WO2024127537A1 - Flavor inhaler or aerosol generation device, and operation method and program therefor - Google Patents

Abstract

Provided are an aerosol generation device, etc., the aerosol generation device being configured such that when battery voltage temporarily drops due to power consumption by a heater, limitation of power supply can be avoided.　A device that is a flavor inhaler or an aerosol generation device comprising a heating unit configured to heat a flavor source and/or an aerosol source, a power supply, and a control unit configured to control the supply of power from the power supply to be limited on the basis of determining that the voltage of the power supply is below or equal to a preset voltage, except for a preset period of time, characterized in that the aforesaid preset period of time includes at least a part of the period of time during which the heating by the heating unit is performed by the power from the power supply.

Description

Flavor inhalation device or aerosol generating device, its operation method and its program

This disclosure relates to a flavor inhalation device or aerosol generating device (hereinafter referred to as "aerosol generating device, etc.") that generates flavor and/or aerosol (hereinafter referred to as "aerosol, etc.") by heating one or both of a flavor source and an aerosol source (hereinafter referred to as "aerosol source, etc.").

Inhalation devices that generate a substance to be inhaled by a user, such as electronic cigarettes and nebulizers, are widely used as aerosol generating devices. For example, an inhalation device generates an aerosol imparted with a flavor component using an aerosol source for generating an aerosol and a base material containing a flavor source for imparting a flavor component to the generated aerosol. A user can taste the flavor by inhaling the aerosol imparted with the flavor component generated by the inhalation device.

Also, devices have been proposed that have a storage mode for low power consumption (for example, Patent Document 1).

Furthermore, some suction devices detect errors based on battery voltage and switch to a mode that reduces power consumption from the battery.

JP 2016-528910 A

In recent years, in aerosol generating devices and the like, attempts have been made to increase the maximum temperature of the heater used to heat the aerosol source and the like compared to conventional devices. In order to increase the maximum temperature of the heater, it is necessary to increase the power supplied to the heater from the battery.

However, generally, as the output from the battery increases, the operating voltage of the battery (the voltage between the two terminals of the battery when electricity is flowing) decreases. Therefore, when attempting to increase the maximum temperature of the heater in an aerosol generating device configured as described above that detects errors based on the battery voltage, it may determine that an error has occurred while supplying power to the heater, and erroneously transition to the above mode. If the device transitions to the above mode even in such a case, the heater will stop heating even though it cannot be said that an error has occurred, preventing proper use of the aerosol generating device, etc.

The present disclosure has been made in consideration of the above, and its objective is to provide an aerosol generating device or the like that can avoid limiting the power supply when the voltage of a power source such as a battery temporarily drops due to power consumption by a heating unit including a heater or the like.

In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, there is provided a flavor inhalation device or aerosol generating device that includes a heating unit configured to heat one or both of a flavor source and an aerosol source, a power source, and a control unit configured to control the power supply from the power source to be limited based on determining that the voltage of the power source is less than or equal to a predetermined voltage, except for a predetermined period, and the predetermined period includes at least a portion of the period during which heating is performed by the heating unit using power from the power source.

In one embodiment, the device has a mode that reduces power consumption from the power source and is not released until a first predetermined operation is performed, and the restriction of the power supply from the power source may be achieved by transitioning to the mode.

In one embodiment, the first predetermined operation may include connecting the device to an external power source to charge the power source.

In one embodiment, the device further includes a power supply IC for the power supply, the power supply IC being configured so that the device transitions to the mode when the control unit transmits a predetermined command to the power supply IC, and the control unit may be further configured not to transmit the predetermined command to the power supply IC during the predetermined period.

In one embodiment, the control unit may be further configured not to acquire the voltage of the power source during the specified period, or not to compare the voltage of the power source with the specified voltage.

In one embodiment, the predetermined voltage may be a voltage for determining whether the power supply is in an over-discharge state.

In one embodiment, the threshold for determining whether the power supply is in an over-discharge state may be 2.8V.

In one embodiment, the specified period may include the entire period during which heating is performed by the heating unit using power from the power source.

In one embodiment, the predetermined period may include the period from when a second predetermined operation is performed in the device, indicating that heating by the heating unit is to begin, until when a third predetermined operation is performed in the device, indicating that one or both of the flavor source and the aerosol source are not present.

In one embodiment, the device further includes a cover configured to enable the device to hold a substrate containing one or both of the flavor source and the aerosol source only when the device is open, and a button for receiving an instruction to start heating by the heating unit, and the second predetermined operation may include pressing the button, and the third predetermined operation may include closing the cover.

In one embodiment, the predetermined period may include a period during which the control unit controls the heating unit according to a heating profile.

In one embodiment, the predetermined period may include a period during which the control unit controls the heating unit according to a heating profile during which the target temperature of the heating unit is greater than or equal to a predetermined temperature.

In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, there is provided a method executed by a control unit of a device that is a flavor inhalation device or an aerosol generating device, which includes a heating unit configured to heat one or both of a flavor source and an aerosol source, and a power source, and includes a step of controlling to limit the supply of power from the power source based on determining that the voltage of the power source is less than or equal to a predetermined voltage, except for a predetermined period, and the predetermined period includes at least a portion of the period during which heating is performed by the heating unit using power from the power source.

In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, a program is provided that causes a control unit of a flavor inhalation device or an aerosol generating device that includes a heating unit configured to heat one or both of a flavor source and an aerosol source, and a power source, to execute a step of controlling the supply of power from the power source to be limited based on determining that the voltage of the power source is less than or equal to a predetermined voltage, except for a predetermined period of time, and the predetermined period of time includes at least a portion of the period during which heating is performed by the heating unit using power from the power source.

According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, it is possible to avoid limiting the power supply when the power supply voltage temporarily drops due to power consumption by the heating unit.

FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing a first configuration example of an aerosol generating device, etc. FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing a second configuration example of an aerosol generating device, etc. FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing a more detailed configuration example of a part of the aerosol generating device, etc. 10 is a flowchart of an example process for appropriately limiting power supply. 4 is a flowchart of a first example process for controlling power supply limitation. 10 is a flowchart of a second example process for controlling power supply limitation. 11 is a flowchart of a first example process for setting and canceling a flag for determining whether a predetermined period has elapsed; 13 is a flowchart of a second example process for setting and canceling a flag for determining whether a predetermined period has elapsed; 13 is a flowchart of a third example process for setting and canceling a flag for determining whether a predetermined period has elapsed; 1 is an exemplary heating profile. 4 is another exemplary heating profile.

For the purposes of this disclosure, an aerosol source includes a substance that is also a flavor source, and a flavor source includes a substance that is also an aerosol source. Also, for the purposes of this disclosure, a flavor inhaler may generate an aerosol in addition to a flavor, and an aerosol generating device may generate a flavor in addition to an aerosol.

1. One Embodiment of the Present Disclosure A first embodiment of the present disclosure is an aerosol generating device and the like that can avoid limitations on power supply when a power supply voltage temporarily drops due to power consumption by a heating unit.

1-1 Configuration example of an aerosol generating device, etc. Fig. 1A is a schematic diagram showing a first configuration example of an aerosol generating device, etc. As shown in Fig. 1A, an aerosol generating device, etc. 100A according to this configuration example includes a power supply unit 111, a sensor unit 112, a notification unit 113, a storage unit 114, a communication unit 115, a control unit 116, a heating unit 121A, a holding unit 140, and a heat insulating unit 144.

The power supply unit 111 accumulates power and supplies power to each component of the aerosol generating device 100A based on the control of the control unit 116. The power supply unit 111 may include, for example, a rechargeable battery such as a lithium ion secondary battery as a power source. Thus, the power supply unit 111 may include a charging mechanism for charging the rechargeable battery. This charging mechanism may be a charging terminal, a coil for non-contact charging, or the like.

The sensor unit 112 acquires various information related to the aerosol generating device 100. The sensor unit 112 may include a pressure sensor such as a microphone capacitor, a flow rate sensor, or a temperature sensor, and acquires values associated with inhalation by the user. The sensor unit 112 may also include an input device such as a button or switch that accepts information input from the user. Furthermore, the sensor unit 112 may include a vibration sensor such as an accelerometer for detecting vibrations. Furthermore, the sensor unit 112 may include a sensor such as a microswitch or hall sensor for detecting whether a cover that is opened and closed when inserting and removing the substrate 150 described later into the aerosol generating device 100 is open or closed.

The notification unit 113 notifies the user of information. The notification unit 113 may include a vibration device configured to generate vibrations for the user to sense. The purpose of the vibration is arbitrary, and may be to stimulate the user or to notify the user of some information, but is not limited to these. The notification unit 113 may include a device configured to provide other stimuli to the user, for example, a device including an acoustic element or a light-emitting element. The notification unit 113 may also include a display device that displays a message.

The memory unit 114 stores various information for the operation of the aerosol generating device 100A. The memory unit 114 is configured, for example, with a non-volatile storage medium such as a flash memory. The memory unit 114 may also include a volatile memory that provides a working area for control by the control unit 116.

The communication unit 115 may be a communication interface (including electronic circuits for communication that may include a communication module or an antenna, etc.; the same applies below) capable of performing communication conforming to any wired or wireless communication standard. For example, Wi-Fi (registered trademark), Bluetooth (registered trademark), Sigfox, LoRA-WAN, etc. may be adopted as such a communication standard. The communication unit 115 may be configured to communicate with an external device (not shown).

The control unit 116 functions as an arithmetic processing unit and a control unit, and controls the overall operation of the aerosol generating device 100A in accordance with various programs. The control unit 116 is realized by an electronic circuit including, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit) or a microprocessor (hereinafter referred to as the "processor").

In the aerosol generating device 100A, a substrate 150 is used. In FIG. 1A, the substrate 150 has a stick-shaped shape, but the shape of the substrate 150 is not limited to this. The substrate 150 includes a substrate portion 151 and a suction mouth portion 152. The substrate portion 151 includes an aerosol source, etc. In this configuration example, the aerosol source, etc. is not limited to a liquid, but may be a solid. When the substrate 150 is held by the holding portion 140, at least a part of the substrate portion 151 is accommodated in the internal space 141, and at least a part of the suction mouth portion 152 protrudes from the opening 142. When the user holds the suction mouth portion 152 protruding from the opening 142 in his/her mouth and sucks, air flows into the internal space 141 from an air inlet hole (not shown) and reaches the user's mouth together with the aerosol generated from the substrate portion 151. The substrate 150 may include multiple types of aerosol sources, etc. Multiple types of aerosols, etc. generated from multiple types of aerosol sources, etc. may be mixed together and undergo a chemical reaction to generate further types of aerosols, etc.

The holding part 140 has an internal space 141, and holds the substrate 150 while accommodating a portion of the substrate 150 in the internal space 141. The holding part 140 has an opening 142 that connects the internal space 141 to the outside, and holds the substrate 150 inserted into the internal space 141 through the opening 142. For example, the holding part 140 is a cylindrical body with the opening 142 and the bottom part 143 as its bottom surface, and defines a columnar internal space 141. The holding part 140 also has the function of defining a flow path for air to be supplied to the substrate 150. An air inlet hole, which is the entrance of air to such a flow path, is arranged in the bottom part 143, for example. On the other hand, an air outlet hole, which is the exit of air from such a flow path, is the opening 142.

The heating unit 121A includes a heater for heating the substrate 150 to atomize the aerosol source or the like and generate the aerosol or the like. In the example shown in FIG. 1A, the heating unit 121A is configured in a film shape and is arranged to cover the outer periphery of the holding unit 140. When the heating unit 121A generates heat, the substrate unit 151 of the substrate 150 is heated from the outer periphery, and the aerosol or the like is generated. The heating unit 121A generates heat when power is supplied from the power supply unit 111. As an example, power may be supplied when the sensor unit 112 detects either or both of the user starting inhalation and the input of predetermined information. Power supply may be stopped when the sensor unit 112 detects either or both of the user stopping inhalation and the input of predetermined information.

The insulating section 144 prevents heat transfer from the heating section 121A to other components. For example, the insulating section 144 is made of a vacuum insulating material or an aerogel insulating material.

FIG. 1B is a schematic diagram showing a second configuration example of an aerosol generating device, etc. In FIG. 1B, components that are substantially the same as those in the aerosol generating device, etc. 100A are given the same reference numerals. As shown in FIG. 1B, the aerosol generating device, etc. 100B according to this configuration example includes some of the components that are substantially the same as those in the aerosol generating device, etc. 100A, and a heating unit 121B.

The heating section 121B has a similar configuration to the heating section 121A according to the first configuration example. However, in the example shown in FIG. 1B, the heating section 121B is configured in a blade shape and is arranged so as to protrude from the bottom 143 of the holding section 140 into the internal space 141. In this case, the blade-shaped heating section 121B is inserted into the substrate section 151 of the substrate 150. When the heating section 121B generates heat, the substrate section 151 of the substrate 150 is heated from the inside, and an aerosol or the like is generated.

The above describes configuration examples of the aerosol generating devices 100A and 100B (hereinafter referred to as "aerosol generating devices 100"). Of course, the configuration of the aerosol generating devices 100 is not limited to the above, and various configurations such as those exemplified below may be used.

As an example, the aerosol generating device 100 may include a heating unit arranged to cover the bottom 143 of the holding unit 140, different from the heating units 121A and 121B. The aerosol generating device 100 may also include a heating unit configured as a combination of two or more of a first heating unit (heating unit 121A) that covers the outer periphery of the holding unit 140, a blade-shaped second heating unit (heating unit 121B), and a third heating unit that covers the bottom 143 of the holding unit 140.

As another example, the holding part 140 may include an opening/closing mechanism such as a slider or hinge that opens and closes a part of the outer shell that forms the internal space 141, i.e., a cover. The holding part 140 may be configured so that the substrate 150 can be inserted and removed from the aerosol generation device 100 by opening the cover. The cover may be configured so that it cannot be closed when the substrate 150 is inserted. In other words, the cover may be configured so that the substrate can be held in the aerosol generation device 100 only when it is in the open state.

As another example, the storage unit 140 may include an opening/closing mechanism, such as a hinge, that opens and closes a portion of the outer shell that forms the internal space 141. The storage unit 140 may then open and close the outer shell to accommodate the stick-shaped substrate 150 inserted into the internal space 141 while clamping it. In this case, the heating unit 121B may be provided at the clamping location in the storage unit 140, and may heat the stick-shaped substrate 150 while pressing it.

Furthermore, the means for atomizing the aerosol source is not limited to heating by the heating unit 121B. For example, the means for atomizing the aerosol source may be induction heating. In that case, the suction device 100B has at least an electromagnetic induction source such as a coil that generates a magnetic field, instead of the heating unit 121B. A susceptor that generates heat by induction heating may be provided in the suction device 100B, or may be included in the stick-shaped substrate 150.

1-2 Shipment Mode The aerosol generating device 100 has a mode (hereinafter, referred to as "shipment mode" as may be referred to by those skilled in the art) for reducing battery consumption during transportation after the product is shipped or when an error occurs. In the shipment mode, the power supply from the power supply unit 111 to other components included in the aerosol generating device 100 is zero or nearly zero. In addition, the shipment mode may be a mode that is not released until a specified operation is performed.

FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing a more detailed example of the configuration of a portion of the aerosol generating device 100 for realizing the shipment mode.

210 indicates a power source which is a rechargeable battery, 220 indicates a charging mechanism for charging the power source 210, and 230 indicates a power source IC for managing the supply of power in the aerosol generating device 100. The power source IC 230 may be configured to measure or acquire the state of the power source 210 (e.g., voltage, current, temperature, state of charge (SOC), state of health (SOH), and relative SOC (RSOC)).

The bold lines in FIG. 2 indicate the power supply paths. Thus, the power source 210 is configured to supply power to each component of the aerosol generating device 100, including the control unit 116, via the power source IC 230. The charging mechanism 220 is configured to supply power for charging to the power source 210 via the power source IC 230 (i.e., to apply a charging voltage and supply a charging current). The power source IC 230 may be configured to step down or step up the voltage from one or both of the power source 210 and the charging mechanism 220 to stabilize the voltage so that a constant voltage is output. The power source IC 230 may be configured to output various voltages so that an appropriate voltage is applied to each component.

On the other hand, the thin lines in FIG. 2 indicate the transmission paths of various signals, including the control signal. Therefore, the power supply IC 230 is controlled by the control unit 116 via the control signal, and is configured to provide the state of the power supply 210 to the control unit 116 as a signal.

With the above-mentioned configuration, the power supply IC 230 can stop the power supply to each component of the aerosol generating device 100, including the control unit 116, based on a specific command being sent from the control unit 116 via a control signal. In other words, with the above-mentioned configuration, the shipment mode can be realized in the aerosol generating device 100.

Furthermore, according to the above-mentioned configuration, the control unit 116 can acquire the voltage of the power supply 210 and transmit the above-mentioned specified command to the power supply IC 230 based on determining that the voltage is less than or equal to a specified threshold value.

Furthermore, according to the above-mentioned configuration, the power supply IC 230 can detect that the aerosol generating device 100 is connected to an external power supply via the charging mechanism 220 by detecting, for example, a voltage for charging the power supply 210 from the charging mechanism 220. Therefore, according to the above-mentioned configuration, the aerosol generating device 100 can resume the power supply to each component of the aerosol generating device 100 based only on the operation of connecting the aerosol generating device 100 to an external power supply via, for example, a USB (universal Serial Bus) cable. Note that the power supply IC 230 may resume the power supply to each component of the aerosol generating device 100 based on another operation. For example, if a transmission path for a control signal (not shown) is provided between the power supply IC 230 and an input device included in the sensor unit 112, and the power supply IC 230 is configured to always supply power to such an input device, the power supply IC 230 can resume the power supply to each component of the aerosol generating device 100 based only on the operation on the input device. That is, the power supply IC 230 can be configured to release the shipment mode based only on a predetermined operation (hereinafter referred to as the "first predetermined operation"), such as an operation to connect the aerosol generating device 100 to an external power supply or an operation on the input device described above, in other words, not to release the shipment mode until the first predetermined operation is performed.

1-3 Processing Executed by the Control Unit 116 1-3-1 Processing for Appropriately Limiting Power Supply FIG. 3 is a flowchart of an example processing 300 for appropriately limiting power supply. Note that execution of the example processing 300 may be started at any timing. Execution of the example processing 300 may be started in response to, for example, the release of the shipment mode, but the timing of starting execution of the command processing 300 is not limited to this. Also, the example processing 300 may be executed independently of other processing. In other words, other processing may be executed without waiting for the completion of the example processing 300.

310 indicates a step of controlling the supply of power from the power source 210 to be limited based on determining that the voltage of the power source 210 is equal to or lower than a predetermined voltage, except for a predetermined period of time.

The specific process for achieving step 310 is described below.

1-3-1-1 First Exemplary Process for Controlling Power Supply Limitations FIG. 4A is a flow chart of a first exemplary process 400A for controlling power supply limiting, which may be included in step 310. In the example of FIG.

410A shows the step of acquiring the voltage of the power supply 210. As described above, the control unit 116 can acquire the voltage of the power supply 210 by communicating with the power supply IC 230. The control unit 116 can also acquire the voltage of the power supply 210, for example, from a battery fuel gauge that monitors the voltage. Note that since power is supplied from the power supply 210 to operate at least the control unit 116, the voltage acquired in step 410A is the operating voltage of the power supply 210.

420A shows a step of determining whether the voltage of power source 210 acquired in step 410A is less than a predetermined voltage ("less" may also mean "equal to or less than"). The predetermined voltage in step 420A may be a voltage for determining whether power source 210 is in an over-discharged state. When power source 210 is a lithium ion secondary battery, such a predetermined voltage may be 2.8V. If it is determined that the voltage of power source 210 is less than the predetermined voltage, the process proceeds to step 430A, otherwise the process returns to step 410A. Note that in step 420A, the process may be configured to proceed to step 430A only if the voltage of power source 210 has been less than the predetermined voltage a predetermined number of times in a row. The predetermined number of times may be any number, for example, three times.

430A shows a step of determining whether a predetermined period of time has come in which the voltage of power supply 210 may erroneously fall below a predetermined voltage, and thus, it may be erroneously determined that power supply 210 is over-discharged, even though power supply 210 has sufficient remaining charge. Therefore, such a predetermined period of time may be a period in which a large amount of power is supplied from power supply 210 to heating unit 121A or 121B (hereinafter referred to as "heating unit 121"), and the operating voltage of power supply 210 may temporarily drop.

The method for determining whether or not a specified period of time exists is arbitrary. Whether or not a specified period of time exists may be determined, for example, based on a flag set by example processes 500A to 500C described below, but the method for determining whether or not a specified period of time exists is not limited to this.

If it is determined that the predetermined period has elapsed, processing returns to step 410A; if not, processing proceeds to step 440A.

440A shows the step of sending a specific command to the power supply IC 230 to transition to shipment mode.

According to the first example process 400A, it will be understood that step 310 is achieved using the shipment mode.

1-3-1-2 Second Example Process for Controlling Power Supply Limitation Fig. 4B is a flowchart of a second example process 400B for controlling power supply limiting, which may be included in step 310. The second example process 400B includes similar steps to the first example process 400A, but the order of execution of the steps is partially different. The main differences are described below.

According to the second example process 400B, first, step 430B is executed to determine whether it is a predetermined period. If it is determined that it is a predetermined period, the process proceeds to step 410B, otherwise the process repeats step 430B. Also, if it is determined in step 420B that the voltage of the power supply 210 is less than a predetermined threshold value ("less than" may also mean "equal to or less than"), a step is executed to immediately send a predetermined command to the power supply IC 230 to transition to shipment mode.

It will be understood that according to the second example process 400B, step 310 is realized by utilizing the shipment mode. It will also be understood that according to the second example process 400B, while it is determined that it is a predetermined period, i.e., during the predetermined period, the voltage of the power source 210 is not acquired, and the voltage is not compared with the predetermined voltage.

1-3-1-3 Third Exemplary Process for Controlling Power Supply Limitation It will be understood by those skilled in the art that the second exemplary process 400B may be modified so that a step corresponding to acquiring 410B of the voltage of the power source 210 is executed immediately before step 430B of determining whether a predetermined period has elapsed.

It will be understood that according to the third example process modified in this way, step 310 is achieved by utilizing the shipment mode. It will also be understood that according to the third example process, while it is determined that it is a predetermined period, i.e., for a predetermined period, no comparison is made between the voltage of the power source 210 and a predetermined threshold value.

1-3-2 Process for setting and clearing a flag for determining whether it is a predetermined period 1-3-2-1 First exemplary process FIG. 5A is a flowchart of a first exemplary process 500A for setting and clearing a flag for determining whether it is a predetermined period. Execution of the first exemplary process 500A may be started at any timing. For example, the first exemplary process 500A may be started in response to the above-mentioned cover being opened in order to insert the substrate 150 into the aerosol generating device 100, but the execution start timing of the first exemplary process 500A is not limited thereto. Note that the control unit 116 can sense that the cover is open by a sensor included in the sensor unit 112.

510A shows a step of determining whether a second predetermined operation has been performed in the aerosol generating device 100. The second predetermined operation in the first exemplary process 500A may be an instruction to start heating by the heating unit 121. The second predetermined operation may be, for example, an input device included in the sensor unit 112, such as pressing (including long pressing) a button, but is not limited to this. If it is determined that the second predetermined operation has been performed, the process proceeds to step 520A, and if not, step 510A is repeated. Note that the second predetermined operation may be the detection of the insertion of the substrate 150 when the aerosol generating device 100 can automatically detect the insertion of the substrate 150. The aerosol generating device 100 can automatically start the start of heating by the heating unit 121 in response to automatically detecting the insertion of the substrate 150. The insertion of the substrate 150 can be performed by various methods, such as detecting the presence of the substrate 150 with an optical sensor, detecting the pressure change when the substrate 150 is inserted with a pressure sensor, detecting the temperature change of the heater due to the insertion of the substrate 150, and detecting the induced current due to the insertion of the substrate 150.

520A shows a step of setting a flag for determining whether it is a predetermined period. The method of setting the flag is arbitrary. For example, the flag may be set by storing a predetermined value, such as 1, in an area in the memory unit 114 that corresponds to the flag, but is not limited to this. Note that the area in the memory unit 114 that corresponds to the flag may be initialized to a value other than the predetermined value, such as 0, before the execution of the first exemplary process 500A begins.

Step 530A indicates a step of starting control of the heating unit 121 according to the heating profile. The heating profile and the control of the heating unit 121 according to the heating profile will be described later. Note that the control of the heating unit 121 according to the heating profile is executed independently of the first exemplary process 500A. In other words, when the control of the heating unit 121 according to the heating profile is started in step 530A, the process proceeds to step 540A without waiting for the end of the control.

540A shows a step of determining whether a third predetermined operation has been performed in the aerosol generating device 100. The third predetermined operation may indicate that an aerosol source or the like is not present in the aerosol generating device 100. For example, if the aerosol generating device 100 can automatically detect the insertion of the substrate 150, the third predetermined operation may be the detection of the removal of the substrate 150. The aerosol generating device 100 can automatically end heating by the heating unit 121 in response to the automatic detection of the removal of the substrate 150. The removal of the substrate 150 can be performed by various methods, such as, for example, detection of the absence of the substrate 150 by an optical sensor, detection of a pressure change when the substrate 150 is removed by a pressure sensor, detection by a temperature change of the heater based on the removal of the substrate 150, and detection of a change in induced current due to the removal of the substrate 150. The third predetermined operation may also be, for example, closing the cover described above. This is because the aerosol generating device 100 can be configured such that the cover can hold the substrate 150 only when it is open, and the closed cover indicates that the substrate 150 is not present, and therefore that neither the flavor source nor the aerosol source is present. The control unit 116 can detect that the cover is closed by a sensor included in the sensor unit 112. In any case, the third predetermined operation is not limited to this. If it is determined that the third predetermined operation has been performed, the process proceeds to step 550A, and if not, the process returns to step 540A.

550A shows a step of clearing a flag for determining whether it is a predetermined period. For example, in the memory unit 114, a value other than the predetermined value in step 520A, such as 0, may be stored in an area corresponding to the flag, but this is not limited to this.

5B is a flowchart of a second example process 500B for setting and clearing a flag for determining whether a predetermined period has elapsed. The second example process 500B is a modification of the first example process 500A, and the execution start timing is the same as that of the first example process 500A.

510B shows a step of determining whether a predetermined operation has been performed in the aerosol generating device 100. The predetermined operation is the same as the second predetermined operation in step 510A. If it is determined that the predetermined operation has been performed, the process proceeds to step 520B, and if not, step 510B is repeated.

Step 520B shows a step of setting a flag to determine whether it is a specified period, and is the same step as step 520A.

530B indicates a step of starting control of the heating unit 121 according to the heating profile, and is the same step as step 530A.

540B shows a step of determining whether the control of the heating unit 121 according to the heating profile has ended. The method of determining whether the control of the heating unit 121 according to the heating profile has ended is arbitrary. For example, the control of the heating unit 121 according to the heating profile executed independently of the second exemplary process 500B is configured to set a flag indicating that the control has ended when the control ends, and it can be determined that the control of the heating unit 121 according to the heating profile has ended based on the flag being set at the time of execution of step 540B. Alternatively, it can be determined that the control according to the heating profile has ended based on the target temperature in the heating profile at or after the time of execution of step 540B being 0°C. In any case, the method of determining whether the control of the heating unit 121 according to the heating profile has ended is not limited to these. If it is determined that the control of the heating unit 121 according to the heating profile has ended, the process proceeds to step 550B, and if not, step 540B is repeated.

Step 550B indicates a step of clearing the flag for determining whether it is a specified period, and is the same as step 550A.

5C is a flowchart of a third example process 500C for setting and clearing a flag for determining whether a predetermined period has elapsed. The third example process 500C is a modification of the second example process 500B, and the execution start timing is the same as that of the second example process 500B.

510C indicates a step of determining whether a predetermined operation has been performed in the aerosol generating device 100, and is the same step as step 510B. If it is determined that the predetermined operation has been performed, the process proceeds to step 520C, and if not, step 510C is repeated.

520C shows a step of starting control of the heating unit 121 according to the heating profile, which is the same as step 530B.

530C shows a step of determining whether the current target temperature of the heating unit 121 is greater than a first predetermined temperature ("greater" may mean "equal to or greater than"). The current target temperature of the heating unit 121 is the target temperature of the heating unit 121 in the heating profile at the time of execution of step 530C. As described below, the higher the target temperature of the heating unit 121, the lower the operating voltage of the power supply 210 may be. The first predetermined temperature may be a temperature lower than the temperature at which the operating voltage of the power supply 210 may be less than or equal to a predetermined voltage for determining that the power supply 210 is in an over-discharge state, for example, 300°C. If it is determined that the target temperature of the heating unit 121 is greater than the first predetermined temperature, the process proceeds to step 535C, and if not, the process proceeds to step 540C. Note that in step 530C, rather than determining whether the target temperature is greater than the first predetermined temperature, any of the following (1) to (3) may be determined. Step 530C may be (1) to determine whether or not the heating profile used to control the heating unit 121 is a predetermined heating profile. If it is determined that the heating profile used to control the heating unit 121 is a predetermined heating profile, the process proceeds to step 535C, and if not, the process proceeds to step 540C. Step 530C may also be (2) to determine whether or not the voltage applied to the heater is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold. If it is determined that the voltage applied to the heater is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold, the process proceeds to step 535C, and if not, the process proceeds to step 540C. Step 530C may be (3) to determine whether or not the power applied to the heater is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold. If it is determined that the power applied to the heater is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold, the process proceeds to step 535C, and if not, the process proceeds to step 540C.

Step 535C shows a step of setting a flag to determine whether it is a predetermined period, and is the same step as step 520A. However, if the flag has already been set, step 535C may be a step of doing nothing.

540C shows a step of determining whether the current target temperature of the heating unit 121 is less than a second predetermined temperature ("less than" may also mean "equal to or less than"). The second predetermined temperature may be a temperature less than the temperature at which the operating voltage of the power supply 210 is less than or may be less than a predetermined voltage for determining that the power supply 210 is in an over-discharge state, for example 300°C. The second predetermined temperature may be the same as or different from the first predetermined temperature. If it is determined that the current target temperature of the heating unit 121 is less than the second predetermined temperature, the process proceeds to step 545C, otherwise the process proceeds to step 550C.

Step 545C indicates a step of clearing the flag for determining whether it is a specified period, and is the same step as step 550B. However, if the flag has already been cleared, step 545C may be a step in which nothing is done.

Step 550C indicates a step of determining whether control of the heating unit 121 according to the heating profile has ended, and is the same step as step 540B. If it is determined that control of the heating unit 121 according to the heating profile has ended, the third example process 500C ends, and if not, the process returns to step 530C.

1-4 Heating Profile and Control of Heating Unit 121 According to the Heating Profile In the present disclosure, the heating profile is a graph (for example, the graph shown by the solid line in FIG. 6) showing the time change of the target temperature for the control of the heating unit 121. The temperature control of the heating unit 121 can be realized, for example, by known feedback control. Specifically, the control unit 116 of the aerosol generating device 100 can supply power from the power source 210 to the heating unit 121 in the form of pulses by pulse width modulation (PWM) or pulse frequency modulation (PFM) via the power supply IC 230. In this case, the control unit 116 can control the temperature of the heating unit 121 by adjusting the duty ratio of the power pulse.

In feedback control, the control unit 116 measures or estimates the temperature of the heating unit 121, and controls the power supplied to the heating unit 121, for example, the above-mentioned duty ratio, based on the difference between the measured or estimated temperature of the heating unit 121 and the target temperature. The feedback control may be, for example, PID control. The temperature of the heating unit 121 can be quantified, for example, by measuring or estimating the electrical resistance value of the heating resistor that constitutes the heating unit 121. This is because the electrical resistance value of the heating resistor changes depending on the temperature. The electrical resistance value of the heating resistor can be estimated, for example, by measuring the amount of voltage drop in the heating resistor. The amount of voltage drop in the heating resistor can be measured by a voltage sensor that measures the potential difference applied to the heating resistor. In another example, the temperature of the heating unit 121 can be measured by a temperature sensor installed near the heating unit 121, which is included in the sensor unit 112.

In other words, controlling the heating unit 121 according to the heating profile in this disclosure means controlling the power supplied to the heating unit 121 so that the actual temperature of the heating unit 121 at a certain point in time approaches the target temperature at the corresponding point in the heating profile.

In the exemplary heating profile shown in FIG. 6, when an instruction to start heating by the heating unit 121 is received and power supply from the power source 210 to the heating unit 121 is started, the control unit 116 first controls the temperature of the heating unit 121 toward the first target temperature TA1 during the first period P1. That is, the control unit 116 heats the heating unit 121 from the initial temperature toward the first target temperature TA1. In the first period P1, when the heating unit 121 reaches the first target temperature TA1, the control unit 116 controls the temperature of the heating unit 121 to maintain the first target temperature TA1.

By setting the first target temperature TA1 relatively high in the first period P1, it is possible to increase the rate at which the temperature of the heating unit 121 rises. By increasing the rate at which the temperature of the heating unit 121 rises, it is possible to shorten the period from when the supply of power to the heating unit 121 starts until the aerosol can be inhaled.

The first target temperature TA1 may be about 320°C in this embodiment. Here, the target temperature of about 320°C is higher than the conventional target temperature of, for example, about 300°C, and the power supply 210 needs to output more power than before to make the heating unit 121 reach that temperature. When trying to output more power, the power supply 210 tries to pass a larger current, which causes a larger voltage drop due to the internal resistance of the power supply 210, and ultimately causes the operating voltage of the power supply 210 to drop further. Therefore, even if there is no problem with the conventional target temperature, in the process of making the heating unit 121 reach the target temperature of about 320°C in this embodiment, there is a risk that the operating voltage of the power supply 210 will be less than or equal to the predetermined voltage for determining whether or not the power supply 210 is in the above-mentioned over-discharge state, even though the heating unit 121 is not in an over-discharge state.

The first period P1 varies depending on the heating state of the heating section 121 and the substrate 150, the ambient temperature, etc., but may typically be in the range of 35 to 55 seconds. However, it is preferable that the control section 116 is configured to be able to change the length of the first period P1 based on the rate of temperature rise of the heating section 121 during the first period P1. More specifically, the initial temperature rise period P1a of the first period P1 may be configured to be able to change based on the rate of temperature rise of the heating section 121. Specifically, it is preferable that the control section 116 is configured to change the length of the first period P1 to be shorter the shorter the period from when the heating section 121 starts heating until it reaches the specified temperature.

In this embodiment, the first period P1 ends when a predetermined period (P1b) has elapsed since the temperature of the heating unit 121 reaches the first target temperature TA1. In other words, if the temperature of the heating unit 121 rises quickly, the period P1a from the time T0 when power supply to the heating unit 121 begins to the time when the temperature of the heating unit 121 reaches the first target temperature TA1 becomes shorter. The predetermined period (P1b) is preferably 25 to 41 seconds, and may typically be 33 seconds.

In this way, if the temperature rise of the heating section 121 is rapid, the power consumption used during the pre-heating period can be reduced by shortening the pre-heating period.

The variable range of the first period P1, more specifically, the variable range of P1a+P1b, preferably has a predetermined upper limit. For example, the upper limit of P1a+P1b is preferably 40 to 60 seconds, and typically may be 50 seconds. This makes it possible to prevent the control unit 116 from continuing preheating without transitioning to the second period P2 when the temperature of the heating unit 121 does not reach the first target temperature TA1.

Next, the control unit 116 controls the temperature of the heating unit 121 to a second target temperature TA2 that is lower than the first target temperature TA1 during a second period P2 after the first period P1. That is, the control unit 116 controls the heating unit 121 to lower the temperature of the heating unit 121 from the first target temperature TA1 and maintain it at the second target temperature TA2.

The second target temperature TA2 is preferably in the range of 190 to 210°C, and may typically be 200°C. The second period P2 is preferably in the range of 100 to 160 seconds, and may typically be 130 seconds. The second period P2 is preferably longer than the first period P1 and the third period P3 described below. The second period is a period during which the temperature is maintained higher than the third period P3, and therefore is a period during which aerosols, etc. can be supplied stably. This allows the period during which aerosols, etc. can be supplied stably to be relatively longer.

By lowering the target temperature during the second period P2, the power consumed during the second period P2 can be reduced.

The control unit 116 may have a first off period in which the power supply to the heating unit 121 is stopped from the end of the first period P1 to the beginning of the second period P2. By providing the first off period, the temperature can be reduced from the first target temperature TA1 to the second target temperature TA2 in the shortest time possible. The control unit 116 can continue to measure the temperature of the heating unit 121 even during the first off period. In this case, the control unit 116 can be configured to resume the power supply to the heating unit 121 when the temperature of the heating unit 121 has decreased to near the second target temperature TA2.

The first off period is preferably a time interval that prevents a typical user from performing two or more suction operations. If a user performs two or more suction operations during the off period, the temperature of the heating unit 121 may drop rapidly and fall significantly below the second target temperature TA2. In this case, the amount of aerosols and the like generated from the substrate 150 may decrease. Assuming that the time interval between normal suction operations by a typical user is about 20 seconds, the first off period is preferably in the range of, for example, 15 to 20 seconds. The first target temperature TA1 and the second target temperature TA2 can be set so that the temperature drop from the first target temperature TA1 to the second target temperature TA2 due to natural cooling during the first off period is performed within the above time range. Alternatively, the control unit 116 can be configured to measure the time elapsed during the first off period and forcibly resume the power supply to the heating unit 121 when the first off period reaches a predetermined upper limit value. In this case, the upper limit value of the first off period is preferably 15 to 20 seconds.

Next, the control unit 116 controls the temperature of the heating unit 121 during a third period P3 after the second period P2 toward a third target temperature TA3 that is lower than the second target temperature TA2. That is, the control unit 116 controls the heating unit 121 to further lower the temperature of the heating unit 121 from the second target temperature TA1 and maintain it at the third target temperature TA3. The third target temperature TA3 is preferably in the range of 175 to 190°C, and may typically be 185°C. The third period P3 is preferably in the range of 30 to 90 seconds, and may typically be 60 seconds. By further lowering the target temperature in the third period P3, the power consumed in the third period P3 can be further reduced.

The temperature difference between the first target temperature TA1 and the second target temperature TA2 (ΔT12) is preferably greater than the temperature difference between the second target temperature TA2 and the third target temperature TA3 (ΔT23). Since the power consumption of the heating unit 121 is greater in the second period P2 than in the third period P3, making the temperature difference (ΔT12) greater during the transition from the first period P1 to the second period P2 than the temperature difference (ΔT23) during the transition from the second period P2 to the third period P3 leads to a reduction in power consumption throughout the entire period. Therefore, it is preferable that ΔT12/ΔT23 is greater than 1. On the other hand, if ΔT12 is made excessively large relative to ΔT23, the target temperature TA2 for the second period P2 intended to provide a stable supply of aerosol becomes relatively low, and there is a risk that aerosol generation in the second period P2 becomes unstable. Therefore, it is preferable that ΔT12/ΔT23 has a predetermined upper limit value. The upper limit value of ΔT12/ΔT23 may be, for example, 2.5. ΔT12/ΔT23 is preferably 1.0 to 2.5, and typically may be 2.0.

The control unit 116 may have a second off period in which the power supply to the heating unit 121 is stopped from the end of the second period P2 to the beginning of the third period P3. By providing the second off period, the temperature drop from the second target temperature TA2 to the third target temperature TA3 can be achieved in the shortest time. The control unit 116 can continue measuring the temperature of the heating unit 121 even during the second off period. In this case, the control unit 116 can be configured to resume the power supply to the heating unit 121 when the temperature of the heating unit 121 drops to near the third target temperature TA3. As with the first off period, the second off period is preferably a time interval that does not cause a typical user to perform two or more suction operations, and is preferably in the range of, for example, 15 to 20 seconds. The second target temperature TA2 and the third target temperature TA3 can be set so that the temperature drop from the second target temperature TA2 to the third target temperature TA3 due to natural cooling during the second off period is performed within the above-mentioned time range. Alternatively, the control unit 116 can be configured to measure the time elapsed during the second off period, and forcibly resume power supply to the heating unit 121 when the second off period reaches a predetermined upper limit value.

As mentioned above, from the standpoint of reducing power consumption, it is preferable that the temperature difference (ΔT12) between the first target temperature TA1 and the second target temperature TA2 is greater than the temperature difference (ΔT23) between the second target temperature TA2 and the third target temperature TA3, but this relationship is also preferable from the standpoint of making the first off period and the second off period as similar as possible. According to Newton's law of cooling, the rate of temperature decrease during natural cooling is greater in the high temperature zone than in the low temperature zone, so in order to make the first off period and the second off period as similar as possible, it is necessary to make the temperature difference (ΔT12) between the first target temperature TA1 and the second target temperature TA2, which belong to the high temperature zone, relatively large. If the temperature difference (ΔT12) between the first target temperature TA1 and the second target temperature TA2 were made equal to the temperature difference (ΔT23) between the second target temperature TA2 and the third target temperature TA3, or if the former temperature difference (ΔT12) was made smaller than the latter temperature difference (ΔT23), the first off period would always be shorter than the second off period, so it would theoretically be impossible to make the two off periods the same.

Furthermore, it is preferable that the ratio of the difference between the first target temperature TA1 and the second target temperature TA2 to the difference between the second target temperature TA2 and the third target temperature TA3 is less than 2.5. This is to ensure that aerosol can be generated stably in the middle of the puffable period by not making the difference between the first target temperature TA1 and the second target temperature TA2 too large.

From the viewpoint of reducing power consumption, it may be preferable to control the heating unit 121 at the third target temperature TA3 without passing from the first target temperature TA1 to the second target temperature TA2. However, in that case, the period (second off period) during which the temperature reaches the third target temperature TA3 from the first target temperature TA1 becomes relatively long. Since the power supply to the heating unit 121 is stopped during the period during which the temperature reaches the third target temperature TA3 from the first target temperature TA1, if the user performs multiple suction operations during this period, the temperature of the heating unit 121 may fall significantly below the third temperature. By passing through the second target temperature TA2 between the first target temperature TA1 and the third target temperature TA2 before transitioning from the first target temperature TA1 to the third target temperature TA3, the period required for transition from one target temperature to another target temperature can be shortened. This makes the continuous off period during which power supply to the heating unit 121 is stopped relatively short, preventing the temperature of the smoking article from dropping excessively due to multiple puffs, resulting in unstable aerosol generation.

The control unit 116 stops the power supply to the heating unit 121 at the same time as the end of the third period P3. Even after the power supply to the heating unit 121 is stopped, the user can still enjoy the aerosol due to the residual heat of the heating unit 121 and the substrate 150 until a predetermined period has elapsed.

After the heating section 121 has passed through the first period P1, the second period P2, and the third period P3 of the heating profile, the heat of the heating section 121 has been sufficiently transferred to the inside of the substrate 150. Therefore, during the period from the end of the third period P3 to the end of the inhalation period, i.e., the fourth period P4 in FIG. 6, a certain amount of aerosol can be generated using only the residual heat of the heating section 121 and the substrate 150. However, since the aerosol generation is likely to become unstable during the fourth period P4, just like the first off period and the second off period, it is preferable that the fourth period P4 is a time interval that does not cause the user to perform two or more inhalation operations. Therefore, the fourth period P4 is preferably 5 to 15 seconds, and may typically be 10 seconds.

Note that T1 in FIG. 6 corresponds to the time when it is determined in step 510A that the second predetermined operation has been performed, and T2 corresponds to the time when it is determined in step 540A that the third predetermined operation has been performed. Therefore, p1 corresponds to the predetermined period determined in accordance with the first exemplary process 500A for setting and clearing a flag for determining whether it is a predetermined period.

Also, T3 in FIG. 6 corresponds to the time point at which it is determined in step 540B that control of the heating unit 121 according to the heating profile has ended. Therefore, p2 corresponds to the predetermined period determined in accordance with the second example process 500B for setting and clearing a flag for determining whether it is a predetermined period.

Furthermore, Th in FIG. 6 corresponds to the first predetermined temperature in step 530C, and therefore T4 corresponds to the time point at which it is determined in step 530C that the current target temperature of the heating unit 121 is greater than the first predetermined temperature. Th also corresponds to the second predetermined temperature in step 540C, and therefore T5 corresponds to the time point at which it is determined in step 540C that the current target temperature of the heating unit 121 is less than the second predetermined temperature. Therefore, p3 corresponds to the predetermined period determined in accordance with the third exemplary process 500C for setting and clearing a flag for determining whether it is a predetermined period.

It will be understood that each of the predetermined periods p1, p2, and p3 includes at least a portion of the period (P1+P2+P3) during which heating is performed by the heating unit 121 using power from the power source 210. In particular, it will be understood that the predetermined period p1 includes the entire period (P1+P2+P3) during which heating is performed by the heating unit 121 using power from the power source 210.

FIG. 7 is a diagram showing another exemplary heating profile. In the other exemplary heating profile shown in FIG. 7, when an instruction to start heating by the heating unit 121 is received and power supply from the power source 210 to the heating unit 121 is started, the control unit 116 first controls the temperature of the heating unit 121 toward the first target temperature TA1 during the first period P1. That is, the control unit 116 heats the heating unit 121 from the initial temperature toward the first target temperature TA1. In the first period P1, when the heating unit 121 reaches the first target temperature TA1, the control unit 116 controls the temperature of the heating unit 121 to maintain the first target temperature TA1.

By setting the first target temperature TA1 relatively high in the first period P1, it is possible to increase the rate at which the temperature of the heating unit 121 rises. By increasing the rate at which the temperature of the heating unit 121 rises, it is possible to shorten the period from when the supply of power to the heating unit 121 starts until the aerosol can be inhaled.

The first target temperature TA1 may be about 320°C in this embodiment. Here, the target temperature of about 320°C is higher than the conventional target temperature of, for example, about 300°C, and the power supply 210 needs to output more power than before to make the heating unit 121 reach that temperature. When trying to output more power, the power supply 210 tries to pass a larger current, which causes a larger voltage drop due to the internal resistance of the power supply 210, and ultimately causes the operating voltage of the power supply 210 to drop further. Therefore, even if there is no problem with the conventional target temperature, in the process of making the heating unit 121 reach the target temperature of about 320°C in this embodiment, there is a risk that the operating voltage of the power supply 210 will be less than or equal to the predetermined voltage for determining whether or not the power supply 210 is in the above-mentioned over-discharge state, even though the heating unit 121 is not in an over-discharge state.

The first period P1 varies depending on the heating state of the heating section 121 and the substrate 150, the ambient temperature, etc., but may typically be in the range of 20 to 60 seconds. However, it is preferable that the control section 116 is configured to be able to change the length of the first period P1 based on the rate of temperature rise of the heating section 121 during the first period P1. More specifically, the initial temperature rise period P1a of the first period P1 may be configured to be able to change based on the rate of temperature rise of the heating section 121. Specifically, it is preferable that the control section 116 is configured to change the length of the first period P1 to be shorter the shorter the period from when the heating section 121 starts heating until it reaches the specified temperature.

In this embodiment, the first period P1 ends when a predetermined period (P1b) has elapsed since the temperature of the heating unit 121 reaches the first target temperature TA1. In other words, if the temperature of the heating unit 121 rises quickly, the period P1a from the time T0 when power supply to the heating unit 121 begins to the time when the temperature of the heating unit 121 reaches the first target temperature TA1 becomes shorter. The predetermined period (P1b) is preferably 10 to 40 seconds, and may typically be 20 seconds.

In this way, if the temperature rise of the heating section 121 is rapid, the power consumption used during the pre-heating period can be reduced by shortening the pre-heating period.

The variable range of the first period P1, more specifically, the variable range of P1a+P1b, preferably has a predetermined upper limit. For example, the upper limit of P1a+P1b is preferably 40 to 60 seconds, and typically may be 50 seconds. This makes it possible to prevent the control unit 116 from continuing preheating without transitioning to the second period P2 when the temperature of the heating unit 121 does not reach the first target temperature TA1.

Next, the control unit 116 controls the temperature of the heating unit 121 during the second period P2 after the first period P1 toward a second target temperature TA2 that is lower than the first target temperature TA1. That is, the control unit 116 controls the heating unit 121 to lower the temperature of the heating unit 121 from the first target temperature TA1 to the second target temperature TA2.

The second target temperature TA2 is preferably in the range of 210-250°C, and may typically be 230°C. The second period P2 is preferably in the range of 10-40 seconds, and may typically be 20 seconds. By lowering the target temperature in the second period P2, the power consumed in the second period P2 can be reduced.

The control unit 116 may have a first off period in which it stops supplying power to the heating unit 121 from the end of the first period P1 to the beginning of the second period P2. By providing the first off period, it is possible to reduce the temperature from the first target temperature TA1 to the second target temperature TA2 in the shortest time possible. The control unit 116 can continue measuring the temperature of the heating unit 121 even during the first off period. In this case, the control unit 116 can be configured to resume supplying power to the heating unit 121 when the temperature of the heating unit 121 has decreased to near the second target temperature TA2.

Next, the control unit 116 controls the temperature of the heating unit 121 during a third period P3 after the second period P2 toward a third target temperature TA3 that is higher than the second target temperature TA2. That is, the control unit 116 controls the heating unit 121 to raise the temperature of the heating unit 121 from the second target temperature TA1 and maintain it at the third target temperature TA3. The third target temperature TA3 is preferably in the range of 230 to 320°C, and may typically be 270°C. The third period P3 is preferably in the range of 120 to 360 seconds, and may typically be 240 seconds.

After the heating section 121 has passed through the first period P1, the second period P2, and the third period P3 of the heating profile, the heat of the heating section 121 has been sufficiently transferred to the inside of the substrate 150. Therefore, during the period from the end of the third period P3 to the end of the inhalable period, i.e., the fourth period P4 in FIG. 6, a certain amount of aerosol can be generated using only the residual heat of the heating section 121 and the substrate 150.

Note that T1 in FIG. 7 corresponds to the time when it is determined in step 510A that the second predetermined operation has been performed, and T2 corresponds to the time when it is determined in step 540A that the third predetermined operation has been performed. Therefore, p1 corresponds to the predetermined period determined in accordance with the first exemplary process 500A for setting and clearing a flag for determining whether it is a predetermined period.

Also, T3 in FIG. 7 corresponds to the time point at which it is determined in step 540B that control of the heating unit 121 according to the heating profile has ended. Therefore, p2 corresponds to the predetermined period determined in accordance with the second example process 500B for setting and clearing a flag for determining whether it is a predetermined period.

Furthermore, Th in FIG. 7 corresponds to the first predetermined temperature in step 530C, and therefore T4 corresponds to the time point at which it is determined in step 530C that the current target temperature of the heating unit 121 is greater than the first predetermined temperature. Th also corresponds to the second predetermined temperature in step 540C, and therefore T5 corresponds to the time point at which it is determined in step 540C that the current target temperature of the heating unit 121 is less than the second predetermined temperature. Therefore, p3 corresponds to the predetermined period determined according to the third example process 500C for setting and clearing a flag for determining whether it is a predetermined period.

It will be understood that each of the predetermined periods p1, p2, and p3 includes at least a portion of the period (P1 or P3) during which heating is performed by the heating unit 121 using power from the power source 210.

2 Another embodiment of the present disclosure A second embodiment of the present disclosure is a method including a step 310 in which the control unit 116 of the aerosol generating device 100 performs control to limit the supply of power from the power source 210 based on determining that the voltage of the power source 210 is equal to or lower than a predetermined voltage, except for a predetermined period of time.

The third embodiment of the present disclosure is a program that causes the control unit 116 of the aerosol generating device 100 to execute step 310 of controlling the supply of power from the power source 210 to be limited based on determining that the voltage of the power source 210 is equal to or lower than a predetermined voltage, except for a predetermined period of time. As described above, the control unit 116 is realized by an electronic circuit including a processor, and therefore this program corresponds to a computer program.

A fourth embodiment of the present disclosure is a computer-readable storage medium or a non-transitory computer-readable medium storing the above program.
3. Conclusion

Up to this point, we have explained the embodiments of the present disclosure, but it goes without saying that the present disclosure is not limited to the above-mentioned embodiments and may be embodied in various different forms within the scope of its technical concept.

Furthermore, the scope of the present disclosure is not limited to the exemplary embodiments shown and described, but includes all embodiments that achieve equivalent effects to those intended by the present disclosure. Furthermore, the scope of the present disclosure is not limited to the combination of the features of the invention defined by each claim, but may be defined by any desired combination of specific features among all the respective disclosed features.

Finally, some of the features of this disclosure are listed below.

[Feature 1]
a heating section configured to heat one or both of the flavor source and the aerosol source;
Power supply,
and a control unit configured to control the power supply from the power source to be limited based on determining that the voltage of the power source is less than or equal to a predetermined voltage, except for a predetermined period of time, the device being a flavor inhalation device or an aerosol generating device,
The device, wherein the predetermined period includes at least a portion of a period during which heating is performed by the heating unit using power from the power source.

[Feature 2]
2. The device according to claim 1,
the device has a mode that reduces power consumption from the power source and that is not released until a first predetermined operation is performed;
The limitation of the power supply from the power source is realized by transitioning to the mode.
Device.

[Feature 3]
3. The device of claim 2, wherein the first predetermined operation includes connecting the device to an external power source to charge the power source.

[Feature 4]
4. The device according to claim 2 or 3,
The device further includes a power supply IC for the power supply, the power supply IC being configured to cause the device to transition to the mode when the control unit transmits a predetermined command to the power supply IC;
The control unit is further configured not to transmit the predetermined command to the power supply IC during the predetermined period.
Device.

[Feature 5]
5. The device according to any one of features 1 to 4, wherein the control unit is further configured to not acquire a voltage of the power source during the predetermined period or not compare the voltage of the power source with the predetermined voltage.

[Feature 6]
6. The device according to any one of features 1 to 5, wherein the predetermined voltage is a voltage for determining whether or not the power supply is in an over-discharge state.

[Feature 7]
7. The apparatus of claim 6, wherein the threshold for determining whether the power supply is in an over-discharge state is 2.8V.

[Feature 8]
8. The device according to any one of features 1 to 7, wherein the predetermined period includes an entire period during which heating is performed by the heating unit using power from the power source.

[Feature 9]
The device of feature 8, wherein the predetermined period includes a period from when a second predetermined operation is performed in the device indicating that heating by the heating unit is to begin until a third predetermined operation is performed in the device indicating that one or both of a flavor source and an aerosol source are not present.

[Feature 10]
10. The device according to claim 9,
The apparatus comprises:
a cover configured such that only in an open state can the device hold a substrate including the one or both of the flavor source and the aerosol source;
Further comprising a button for receiving an instruction to start heating by the heating unit,
the second predetermined operation includes pressing the button, and the third predetermined operation includes closing the cover.
Device.

[Feature 11]
8. The apparatus according to any one of features 1 to 7, wherein the predetermined period includes a period during which the control unit controls the heating unit according to a heating profile.

[Feature 12]
8. The device according to any one of features 1 to 7, wherein the predetermined period includes a period during which the control unit controls the heating unit according to a heating profile, during which a target temperature of the heating unit is greater than or equal to a predetermined temperature.

[Feature 13]
A method executed by a control unit of a device that is a flavor inhalation device or an aerosol generating device, the device comprising a heating unit configured to heat one or both of a flavor source and an aerosol source, and a power source, the method comprising:
performing control so as to limit the supply of power from the power source based on determining that the voltage of the power source is less than or equal to a predetermined voltage, except for a predetermined period of time;
The method, wherein the predetermined period includes at least a portion of a period during which heating is performed by the heating unit using power from the power source.

[Feature 14]
A control unit of a flavor inhalation device or an aerosol generating device including a heating unit configured to heat one or both of a flavor source and an aerosol source, and a power source,
A program for executing a step of controlling the supply of power from the power source to be limited based on a determination that the voltage of the power source is less than or equal to a predetermined voltage except for a predetermined period,
The program, wherein the predetermined period includes at least a portion of a period during which heating is performed by the heating unit using power from the power source.

100A, 100B... aerosol generating device, etc. 121A, 121B... heating section 140... holding section 141... internal space 142... opening 143... bottom section 144... heat insulating section 150... substrate 151... substrate section 152... suction port section TA1... first target temperature TA2... second target temperature TA3... third target temperature Th... first predetermined temperature, second predetermined temperature ΔT12... temperature difference between the first target temperature and the second target temperature ΔT23... temperature difference between the second target temperature and the third target temperature P1... first period P2... second period P3... third period P4... fourth period P1a... initial temperature rise period P1b... predetermined period T1... time T2 at which it is determined that the second predetermined operation has been performed... time T2 at which it is determined that the third predetermined operation has been performed Time point T3 when it is determined that control of the heating unit according to the heating profile has ended...Time point T4 when it is determined that the current target temperature of the heating unit is greater than the first predetermined temperature...Time point p1 when it is determined that the current target temperature of the heating unit is less than the second predetermined temperature...Predetermined period p2 when it is determined according to a first exemplary process for setting and releasing a flag for determining whether it is a predetermined period...Predetermined period p3 when it is determined according to a third exemplary process for setting and releasing a flag for determining whether it is a predetermined period

Claims (14)

a heating section configured to heat one or both of the flavor source and the aerosol source;
Power supply,
and a control unit configured to control the power supply from the power source to be limited based on determining that the voltage of the power source is less than or equal to a predetermined voltage, except for a predetermined period of time, the device being a flavor inhalation device or an aerosol generating device,
The device, wherein the predetermined period includes at least a portion of a period during which heating is performed by the heating unit using power from the power source. 2. The apparatus of claim 1,
the device has a mode that reduces power consumption from the power source and that is not released until a first predetermined operation is performed;
The limitation of the power supply from the power source is realized by transitioning to the mode.
Device. The device of claim 2, wherein the first predetermined operation includes connecting the device to an external power source to charge the power source. 4. An apparatus according to claim 2 or 3, comprising:
The device further includes a power supply IC for the power supply, the power supply IC being configured to cause the device to transition to the mode when the control unit transmits a predetermined command to the power supply IC;
The control unit is further configured not to transmit the predetermined command to the power supply IC during the predetermined period.
Device. The device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the control unit is further configured not to acquire the voltage of the power source during the predetermined period, or not to compare the voltage of the power source with the predetermined voltage. The device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the predetermined voltage is a voltage for determining whether the power supply is in an over-discharge state. The device according to claim 6, wherein the threshold for determining whether the power supply is in an over-discharge state is 2.8V. The device according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the predetermined period includes the entire period during which the heating unit is heated by the power from the power source. The device according to claim 8, wherein the predetermined period includes a period from when a second predetermined operation is performed in the device, which indicates that the heating unit is to start heating, until when a third predetermined operation is performed in the device, which indicates that one or both of the flavor source and the aerosol source are not present. 10. The apparatus of claim 9,
The apparatus comprises:
a cover configured such that only in an open state can the device hold a substrate including the one or both of the flavor source and the aerosol source;
Further comprising a button for receiving an instruction to start heating by the heating unit,
the second predetermined operation includes pressing the button, and the third predetermined operation includes closing the cover.
Device. The device according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the predetermined period includes a period during which the control unit controls the heating unit according to a heating profile. The device according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the predetermined period includes a period during which the control unit controls the heating unit according to a heating profile during which the target temperature of the heating unit is greater than or equal to a predetermined temperature. A method executed by a control unit of a device that is a flavor inhalation device or an aerosol generating device, the device comprising a heating unit configured to heat one or both of a flavor source and an aerosol source, and a power source, the method comprising:
performing control so as to limit the supply of power from the power source based on determining that the voltage of the power source is less than or equal to a predetermined voltage, except for a predetermined period of time;
The method, wherein the predetermined period includes at least a portion of a period during which heating is performed by the heating unit using power from the power source. A control unit of a flavor inhalation device or an aerosol generating device including a heating unit configured to heat one or both of a flavor source and an aerosol source, and a power source,
A program for executing a step of controlling to limit power supply from the power source based on a determination that the voltage of the power source is less than or equal to a predetermined voltage except for a predetermined period,
The program, wherein the predetermined period includes at least a portion of a period during which heating is performed by the heating unit using power from the power source.