WO2025126351A1 - Flavor inhaler or aerosol generation device, control method therefor, and program therefor - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention provides a flavor inhaler and the like capable of retaining sufficient electric power in advance for next inhalation. Provided is a method for controlling a device that is a flavor inhaler or an aerosol generation device comprising: a heating unit that heats a flavor source or an aerosol source; a power supply unit for applying a voltage to the heating unit; a storage unit that stores a heating profile; and a control unit that executes a session in accordance with the heating profile, the method including: a step of causing, by the control unit, the heating unit to start preliminary heating before inhalation in accordance with the start of heating in the heating profile in the session; a step of identifying, by the control unit, a first voltage at a timing of a first voltage drop that occurs when the preliminary heating starts and a second voltage at a timing of a second voltage drop that occurs when a voltage applied to the heating unit is changed after the preliminary heating starts; a step of calculating, by the control unit, a difference between the first voltage and the second voltage; and a step of determining, by the control unit, whether the difference is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold.

Description

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

The present invention relates to a flavor inhalation device or an aerosol generating device (hereinafter referred to as "flavor inhalation device, etc.").

As an alternative to cigarettes, flavor inhalation devices such as heated tobacco products that heat stick-type smoking articles containing an aerosol source and inhale the generated aerosol have become popular. Once such flavor inhalation devices are charged, they can be used to inhale multiple smoking articles. However, if the flavor inhalation device runs out of power while a user is inhaling, the battery will run out before the aerosol source contained in the smoking article is used up and inhalation will no longer be possible. For this reason, for example, Patent Document 1 discloses a technology for determining whether or not sufficient power remains when a user is about to start inhaling a smoking article to inhale until the aerosol source contained in the smoking article is used up.

International Publication No. WO2022/230322

The technology disclosed in Patent Document 1 determines whether sufficient power remains to inhale until the aerosol source contained in the smoking article is used up when the user is about to start inhaling. On the other hand, if it is possible to determine whether sufficient power remains for the next inhalation at the end of inhalation, it would be more convenient for the user.
In view of the above problems, the present invention has an object to provide a flavor inhalation device or the like that can be kept in a state in which sufficient power remains for the next inhalation.

In order to solve the above problem, one aspect of the present invention is a device that is a flavor inhalation tool or an aerosol generating device, comprising a heating unit that heats a flavor source or an aerosol source, a power supply unit that applies a voltage to the heating unit, a sensor unit that detects the voltage applied to the heating unit, a memory unit that stores a heating profile that specifies the time series transition of the target temperature of the heating unit over a session, and a control unit that executes the session according to the heating profile, wherein the control unit is configured to start pre-heating before inhalation in the heating unit in response to the start of heating in the heating profile in the session, identify a first voltage at the timing of a first voltage drop that occurs at the start of the pre-heating and a second voltage at the timing of a second voltage drop that occurs when the voltage applied to the heating unit is changed after the start of the pre-heating, calculate a difference between the first voltage and the second voltage, and determine whether the difference is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold. In this specification, the terms "pre-heating" and "pre-heating" are used interchangeably.

Another aspect of the present invention is the above device, further comprising a notification unit that executes processing to notify a user when the control unit determines that the difference between the first voltage and the second voltage is greater than or equal to the predetermined threshold.
In another aspect of the present invention, the notification unit executes a process for notifying the user when the suction is completed.

In another aspect of the present invention, the control unit determines whether the difference between the second voltage and a third voltage, which is the voltage immediately before power is supplied to the heating unit 121 before suction, is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold value, instead of determining whether the difference between the first voltage and the second voltage is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold value.

Another aspect of the present invention is a control method for a device that is a flavor inhalation tool or an aerosol generating device, the device comprising: a heating unit that heats a flavor source or an aerosol source; a power supply unit that applies a voltage to the heating unit; a sensor unit that detects the voltage applied to the heating unit; a storage unit that stores a heating profile that specifies the time series transition of the target temperature of the heating unit over a session; and a control unit that executes the session according to the heating profile, the method including the steps of: causing the heating unit to start pre-heating before inhalation in response to the start of heating in the heating profile in the session; specifying a first voltage at the timing of a first voltage drop that occurs at the start of the pre-heating and a second voltage at the timing of a second voltage drop that occurs when the voltage applied to the heating unit is changed after the start of the pre-heating; calculating a difference between the first voltage and the second voltage; and determining whether the difference is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold.

Another aspect of the present invention is a program that causes a processor of a device that is a flavor inhalation tool or an aerosol generating device, the device including a heating unit that heats a flavor source or an aerosol source, a power supply unit that applies a voltage to the heating unit, a sensor unit that detects the voltage applied to the heating unit, a memory unit that stores a heating profile that specifies the time series transition of the target temperature of the heating unit over a session, and a control unit that executes the session according to the heating profile, to execute the following steps in the session: causing the heating unit to start pre-heating before inhalation in response to the start of heating in the heating profile; identifying a first voltage at the timing of a first voltage drop that occurs at the start of the pre-heating and a second voltage at the timing of a second voltage drop that occurs when the voltage applied to the heating unit is changed after the start of the pre-heating; calculating the difference between the first voltage and the second voltage; and determining whether the difference is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold.

1 is a schematic diagram showing a configuration example of a flavor inhalation device according to an embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing a configuration example of a flavor inhalation device according to an embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a heating profile. 11A and 11B are diagrams illustrating an example of a drop voltage at the start and end of a check period. FIG. 2 is a flow chart showing an example of a process flow executed by a flavor inhalation device or the like according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 11 is a flow chart showing an example of a more detailed process flow executed by the flavor inhalation device or the like according to one embodiment of the present invention.

Below, an embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

The flavor inhalation device or the like according to the present embodiment is a flavor inhalation device or an aerosol generating device, which is a device that generates a substance to be inhaled by a user. The substance generated by the flavor inhalation device or the like may be an aerosol or a gas that is not an aerosol. The flavor inhalation device is a device for inhaling a flavor, and may be, but is not limited to, a device for, for example, an electronic cigarette, a heated cigarette, a conventional cigarette, or the like. The aerosol generating device is a device for inhaling the generated aerosol, and may be, but is not limited to, a device for, for example, an electronic cigarette, a heated cigarette, a medical nebulizer, or the like. The flavor inhalation device or the like includes so-called reduced-risk products (RRPs).
(Configuration of flavor inhalation device, etc.)
(First Configuration Example)

1A is a schematic diagram showing a first configuration example of a flavor inhalation device or the like. As shown in FIG. 1A, the flavor inhalation device or the like 100A according to this configuration example includes, as an example, a power supply unit 110, a cartridge 120, and a flavor imparting cartridge 130. The power supply unit 110 includes a power supply section 111A, a sensor section 112A, a notification section 113A, a memory section 114A, a communication section 115A, and a control section 116A. The cartridge 120 includes a heating section 121A, a liquid guide section 122, and a liquid storage section 123. The flavor imparting cartridge 130 includes a flavor source 131, and a mouthpiece 124. An air flow path 180 is formed in the cartridge 120 and the flavor imparting cartridge 130.

The cartridge 120 and the flavoring cartridge 130 are examples of so-called "refills." At least a portion of one or both of the refills 120 and 130 may be colored according to the type of refill. In addition, the coloring according to the type is not limited to the refill, and may be any component attached to the flavor inhaler 100A.

The power supply unit 111A stores power. The power supply unit 111A supplies power to each component of the flavor inhaler 100A under the control of the control unit 116A. The power supply unit 111A may be configured, for example, by a rechargeable battery such as a lithium ion secondary battery.

The sensor unit 112A acquires various information related to the flavor inhalation device 100A. The sensor unit 112A may include a pressure sensor such as a microphone capacitor, a flow sensor, or a temperature sensor. The sensor unit 112A may also include an input device such as a button or switch that accepts information input from the user.

The notification unit 113A has a function of notifying the user of various information related to the flavor inhalation device 100A. The notification unit 113A may include, for example, a display device that displays messages and images, a light-emitting device or light-emitting element such as an LED (Light Emitting Diode) that emits light, a sound output device or acoustic element that outputs sound, a vibration device that vibrates, etc.

The memory unit 114A stores various information for the operation of the flavor inhalation device 100A. The memory unit 114A is composed of a non-volatile storage medium such as a flash memory. The memory unit 114A may include a volatile memory that provides a working area for control by the control unit 116A. The memory unit 114A may also hold data for controlling the heating profile.

The communication unit 115A may be a communication interface capable of performing communication conforming to any wired or wireless communication standard. For example, Wi-Fi (registered trademark) or Bluetooth (registered trademark) may be adopted as such a communication standard. The communication unit 115A may also include a communication interface (including a communication module) conforming to a specific LPWA wireless communication standard or a wireless communication standard having similar restrictions. For example, Sigfox or LoRA-WAN may be adopted as such a communication standard.

The control unit 116A functions as an arithmetic processing unit and a control unit, and controls the overall operation of the flavor inhalation device 100A according to various programs. The control unit 116A can be realized by, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit) and electronic circuits such as a microprocessor. For example, the control unit 116A can execute control for executing a heating process of the aerosol source in the heating unit 121A. As an example, the control unit 116A can control the heating process according to a heating profile that indicates how the aerosol source should be heated.

The liquid storage unit 123 stores the aerosol source. The aerosol source is atomized to generate an aerosol. The aerosol source is, for example, a liquid such as a polyhydric alcohol such as glycerin and propylene glycol, and water. The aerosol source may contain a flavor component derived from tobacco or a non-tobacco source. If the flavor inhalation device 100A is a medical inhaler such as a nebulizer, the aerosol source may contain a medicine.

The liquid guide section 122 guides and holds the aerosol source, which is a liquid stored in the liquid storage section 123, from the liquid storage section 123. The liquid guide section 122 is, for example, a wick formed by twisting a fiber material such as glass fiber or a porous material such as porous ceramic. In this case, the aerosol source stored in the liquid storage section 123 is guided by the capillary effect of the wick.

The heating unit 121A generates an aerosol by heating the aerosol source and atomizing the aerosol source. In the example shown in FIG. 1A, the heating unit 121A is configured as a coil and is wound around the liquid guide unit 122. When the heating unit 121A generates heat, the aerosol source held in the liquid guide unit 122 is heated and atomized, and an aerosol is generated. The heating unit 121A generates heat when power is supplied from the power supply unit 111A. As an example, power may be supplied when the sensor unit 112A detects that the user has started inhaling, that specific information has been input, that the user has operated a button or switch at any timing, etc. Then, power supply may be stopped when the sensor unit 112A detects that the user has stopped inhaling and/or that specific information has been input.

The flavor source 131 is a component for imparting flavor components to the aerosol. The flavor source 131 may contain flavor components derived from tobacco or non-tobacco. As described below, this embodiment is configured so that the flavor components are imparted to the aerosol by passing a mixture of the generated aerosol and air through the flavor source 131. However, in another embodiment, a flavor source that generates a flavored aerosol when heated may be used.

The air flow path 180 is a flow path for air inhaled by the user. The air flow path 180 has a tubular structure with an air inlet hole 181, which is an entrance of air into the air flow path 180, and an air outlet hole 182, which is an exit of air from the air flow path 180, at both ends. In the middle of the air flow path 180, the liquid guide section 122 is arranged on the upstream side (the side closer to the air inlet hole 181), and the flavor source 131 is arranged on the downstream side (the side closer to the air outlet hole 182). The air flowing in from the air inlet hole 181 as the user inhales is mixed with the aerosol generated by the heating section 121A, and as shown by the arrow 190, is transported through the flavor source 131 to the air outlet hole 182. When the mixed fluid of the aerosol and air passes through the flavor source 131, the flavor components contained in the flavor source 131 are imparted to the aerosol.

Mouthpiece 124 is a member that is held by the user when inhaling. Air outlet hole 182 is arranged in mouthpiece 124. By holding mouthpiece 124 in the mouth and inhaling, the user can take in a mixed fluid of aerosol and air into the oral cavity.
The above describes an example of the configuration of the flavor inhaler 100A. Of course, the configuration of the flavor inhaler 100A is not limited to the above, and various configurations such as those exemplified below may be used.

As an example, the flavor inhalation device 100A may not include the flavor imparting cartridge 130. In that case, the cartridge 120 is provided with a mouthpiece 124.

As another example, the flavor inhalation device 100A may include a plurality of types of aerosol sources. A plurality of types of aerosols generated from the plurality of types of aerosol sources may be mixed in the air flow path 180 and undergo a chemical reaction to generate yet another type of aerosol.
(Second Configuration Example)

FIG. 1B is a schematic diagram showing a second configuration example of a flavor inhalation device, etc. As shown in FIG. 1B, the flavor inhalation device, etc. 100B according to this configuration example includes, as an example, a power supply unit 111B, a sensor unit 112B, a notification unit 113B, a memory unit 114B, a communication unit 115B, a control unit 116B, a heating unit 121B, a holding unit 140, and a heat insulating unit 144.

Each of the power supply unit 111B, the sensor unit 112B, the notification unit 113B, the memory unit 114B, the communication unit 115B, and the control unit 116B is substantially the same as the corresponding components included in the flavor inhalation device etc. 100A according to the first configuration example.

The holding part 140 has an internal space 141 and holds the stick-shaped substrate 150 while accommodating a part of the stick-shaped substrate 150 in the internal space 141. The stick-shaped substrate 150 is also an example of a so-called "refill". The holding part 140 has an opening 142 that connects the internal space 141 to the outside, and holds the stick-shaped substrate 150 inserted into the internal space 141 from the opening 142. For example, the holding part 140 is a cylindrical body with the opening 142 and the bottom part 143 as the bottom surface, and defines the columnar internal space 141. The holding part 140 also has the function of defining a flow path for air to be supplied to the stick-shaped 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 stick-type substrate 150 includes a substrate portion 151 and a mouthpiece portion 152. The substrate portion 151 includes an aerosol source. The aerosol source may be a solid or liquid, and is atomized by heating to generate an aerosol. The aerosol source may be tobacco-derived, such as a processed product in which cut tobacco or tobacco raw materials are formed into a granular, sheet, or powder form. The aerosol source may also include a non-tobacco-derived product made from plants other than tobacco (e.g., mint and herbs, etc.). As an example, the aerosol source may include a flavoring component such as menthol. When the flavor inhalation device, etc. 100B is a medical inhaler, the aerosol source may include a medicine for the patient to inhale. When the stick-type substrate 150 is held by the holding portion 140, at least a portion of the substrate portion 151 is accommodated in the internal space 141, and at least a portion of the mouthpiece portion 152 protrudes from the opening 142. When the user holds the suction mouth portion 152 protruding from the opening 142 in their mouth and sucks, air flows into the internal space 141 through an air inlet hole (not shown) and reaches the user's mouth together with the aerosol generated from the base portion 151.

The heating unit 121B has a configuration similar to that of the heating unit 121A according to the first configuration example. However, in the example shown in Fig. 1B, the heating unit 121B is configured in a film shape and is arranged so as to cover the outer periphery of the holding unit 140. When the heating unit 121B generates heat, the substrate unit 151 of the stick-shaped substrate 150 is heated from the outer periphery, and an aerosol is generated.
The heat insulating section 144 prevents heat transfer from the heating section 121B to other components. For example, the heat insulating section 144 is made of a vacuum heat insulating material, an aerogel heat insulating material, or the like.
The above describes an example of the configuration of the flavor inhaler 100B. Of course, the configuration of the flavor inhaler 100B is not limited to the above, and various configurations such as those exemplified below may be used.

As one example, the heating unit 121B may be configured in a blade shape and disposed so as to protrude from the bottom 143 of the holding unit 140 into the internal space 141. In that case, the blade-shaped heating unit 121B is inserted into the substrate 151 of the stick-shaped substrate 150 and heats the substrate 151 of the stick-shaped substrate 150 from the inside. As another example, the heating unit 121B may be disposed so as to cover the bottom 143 of the holding unit 140. Furthermore, the heating unit 121B may be configured as a combination of two or more of a first heating unit that covers the outer periphery of the holding unit 140, a blade-shaped second heating unit, and a third heating unit that covers the bottom 143 of the holding unit 140.

As another example, the holding 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 holding unit 140 may then clamp the stick-shaped substrate 150 inserted into the internal space 141 by opening and closing a portion of the outer shell. In this case, the heating unit 121B may be provided at the clamping location in the holding unit 140, and may heat the stick-shaped substrate 150 while pressing it.

Moreover, the flavor inhalation device 100B may further include the heating unit 121A, the liquid guide unit 122, the liquid storage unit 123, and the air flow path 180 according to the first configuration example, and the air outlet hole 182 of the air flow path 180 may also serve as an air inlet hole to the internal space 141. In this case, the mixed fluid of the aerosol and air generated by the heating unit 121A flows into the internal space 141 and is further mixed with the aerosol generated by the heating unit 121B, and reaches the oral cavity of the user.
(Heating Profile)

The control unit 116 controls the operation of the heating unit 121 based on the heating profile. The control of the operation of the heating unit 121 is achieved by controlling the power supply from the power supply unit 111 to the heating unit 121. The heating unit 121 uses the power supplied from the power supply unit 111 to heat the aerosol source contained in the cartridge 120 and the flavoring cartridge 130, or the stick-type substrate 150 (hereinafter referred to as the stick-type substrate 150, etc.).

The heating profile is control information for controlling the temperature at which the aerosol source is heated. The heating profile may be control information for controlling the temperature of the heating unit 121. As an example, the heating profile may include a target value for the temperature of the heating unit 121 (hereinafter also referred to as the target temperature). The target temperature may change depending on the elapsed time from the start of heating, in which case the heating profile includes information that specifies the time series progression of the target temperature. As another example, the heating profile may include parameters that specify the method of supplying power to the heating unit 121 (hereinafter also referred to as the power supply parameters). The power supply parameters include, for example, the voltage applied to the heating unit 121, ON/OFF of the power supply to the heating unit 121, or the feedback control method to be adopted. ON/OFF of the power supply to the heating unit 121 may be regarded as ON/OFF of the heating unit 121.

The control unit 116 controls the operation of the heating unit 121 so that the temperature of the heating unit 121 changes in the same manner as the target temperature defined in the heating profile. By controlling the operation of the heating unit 121 based on the heating profile, the flavor tasted by the user can change.

The temperature control of the heating section 121 can be achieved, for example, by known feedback control. In this embodiment, the feedback control is PID control. The control section 116 can supply power from the power supply section 111 to the heating section 121 in the form of pulses, for example, by pulse width modulation (PWM). In this case, the control section 116 can control the temperature of the heating section 121 by adjusting the duty ratio of the power pulse in the feedback control.

The temperature of the heating section 121 can be quantified, for example, by measuring or estimating the electrical resistance of the heating section 121 (more precisely, the heating resistor that constitutes the heating section 121). This is because the electrical resistance of the heating resistor changes depending on the temperature. The electrical resistance 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 section 121 can be measured by a temperature sensor such as a thermistor installed near the heating section 121.

The period from the start to the end of the process of generating aerosol from the aerosol source contained in the stick-shaped substrate 150 or the like is also referred to as a session below. In other words, a session is a period during which power supply to the heating unit 121 is controlled based on a heating profile. The start of a session is the timing when heating based on the heating profile starts. The end of a session is the timing when a sufficient amount of aerosol is no longer generated. A session includes a pre-heating period and an inhalable period following the pre-heating period. The inhalable period is a period during which a sufficient amount of aerosol is expected to be generated. The pre-heating period is a period during which the aerosol source is heated before the user inhales, and is the period from the start of heating to the start of the inhalable period. The heating performed in the pre-heating period is also referred to as pre-heating or pre-heating.

FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram for explaining an example of a heating profile that can be realized in one session. The horizontal axis in the diagram represents the elapsed time from the start of power supply to the heating unit 121, and the vertical axis represents the temperature of the heating unit 121. The thick broken line represents a heating profile 40 as an example. The heating profile 40 consists of an initial preheating period (T0 to T2) and an inhalation period (T2 to T8) that follows the preheating period. As an example, the length of the entire inhalation period may be about 5 minutes. Note that T0, T1, ... T8 indicate each point in time during a session.

The preheating period includes a temperature rise section (T0 to T1) in which the temperature of the heating section 121 is rapidly raised from the ambient temperature H0 to the first temperature H1, and a maintenance section (T1 to T2) in which the temperature of the heating section 121 is maintained at the first temperature H1. In this way, by first rapidly heating the heating section 121 to the first temperature H1, heat can be quickly and sufficiently distributed throughout the stick-shaped substrate 150, etc., and good quality aerosol can be provided to the user sooner.

The inhalation period includes a maintenance section (T2-T3) in which the temperature of the heating section 121 is maintained at the first temperature H1, a temperature reduction section (T3-T4) in which the temperature of the heating section 121 is reduced to the second temperature H2, and a maintenance section (T4-T5) in which the temperature of the heating section 121 is maintained at the second temperature H2. In this way, by reducing the temperature of the heating section 121, which has once risen to the first temperature H1, to the second temperature H2, it is possible to provide the user with a longer and more stable inhalation with a suitable smoking taste. During the temperature reduction section, the supply of power from the power supply section 111 to the heating section 121 may be stopped. The inhalable period further includes a temperature rise section (T5 to T6) in which the temperature of the heating section 121 is gradually raised from the second temperature H2 to the third temperature H3, a maintenance section (T6 to T7) in which the temperature of the heating section 121 is maintained at the third temperature H3, and a temperature fall section (T7 to T8) in which the temperature of the heating section 121 is lowered toward the ambient temperature H0. In this way, by raising the temperature of the heating section 121 again in the latter half of the inhalable period, it is possible to suppress deterioration of the smoking taste in a situation in which the aerosol source (or flavor source; the same applies below) contained in the stick-type substrate 150 or the like is decreasing, and to provide the user with a highly satisfying experience until the end of the inhalable period.

As an example, the first temperature H1 may be 320°C, the second temperature H2 may be 230°C, and the third temperature H3 may be 260°C. However, different heating profiles may be designed, for example, depending on the manufacturer's design guidelines, user preferences, or the characteristics of different brands of tobacco articles.

When attempting to rapidly increase the temperature of the heating unit 121 in the middle of a session, as in the heating profile 40, the amount of output current from the power supply unit 111 increases significantly during the rapid temperature increase. When the amount of output current from the power supply unit 111 increases, the voltage drop at the internal resistance of the power supply unit 111 increases accordingly, and the power supply voltage also temporarily drops significantly. The flavor inhalation tool 100 of this embodiment uses this voltage drop to determine whether or not sufficient power remains in the power supply unit 111 (battery, etc.) for the user to inhale until the aerosol source contained in the stick-shaped substrate 150, etc. is used up the next time. In the following, this voltage drop may be referred to as a "drop voltage."
(Judgment that suction is possible)

The flavor inhalation device 100 according to this embodiment judges whether or not there is enough power remaining in the power supply unit 111 (hereinafter also referred to as "battery, etc.") for the user to inhale until the aerosol source contained in the stick-shaped substrate 150, etc. is used up next time, based on the difference between the first voltage, which is the drop voltage at the start of the check period, and the second voltage, which is the drop voltage at the end of the check period. "End of the check period" is, for example, immediately before the end of the check period. Also, "when the voltage applied to the heating unit 121 is changed after the start of preheating" may be "immediately before the voltage applied to the heating unit 121 is changed after the start of preheating." First, in the flavor inhalation device 100 according to this embodiment, as an example, the voltage applied to the heating unit 121 is 5V (volts) during the period 0 to T3 in FIG. 2, and the control parameters are switched so that the voltage applied to the heating unit 121 is changed from 5V to 4.5V during the subsequent period T3 to T4, and the voltage applied to the heating unit 121 is set to 4.5V from T4. In this embodiment, the period 0 to T3 during which the voltage applied to the heating unit 121 is 5 V before switching is referred to as the "check period." In other words, the "check period" in this embodiment refers to a period during which the value of the voltage applied to the heating unit 121 at the start of heating for preheating the flavor inhalation device 100 before inhalation is maintained. Note that the applied voltages during the period 0 to T3 and after time T4 are not limited to 5 V and 4.5 V, respectively, and if the power source is a boost power source, it is sufficient that both applied voltages have values greater than that of the power source unit.

In the flavor inhalation device 100 according to this embodiment, when the difference (potential difference) between the first voltage, which is the drop voltage at the start of the check period, and the second voltage, which is the drop voltage at the end of the check period, is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold, the power supply unit 111 determines that there is not enough power remaining for the user to inhale until the aerosol source contained in the stick-shaped substrate 150 or the like is used up the next time. If there is sufficient battery power remaining, the difference in the drop voltage between the start of the check period and the end of the check period will be close to zero. This is because as preheating progresses, the electrical resistance value of the heating unit 121 increases and the discharge current decreases, so that there is no significant difference in the drop voltage between the start of the check period and the end of the check period. In addition, the heating unit 121 cools down during the period T3 to T4, and the voltage application to the heating unit 121 is cut off during the period T3 to T4. Therefore, if a determination is made regarding the difference between the first and second voltages at time T3, the potential difference can be compared more accurately than after the applied voltage is switched by measuring with the same applied voltage as when the first voltage was measured. If the applied voltage is different, the load conditions on the battery will vary, making it difficult to correctly determine the drop voltage. Also, since applying 5V to a battery or the like is more likely to result in a higher load than applying 4.5V after time T4, it can also be considered that a voltage drop due to a decrease in the remaining charge of the battery or the like is more likely to occur.

The "predetermined threshold" is, for example, 0.05 V. The threshold may be determined taking noise and other factors into consideration. The threshold may also be set according to the type of battery (nickel manganese cadmium, nickel metal hydride battery, etc.) or model (peak current value) of the power supply unit 111, the battery temperature state, and the like. The threshold may also be set to an appropriate value through experimentation.

FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of the drop voltage at the start and end of the check period. Note that FIG. 3 mainly shows the change in voltage applied to the power supply unit 111 during the check period, and a part of the inhalation possible period is omitted. In this example, the drop voltage at the start of the check period indicated by the solid arrow is 2.70 V. Also, the drop voltage at the end of the check period indicated by the dashed arrow is 2.60 V. Therefore, in this example, the difference between the two is 0.1 V, which is greater than the threshold value of 0.05 V. In such a case, the control unit 116 of the flavor inhalation device 100 determines that there is not enough power remaining in the power supply unit 111 for the user to inhale until the aerosol source contained in the stick-shaped substrate 150 or the like is used up the next time. Then, the control unit 116 controls the notification unit 113 to notify the user that the aerosol source contained in the smoking article cannot be inhaled until it is used up the next time, that is, charging is required. This allows the user to charge the flavor inhalation device 100 in advance, and avoid situations where the user is unable to inhale the next time before the aerosol source contained in the stick-shaped base material 150 or the like is used up.

The notification method may be any of the following: displaying a message on a display device, emitting light from an LED or the like, outputting a sound, vibrating, etc. In this embodiment, the notification is executed when inhalation ends (when heating by the heating profile ends (including when the user ends the heating profile midway)). This is because the flavor inhalation device 100 is often located near the user's face during inhalation, and it is considered that the user would not easily notice the notification if it were issued during inhalation. However, this is not limited to this. For example, the notification may be executed immediately after the determination process regarding the next inhalation at the end of the check period, or while the user is inhaling thereafter.

In this embodiment, the possibility of the next inhalation is determined based on the difference in the drop voltage between the start and end of the check period, but instead, it is possible to determine the possibility of the next inhalation based on the difference between the voltage (referred to as OCV (open circuit voltage) in this specification) immediately before power is supplied to the heating unit 121 for heating, as indicated by the dashed-dotted arrow in Fig. 3, and the drop voltage at the end of the check period. Even in this case, the flavor inhalation tool 100 may determine that there is not enough power remaining in the power supply unit 111 for the next inhalation by the user when the difference between the OCV at the start of the check period and the drop voltage at the end of the check period is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold value.
(Flow diagram)
FIG. 4 is a flow diagram showing an example of the flow of a process executed by the flavor inhalation device 100 according to the present embodiment.

First, the control unit 116 determines whether it is the start of a check period (step S102). For example, the control unit 116 executes a process (command or control, or signal control, etc.) for supplying power to the heating unit 121 in order to start preheating based on the heating profile. The control unit 116 can determine that the start of a check period is the time when the process is executed.
When the control unit 116 determines that it is the start of the check period (step S102: Yes), the control unit 116 measures a first voltage, which is a drop voltage at the start of the check period (step S104). More specifically, for example, the control unit 116 controls the current to flow to the heating unit 121 for a certain period before the start of preheating, and measures the voltage (first voltage) of the heating unit 121 at this time. Then, the control unit 116 starts preheating.

After that, the control unit 116 judges whether it is the end of the check period (step S106). The "end of the check period" also includes the time immediately before the end of the check period. For example, if the control unit 116 judges that it is the time immediately before the change of the applied voltage to the heating unit 121 after the start of preheating, it can judge that it is the time immediately before the end of the check period. Since how to change the applied voltage to the heating unit 121 is set in the heating profile, the control unit 116 can judge whether it is the time immediately before the change of the applied voltage (immediately before the end of the check period) by referring to the heating profile. Step S106 is repeated until the control unit 116 judges that it is the end of the check period (step S106: No). If the control unit 116 judges that it is the end of the check period (step S106: Yes), the control unit 116 measures the second voltage, which is the drop voltage at the end of the check period (step S108). More specifically, the control unit 116 controls the heating unit 121 to pass a current for a certain period at the end of the check period (time T3) and measures the voltage (second voltage) of the heating unit 121 at this time. In addition, it is desirable that the certain period for passing a current through the heating unit 121 at this time be the same period as when the first voltage is measured in step S104.

The control unit 116 determines whether the difference between the first voltage measured in step S104 and the second voltage measured in step S108 is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold (step S110). If the difference is less than the threshold (step S110: No), the control unit 116 determines that there is enough power remaining in the power supply unit 111 for the user to inhale until the aerosol source contained in the stick-shaped substrate 150 or the like is used up the next time, and ends the process. On the other hand, if the difference is equal to or greater than the threshold (step S110: Yes), the control unit 116 determines that the power supply unit 111 does not have enough power to allow the user to inhale until the aerosol source contained in the stick-shaped substrate 150 or the like is used up the next time, and waits until the inhalation ends (until heating by the heating profile ends (including when the user ends the heating profile midway)) (step S112: No). When it is determined that the inhalation has ended (step S112: Yes), the notification unit 113 notifies the user of this by displaying a message on the display device, emitting light from an LED or the like, outputting a sound, vibrating, or the like (step S114).

In this example, the user is notified when suction ends (steps S112, S114), but the user may be notified during suction. Also, instead of measuring the first voltage in step S104 in this example, the control unit 116 may measure a third voltage, which is the voltage immediately before power is supplied to the heating unit 121 before suction, and instead of determining in step S110 whether the difference between the first voltage and the second voltage is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold, the control unit 116 may determine whether the difference between the third voltage and the second voltage is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold.

FIG. 5 is a more specific example of a flow chart.
The control unit 116 measures the first voltage at the timing of the first voltage drop that occurs when preheating starts (step S202). Then, the control unit 116 causes the heating unit 121 to start preheating before suction in response to the start of heating in the heating profile (step S204). More specifically, for example, the control unit 116 controls the heating unit 121 to pass a current for a certain period before the start of preheating, and measures the voltage (first voltage) of the heating unit 121 at this time. Then, the control unit 116 starts preheating. Next, the control unit 116 determines whether it is time to change the voltage applied to the heating unit 116 after the start of preheating (step S206). "When the applied voltage is changed" also includes immediately before the change of the applied voltage. How the applied voltage to the heating unit 121 is changed is set in the heating profile, so the control unit 116 can determine whether it is immediately before the change of the applied voltage by referring to the heating profile. If the control unit 116 determines that it is time to change the voltage applied to the heating unit 116 after the start of preheating (step S206: Yes), the control unit 116 measures the second voltage at the timing of the second voltage drop that occurs when the applied voltage is changed (step S208).

The control unit 116 calculates the difference between the first voltage measured in step S204 and the second voltage measured in step S208 (step S210). The control unit 116 determines whether the difference calculated in step S210 is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold (step S212). If the difference is less than the threshold (step S212: No), the control unit 116 determines that there is enough power remaining in the power supply unit 111 for the user to inhale until the aerosol source contained in the stick-shaped substrate 150 or the like is used up the next time, and ends the process. On the other hand, if the difference is equal to or greater than the threshold (step S212: Yes), the control unit 116 determines that the power supply unit 111 does not have enough power remaining for the user to inhale until the aerosol source contained in the stick-shaped substrate 150 or the like is used up the next time, and waits until the inhalation ends (until heating by the heating profile ends (including when the user ends the heating profile midway)) (step S214: No). When it is determined that the inhalation has ended (step S214: Yes), the notification unit 113 notifies the user of this by displaying a message on the display device, emitting light from an LED or the like, outputting a sound, vibrating, or the like (step S216).

In this example, the user is notified when suction ends (steps S214 and S216), but the user may be notified during suction. Also, instead of measuring the first voltage in step S204 in this example, the control unit 116 may measure a third voltage, which is the voltage immediately before power is supplied to the heating unit 121 before suction. Then, instead of calculating the difference between the first voltage and the second voltage in step S210, the control unit 116 may calculate the difference between the third voltage and the first voltage. Instead of determining whether the difference between the first voltage and the second voltage is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold in step S212, the control unit 116 may determine whether the difference between the third voltage and the second voltage is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold.

The flavor inhalation device 100 according to this embodiment can avoid situations where the inhalation is interrupted before the aerosol source contained in the smoking article is used up due to insufficient power at the time of the next inhalation. In addition, if the flavor inhalation device 100 has a function to determine whether there is enough power remaining at the start of inhalation to inhalation until the aerosol source contained in the smoking article is used up, as disclosed in Patent Document 1, when the flavor inhalation device 100 is in an insufficient charge state, the flavor inhalation device must be charged when the user tries to start inhalation. In such a case, the user would want to start inhalation immediately, but would have to wait until the flavor inhalation device is sufficiently charged, which could cause dissatisfaction. However, the flavor inhalation device 100 according to this embodiment can avoid such situations.

Up to this point, we have explained the embodiments of the present invention, but it goes without saying that the present invention 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 invention is not limited to the exemplary embodiments shown and described, but includes all embodiments that achieve the same effect as the object of the present invention. Furthermore, the scope of the present invention is not limited to the combination of the features of the invention defined by each claim, but can be defined by any desired combination of specific features among all the respective features disclosed.

The following configurations also fall within the technical scope of the present invention.
(1)
A device that is a flavor inhaler or an aerosol generating device, comprising:
A heating unit for heating a flavor source or an aerosol source;
A power supply unit for applying a voltage to the heating unit;
A sensor unit that detects a voltage applied to the heating unit;
A storage unit for storing a heating profile that defines a time series transition of a target temperature of the heating unit over a session;
A control unit that executes the session according to the heating profile,
The control unit is
In the session, starting pre-heating before suction in response to start of heating in the heating profile, the heating unit;
Identifying a first voltage at a timing of a first voltage drop occurring at the start of the preheating and a second voltage at a timing of a second voltage drop occurring when a voltage applied to the heating unit is changed after the start of the preheating;
Calculating a difference between the first voltage and the second voltage;
and configured to determine whether the difference is greater than or equal to a predetermined threshold.
(2)
The device described in (1) above, further comprising a notification unit that executes processing to notify a user when the control unit determines that the difference between the first voltage and the second voltage is equal to or greater than the predetermined threshold.
(3)
The device according to (1) or (2) above, wherein the notification unit executes a process for notifying the user when the suction is completed.
(4)
The device described in any of (1) to (3) above, wherein the control unit determines whether the difference between the first voltage and the second voltage is greater than or equal to the predetermined threshold, instead of determining whether the difference between a third voltage, which is the voltage immediately before power is supplied to the heating unit 121 before suction, and the second voltage is greater than or equal to a predetermined threshold.
(5)
A method for controlling a device which is a flavor inhalation tool or an aerosol generating apparatus, comprising: a heating unit which heats a flavor source or an aerosol source; a power supply unit which applies a voltage to the heating unit; a sensor unit which detects the voltage applied to the heating unit; a storage unit which stores a heating profile which defines a time series transition of a target temperature of the heating unit over a session; and a control unit which executes the session in accordance with the heating profile,
a step of causing the control unit to start pre-heating before suction in response to start of heating in the heating profile in the session;
The control unit specifies a first voltage at a timing of a first voltage drop occurring at the start of the preheating, and a second voltage at a timing of a second voltage drop occurring when a voltage applied to the heating unit is changed after the start of the preheating;
The control unit calculates a difference between the first voltage and the second voltage;
The control unit determines whether the difference is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold;
A method comprising:
(6)
a processor of a device which is a flavor inhalation tool or an aerosol generating apparatus, the processor comprising: a heating unit which heats a flavor source or an aerosol source; a power supply unit which applies a voltage to the heating unit; a sensor unit which detects the voltage applied to the heating unit; a memory unit which stores a heating profile which defines a time series transition of a target temperature of the heating unit over a session; and a control unit which executes the session in accordance with the heating profile;
In the session, starting pre-heating before suction by the heating unit in response to start of heating in the heating profile;
specifying a first voltage at a timing of a first voltage drop occurring at the start of the preheating and a second voltage at a timing of a second voltage drop occurring when a voltage applied to the heating unit is changed after the start of the preheating;
calculating a difference between the first voltage and the second voltage;
determining whether the difference is greater than or equal to a predetermined threshold;
A program that executes the following.

40... Heating profile 100A, 100B... Flavor inhalation device, etc. 110... Power supply unit 111A, 111B... Power supply section 112A, 112B... Sensor section 113A, 113B... Notification section 114A, 114B... Memory section 115A, 115B... Communication section 116A, 116B... Control section 120... Cartridge 121A, 121B... Heating section 122... Liquid guide section 123... Liquid storage section 124... Mouthpiece 130... Flavor imparting cartridge 131... Flavor source 140... Holding section 141... Internal space 142... Opening 143... Bottom 144... Heat insulating section 150... Stick-shaped substrate 151... Substrate section 152... Mouthpiece section 180... Air flow path 181... Air inlet hole 182... Air outlet hole

Claims (6)

A device that is a flavor inhaler or an aerosol generating device, comprising:
A heating unit for heating a flavor source or an aerosol source;
A power supply unit for applying a voltage to the heating unit;
A sensor unit that detects a voltage applied to the heating unit;
A storage unit for storing a heating profile that defines a time series transition of a target temperature of the heating unit over a session;
A control unit that executes the session according to the heating profile,
The control unit is
In the session, starting pre-heating before suction in response to start of heating in the heating profile, the heating unit;
Identifying a first voltage at a timing of a first voltage drop occurring at the start of the preheating and a second voltage at a timing of a second voltage drop occurring when a voltage applied to the heating unit is changed after the start of the preheating;
Calculating a difference between the first voltage and the second voltage;
and configured to determine whether the difference is greater than or equal to a predetermined threshold. The device according to claim 1, further comprising a notification unit that executes a process to notify a user when the control unit determines that the difference between the first voltage and the second voltage is equal to or greater than the predetermined threshold. The device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the notification unit executes a process for notifying the user when the suction ends. The device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the control unit determines whether the difference between the second voltage and a third voltage, which is the voltage immediately before power is supplied to the heating unit 121 before suction, is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold, instead of determining whether the difference between the first voltage and the second voltage is equal to or greater than the predetermined threshold. A method for controlling a device which is a flavor inhalation tool or an aerosol generating apparatus, comprising: a heating unit which heats a flavor source or an aerosol source; a power supply unit which applies a voltage to the heating unit; a sensor unit which detects the voltage applied to the heating unit; a storage unit which stores a heating profile which defines a time series transition of a target temperature of the heating unit over a session; and a control unit which executes the session in accordance with the heating profile,
a step of causing the control unit to start pre-heating before suction in response to start of heating in the heating profile in the session;
The control unit specifies a first voltage at a timing of a first voltage drop occurring at the start of the preheating, and a second voltage at a timing of a second voltage drop occurring when a voltage applied to the heating unit is changed after the start of the preheating;
The control unit calculates a difference between the first voltage and the second voltage;
The control unit determines whether the difference is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold;
A method comprising: a processor of a device which is a flavor inhalation tool or an aerosol generating apparatus, the processor comprising: a heating unit which heats a flavor source or an aerosol source; a power supply unit which applies a voltage to the heating unit; a sensor unit which detects the voltage applied to the heating unit; a memory unit which stores a heating profile which defines a time series transition of a target temperature of the heating unit over a session; and a control unit which executes the session in accordance with the heating profile;
In the session, starting pre-heating before suction by the heating unit in response to start of heating in the heating profile;
specifying a first voltage at a timing of a first voltage drop occurring at the start of the preheating and a second voltage at a timing of a second voltage drop occurring when a voltage applied to the heating unit is changed after the start of the preheating;
calculating a difference between the first voltage and the second voltage;
determining whether the difference is greater than or equal to a predetermined threshold;
A program that executes the following.