WO2023188103A1 - Aerosol generating device, control method, and program - Google Patents

Abstract

This aerosol generating device has a sensor that detects suction by a user, a first heating part that heats a first aerosol source, a second heating part that heats a second aerosol source, and a control part that controls the supply of power to the first heating part and the second heating part. When executing an action for generating aerosol by combining the heating of the first aerosol source and the heating of the second aerosol source, the control part stops or reduces the supply of power to the second heating part when the elapsed time from the end of suction detected last by the sensor exceeds a predetermined threshold.

Description

Aerosol generation device, control method, and program

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

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

Special table 2021-509260 publication

There are aerosol generation devices that can attach multiple aerosol sources. In this type of aerosol generation device, a heater may be disposed only on one aerosol source side. With this device configuration, the aerosol generated from one aerosol source reaches the user's oral cavity while heating the other aerosol source. As a result, a mixed gas containing a plurality of aerosols from different sources is inhaled by the user. In this case, the time required for the temperature of the heater used to heat the other aerosol source to reach the target temperature may be longer than that of the heater used to heat the one aerosol source. Therefore, the heater that heats the other aerosol source needs to be maintained at a temperature close to the target temperature in preparation for user suction. On the other hand, even if the user does not inhale a mixed gas containing an aerosol for a certain period of time, continuing to heat the other aerosol source to a target temperature in preparation for inhalation will accelerate the consumption of the battery, which is the power source.

For example, in an aerosol generation device that can be attached to both a liquid aerosol source and a solid aerosol source, the time required for the temperature of the heater used to heat the solid aerosol source to reach the target temperature is Longer than the heater used to heat the aerosol source. Therefore, the solid aerosol source must be maintained at a temperature close to the target temperature in preparation for user inhalation. On the other hand, even if the user does not inhale the mixed gas containing aerosol for a certain period of time, continuing to heat the solid aerosol source to a target temperature in preparation for inhalation will accelerate the consumption of the battery, which is the power source.

The present invention provides a technique for suppressing battery consumption in an aerosol generation device according to the usage status of the user.

According to one aspect of the invention, a sensor detects inhalation by a user, a first heating section that heats the first aerosol source while electrical power is applied, and a second heating section that heats the first aerosol source while electrical power is applied. a second heating section that heats the aerosol source; and a control section that controls power supply to the first heating section and the second heating section, and the control section is configured to heat the first aerosol source. when performing an operation of generating an aerosol by combining heating of the source and heating of the second aerosol source, and the elapsed time since the end of suction last detected by the sensor exceeds a predetermined threshold. At this time, an aerosol generation device is provided that stops or reduces the supply of electric power to the second heating section.

After stopping or reducing the supply of power to the second heating unit, the control unit may restart or increase the supply of power to the second heating unit, if the user's suction is detected.

When setting a monitoring period of a predetermined length based on detection of the user's suction, the control unit controls the power to the second heating unit based on the elapsed time from the end of the last set monitoring period. The supply may be controlled to be stopped or reduced.

Even if stoppage of suction is detected within the monitoring period, the control unit may measure the elapsed time from the point at which the monitoring period ends.

Even if the sensor detects a plurality of suctions within the monitoring period, the control unit does not need to reset the monitoring period.

When the control unit detects suction by the user after stopping or reducing the supply of electric power to the second heating unit, and when the monitoring period started by the detection of the suction ends, The power supply to the second heating section may be restarted or increased.

When the control unit detects suction by the user after stopping or reducing the supply of power to the second heating unit, the control unit controls the first heating unit within the monitoring period started by the detection of the suction. When the supply of power to the second heating section is stopped, the supply of power to the second heating section may be restarted or increased.

According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method for controlling an aerosol generating device that generates an aerosol, including the steps of a sensor detecting suction by a user, and a first heating unit heating a first aerosol source. and a step in which the second heating unit heats the second aerosol source, and when performing an operation of generating aerosol by combining the heating of the first aerosol source and the heating of the second aerosol source. and, when the elapsed time since the end of suction last detected by the sensor exceeds a predetermined threshold, stopping or reducing power supply to the second heating section. A control method is provided.

According to another aspect of the invention, a computer includes: a sensor detecting inhalation by a user; a first heating section heating a first aerosol source; and a second heating section heating a first aerosol source. heating an aerosol source; and performing an operation of generating an aerosol by combining heating of the first aerosol source and heating of the second aerosol source; A program is provided for executing a step of stopping or reducing power supply to the second heating section when the elapsed time from the end exceeds a predetermined threshold.

According to the present invention, in the aerosol generation device, battery consumption can be suppressed depending on the usage status of the user.

1 is a diagram illustrating an example of the appearance of an aerosol generation device assumed in Embodiment 1. FIG. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating how to attach an aerosol source and the like to the main body of the apparatus, which is assumed in the first embodiment. 1 is a diagram schematically showing the internal configuration of an aerosol generation device assumed in Embodiment 1. FIG. It is a figure explaining normal mode and high mode. (A) is a diagram illustrating an example of heating timing in normal mode, and (B) is a diagram illustrating an example of heating timing in high mode. 5 is a flowchart illustrating an example of heating control in high mode in the first embodiment. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of heating timing of a cartridge and a capsule in Embodiment 1. FIG. (A) shows the period of suction, (B) shows an example of the heating timing of the cartridge, and (C) shows an example of the heating timing of the capsule. FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating another example of the heating timing of the cartridge and capsule in the first embodiment. (A) shows the period of suction, (B) shows an example of the timing of heating the cartridge, and (C) shows an example of the timing of heating the capsule. FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating another example of the heating timing of the cartridge and capsule in the first embodiment. (A) shows the period of suction, (B) shows an example of the timing of heating the cartridge, and (C) shows an example of the timing of heating the capsule. FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating another example of the heating timing of the cartridge and capsule in the high mode. (A) shows the period of suction, (B) shows an example of the heating timing of the cartridge, and (C) shows an example of the heating timing of the capsule. FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating another example of heating timing for the cartridge and capsule in the high mode. (A) shows the period of suction, (B) shows an example of the heating timing of the cartridge, and (C) shows an example of the heating timing of the capsule. FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating another example of heating timing for the cartridge and capsule in the high mode. (A) shows the period of suction, (B) shows an example of the heating timing of the cartridge, and (C) shows an example of the heating timing of the capsule. 7 is a flowchart illustrating an example of heating control in high mode in Embodiment 2. FIG. It is a figure explaining another example of the heating timing of a cartridge and a capsule in high mode. (A) shows the period of suction, (B) shows an example of the heating timing of the cartridge, and (C) shows an example of the heating timing of the capsule. It is a figure explaining other examples of the heating timing of a cartridge and a capsule in high mode. (A) shows the period of suction, (B) shows an example of the heating timing of the cartridge, and (C) shows an example of the heating timing of the capsule. 12 is a flowchart illustrating an example of heating control in high mode in Embodiment 3.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Heating control in normal mode is started when the locked state is released.
The locked state is a state in which control by the control unit 116L is stopped. Therefore, even if the user applies the mouthpiece 124L (see FIG. 3) and inhales, no aerosol is generated.
The locked state is released, for example, by pressing the operation button 11B (see FIG. 1) three times in succession within two seconds. The number of presses, the button to be operated, and the time required for the operation are all examples.
When the normal mode heating control starts, the cartridge 20 is heated in conjunction with the suction period, as shown in FIG. 4 (A1).
"Linked to the period of suction" means linked to the detection of suction by the sensor unit 112L.
Therefore, if suction for 1 second is detected, cartridge 20 is heated for 1 second, and if suction for 2 seconds is detected, cartridge 20 is heated for 2 seconds.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

<Heating control in high mode>
FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating an example of heating control in the high mode in the first embodiment. The symbol S shown in the figure means a step.
The processing shown in FIG. 5 is realized through program execution. The program here is stored in the storage unit 114L (see FIG. 3) and executed by the control unit 116L (see FIG. 3).

The process shown in FIG. 5 is started when the locked state that has been transferred to the high mode is released or when the heating mode is switched from the normal mode to the high mode.
The control unit 116L that has started the process instructs the heating unit 121L-2 that heats the capsule 30 to supply power (step 1). In response to this instruction, heating of the capsule 30 is started as shown in FIG. 4 (B2).

Next, the control unit 116L determines whether or not the start of suction has been detected (step 2).
The pressure sensor used to detect suction requires approximately 60 ms to detect the start of suction. At the shortest, the start of suction can be detected in approximately 20 ms. However, in this embodiment, the accuracy of detecting the start of suction is increased by repeating the 20 ms determination three times. The same applies to the detection of the end of suction, which will be described later. That is, the control unit 116L increases the accuracy of detecting the end of suction by repeating the determination three times for approximately 20 ms.

If the start of suction is detected, the control unit 116L obtains a positive result in step 2 (“YES” in step 2). The control unit 116L that has obtained a positive result in step 2 (“YES” in step 2) stops or reduces the power supply to the heating unit 121L-2 that heats the capsule 30 (step 3), and then Instructs to supply power to the heating unit 121L-1 that heats the (step 4).

After that, the control unit 116L determines whether or not the end of suction is detected (step 5).
While the end of suction is not detected, the control unit 116L obtains a negative result in step 5 (“NO” in step 5) and repeats the determination in step 5.
Eventually, when the end of suction is detected, the control unit 116L obtains a positive result in step 5 ("YES" in step 5). Having obtained a positive result (“YES” in step 5) in step 5, the control unit 116L stops supplying power to the heating unit 121L-1 that heats the cartridge 20 (step 6), and then heats the capsule 30. An instruction is given to supply or increase the supplied power to the heating unit 121L-2 (step 7).

After this, the control unit 116L returns to step 2.
By the way, if the start of suction is not detected, the control unit 116L obtains a negative result in step 2 (“NO” in step 2).
If a negative result is obtained in step 2 (“NO” in step 2), the control unit 116L determines whether the elapsed time from the end of the last detected suction is 30 seconds or more (step 8). .

The starting point of the elapsed time is the end of suction detected in step 5. The threshold value used for the determination is determined according to the number of seconds that provides the condition for transitioning to the sleep state.
If a negative result is obtained in step 8 (“NO” in step 8), the control unit 116L returns to step 2. While no new suction is detected, the loop process of step 2-step 8-step 2 is repeatedly executed.
Although not shown in FIG. 5, a determination as to whether 30 seconds or more have elapsed since step 1 was performed is also performed in the same way. In other words, it is also determined whether 30 seconds have passed without suction starting from the start of the process shown in FIG. 5 .

If a positive result is obtained in step 8 (“YES” in step 8), the control unit 116L stops or reduces the power supply to the heating unit 121L-2 that heats the capsule 30 (step 9). That is, the control unit 116L transitions to a sleep state, as shown in FIG. 5 (B2).
Note that the control unit 116L that has entered the sleep state returns to step 2 and waits for the start of new suction. Since the power supply to the heating unit 121L-2 is stopped or reduced until the start of the next suction is detected, battery consumption is suppressed.

In the flowchart shown in FIG. 5, even after transitioning to the sleep state, if a positive result is obtained in step 8 ("YES" in step 8), step 9 is executed. Processing may be skipped.
Furthermore, although not shown in FIG. 5, when a further 5 minutes and 30 seconds have passed since the transition to the sleep state, the control unit 116L transitions to the lock state.

<Summary>
In the present embodiment, in the high mode in which the cartridge 20 is heated during suction and the capsule 30 is heated when suction is finished, heating of the capsule 30 is stopped or reduced if suction by the user is not detected for a certain period of time. Specifically, when 30 seconds have elapsed since the end of the last detected suction and the device enters the sleep state, heating of the capsule 30 is stopped or reduced.
As a result, it is possible to suppress battery consumption when no suction by the user is detected for a certain period of time.

On the other hand, when the start of suction is detected during sleep, heating of the cartridge 20 is restarted, and when the end of suction is detected, heating of the capsule 30 is restarted or increased. Depending on the length of time that heating of capsule 30 was stopped or reduced before restarting, the temperature of capsule 30 also decreases. For this reason, if the time during which heating is stopped or reduced becomes longer, the amount of aerosol generated from solid matter during the first suction after sleep cancellation will temporarily decrease.

However, since the heating of the capsule 30 is restarted as the suction is restarted, the temperature of the capsule 30 also gradually increases. As a result, it becomes possible to increase the amount of aerosol generated from solid matter during subsequent suctions.
In other words, it is possible to simultaneously achieve the purpose of the high mode of increasing the concentration of aerosol inhaled by the user and to suppress battery consumption when the user does not inhale for a long time.

<Embodiment 2>
In this embodiment, the heating of cartridge 20 and capsule 30 is controlled in units of "monitoring period".
The monitoring period is a period of predetermined length that begins upon detection of user suction. The monitoring period may be referred to as a "heat-on monitoring time." The heating-on monitoring time is the longest time during which the cartridge 20 can be heated continuously. The monitoring period is, for example, 2.4 seconds. Note that the monitoring period is not limited to 2.4 seconds and can be set arbitrarily.
Therefore, even if suction is continuously detected after the end of the monitoring period, heating of the cartridge 20 is ended.

After the monitoring period ends, a new monitoring period is set upon detection of new suction. In the new monitoring period, heating control similar to the heating of the cartridge 20 during the monitoring period is performed.
If the time between the monitoring period and the new monitoring period is less than a predetermined value, the heating of the cartridge 20 during the new monitoring period may be reduced compared to the heating of the cartridge 20 during the monitoring period. In this case, the degree of reduction in heating of the cartridge 20 in the new monitoring period may be determined based on the length of time between the monitoring period and the new monitoring period. Note that the predetermined value is, for example, 10 seconds, but is not limited to 10 seconds and can be set arbitrarily.
Based on the length of time between the monitoring period and the new monitoring period, the heating of the cartridge 20 during the new monitoring period is reduced compared to the heating of the cartridge 20 during the monitoring period, so that short interval aspiration Even if repeated, it is possible to ensure time for supplying a liquid aerosol source to the wick before heating of the cartridge 20 begins.

In the present embodiment, a period (hereinafter referred to as "heating prohibition time") during which heating of the cartridge 20 is prohibited regardless of suction detection may be provided after the monitoring period.
By providing a monitoring period and a heating prohibition time, even if short intervals of suction are repeated (or even if the heating time of the cartridge 20 becomes longer), the liquid aerosol is removed before heating of the cartridge 20 starts. This makes it possible to secure time for supplying the source to the wick.
Note that the external appearance, internal configuration, etc. of the aerosol generation device 10 assumed in this embodiment are the same as the aerosol generation device 10 described in the first embodiment.

<Heating on monitoring time>
In this embodiment, heating of capsule 30 may be stopped or reduced during the monitoring period.
6 to 8 show examples of controlling heating timing when heating of capsule 30 is stopped or reduced during the monitoring period. Note that the heating control example described below can be applied to heating the cartridge 20 (see FIG. 2) in the normal mode, except for heating the capsule 30 (see FIG. 2).
6 to 8 correspond to different suction patterns.

FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of heating timing for the cartridge 20 and capsule 30 in the first embodiment. (A) shows the suction period, (B) shows an example of the heating timing of the cartridge 20, and (C) shows an example of the heating timing of the capsule 30.

In this embodiment, the monitoring period may be referred to as "heating-on monitoring time." In the following, the monitoring period will be described as a "heating-on monitoring time." In the case of FIG. 6, the heating-on monitoring time is 2.4 seconds. However, the heating-on monitoring time is not limited to 2.4 seconds, but may be 2 seconds or 3 seconds.

In the case of FIG. 6A, two suctions are detected during the heating-on monitoring time, and the second suction ends before the heating-on monitoring time elapses. In this case, the heating timing of the cartridge 20 coincides with the detected suction period, as shown in FIG. 6(B).
After the heating-on monitoring time ends, a new heating-on monitoring time is set by detecting new suction. The new heating-on monitoring time is set by the detection of new suction after the heating-on monitoring time ends, so even if the second suction is detected during the heating-on monitoring time, the new heating-on monitoring time will not be set. is not set.
In the case of this embodiment, the heating of the capsule 30 is stopped (off control) or reduced during the entire period of the heating-on monitoring time, as shown in FIG. 6(C). Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 6(C), heating of the capsule 30 is started or increased during a period that is not the heating-on monitoring time.

FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating another example of the heating timing of the cartridge 20 and capsule 30 in the first embodiment. (A) shows the suction period, (B) shows an example of the timing of heating the cartridge 20, and (C) shows an example of the timing of heating the capsule 30.
In FIG. 7, parts corresponding to those in FIG. 6 are shown with corresponding symbols.
The difference between FIG. 7 and FIG. 6 is that in the case of FIG. 7A, the second suction during the heating monitoring on time continues beyond the heating on monitoring time.

As shown in FIG. 7(B), even if suction continues beyond the heating-on monitoring time, heating of the cartridge 20 is stopped when the heating-on monitoring time has elapsed. Also, as shown in FIG. 7(C), heating of the capsule 30 is started or increased.

FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating another example of the heating timing of the cartridge 20 and capsule 30 in the first embodiment. (A) shows the suction period, (B) shows an example of the timing of heating the cartridge 20, and (C) shows an example of the timing of heating the capsule 30.
In FIG. 8, parts corresponding to those in FIG. 6 are shown with corresponding symbols.
The difference between FIG. 8 and FIG. 6 is that the non-suction state continues even after the heating-on monitoring time has elapsed, and the device shifts to the sleep state.

In FIG. 8, the start of the period of transition to the sleep state is the time when the heating-on monitoring time ends, and the transition to the sleep state occurs when the non-suction state continues for 30 seconds. Note that the device may enter the sleep state when 30 seconds have elapsed from the end time of suction within the heating-on monitoring time, which is the time when the second suction ended in FIG. 8(A).
Note that in FIGS. 6(A), 7(A), and 8(A), the number of suctions detected during the heating-on monitoring time is two, but the number of suctions detected during the heating-on monitoring time is The number of times may be one or three or more times.

<Heating on monitoring time and heating inhibit time>
In this embodiment, in addition to the heating period (heating-on monitoring time), a heating prohibition time may be provided. Hereinafter, specific examples of the heating-on monitoring time and the heating inhibiting time will be described using FIGS. 9 to 11.
9 to 11 show examples of heating timing control in the high mode.
However, the heating control example described below can be applied to heating the cartridge 20 (see FIG. 2) in the normal mode, except for heating the capsule 30 (see FIG. 2).
9 to 11 correspond to different suction patterns.

FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating an example of heating timing of the cartridge 20 and capsule 30 in the high mode. (A) shows the suction period, (B) shows an example of the heating timing of the cartridge 20, and (C) shows an example of the heating timing of the capsule 30.
As described above, after the heating-on monitoring time ends, a new heating-on monitoring time is set by detecting new suction. In the case of FIG. 9, the heating-on monitoring time is 2.4 seconds. However, the heating-on monitoring time is not limited to 2.4 seconds, and may be 2 seconds or 3 seconds.

In the case of FIG. 9A, two suctions are detected during the heating-on monitoring period, and the second suction ends before the heating-on monitoring period elapses. In this case, the heating timing of the cartridge 20 coincides with the detected suction period, as shown in FIG. 9(B).
Aerosol derived from a solid substance is generated when a high temperature aerosol derived from a liquid passes through the capsule 30 in both normal mode and high mode.
After the heating-on monitoring time ends, a new heating-on monitoring time is set by detecting new suction. The new heating-on monitoring time is set by the detection of new suction after the heating-on monitoring time ends, so even if the second suction is detected during the heating-on monitoring time, the new heating-on monitoring time will not be set. is not set.
In the case of this embodiment, the heating of the capsule 30 is stopped (off control) or reduced during the entire period of the heating-on monitoring time, as shown in FIG. 9(C).

In FIG. 9, after the heating-on monitoring time ends, a heating inhibition time of, for example, 1.2 seconds is provided. Note that the heating prohibition time of 1.2 seconds is an example.
As described above, the heating prohibition time is a time during which heating of the cartridge 20 is prohibited. Therefore, even if suction is detected within the heating prohibition time as shown in FIG. 9(A), heating of the cartridge 20 is not performed as shown in FIG. 9(B). On the other hand, when the heating prohibition time starts, heating of the capsule 30 is started or increased as shown in FIG. 9(C).

In the example of FIG. 9(A), suction is not detected even after the heating prohibition time has elapsed. Therefore, even after the heating prohibition time ends, the heating state of the capsule 30 continues until the next suction is detected.
When a new suction is detected in this state, a new heating-on monitoring time is set, and the heating of the cartridge 20 is started and the heating of the capsule 30 is stopped or reduced.

FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating another example of heating timing for the cartridge 20 and capsule 30 in the high mode. (A) shows the suction period, (B) shows an example of the heating timing of the cartridge 20, and (C) shows an example of the heating timing of the capsule 30.
In FIG. 10, parts corresponding to those in FIG. 9 are shown with corresponding symbols.
The difference between FIG. 10 and FIG. 9 is that in the case of FIG. 10(A), the second suction during the heating-on monitoring time continues beyond the heating-on monitoring time, and the next suction is prohibited from heating. The point is to start on time.

Even if suction continues beyond the heating-on monitoring time, the heating prohibition time starts after the heating-on monitoring time elapses, so heating of the cartridge 20 is stopped as shown in FIG. 10(B).
Furthermore, even if suction starts before the heating prohibition time has elapsed, heating of the cartridge 20 is prohibited. Therefore, a new heating-on monitoring time starts after the heating prohibition time elapses.

FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating another example of heating timing for the cartridge 20 and capsule 30 in the high mode. (A) shows the suction period, (B) shows an example of the heating timing of the cartridge 20, and (C) shows an example of the heating timing of the capsule 30.
In FIG. 11, parts corresponding to those in FIG. 9 are shown with corresponding symbols.
The difference between FIG. 11 and FIG. 9 is that the non-suction state continues even after the heating prohibition time has elapsed, and the device shifts to the sleep state.

In FIG. 11, the start of the period for transitioning to the sleep state is the time when the heating-on monitoring time ends, that is, the time when the heating prohibition time starts, and even after the heating prohibition time ends, the non-suction state continues for 28.8 seconds. It has gone to sleep at this point.
However, when 30 seconds have elapsed from the end of suction within the heating-on monitoring time, which is the time when the second suction ended in FIG. 11(A), the device may enter the sleep state.

In FIG. 11, when a new suction is detected during sleep, the heating-on monitoring time is set, and at the same time heating of the cartridge 20 is started or increased. Note that during sleep, heating of the capsule 30 is stopped or reduced, so even if a new suction is detected, there is no need to control to stop or reduce the power supply to the heating unit 121L-2 that heats the capsule 30. It is.
In the case of FIG. 11, heating of the capsule 30 is restarted when the first heating-on monitoring time after returning from sleep has elapsed.
9(A), FIG. 10(A), and FIG. 11(A) described above, the number of suctions detected during the heating-on monitoring time is two times, but the number of suctions detected during the heating-on monitoring time is The number of times may be one or three or more times.

<Heating control in high mode>
FIG. 12 is a flowchart illustrating an example of heating control in the high mode in the second embodiment. In FIG. 12, parts corresponding to those in FIG. 5 are shown with corresponding symbols.
The processing shown in FIG. 12 is also realized through program execution. The program here is stored in the storage unit 114L (see FIG. 3) and executed by the control unit 116L (see FIG. 3).

The process shown in FIG. 12 is also started when the locked state that has shifted to the high mode is released or when the heating mode is switched from the normal mode to the high mode.
In the case of FIG. 12 as well, the control unit 116L that has started the process instructs the heating unit 121L-2 that heats the capsule 30 to supply power (step 1).
Next, the control unit 116L determines whether or not the start of suction as the start event of the heating-on monitoring time is detected (step 11).

For example, if the start of suction is detected after the heating-on monitoring time has elapsed, the control unit 116L obtains a positive result in step 11 (“YES” in step 11).
In addition, when setting the heating prohibition time, for example, if the start of suction is detected after the heating prohibition time of the cartridge 20 has elapsed, the control unit 116L returns an affirmative result (“YES” in step 11) in step 11. You may get it. After the heating prohibition time has elapsed, the period before going to sleep and the period during sleep are included. In the case of this embodiment, if suction is started during the heating prohibition time and continues even when the heating prohibition time ends, the start of suction is detected at the same time as the heating prohibition time ends. regarded as.

On the other hand, for example, if the start of suction is detected within the heating-on monitoring time, the control unit 116L obtains a negative result in step 11 (“NO” in step 11). In this case, although not shown in FIG. 12, power is supplied to the heating unit 121L-1 that heats the cartridge 20 until the detected suction ends or until the heating-on monitoring time elapses. Good too.
Further, when setting the heating prohibition time, the control unit 116L is configured to obtain a negative result in step 11 (“NO” in step 11) if the start of suction is detected within the heating prohibition time. Good too.

If a negative result is obtained in step 11, the control unit 116L determines whether the conditions for transition to the sleep state are satisfied, as in the first embodiment. That is, the control unit 116L determines whether the elapsed time from the end of the previous suction is 30 seconds or more (step 8).
If the conditions for transition to the sleep state are not satisfied, the control unit 116L obtains a negative result in step 8, returns to step 11, and waits for detection of a new heating-on monitoring time start event.
Note that if the conditions for transition to the sleep state are met, the control unit 116L stops supplying power to the heating unit 121L-2 that heats the capsule 30 (step 9), and returns to step 11.

If a positive result is obtained in step 11 (“YES” in step 11), the control unit 116L sets a heating-on monitoring time (step 12).
Next, the control unit 116L stops or reduces the power supply to the heating unit 121L-2 that heats the capsule 30 (step 3), and then stops the power supply to the heating unit 121L-1 that heats the cartridge 20. give instructions (step 4).
This heating control corresponds to the beginning of the first heating-on monitoring time shown in FIG.

Next, the control unit 116L determines whether the heating-on monitoring time has ended (step 13). In the case of this embodiment, it is determined whether 2.4 seconds have passed since the start of the heating-on monitoring time.
When a negative result is obtained in step 13 (“NO” in step 13), the control unit 116L determines whether or not the end of suction has been detected (step 5). The detection target here includes not only the end of the suction detected as the start event of the heating-on monitoring time, but also the end of the second and subsequent suctions detected within the same heating-on monitoring time.

If a positive result is obtained in step 5 (“YES” in step 5), the control unit 116L stops or reduces the power supply to the heating unit 121L-1 that heats the cartridge 20 (step 6).
In the case of this embodiment, after executing step 6, the control unit 116L returns to step 13.
On the other hand, if a negative result is obtained in step 5 (“NO” in step 5), the control unit 116L determines whether or not the start of suction has been detected (step 14). What is detected here is the start of the second and subsequent suctions that newly occur within the heating-on monitoring time.

If a positive result is obtained in step 14 (“YES” in step 14), the control unit 116L instructs the heating unit 121L-1 that heats the cartridge 20 to supply power (step 15).
Note that if a negative result is obtained in step 14 (“NO” in step 14), or after executing step 15, the control unit 116L returns to step 13 and repeats the above-described determination.
For example, the loop process of step 13-step 5-step 14-step 13 is repeated until the end of suction, which is the start event of the heating-on monitoring time, is detected.

By the way, when a positive result is obtained in step 13 ("YES" in step 13), the control unit 116L determines whether or not suction is being continued (step 16).
If suction is continuing, the control unit 116L obtains a positive result in step 16 (“YES” in step 16) and stops supplying power to the heating unit 121L-1 that heats the cartridge 20 (step 17). ).
Note that if suction is not continuing, the control unit 116L obtains a negative result in step 16 (“NO” in step 16).
If a negative result is obtained in step 16 (“NO” in step 16), or after executing step 17, the control unit 116L instructs the heating unit 121L-2 that heats the capsule 30 to supply or increase the power. (step 18), and return to step 11.

<Summary>
In this embodiment, heating of the capsule 30 is stopped or reduced when the user's suction is not detected for a certain period of time, so that the purpose of the high mode to increase the concentration of the aerosol that the user inhales is achieved, and the user's non-inhalation time is reduced. It is possible to achieve both suppression of battery consumption when the battery life is long.

<Embodiment 3>
In this embodiment, a case will be described in which the heating of the capsule 30 during the heating-on monitoring time is controlled in conjunction with the heating of the cartridge 20.
Note that the external appearance, internal configuration, etc. of the aerosol generation device 10 assumed in this embodiment are the same as the aerosol generation device 10 described in the first embodiment.

<Heating on monitoring time>
FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating another example of heating timing for the cartridge 20 and capsule 30 in the high mode. (A) shows the suction period, (B) shows an example of the heating timing of the cartridge 20, and (C) shows an example of the heating timing of the capsule 30.
In FIG. 13, parts corresponding to those in FIG. 11 are shown with corresponding symbols.

The suction pattern shown in FIG. 13(A) is the same as the suction pattern shown in FIG. 11(A). That is, two suctions are detected within the first heating-on monitoring time, and the second suction ends before the heating-on monitoring time elapses. Therefore, during the heating-on monitoring time, as shown in FIG. 13(B), heating of the cartridge 20 is performed twice in conjunction with the detected suction period.

The difference is in the heating control of the capsule 30.
In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 13(C), heating control of the capsule 30 is executed or increased during a period in which heating of the cartridge 20 is stopped (off control). Further, when the heating of the cartridge 20 is controlled to be on, the heating of the capsule 30 is stopped (controlled off) or reduced. That is, the heating control of the cartridge 20 takes priority over the heating control of the capsule 30.

In the case of FIG. 13A, the second suction ends before the heating-on monitoring time elapses, so heating of the capsule 30 starts or increases before the heating-on monitoring time ends.
When this heating control is adopted, the temperature of the capsule 30 becomes difficult to fall, so it is possible to increase the concentration of aerosol derived from solids contained in the aerosol inhaled by the user.
In addition, also in the case of this embodiment, when transitioning to the sleep state, heating of the capsule 30 is stopped (off control) or reduced. That is, the supply of power to the heating section 121L-2 is stopped or reduced.
In the case of heating control in this embodiment, the heating of the capsule 30 is restarted or increased when the suction is first detected during the sleep period, and when the end of suction is detected, the heating of the capsule 30 is restarted or increased. be done.
<Heating on monitoring time and heating inhibit time>
In this embodiment, in addition to the heating period (heating-on monitoring time), a heating prohibition time may be provided. FIG. 14 is a diagram illustrating another example of heating timing for the cartridge 20 and capsule 30 in the high mode when a heating prohibition time is provided. (A) shows the suction period, (B) shows an example of the heating timing of the cartridge 20, and (C) shows an example of the heating timing of the capsule 30.
In FIG. 14, parts corresponding to those in FIG. 11 are labeled with corresponding symbols.

The suction pattern shown in FIG. 14(A) is the same as the suction pattern shown in FIG. 11(A). That is, two suctions are detected within the first heating-on monitoring time, and the second suction ends before the heating-on monitoring time elapses. Therefore, during the heating-on monitoring time, as shown in FIG. 14(B), heating of the cartridge 20 is performed twice in conjunction with the detected suction period.

The difference is in the heating control of the capsule 30.
In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 14(C), the heating control of the capsule 30 is executed during the period in which the heating of the cartridge 20 is controlled to be turned off. Further, when the heating of the cartridge 20 is controlled to be on, the heating of the capsule 30 is stopped (controlled off) or reduced. That is, the heating control of the cartridge 20 takes priority over the heating control of the capsule 30.

In the case of FIG. 14A, the second suction ends before the heating-on monitoring time elapses, so heating of the capsule 30 starts before the heating-on monitoring time ends, and even during the heating prohibition time. Continued.
When this heating control is adopted, the temperature of the capsule 30 becomes difficult to fall, so it is possible to increase the concentration of aerosol derived from solids contained in the aerosol inhaled by the user.
In addition, also in the case of this embodiment, when transitioning to the sleep state, heating of the capsule 30 is stopped (off control) or reduced. That is, the supply of power to the heating section 121L-2 is stopped or reduced.
In the case of heating control in this embodiment, the heating of the capsule 30 may be restarted upon the start of suction detected for the first time during the sleep period, and the heating of the capsule 30 may be increased when the end of suction is detected. .

<Heating control in high mode>
FIG. 15 is a flowchart illustrating an example of heating control in the high mode in the third embodiment. In FIG. 15, parts corresponding to those in FIG. 12 are shown with corresponding symbols.
The processing shown in FIG. 15 is also realized through program execution. The program here is stored in the storage unit 114L (see FIG. 3) and executed by the control unit 116L (see FIG. 3).
The difference between the process shown in FIG. 15 and the process shown in FIG. 12 is that in this embodiment, heating of the capsule 30 is started or increased when the end of suction is detected even within the heating-on monitoring time. caused by.

Therefore, if the end of suction is detected within the heating-on monitoring time (that is, if a positive result (“YES” in step 5) is obtained in step 5), the control unit 116L heats the cartridge 20. After stopping the supply of power to the heating unit 121L-1 (step 6), an instruction is given to supply or increase the power to the heating unit 121L-2 that heats the capsule 30 (step 21).
Further, if the start of the second or subsequent suction is detected within the heating-on monitoring time (that is, if a positive result (“YES” in step 14) is obtained in step 14), the control unit 116L controls the capsule 30 After stopping or reducing the supply of power to the heating unit 121L-2 that heats the cartridge 20 (step 22), an instruction is given to supply power to the heating unit 121L-1 that heats the cartridge 20 (step 15).

<Summary>
In the case of this embodiment as well, heating of the capsule 30 is stopped or reduced when the user's suction is not detected for a certain period of time, so that the purpose of the high mode of increasing the concentration of aerosol that the user inhales and the user's It is possible to simultaneously suppress battery consumption when the suction time becomes long.

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

(2) In the above-described embodiment, a case has been described in which the aerosol generating device 10 (see FIG. 1) is an electronic cigarette, but it may also be a medical inhaler such as a nebulizer. When the aerosol generating device 10 or the like is a nebulizer, the liquid aerosol source or the solid aerosol source may include a drug for inhalation by the patient.

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

(4) In the embodiment described above, simultaneous heating of the heating section 121L-1 and the heating section 121L-2 in the high mode is prohibited, but simultaneous heating may be allowed. In other words, a part or all of the heating period by the heating section 121L-1 and the heating period by the heating section 121L-2 may be allowed to overlap. However, if simultaneous heating is allowed, the maximum value of power supplied to heating parts 121L-1 and 121L-2 during simultaneous heating should be set to It is desirable to set the value to be smaller than the maximum value of the power supplied at the time.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10...Aerosol generation device, 11...Device main body, 11A...Display, 11B...Operation button, 12...Capsule holder, 20...Cartridge, 30...Capsule, 121L-1, 121L-2...Heating part

Claims (9)

A sensor that detects the user's suction,
a first heating section that heats the first aerosol source;
a second heating section that heats the second aerosol source;
a control unit that controls supply of power to the first heating unit and the second heating unit;
has
The control unit includes:
When performing an operation of generating an aerosol by combining heating of the first aerosol source and heating of the second aerosol source, the time elapsed from the end of suction last detected by the sensor is predetermined. when the threshold value exceeds the threshold value, stopping or reducing the supply of electric power to the second heating section;
Aerosol generator. The control unit includes:
After stopping or reducing the supply of power to the second heating unit, if suction by the user is detected, restarting or increasing the supply of power to the second heating unit;
The aerosol generation device according to claim 1. The control unit includes:
When a monitoring period of a predetermined length is set based on the detection of the user's suction, the power supply to the second heating unit is stopped or reduced depending on the elapsed time from the end of the last set monitoring period. control to
The aerosol generation device according to claim 1. The control unit includes:
Even if stoppage of suction is detected within the monitoring period, the elapsed time is measured from the point at which the monitoring period ends;
The aerosol generation device according to claim 3. The control unit includes:
Even if the sensor detects multiple suctions within the monitoring period, the monitoring period is not reset.
The aerosol generation device according to claim 4. The control unit includes:
When suction by the user is detected after stopping or reducing the supply of power to the second heating section, and when the monitoring period that started with the detection of the suction ends, the second heating section resume or increase the supply of electricity to
The aerosol generation device according to any one of claims 3 to 5. The control unit includes:
If suction by the user is detected after the supply of power to the second heating unit is stopped or reduced, and within the monitoring period that starts with the detection of the suction, the power supply to the first heating unit is When the power supply stops, restarting or increasing the power supply to the second heating section,
The aerosol generation device according to any one of claims 3 to 5. A method for controlling an aerosol generation device that generates an aerosol, the method comprising:
a step in which the sensor detects suction by the user;
the first heating section heating the first aerosol source;
the second heating section heating the second aerosol source;
When performing an operation of generating an aerosol by combining heating of the first aerosol source and heating of the second aerosol source, the time elapsed from the end of suction last detected by the sensor is predetermined. a step of stopping or reducing the supply of electric power to the second heating section when the threshold value exceeds the threshold;
A control method characterized by comprising: to the computer,
a step in which the sensor detects suction by the user;
the first heating section heating the first aerosol source;
the second heating section heating the second aerosol source;
When performing an operation of generating an aerosol by combining heating of the first aerosol source and heating of the second aerosol source, the time elapsed from the end of suction last detected by the sensor is predetermined. a step of stopping or reducing the supply of electric power to the second heating section when the threshold value exceeds the threshold value;
A program to run.