U.S. patent application number 17/177203 was filed with the patent office on 2021-06-10 for non-combustion type flavor inhaler and aerosol delivery method.
This patent application is currently assigned to JAPAN TOBACCO INC.. The applicant listed for this patent is JAPAN TOBACCO INC.. Invention is credited to Kazuhiko KATAYAMA, Takuma NAKANO, Akihiko SUZUKI, Manabu TAKEUCHI, Manabu YAMADA.
Application Number | 20210170124 17/177203 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 1000005404571 |
Filed Date | 2021-06-10 |
United States Patent
Application |
20210170124 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
KATAYAMA; Kazuhiko ; et
al. |
June 10, 2021 |
NON-COMBUSTION TYPE FLAVOR INHALER AND AEROSOL DELIVERY METHOD
Abstract
A non-combustion type flavor inhaler comprising: an atomizer
atomizing an aerosol source without burning; and a controller
controlling a power output to the atomizer, wherein the controller
is configured to start supply of a power output to the atomizer
before start of a user's puffing action, and is configured to stop
supply of a power output to the atomizer during a user's puffing
action.
Inventors: |
KATAYAMA; Kazuhiko; (Tokyo,
JP) ; SUZUKI; Akihiko; (Tokyo, JP) ; TAKEUCHI;
Manabu; (Tokyo, JP) ; NAKANO; Takuma; (Tokyo,
JP) ; YAMADA; Manabu; (Tokyo, JP) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
JAPAN TOBACCO INC. |
Tokyo |
|
JP |
|
|
Assignee: |
JAPAN TOBACCO INC.
Tokyo
JP
|
Family ID: |
1000005404571 |
Appl. No.: |
17/177203 |
Filed: |
February 17, 2021 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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15824584 |
Nov 28, 2017 |
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17177203 |
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PCT/JP2015/065657 |
May 29, 2015 |
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15824584 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A24F 40/10 20200101;
A61M 11/042 20140204; A61M 2205/3653 20130101; A24F 40/50 20200101;
F24H 9/2014 20130101; A61M 2016/0018 20130101; A61M 15/06 20130101;
A61M 2205/50 20130101 |
International
Class: |
A61M 15/06 20060101
A61M015/06; A61M 11/04 20060101 A61M011/04; A24F 40/50 20200101
A24F040/50; F24H 9/20 20060101 F24H009/20 |
Claims
1. An aerosol generating device, comprising: an atomizer configured
to atomize an aerosol source without burning an aerosol source,
wherein the atomizer includes a heating resistor; a battery
configured to supply power to the atomizer; a pushbutton configured
to receive a user input; an output device configured to output a
notification to a user of the non-combustion aerosol generating
device; and circuitry configured to determine whether an input has
been received at the pushbutton to atomize the aerosol source; in a
case that it is determined that the input has been received,
initiate an operation to start supplying pulse width controlled or
pulse interval controlled power from the battery to the heating
resistor at a first time, stop supplying pulse width controlled or
pulse interval controlled power from the battery to the heating
resistor after a first amount of time has lapsed since the first
time, restart supplying pulse width controlled or pulse interval
controlled power from the battery to the heating resistor after a
second amount of time has lapsed from the first time; control the
output device to output a first notification in a case that it is
determined that the input has been received at the pushbutton and
pulse width controlled or pulse interval controlled power has
started being supplied to the heating resistor; and control the
output device to output a second notification in a case that it is
determined that the input has been received at the pushbutton and
aerosol is capable of being supplied from the atomizer.
2. The aerosol generating device of claim 1, wherein the circuitry
is configured to control the output device to output a third
notification in a case that a third amount of time has lapsed from
the first time.
3. The aerosol generating device of claim 1, wherein the circuitry
is configured to control the output device to output the first
notification and the second notification non-continuously.
4. The aerosol generating device of claim 1, wherein the circuitry
is configured to control the output device to output the second
notification in a period of time during which the atomizer is
capable of generating the aerosol.
5. The aerosol generating device of claim 1, wherein the circuitry
is configured to control the output device to not output a
notification in a time period between output of the first
notification and output of the second notification.
6. The aerosol generating device of claim 1, wherein the first
notification and the second notification output by the output
device are a same type of notification.
7. The aerosol generating device of claim 1, wherein the circuitry
is configured to stop supplying pulse width controlled or pulse
interval controlled power from the battery to the heating resistor
after the restart of supplying pulse width controlled or pulse
interval controlled power from the battery to the heating resistor
and after a third amount of time has lapsed since the first
time.
8. The aerosol generating device of claim 1, wherein the circuitry
is configured to stop supplying pulse width controlled or pulse
interval controlled power from the battery to the heating resistor
after the restart of supplying pulse width controlled or pulse
interval controlled power from the battery to the heating resistor,
after a third amount of time has lapsed since the first time and
after a predetermined number of puffing operations are
detected.
9. The aerosol generating device of claim 1, wherein the circuitry
is configured to restart supplying pulse width controlled or pulse
interval controlled power from the battery to the heating resistor
such that a supply amount of aerosol does not fall below a lower
limit of a predetermined range.
10. The aerosol generating device of claim 1, wherein restarting
the supply of pulse width controlled or pulse interval controlled
power to the heating resistor after the second amount of time
suppresses condensation of the aerosol on a surface exposed to a
flow path of the aerosol.
11. The aerosol generating device of claim 1, wherein the circuitry
is configured to control the supply of pulse width controlled or
pulse interval controlled power from the battery to the heater such
that the temperature of the atomizer does not increase due to a
puffing action.
12. An aerosol generating device, comprising: an atomizer
configured to atomize an aerosol source without burning the aerosol
source, wherein the atomizer includes a heating resistor; a battery
configured to supply power to the atomizer; a pushbutton configured
to receive a user input; an output device configured to output a
notification to a user of the non-combustion aerosol generating
device; and circuitry configured to determine whether an input has
been received at the pushbutton requesting the atomizer to atomize
the aerosol source; control, in the case that it is determined that
an input has been received at the pushbutton requesting the
atomizer to atomize the aerosol source, the output device to output
a first notification; perform control to start, in a case that it
is determined that an input has been received at the pushbutton
requesting the atomizer to atomize the aerosol source, supplying
pulse width controlled or pulse interval controlled power from the
battery to the heating resistor at a first time; control the output
device to output a second notification after pulse width controlled
or pulse interval controlled power has started to be supplied to
the atomizer and aerosol is capable of being supplied from the
atomizer; perform control to stop supplying pulse width controlled
or pulse interval controlled power from the battery to the heating
resistor after a first amount of time has lapsed since the first
amount of time; perform control to restart supplying pulse width
controlled or pulse interval controlled power from the battery to
the heating resistor after a second amount of time has lapsed since
the first amount of time, wherein the second amount of time is
greater than the first amount of time; and control the output
device to output a third notification in a case that third amount
of time has lapsed from the first time, wherein the third amount of
time is greater than the second amount of time.
13. The aerosol generating device of claim 12, wherein the
circuitry is configured to control the output device to output the
first notification, the second notification and the third
notification non-continuously.
14. The aerosol generating device of claim 12, wherein the
circuitry is configured to control the output device to not output
a notification in a time period between output of the first
notification and output of the second notification.
15. The aerosol generating device of claim 12, wherein the
circuitry is configured to control the output device to not output
a notification in a time period between output of the second
notification and output of the third notification.
16. The aerosol generating device of claim 12, wherein the first
notification, the second notification and the third notification
output by the output device are a same type of notification.
17. The aerosol generating device of claim 12, wherein the
circuitry is configured to stop supplying pulse width controlled or
pulse interval controlled power from the battery to the heating
resistor after the restart of supplying pulse width controlled or
pulse interval controlled power from the battery to the heating
resistor and after a fourth amount of time has lapsed since the
first time.
18. The aerosol generating device of claim 12, wherein the
circuitry is configured to perform control to stop supplying pulse
width controlled or pulse interval controlled power from the
battery to the heating resistor after the restart of supplying
pulse width controlled or pulse interval controlled power from the
battery to the heating resistor, after a fourth amount of time has
lapsed since the first time and after a predetermined number of
puffing operations are detected.
19. The aerosol generating device of claim 12, wherein the
circuitry is configured to perform control to restart supplying
pulse width controlled or pulse interval controlled power from the
battery to the heating resistor such that a supply amount of
aerosol does not fall below a lower limit of a predetermined
range.
20. A method of generating aerosol without burning an aerosol
source, the method comprising: determining whether an input has
been received at a pushbutton of an aerosol generating device
requesting the aerosol generating device to generate aerosol;
starting, at a first time and upon determining that the input has
been received at the pushbutton, supplying pulse width controlled
or pulse interval controlled power from a battery to a heating
resistor that is included in an atomizer configured to atomize the
aerosol source without burning the aerosol source; outputting, upon
determining that the input has been received at the pushbutton, a
first notification to a user of the aerosol generating device;
stopping, after first amount of time has lapsed since the first
time, supplying pulse width controlled or pulse interval controlled
power from the battery to the heating resistor; outputting a second
notification to the user in a case that aerosol is capable of being
supplied from the atomizer; and restarting, after a second amount
of time has lapsed from the first time, supplying pulse width
controlled or pulse interval controlled power from the battery to
the heating resistor.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser.
No. 15/824,584, filed Nov. 28, 2017, which is a continuation of PCT
filing PCT/JP2015/065657, filed May 29, 2015, each of which is
hereby expressly incorporated by reference into the present
application.
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0002] The present invention relates to a non-combustion type
flavor inhaler having an atomizer that atomizes an aerosol source
without burning, and an aerosol delivery method.
BACKGROUND ART
[0003] Conventionally, a non-combustion type flavor inhaler for
inhaling flavor without burning has been known. The non-combustion
type flavor inhaler without burning has an atomizer that atomizes
an aerosol source without burning, and a sensor that detects a
user's puffing action. In accordance with the detection of the
puffing action, the non-combustion type flavor inhaler starts
supply of a power output to the atomizer (e.g., Patent Literature
1).
CITATION LIST
Patent Literature
[0004] Patent Literature 1: JP 11-089551 A
SUMMARY
[0005] A first feature is summarized as a non-combustion type
flavor inhaler comprising: an atomizer atomizing an aerosol source
without burning; and a controller controlling a power output to the
atomizer, wherein the controller is configured to start supply of a
power output to the atomizer before start of a user's puffing
action, and is configured to stop supply of a power output to the
atomizer during a user's puffing action.
[0006] A second feature is summarized as the non-combustion type
flavor inhaler according to the first feature, further comprising
an atomization switch that is switched to a state where supply of a
power output to the atomizer is stopped when a user's puffing
action is performed.
[0007] A third feature is summarized as the non-combustion type
flavor inhaler according to the second feature, wherein the
atomization switch is switched to a state where supply of a power
output to the atomizer is started when a user's puffing action is
no longer performed.
[0008] A fourth feature is summarized as the non-combustion type
flavor inhaler according to the second feature or third feature,
wherein the atomization switch is linked with a suction sensor that
detects a puffing action, and the controller stops supply of a
power output to the atomizer when a puffing action is detected by
the suction sensor.
[0009] A fifth feature is summarized as the non-combustion type
flavor inhaler according to any one of the second feature to the
fourth feature, wherein the atomization switch is linked with a
suction sensor that detects a puffing action, and the controller
starts supply of a power output to the atomizer when a puffing
action is no longer detected by the suction sensor.
[0010] A sixth feature is summarized as the non-combustion type
flavor inhaler according to the second feature or the third
feature, wherein the atomization switch is linked with a user
operation on an operation interface, and the controller stops
supply of a power output to the atomizer when a user operation is
no longer performed on the operation interface.
[0011] A seventh feature is summarized as the non-combustion type
flavor inhaler according to any one of the second feature, the
third feature and the six feature, wherein the atomization switch
is linked with a user operation on an operation interface, and the
controller starts supply of a power output to the atomizer when a
user operation is performed on the operation interface.
[0012] An eighth feature is summarized as the non-combustion type
flavor inhaler according to the first feature, further comprising:
a first switch that is switched to an ON state when a user
operation is being performed on an operation interface, and that is
switched to an OFF state when a user operation is not being
performed on the operation interface; and a second switch that is
switched to an ON state by start of a user's puffing action, and is
switched to an OFF state by termination of a user's puffing action,
wherein the controller starts supply of a power output to the
atomizer when the first switch is switched to the ON state, and the
controller stops supply of a power output to the atomizer when the
second switch is switched to the ON state.
[0013] A ninth feature is summarized as the non-combustion type
flavor inhaler according to any one of the first feature to the
eighth feature, wherein the controller stops supply of a power
output to the atomizer when a first duration has elapsed after
starting of supply of a power output to the atomizer.
[0014] A tenth feature is summarized as the non-combustion type
flavor inhaler according to the ninth feature, wherein the
controller restarts supply of a power output to the atomizer when a
second duration has elapsed after stopping of the supply of a power
output to the atomizer due to the elapse of the first duration.
[0015] An eleventh feature is summarized as the non-combustion type
flavor inhaler according to any one of the first feature to the
tenth feature, further comprising a notification unit for notifying
that a desired amount of aerosol can be supplied, in a period in
which the desired amount of aerosol can be supplied.
[0016] A twelfth feature is summarized as the non-combustion type
flavor inhaler according to any one of the first feature to the
eleventh feature, further comprising: a notification unit that
notifies that a desired amount of aerosol cannot be supplied in a
period in which the desired amount of aerosol cannot be
supplied.
[0017] A thirteenth feature is summarized as the non-combustion
type flavor inhaler according to any one of the first feature to
the twelfth feature, wherein an absorbing member for absorbing a
condensed aerosol is provided on a wall surface exposed to a flow
path of aerosol generated by the atomizer.
[0018] A fourteenth feature is summarized as the non-combustion
type flavor inhaler according to any one of the first feature to
the thirteenth feature, further comprising: a suction sensor that
detects a puffing action, wherein the controller triggers
energization processing for the atomizer when switching is
performed from a non-suction state in which a puffing action is not
detected by the suction sensor, to a suction state in which a
puffing action is detected by the suction sensor, and from the
suction state to the non-suction state.
[0019] A fifteenth feature is summarized as an aerosol delivery
method comprising: a step A of generating aerosol in a suction path
continuing from an inlet to an outlet, in a state in which no fluid
flow occurs in the suction path; and a step B of transferring the
aerosol into a user's mouth with a fluid flow in the suction path
in a state in which generation of the aerosol is stopped after the
step A.
[0020] A sixteenth feature is summarized as the aerosol delivery
method according to the thirteenth feature, wherein the step A is a
step of starting supply of a power output to an atomizer when a
user operation is performed on an operation interface, and the step
B is a step of stopping supply of a power output to the atomizer
when a user operation is no longer performed on the operation
interface.
[0021] It should be noted that, in the above described features,
the user operation on the operation interface does not include a
user's puffing action. The operation interface is not particularly
limited, but is an interface that is directly operated by a user's
hand or the like. The user operation on the operation interface is,
for example, a button operation, a lever operation, a switch
operation, or the like.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
[0022] FIG. 1 is a view showing a flavor inhaler 100 according to
an embodiment.
[0023] FIG. 2 is a view showing an atomizing unit 111 according to
the embodiment.
[0024] FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a block configuration of the
flavor inhaler 100 according the embodiment.
[0025] FIG. 4 is a graph for explaining an example of control of a
power output to an atomizer 111R according to the embodiment.
[0026] FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing an aerosol delivery method
according to the embodiment.
[0027] FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing the aerosol delivery method
according to the embodiment.
[0028] FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing the aerosol delivery method
according to the embodiment.
[0029] FIG. 8 is a diagram showing a block configuration of a
flavor inhaler 100 according to Modified Example 1.
[0030] FIG. 9 is a graph for explaining an example of control of a
power output to an atomizer 111R according to Modified Example
1.
[0031] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a block configuration of a
flavor inhaler 100 according to Modified Example 2.
[0032] FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing an aerosol delivery method
according to Modified Example 2.
DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS
[0033] Hereinafter, the embodiments of the present invention will
be described with reference to the drawings. In the following
drawings, identical or similar components are denoted by identical
or similar reference numerals.
[0034] Therefore, specific dimensions should be determined with
reference to the description below. It is needless to mention that
different relationships and ratio of dimensions may be included in
different drawings.
SUMMARY OF EMBODIMENT
[0035] In accordance with the detection of the puffing action, the
non-combustion type flavor inhaler described in the above
background art starts supply of the power output to the atomizer.
However, since temperature of the atomizer changes during the
generation of the aerosol by the atomizer, a particle diameter
distribution of particles constituting the aerosol is spread. In
other words, the particle diameter of the particles constituting
the aerosol varies within one puffing action or among a plurality
of puffing actions.
[0036] A non-combustion type flavor inhaler according to an
embodiment includes an atomizer that atomizes an aerosol source
without burning, and a controller that controls a power output to
the atomizer. The controller starts supply of the power output to
the atomizer before start of a user's puffing action, and stops the
supply of the power output to the atomizer during the user's
puffing action.
[0037] In the embodiment, the controller stops supply of the power
output to the atomizer during a user's puffing action. During
generation of aerosol by the atomizer, temperature of the atomizer
is not changed by the user's puffing action. This prevents a
particle diameter of particles constituting aerosol from varying
within one puffing action or among a plurality of puffing
actions.
EMBODIMENT
[0038] (Non-Combustion Type Flavor Inhaler)
[0039] Hereinafter, non-combustion type flavor inhaler according to
an embodiment will be described. FIG. 1 is a view showing a
non-combustion type flavor inhaler 100 according to the embodiment.
The non-combustion type flavor inhaler 100 is a device for inhaling
a flavoring component without burning, and has a shape extending
along a predetermined direction A that is a direction from a
non-inhalation end toward an inhalation end. FIG. 2 is a view
showing an atomizing unit 111 according to the embodiment. It
should be noted that, in the following description, the
non-combustion type flavor inhaler 100 is simply referred to as a
flavor inhaler 100.
[0040] As shown in FIG. 1, the flavor inhaler 100 has an inhaler
body 110 and a cartridge 130.
[0041] The inhaler body 110 forms a main body of the flavor inhaler
100, and has a shape connectable with the cartridge 130.
Specifically, the inhaler body 110 has an inhaler housing 110X, and
the cartridge 130 is connected to an inhalation end of the inhaler
housing 110X. The inhaler body 110 has the atomizing unit 111
configured to atomize the aerosol source without burning, and an
electrical unit 112.
[0042] In the embodiment, the atomizing unit 111 has a first
cylinder 111X forming a part of the inhaler housing 110X. As shown
in FIG. 2, the atomizing unit 111 has a reservoir 111P, a wick
111Q, and an atomizer 111R. The reservoir 111P, the wick 111Q, and
the atomizer 111R are accommodated in the first cylinder 111X. The
first cylinder 111X has a tubular shape (e.g., cylindrical shape)
extending along the predetermined direction A. The reservoir 111P
holds the aerosol source. For example, the reservoir 111P may be a
porous body made of a material such as a resin web. The wick 111Q
is an example of a liquid holding member that holds the aerosol
source supplied from the reservoir 111P. For example, the wick 111Q
is made of glass fiber. The atomizer 111R atomizes the aerosol
source held by the wick 111Q. The atomizer 111R is configured by,
for example, a heating resistor (e.g., a heating wire) wound around
the wick 111Q at a predetermined pitch.
[0043] The aerosol source is liquid such as propylene glycol or
glycerin. The aerosol source is held, for example, by a porous body
made of a material such as a resin web as described above. The
porous body may be made of a non-tobacco material, or may be made
of a tobacco material. The aerosol source may contain a flavoring
component (e.g., a nicotine component or the like). Alternatively,
the aerosol source may not contain the flavoring component.
[0044] In the embodiment, on a wall surface exposed to a flow path
of aerosol generated by the atomizer 111R, there is provided an
absorbing member 111S that absorbs condensed aerosol. The wall
surface exposed to the flow path of aerosol is, for example, an
inner surface of the first cylinder 111X exposed to the flow path
of aerosol, an outer surface of the reservoir 111P exposed to the
flow path of aerosol, and the like. Here, when the absorbing member
111S is not in contact with the reservoir 111P, the aerosol
(condensed aerosol) absorbed by the absorbing member 111S is
preferably guided from the absorbing member 111S to the atomizer
111R by utilizing a capillary phenomenon. On the other hand, when
the absorbing member 111S is in contact with the reservoir 111P,
the aerosol (condensed aerosol) absorbed by the absorbing member
111S is preferably guided from the absorbing member 111S to the
reservoir 111P. The absorbing member 111S only needs to be a member
having a function of absorbing the condensed aerosol. For example,
the absorbing member 111S may be made of a same material as that of
the reservoir 111P (resin web), and may also be made of a same
material as that of the wick 111Q (glass fiber).
[0045] The electrical unit 112 has a second cylinder 112X forming a
part of the inhaler housing 110X. In the embodiment, the electrical
unit 112 has an inlet 112A. As shown in FIG. 2, air flowing in from
the inlet 112A is guided to the atomizing unit 111 (atomizer 111R).
Specifically, the electrical unit 112 has a power source 10, a
suction sensor 20, a pushbutton 30, a light-emitting element 40,
and a control circuit 50. The power source 10, the suction sensor
20, the pushbutton 30, and the control circuit 50 are accommodated
in the second cylinder 112X. The second cylinder 112X has a tubular
shape (e.g., cylindrical shape) extending along the predetermined
direction A.
[0046] The power source 10 is a lithium-ion battery, for example.
The power source 10 accumulates electric power required for
operating the flavor inhaler 100. For example, the power source 10
accumulates electric power to be supplied to the suction sensor 20
and the control circuit 50. Further, the power source 10
accumulates electric power to be supplied to the atomizing unit 111
(atomizer 111R).
[0047] The suction sensor 20 detects a fluid flow in a suction path
continuing from the inlet 112A to an outlet 130A. The suction
sensor 20 detects a suction (suction state) when the fluid flow
from the inlet 112A to the outlet 130A side is equal to or higher
than a predetermined threshold value. The suction sensor 20 detects
a non-suction (non-suction state) when the fluid flow from the
inlet 112A to the outlet 130A side is less than the predetermined
threshold value.
[0048] The pushbutton 30 is configured to be pushed inward from
outside of the flavor inhaler 100. In the embodiment, the
pushbutton 30 is provided at the non-inhalation end of the flavor
inhaler 100, and configured to be pushed in a direction from the
non-inhalation end toward the inhalation end (i.e. in the
predetermined direction A). For example, in a state where the
flavor inhaler 100 is not powered on, when the pushbutton 30 is
continuously pushed in for a predetermined number of times, the
flavor inhaler 100 may be powered on. On the other hand, in a state
where the flavor inhaler 100 is powered on, when the pushbutton 30
is continuously pushed in for a predetermined number of times, the
flavor inhaler 100 may be powered off. Alternatively, the flavor
inhaler 100 may be powered off when a predetermined time elapses
without a puffing action after a puffing action is performed.
[0049] The light-emitting element 40 is, for example, a light
source such as an LED or an electric lamp. The light-emitting
element 40 is provided on a sidewall extending along a
predetermined direction. The light-emitting element 40 is
preferably provided on a side wall near the non-inhalation end.
This allows a user to visually recognize a light-emitting pattern
of the light-emitting element 40 easily during a puffing action, as
compared with a case where the light-emitting element is provided
only on an end face of the non-inhalation end on an axis in the
predetermined direction A. The light-emitting pattern of the
light-emitting element 40 is a pattern to notify a user of a state
of the flavor inhaler 100.
[0050] In the embodiment, the light-emitting element 40 may form a
notification unit to notify that a desired amount of aerosol can be
supplied. Here, the light-emitting element 40 may continuously
notify that the desired amount of aerosol can be supplied, from
start to end of a period in which the desired amount of aerosol can
be supplied. Alternatively, the light-emitting element 40 may form
a notification unit to notify that the desired amount of aerosol
cannot be supplied. Here, the light-emitting element 40 may
continuously notify that the desired amount of aerosol cannot be
supplied, from start to end of a period in which the desired amount
of aerosol cannot be supplied.
[0051] The control circuit 50 controls operation of the flavor
inhaler 100. Specifically, the control circuit 50 controls the
power output to the atomizing unit 111 (atomizer 111R). Further,
the control circuit 50 controls the light-emitting element 40.
[0052] The cartridge 130 is configured to be connectable to the
inhaler body 110 forming the flavor inhaler 100. The cartridge 130
is provided on a downstream side of the atomizing unit 111 on a
flow path of gas (hereinafter, air) inhaled from an inhalation
port. In other words, the cartridge 130 is not necessarily provided
on an inhalation side from the atomizing unit 111 in terms of a
physical space, as long as the cartridge 130 is provided on the
downstream side of the atomizing unit 111 on the aerosol flow path
for guiding aerosol generated from the atomizing unit 111.
[0053] Specifically, the cartridge 130 has a cartridge housing 131,
a flavor source 132, a mesh 133A, and a filter 133B. Further, the
cartridge 130 has the outlet 130A provided at the inhalation
port.
[0054] The cartridge housing 131 has a tubular shape (e.g.,
cylindrical shape) extending along the predetermined direction A.
The cartridge housing 131 accommodates the flavor source 132. Here,
the cartridge housing 131 is configured to be inserted into the
inhaler housing 110X along the predetermined direction A.
[0055] The flavor source 132 is provided closer to the outlet 130A
(inhalation port) than the atomizing unit 111 on the suction path
continuing from the inlet 112A to the outlet 130A. The flavor
source 132 gives a flavoring component to aerosol generated from
the aerosol source. In other words, the flavoring component given
to the aerosol by the flavor source 132 is conveyed to the outlet
130A (inhalation port).
[0056] In the embodiment, the flavor source 132 is made by a raw
material piece that gives the flavoring component to aerosol
generated from the atomizing unit 111. A size of the raw material
piece is preferably 0.2 mm or more to 1.2 mm or less. Further, the
size of the raw material piece is preferably 0.2 mm or more to 0.7
mm or less. Since a specific surface area is increased as the size
of the raw material piece composing the flavor source 132 is
smaller, the flavoring component is easily released from the raw
material piece composing the flavor source 132. Therefore, in
giving a desired amount of the flavoring component to aerosol, an
amount of the raw material piece can be suppressed. As the raw
material piece composing the flavor source 132, it is possible to
use a shredded tobacco, and a molded body of a granulated tobacco
material. However, the flavor source 132 may be a molded body
formed into a sheet tobacco material. Further, the raw material
piece composing the flavor source 132 may be composed of a plant
other than tobacco (e.g., mint, herbs, and the like). The flavor
source 132 may be given flavors such as menthol.
[0057] Here, the raw material piece composing the flavor source 132
is obtained by sieving according to JIS Z 8815, for example, by
using a stainless steel sieve according to JIS Z 8801. For example,
by using a stainless steel sieve having a mesh opening of 0.71 mm,
the raw material pieces are sieved for 20 minutes by a dry type
mechanical shaking method, providing raw material pieces passing
through the stainless steel sieve having the mesh opening of 0.71
mm. Subsequently, by using a stainless steel sieve having a mesh
opening of 0.212 mm, the raw material pieces are sieved for 20
minutes by a dry type mechanical shaking method, removing the raw
material pieces passing through the stainless steel sieve having
the mesh opening of 0.212 mm. That is, the raw material piece
composing the flavor source 132 is a raw material piece that passes
through the stainless steel sieve (mesh opening=0.71 mm) defining
an upper limit, but does not pass through the stainless steel sieve
(mesh opening=0.212 mm) defining a lower limit. Accordingly, in the
embodiment, the lower limit of the size of the raw material piece
composing the flavor source 132 is defined by the mesh opening of
the stainless steel sieve defining the lower limit. Moreover, the
upper limit of the size of the raw material piece composing the
flavor source 132 is defined by the mesh opening of the stainless
steel sieve defining the upper limit.
[0058] In the embodiment, the flavor source 132 is a tobacco source
having an alkaline pH. A pH of the tobacco source is preferably
greater than 7, and more preferably 8 or more. Setting the pH
greater than 7 makes it possible to efficiently take out the
flavoring component generated from the tobacco source, by aerosol.
This can suppress the amount of the tobacco source in giving a
desired amount of the flavoring component to aerosol. On the other
hand, the pH of the tobacco source is preferably 12 or less, and
more preferably 10 or less. Setting the pH to 12 or less can more
effectively prevent damage (such as corrosion) to the flavor
inhaler 100 (e.g., the cartridge 130 or the inhaler body 110).
[0059] It should be noted that the flavoring component generated
from the flavor source 132 is conveyed by aerosol, and the flavor
source 132 itself does not need to be heated.
[0060] The mesh 133A is provided so as to close an opening of the
cartridge housing 131 on upstream of the flavor source 132, and the
filter 133B is provided so as to close the opening of the cartridge
housing 131 on downstream of the flavor source 132. The mesh 133A
has roughness of a degree not to be passed by the raw material
piece composing the flavor source 132. The roughness of the mesh
133A has a mesh opening of, for example, 0.077 mm or more to 0.198
mm or less. The filter 133B is made of a permeable material. The
filter 133B is preferably an acetate filter, for example. The
filter 133B has roughness of a degree not to be passed by the raw
material piece composing the flavor source 132.
[0061] (Block Configuration)
[0062] Hereinafter, a block configuration of the non-combustion
type flavor inhaler according to the embodiment will be described.
FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a block configuration of the flavor
inhaler 100 according to the embodiment.
[0063] As shown in FIG. 3, the control circuit 50 has a power
switch 51, an atomization switch 52, and a controller 53.
[0064] The power switch 51 is switched to an ON state when the
flavor inhaler 100 is powered on, and switched to an OFF state when
the flavor inhaler 100 is powered off. For example, the power
switch 51 may be connected to the pushbutton 30, and may be
switched to the ON state when the pushbutton 30 is continuously
pushed in for a predetermined number of times, in a state where the
flavor inhaler 100 is not powered on. On the other hand, the power
switch 51 may be switched to the OFF state when the pushbutton 30
is continuously pushed in for a predetermined number of times, in a
state where the flavor inhaler 100 is powered on. Alternatively,
the power switch 51 may have a timer to be activated in response to
termination of a puffing action, and may be switched to the OFF
state in response to expiration of the timer (elapse of a
predetermined time).
[0065] When a user's puffing action is performed, the atomization
switch 52 is switched to a state (OFF state) where supply of the
power output to the atomizer 111R is stopped, and when the user's
puffing action is no longer performed, the atomization switch 52 is
switched to a state (ON state) where supply of the power output to
the atomizer 111R is started. In the embodiment, the atomization
switch 52 is linked with the suction sensor that detects a puffing
action. The atomization switch 52 is switched to the OFF state when
a puffing action is detected by the suction sensor 20. On the other
hand, the atomization switch 52 is switched to the ON state when
the puffing action is no longer detected by the suction sensor
20.
[0066] Here, a state where the puffing action is not detected by
the suction sensor 20 is also referred to as the non-suction state,
and a state where a puffing action is detected by the suction
sensor 20 is also referred to as the suction state. Therefore, the
atomization switch 52 is switched to the OFF state by switching
from the non-suction state to the suction state, and switched to
the ON state by switching from the suction state to the non-suction
state.
[0067] The controller 53 controls the flavor inhaler 100 in a state
where the flavor inhaler 100 is powered on.
[0068] First, the controller 53 controls a power output to the
atomizer 111R. In the embodiment, the controller 53 starts supply
of the power output to the atomizer 111R before the start of the
user's puffing action, and stops the supply of the power output to
the atomizer 111R during the user's puffing action. In the
embodiment, when the atomization switch 52 is turned off, the
controller 53 stops the supply of the power output to the atomizer
111R. On the other hand, when the atomization switch 52 is turned
on, the controller 53 starts the supply of the power output to the
atomizer 111R. In other words, when a puffing action is detected by
the suction sensor 20, the controller 53 stops the supply of the
power output to the atomizer 111R. On the other hand, when the
puffing action is no longer detected by the suction sensor 20, the
controller 53 starts the supply of the power output to the atomizer
111R.
[0069] Here, in a case where a voltage is continuously applied to
the atomizer 111R, magnitude of the power output is defined by a
value of the voltage applied to the atomizer 111R. On the other
hand, in a case where the voltage is intermittently applied to the
atomizer 111R (pulse control), the magnitude of the power output is
defined by at least any one of parameters of the value of the
voltage applied to the atomizer 111R, a pulse width, and a pulse
interval.
[0070] In the embodiment, when a first duration has elapsed after
starting of supply of the power output to the atomizer 111R, the
controller 53 may stop the supply of the power output to the
atomizer 111R. Here, the first duration is a time for keeping a
supply amount of aerosol within a desired amount without depending
on a time length of the non-suction state. In other words, the
first duration is a time determined to prevent the supply amount of
aerosol from exceeding an upper limit of the desired amount
range.
[0071] For example, an upper limit of the first duration is
preferably 5 seconds. More preferably, the upper limit of the first
duration is 4 seconds, and even more preferably the upper limit of
the first duration is 3 seconds. For example, a lower limit of the
first duration is preferably 0.5 seconds. More preferably, the
lower limit of the first duration is 1 second, and even more
preferably the lower limit of the first duration is 1.5 seconds.
For example, the first duration is preferably 0.5 seconds or more
to 5 seconds or less. More preferably, the first duration is 1
second or more to 4 seconds or less. Even more preferably, the
first duration is preferably 1.5 seconds or more to 3 seconds or
less.
[0072] In the embodiment, when a second duration has elapsed after
stopping of the supply of the power output to the atomizer 111R due
to elapse of the first duration, the controller 53 may restart the
supply of the power output to the atomizer 111R. Here, the second
duration is a time determined to prevent the supply amount of
aerosol from falling below a lower limit of the desired amount
range due to condensation of aerosol on the wall surface exposed to
the flow path of aerosol. The condensed aerosol absorbed by the
absorbing member 111S may be re-atomized by restarting supply of
the power output.
[0073] As described above, when the absorbing member 111S is not in
contact with the reservoir 111P, the aerosol (condensed aerosol)
absorbed by the absorbing member 111S is preferably guided from the
absorbing member 111S to the atomizer 111R by utilizing a capillary
phenomenon. On the other hand, when the absorbing member 111S is in
contact with the reservoir 111P, the aerosol (condensed aerosol)
absorbed by the absorbing member 111S is preferably guided from the
absorbing member 111S to the reservoir 111P.
[0074] Secondly, the controller 53 controls the light-emitting
element 40. In the embodiment, the controller 53 may control the
light-emitting element 40 to notify that a desired amount of
aerosol can be supplied. The controller 53 may control the
light-emitting element 40 to continuously notify that the desired
amount of aerosol can be supplied, from start to end of a period in
which the desired amount of aerosol can be supplied. For example, a
start timing of the period in which the desired amount of aerosol
can be supplied is a timing at which a certain time shorter than
the first duration has elapsed after starting of supply of the
power output to the atomizer 111R. The certain time is, for
example, a time from starting of supply of the power output to the
atomizer 111R until the supply amount of aerosol reaches the lower
limit of the desired amount range.
[0075] Further, the controller 53 may control the light-emitting
element 40 to notify that the desired amount of aerosol cannot be
supplied. The controller 53 may control the light-emitting element
40 to continuously notify that the desired amount of aerosol cannot
be supplied, from start to end of a period in which the desired
amount of aerosol cannot be supplied. A start timing of the period
in which the desired amount of aerosol cannot be supplied is, for
example, a timing at which supply of the power output to the
atomizer 111R is started. An end timing of the period in which the
desired amount of aerosol cannot be supplied is similar to the
start timing of the period in which the desired amount of aerosol
can be supplied.
[0076] Thirdly, the controller 53 may trigger energization
processing for the atomizer 111R when the non-suction state is
switched to the suction state, and the suction state is switched to
the non-suction state. In other words, an initial puffing action is
performed to trigger the energization processing for the atomizer
111R without generation of aerosol. The energization processing for
the atomizer 111R is processing of generating aerosol by supplying
the power output to the atomizer 111R.
[0077] For example, the initial puffing action may be used to
authenticate whether the user is an authorized user. For example,
when the response value of the suction sensor 20 associated with
the initial puffing action satisfies a predetermined condition
(e.g., a condition that a slope of a flow rate is equal to or more
than a predetermined value), the user is authenticated as an
authorized user. The initial puffing action may be an initial
puffing action after introducing of the power supply of the flavor
inhaler 100, or may be an initial puffing action after a
predetermined time has elapsed without a puffing action performed.
Here, if switching from the non-suction state to the suction state
and switching from the suction state to the non-suction state are
not performed within a trigger time for the initial puffing action,
the controller 53 may not trigger the energization processing for
the atomizer 111R. For such an authentication operation, the whole
contents of International Application No. PCT/JP2015/63036 (filed
Apr. 30, 2015) is incorporated by reference.
[0078] (Example of Control)
[0079] Hereinafter, an example of control of the power output to
the atomizer 111R according to embodiment will be described. FIG. 4
is a graph for explaining an example of control of the power output
to the atomizer 111R according to the embodiment.
[0080] As described above, the controller 53 starts supply of the
power output to the atomizer 111R when the atomization switch 52 is
turned on (i.e., the non-suction state). The controller 53 stops
supply of the power output to the atomizer 111R when the
atomization switch 52 is turned off (i.e., the suction state).
[0081] In such a case, as shown in FIG. 4, the controller 53 stops
supply of the power output to the atomizer 111R when the first
duration elapses with the atomization switch 52 being in the ON
state (i.e., the non-suction state) after starting of supply of the
power output to the atomizer 111R. The first duration is a time
determined to prevent the supply amount of aerosol from exceeding
the upper limit of the desired amount range. The first duration is
variable depending on the amount of aerosol staying in the aerosol
flow path.
[0082] In addition, after stopping of supply of the power output to
the atomizer 111R due to elapse of the first duration, the
controller 53 restarts the supply of the power output to the
atomizer 111R when the second duration elapses with the atomization
switch 52 being in the ON state (i.e., the non-suction state). The
second duration is a time determined to prevent the supply amount
of aerosol from falling below the lower limit of the desired amount
range. In the example of control according to the embodiment, by
repeatedly stopping and restarting the supply of the power output
to the atomizer 111R, the supply amount of aerosol increases or
decreases within the desired amount range. Here, while the desired
amount range may be determined by the upper limit and the lower
limit, the lower limit is preferably 0.1 mg or more, and more
preferably 1.0 mg or more. On the other hand, the upper limit of
the desired amount is preferably 10.0 mg or less, and more
preferably 5.0 mg or less. The desired amount range may be 0.1 mg
or more to 10.0 mg or less, or may be 1.0 mg or more to 5.0 mg or
less. The desired amount range may be determined based on a target
value of the desired amount. For example, based on the target value
of the desired amount, the desired amount range is preferably a
range of .+-.50% or less (e.g., when the target value of the
desired amount is 2.0 mg, the desired amount range is 1.0 mg or
more to 3.0 mg or less), and more preferably a range of .+-.25% or
less (e.g., when the target value of the desired amount is 2.0 mg,
the desired amount range is 1.5 mg or more to 2.5 mg or less).
[0083] Here, the controller 53 controls the light-emitting element
40 to notify that the desired amount of aerosol can be supplied.
Further, the controller 53 controls the light-emitting element 40
to notify that the desired amount of aerosol cannot be supplied. In
the example of control according to the embodiment, it is notified
that the desired amount of aerosol cannot be supplied, after
starting of supply of the power output to the atomizer 111R until
the supply amount of aerosol reaches the lower limit of the desired
amount range. When the supply amount of aerosol exceeds the lower
limit of the desired amount range after starting of supply of the
power output to the atomizer 111R, it is notified that the desired
amount of aerosol can be supplied. The start timing of the period
in which the desired amount of aerosol can be supplied is a timing
at which a certain time shorter than the first duration has elapsed
after starting of supply of the power output to the atomizer 111R.
The certain time is, for example, a time from starting of supply of
the power output to the atomizer 111R until the supply amount of
aerosol reaches the lower limit of the desired amount range.
[0084] (Aerosol Delivery Method)
[0085] Hereinafter, an aerosol delivery method according to the
embodiment will be described. FIGS. 5 to 7 are flowcharts showing
the aerosol delivery method according to the embodiment. In FIGS. 5
to 7, an operation of the flavor inhaler 100 (controller 53) will
mainly be described.
[0086] As shown in FIG. 5, in step S10, the flavor inhaler 100 is
powered on. For example, when the pushbutton 30 is continuously
pushed in for a predetermined number of times, the flavor inhaler
100 is powered on.
[0087] In step S20, the controller 53 controls the power output
associated with a puffing action. Details of step S20 will be
described later (see FIGS. 6 and 7).
[0088] In step S30, the flavor inhaler 100 is powered off. For
example, when the pushbutton 30 is continuously pushed in for a
predetermined number of times, the flavor inhaler 100 is powered
off. Alternatively, the flavor inhaler 100 may be powered off when
a predetermined time elapses without a puffing action after a
puffing action is performed.
[0089] Next, details of step S20 mentioned above will be described.
FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing the aerosol delivery method in an
initial puffing action. As shown in FIG. 6, in step S201, the
flavor inhaler 100 is in the non-suction state where no puffing
action is detected by the suction sensor 20.
[0090] In step S202, the controller 53 determines whether the
non-suction state has been switched to the suction state. In other
words, the controller 53 determines whether the atomization switch
52 has been switched from the ON state to the OFF state. When the
determination result is YES, the controller 53 proceeds to
processing of step S203. When the determination result is NO, the
controller 53 returns to processing of step S201.
[0091] In step S203, the controller 53 determines whether the
suction state has been switched to the non-suction state. In other
words, the controller 53 determines whether the atomization switch
52 has been switched from the OFF state to the ON state. When the
determination result is YES, the controller 53 proceeds to
processing of step S204. When the determination result is NO, the
controller 53 waits as it is.
[0092] In step S204, the controller 53 determines whether the
non-suction state has been switched to the suction state, and the
suction state has been switched to the non-suction state within the
trigger time. That is, the controller 53 determines whether a time
from a timing of switching to the suction state to a timing of
switching to the non-suction state is within the trigger time. When
the determination result is YES, the controller 53 proceeds to
processing of step S205. When the determination result is NO, the
controller 53 returns to the processing of step S201. However, the
processing of step S204 may be omitted.
[0093] In step S205, the controller 53 triggers the energization
processing for the atomizer 111R. That is, after the initial
puffing action detected in steps S202 and S203 is performed, the
controller 53 starts supply of the power output to the atomizer
111R. In addition, the initial puffing action may be used to
authenticate whether the user is an authorized user. The initial
puffing action may be an initial puffing action after the flavor
inhaler 100 is powered on, or may be an initial puffing action
after a predetermined time has elapsed without a puffing action
performed. The predetermined time is longer than at least the first
duration and the second duration.
[0094] Here, the controller 53 may control the light-emitting
element 40 to notify that a desired amount of aerosol cannot be
supplied, after starting of supply of the power output to the
atomizer 111R until the supply amount of aerosol reaches the lower
limit of the desired amount range. On the other hand, when the
supply amount of aerosol generated by the atomizer 111R exceeds the
lower limit of the desired amount range, the controller 53 may
control the light-emitting element 40 to notify that the desired
amount of aerosol can be supplied. The light-emitting element 40
may continuously notify that the desired amount of aerosol can be
supplied, from start to end of a period in which the desired amount
of aerosol can be supplied.
[0095] After the processing of step S205, the controller 53
proceeds to processing of step S211 shown in FIG. 7. FIG. 7 is a
flowchart showing the aerosol delivery method in a puffing action
after the authentication (e.g., second and subsequent puffing
actions).
[0096] As shown in FIG. 7, in step S211, the controller 53
determines whether the non-suction state has been switched to the
suction state. In other words, the controller 53 determines whether
the atomization switch 52 has been switched from the ON state to
the OFF state. When the determination result is YES, the controller
53 proceeds to processing of step S212. When the determination
result is NO, the controller 53 proceeds to processing of step
S216.
[0097] In step S212, the flavor inhaler 100 is in the suction state
where a puffing action is detected by the suction sensor 20.
[0098] In step S213, the controller 53 stops the supply of the
power output to the atomizer 111R.
[0099] In step S214, it is determined whether the suction state has
been switched to the non-suction state. In other words, the
controller 53 determines whether the atomization switch 52 has been
switched from the OFF state to the ON state. When the determination
result is YES, the controller 53 proceeds to processing of step
S215. When the determination result is NO, the controller 53 waits
until the suction state ends.
[0100] In step S215, the controller 53 restarts the supply of the
power output to the atomizer 111R. Here, until the supply amount of
aerosol generated by the atomizer 111R exceeds the lower limit of
the desired amount range, the controller 53 may control the
light-emitting element 40 to notify that the desired amount of
aerosol cannot be supplied. When the supply amount of aerosol
generated by the atomizer 111R exceeds the lower limit of the
desired amount range, the controller 53 may control the
light-emitting element 40 to notify that the desired amount of
aerosol can be supplied. After step S215, the controller 53 returns
to the processing of step S211.
[0101] In step S216, the controller 53 determines whether the first
duration has elapsed after starting of supply of the power output
to the atomizer 111R. As described above, the first duration is the
time determined to prevent the supply amount of aerosol from
exceeding the upper limit of the desired amount range. When the
determination result is YES, the controller 53 proceeds to
processing of step S217. When the determination result is NO, the
controller 53 returns to the processing of step S211.
[0102] In step S217, the controller 53 stops the supply of the
power output to the atomizer 111R. Here, when the supply amount of
aerosol generated by the atomizer 111R falls below the lower limit
of the desired amount range, the controller 53 may control the
light-emitting element 40 to notify that the desired amount of
aerosol cannot be supplied. The light-emitting element 40 may
continuously notify that the desired amount of aerosol cannot be
supplied, from start to end of a period in which the desired amount
of aerosol cannot be supplied.
[0103] However, it should be noted that, as in the example of
control shown in FIG. 4, when the supply amount of aerosol
increases or decreases within the desired amount range after the
supply amount of aerosol exceeds the lower limit of the desired
amount range, a state is maintained where the supply amount of
aerosol is above the lower limit of the desired amount range.
Therefore, it is unnecessary to notify in step S217 that the
desired amount of aerosol cannot be supplied.
[0104] In step S218, the controller 53 determines whether the
second duration has elapsed after stopping of supply of the power
output to the atomizer 111R due to elapse of the first duration. As
described above, the second duration is the time determined to
prevent the supply amount of aerosol from falling below the lower
limit of the desired amount range. When the determination result is
YES, the controller 53 proceeds to processing of step S219. When
the determination result is NO, the controller 53 proceeds to
processing of step S220.
[0105] In step S219, the controller 53 determines whether a
termination condition is satisfied. When the determination result
is YES, the controller 53 ends a series of processing. When the
determination result is NO, the controller 53 returns to processing
of step S221. The termination condition may be that a predetermined
time elapses without a puffing action performed, or may be that a
predetermined number of puffing actions have been performed.
[0106] In step S220, the controller 53 determines whether the
non-suction state has been switched to the suction state. In other
words, the controller 53 determines whether the atomization switch
52 has been switched from the ON state to the OFF state. When the
determination result is YES, the controller 53 proceeds to the
processing of step S212. When the determination result is NO, the
controller 53 returns to processing of step S218.
[0107] In step S221, the controller 53 restarts the supply of the
power output to the atomizer 111R. Here, as with step S205, when
the supply amount of aerosol generated by the atomizer 111R exceeds
the lower limit of the desired amount range, the controller 53 may
control the light-emitting element 40 to notify that the desired
amount of aerosol can be supplied. The light-emitting element 40
may continuously notify that the desired amount of aerosol can be
supplied, from start to end of a period in which the desired amount
of aerosol can be supplied.
[0108] However, it should be noted that, as in the example of
control shown in FIG. 4, when the supply amount of aerosol
increases or decreases within the desired amount range after the
supply amount of aerosol exceeds the lower limit of the desired
amount range, a state is maintained where the supply amount of
aerosol is above the lower limit of the desired amount range.
Therefore, when it is notified only once that the desired amount of
aerosol can be supplied at a timing when the supply amount of
aerosol generated by the atomizer 111R exceeds the lower limit of
the desired amount range, it is not necessary to notify that the
desired amount of aerosol can be supplied in step S215. After step
S221, the controller 53 returns to the processing of step S211.
[0109] As described above, the aerosol delivery method includes
various processing, but the embodiment is not limited to this. The
aerosol delivery method only needs to include at least step A
(i.e., step S205, step S215, and step S221) of generating aerosol
in the suction path, and step B (i.e., step S213) of transferring
the aerosol into a user's mouth with a fluid flow in the suction
path in a state where generation of aerosol is stopped after step
A.
[0110] (Function and Effect)
[0111] In the embodiment, the controller 53 stops supply of the
power output to the atomizer 111R during a user's puffing action.
During generation of aerosol by the atomizer 111R, temperature of
the atomizer 111R is not changed by the user's puffing action. This
prevents a particle diameter of particles constituting aerosol from
varying within one puffing action or among a plurality of puffing
actions.
[0112] In the embodiment, when the first duration has elapsed after
starting of supply of the power output to the atomizer 111R, the
controller 53 stops the supply of the power output to the atomizer
111R. Therefore, it is possible to keep the supply amount of
aerosol within a desired amount without depending on an interval of
puffing actions.
[0113] In the embodiment, when the second duration has elapsed
after stopping of supply of the power output to the atomizer 111R
due to elapse of the first duration, the controller 53 restarts the
supply of the power output to the atomizer 111R. This can prevent
the supply amount of aerosol from falling below the lower limit of
the desired amount range due to condensation of the aerosol on the
wall surface exposed to the flow path of aerosol.
[0114] In the embodiment, the light-emitting element 40 notifies
that a desired amount of aerosol can be supplied, in a period in
which the desired amount of aerosol can be supplied. This allows a
user to promote start of a puffing action at an appropriate
timing.
[0115] In the embodiment, the light-emitting element 40 notifies
that a desired amount of aerosol cannot be supplied, in a period in
which the desired amount of aerosol cannot be supplied. This can
prevent start of a puffing action at an inappropriate timing.
[0116] In the embodiment, on the wall surface exposed to the flow
path of aerosol generated by the atomizer 111R, there is provided
the absorbing member 111S that absorbs the condensed aerosol. This
can suppresses waste of the aerosol source by re-atomization of the
aerosol absorbed by the absorbing member 111S.
[0117] In the embodiment, the controller 53 triggers the
energization processing for the atomizer 111R when the non-suction
state is switched to the suction state, and the suction state is
switched to the non-suction state. This makes it possible to
properly trigger the energization processing for the atomizer 111R.
Furthermore, an initial puffing action can be used for user
authentication.
Modified Example 1
[0118] Hereinafter, Modified Example 1 of the embodiment will be
described. In the following, differences from the embodiment will
be mainly described.
[0119] Specifically, in the embodiment, the atomization switch 52
is linked with the suction sensor 20. On the other hand, in
Modified Example 1, an atomization switch 52 is connected to an
operation interface 80 as shown in FIG. 8, and is linked with a
user operation on the operation interface 80. The operation
interface 80 may be the above-described pushbutton 30, or may be an
interface provided separately from the pushbutton 30 described
above.
[0120] The operation interface 80 is an interface configured to be
operated before start of a puffing action. That is, a user operates
the operation interface 80 in a period in which a puffing action is
not performed, and the user does not operate the operation
interface 80 in a period in which the puffing action is performed.
Therefore, the atomization switch 52 is switched to an OFF state
when the user operation is no longer performed on the operation
interface 80. On the other hand, the atomization switch 52 is
switched to an ON state when the user operation is performed on the
operation interface 80. That is, a state where the user operation
is being performed on the operation interface 80 is a non-suction
state, and a state where the user operation is not being performed
on the operation interface 80 is a suction state.
[0121] In Modified Example 1, a controller 53 starts supply of a
power output to an atomizer 111R when a user operation is performed
on the operation interface 80, and the controller 53 stops the
supply of the power output to the atomizer 111R when the user
operation is no longer performed on the operation interface 80.
[0122] Here, in a case where the control according to the
embodiment is applied to Modified Example 1, "when a puffing action
is detected by the suction sensor 20" may be replaced with "when a
user operation is no longer performed on the operation interface
80", and "when a puffing action is no longer detected by the
suction sensor 20" may be replaced with "when a user operation is
performed on the operation interface 80".
[0123] On an assumption of such replacement, in Modified Example 1,
step A (step S205, step 213, and step 219 described above) of
generating aerosol in the suction path is a step of starting supply
of the power output to the atomizer 111R when a user operation is
performed on the operation interface 80, whereas step B of
transferring the aerosol into a user's mouth with a fluid flow in
the suction path, in a state where the generation of aerosol is
stopped after step A is a step of stopping the supply of the power
output to the atomizer 111R when the user operation is no longer
performed on the operation interface 80.
[0124] (Example of Control)
[0125] Hereinafter, an example of control of the power output to
the atomizer 111R according to Modified Example 1 will be
described. FIG. 9 is a diagram for explaining an example of control
of the power output to the atomizer 111R according to Modified
Example 1.
[0126] As described above, when a user operation is performed on
the operation interface 80, the controller 53 starts supply of the
power output to the atomizer 111R. When the user operation is not
being performed on the operation interface 80, the controller 53
stops supply of the power output to the atomizer 111R.
[0127] In such a case, as shown in FIG. 9, the controller 53 stops
the supply of the power output to the atomizer 111R when the first
duration elapses with the atomization switch 52 being in the ON
state (i.e., the non-suction state) after starting of supply of the
power output to the atomizer 111R. That is, even when the user
operation is continued on the operation interface 80, the supply of
the power output to the atomizer 111R is stopped. The first
duration is the time determined to prevent the supply amount of
aerosol from exceeding an upper limit of the desired amount range.
However, the example of control according to Modified Example 1
does not include performing of the control for maintaining the
supply amount of aerosol to exceed a lower limit of the desired
amount range by using the second duration described above.
[0128] Here, the controller 53 controls the light-emitting element
40 to notify that the desired amount of aerosol can be supplied.
Further, the controller 53 controls the light-emitting element 40
to notify that the desired amount of aerosol cannot be supplied. In
the example of control according to Modified Example 1, when the
supply amount of aerosol is below the lower limit of the desired
amount range, it is notified that the desired amount of aerosol
cannot be supplied. When the supply amount of aerosol is above the
lower limit of the desired amount range, it is notified that the
desired amount of aerosol can be supplied.
[0129] (Function and Effect)
[0130] In Modified Example 1, even when the operation interface 80
is used instead of the suction sensor 20, similar effects to the
embodiment can be obtained. Further, as a result of omitting the
control for maintaining the supply amount of aerosol to exceed the
lower limit of the desired amount range by using the second
duration described above, power consumption and a processing load
are reduced as compared with the embodiment.
Modified Example 2
[0131] Hereinafter, Modified Example 2 of the embodiment will be
described. In the following, differences from the embodiment will
be mainly described.
[0132] In the embodiment, there is provided the atomization switch
52 linked with the suction sensor 20. On the other hand, in
Modified Example 2, as shown in FIG. 10, there are provided a first
switch 57 linked with an operation interface 80, and a second
switch 58 linked with a suction sensor 20. The operation interface
80 may be the above-described pushbutton 30, or may be an interface
provided separately from the pushbutton 30 described above.
[0133] In Modified Example 2, the first switch 57 is switched to an
ON state when a user operation is performed on the operation
interface 80, and is switched to an OFF state when the user
operation is no longer performed on the operation interface 80. On
the other hand, the second switch 58 is switched to an ON state
when a puffing action is detected by the suction sensor 20, and is
switched to an OFF state when the puffing action is no longer
detected by the suction sensor 20. That is, the second switch 58 is
switched to the ON state by start of a user's puffing action, and
switched to the OFF state by termination of the user's puffing
action.
[0134] In Modified Example 2, when the first switch 57 is switched
to the ON state, a controller 53 starts supply of the power output
to an atomizer 111R, and when the second switch 58 is switched to
the ON state, the controller 53 stops the supply of the power
output to the atomizer 111R. In other words, the controller 53
starts supply of the power output to the atomizer 111R when a user
operation is performed on the operation interface 80, and even when
the user operation is being performed on the operation interface
80, the controller 53 stops the supply of the power output to the
atomizer 111R when a puffing action is detected by the suction
sensor 20.
[0135] Thus, it should be noted that, in Modified Example 2, an
opportunity to start supply of the power output to the atomizer
111R is that a user operation is performed on the operation
interface 80 (the first switch 57 is switched to the ON state),
rather than that a puffing action is no longer detected by the
suction sensor 20 (the second switch 58 is switched to the OFF
state).
[0136] In Modified Example 2, the operation interface 80 is used as
an interface to start supply of the power output to the atomizer
111R. Therefore, when the user operation is no longer performed on
the operation interface 80, the controller 53 may not stop the
supply of the power output to the atomizer 111R. However, Modified
Example 2 is not limited to this. Specifically, when the user
operation is no longer performed on the operation interface 80, the
controller 53 may stop the supply of the power output to the
atomizer 111R. Specifically, on the assumption that the user
operation is being performed on the operation interface 80 (i.e.,
the first switch 57 is in the ON state), it may be considered that
supply of the power output to the atomizer 111R is permitted.
[0137] It should be noted that, in Modified Example 2, the control
shown in FIG. 9 is performed as control of the power output to the
atomizer 111R, as in Modified Example 1. That is, Modified Example
2 does not include performing of the control for maintaining the
supply amount of aerosol to exceed the lower limit of the desired
amount range by using the second duration described above.
[0138] In Modified Example 2, from a viewpoint of stopping supply
of the power output to the atomizer 111R, the second switch 58
linked with the suction sensor 20 may be considered as an
atomization switch. From a viewpoint of starting supply of the
power output to the atomizer 111R, the first switch 57 linked with
the operation interface 80 may be considered as the atomization
switch.
[0139] (Aerosol Delivery Method)
[0140] Hereinafter, an aerosol delivery method according to
Modified Example 2 will be described. FIG. 11 is a flowchart
showing the aerosol delivery method according to Modified Example
2. In FIG. 11, an operation of the flavor inhaler 100 (controller
53) is mainly described. In FIG. 11, details of step S20 shown in
FIG. 5 is described.
[0141] As shown in FIG. 11, in step S311, the first switch 57 is in
the OFF state. That is, a user operation is not being performed on
the operation interface 80.
[0142] In step S312, the controller 53 determines whether a
termination condition is satisfied. When the determination result
is YES, the controller 53 ends a series of processing. When the
determination result is NO, the controller 53 returns to processing
of step S313. The termination condition may be that a predetermined
time elapses without a puffing action performed, or may be that a
predetermined number of puffing actions have been performed.
[0143] In step S313, the controller 53 determines whether the first
switch 57 has been switched from the OFF state to the ON state. In
other words, the controller 53 determines whether a user operation
has been performed on the operation interface 80. When the
determination result is YES, the controller 53 proceeds to
processing of step S314. When the determination result is NO, the
controller 53 returns to processing of step S311.
[0144] In step S314, the controller 53 starts supply of the power
output to the atomizer 111R. Here, when the supply amount of
aerosol generated by the atomizer 111R exceeds a lower limit of a
desired amount range, the controller 53 may control the
light-emitting element 40 to notify that the desired amount of
aerosol can be supplied.
[0145] In step S315, the controller 53 determines whether the
second switch 58 has been switched from the OFF state to the ON
state. In other words, the controller 53 detects whether a puffing
action is detected by the suction sensor 20. When the determination
result is YES, the controller 53 proceeds to processing of step
S316. When the determination result is NO, the controller 53
returns to processing of step S318.
[0146] In step S316, the controller 53 stops the supply of the
power output to the atomizer 111R.
[0147] In step S317, the controller 53 determines whether the
second switch 58 has been switched from the ON state to the OFF
state. In other words, the controller 53 detects whether the
puffing action is no longer detected by the suction sensor 20. When
the determination result is YES, the controller 53 returns to the
processing of step S311. In the flow shown in FIG. 11, the first
switch 57 is switched from the ON state to the OFF state even when
the user operation is continued on the operation interface 80 at a
time of returning to processing at step S311. On the other hand,
when the determination result is NO, the controller 53 waits as it
is. In other words, it should be noted that, since the next step is
not processed when the second switch 58 in the ON state due to the
detection of a user's puffing action, the power output to the
atomizer 111R is not started even when the first switch 57 is
turned on by the user operation on the operation interface 80.
[0148] In step S318, it is determined whether the first switch 57
has been switched from the ON state to the OFF state. In other
words, the controller 53 determines whether the user operation is
no longer performed on the operation interface 80. When the
determination result is YES, the controller 53 proceeds to
processing of step S319. When the determination result is NO, the
controller 53 returns to processing of step S320.
[0149] In step S319, the controller 53 stops the supply of the
power output to the atomizer 111R. Here, when the supply amount of
aerosol generated by the atomizer 111R falls below the lower limit
of the desired amount range, the controller 53 may control the
light-emitting element 40 to notify that the desired amount of
aerosol cannot be supplied. After step S319, the controller 53
returns to the processing of step S311.
[0150] In step S320, the controller 53 determines whether the first
duration has elapsed after starting of supply of the power output
to the atomizer 111R. As described above, the first duration is the
time determined to prevent the supply amount of aerosol from
exceeding the upper limit of the desired amount range. When the
determination result is YES, the controller 53 proceeds to
processing of step S321. When the determination result is NO, the
controller 53 returns to processing of step S315.
[0151] In step S321, the controller 53 stops the supply of the
power output to the atomizer 111R. Here, when the supply amount of
aerosol generated by the atomizer 111R falls below the lower limit
of the desired amount range, the controller 53 may control the
light-emitting element 40 to notify that the desired amount of
aerosol cannot be supplied. After step S321, the controller 53
returns to the processing of step S311. In the flow shown in FIG.
11, the first switch 57 is switched from the ON state to the OFF
state even when the user operation is continued on the operation
interface 80 at a time of returning to processing at step S311.
[0152] (Function and Effect)
[0153] In Modified Example 2, even when the first switch 57 and the
second switch 58 are used instead of the atomization switch 52,
similar effects to the embodiment can be obtained. Further, as a
result of omitting the control for maintaining the supply amount of
aerosol to exceed the lower limit of the desired amount range by
using the second duration described above, power consumption and a
processing load are reduced as compared with the embodiment.
Other Embodiments
[0154] Although the present invention has been described with the
above-described embodiments, the descriptions and drawings forming
a part of the disclosure should not be construed as limiting the
present invention. From this disclosure, various alternative
embodiments, examples, and operation techniques will be apparent to
those skilled in the art.
[0155] In the embodiment, the cartridge 130 does not include the
atomizing unit 111, but the embodiment is not limited to this. For
example, the cartridge 130 may form one unit in combination with
the atomizing unit 111.
[0156] In the embodiment, the flavor inhaler 100 has the cartridge
130, but the embodiment is not limited to this. The flavor inhaler
100 may not have the cartridge 130. In such a case, the aerosol
source preferably contains a flavoring component.
[0157] In the embodiment, the flavor inhaler 100 has the power
switch 51, but the embodiment is not limited to this. In other
words, the suction sensor 20 may always be energized.
[0158] The pushbutton 30 is provided at the non-inhalation end of
the flavor inhaler 100, but the embodiment is not limited to this.
For example, the pushbutton 30 may be provided on an outer
periphery of the inhaler housing 110X.
[0159] As shown in FIG. 9, Modified Examples 1 and 2 do not include
performing of the control by using the second duration, that is,
the control for maintaining the supply amount of aerosol to exceed
the lower limit of the desired amount range, but the embodiment is
not limited to this. Even in Modified Examples 1 and 2, the control
using the second duration period may be performed as shown in FIG.
4. In detail, after stopping of the supply of the power output to
the atomizer 111R due to elapse of the first duration, the
controller 53 according to Modified Example 1 may restart the
supply of the power output to the atomizer 111R when the second
duration has elapsed with the atomization switch 52 being in the ON
state (i.e., while the user operation is performed on the operation
interface 80). After stopping of the supply of the power output to
the atomizer 111R due to elapse of the first duration, the
controller 53 according to Modified Example 2 may restart the
supply of the power output to the atomizer 111R when the second
duration has elapsed with the first switch 57 being in the ON
state, and the second switch 58 being in the OFF state (i.e., while
the user operation is continued on the operation interface 80, and
no puffing action is being detected by the suction sensor 20).
[0160] Although not specifically mentioned in the embodiment, the
atomizing unit 111 may be provided separately from the electrical
unit 112, and may be configured to be connectable to the electrical
unit 112.
INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY
[0161] According to the embodiment, it is possible to provide the
non-combustion type flavor inhaler and the aerosol delivery method
capable of suppressing variations in the particle diameter of the
particles constituting the aerosol.
* * * * *