contact, and the control unit determines the type of the cartridge based on the magnitude of the frictional resistance, and among the frictional portions, the magnitude of the frictional resistance generated by the first friction portion and the second friction portion. The magnitude of the frictional resistance generated by the friction part is different.

The power supply unit of the fifth viewpoint is any of the power supply units of the four viewpoints from the first viewpoint, and the control unit detects the frictional resistance of the first magnitude when the power supply unit is connected to the cartridge. The control unit starts the operation of detecting the cartridge by the friction force sensor, and subsequently, the control unit terminates the operation of the friction force sensor in response to the detection of the frictional resistance of the second magnitude. Power supply unit.

The power supply unit of the sixth aspect is any of the power supply units of the first to fifth aspects, and further includes a physical switch, and when the power supply unit is connected to the cartridge, the physical switch is operated by the cartridge. When pressed, the control unit activates the frictional force sensor in response to the physical switch being pressed.

The power supply unit of the seventh aspect is the power supply unit of the sixth aspect, and the control unit deactivates the frictional force sensor in response to the physical switch being pressed again by the cartridge.

The power supply unit of the eighth viewpoint is any of the power supply units of the first to seventh viewpoints, and the control unit causes the frictional force sensor to detect the cartridge according to the determination of the type of the cartridge. To finish.

The power supply unit according to the ninth aspect is the power supply unit according to any one of the first to eighth aspects, and the control unit has a frictional force sensor having a predetermined frictional resistance for a predetermined period after the operation of detecting the cartridge is started. If it is not detected by, it is determined that the connection of the power supply unit to the cartridge has failed, and the frictional force sensor terminates the operation of detecting the cartridge.

The power supply unit of the tenth viewpoint is a power supply unit of the ninth viewpoint, and further includes a notification unit, and the control unit notifies the notification unit of a connection failure.

The power supply unit of the eleventh viewpoint is the power supply unit of the tenth viewpoint, and the notification unit prompts the user to reconnect the power supply unit to the cartridge by notifying the connection failure.

The power supply unit of the twelfth viewpoint is any of the power supply units of the first to eleventh viewpoints, and the control unit prohibits the power supply to the cartridge when the type of the cartridge cannot be determined.

In the power supply unit of the thirteenth viewpoint, the friction sensor is a tactile sensor in any of the power supply units from the first viewpoint to the twelfth viewpoint.

Further, according to the 14th viewpoint, a cartridge provided with a friction portion having different friction characteristics depending on the type of the cartridge, which is connected to the power supply unit from the 1st viewpoint to the 13th viewpoint, is provided.

Further, according to the fifteenth aspect, a cartridge for an aerosol generator is provided. Such a cartridge is provided with a friction portion that generates frictional resistance of different sizes depending on the type of the cartridge, and when the cartridge is connected to or after being connected to the power supply unit, the cartridge is connected to the cartridge of the power supply unit. The cartridge is detected when the frictional force sensor provided on the contact surface comes into contact with the friction portion, and the type of the cartridge is determined based on the detected frictional resistance.

The cartridge of the 16th viewpoint is a different type of the cartridge of the 15th viewpoint, in which the arrangement pattern of a plurality of members differs depending on the type of the cartridge in the friction portion, and the arrangement pattern generates frictional resistance of different magnitudes at the time of contact. It is composed of a combination of the above-mentioned members.

The cartridge of the 17th aspect is the cartridge of the 15th or 16th aspect, wherein the aerosol generator includes a cartridge case for holding the cartridge, which is assembled to the power supply unit along the axial direction, and is viewed from the axial direction. , The cross section of the cartridge has a concave shape and corresponds to the convex shape of a part of the hollow part of the cartridge case, and the cross section of the cartridge is positioned in the circumferential direction with respect to a part of the cross section of the hollow part of the cartridge case. They are aligned and inserted into the cavity of the cartridge case along the axial direction.

Further, according to the eighteenth viewpoint, a method for determining the type of cartridge is provided. Such a method involves a frictional force sensor and a cartridge provided on the contact surface of the power supply unit with the cartridge by the power supply unit when or after the cartridge is axially connected to the power supply unit of the aerosol generator. The size of the friction portion differs depending on the type of cartridge, including a step of detecting contact with the provided friction portion and a step of determining the type of cartridge based on the friction resistance detected by the contact. Generates frictional resistance.

In the method of the 19th viewpoint, in the method of the 18th viewpoint, in the friction portion, the arrangement pattern of a plurality of members differs depending on the type of the cartridge, and the arrangement pattern causes a plurality of frictional resistances having different magnitudes in contact. It is composed of a combination of different types of members.

In the method of the twentieth aspect, the power supply unit includes the first friction portion and the second friction portion, and the magnitude of the frictional resistance generated by the first friction portion among the friction portions is determined by the eighteenth viewpoint or the nineteenth viewpoint. The magnitude of the frictional resistance generated by the second friction portion is different.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Further, on the upper surface of the top portion 11a, an air supply portion 42 for supplying air to the load 21 of the cartridge unit 20 is provided in the vicinity of the discharge terminal 41. As will be described later, the power supply unit 10 of the present embodiment further includes a frictional force sensor 17 for detecting contact with an object on the upper surface of the top portion 11a.

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

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

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

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

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

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

As shown in FIG. 5, the control unit 50 includes an operation unit 14, an intake sensor 15 that detects a puff (intake) operation, a voltage sensor 16 that measures the voltage of the power supply 12, a frictional force sensor 17, and the number of puff operations. Alternatively, it is connected to a memory 18 that stores the energization time of the load 21 and the like, and controls various operations of the aerosol generation device 1. The intake sensor 15 may be composed of a condenser microphone, a pressure sensor, or the like. As will be described later, the frictional force sensor 17 not only detects contact with an object, but also measures stress (shear stress) in the sliding direction with respect to a reference plane.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

As will be described later, the cartridge detection determination unit 55 detects the cartridge 200 by contacting the friction force sensor 17 with the friction unit 220 provided on the cartridge 200 when the power supply unit 10 and the cartridge 200 are connected. .. Further, the cartridge detection determination unit 55 determines the type of the connected cartridge 200 based on the frictional resistance detected in the contact with the friction unit 220.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

According to the present embodiment, the control unit 50 determines the type of the cartridge 200 mainly by using the friction force sensor 17 to make contact between the power supply unit 10 and the cartridge 200 (particularly the friction unit 220) on the contact surface. It is performed accordingly by detecting the cartridge and, in particular, measuring the magnitude of the frictional resistance generated in its contact.

(3-1) Friction Force Sensor Provided in Power Supply Unit As shown in FIG. 7, a friction force sensor 17 is provided in the power supply unit 10 on a contact surface 80 (the connection cap described above) with a cartridge. The friction force sensor 17 detects contact with the friction portion 220 provided on the cartridge 200 with respect to the contact surface 80 of the power supply unit 10. Specifically, the force in the pressing direction of the cartridge 200 (that is, the pressing force F1) is detected. As a result, the power supply unit 10 can detect contact with the cartridge 200. Further, with respect to the contact surface 80 of the power supply unit, the stress in the sliding direction (dotted line arrow) (that is, the sliding friction resistance force F2) is detected. Then, by measuring the sliding frictional resistance force F2, the frictional characteristics of the frictional portion 220 can be specified.

More specifically, when the power supply unit 10 is connected to the cartridge 200, the cartridge 200 is in contact with the frictional force sensor 17 on the contact surface 80 and within a predetermined range around the axis L with respect to the power supply unit 10. Rotate (Fig. 6: Procedure C). During the rotation, the friction portion 220 of the cartridge 200 passes over the friction force sensor 17. The friction portion 220 of the cartridge 200 is designed to have different friction characteristics (for example, friction coefficient) depending on the type of the cartridge 200, and the sliding friction resistance force F2 is different depending on the type of the cartridge 200. .. That is, while the friction force sensor 17 is in contact with the friction portion 220, a frictional resistance having a different magnitude is generated depending on the type of the cartridge. The frictional resistance here is the dynamic frictional resistance. The pressing force F1 and the sliding friction resistance force F2 are designed to be constant while the friction force sensor 17 is in contact with the friction portion 220. That is, the frictional force sensor 17 detects the frictional resistance of different sizes depending on the type of the cartridge generated by the friction portion 200 at the contact, and thereby determines the type of the cartridge based on the magnitude of the frictional resistance. NS.

In one example, the frictional force sensor 17 is preferably a tactile sensor. In particular, a MEMS (Micro Electro Mechanical Systems) tactile sensor may be adopted. Thereby, the sliding friction resistance force F2 can be measured more accurately.

Further, as shown in FIGS. 8A and 8B, the frictional force sensor 17 is provided on the connection surface 80 with the cartridge 200 in the power supply unit 10. The frictional force sensor 17 is arranged in a region near the peripheral edge of the connection surface 80 so as not to overlap with the discharge terminal 41 and the air supply unit 42. On the connecting surface 80, the radial distance from the axis L to the frictional force sensor 17 is associated with the radial distance from the axis L to the friction portion 220 on the electrode surface of the cartridge 200.

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

It will be understood by those skilled in the art that the arrangement position and shape of the frictional force sensor 17 on the connection surface 80 are not limited to those shown in the drawing. Further, the power supply unit 10 may include a plurality of friction force sensors 17, some of which may be arranged on the cartridge case 27 side.

(3-2) Friction section provided on the cartridge As shown in FIGS. 9A and 9B and FIG. 10, a friction force sensor provided on the connection surface 80 of the power supply unit 10 is placed on the electrode surface 280 of the cartridge 200. A friction portion 220 that comes into contact with 17 to generate frictional resistance is provided. One or more friction portions 220 have different friction characteristics depending on the type of cartridge. For example, one or more members (two members 221 1 in the example shown, _{221 2)} is a comprise formation may be formed of a material each having a particular frictional properties. Further, the electrode surface 280 is provided with a pair of connection electrode portions 210 in order to contact and energize the pair of discharge terminals 41 on the power supply unit 10 side.

The friction portion 220 is provided in an arbitrary region of the electrode surface 280 that does not overlap with the region occupied by the connection electrode portion 210. _{In the examples of FIGS. 9A and 9B, two friction portion regions AR 1} and AR ₂ facing each other with respect to the center (axis L) of the electrode surface 280 are provided, and one member 22 _{1 1} and one member 22 1 1 are provided in the friction portion region AR _1. one and the member 221 ₂ in the friction region AR ₂ is arranged. Incidentally, members ₂₂₁ 1, 221 ₂ need not be disposed to all of the friction region _AR 1, AR _2, may also be disposed at any location and size. On the electrode surface 280, radial distance from the axis L to members ₂₂₁ 1, 221 ₂ is associated with a radial distance from the axis L to the frictional force sensor 17 at the connecting surface 80 of the power supply unit 10.

In the present embodiment, in order to determine the type of the cartridge 200, the friction portion 220 is designed to generate a frictional resistance having a different magnitude depending on the type of the cartridge 200 in contact with the friction force sensor 17. More specifically, the member of the friction portion 220 employs elements having different friction characteristics (for example, friction coefficient) depending on the type of the cartridge 200. Specifically, in the case of the type "mint flavor cartridge", a member having a large friction coefficient A is adopted for the friction portion 220, and in the case of the type "coffee flavor cartridge", a member having a small friction coefficient B (<A) is used. It is used for the friction portion 220. Then, by specifying the friction characteristic, it is determined whether the type is "mint flavor cartridge" or "coffee flavor cartridge".

In the example of FIG. 9A, the member 221 ₁ and the member 221 _{and second} friction portion 220 is formed of the same material. On the other hand, in the example of FIG. 9B, the member 221 ₁ and the member 221 ₂ is formed of different materials. More specifically, in the example of FIG. 9B, the member 221 ₁ of the first friction portion 220 and the member 221 ₂ in the second friction portion 220, is differently constructed magnitude of the frictional resistance generated. That is, for example, by specifying the magnitude of the frictional resistance of any one or more of the plurality of materials having a specific friction coefficient, the type of the cartridge 200 can be accurately and efficiently determined. Can be configured.

Further, FIG. 10 is an enlarged view of _{the friction portion region AR 1} of the first friction portion 220 in FIG. 9A or FIG. 9B. In this example, in the friction portion region AR ₁ , the arrangement patterns of the three members 221 _{1 to 3} are configured to be different depending on the type of the cartridge. That is, the arrangement pattern is composed of a combination of _{three different types of members 221 a to c} that generate frictional resistances of different sizes while in contact with the frictional force sensor 17. In one example, the friction coefficient a of the _{member 221 a} arranged on the left side of the _{friction portion region AR 1} , the friction coefficient b (> a) of the _{member 221 b} arranged in the center, and the friction of the _{member 221 c arranged on the right side.} The coefficient c (>b> a). Thereby, as compared with the example of FIG. 9B, the pattern of the combination of members can be further increased. That is, for example, by specifying the magnitude of the frictional resistance of any one or more of the plurality of materials having a specific friction coefficient, the type of the cartridge 200 can be determined more accurately and efficiently. , The friction portion 200 can be configured. (Note that the arrangement pattern of the members will be described later in the modified example.)

In the present embodiment, the material of the member 221 and / or its arrangement pattern may be an arbitrary configuration as long as it is possible to generate frictional resistances having different sizes depending on the type of the cartridge 200. By configuring the members of the friction unit 220 in this way, the cartridge detection determination unit 55 of the control unit 50 can easily determine the type of the cartridge 200 based on the measured frictional resistance. It becomes. That is, according to the present embodiment, it is possible to facilitate the operation of determining the type of the cartridge 200 by the cooperation between the friction unit 220 and the friction force sensor 17 of the power supply unit 10, and improve the accuracy of the determination.

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

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

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

In step S20, the frictional force sensor 17 provided on the contact surface 80 of the power supply unit 10 with the cartridge 200 is activated in response to the detection of the insertion of the cartridge 200 in step S10. That is, when the power supply unit 10 is connected to the cartridge 200, the pressing force F1 and / or the sliding friction resistance force F2 generated between the power supply unit 10 and the friction portion 220 can be detected (FIG. 7).

Next, in step S30, when the friction force sensor 17 detects the contact of the cartridge 200 with the friction portion 220, the cartridge detection determination unit 55 starts the operation of detecting the cartridge 200 for determining the type. Specifically, while the end cap 26 is tightened and the cartridge 200 rotates about the axis L with respect to the power supply unit 10 over a predetermined distance (FIG. 6: procedure C), the cartridge detection determination unit 55 receives a frictional force. The sensor 17 is made to detect the contact with the friction portion 220.

In one example, as shown in FIGS. 9A and 9B, the magnitude of the frictional resistance detected by the frictional force sensor 17 differs between the friction portion 220 and the other portions on the electrode surface 280 of the cartridge 200. Thereby, it can be detected that the friction portion 220 is aligned with the friction force sensor 17 while the cartridge 200 rotates with respect to the power supply unit 10.

The execution of the operation of activating the frictional force sensor 17 in step S20 and the execution of the operation of starting the detection of the friction portion 220 in step S30 may be the same timing or different timings. (An example of executing the operation of step S30 in response to a specific trigger different from the execution of step S20 will be described later in the modified example.)

Then, in step S40, when the friction portion 220 is aligned with the friction force sensor 17 and comes into contact with the friction portion 220, it is determined whether or not a predetermined magnitude friction resistance generated by the friction portion 220 has been detected. For example, it is preferable to determine whether or not a frictional resistance having a magnitude within a predetermined range specified in advance has been detected.

When the frictional resistance generated by the frictional portion 220 is detected (S40: Yes), the magnitude of the frictional resistance is continuously measured in step S50. The magnitude of the frictional resistance measured here is the magnitude of the sliding frictional resistance (F2) in the sliding direction. The measurement of the magnitude of the frictional resistance may be repeatedly continued until the cartridge 200 finishes rotating the power supply unit 10 by a predetermined distance.

Following the measurement of the magnitude of the frictional resistance in step S50, in step S60, the type of the cartridge 200 is determined based on the frictional resistance. As described above, the friction portion 220 of the cartridge 200 generates frictional resistance having different sizes depending on the type of the cartridge 200. That is, the cartridge detection determination unit 55 can determine the type of the cartridge 200 by specifying the magnitude of such frictional resistance.

It should be noted that the rules for determining the type of the cartridge 200 are predetermined, and in one example, the value of the magnitude of the frictional resistance may be associated with each type of the cartridge 200 by a range. The rules may be pre-stored in memory 18 in the form of a table, for example. That is, in the present embodiment, as long as the value of the friction characteristic (for example, the magnitude of the friction resistance or the friction coefficient) of the friction member 220 of the friction portion 200 is specified, the cartridge detection determination unit 55 can determine the range. The type of the cartridge 200 can be easily determined depending on whether or not it is inside. It should be noted that what is stored in the memory is not limited to the range of the value of the signal strength, or the value of the friction coefficient associated with the magnitude of the frictional resistance may store the range or the like.

According to the determination of the type of the cartridge 200 in step S60, the cartridge detection determination unit 55 then ends the operation of detecting the cartridge 200 in step S70.

Along with this, the frictional force sensor 17 is deactivated. In this way, by limiting the timing of the end of the operation of the frictional force sensor 17 to the end of the determination of the type of the cartridge 200, the operation control of the frictional force sensor 17 can be automated. As a result, the power consumption associated with the operation of the frictional force sensor 17 can be reduced.

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

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

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

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

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

If the cartridge 200 is not detected for a predetermined period preset in the memory 18 in the above-mentioned step S40 (S40: No), it is assumed that the cartridge 200 has failed to connect to the power supply unit 10. It is judged. Here, when the cartridge 200 is not detected for a predetermined period, the frictional resistance of a predetermined size is not detected by the frictional force sensor 17, and the type of the cartridge 200 is not determined. .. In this case, in step S75, the cartridge detection determination unit 55 may end the detection operation of the cartridge 200 and deactivate the frictional force sensor 17. That is, even when the cartridge 200 is not detected, the power consumption associated with the operation of the frictional force sensor 17 can be reduced by deactivating the frictional force sensor 17.

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

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

(4) Modification example (modification example 1)
In the above description, the member 221 of the friction portion 220 is configured so that the magnitude of the generated frictional resistance differs depending on the type of the cartridge 200. In particular, as shown in FIG. 10, the arrangement pattern of the plurality of members 221 may be configured to be different depending on the type of cartridge. Then, in response to the activation of the friction force sensor 17 (FIG. 11: S20) and the detection of contact with the friction unit 220, the cartridge detection determination unit 55 detects the cartridge 200 for determining the type. (Fig. 11: S30).

In this modification, the start timing of the detection operation of the cartridge 200 in step S30 may be specified based on the arrangement pattern of the plurality of members 221. More specifically, under the condition where contact between the friction portion 220 is detected, the cartridge detection determining unit 55, detects the frictional resistance of a particular (first) size, such as members 221 _a in FIG. 10 May be used as a trigger to cause the frictional force sensor 17 to start the operation of detecting the cartridge 200.

Similarly, in the present modification, the end timing of the detection operation of the cartridge 200 in step S70 may be specified so as to be specified based on the arrangement pattern of the plurality of members 221. More specifically, the cartridge detection determination unit 55 detects the cartridge 200 on the friction force sensor 17 by using the detection of the frictional resistance of a specific (second) size as in _{the member 221 c of FIG. 10 as a trigger.} The operation of may be terminated.

As a result, the start and end timings of the detection operation of the cartridge 200 can be further limited, so that the detection operation of the cartridge 200 and the determination operation of the cartridge 200 accompanying the operation can be executed accurately and efficiently. can.

(Modification 2)
In the above description, the frictional force sensor 17 is provided on the connection surface 80 of the power supply unit 10 with the cartridge 200. In this modification, in addition to this, the connection surface 80 of the power supply unit 10 with the cartridge 200 is provided with a concave groove for receiving the friction portion 220, and the friction force sensor 17 is provided on the surface of the groove. May be placed. More specifically, a groove extending downward from the connection surface 80 may be provided on the connection surface 80 of the power supply unit 10, and a frictional force sensor 17 may be provided on the bottom surface and / or the side surface of the groove. Then, when the cartridge 200 is connected to the power supply unit 10, the friction portion 220 of the cartridge 200 moves while contacting the inside of the groove to generate friction in the sliding direction. Then, the type of the cartridge may be determined based on measuring the magnitude of the frictional resistance in the sliding direction at that time.

(Modification example 3)
In the above description, when the cartridge 200 is inserted into the cartridge case 27 and connected to the power supply unit 10 (FIG. 6: procedure B), the electrode surface 280 of the cartridge 200 is connected to the connection surface 80 of the power supply unit 10. It was assumed that it would be aligned in the circumferential direction. In order to improve the accuracy of such alignment, in this modification, as shown in FIGS. 12A and 12B, the cartridge 200 and the hollow portion of the cartridge case 27 holding the cartridge 200 are further aligned. A mechanism for the purpose may be provided.

FIG. 12A is a cross-sectional view of the modified cartridge case 27'viewed from the axial direction. Further, FIG. 12B is a cross-sectional view of the modified cartridge 200'viewed from the axial direction. _{The cartridge case 27'provides two convex portions 27c 1} and 27c 2 facing each other along the axial direction in a part of the inner wall of the cavity portion. The position in the inner wall where the convex portions 27c ₁ and 27c ₂ are arranged should be provided in the vicinity of the end cap 26 on the opposite side of the power supply unit 10 (that is, in the vicinity of the insertion port of the capsule unit 30) along the axial direction. good.

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

As a result, when the cartridge 200'is inserted into the cartridge case 27' (FIG. 6: procedure B), the cartridge 200'can be reliably aligned in the circumferential direction. That is, the electrode surface 280 of the cartridge 200'can be more reliably aligned with the connection surface 80 of the power supply unit 10 in the circumferential direction, and the position at the start of activation of the frictional force sensor 17 (FIG. 11: S20) can be further aligned. It can be aligned accurately.

(Modification example 4)
In the above description, it is assumed that the frictional force sensor 17 is activated in response to the detection of the insertion of the cartridge 200 (FIG. 11: step S10) (FIG. 11: step S20). In this modification, in addition to this, as shown in FIG. 13, a physical switch may be used to specify the activation timing of the frictional force sensor 17.

FIG. 13 is a schematic perspective view of a modified example of the power supply unit 10 provided with the physical switch 19. Similar to the frictional force sensor 17, the discharge terminal 41, and the air supply unit 42, the physical switch 19 is provided on the connection surface 80 so as to project along the direction of the axis L. The physical switch 19 is preferably arranged at a position on the connection surface 80 so that the cartridge 200 is pressed with respect to the power supply unit 10 immediately after the cartridge 200 starts rotating (FIG. 6: procedure C).

It suffices if the physical switch 19 is pressed can be identified by the cartridge detection determination unit 55. Then, in S20 of FIG. 11, it is preferable that the cartridge detection determination unit 55 activates the frictional force sensor 17 in response to the physical switch 19 being pressed. Specifically, the cartridge detection determination unit 55 determines that the physical switch 19 is pressed by the cartridge 200 when the power supply unit 10 is connected to the cartridge 200, and triggers the friction force sensor 17 to operate. It is preferable to activate it, that is, to start the operation of the frictional force sensor 17.

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

Similarly, in this modification, when the physical switch 19 is provided in the power supply unit 10, the cartridge detection determination unit responds to the fact that the physical switch 19 is pressed again after the frictional force sensor 17 is activated. 55 may be configured to deactivate the frictional force sensor 17. Specifically, when the cartridge 200 rotates with respect to the power supply unit 10, the physical switch 19 is configured to be pressed again by the protrusion of the cartridge 200, whereby the frictional force sensor 17 is deactivated. The frictional force sensor 17 may be configured to end its operation.

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

(Modification 5)
In the above description, the frictional force sensor 17 is activated at the timing when the electrode surface 280 of the cartridge 200 is aligned in the circumferential direction with respect to the connection surface 80 of the power supply unit 10 and inserted into the cartridge case 27 (. FIG. 11: Step S20). In this modification, in addition to this, the activation of the frictional force sensor 17 is controlled so as to operate in response to the user pressing the operation unit 14 after the cartridge 200 is connected to the power supply unit 10. May be done. That is, after the cartridge 200 is connected to the power supply unit 10, the control unit 50 activates the frictional force sensor 17 at the timing when the user presses the operation unit 14 to perform the puff operation, and determines the cartridge. May act to perform a series of actions for.

<Other Embodiments>
Other embodiments of the present disclosure will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 14 is a block diagram showing a configuration example of a power supply unit 10a of the aerosol generation device 1 according to another embodiment of the present disclosure. The power supply unit 10a includes a control unit 50a, a frictional force sensor 17a, and a memory 18a.

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

The frictional force sensor 17a is provided on the contact surface of the power supply unit with the cartridge, and not only detects the contact with an object, but also measures the magnitude of the sliding frictional resistance in the sliding direction with respect to the reference surface. Then, the control unit 50a is based on the frictional resistance detected by the frictional force sensor 17a coming into contact with the frictional portion 220 provided on the cartridge 200 when or after the power supply unit 10a is connected to the cartridge 200. , It is configured to determine the type of cartridge 200.

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

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

1 ... Aerosol generator, 10, 10a ... Power supply unit, 11 ... Power supply unit case, 110 ... First rotation connection, 12 ... Power supply, 14 ... Operation unit, 15.・ ・ Intake sensor, 16 ・ ・ ・ Voltage sensor, 17,17a ・ ・ ・ Friction force sensor, 18,18a ・ ・ ・ Memory, 19 ・ ・ ・ Physical switch, 45 ・ ・ ・ Notification unit, 50, 50a ・ ・ ・Control unit, 51 ... Aerosol generation request detection unit, 52 ... Operation detection unit, 53 ... Power control unit, 54 ... Notification control unit, 55, 55a ... Cartridge detection and judgment unit, 80.・ ・ Connection surface, 20 ・ ・ ・ Cartridge unit, 27, 27'・ ・ ・ Cartridge case, 27c ₁ , 27c ₂・ ・ ・ Convex part, 200, 200' ・ ・ ・ Cartridge, 200c ₁ , 200c ₂・ ・· recess 260 ... the second rotational connecting portion, 210 ... connecting electrode portion, 220 ... friction _{portion, 221 (221 1, 221 2} , 221 a, 221 b, 221 c), ... friction portion of Member 280 ... Electrode surface, friction area ... AR ₁ , AR ₂ , 26 ... End cap, 261 ... Non-slip member, 30 ... Capsule unit, 310 ... Opening

Claims (20)

A power supply unit for an aerosol generator
A frictional force sensor provided on the contact surface of the power supply unit with the cartridge,
The type of the cartridge is determined based on the frictional resistance detected by the frictional force sensor coming into contact with the friction portion provided on the cartridge when or after the power supply unit is connected to the cartridge. Control unit and
A power supply unit. In the power supply unit according to claim 1,
The frictional force sensor detects at the contact a frictional resistance having a different magnitude depending on the type of the cartridge generated by the frictional portion.
The control unit is a power supply unit that determines the type of the cartridge based on the magnitude of the frictional resistance. In the power supply unit according to claim 1 or 2.
The frictional force sensor detects in the contact a frictional resistance having a different magnitude depending on the type of the cartridge generated by the friction portion having a different arrangement pattern depending on the type of the cartridge.
The control unit determines the type of the cartridge based on the magnitude of the frictional resistance, and determines the type of the cartridge.
A power supply unit in which the arrangement pattern is composed of a combination of a plurality of types of members. The power supply unit according to any one of claims 1 to 3.
The frictional force sensor detects frictional resistance of different sizes depending on the type of the cartridge generated by the first friction portion and the second friction portion at the contact.
The control unit determines the type of the cartridge based on the magnitude of the frictional resistance, and determines the type of the cartridge.
A power supply unit in which the magnitude of the frictional resistance generated by the first frictional portion and the magnitude of the frictional resistance generated by the second frictional portion of the frictional portions are different. In the power supply unit according to any one of claims 1 to 4, the control unit is used when the power supply unit is connected to the cartridge.
In response to detecting the frictional resistance of the first magnitude, the control unit causes the frictional force sensor to start the operation of detecting the cartridge.
Subsequently, a power supply unit in which the control unit terminates the operation of the friction force sensor in response to detecting a frictional resistance of a second magnitude. The power supply unit according to any one of claims 1 to 5, further comprising a physical switch.
When the power supply unit is connected to the cartridge, the physical switch is pressed by the cartridge and
The control unit is a power supply unit that activates the frictional force sensor in response to the physical switch being pressed. In the power supply unit according to claim 6,
The control unit is a power supply unit that deactivates the frictional force sensor in response to the physical switch being pressed again by the cartridge. In the power supply unit according to any one of claims 1 to 7.
The control unit is a power supply unit that causes the frictional force sensor to terminate the operation of detecting the cartridge in response to determining the type of the cartridge. In the power supply unit according to any one of claims 1 to 8.
The control unit determines that the connection of the power supply unit to the cartridge has failed when a predetermined frictional resistance is not detected by the frictional force sensor for a predetermined period after the operation of detecting the cartridge is started. A power supply unit that causes the frictional force sensor to terminate the detection operation of the cartridge. The power supply unit according to claim 9, further comprising a notification unit.
The control unit is a power supply unit that notifies the notification unit of the connection failure. In the power supply unit according to claim 10,
The notification unit is a power supply unit that prompts the user to perform an operation of reconnecting the power supply unit to the cartridge by notifying the connection failure. In the power supply unit according to any one of claims 1 to 11.
A power supply unit that prohibits power supply to the cartridge when the control unit cannot determine the type of the cartridge. The power supply unit according to any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the friction sensor is a tactile sensor. A cartridge provided with a friction portion having different friction characteristics depending on the type of the cartridge, which is connected to the power supply unit according to any one of claims 1 to 13. It is a cartridge of an aerosol generator, and is provided with a friction part that generates frictional resistance of different sizes depending on the type of the cartridge.
When or after the cartridge is connected to the power supply unit, the cartridge is detected and detected when the friction force sensor provided on the contact surface of the power supply unit with the cartridge comes into contact with the friction portion. A cartridge whose type is determined based on the frictional resistance. In the cartridge according to claim 15,
In the friction portion, the arrangement pattern of a plurality of members differs depending on the type of the cartridge.
A cartridge in which the arrangement pattern is composed of a combination of different types of the members that generate frictional resistances of different magnitudes at the contact. In the cartridge according to claim 15 or 16.
The aerosol generator comprises a cartridge case for holding the cartridge, which is assembled to the power supply unit along the axial direction.
When viewed from the axial direction, the cross section of the cartridge has a concave shape, and corresponds to the convex shape of a part of the cross section of the hollow portion of the cartridge case.
A cartridge in which the cross section of the cartridge is aligned in the circumferential direction with a partial cross section of the cavity of the cartridge case and inserted into the cavity of the cartridge case along the axial direction. A method of determining the type of cartridge, when or after the cartridge is axially connected to or after being connected to the power supply unit of the aerosol generator, by the power supply unit.
A step of detecting contact between a frictional force sensor provided on a contact surface of the power supply unit with a cartridge and a friction portion provided on the cartridge, and
A step of determining the type of the cartridge based on the frictional resistance detected by the contact, and
A method in which the friction portion generates the friction resistance having a different magnitude depending on the type of the cartridge. In the method of claim 18,
In the friction portion, the arrangement pattern of a plurality of members differs depending on the type of the cartridge.
A method in which the arrangement pattern is composed of a combination of a plurality of types of the members that generate frictional resistances of different magnitudes at the contact. In the method according to claim 18 or 19, the power supply unit includes a first friction portion and a second friction portion.
A power supply unit in which the magnitude of the frictional resistance generated by the first frictional portion and the magnitude of the frictional resistance generated by the second frictional portion of the frictional portions are different.

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