U.S. patent application number 17/182234 was filed with the patent office on 2021-06-10 for suction component generator, method for controlling suction component generator, and program therefor.
This patent application is currently assigned to Japan Tobacco Inc.. The applicant listed for this patent is Japan Tobacco Inc.. Invention is credited to Keiji MARUBASHI, Takuma NAKANO.
Application Number | 20210169148 17/182234 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 1000005428494 |
Filed Date | 2021-06-10 |
United States Patent
Application |
20210169148 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
NAKANO; Takuma ; et
al. |
June 10, 2021 |
SUCTION COMPONENT GENERATOR, METHOD FOR CONTROLLING SUCTION
COMPONENT GENERATOR, AND PROGRAM THEREFOR
Abstract
Provided is a suction component generator comprising: a first
suction component source for generating a first suction component;
a second suction component source for generating a second suction
component; a second electrical load that adjusts the amount of the
second suction component that is generated from the second suction
component source; and a control unit. The control unit is
configured so as to control electric power that is supplied to the
second electrical load on the basis of the value related to the
amount of first suction components that are generated from the
first suction component source.
Inventors: |
NAKANO; Takuma; (Tokyo,
JP) ; MARUBASHI; Keiji; (Tokyo, JP) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Japan Tobacco Inc. |
Tokyo |
|
JP |
|
|
Assignee: |
Japan Tobacco Inc.
Tokyo
JP
|
Family ID: |
1000005428494 |
Appl. No.: |
17/182234 |
Filed: |
February 23, 2021 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
PCT/JP2018/031413 |
Aug 24, 2018 |
|
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17182234 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A24F 40/48 20200101;
A24F 40/53 20200101; A24F 40/57 20200101 |
International
Class: |
A24F 40/57 20060101
A24F040/57; A24F 40/53 20060101 A24F040/53; A24F 40/48 20060101
A24F040/48 |
Claims
1. A suction component generator, comprising: a first suction
component source from which a first suction component is generated;
a second suction component source from which a second suction
component is generated; a second electrical load configured to
adjust an amount of the second suction component generated from the
second suction component source; and circuitry configured to
control electric power supplied to the second electrical load based
on a value related to an amount of the first suction component
generated from the first suction component source.
2. The suction component generator according to claim 1, further
comprising: a first electrical load configured to adjust the amount
of the first suction component generated from the first suction
component source, wherein the value related to the amount of the
first suction component generated from the first suction component
source is a measured value or an estimated value of the amount of
the first suction component, electric power supplied to the first
electrical load, a temperature of the first electrical load, or a
time period during which the electric power is supplied to the
first electrical load.
3. The suction component generator according to claim 1, further
comprising: a temperature sensor that monitors a temperature of a
region in which the first suction component is generated, wherein
the value related to the amount of the first suction component
generated from the first suction component source is a value
acquired by the temperature sensor.
4. The suction component generator according to claim 1, wherein
the second electrical load is a temperature controller.
5. The suction component generator according to claim 1, wherein
the circuitry is configured to control the second electrical load
to reduce a change in the amount of the second suction component
due to a change in the value related to the amount of the first
suction component.
6. The suction component generator according to claim 1, wherein
the circuitry is configured to control the second electrical load
to reduce a variation in the amount of the second suction component
due to a variation in the value related to the amount of the first
suction component.
7. The suction component generator according to claim 6, wherein a
set value of the value related to the amount of the first suction
component is configured to be variable, and the circuitry is
configured to control the second electrical load to reduce a change
in the amount of the second component when the set value is
changed.
8. The suction component generator according to claim 1, further
comprising: a flow path in which at least part of the first suction
component generated from the first suction component source passes
through the second suction component source to reach an outlet.
9. The suction component generator according to claim 8, wherein
the amount of the second suction component generated from the
second suction component source is an amount of the second suction
component generated from the second suction component source when
at least part of the first suction component generated from the
first suction component source passes through the second suction
component source.
10. The suction component generator according to claim 8, wherein
the first suction component source is an aerosol source, and the
second suction component source is a flavor source by which a
flavor component is added to aerosol.
11. The suction component generator according to claim 8, further
comprising: a first flow path that guides the first suction
component to a suction port through the second suction component
source; a second flow path that guides the first suction component
to the suction port without passing through the second suction
component source; and a flow rate adjuster configured to adjust a
ratio of a flow rate of the first flow path and a flow rate of the
second flow path.
12. The suction component generator according to claim 11, wherein
the circuitry is configured to: control the electric power supplied
to the second electrical load and the flow rate adjuster based on a
target value of the amount of the second suction component
generated from the second suction component source; and control the
flow rate adjuster without controlling the second electrical load
when it is determined that the amount of the second suction
component generated from the second suction component source can
achieve the target value by control of the flow rate adjuster.
13. The suction component generator according to claim 1, further
comprising: a flow path in which at least part of the second
suction component generated from the second suction component
source passes through the first suction component source to reach
an outlet.
14. The suction component generator according to claim 12, wherein
the second suction component source is an aerosol source, and the
first suction component source is a flavor source by which a flavor
component is added to aerosol.
15. The suction component generator according to claim 10, wherein
the second electrical load is a temperature controller, a set value
of a value related to an amount of the aerosol is configured to be
variable, the circuitry is configured to control the temperature
controller so that the smaller the amount of the aerosol generated
from the aerosol source is, the higher a temperature of the flavor
source is, and a lower limit of the set value is defined in a range
in which the flavor source is not combusted.
16. The suction component generator according to claim 1, having a
plurality of modes that are determined according to a combination
of a plurality of target values of a generation amount of the first
suction component and a plurality of target values of a generation
amount of the second suction component, and are selectable by a
user.
17. The suction component generator according to claim 1, wherein
the circuitry is configured to control the second electrical load
based on a relationship between the value related to the amount of
the first suction component generated from the first suction
component source and the value related to the amount of the second
suction component generated from the second suction component
source.
18. The suction component generator according to claim 17, further
comprising: a device configured to adjust the value of the first
suction component generated from the first suction component
source, wherein the circuitry is configured to control both of the
second electrical load and the device.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] The present application is a bypass continuation application
of International Application No. PCT/JP2018/031413, filed on Aug.
24, 2018, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by
reference.
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0002] The present invention relates to a suction component
generator that generates a suction component sucked by a user, a
method for controlling a suction component generator, and a program
therefor.
BACKGROUND ART
[0003] In place of cigarettes, electrical smoking devices such as
electronic cigarettes are known which allow a user to taste aerosol
generated by atomizing an aerosol source with an electrical load
such as a heater (PTL 1 and PTL 2).
[0004] The smoking device disclosed in PTL 1 and PTL 2 includes an
aerosol source (for example, glycerol, polypropylene glycol and the
like) for generating aerosol, and a flavor base material such as a
tobacco base material for generating a flavor.
[0005] The smoking device disclosed in PTL 1 includes an upstream
segment comprised of a tobacco filler or a processed tobacco filler
including an aerosol forming material, and a downstream segment
comprised of a base material such as fibers of polyethylene
terephthalate carrying a flavor and/or an aerosol forming material.
As disclosed in PTL 1, the aerosol having a tobacco flavor or the
like is generated when the heated air passes through the upstream
segment and the downstream segment.
[0006] The smoking device disclosed in PTL 2 is configured such
that nicotine from tobacco leaves (tobacco base material) and smoke
of the electronic cigarette from an atomizer can be taken in
simultaneously. The smoking device includes a heater that heats
leaves in the cigarette and a heater that is provided in the
atomizer. PTL 2 discloses that these heaters are controlled
separately.
CITATION LIST
Patent Literature
[0007] PTL 1: Japanese Patent No. 5247711
[0008] PTL 2: Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2017-127300
SUMMARY OF INVENTION
[0009] A first feature is a suction component generator including a
first suction component source from which a first suction component
is generated, a second suction component source from which a second
suction component is generated, a second electrical load that
adjusts an amount of the second suction component generated from
the second suction component source, and a control unit. The
control unit is configured to control electric power supplied to
the second electrical load based on a value related to an amount of
the first suction component generated from the first suction
component source.
[0010] Here, the first suction component source may include both of
an aerosol source and a flavor source. The second suction component
source may include both of the aerosol source and the flavor
source. However, when the first suction component source is one of
the aerosol source and the flavor source, it is preferable that the
second suction component source is the other of the aerosol source
and the flavor source. Furthermore, the second electrical load may
be as inclusive as possible of both of an electrical load for
atomization and an electrical load for flavor (which will be
described later).
[0011] A second feature is the suction component generator
according to the first feature further including a first electrical
load capable of adjusting the amount of the first suction component
flavor generated from the first suction component source. The value
related to the amount of the first suction component generated from
the first suction component source is a measured value or an
estimated value of the amount of the first suction component,
electric power supplied to the first electrical load, a temperature
of the first electrical load, or a time period during which the
electric power is supplied to the first electrical load.
[0012] A third feature is the suction component generator according
to the second feature, wherein the first electrical load is a
temperature controller.
[0013] A fourth feature is the suction component generator
according to the first feature further including a temperature
sensor that monitors a temperature of a region in which the first
suction component is generated. The value related to the amount of
the first suction component generated from the first suction
component source is a value acquired by the temperature sensor.
[0014] A fifth feature is the suction component generator according
to any one of the first to fourth features, wherein the second
electrical load is a temperature controller.
[0015] A sixth feature is the suction component generator according
to any one of the first to fifth features, wherein the control unit
controls the second electrical load to reduce a change in the
amount of the second suction component due to a change in the value
related to the amount of the first suction component.
[0016] A seventh feature is the suction component generator
according to any one of the first to sixth features, wherein the
control unit controls the second electrical load to reduce a
variation in the amount of the second suction component due to a
variation in the value related to the amount of the first suction
component.
[0017] An eighth feature is the suction component generator
according to the seventh feature, wherein a set value of the value
related to the amount of the first suction component is configured
to be variable, and the control unit controls the second electrical
load to reduce a change in the amount of the second suction
component when the set value is changed.
[0018] A ninth feature is the suction component generator according
to any one of the first to eighth features further including a flow
path in which at least part of the first suction component
generated from the first suction component source passes through
the second suction component source to reach an outlet.
[0019] A tenth feature is the suction component generator according
to the ninth feature, wherein the amount of the second suction
component generated from the second suction component source is an
amount of the second suction component generated from the second
suction component source when at least part of the first suction
component generated from the first suction component source passes
through the second suction component source.
[0020] An eleventh feature is the suction component generator
according to the ninth or tenth feature, wherein the first suction
component source is an aerosol source, and the second suction
component source is a flavor source by which a flavor component is
added to aerosol.
[0021] A twelfth feature is the suction component generator
according to any one of the ninth to eleventh features further
including a first flow path that guides the first suction component
to a suction port through the second suction component source, a
second flow path that guides the first suction component to the
suction port without passing through the second suction component
source, and a flow rate adjusting unit that adjusts a ratio of a
flow rate of the first flow path and a flow rate of the second flow
path.
[0022] A thirteenth feature is the suction component generator
according to the twelfth feature, wherein the control unit is
configured to control the electric power supplied to the second
electrical load and the flow rate adjusting unit based on a target
value of the amount of the second suction component generated from
the second suction component source, and the control unit controls
the flow rate adjusting unit without controlling the second
electrical load when it is determined that the amount of the second
suction component generated from the second suction component
source can achieve the target value by control of the flow rate
adjusting unit.
[0023] A fourteenth feature is the suction component generator
according to any one of the first to eighth features further
including a flow path in which at least part of the second suction
component generated from the second suction component source passes
through the first suction component source to reach an outlet.
[0024] A fifteenth feature is the suction component generator
according to the thirteenth or fourteenth feature, wherein the
second suction component source is an aerosol source, and the first
suction component source is a flavor source by which a flavor
component is added to aerosol.
[0025] A sixteenth feature is the suction component generator
according to the eleventh or fifteenth feature, wherein a set value
of the value related to the amount of the first suction component
is configured to be variable, and a variable range of the set value
is defined by values in a range in which a predetermined amount of
the flavor component is capable of being added to the aerosol.
[0026] A seventeenth feature is the suction component generator
according to the eleventh feature, wherein the second electrical
load is a temperature controller, a set value of a value related to
an amount of the aerosol is configured to be variable, the control
unit controls the temperature controller so that the smaller the
amount of the aerosol generated from the aerosol source is, the
higher a temperature of the flavor source is, and a lower limit of
the set value is defined in a range in which the flavor source is
not combusted.
[0027] An eighteenth feature is the suction component generator
according to the seventeenth feature, wherein the lower limit is
variable depending on a value related to an amount of a flavor
component generated from the flavor source.
[0028] A nineteenth feature is the suction component generator
according to the eleventh or fifteenth feature, wherein a set value
of a value related to an amount of the aerosol is configured to be
variable, and an upper limit of the set value is defined so that a
consumption rate of the aerosol source increased due to generation
of aerosol does not exceed a supply rate of the aerosol source
supplied to a portion where the aerosol source is atomized.
[0029] A twentieth feature is the suction component generator
according to any one of the first to nineteenth feature having a
plurality of modes that are determined according to a combination
of a plurality of target values of a generation amount of the first
suction component and a plurality of target values of a generation
amount of the second suction component, and are selectable by a
user.
[0030] A twenty-first feature is the suction component generator
according to any one of the first to fifth features, wherein the
control unit is configured to control the second electrical load
based on a relationship between the value related to the amount of
the first suction component generated from the first suction
component source and the value related to the amount of the second
suction component generated from the second suction component
source.
[0031] A twenty-second feature is the suction component generator
according to the twenty-first feature further including an
adjusting unit that adjusts the value of the first suction
component generated from the first suction component source. The
control unit is configured to control both of the second electrical
load and the adjusting unit.
[0032] A twenty-third feature is the suction component generator
according to the twenty-second feature further including a flow
path in which at least part of the first suction component
generated from the first suction component source passes through
the second suction component source to reach an outlet. The first
suction component source is an aerosol source, and the second
suction component source is a flavor source by which a flavor
component is added to aerosol. The control unit is configured to
control the adjusting unit preferentially before controlling the
second electrical load to achieve a predetermined amount of aerosol
and a predetermined amount of a flavor.
[0033] A twenty-fourth feature is the suction component generator
according to any one of the twenty-first to twenty-third features,
wherein the relationship is defined by a predetermined function or
a predetermined reference table correlating the value related to
the amount of the first suction component with the value related to
the amount of the second suction component generated from the
second suction component source.
[0034] A twenty-fifth feature is the suction component generator
according to any one of the twenty-first to twenty-fourth features,
wherein the relationship varies depending on at least one of a type
of the first suction component source and a type of the second
suction component source.
[0035] A twenty-sixth feature is a method for controlling a suction
component generator that includes a first suction component source
from which a first suction component is generated, a second suction
component source from which a second suction component is
generated, and a second electrical load that adjusts an amount of
the second suction component generated from the second suction
component source, the method including controlling electric power
supplied to the second electrical load based on a value related to
an amount of the first suction component generated from the first
suction component source.
[0036] A twenty-seventh feature is a program for causing a suction
component generator to execute the method according to the
twenty-sixth feature.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
[0037] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a suction component
generator according to one embodiment.
[0038] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of an atomization unit
according to one embodiment.
[0039] FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of a
configuration of a suction sensor according to one embodiment.
[0040] FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of a
flow rate adjusting unit according to one embodiment.
[0041] FIG. 5 is a block diagram of a suction component
generator.
[0042] FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating control in the suction
component generator according to one embodiment.
[0043] FIG. 7 is a graph showing an example of a combination of a
target value of a flavor component and a target value of an amount
of aerosol.
[0044] FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating another example of
control in the suction component generator according to one
embodiment.
[0045] FIG. 9 is a graph showing an example of a relationship
between the target value of the flavor component and the target
value of the amount of the aerosol.
[0046] FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating another example of
control in the suction component generator according to one
embodiment.
DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS
[0047] Embodiments will be described below. Note that the same or
similar parts are denoted with the same or similar reference signs
in the description of the drawings below. It should be noted that
the drawings are schematic and each ratio in dimension may be
different from an actual ratio.
[0048] Therefore, for example, specific dimensions should be
determined in consideration of the following description. Needless
to say, the drawings may include parts which are different, in
terms of the relation or ratio in dimension, from each other.
[0049] [Overview of Disclosure]
[0050] A smoking device disclosed in PTL 1 generates aerosol having
a tobacco flavor or the like. However, since an amount of a tobacco
flavor with respect to an amount of the aerosol is determined
according to the design of the device, it is difficult to change
the amount of the aerosol and the amount of the tobacco flavor
independently of each other.
[0051] PTL 2 discloses that a heater that heats leaves in a
cigarette and a heater that is provided in an atomizer are
controlled separately. However, in PTL 2, there is little specific
description as to how these heaters are controlled.
[0052] According to one embodiment, a suction component generator
includes a first suction component source from which a first
suction component is generated, a second suction component source
from which a second suction component is generated, an electrical
load with which the second suction component is generated from the
second suction component source, and a control unit. The control
unit is configured to control electric power supplied to the
electrical load based on a value related to an amount of the first
suction component generated from the first suction component
source.
[0053] According to one embodiment, a method for controlling a
suction component generator is a method for controlling a suction
component generator that includes a first suction component source
from which a first suction component is generated, a second suction
component source from which a second suction component is
generated, and a second electrical load with which the second
suction component is generated from the second suction component
source, the method including controlling electric power supplied to
the second electrical load based on a value related to an amount of
the first suction component generated from the first suction
component source.
[0054] A program according to one embodiment causes a suction
component generator to execute the above-described method.
[0055] According to the above-described embodiment, the electric
power supplied to the second electrical load is controlled based on
the value related to the amount of the first suction component
generated from the first suction component source, so that an
amount of the second suction component generated from the second
suction component source is adjusted. In this way, the amount of
the second suction component included in the first suction
component is made variable appropriately depending on the amount of
the first suction component. In particular, when the amount of the
first suction component affects the amount of the second suction
component generated from the second suction component source, the
electric power supplied to the second electrical load is controlled
based on the value related to the amount of the first suction
component generated from the first suction component source,
whereby the amount of the second suction component can be adjusted
appropriately.
[0056] Accordingly, for example, an amount of a flavor component
(the second suction component) in aerosol (the first suction
component) can be adjusted appropriately based on a value related
to an amount of the aerosol. As a specific example, the amount of
the aerosol can also increase or decrease, while the amount of the
flavor component is maintained to be constant. In this case, for
example, a user can taste desired flavor by maintaining the amount
of the flavor component in the aerosol to be constant while
reducing the amount of the aerosol in consideration of surrounding
people.
[0057] Note that in the smoking device disclosed in PTL 2, nicotine
is generated from tobacco leaves (a tobacco base material), and
smoke of an electronic cigarette generated by an atomizer is added
to air including the nicotine. That is, the smoke of the electronic
cigarette is generated on the downstream side of the generation of
the nicotine. In this case, the amount of the smoke (aerosol) of
the electronic cigarette depends on only output of a heater in the
atomization unit, and the amount of the tobacco flavor component
depends on only output of a heater for tobacco. Accordingly, it
should be noted that PTL 2 does not disclose the technical idea of
adjusting the output of the heater for tobacco based on the amount
of the smoke of the electronic cigarette or adjusting the output of
the heater in the atomization unit based on the amount of the
tobacco flavor component.
[0058] (Suction Component Generator)
[0059] Hereinafter, a suction component generator according to one
embodiment will be described. FIG. 1 is an exploded view
illustrating a suction component generator according to one
embodiment. FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of an atomization unit
according to one embodiment. FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram
illustrating an example of a configuration of a suction sensor
according to one embodiment. FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram
illustrating an example of a flow rate adjusting unit according to
one embodiment. FIG. 5 is a block diagram of a suction component
generator.
[0060] A suction component generator 100 may be a non-combustion
type flavor inhaler for sucking a flavor without combustion. The
suction component generator 100 may be preferably a portable flavor
inhaler. The suction component generator 100 may have a shape
extending along a predetermined direction A that is a direction
toward a suction port end E1 from a non-suction port end E2. In
this case, the suction component generator 100 may include one end
E1 having a suction port 141 through which a user sucks a flavor
and the other end E2 on a side opposite to the suction port
141.
[0061] The suction component generator 100 may include a power
source unit 110 and an atomization unit 120. The atomization unit
120 may be configured to be attachable to and detachable from the
power source unit 110 via mechanical connection portions 111, 121.
When the atomization unit 120 and the power source unit 110 are
mechanically connected to each other, an electrical load 122R for
atomization and an electrical load 124R for flavor (which will be
described later) in the atomization unit 120 are electrically
connected to a power source 10 provided in the power source unit
110.
[0062] The atomization unit 120 includes an aerosol source (a
suction component source) to be sucked by a user, and the
electrical load 122R for atomization that atomizes the aerosol
source upon receipt of electric power from the power source 10.
[0063] The electrical load 122R for atomization is an element
capable of adjusting an amount of aerosol (an amount of a suction
component) generated from the aerosol source in response to the
electric power supplied thereto. For example, the electrical load
122R for atomization may be a temperature controller 122 for
atomization. As an example, the electrical load 122R for
atomization forming the temperature controller 122 for atomization
may be a resistance heating element.
[0064] Hereinafter, a more detailed example of the atomization unit
120 will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 and 2. The
atomization unit 120 may include a reservoir 122P, a wick 122Q, and
the electrical load 122R for atomization. The reservoir 122P may be
configured to reserve a liquid aerosol source. The reservoir 122P
may be, for example, a porous body made of a material such as a
resin web. The wick 122Q may be a liquid retaining member that
transports the aerosol source to the vicinity of the electrical
load 122R for atomization from the reservoir 122P using a capillary
phenomenon. The wick 122Q can be made of, for example, glass fiber
or porous ceramic.
[0065] The electrical load 122R for atomization heats the aerosol
source retained in the wick 122Q. The electrical load 122R for
atomization is formed by, for example, a resistance heating element
(for example, a heating wire) wound around the wick 122Q.
[0066] The electrical load 122R for atomization may be, for
example, the temperature controller 122 such as an electric heater.
Alternatively, the electrical load 122R for atomization may be a
temperature controller having a function of heating and cooling the
aerosol source retained in the wick 122Q.
[0067] Air having flowed from an inlet 125 through a flow path 127
passes near the electrical load 122R for atomization in the
atomization unit 120. The aerosol generated at the electrical load
122R for atomization flows toward the suction port 141 together
with the air.
[0068] The aerosol source may be a liquid at normal temperature.
Examples of the aerosol source to be used can include polyhydric
alcohols. The aerosol source may include a tobacco raw material or
an extract derived from the tobacco raw material, which releases a
smoking flavor component when it is heated.
[0069] The liquid aerosol source at normal temperature is described
in detail as an example in the embodiment described above, but a
solid aerosol source at normal temperature can be used
alternatively. In this case, the electrical load 122R for
atomization may be in contact with or close to the solid aerosol
source to generate the aerosol from the solid aerosol source.
[0070] The atomization unit 120 may include a flavor unit 130
configured to be replaceable. The flavor unit 130 may include a
cylindrical body 131 that accommodates the flavor source (suction
component source). The cylindrical body 131 may include a membrane
member 133 and a filter 132 through which air or aerosol can pass.
The flavor source may be provided in a space formed by the membrane
member 133 and the filter 132.
[0071] The suction component generator 100 includes flow paths 127
and 128 in which at least part of the aerosol generated from the
aerosol source passes through the flavor source to reach an outlet.
In this way, the flavor source in the flavor unit 130 adds the
flavor component to the aerosol generated with the electrical load
122R for atomization in the atomization unit 120. The flavor
component added to the aerosol by the flavor source is carried to
the suction port 141 of the suction component generator 100.
[0072] The flavor source in the flavor unit 130 may be solid at
normal temperature. As an example, the flavor source includes a raw
material piece of a plant material that adds the smoking flavor
component to the aerosol. As the raw material piece included in the
flavor source, a compact obtained by forming the tobacco material
such as shredded tobacco or a tobacco raw material into a grain
shape can be used. Alternatively, the flavor source may be a
compact obtained by forming the tobacco material into a sheet
shape. In addition, the raw material piece included in the flavor
source may be formed by plants (for example, mint and herb) other
than tobacco. The flavor source may be added with a flavoring agent
such as menthol.
[0073] The flavor source may be accommodated in the space formed by
the membrane member 133 and the filter 132 to be freely flowable.
In this case, the flavor source flows in the flavor unit 130 during
use, and is less unevenly distributed to contact the electrical
load 124R for flavor, thereby enabling stable release of the flavor
component.
[0074] Alternatively, the flavor source may be substantially fixed
in the space formed by the membrane member 133 and the filter 132.
In this case, the heat can be effectively transferred from the
electrical load 124R for flavor to the flavor source.
[0075] The electrical load 124R for flavor provided in the
atomization unit 120 may be positioned around the cylindrical body
131 of the flavor unit 130 attached to the atomization unit 120.
The electrical load 124R for flavor may be configured to be capable
of adjusting the amount of the flavor (suction component) generated
from the flavor source. The electrical load 124R for flavor may be
an element capable of adjusting the amount of the flavor generated
from the flavor source in response to the electric power supplied
thereto. For example, the electrical load 124R for flavor may be a
temperature controller 124 that can adjust the temperature of the
flavor source. The temperature controller 124 may include a
resistance heating element. Alternatively, the temperature
controller 124 may be, for example, a cooling element such as a
Peltier element. In addition, the temperature controller 124 may be
an element that can perform both heating and cooling.
[0076] A heat insulating material 126 may be provided outside of
the electrical load 124R for flavor. This can prevent excessive
increase in the temperature difference between a temperature of an
outer edge of the suction component generator 100 and an outdoor
temperature. That is, the outer edge of the suction component
generator 100 can be prevented from becoming too cold or too hot.
In addition, the heat insulating material 126 can also reduce the
heat transfer loss from the electrical load 124R for flavor, which
enables the temperature to be adjusted in an energy-saving
manner.
[0077] The suction component generator 100 may include a mouthpiece
having the suction port through which a user sucks a suction
component. The mouthpiece may be configured to be attachable to and
detachable from the atomization unit 120 or the flavor unit 130, or
may be configured integrally with them.
[0078] The suction component generator 100, specifically, the
atomization unit 120 may include a first flow path 128 that guides
the aerosol to the suction port 141 through the flavor source, and
a second flow path 129 that guides the aerosol to the suction port
141 without passing through the flavor source. The aerosol flowing
through the second flow path 129 reaches the suction port 141
without addition of the flavor from the flavor source. In this
case, the atomization unit 120 may include a flow rate adjusting
unit 730 that adjusts a ratio of a flow rate of the first flow path
128 and a flow rate of the second flow path 129. The flow rate
adjusting unit 730 is provided between the atomization unit 120 and
the flavor unit 130, i.e., near a boundary between the atomization
unit 120 and the flavor unit 130. This enables the amount of the
aerosol passing through the flavor source to be adjusted regardless
of the amount of the aerosol generated in the atomization unit 120,
whereby the ratio of the aerosol and the flavor component that are
included in gas reaching the suction port 141 can be controlled
with regarding the case where the whole amount of the aerosol
generated in the atomization unit 120 passes through the flavor
source as the maximum limit.
[0079] FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of the
flow rate adjusting unit 730 according to one embodiment. The flow
rate adjusting unit 730 may include two columnar members 731A and
731B that are arranged coaxially with each other. The first
columnar member 731A and the second columnar member 731B may be
configured to be individually rotatable about a rotational axis C.
The first columnar member 731A and the second columnar member 731B
may have a through hole 760A and a through hole 760B formed at the
rotational axis, respectively. In this way, at least part of the
aerosol generated in the atomization unit 120 flows into the first
flow path 128 in the flavor unit 130 through the through hole 760A
and the through hole 760B in the flow rate adjusting unit 730.
[0080] The first columnar member 731A and the second columnar
member 731B may have another through holes 760A and 760B formed
about the rotational axis to pass therethrough in a predetermined
direction A, respectively. An area where these holes 760A and 760B
overlap with each other varies depending on the relative positional
relationship between the first columnar member 731A and the second
columnar member 731B in a rotational direction. That is, the
aerosol generated in the atomization unit 120 flows into the second
flow path 129 outside the flavor unit 130 according to the relative
positional relationship between the first columnar member 731A and
the second columnar member 731B in the rotational direction. In
this way, the flow rate adjusting unit 730 can adjust the ratio of
the flow rate of the first flow path 128 and the flow rate of the
second flow path 129.
[0081] The power source unit 110 may include the power source 10
and a control unit 50. The control unit 50 may include a memory 52
that stores information required to perform various controls
required for the operation of the suction component generator 100.
The control unit 50 may include, as necessary, a notification unit
that issues notification for notifying a user of various kinds of
information. The notification unit may be, for example, a light
emitting element that generates light like an LED, an element that
generates sound, or a vibrator that generates vibration.
Alternatively, the notification unit may be configured by combining
the elements each generating light, sound, or vibration.
[0082] The power source 10 stores electric power required for the
operation of the suction component generator 100. The power source
10 may be attachable to and detachable from the power source unit
110. The power source 10 may be, for example, a rechargeable
battery such as a lithium-ion secondary battery.
[0083] The control unit 50 may perform various controls required
for the operation of the suction component generator 100. For
example, the control unit 50 may control the electric power
supplied to the electrical load 122R for atomization and the
electrical load 124R for flavor from the power source 10. In
addition, the control unit 50 may operate the above-described flow
rate adjusting unit 730 automatically and electrically. For
example, in the embodiment in which the flow rate adjusting unit
730 is configured as illustrated in FIG. 4, the control unit 50
causes at least one of the first columnar member 731A and the
second columnar member 731B to rotate about the rotational axis
C.
[0084] The control unit 50 may include a suction detection unit
that detects a suction request operation by a user. The suction
detection unit may be, for example, a suction sensor 20 that
detects a suction action of the user. Alternatively, the suction
detection unit may be, for example, a push button pressed by the
user.
[0085] When the suction detection unit detects the suction request
operation, the control unit 50 generates a command for operating
the electrical load 122R for atomization and/or the electrical load
124R for flavor. The control unit 50 is configured to make electric
power variable depending on a mode specified by a user or an
environment, the electric power being supplied to the electrical
load 122R for atomization and the electrical load 124R for
flavor.
[0086] The control unit 50 preferably supplies the electric power
in the form of a power pulse to the electrical load 122R for
atomization and/or the electrical load 124R for flavor. In this
way, the control unit 50 can control the electric power supplied to
the electrical load 122R for atomization and/or the electrical load
124R for flavor by adjusting a duty ratio of pulse width modulation
(PWM) or pulse frequency modulation (PFM).
[0087] When the electric power is supplied to the electrical load
122R for atomization, the temperature of the temperature controller
122 for atomization rises, and the aerosol source is vaporized or
atomized to thereby generate the aerosol. When the electric power
is supplied to the electrical load 124R for flavor, the temperature
of the temperature controller 124 for flavor changes, and the
amount of the flavor component released from the flavor source
changes in response to the temperature change.
[0088] The suction component generator 100 may include, as
necessary, a temperature sensor 150 that can estimate or acquire
the temperature of the aerosol source or the temperature controller
122 for atomization, and a temperature sensor 160 that can estimate
or acquire the temperature of the flavor source or the temperature
controller 124 for flavor.
[0089] The suction sensor 20 may be configured to output an output
value that varies depending on suction from the suction port.
Specifically, the suction sensor 20 may be a sensor that outputs a
value (for example, a voltage value or a current value) that
changes according to the flow rate of air (i.e., a user's puff
action) sucked from the non-suction port side toward the suction
port side. Examples of such a sensor include, for example, a
condenser microphone sensor, and a known flow rate sensor.
[0090] FIG. 3 illustrates a specific example of the suction sensor
20. The suction sensor 20 illustrated in FIG. 3 includes a sensor
body 21, a cover 22, and a substrate 23. The sensor body 21 is
comprised of, for example, a capacitor. An electric capacity of the
sensor body 21 changes due to vibration (pressure) generated by air
sucked from an inlet 125 (i.e., air sucked from the non-suction
port side toward the suction port side). The cover 22 is provided
on the suction port side with respect to the sensor body 21, and
has an opening 40. Providing the cover 22 having the opening 40
allows the electric capacity of the sensor body 21 to be changed
easily, and improves the response characteristic of the sensor body
21. The substrate 23 outputs a value (here, a voltage value)
indicating the electric capacity of the sensor body 21
(capacitor).
[0091] The suction component generator 100 may include an input
unit 200 and a display unit 210. The input unit 200 may be
configured to input various commands from the user. The input unit
200 may be, for example, a touch-panel type screen or a push button
for operation. The display unit 210 may be a screen for displaying
various kinds of information to a user.
[0092] The input unit 200 may be used to select a mode (which will
be described later), for example. In addition, the input unit 200
may be used to set a target value of the aerosol to be generated
and/or a target value of a flavor component to be generated. It is
only required that the control unit 50 adjusts an amount of the
electric power supplied to the electrical load 122R for atomization
and/or the electrical load 124R for flavor based on these target
values.
[0093] (Control 1 of Electrical Load)
[0094] FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating an example of control in
the suction component generator according to one embodiment. In the
present embodiment, a user sets a target value of the amount of the
aerosol before starting the suction action (step S301). A target
value A of the amount of the aerosol may be selected among a
plurality of options (modes), or may be set by a specific numeral
value. The control unit 50 determines the electric power or the
amount of the electric power supplied to the temperature controller
122 for atomization based on the target value A of the amount of
the aerosol (step S302).
[0095] Note that in step S301, the target value of the amount of
the aerosol is set. Alternatively, a value related to the amount of
the aerosol may be set. The value related to the amount of the
aerosol may be, for example, a temperature of the temperature
controller 122 for atomization, electric power supplied to the
temperature controller 122 for atomization, or a time period during
which the electric power is supplied to the temperature controller
122 for atomization.
[0096] The user sets a target value Y of the flavor component (step
S303). Then, the control unit 50 determines a target temperature of
the temperature controller 124 for flavor (step S304). More
specifically, it is only required that the control unit 50
determines the electric power supplied to the temperature
controller 124 for flavor, i.e., the target temperature of the
temperature controller 124 for flavor based on the target value A
of the amount of the aerosol and the target value Y of the flavor
component.
[0097] Note that in step S303, the target value of the amount of
the flavor component is set. Alternatively, a value related to the
amount of the flavor component may be set. The value related to the
amount of the flavor component may be, for example, a temperature
of the temperature controller 124 for flavor, electric power
supplied to the temperature controller 124 for flavor, a time
period during which the electric power is supplied to the
temperature controller 124 for flavor, or an amount of the aerosol
adjusted by the flow rate adjusting unit 730 to pass through the
flavor source, specifically, an opening degree of the second flow
path 129 adjusted by the flow rate adjusting unit 730.
[0098] The amount of the flavor component generated in the aerosol
may vary depending on the amount of the aerosol passing through the
flavor source and the temperature of the flavor source. For
example, as the amount of the aerosol passing through the flavor
source increases, the amount of the flavor component generated in
the aerosol increases. In addition, as the temperature of the
flavor source rises, the amount of the flavor component generated
in the aerosol increases. Accordingly, the control unit 50
determines the electric power supplied to the temperature
controller 124 for flavor (the second electrical load) based on the
target value of the amount of the aerosol (the amount of the first
suction component). In this way, the control unit 50 can control
the amount of the flavor component included in the amount of the
aerosol independently of the amount of the aerosol.
[0099] Upon detection of the start of a suction cycle after
determining the electric power supplied to the temperature
controller 122 for atomization and the electric power supplied to
the temperature controller 124 for flavor, the control unit 50
estimates or measures the temperature of the flavor source or the
temperature controller 124 for flavor (steps S305 and S306). The
suction cycle can be detected when the push button is pressed by
the user, for example. Note that the suction cycle is a cycle that
is performed in a state where the temperature controller 122 for
atomization and/or the temperature controller 124 for flavor can be
operated by a user's suction action and may include one or a
plurality of times of user's suction actions. In addition, the
suction action means a user's operation such as pressing the push
button or sucking from the suction port.
[0100] The temperature of the flavor source or the temperature
controller 124 for flavor can be estimated or measured by the
temperature sensor 160. Alternatively, when the temperature
controller 124 for flavor is a heater including a resistance
heating element, the control unit 50 can estimate the temperature
of the resistance heating element by estimating an electric
resistance value from an amount of voltage drop in the resistance
heating element. Note that the amount of the voltage drop in the
resistance heating element can be measured by a known voltage
sensor.
[0101] The control unit 50 determines whether the temperature of
the flavor source or the temperature controller 124 for flavor is
away from the target temperature T.sub.target by more than a
predetermined value .DELTA. (step S307). When the temperature of
the flavor source or the temperature controller 124 for flavor is
away from the target temperature T.sub.target by more than a
predetermined value .DELTA., the control unit 50 supplies the
electric power to the temperature controller 124 for flavor, and
controls to maintain the temperature of the flavor source or the
temperature controller 124 for flavor near the target temperature
(step S308). The predetermined value .DELTA. is an allowable value
of an error in the temperature and is set in a range of not less
than several .degree. C. and less than 10.degree. C., for
example.
[0102] When a difference between the temperature of the flavor
source or the temperature controller 124 for flavor and the target
temperature T.sub.target is equal to or less than the predetermined
value .DELTA., it is not necessary to supply the electric power to
the temperature controller 124 for flavor. This enables power
saving of the suction component generator.
[0103] The control unit 50 monitors the presence or absence of the
user's suction action after determining the electric power supplied
to the temperature controller 122 for atomization and the electric
power supplied to the temperature controller 124 for flavor (step
S309). The user's suction action can be detected by, for example,
the above-described suction sensor 20.
[0104] When the user's suction action is detected, the control unit
50 supplies the electric power to the electrical load 122R for
atomization (the adjusting unit) and heats the temperature
controller 122 for atomization (step S310). In this way, the
aerosol is generated from the atomization unit. When the aerosol
generated in the atomization unit passes through the flavor source,
the flavor is added to the aerosol. Thus, the user sucks the
aerosol with the flavor added.
[0105] Upon detection of the completion of the suction action (step
S311), the control unit 50 stops the supply of the electric power
to the electrical load 122R for atomization (step S312). Here, the
completion of the suction action can be detected by the suction
sensor 20. Note that even when the user's suction action has been
completed, the control unit 50 may continue the supply of the
electric power to the temperature controller 124 for flavor so that
the temperature of the flavor source is maintained at the target
temperature until the suction cycle is completed.
[0106] Furthermore, the control unit 50 may stop the supply of the
electric power to the electrical load 122R for atomization even at
a timing other than when the completion of the suction action is
detected. For example, the control unit 50 may stop the supply of
the electric power to the electrical load 122R for atomization when
the user continues the suction action for a very long time period
or when the abnormality of the electrical load 122R for atomization
or the power source 10 is detected.
[0107] Upon detection of the completion of the suction action (step
S313), it is only required that the control unit 50 stops the
supply of the electric power to the electrical load 124R for flavor
(step S314). The control unit 50 may determine that the suction
cycle is completed when a predetermined push button is pressed by
the user or when a predetermined time period has elapsed since the
completion of the previous suction action, for example.
Alternatively, the control unit 50 may determine that the suction
cycle is completed when the suction action has been detected a
predetermined number of times during one suction cycle or when a
predetermined time period has elapsed since the start of the
suction cycle.
[0108] In the above-described control flow, the timings when the
supply of the electric power to the electrical load 122R for
atomization is started and completed and the timings when the
supply of the electric power to the electrical load 124R for flavor
is started and completed are different from one another.
Alternatively, the start timings of the supply of the electric
power to the electrical load 122R for atomization and the
electrical load 124R for flavor may be the same as each other
and/or the completion timings of the supply of the electric power
to the electrical load 122R for atomization and the electrical load
124R for flavor may be the same as each other.
[0109] In step S304 described above, the control unit 50 determines
the electric power supplied to the temperature controller 124 for
flavor (the second electrical load) based on the target value of
the amount of the aerosol (the amount of the first suction
component). However, this is not limitation, and the control unit
50 may be configured to control the electric power supplied to the
electrical load 124R for flavor based on the value related to the
amount of the aerosol generated from the aerosol source.
[0110] The value related to the amount of the aerosol generated
from the aerosol source may be a measured value or an estimated
value of the amount of the aerosol, electric power supplied to the
electrical load 122R for atomization, a temperature of the
electrical load 122R for atomization, a time period during which
the electric power is supplied to the electrical load 122R for
atomization, or an amount of the electric power supplied to the
electrical load 122R for atomization. In addition, the value
related to the amount of the aerosol generated from the aerosol
source may be a value acquired by the temperature sensor that
monitors a temperature of a region in which the aerosol is
generated. Furthermore, the value related to the amount of the
aerosol may be an amount itself of the aerosol. Even in these
cases, the amount of the flavor component included in the amount of
the aerosol can be controlled independently of the amount of the
aerosol.
[0111] According to the control flow illustrated in FIG. 6, the
control unit 50 is configured to control the temperature controller
124 for flavor based on a relationship between the value related to
the amount of the aerosol generated from the aerosol source and the
value related to the amount of the flavor component generated from
the flavor source.
[0112] The relationship may be defined by a reference table
correlating the value related to the amount of the aerosol with the
value related to the amount of the flavor component generated from
the flavor source. That is, in the case where the user sets the
value related to the amount of the aerosol generated from the
aerosol source and the value related to the amount of the flavor
component generated from the flavor source, it is only required
that the control unit 50 determines the electric power supplied to
the electrical load 122R for atomization and the electrical load
124R for flavor with reference to the reference table stored in the
memory 52. That is, in the case where the user sets the value
related to the amount of the aerosol generated from the aerosol
source and the value related to the amount of the flavor component
generated from the flavor source, it is only required that the
control unit 50 determines the electric power supplied to the
electrical load 122R for atomization and the electrical load 124R
for flavor based on the reference table stored in the memory
52.
[0113] Alternatively, the relationship may be defined by a
predetermined function correlating the value related to the amount
of the aerosol with the value related to the amount of the flavor
component generated from the flavor source. That is, in the case
where the user sets the value related to the amount of the aerosol
generated from the aerosol source and the value related to the
amount of the flavor component generated from the flavor source, it
is only required that the control unit 50 calculates the electric
power supplied to the electrical load 122R for atomization and the
electrical load 124R for flavor based on the predetermined function
stored in the memory 52. The predetermined function can be
determined by, for example, experiment which has been performed in
advance. Using the predetermined function, the electric power
supplied to the electrical load 122R for atomization and the
electrical load 124R for flavor can be continuously determined
according to any combination of the value related to the amount of
the aerosol generated from the aerosol source and the value related
to the amount of the flavor component generated from the flavor
source.
[0114] The above-described relationship may vary depending on at
least one of the types of the aerosol source and the type of the
flavor source. Here, the type of the aerosol source and the type of
the flavor source may be determined by a difference in composition
between the aerosol and the flavor source. This is because the
relationship between the value related to the amount of the aerosol
generated from the aerosol source and the value related to the
amount of the flavor component generated from the flavor source may
vary depending on the difference in composition between the aerosol
source and the flavor source.
[0115] According to the above-described embodiment, the user sets
both of the target value of the amount of the aerosol and the
target value of the flavor component. In this case, it is
preferable that the set value of the amount of the aerosol and/or
the set value of the flavor component have a desired upper limit
and/or lower limit.
[0116] For example, it is preferable that variable ranges of the
set value of the amount of the aerosol and/or the set value of the
amount of the flavor component are defined by values in a range in
which a predetermined amount of the flavor component can be added
to the aerosol. In this way, the flavor component having an amount
in a predetermined range can be added to the aerosol regardless of
the amount of the aerosol. Accordingly, the user can suck the
desired flavor regardless of the amount of the aerosol.
[0117] It is preferable that the upper limit of the set value of
the value related to the amount of the flavor component is less
than a combustion temperature of the flavor source. This can
prevent the flavor source to be heated to a temperature equal to or
higher than the combustion temperature of the flavor source.
Specifically, when the tobacco raw material is used as the flavor
source, the upper limit of the set value of the value related to
the amount of the flavor component may be defined by a value
corresponding to the temperature of the temperature controller 124
for flavor which is 200.degree. C., preferably 150.degree. C.
[0118] It is preferable that the upper limit of the set value of
the value related to the amount of the flavor component is a value
corresponding to the boiling point of the aerosol source or lower.
In this way, the temperature of the flavor source is maintained to
be equal to or lower than the boiling point of the aerosol source.
This can prevent reduction in the amount of the aerosol caused by
re-evaporation and diffusion of the aerosol passing through the
flavor source. Note that the upper limit of the set value of the
value related to the amount of the flavor component may be variable
depending on the set value of the value related to the amount of
the aerosol as shown in FIG. 7.
[0119] When the aerosol source includes a plurality of aerosol
precursors, e.g., glycerol and polypropylene glycol, the "boiling
point of the aerosol source" may be defined by a boiling point of a
component having the largest weight percent included in the aerosol
source. Alternatively, the "boiling point of the aerosol source"
may be defined by a boiling point of a component having the lowest
boiling point among single components in the plurality of aerosol
precursors. For example, when the aerosol source includes glycerol
and polypropylene glycol, the boiling point of the aerosol source
may be defined to be about 190.degree. C. which is the boiling
point of polypropylene glycol. In addition, when the content of
glycerol is more than that of polypropylene glycol, the boiling
point of the aerosol source may be defined to be about 250.degree.
C. which is the boiling point of glycerol.
[0120] From the viewpoint of preventing reduction in the amount of
the aerosol caused by re-evaporation and diffusion of the aerosol,
it is preferable that the temperature of the flavor source is
maintained to equal to or lower than about 250.degree. C., about
190.degree. C. or about 100.degree. C. (the boiling point of
water). Accordingly, when it is determined that the temperature of
the flavor source is not maintained to be the upper limit
temperature, the temperature being determined according to the set
values of the amount of the aerosol and/or the amount of flavor
component, the control unit 50 causes the display unit 210 to
display an error, to prompt the user to change these set
values.
[0121] The lower limit of the set value of the value related to the
amount of the flavor component may be, for example, a value
corresponding to -10.degree. C. or higher, preferably 0.degree. C.
or higher, and more preferably 10.degree. C. or higher. This can
prevent the aerosol passing through the flavor source from
condensing in the air flow path, and can prevent reduction in the
amount of the aerosol that reaches the suction port. Note that the
lower limit of the set value of the value related to the amount of
the flavor component may be variable depending on the set value of
the value related to the amount of the aerosol as shown in FIG.
7.
[0122] It is preferable that the upper limit of the set value of
the value related to the amount of the aerosol is defined so that a
consumption rate of the aerosol source increased due to the
generation of the aerosol does not exceed a supply rate of the
aerosol source supplied to a portion where the aerosol source is
atomized. In the embodiment in which the temperature controller 124
for flavor is controlled so that the smaller the amount of the
aerosol generated from the aerosol source is, the higher the
temperature of the flavor source is, it is preferable that the
lower limit of the set value of the value related to the amount of
the aerosol is defined in a range in which the flavor source is not
combusted. The upper limit and/or lower limit of the value related
to the amount of the aerosol may be variable depending on the value
related to the amount of the flavor component generated from the
flavor source (also see FIG. 7).
[0123] FIG. 7 is a graph showing an example of a combination of the
target value of the flavor component and the target value of the
amount of the aerosol. A boundary line between a region R2 and a
region R3 is a line indicating values that an amount Y of the
flavor component and an amount A of the aerosol can take when the
output of the temperature controller 122 for atomization is changed
without operating the temperature controller 124 for flavor at a
certain ambient temperature. Accordingly, in the case where the
user sets the amount Y of the flavor component and the amount A of
the aerosol as indicated by a point P2, it is only required that
the control unit 50 operates the temperature controller 122 for
atomization without operating the temperature controller 124 for
flavor.
[0124] Note that in addition to the case where the user sets the
amount Y of the flavor component and the amount A of the aerosol
corresponding to a point on the boundary line between the region R2
and the region R3 as shown in FIG. 7, it is only required that the
control unit 50 operates the temperature controller 122 for
atomization without operating the temperature controller 124 for
flavor even when the user sets the amount Y of the flavor component
and the amount A of the aerosol corresponding to the inside of a
belt-like line having a predetermined width from the boundary line.
It should be noted that a width of the belt-like line (a width in
the vertical axis direction in FIG. 7) in which the temperature
controller 124 for flavor is not required to be operated is related
to the double (24) of the predetermined value .DELTA. in step S307
of the control flow illustrated in FIG. 6.
[0125] The region R2 is a region in which the amount of the flavor
component included in the aerosol is greater than the case where
the temperature controller 124 for flavor is not operated.
Accordingly, in the case where the user sets the amount Y of the
flavor component and the amount A of the aerosol as indicated by a
point P3, it is only required that the control unit 50 operates
both of the temperature controller 122 for atomization and the
temperature controller 124 for flavor.
[0126] A boundary line between the region R2 and a region R1
indicates the upper limit of the amount of the aerosol and the
upper limit of the amount of the flavor component. The upper limit
of the amount of the flavor component may be set as described
above. In this case, when the user sets the amount Y of the flavor
component and the amount A of the aerosol as indicated by a point
P4, the control unit 50 can cause the display unit 210 to display
an error to thereby prompt the user to change the set values.
[0127] The region R3 is a region in which the amount of the flavor
component included in the aerosol is smaller than the case where
the temperature controller 124 for flavor is not operated. In this
case, the control unit 50 causes the above-described flow rate
adjusting unit 730 to be operated, whereby the desired amount Y of
the flavor component and the desired amount A of the aerosol which
are included in the region R3 can be achieved. For example, when
the flow rate adjusting unit 730 causes a part of the aerosol
generated in the atomization unit 120 to pass through the second
flow path 129, the amount of the flavor component in the aerosol
can be reduced. In this way, the control unit 50 may be configured
not only to control the electric power supplied to the temperature
controller 124 for flavor based on the target value of the amount
of the flavor component generated from the flavor source but also
to control the flow rate adjusting unit 730 based on the target
value. More specifically, the control unit 50 may control both of
the electric power supplied to the temperature controller 124 for
flavor and the flow rate adjusting unit 730 to generate the desired
amount of the flavor component and the desired amount of the
aerosol.
[0128] When it is determined that the amount of the flavor
component generated from the flavor source can achieve the target
value by control of the flow rate adjusting unit 730, the control
unit 50 may control the flow rate adjusting unit 730 without
controlling the temperature controller 124 for flavor. The control
of the flow rate adjusting unit 730 has smaller power consumption
than the control of the temperature controller 124 for flavor.
Accordingly, it is preferable that the amount of the flavor
component is adjusted by the flow rate adjusting unit 730
preferentially before the temperature controller 124 for flavor is
driven.
[0129] In the case where the user sets the amount Y of the flavor
component and the amount A of the aerosol as indicated by a point
P1 in FIG. 7, it is only required that the control unit 50 operates
the temperature controller 122 for atomization while reducing the
amount of the aerosol passing through the first flow path 128 using
the flow rate adjusting unit 730. Alternatively, to reduce the
amount Y of the flavor component, the flavor source may be cooled
by the temperature controller 124 for flavor having a cooling
function.
[0130] In the above-described example, the predetermined target
value in the region R3, e.g., the point P1 can be achieved using
the flow rate adjusting unit 730. Alternatively, the predetermined
target value in the region R3 can be achieved by the temperature
controller 124 for flavor having the cooling function. That is, the
amount of the flavor component in the aerosol can be reduced by
lowering the temperature of the flavor source using the temperature
controller 124 for flavor. This can achieve the predetermined
target value in the region R3 with a low ratio of the flavor
component to the amount of the aerosol.
[0131] A boundary line between the region R3 and a region R4
indicates the lower limit of the amount of the flavor component or
the lower limit of the amount of the aerosol in the case where the
flow rate adjusting unit 730 is not used. The lower limit of the
amount of the flavor component or the lower limit of the amount of
the aerosol may be set as described above. Accordingly, when the
amount Y of the flavor component and the amount A of the amount of
the aerosol which are included in the region R4 are set, the
control unit 50 can cause the display unit 210 to display an error
to thereby prompt the user to change the set values.
[0132] Alternatively, the target value of the amount of the aerosol
and the target value of the amount of the flavor component in the
region R4 can be achieved by use of the flow rate adjusting unit
730 or combined use of the flow rate adjusting unit 730 and the
cooling of the temperature controller 124 for flavor.
[0133] For example, the control unit 50 controls so that a large
amount of the aerosol generated in the atomization unit 120 passes
through the second flow path 129 to significantly reduce the amount
of the aerosol passing through the first flow path, thereby
enabling significant reduction in the amount of the flavor
component in the aerosol. This can achieve the target value of the
amount of the aerosol and the target value of the amount of the
flavor component in the region R4.
[0134] Alternatively, the target value of the amount of the aerosol
and the target value of the amount of the flavor component in the
region R4 can be achieved by lowering the temperature of the flavor
source using the temperature controller 124 for flavor and reducing
the amount of the aerosol passing through the first flow path using
the flow rate adjusting unit 730.
[0135] As to the combination of the target value of the flavor
component and the target value of the amount of the aerosol in FIG.
7, the aerosol (smoke) discharged from the suction component
generator is invisible or less visible in a region in which the
target value of the amount of the aerosol is small. An operation
mode of the suction component generator with respect to such a
target value is also referred to as a "smokeless mode". The
smokeless mode can be established by, for example, not operating
the temperature controller 122 for atomization or maintaining the
amount of the heat to be applied by the temperature controller 122
for atomization at a low value.
[0136] In the case where the electric power is not supplied
substantially to both of the temperature controller 122 for
atomization and the temperature controller 124 for flavor, a mode
is established in which the amount A of the aerosol is "0" on the
boundary line between the regions R2 and R3 as shown in FIG. 7.
That is, even in the case where the electric power is not supplied
substantially to both of the temperature controller 122 for
atomization and the temperature controller 124 for flavor, the user
can suck some amount of flavor component as shown in FIG. 7. In
other words, another embodiment is also conceivable in which the
electric power is not supplied substantially to both of the
temperature controller 122 for atomization and the temperature
controller 124 for flavor depending on the set value of the amount
Y of the flavor component.
[0137] (Control 2 of Electrical Load)
[0138] FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating an example of control in
the suction component generator according to one embodiment. In the
present embodiment, the control unit 50 controls to maintain the
amount of the flavor component included in the aerosol to be
constant. The amount of the flavor component may be set in advance
or may be set by a user before the suction action.
[0139] Firstly, the user sets a target value of the amount of the
aerosol before starting the suction action (step S301). A target
value A of the amount of the aerosol may be selected among a
plurality of options (modes), or may be set by a specific numeral
value. The control unit 50 determines the electric power or the
amount of the electric power supplied to the temperature controller
122 for atomization based on the target value A of the amount of
the aerosol (step S302).
[0140] Next, the control unit 50 determines a target temperature of
the temperature controller 124 for flavor according to the target
value A of the amount of the aerosol (the amount of the first
suction component) (step S304). More specifically, the control unit
50 determines the electric power supplied to the temperature
controller 124 for flavor based on the target value A of the amount
of the aerosol, so that the amount of the flavor amount generated
in the aerosol is maintained to be constant.
[0141] Steps S305 to S314 after this are the same as the control
flow illustrated in FIG. 6, and thus specific description will be
omitted.
[0142] Here, in the case where the target value of the amount of
the aerosol is changed even during the suction cycle, it is
preferable that the control unit 50 returns the process to step
S301 to perform the control again. At this time, the control unit
50 may maintain the target value of the flavor component included
in the aerosol to be constant.
[0143] FIG. 9 shows an example of the relationship between the
target value of the flavor component and the target value of the
amount of the aerosol. A solid line in FIG. 9 represents the target
value of the flavor component. A dotted line in FIG. 9 represents
the target value of the amount of the aerosol. As shown in FIG. 9,
in the case where the target value of the amount of the aerosol is
changed while maintaining the target value of the flavor component
to be constant, it is only required that the temperature of the
flavor component, i.e., the electric power supplied to the
temperature controller 124 for flavor is changed in response to the
changed target value of the amount of the aerosol.
[0144] In step S304 described above, the control unit 50 determines
the electric power supplied to the temperature controller 124 for
flavor based on the target value of the amount of the aerosol (the
amount of the first suction component). However, this is not
limitation, and the control unit 50 may be configured to control
the electric power supplied to the electrical load 124R for flavor
based on the value related to the amount of the aerosol generated
from the aerosol source. The value related to the amount of the
aerosol generated from the aerosol source is as described
above.
[0145] In the control flow, the amount of the flavor component
included in the aerosol can be maintained to be constant even when
the amount of the aerosol is changed. Accordingly, a constant
amount of the flavor component can be maintained even when the
amount of the aerosol is reduced or eliminated due to the suction,
whereby the user can enjoy taste the flavor without sacrificing the
flavor. Thus, the user can reduce the amount of the aerosol when a
person is approaching the user during flavor suction, whereby the
visible amount of the aerosol can be reduced without sacrificing
the flavor.
[0146] In the control flow illustrated in FIG. 8, the control unit
50 controls to maintain the amount of the flavor component included
in the aerosol to be constant. However, this is not limitation, and
it is only required that the control unit 50 controls the
electrical load 124 for flavor (the second electrical load) to
reduce the change in the amount of the flavor component due to the
change in the value related to the amount of the aerosol when the
set value of the amount of the aerosol is changed. That is, the
amount of the flavor component in the aerosol is not necessarily
maintained to be constant, and needs to be controlled to reduce the
change in the amount of the flavor component. For example, it is
only required that the flavor component is maintained preferably
within .+-.20% of the target value, and more preferably within
.+-.10% of the target value.
[0147] In addition to the case where the set value of the amount of
the aerosol is changed, the control unit 50 may control the
electrical load 124 for flavor (the second electrical load) to
reduce a variation in the amount of the flavor source due to a
variation in the value related to the amount of the aerosol.
[0148] In the case where the control unit 50 controls to reduce the
change in the amount of the flavor component as in the control flow
illustrated in FIG. 8, it is only required that the control unit 50
controls the temperature controller 124 for flavor so that the
smaller the amount of the aerosol generated from the aerosol source
is, the higher the temperature of the flavor source is. In this
case, it is preferable that the lower limit of the set value of the
value related to the amount of the aerosol is defined in a range in
which the flavor source is not combusted, for example. In addition,
the upper limit of the set value of the value related to the amount
of the aerosol can be determined in the same manner as the
above-described description.
[0149] (Control 3 of Electrical Load)
[0150] FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of control in
the suction component generator according to one embodiment. In the
present embodiment, the control unit 50 sets a value (t) of a timer
to "0" before detecting a user's suction action (step S100). Note
that the timing when the value (t) of the timer is set to "0" may
be, for example, a timing when the flavor unit 130 is replaced.
[0151] Next, the control unit 50 determines as to whether the
user's suction action has been detected (step S309). As described
above, the control unit 50 can determine the user's suction action
based on an output signal from the suction sensor 20.
Alternatively, the control unit 50 may determine the user's suction
action when the push button is pressed by the user.
[0152] Upon detection of the user's suction action, the control
unit 50 estimates or acquires the value related to the amount of
the flavor component generated from the flavor source (step S104).
The value related to the amount of the flavor component generated
from the flavor source may be a measured value or an estimated
value of the amount of the flavor component, a temperature of the
flavor source or the temperature controller 124 for flavor,
electric power supplied to the electrical load for atomization, a
temperature of the electrical load for atomization, or a time
period during which the electric power is supplied to the
electrical load for atomization.
[0153] In a specific example, the control unit 50 acquires the
temperature of the flavor source or the electrical load 124R for
flavor and a cumulative time period during which the electric power
is supplied to the electrical load 122R for atomization, as the
values related to the amount of the flavor component generated from
the flavor source. The temperature of the flavor source or the
electrical load 124R for flavor can be acquired by, for example,
the temperature sensor 160. Alternatively, the temperature of the
electrical load 124R for flavor can be estimated from an amount of
voltage drop in the electrical load 124R for flavor as described
above. Furthermore, the cumulative time period during which the
electric power is supplied to the electrical load 122R for
atomization can be measured by measuring, using the timer, the time
period during which the electric power is supplied to the
electrical load 122R for atomization. The cumulative time period
during which the electric power is supplied to the electrical load
122R for atomization is one of specific examples for estimating a
value related to a cumulative amount of the aerosol passing through
the flavor source.
[0154] The amount of the flavor component generated from the flavor
source mainly depends on the amount of aerosol passing through the
flavor source and the temperature of the flavor source. The amount
of the flavor component released from the flavor source gradually
decreases every time the suction action is repeated, even under the
same conditions of the amount of the aerosol and the temperature of
the flavor source. Accordingly, the control unit 50 can estimate
the amount of the flavor component generated from the flavor source
based on the temperature of the flavor source or the electrical
load 124R for flavor and the cumulative time period during which
the electric power is supplied to the electrical load 122R for
atomization.
[0155] Next, the control unit 50 determines the electric power or
the amount of the electric power supplied to the temperature
controller 122 for atomization based on the value related to the
amount of the flavor component generated from the flavor source
(step S106). For example, it is only required that the control unit
50 determines the electric power or the amount of the electric
power supplied to the temperature controller 122 for atomization
(the second electrical load) so that the estimated value of the
amount of the flavor component generated from the flavor source is
constant.
[0156] That is, the control unit 50 controls to maintain the amount
of the flavor component generated in the aerosol to be constant by
adjusting the amount of the aerosol generated in the atomization
unit 120. However, this is not limitation, and the control unit 50
may control the electrical load 122R for atomization to reduce a
change or variation in the amount of the flavor component. That is,
the amount of the flavor component in the aerosol is not
necessarily maintained to be constant, and needs to be controlled
to reduce the change in the amount of the flavor component.
[0157] Then, the control unit 50 turns on the timer (step S108),
and starts the supply of the electric power to the temperature
controller 122 for atomization based on the electric power or the
amount of the electric power determined in step S106 (step S110).
The timer can measure the cumulative time period during which the
electric power is supplied to the temperature controller 122 for
atomization.
[0158] Upon detection of the completion of the suction action (step
S311), the control unit 50 stops the supply of the electric power
to the temperature controller 122 for atomization (step S312).
Then, the control unit 50 stops the timer (step S116).
[0159] Note that when the value of the timer is equal to or less
than a predetermined threshold, the control unit 50 monitors the
user's suction action. Upon detection of the user's suction action,
the control unit 50 repeats step S104 and its subsequent steps
again.
[0160] When the value of the timer exceeds the predetermined
threshold, the control unit 50 may use the notification unit to
notify the user that the flavor unit needs to be replaced with new
one.
[0161] (Program and Storage Medium)
[0162] The control unit 50 can execute the flows described with
reference to FIGS. 6, 8, and 10. That is, the control unit 50 may
include a program that causes the suction component generator 100
to execute the above-described method, and a storage medium in
which the program is stored. Such a storage medium may be a
non-transitory storage medium.
Other Embodiments
[0163] Although the present invention has been described by the
embodiments described above, it should not be understood that the
descriptions and the drawings that form a part of this disclosure
limit the present invention. Various alternative embodiments,
examples and operation techniques will be apparent to those skilled
in the art from this disclosure.
[0164] From the embodiments described above, it is understood that
the control unit 50 may be configured to control the electric power
supplied to the electrical load 124R for flavor based on the value
related to the amount of the aerosol generated from the aerosol
source. Alternatively, the control unit 50 may be configured to
control the electric power supplied to the electrical load 122R for
atomization based on the value related to the amount of the flavor
generated from the flavor source.
[0165] In the above-described control 2 of the electrical load, the
control unit 50 controls to maintain the amount of the flavor
component included in the aerosol to be generally constant.
Alternatively, the control unit 50 may control the temperature
controller for atomization and/or the temperature controller for
flavor so that the amount of the flavor component in the aerosol is
variable while the amount of the aerosol is maintained to be
constant. In this case, the control unit 50 performs the
above-described control in combination with the control of the flow
rate adjusting unit as necessary. The control unit 50 controls so
that the amount of the aerosol is maintained preferably within
.+-.20% of the target value, and more preferably within .+-.10% of
the target value, for example. In this way, the user can enjoy the
change in the flavor almost without changing the amount of the
aerosol. Note that since the amount of the aerosol and the amount
of the flavor component depend on the controls of the temperature
controller for atomization, the temperature controller for flavor
and/or the flow rate adjusting unit as described above, the control
unit 50 controls these as appropriate, whereby the target amount of
the aerosol and the target amount of the flavor component can be
achieved.
[0166] In the above-described controls 1 to 3 of the electrical
load, generating the aerosol from the flavor source is not
described, but the control unit 50 may control the output of the
temperature controller 124R for flavor to generate the aerosol from
the flavor source. To generate the aerosol from the flavor source,
it is necessary to increase the output of the temperature
controller 124R for flavor. In this case, the control unit 50 may
be configured to control at least one of the electrical load 122R
for atomization and the electrical load 124R for flavor based on
the relationship between the value related to the amount of the
aerosol generated from the aerosol source and the value related to
the amount of the aerosol generated from the flavor source.
Furthermore, the control unit 50 may control both of the electrical
load 122R for atomization and the electrical load 124R for flavor
according to the relationship between the value related to the
amount of the aerosol generated from the aerosol source and the
value related to the amount of the aerosol generated from the
flavor source. In this case, to achieve the desired amount of the
aerosol and the desired amount of the flavor, it is preferable that
the control unit 50 is configured to control the temperature
controller 122 for atomization (adjusting unit) preferentially
before controlling the temperature controller 124 for flavor (the
second electrical load). The amount of the aerosol atomized by the
atomization unit 120 greatly affects the amount of the flavor
component generated in the flavor source. Accordingly, it is
preferable that the control unit 50 controls the electric power
supplied to the temperature controller 122 for atomization
according to the target value of the amount of the aerosol
preferentially, and then controls the temperature controller 124
for flavor according to the target value of the amount of the
flavor component.
* * * * *