U.S. patent application number 17/489785 was filed with the patent office on 2022-03-31 for power supply unit for aerosol generation device.
This patent application is currently assigned to Japan Tobacco Inc.. The applicant listed for this patent is Japan Tobacco Inc.. Invention is credited to Ikuo FUJINAGA, Hajime FUJITA, Takuma NAKANO.
Application Number | 20220095678 17/489785 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 1000005932254 |
Filed Date | 2022-03-31 |
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United States Patent
Application |
20220095678 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
FUJINAGA; Ikuo ; et
al. |
March 31, 2022 |
POWER SUPPLY UNIT FOR AEROSOL GENERATION DEVICE
Abstract
A power supply unit for an aerosol generation device, the power
supply unit including: a power supply; a first connector
electrically connectable to an atomizer capable of atomizing an
aerosol source and electrically connected to the power supply; a
second connector electrically connectable to a heater capable of
heating a flavor source and electrically connected to the power
supply; and a processing device. The processing device is
configured to generate the aerosol to which the flavor is added by
controlling discharge from the power supply to the atomizer and the
heater, acquire a remaining amount of the flavor source at a first
timing after generation of the aerosol as a first remaining amount,
and acquire a second remaining amount, which is a remaining amount
of the flavor source at a between the first timing and a second
timing when next generation of the aerosol starts.
Inventors: |
FUJINAGA; Ikuo; (Tokyo,
JP) ; NAKANO; Takuma; (Tokyo, JP) ; FUJITA;
Hajime; (Tokyo, JP) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Japan Tobacco Inc. |
Tokyo |
|
JP |
|
|
Assignee: |
Japan Tobacco Inc.
Tokyo
JP
|
Family ID: |
1000005932254 |
Appl. No.: |
17/489785 |
Filed: |
September 30, 2021 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A24F 40/20 20200101;
A24F 40/10 20200101; A24F 40/53 20200101; A24F 40/30 20200101; A24F
40/57 20200101; A24F 40/60 20200101 |
International
Class: |
A24F 40/30 20060101
A24F040/30; A24F 40/53 20060101 A24F040/53; A24F 40/57 20060101
A24F040/57; A24F 40/60 20060101 A24F040/60; A24F 40/20 20060101
A24F040/20; A24F 40/10 20060101 A24F040/10 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Sep 30, 2020 |
JP |
2020-166298 |
Claims
1. A power supply unit for an aerosol generation device, the power
supply unit comprising: a power supply; a first connector
electrically connectable to an atomizer capable of atomizing an
aerosol source and electrically connected to the power supply; a
second connector electrically connectable to a heater capable of
heating a flavor source that adds a flavor to an aerosol generated
from the aerosol source, and electrically connected to the power
supply; and a processing device, wherein the processing device is
configured to generate the aerosol to which the flavor is added by
controlling discharge from the power supply to the atomizer and the
heater, acquire a remaining amount of the flavor source at a first
timing after generation of the aerosol to which the flavor is added
as a first remaining amount, and acquire a second remaining amount,
which is a remaining amount of the flavor source at a timing
between the first timing and a second timing when next generation
of the aerosol to which the flavor is added starts, as an amount
smaller than the first remaining amount.
2. The power supply unit according to claim 1, wherein the
processing device is configured to control the discharge from the
power supply to the atomizer and the heater based on the second
remaining amount.
3. The power supply unit according to claim 1, wherein the
processing device is configured to acquire the second remaining
amount based on an elapsed time from the first timing.
4. The power supply unit according to claim 1, wherein the
processing device is configured to acquire a temperature of the
flavor source, and acquire the second remaining amount based on the
temperature of the flavor source at a timing after the first timing
and before the second timing.
5. The power supply unit according to claim 1, wherein the
processing device is configured to acquire a temperature of the
heater, control the discharge from the power supply to the heater
such that the temperature of the heater converges to any one of a
plurality of target temperatures, and acquire the second remaining
amount based on a value of the temperature of the heater at the
first timing or a value of the one of target temperature.
6. The power supply unit according to claim 1, further comprising:
a notification unit, wherein the processing device is configured to
cause the notification unit to perform a notification when the
remaining amount of the flavor source is smaller than a threshold
value, and acquire the second remaining amount based on an
accumulated value of an amount of power supplied to the atomizer
after the notification.
7. The power supply unit according to claim 1, wherein the
processing device is configured to detect attachment and detachment
of a container that accommodates the flavor source to and from the
aerosol generation device, and acquire the second remaining amount
based on an accumulated value of an amount of power supplied to the
atomizer after the container is attached.
8. The power supply unit according to claim 1, further comprising:
a sensor that outputs a value related to an ambient temperature
around the power supply unit, wherein the processing device is
configured to acquire the second remaining amount based on an
output of the sensor at a timing after the first timing and before
the second timing.
9. The power supply unit according to claim 1, wherein the
processing device is configured to acquire the second remaining
amount based on the first remaining amount.
10. The power supply unit according to claim 1, further comprising:
the notification unit, wherein the processing device is configured
to cause the notification unit to immediately execute the
notification when the second remaining amount is smaller than the
threshold value.
11. The power supply unit according to claim 1, further comprising:
the notification unit; an input unit capable of detecting an input
by a user, wherein the processing device is configured to start the
discharge from the power supply to the atomizer based on the input
to the input unit, and cause the notification unit to execute the
notification in response to the input to the input unit when the
second remaining amount is smaller than the threshold value.
12. The power supply unit for the aerosol generation device
according to claim 10, wherein the processing device is configured
to immediately acquire an amount obtained by subtracting a
predetermined amount from the first remaining amount after
acquiring the first remaining amount, and cause the notification
unit to immediately execute the notification when the amount
obtained by subtracting the predetermined amount from the first
remaining amount is smaller than the threshold value.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims priority to Japanese Patent
Application No. 2020-166298 filed on Sep. 30, 2020, the content of
which is incorporated herein by reference.
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0002] The present invention relates to a power supply unit for an
aerosol generation device.
BACKGROUND ART
[0003] JP 6030580 B discloses an electronic cigarette including a
heating element, a power supply configured to supply power having a
certain voltage to the heating element, a sensor configured to
detect an air how of an inhaling operation, and a processor
configured to control the power supply based on an interval of the
inhaling operation.
[0004] WO 2020/039589, JP 2017-511703 T, and WO 2019/017654
disclose devices that can add a flavor to an aerosol by allowing
the aerosol generated by heating a liquid to pass through a flavor
source, and allow a user to inhale the aerosol to which the flavor
is added.
[0005] In order to enhance a commercial value of an aerosol
generation device that can generate the aerosol and let the aerosol
to be inhaled, it is important for the aerosol generation device to
provide a user with an aerosol having a stable flavor for each
inhaling.
[0006] An object of the present invention is to increase a
commercial value of an aerosol generation device.
SUMMARY OF INVENTION
[0007] A power supply unit for an aerosol generation device
according to an aspect of the present invention includes: a power
supply; a first connector electrically connectable to an atomizer
capable of atomizing an aerosol source and electrically connected
to the power supply a second connector electrically connectable to
a beater capable of heating a flavor source that adds a flavor to
an aerosol generated from the aerosol source, and electrically
connected to the power supply; and a processing device. The
processing device is configured to generate the aerosol to which
the flavor is added by controlling discharge from the power supply
to the atomizer and the heater, acquire a remaining amount of the
flavor source at a first timing after generation of the aerosol to
which the flavor is added as a first remaining amount, and acquire
a second remaining amount, which is a remaining amount of the
flavor source at a timing between the first timing and a second
timing when next generation of the aerosol to which the flavor is
added starts, as an amount smaller than the first remaining
amount.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
[0008] FIG. 1 is a perspective view schematically showing a
schematic configuration of an aerosol generation device.
[0009] FIG. 2. is another perspective view of the aerosol
generation device in FIG. 1.
[0010] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the aerosol generation
device in FIG. 1.
[0011] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a power supply unit in the
aerosol generation device in FIG. 1.
[0012] FIG. 5 is a schematic view showing a hardware configuration
of the aerosol generation device in FIG. 1.
[0013] FIG. 6 is a schematic view showing a modification of the
hardware configuration of the aerosol generation device in FIG.
1.
[0014] FIG. 7 is a schematic view showing a change in a flavor
component remaining amount during an operation of the aerosol
generation device 1.
[0015] FIG. 8 is a schematic view showing a change in the flavor
component remaining amount during the operation of the aerosol
generation device 1.
[0016] FIG. 9 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of the
aerosol generation device in FIG. 1.
[0017] FIG. 10 is a flow chart for explaining the operation of the
aerosol generation device in FIG. 1.
[0018] FIG. 11 is a schematic view showing atomization power
supplied to a first load 21 in step S17 of FIG. 10.
[0019] FIG. 12 is a schematic view showing the atomization power
supplied to the first load 21 in step S19 of FIG. 10.
[0020] FIG. 13 is a flowchart for explaining a first modification
of the operation of the aerosol generation device 1.
[0021] FIG. 14 is a flowchart for explaining a second modification
of the operation of the aerosol generation device 1.
[0022] FIG. 15 is a flowchart for explaining a third modification
of the operation of the aerosol generation device 1.
DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS
[0023] Hereinafter, an aerosol generation device 1 which is an
embodiment of an aerosol generation device according, to the
present. invention, will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to
6.
(Aerosol Generation Device)
[0024] The aerosol generation device 1 is an instrument that
generates an aerosol to which a flavor component is added without
burning and allows the aerosol to be inhaled, and has a rod shape
that extends along a predetermined direction (hereinafter, referred
to as a longitudinal direction X) as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2. In the
aerosol generation device 1, a power supply unit 10, a first
cartridge 20 and a second cartridge 30 are provided in this order
along the longitudinal direction X. The first cartridge 20 is
attachable to and detachable from (in other words, replaceable with
respect to) the power supply unit 10. The second cartridge 30 is
attachable to and detachable from (in other words, replaceable with
respect to) the first cartridge 20. As shown in FIG. 3, the first
cartridge 20 is provided with a first load 21 and a second load 31.
An overall shape of the aerosol generation device I is not limited
to a shape in which the power supply unit 10, the first cartridge
20 and the second cartridge 30 are arranged in a hue as shown in
FIG. 1. Any shape such as a substantially box shape can be adopted
as long as the first cartridge 20 and the second cartridge 30 are
configured to be replaceable with respect to the power supply unit
10. The second cartridge 30 may be attachable to and detachable
from (in other words, replaceable with respect to) the power supply
unit 10.
(Power Supply Unit)
[0025] As shown in FIGS. 3, 4 and 5, the power supply unit 10
accommodates, in a cylindrical power supply unit case 11, at power
supply 12, a charging IC 55A, a micro controller unit (MCU) 50, a
DCI DC converter 51, an intake sensor 15, a temperature detection
element T1 including a voltage sensor 52 and a current sensor 53, a
temperature detection element T2 including a voltage sensor 54 and
a current sensor 55, a first notification unit 45, and a second
notification unit 46.
[0026] The power supply 12 is a rechargeable secondary battery, an
electric double layer capacitor or the like, and is preferably a
lithium ion secondary battery. An electrolyte of the power supply
12 may be constituted by one of a gel-like electrolyte, an
electrolytic solution, a solid electrolyte, an ionic liquid, or a
combination thereof.
[0027] As shown in FIG. 5, the MCU 50 is connected to various
sensor devices such as the intake sensor 15, the voltage sensor 52,
the current sensor 53, the voltage sensor 54 and the current sensor
55, the DC/DC converter 51, an operation unit 14, the first
notification unit 45, and the second notification unit 46, and
performs various types of control of the aerosol generation device
1.
[0028] Specifically, the MCU 50 mainly includes a processor, and
further includes a memory 50a formed of a storage medium such as a
random access memory (RAM) required for an operation of the
processor and a read only memory (ROM) that stores various types of
information. Specifically, the processor in the present
specification is an electric circuit in which circuit elements such
as semiconductor elements are combined.
[0029] As shown in FIG. 4, a discharging terminal 41 constituting a
first connector are provided on a top portion 11a positioned on one
end side of the power supply unit case 11 in the longitudinal
direction X (a first cartridge 20 side). The discharging terminal
41 is provided so as to protrude from an upper surface of the top
portion 11a toward the first cartridge 20, and can be electrically
connected to each of the first load 21 and the second load 31 of
the first cartridge 20. Although not shown in FIG. 4, the top
portion 11a is provided with a connector CN constituting a second
connector (see FIGS. 5 and 6). The discharging terminal 41 is
electrically connected to the power supply 12. The discharging
terminal 41 is electrically connected to the first load 21 in a
state where the first cartridge 20 is attached to the power supply
unit 10. The connector CN is electrically connected to the power
supply 12. The connector CN is electrically connected to the second
load 31 in a state where the first cartridge 20 is attached to the
power supply unit 10. In the aerosol generation device 1 shown in
FIGS. 4 to 6, the first load 21 and the second, load 31 are
provided in the first cartridge 20. Alternatively, the second load
31 may be provided in the second, cartridge 30, and the first load
21 and the second load 31 may be provided in the power supply unit
10. In either case, the discharging terminal 41 constituting the
first connector and the connector CN constituting the second
connector are provided in the power supply unit 10.
[0030] On the upper surface of the top portion 11a, an air supply
unit 42 that supplies air to the first load 21 of the first
cartridge 20 is provided in vicinity of the discharging terminal
41.
[0031] A charging terminal 43 that can be electrically connected to
an external power supply (not shown) is provided in a bottom
portion 11b positioned on the other end side of the power supply
unit case 11 in the longitudinal direction X (a side opposite to
the first cartridge 20). The charging terminal 43 is provided in a
side surface of the bottom portion 11b, and can be connected to,
for example, a universal serial bus (USB) terminal, a microUSB
terminal or the like.
[0032] The charging terminal 43 may be a power reception unit that
can receive power transmitted from the external power supply in a
wireless manner. In such a case, the charging terminal 43 (the
power reception unit) may be formed of a power reception coil. A
wireless power transfer method may be an electromagnetic induction
type, a magnetic resonance type, or a combination of the
electromagnetic induction type and the magnetic resonance type. The
charging terminal 43 may be a power reception unit that can receive
power transmitted from the external power supply in a contactless
manner As another example, the charging terminal 43 can be
connected to a USB terminal or a micro USB terminal, and may
include the power reception unit described above.
[0033] The power supply unit case 11 is provided with the operation
unit 14 that can be operated by a user in a side surface of the top
portion 11a so as to face a side opposite to the charging terminal
43. More specifically, the operation unit 14 and the charging
terminal 43 have a point-symmetrical relationship with respect to
an intersection between a straight line connecting the operation
unit 14 and the charging terminal 43 and a center line of the power
supply unit 10 in the longitudinal direction X. The operation unit
14 includes a button-type switch, a touch panel or the like. When a
predetermined activation operation is performed by the operation
unit 14 in a state where the power supply unit 10 is in a power-off
state, the operation unit 14 outputs an activation command of the
power supply unit 10 to the MCV 50. When the MCU 50 acquires the
activation command, the MCU 50 activates the power supply unit
10.
[0034] As shown in FIG. 3, the intake sensor 15 that detects a puff
(inhaling) operation is provided in vicinity of the operation unit
14. The power supply unit case 11 is provided with an air intake
port (not shown) that takes outside air into the power supply unit
case 11. The air intake port may be provided around the operation
unit 14 or may be provided around the charging terminal 43.
[0035] The intake sensor 15 is configured to output a value of a
change in pressure (internal pressure) in the power supply unit 10
due to inhaling of the user through an inhale port 32 described
later. The intake sensor 15 is, for example, a pressure sensor that
outputs an output value (for example, a voltage value or a current
value) corresponding to the internal pressure that changes
according to a flow rate of air inhaled from the air intake port
toward the inhale port 32 (that is, the puff operation of the
user). The intake sensor 15 may output an analog value, or may
output a digital value converted from the analog value.
[0036] In order to compensate for a pressure to be detected, the
intake sensor 15 may include a temperature sensor that detects a
temperature of an environment where the power supply unit 10 is
placed (an outside air temperature). The intake sensor 15 may
include a condenser microphone or the like instead of the pressure
sensor.
[0037] When the puff operation is performed and the output value of
the intake sensor 15 is equal to or greater than an output
threshold value, the MCU 50 determines that an aerosol generation
request tan atomization command of an aerosol source 22 described
later) is made, and thereafter, when the output value of the intake
sensor 15 falls below the output threshold value, the MCU 50
determines that the aerosol generation request ends. In the aerosol
generation device 1, for a purpose of preventing overheating of the
first load 21 Of the like, when a period during which the aerosol
generation request is made reaches an upper limit time t.sub.upper
(for example, 2.4 seconds), it is determined that the aerosol
generation request ends regardless of the output value of the
intake sensor 15.
[0038] Instead of the intake sensor 15, the aerosol generation
request may be detected based on an operation of the operation unit
14. For example, when the user performs a predetermined operation
on the operation unit 14 in order to start inhaling of an aerosol,
the operation unit 14 may output a signal indicating the aerosol
generation request to the MCU 50.
[0039] The charging IC 55A is disposed close to the charging
terminal 43, and controls charging of power input front the
charging terminal 43 to the power supply 12. The charging IC 55A
may be disposed in vicinity of the MCU 50.
(First Cartridge)
[0040] As shown in FIG. 3, the first cartridge 20 includes, inside
a cylindrical cartridge case 27, a reservoir 23 constituting a
storage portion that stores the aerosol source 22, the first load
21 constituting an atomizer that atomizes the aerosol source 22 to
generate the aerosol, a wick 24 that draws the aerosol source 22
from the reservoir 23 to a position of the first load 21, an
aerosol flow path 25 constituting a cooling passage that sets a
particle size of the aerosol generated by atomization of the
aerosol source 22 to a size suitable for inhaling, an end cap 26
that accommodates a part of the second. cartridge 30, and the
second load 31 provided on the end cap 26 for heating the second
cartridge 30.
[0041] The reservoir 23 is partitioned and formed so as to surround
a periphery of the aerosol flow path 25, and stores the aerosol
source 22. A porous body such as a resin web or cotton may be
accommodated in the reservoir 23, and the aerosol source 22 may be
impregnated in the porous body. The reservoir 23 may only store the
aerosol source 22 without accommodating the porous body such as the
resin web or cotton. The aerosol source 22 contains a liquid such
as glycerin, propylene glycol or water.
[0042] The wick 24 is a liquid holding member that draws the
aerosol source 22 from the reservoir 23 to the position of the
first load 21 by using a capillary phenomenon. The wick 24
constitutes a holding portion that holds the aerosol source 22
supplied from the reservoir 23 at the position where the aerosol
source 22 can be atomized by the first load 21. The wick 24 is made
of, for example, glass fiber or porous ceramic.
[0043] The aerosol source 22 included in the first cartridge 20 is
held by each of the reservoir 23 and the wick 24, but in the
following, a reservoir remaining amount W.sub.reservoir, which is a
remaining amount of the aerosol source 22 stored in the reservoir
23, is treated as the remaining amount of the aerosol source 22
included in the first cartridge 20. The reservoir remaining amount
W.sub.reservoir is 100% when the first cartridge 20 is new, and
decreases as the aerosol is generated (the aerosol source 22 is
atomized). The reservoir remaining amount W.sub.reservoir is
calculated by the MCU 50 and stored in the memory 50a of the MCU
50. Hereinafter, the reservoir remaining amount W.sub.reservoir may
be simply referred to as a reservoir remaining amount.
[0044] The first load 21 heats the aerosol source 22 by power
supplied from the power supply 12 via the discharging terminal 41
without burning, thereby atomizing the aerosol source 22. In
principle, as the power supplied from the power supply 12 to the
first load 21 increases, an amount of the aerosol source to be
atomized increases. The first load 21 is formed of an electric
heating wire (a coil) wound at a predetermined pitch.
[0045] The first load 21 May be any element that can atomize the
aerosol source 22 to generate the aerosol by heating the aerosol
source 22. The first load 21 is, for example, a heat generation
element. Examples of the heat generation element include a heat
generation resistor, a ceramic heater and an induction heating type
heater.
[0046] The first load 21 has a correlation between temperature and
electric resistance. As the first load 21, for example, a load
having positive temperature coefficient (PTC) characteristics in
which an electric resistance value increases as a temperature
increases is used.
[0047] The aerosol flow path 25 is provided on a center line L of
the power supply unit 10 on a downstream side of the first load 21.
The end cap 26 includes a cartridge accommodating portion 26a that
accommodates a part of the second cartridge 30, and a communication
path 26b that allows the aerosol flow path 25 and the cartridge
accommodating portion 26a to communicate with each other.
[0048] The second load 31 is embedded in the cartridge
accommodating portion 26a. The second load 31 heats the second
cartridge 30 (more specifically, a flavor source 33 included in the
second cartridge 30) accommodated in the cartridge accommodating
portion 26a by the power supplied from the power supply 12 via the
discharging terminal 41. The second load 31 is formed of, for
example, an electric heating wire (a coil) wound at a predetermined
pitch.
[0049] The second load 31 may be any element that can heat the
second cartridge 30. The second load 31 is, for example, a heat
generation element. Examples of the heat generation element include
a heat generation resistor, a ceramic heater and an induction
heating type heater.
[0050] The second load 31 has a correlation between temperature and
electric resistance. As the second load 31, for example, a load
having the PTC characteristics is used.
(Second Cartridge)
[0051] The second cartridge 30 stores the flavor source 33. When
the second cartridge 30 is heated by the second load 31, the flavor
source 33 is heated. The second cartridge 30 is detachably
accommodated in the cartridge accommodating portion 26a provided in
the end cap 26 of the first cartridge 20. In the second cartridge
30, an end portion on a side opposite to the first cartridge 20
side serves as the inhale port 32 of the user. The inhale port 32
is not limited to a case where the inhale port 32 is integrally
formed with the second cartridge 30, and may be configured to be
detachable from the second cartridge 30. The inhale port 32 can be
kept hygienic by configuring the inhale port 32 separately from the
power supply unit 10 and the first cartridge 20 in this way.
[0052] The second cartridge 30 adds a flavor component to the
aerosol by allowing the aerosol generated by atomization of the
aerosol source 22 by the first load 21 to pass through the flavor
source 33. As a raw material piece constituting the flavor source
33, it is possible to use chopped tobacco or a molded body obtained
by molding a tobacco raw material into a granular shape. The flavor
source 33 may be formed of a plant other than tobacco (for example,
mint, Chinese herb or herb). A fragrance such as menthol may be
added to the flavor source 33.
[0053] In the aerosol generation device 1, the aerosol source 22
and the flavor source 33 can generate the aerosol to which the
flavor component is added. That is, the aerosol source 22 and the
flavor source 33 constitute an aerosol generation source that
generates the aerosol.
[0054] The aerosol generation source in the aerosol generation
device 1 is a portion that is replaced and used by the user. The
portion is provided to the user, for example, as a set of one first
cartridge 20 and one or more (for example, five) second cartridges
30. The first cartridge 20 and the second cartridge 30 may be
integrated into one cartridge.
[0055] In the aerosol generation device 1 configured in this way,
as indicated by an arrow B in FIG. 3, air that flows in from the
intake port (not shown) provided in the power supply unit case 11
passes through vicinity of the first load 21 of the first cartridge
20 from the air supply unit 42. The first load 21 atomizes the
aerosol source 22 drawn from the reservoir 23 by the wick 24. The
aerosol generated by atomization flows through the aerosol flow
path 25 together with the air that flows in from the intake port,
and is supplied to the second cartridge 30 via the communication
path 26b. The aerosol supplied to the second cartridge 30 passes
through the flavor source 33 to be added with the flavor component,
and is then supplied to the inhale port 32.
[0056] The aerosol generation device 1 is also provided with the
first notification unit 45 and the second notification unit 46 that
notify the user of various types of information (see FIG. 5). The
first notification unit 45 is for performing a notification that
acts on tactile sense of the user, and is formed of a vibration
element such as a vibrator. The second notification unit 46 is for
performing a notification that acts on visual sense of the user,
and is formed of a light emitting element such as a light emitting
diode (LED). As the notification unit that notifies various types
of information, a sound output element may be further provided to
perform a notification that acts on auditory sense of the user. The
first notification unit 45 and the second notification unit 46 may
be provided in any one of the power supply unit 10, the first
cartridge 20 and the second cartridge 30, but are preferably
provided in the power supply unit 10. For example, a configuration
in which a periphery of the operation unit 14 has
light-transmissive properties and light is emitted by a light
emitting element such as an LED is employed. One of the first
notification unit 45 and the second notification unit 46 may be
omitted.
(Details of Power Supply Unit)
[0057] As shown in FIG. 5, the DC/DC converter 51 is connected bet
Teen the first load 21 and the power supply 12 in a state where the
first cartridge 20 is attached to the power supply unit 10. The MCU
50 is connected between the DC/DC converter 51 and the power supply
12. The second load 31 is connected between the MCU 50 and the
DC/DC converter 51 in a state where the first cartridge 20 is
attached to the power supply unit 10. In this way, in the power
supply unit 10, a series circuit of the DC/DC converter 51 and the
first load 21, and the second load 31 are connected in parallel to
the power supply 12 in a state where the first cartridge 20 is
attached.
[0058] The DC/DC converter 51 is a booster circuit that can boost
an input voltage, and is configured to supply a voltage obtained by
boosting the input voltage or the input voltage to the first load
21. Since the power supplied to the first load 21 can be adjusted
by the DC/DC converter 51, an amount of the aerosol source 22
atomized by the first load 21 can be controlled. As the DC/DC
converter 51, for example, a switching regulator that converts the
input voltage into a desired output voltage by controlling an
on/off time of a switching element while monitoring the output
voltage can be used. When the switching regulator is used as the
DC/DC converter 51, the input voltage can be output directly
without being boosted by controlling the switching element.
[0059] The processor of the MCU 50 is configured to acquire a
temperature of the flavor source 33 and a temperature of the second
load 31 in order to control discharge to the second load 31. The
processor of the MCU 50 is preferably configured to acquire the
temperature of the first load 21. The temperature of the first load
21 can be used to prevent overheating of the first load 21 or the
aerosol source 22, and to highly control the amount of the aerosol
source 22 atomized by the first load 21.
[0060] The voltage sensor 52 measures and outputs a value of a
voltage applied to the second load 31. The current sensor 53
measures and outputs a value of a current that flows through the
second load 31. An output of the voltage sensor 52 and an output of
the current sensor 53 are input to the MCU 50. The processor of the
MCU 50 acquires a resistance value of the second load 31 based on
the output of the voltage sensor 52 and the output of the current
sensor 53, and acquires the temperature of the second load 31
corresponding to the resistance value. The temperature of the
second load 31 does not exactly coincide with the temperature of
the flavor source 33 heated by the second load 31, but can be
regarded as substantially the same as the temperature of the flavor
source 33.
[0061] If a constant current flows through the second load 31 when
the resistance value of the second load 31 is acquired, the current
sensor 53 is unnecessary in the temperature detection element T1.
Similarly, if a constant voltage is applied to the second load 31
when the resistance value of the second load 31 is acquired, the
voltage sensor 52 is unnecessary in the temperature detection
element T1.
[0062] As shown in FIG. 6, instead of the temperature detection
element T1, a temperature detection element T3 that detects a
temperature of the second cartridge 30 or the second load 31 may be
provided in the first cartridge 20. The temperature detection
element 13 is formed of, for example, a thermistor disposed in
vicinity of the second cartridge 30 or the second load 31. In a
configuration shown in FIG. 6, the processor of the MCU 50 acquires
the temperature of the second load 31 or the temperature of the
second cartridge 30, in other words, a temperature of the flavor
source 33, based on an output of the temperature detection element
T3.
[0063] As shown in FIG. 6, by acquiring the temperature of the
flavor source 33 using the temperature detection element T3, the
temperature of the flavor source 33 can be acquired more accurately
than by acquiring the temperature of the flavor source 33 using the
temperature detection element T1 in FIG. 5. The temperature
detection element 13 may be mounted on the second cartridge 30.
According to the configuration shown in FIG. 6 in which the
temperature detection element T3 is mounted on the first cartridge
20, a manufacturing cost of the second cartridge 30 having the
highest replacement frequency in the aerosol generation device 1
can be reduced.
[0064] As shown in FIG. 5, when the temperature of the flavor
source 33 is acquired using the temperature detection element T1,
the temperature detection element T1 can be provided in the power
supply unit 10 having the lowest replacement frequency in the
aerosol generation device 1. Therefore, a manufacturing cost of the
first cartridge 20 and the second cartridge 30 can be reduced.
[0065] The voltage sensor 54 measures and outputs a value of a
voltage applied to the first load 21. The current sensor 55
measures and outputs a value of a current that flows through the
first load 21. An output of the voltage sensor 54 and an output of
the current sensor 55 are input to the MCU 50. The processor of the
MCU 50 acquires a resistance value of the first load 21 based on
the output of the voltage sensor 54 and the output of the current
sensor 55, and acquires the temperature of the first load 21
corresponding to the resistance value. If a constant current flows
through the first load 21 when the resistance value of the first
load 21 is acquired, the current sensor 55 is unnecessary in the
temperature detection element T2. Similarly, if a constant voltage
is applied to the first load 21 when the resistance value of the
first load 21 is acquired, the voltage sensor 54 is unnecessary in
the temperature detection element T2.
(MCU)
[0066] Next, functions of the MCU 50 will be described. The MCU 50
includes a temperature detection unit, a power control unit and a
notification control unit as functional blocks realized by the
processor executing programs stored in the ROM.
[0067] The temperature detection unit acquires the temperature of
the flavor source 33 based on an output of the temperature
detection element T1 (or the temperature detection element T3). The
temperature detection unit acquires the temperature of the first
load 21 based on an output of the temperature detection element
T2.
[0068] The notification control unit controls the first
notification unit 45 and the second notification unit 46 to notify
various types of information. For example, the notification control
unit controls at least one of the first notification unit 45 and
the second notification unit 46 to perform a notification for
prompting replacement of the second cartridge 30 in response to
detection of a replacement timing of the second cartridge 30. The
notification control unit is not limited to performing of the
notification for prompting the replacement of the second cartridge
30, and may cause a notification for prompting replacement of the
first cartridge 20, a notification for prompting replacement of the
power supply 12, a notification for prompting charging of the power
supply 12, or the like to be performed.
[0069] The power control unit controls discharge from the power
supply 12 to at least the first load 21 among the first load 21 and
the second load 31 (discharge required for heating the load)
according to the signal indicating the aerosol generation request
output from the intake sensor 15. That is, the power control unit
performs at least first discharge among the first discharge from
the power supply 12 to the first load 21 for atomizing the aerosol
source 22 and second discharge from the power supply 12 to the
second load 31 for heating the flavor source 33.
[0070] In this way, in the aerosol generation device 1, the flavor
source 33 can be heated by the discharge to the second load 31. In
order to increase an amount of the flavor component added to the
aerosol, it is experimentally known that it is effective to
increase an amount of the aerosol generated from the aerosol source
22 and to increase the temperature of the flavor source 33.
[0071] Therefore, the power control unit controls the discharge for
heating from the power supply 12 to the first load 21 and the
second load 31 such that a unit flavor amount (a flavor component
amount W.sub.flavor described below), which is the amount of the
flavor component added to the aerosol generated for each aerosol
generation request, converges to a target amount, based on
information on the temperature of the flavor source 33. The target
amount is a value that is appropriately determined. For example, a
target range of the unit flavor amount may be appropriately
determined, and a median value in the target range may be
determined as the target amount. Accordingly, the unit flavor
amount (the flavor component amount W.sub.flavor) converges to the
target amount, whereby the unit flavor amount can converge to the
target range having a certain width. Weight may be used as a unit
of the unit flavor amount, the flavor component amount
W.sub.flavor, and the target amount.
[0072] The power control unit controls the discharge for heating
from the power supply 12 to the second load 31 such that the
temperature of the flavor source 33 converges to a target
temperature (a target temperature T.sub.cap_target described
below), based on the output of the temperature detection element T1
(or the temperature detection element T3) that outputs the
information on the temperature of the flavor source 33.
(Various Parameters Used for Aerosol Generation)
[0073] Before proceeding to description of a specific operation of
the MCU 50, various parameters and the like used for discharge
control for aerosol generation will be described below.
[0074] A weight [mg] of the aerosol generated in the first
cartridge 20 by one inhaling operation of the user is referred to
as an aerosol weight W.sub.aerosol. The power required to be
supplied to the first load 21 for generating the aerosol is
referred to as atomization power P.sub.liquid. Assuming that the
aerosol source 22 is sufficiently present, the aerosol weight
W.sub.aerosol is proportional to the atomization power P.sub.liquid
and a supply time t.sub.sense of the atomization power P.sub.liquid
to the first load 21 (in other words, an energization time of the
first load 21 or a puff time). Therefore, the aerosol weight
W.sub.aerosol can be modeled by the following Equation (1). In
Equation (1), .alpha. is a coefficient obtained experimentally. An
upper limit value of the supply time t.sub.sense is the
above-described upper limit time t.sub.upper. In addition, the
following Equation (1) may be replaced with Equation (1A). In
Equation (1A), an intercept b having a positive value is introduced
into Equation (1). This is a term that can be freely introduced in
consideration of a fact that a part of the atomization power
P.sub.liquid is used for a rise in the temperature of the aerosol
source 22, which occurs before atomization in the aerosol source
22. The intercept b can also be obtained experimentally.
W.sub.aerosol.ident..alpha..times.P.sub.liquid.times.t.sub.sense
(1)
W.sub.aerosol.ident..alpha..times.P.sub.liquid.times.t.sub.sense-b
(1A)
[0075] The weight [mg] of the flavor component contained in the
flavor source 33 in a state where the inhaling is performed
n.sub.puff times (n.sub.puff is a natural number of 0 or greater)
is described as a flavor component remaining amount W.sub.capsule
(n.sub.puff). The flavor component remaining amount (W.sub.capsule
(n.sub.puff=0)) contained in the flavor source 33 of the second
cartridge 30 in a new product state is also referred to as
W.sub.initial. The information on the temperature of the flavor
source 33 is described as a capsule temperature parameter
T.sub.capsuleThe weight [mg] of the flavor component added to the
aerosol passing through the flavor source 33 by one inhaling
operation of the user is described as a flavor component amount
W.sub.flavor. The information on the temperature of the flavor
source 33 is, for example, the temperature of the flavor source 33
or the temperature of the second load 31 acquired based on the
output of the temperature detection element T1 (or the temperature
detection element T3). Hereinafter, the flavor component remaining
amount W.sub.capsule (n.sub.puff) may be simply referred to as the
flavor component remaining amount.
[0076] It is experimentally known that the flavor component amount
W.sub.flavor depends on the flavor component remaining amount
W.sub.capsule (n.sub.puff), the capsule temperature parameter
T.sub.capsule and the aerosol W.sub.aerosol. Therefore, the flavor
component amount can be modeled by the following Equation (2).
W.sub.flavor=.beta..times.{W.sub.capsule(n.sub.puff).times.T.sub.capsule-
}.times..gamma..times.W.sub.aerosol (2)
[0077] Each time the inhaling is performed, the flavor component
remaining amount W.sub.capsule (n.sub.puff) decreases by the flavor
component amount W.sub.flavor. Therefore, the flavor component
remaining amount W.sub.capsule (n.sub.puff) when n.sub.puff is 1 or
greater, that is, the flavor component remaining amount after one
or more times of inhaling can be modeled by the following Equation
(3).
W.sub.capsule(n.sub.puff)=W.sub.initial-.delta..SIGMA..sub.i=1.sup.n.sup-
.puffW.sub.flavor(i) (3)
[0078] .beta. in Equation (2) is a coefficient indicating a ratio
of how much of the flavor component contained in the flavor source
33 is added to the aerosol in one time of inhaling, and is
experimentally obtained. .gamma. in Equation (2) and .delta. in
Equation (3) are experimentally obtained coefficients. While the
capsule temperature parameter T.sub.capsule and the flavor
component remaining amount W.sub.capsule (n.sub.puff) may vary
during one time of inhaling, .gamma. and .delta. are introduced in
this model in order to handle these as constant values.
(Operation of Aerosol Generation Device)
[0079] A general flow of an operation of the aerosol generation
device 1 is as follows. When the aerosol generation device 1 is
activated (powered ON) by an operation of the operation unit 14 or
the like, a target temperature of the flavor source 33 is set.
Then, control on discharge to the second load 31 is performed such
that a temperature of the flavor source 33 or a temperature of the
second load 31 converges to the target temperature, and heating
(preheating) of the flavor source 33 is started. When the target
temperature is set, atomization power required to be supplied to
the first load 21 in order to achieve the target flavor component
amount W.sub.flavor is determined based on the target temperature
and the flavor component remaining amount at that time point. When
an aerosol generation request is made after a start of the
preheating, the preheating of the flavor source 33 is stopped, and
at least the determined atomization power is supplied to the first
load 21 to generate an aerosol. The heating of the flavor source 33
may be continued during the aerosol generation period. When the
aerosol generation request ends, supply of the atomization power to
the first load 21 is stopped. Thereafter, the flavor component
remaining amount is updated, the target temperature of the flavor
source 33 is reset, and the above operation is repeated. The supply
of the atomization power to the first load 21 may be stopped when a
predetermined time has elapsed since a start of the supply of the
atomization power to the first load 21 even if the aerosol
generation request is continued. Also in this case, the flavor
component remaining amount is updated, the target temperature of
the flavor source 33 is reset, and the above operation is
repeated.
[0080] FIGS. 7 and 8 are schematic views showing changes in the
flavor component remaining amount during the operation of the
aerosol generation device 1. FIGS. 7 and 8 show examples of the
change in the flavor component remaining amount from time t1 to
time t5. A period up to the time t1 is a period during which the
aerosol generation device 1 is powered OFF. A period between the
time t1 and the time t2 and a period between the time t3 and the
time t4 are each a preprocessing period during which preprocessing
for aerosol generation is performed. In the preprocessing period,
as described above, the updating of the flavor component remaining
amount, the setting of the target temperature, the determination of
the atomization power, the preheating of the flavor source 33 and
the like are performed. A difference between FIG. 7 and FIG. 8 is
that a length of time between the time t3 and the time t4 is
different. The length of the preprocessing period can be changed by
an operation of the user. A period between the time t2 and the time
t3 and a period between the time t4 and the time t5 are each an
aerosol generation period. A length of the aerosol generation
period can be changed by an operation of the user.
[0081] A flavor component contained in the flavor source 33 is
added to the aerosol when the aerosol passes through the flavor
source 33. Therefore, the flavor component remaining amount
decreases during the aerosol generation period. However, a decrease
in the flavor component remaining amount is caused by
volatilization of the flavor component in addition to addition of
the flavor component to the aerosol.
[0082] For example, when the flavor source 33 is heated, the
volatilization of the flavor component occurs. Even before aerosol
generation is completed and the heating of the flavor source 33 is
started, the volatilization of the flavor component is likely to
occur due to passage of the aerosol, an increase in the temperature
of the flavor source 33 due to the heating performed by the second
load 31, a flow of air after the inhaling is completed, and the
like. In this state, the higher an outside air temperature is, the
more likely a state where the temperature of the flavor source 33
is high is maintained, so that a volatilization amount of the
flavor component is increased. In this state, as the temperature
(or the target temperature) of the flavor source 33 at an end of
the aerosol generation is higher, the volatilization of the flavor
component is more likely to occur, and thus the volatilization
amount of the flavor component increases. As can be seen from a
comparison between FIG. 7 and FIG. 8, the volatilization amount of
the flavor component increases as duration of a state where the
volatilization is likely to occur increases. In addition, as the
flavor component remaining amount is larger, a larger amount of the
flavor component that can be volatilized is present in the flavor
source 33. Therefore, in the state where the volatilization is
likely to occur in a period other than the aerosol generation
period, the volatilization amount of the flavor component increases
as the flavor component remaining amount increases.
[0083] In this way, in a period during which the aerosol is not
generated (between the time t1 and the time t2, and between the
time t3 and the time t4), the flavor component remaining amount can
be reduced by the volatilization.
[0084] The volatilization amount of the flavor component increases
as a cumulative amount of the aerosol that has passed through the
flavor source 33 increases. This is because the aerosol that has
passed through the flavor source 33 temporarily shifts the flavor
source 33 to the inhale port 32 or a filter provided in vicinity of
the inhale port 32, and then the flavor source 33 volatilizes.
[0085] In the above-described Equation (3) for deriving the flavor
component remaining amount, such volatilization of the flavor
component is not taken into consideration. Therefore, in the
aerosol generation device 1, the flavor component remaining amount
is corrected in consideration of the volatilization of the flavor
component. Hereinafter, a specific example of the operation of the
aerosol generation device 1 will be described.
[0086] FIGS. 9 and 10 are flowcharts for explaining the operation
of the aerosol generation device 1 in FIG. 1. When the aerosol
generation device 1 is activated (Powered ON) by an operation of
the operation unit 14 or the like (step S0: YES), the MCU 50
determines whether an aerosol is generated (whether inhaling by the
user is performed even once) after the power is turned ON or after
the second cartridge 30 is replaced (step S1).
[0087] For example, the MCU 50 includes a built-in puff number
counter that counts up n.sub.puff from an initial value (for
example, 0) each time the inhaling (an aerosol generation request)
is performed. A count value of the puff number counter is stored in
the memory 50a. The MCU 50 determines whether the state is a state
after the inhaling is performed even once with reference to the
count value. When extremely short inhaling (for example, less than
0.1 seconds) or extremely weak inhaling (for example, 10 mL/second)
is detected, the puff number counter does not have to count up. In
other words, the puff number counter does not count up until
sufficient inhaling is performed, and continues to hold the count
value until the last sufficient inhaling is performed.
[0088] In a case of first inhaling after the power is turned ON or
a timing before the first inhaling after the second cartridge 30 is
replaced (step S1: NO), the flavor source 33 is not yet heated or
heating is not yet performed for a while, and a temperature of the
flavor source 33 is highly likely to depend on an external
environment. Therefore, in this case, the MCU 50 acquires the
temperature of the flavor source 33 acquired based on an output of
the temperature detection element T1 (or the temperature detection
element T3) as the capsule temperature parameter T.sub.capsule,
sets the acquired temperature of the flavor source 33 as the target
temperature T.sub.cap_target of the flavor source 33, and stores
the target temperature T.sub.cap_target in the memory 50a (step
S2).
[0089] When the determination in step S1 is NO, the temperature of
the flavor source 33 is highly likely to be close to an outside air
temperature or a temperature of the power supply unit 10.
Therefore, in step S2, as a modification, the outside air
temperature or the temperature of the power supply unit 10 may be
acquired as the capsule temperature parameter T.sub.capsule, which
may be set as the target temperature T.sub.cap_target.
[0090] The outside air temperature is preferably acquired from, for
example, a temperature sensor built in the intake sensor 15. The
temperature of the power supply unit 10 is preferably acquired
from, for example, a temperature sensor built in the MCU 50 in
order to manage a temperature inside the MCU 50. In this case, both
the temperature sensor built in the intake sensor 15 and the
temperature sensor built in the MCU 50 function as elements that
output information related to the temperature of the flavor source
33.
[0091] In the aerosol generation device 1, as described above,
discharge from the power supply 12 to the second load 31 is
controlled such that the temperature of the flavor source 33
converges to the target temperature T.sub.cap_target. Therefore,
after the inhaling is performed even once after the power is turned
ON or the second cartridge 30 is replaced, the temperature of the
flavor source 33 is highly likely to be close to the target
temperature T.sub.cap_target. Therefore, in this case (step S1:
YES), the MCU 50 acquires the target temperature T.sub.cap_target
stored in the memory 50a and used for the previous aerosol
generation as the capsule temperature parameter T.sub.capsule,
which is directly set as the target temperature T.sub.cap_target
(step S3). In this case, the memory 50a functions as an element
that outputs information related to the temperature of the flavor
source 33.
[0092] In step S3, the MCU 50 may acquire the temperature of the
flavor source 33 acquired based on the output of the temperature
detection element T1 (or the temperature detection clement T3) as
the capsule temperature parameter T.sub.capsule, and set the
acquired temperature of the flavor source 33 as the target
temperature T.sub.cap_target of the flavor source 33. In this way,
the capsule temperature parameter T.sub.capsule can be acquired
more accurately.
[0093] When the processing of step S3 is performed, the MCU 50
calculates an amount of the flavor component volatilized from the
flavor source 33 after the previous aerosol generation
thereinafter, referred to as a volatilization amount ) (step S3a).
In the example of FIG. 7, the processing of step S3a is performed
at a timing between the time t3 and the time t4.
[0094] In step S3a, the MCU 50 acquires, as a parameter P1, the
elapsed time from the time t3, which is a timing at which the
previous aerosol generation ends. The MCU 50 acquires, as a
parameter P2, the flavor component remaining amount calculated as
described later at a timing immediately after the time t3. The MCU
50 acquires, as a parameter P3, the target temperature of the
flavor source 33 set at the time t3 or the temperature of the
flavor source 33 (or the second load 31) at a time when the
processing of step S3a is performed. The MCU 50 acquires, as a
parameter P4, an accumulated value of an amount of power
(atomization power.times.supply time) supplied to the first load 21
for aerosol generation after the second cartridge 30 is replaced
with a new one. The parameter P4 is the accumulated value of the
amount of power supplied to the first load 21 after the puff number
counter reaches the initial value (=0). The MCU 50 acquires, as a
parameter P5, the outside air temperature at the time t3 or at the
time point when the processing of step S3a is performed. Each of
the parameters P1 to P5 indicates that the volatilization amount of
the flavor component increases as a value thereof increases.
[0095] In the embodiment described above, the MCU 50 acquires, as
the parameter P4, the accumulated value of the amount of power
supplied to the first load 21 for the aerosol generation after the
second cartridge 30 is replaced with the new one. Instead of the
present embodiment, the MCU 50 may acquire, as the parameter P4,
the accumulated value of the amount of power supplied to the first
load 21 for the aerosol generation after causing at least one of
the first notification unit 45 and the second notification unit 46
to perform a notification for prompting replacement of the second
cartridge 30 in step S26 described later. In this way, since the
MCU 50 does not need to detect the replacement of the second
cartridge 30, a cost of the power supply unit 10 can be
reduced.
[0096] In step S3a, the MCU 50 calculates the volatilization amount
based on the parameters P1 to P5. For example, the volatilization
amount is calculated by calculation of the following Equation (A).
p1 to p5 in Equation (A) are experimentally determined
coefficients.
=p1.times.P1+p2.times.P2+p3.times.P3+p4.times.P4+p5.times.P5
(A)
[0097] The volatilization amount may be calculated by omitting some
of the parameters P1 to P5. That is, the volatilization amount may
be calculated based on one, two, three or four parameters selected
from the parameters P1 to P5. In this case, the volatilization
amount may be calculated by deleting a term of the omitted
parameter in Equation (A).
[0098] After step S2 or step S3a, the MCU 50 determines the aerosol
weight W.sub.aerosol required to achieve the target flavor
component amount W.sub.flavor by the calculation of Equation (4)
based on the set target temperature T.sub.cap_target, the flavor
component remaining amount W.sub.capsule (n.sub.puff) of the flavor
source 33 at the present time point, and the volatilization amount
(step S4). Equation (4) is obtained by modifying Equation (2) in
which W.sub.capsule (n.sub.puff) is {W.sub.capsule (n.sub.puff)- }
and T.sub.capsule is T.sub.cap_target. When the processing of step
S4 is subsequently performed after the processing of step S2 is
performed, the volatilization amount a is treated as "0".
{W.sub.capsule (n.sub.puff)- } constitutes a second remaining
amount.
W aerosol = W flavor .beta. .times. { W capsule .function. ( n puff
) - } .times. T cap_target .times. .gamma. ( 4 ) ##EQU00001##
[0099] Next, the MCU 50 determines the atomization power
P.sub.liquid required for realizing the aerosol weight
W.sub.aerosol determined in step S4 by the calculation of Equation
(1) in which t.sub.sense is the upper limit time (step S5).
[0100] A table in which a combination of the target temperature
T.sub.cap_target and {W.sub.capsule (n.sub.puff)- } is associated
with the atomization power P.sub.liquid may be stored in the memory
50a of the MCU 50, and the MCU 50 may determine the atomization
power P.sub.liquid using the table. Thereby, the atomization power
P.sub.liquid can be determined at high speed and low power
consumption.
[0101] In the aerosol generation device 1, as will be described
later, when the temperature of the flavor source 33 does not reach
the target temperature at a time point when the aerosol generation
request is detected, a shortage of the flavor component amount
W.sub.flavor is compensated for by an increase in the aerosol
weight W.sub.aerosol (an increase in the atomization power). In
order to ensure the increase in the atomization power, the
atomization power determined in step S5 needs to be set lower than
the upper limit value P.sub.upper of the power that can be supplied
to the first load 21 determined by a hardware configuration.
[0102] Specifically, after step S5, when the atomization power
determined in step S5 exceeds a power threshold value P.sub.max
lower than the upper limit value P.sub.upper (step S6: NO), the MCU
50 increases the target temperature of the flavor source 33 (step
S7), and returns the processing to step S4. As can be seen from
Equation (4), by increasing the target temperature
T.sub.cap_target, the aerosol weight W.sub.aerosol required to
achieve the target flavor component amount W.sub.flavor can be
reduced. As a result, the atomization power P.sub.liquid determined
in step S5 can be reduced. By repeating steps S4 to S7, the MCU 50
can set the determination in step S6, which was initially
determined to be NO, to YES, and shift the processing to step
S8.
[0103] When the atomization power P.sub.liquid determined in step
S5 is equal to or smaller than the power threshold value P.sub.max
(step S6, YES), the MCU 50 acquires a temperature T.sub.cap_sense
of the flavor source 33 at the present time point based on the
output of the temperature detection element T1 (or the temperature
detection element T3) (step S8).
[0104] Then, the MCU 50 controls the discharge to the second load
31 for heating the second load 31 based on the temperature
T.sub.cap_sense and the target temperature T.sub.cap_target (step
S9). Specifically, the MCU 50 supplies the power to the second load
31 by proportional-integral-differential (PID) control or ON/OFF
control such that the temperature T.sub.cap_sense converges to the
target temperature T.sub.cap_target.
[0105] In the PID control, a difference between the temperature
T.sub.cap_sense and the target temperature T.sub.cap_target is fed
back, and power control is performed based on the feedback result
such that the temperature T.sub.cap_sense converges to the target
temperature T.sub.cap_target. According to the PID control, the
temperature T.sub.cap_sense can converge to the target temperature
T.sub.cap-Target with high accuracy. The MCU 50 may use
proportional (P) control or proportional-integral (PI) control
instead of the PID control.
[0106] The ON/OFF control is control in which the power is supplied
to the second load 31 in a state where the temperature
T.sub.cap_sense is lower than the target temperature
T.sub.cap_target, and power supply to the second load 31 is stopped
until the temperature T.sub.cap_sense becomes lower than the target
temperature T.sub.cap_target in a state where the temperature
T.sub.cap_sense is equal to or higher than the target temperature
T.sub.cap_target. According to the ON/OFF control, the temperature
of the flavor source 33 can be increased faster than the PID
control. Therefore, it is possible to increase a possibility that
the temperature T.sub.cap_sense reaches the target temperature
T.sub.cap_target before the aerosol generation request described
later is detected. The target temperature T.sub.cap_target may have
hysteresis.
[0107] After step S9, the MCU 50 determines whether there is an
aerosol generation request (step S10). When the aerosol generation
request is not detected (step S10: NO), the MCU 50 determines a
length of time during which the aerosol generation request is not
performed (hereinafter, referred to as non-operation time) in step
S11. When the non-operation time reaches a predetermined time (step
S11: YES), the MCU 50 ends the discharge to the second load 31
(step S12), and shifts to a sleep mode in which power consumption
is reduced (step S13). When the non-operation time is less than the
predetermined time (step S11: NO), the MCU 50 shifts the processing
to step S8.
[0108] When the aerosol generation request is detected (step S10:
YES), the MCU 50 ends to the discharge to the second load 31, and
acquires the temperature T.sub.cap_sense of the flavor source 33 at
that time point based on the output of the temperature detection
element T1 (or the temperature detection element T3) (step S14).
Then, the MCU 50 determines whether the temperature T.sub.cap_sense
acquired in step S14 is equal to or higher than the target
temperature T.sub.cap_target (step S15).
[0109] When the temperature T.sub.cap_sense is lower than the
target temperature T.sub.cap_target (step S15: NO), the MCU 50
increases the atomization power P.sub.liquid determined in step S5
in order to compensate for a decrease in the flavor component,
amount due to an insufficient temperature of the flavor source 33.
Specifically, first, the MCU supplies the atomization power
P.sub.liquid obtained by adding a predetermined increase amount
.DELTA.P to the atomization power P.sub.liquid determined in step
S5 to the first load 21 to start heating of the first load 21 (step
S19).
[0110] In step S15, when the temperature T.sub.cap_sense is equal
to or higher than the target temperature T.sub.cap_target (step
S15: YES), the MCU 50 supplies the atomization power P.sub.liquid
determined in step S5 to the first load 21 to start the heating of
the first load 21, and generates the aerosol (step S17).
[0111] After the heating of the first load 21 is started in step
S19 or step S17, when the aerosol generation request does not end
(step S18: NO), and if duration of the aerosol generation request
is shorter than the upper limit time t.sub.upper (step S18a: YES),
the MCU 50 continues the heating of the first load 21. When the
duration of the aerosol generation request reaches the upper limit
time t.sub.upper (step S18a: NO) and when the aerosol generation
request ends (step S18: YES), the MCU 50 stops the power supply to
the first load 21 (step S21).
[0112] The MCU 50 may control the heating of the first load 21 in
step S17 or step S19 based on an output of the temperature
detection element T2. For example, if the MCU 50 executes the PID
control or the ON/OFF control using a boiling point of the aerosol
source 22 as the target temperature based on the output of the
temperature detection element T2, overheating of the first load 21
and the aerosol source 22 can be prevented, and an amount of the
aerosol source 22 atomized by the first load 21 can be highly
controlled.
[0113] FIG. 11 is a schematic view showing the atomization power
supplied to the first load 21 in step S17 of FIG. 10. FIG. 12 is a
schematic view showing the atomization power supplied to the first
load 21 in step S19 of FIG. 10. As shown in FIG. 12, when the
temperature T.sub.cap_sense does not reach the target temperature
T.sub.cap_target at a time point when the aerosol generation
request is detected, the atomization power P.sub.liquid is
increased and then supplied to the first load 21.
[0114] In this way, even when the temperature of the flavor source
33 does not reach the target temperature at a time point when the
aerosol generation request is made, an amount of the aerosol to be
generated can be increased by performing the processing of step
S19. As a result, the decrease in the flavor component amount added
to the aerosol due to the temperature of the flavor source 33 being
lower than the target temperature can be compensated for by an
increase in the amount of the aerosol. Therefore, the flavor
component amount added to the aerosol can converge to a target
amount.
[0115] On the other hand, when the temperature of the flavor source
33 reaches the target temperature at the time point when the
generation request of the aerosol is made, a desired amount of the
aerosol required to achieve the target flavor component amount is
generated by the atomization power determined in step S5.
Therefore, the flavor component amount added to the aerosol can
converge to the target amount.
[0116] After step S21, the MCU 50 acquires the supply time
t.sub.sense of the atomization power supplied to the first load 21
in step S17 or step S19 (step S22). When the MCU 50 detects the
aerosol generation request beyond the upper limit time t.sub.upper,
the supply time t.sub.sense is equal to the upper limit time
t.sub.upper. Further, the MCU 50 increments the puff number counter
by "1" (step S23).
[0117] The MCU 50 updates the flavor component remaining amount
W.sub.capsule (n.sub.puff) of the flavor source 33 based on the
supply time t.sub.sense acquired in step S22, the atomization power
supplied to the first load 21 in response to the aerosol generation
request, and the target temperature T.sub.cap_target at the time
point when the aerosol generation request is detected (step S24).
The updated flavor component remaining amount W.sub.capsule
(n.sub.puff) constitutes a first remaining amount.
[0118] When the control shown in FIG. 1 is performed, the flavor
component amount W.sub.flavor added to the aerosol generated from a
start to an end of the aerosol generation request can be obtained
by the following Equation (7). In Equation (7),
(t.sub.end-t.sub.start) represents the supply time t.sub.sense. The
flavor component remaining amount W.sub.capsule (n.sub.puff) in
Equation (7) is a value at a time point immediately before the
aerosol generation request is performed. The volatilization amount
in Equation (7) is a value calculated in step S3a before the
aerosol generation request is performed. When step S2 is performed
instead of step S3, the flavor component amount W.sub.flavor is
calculated by setting the volatilization amount in Equation (7) to
"0".
W.sub.flavor=.beta..times.[{W.sub.capsule(n.sub.puff)-
}.times.T.sub.cap_target].times..gamma..times..alpha..times.P.sub.liquid.-
times.(t.sub.end-t.sub.start) (7)
[0119] When the control shown in FIG. 12 is performed, the flavor
component amount W.sub.flavor added to the aerosol generated from
the start to the end of the aerosol generation request can be
obtained by the following Equation (7A). In Equation (7A),
(t.sub.end-t.sub.start) represents the supply time t.sub.sense. The
flavor component remaining amount W.sub.capsule (n.sub.puff) in
Equation (7A) is a value at the time point immediately before the
aerosol generation request is performed. The volatilization amount
in Equation (7A) is a value calculated in step S3a before the
aerosol generation request is performed. When step S2 is performed
instead of step S3a, the flavor component amount W.sub.flavor is
calculated by setting the volatilization amount in Equation (7A) to
"0".
{W.sub.flavor=.beta..times.{W.sub.capsule(n.sub.puff)-
}.times.T.sub.cap_target}.times..gamma..alpha..times.P.sub.liquid.times.(-
t.sub.end-t.sub.start) (7A)
[0120] The thus obtained W.sub.flavor for each aerosol generation
request is stored in the memory 50a, and values of the past flavor
component amounts W.sub.flavor including the flavor component
amount W.sub.flavor at the time of the current aerosol generation
and the flavor component amount W.sub.flavor at the time of the
previous aerosol generation are substituted into Equation (3) (that
is, a value obtained by multiplying an integrated value of the
values of the past flavor component amounts W.sub.flavor by a
coefficient .delta. is subtracted from W.sub.initial), whereby the
flavor component remaining amount W.sub.capsule (n.sub.puff) after
the aerosol generation can be derived with high accuracy and
updated.
[0121] Next, the MCU 50 determines whether the updated flavor
component remaining amount W.sub.capsule (n.sub.puff) is smaller
than a remaining amount threshold value (step S25). When the
updated flavor component remaining amount W.sub.capsule
(n.sub.puff) is equal to or greater than the remaining amount
threshold value (step S25: NO), the MCU 50 shifts the processing to
step S28. When the updated flavor component remaining amount
W.sub.capsule (n.sub.puff) is smaller than the remaining amount
threshold value (step S25: YES), the MCU 50 causes at least one of
the first notification unit 45 and the second notification min 46
to perform a notification for prompting replacement of the second
cartridge 30 (step S26). Then, the MCU 50 resets the puff number
counter to the initial value (=0), deletes the values of the past
W.sub.flavor described above, and further initializes the target
temperature T.sub.cap_target (step S27).
[0122] The initialization of the target temperature
T.sub.cap_target means that the target temperature T.sub.cap_target
at that time point stored in the memory 50a is excluded from a set
value. As another example, when step S3 is always executed without
step S1 and step S2, the initialization of the target temperature
T.sub.cap_target means that the target temperature T.sub.cap_target
at that time point stored in the memory 50a is set to a normal
temperature or a room temperature.
[0123] After step S27, when the power is not turned off (step S28:
NO), the MCU 50 returns the processing to step S1, and when the
power is turned off (step S28: YES), the MCU 50 ends the
processing. After step S26 and step S27, the MCU 50 may shift the
processing to step S28 when detecting that the second cartridge 30
is attached/detached (the replacement of the second cartridge 30).
The attachment and detachment of the second cartridge 30 may be
detected by, for example, a dedicated sensor or the like provided
in the power supply unit 10. Alternatively, the user may manually
input from the operation unit 14 that the replacement is performed,
and detection can be performed according to this input.
Effects of Embodiment
[0124] As described above, according to the aerosol generation
device 1, each time the user inhales the aerosol, the discharge
from the power supply 12 to the first load 21 and the second load
31 is controlled such that the flavor component amount contained in
the aerosol converges to the taregt amount. Therefore, the flavor
component amount provided to the user can be stabilized for each
inhaling, and a commercial value of the aerosol generation device 1
can be increased. As compared with a case where the discharge is
performed only on the first load 21, the flavor component amount
for each inhaling provided to the user can be stabilized, and the
commercial value of the aerosol generation device 1 can be further
increased.
[0125] The aerosol generation device 1 corrects the flavor
component remaining amount updated after the aerosol generation by
the volatilization amount that is an amount of the flavor component
volatilized after the aerosol generation, and determines the
atomization power to be supplied to the first load 21 at the time
of the next aerosol generation based on the corrected flavor
component remaining amount. Therefore, the discharge to the first
load 21 and the second load 31 can be controlled based on a more
accurate flavor component remaining amount in consideration of
volatilization of the flavor component. Therefore, the flavor
component amount for each inhaling provided to the user can be
further stabilized, and the commercial value of the aerosol
generation device 1 can be further increased.
(First Modification of Aerosol Generation Device)
[0126] The operation after the determination in step S10 of FIG. 9
is YES (FIG. 10) may be modified as shown in FIG. 13. FIG. 13 is a
flowchart for explaining a first modification of the operation of
the aerosol generation device 1. FIG. 13 is the same as FIG. 10
except that steps S31 to S33 are added.
[0127] When the determination in step S10 of FIG. 9 becomes YES,
the MCU 50 calculates the volatilization amount a at the present
time point (step S31). The parameter P1 may change and the
parameter P3 and the parameter P5 may change from a timing of the
processing of step S3a to a timing of the processing of step S31 in
FIG. 9. Therefore in step S31, the MCU 50 acquires the parameters
P1 to P5 and updates the volatilization amount based on the
acquired parameters P1 to P5. When the determination in step S10 is
YES after step S2 is performed instead of step S3a, the MCU 50
shifts the processing to step S14. That is, the processing of steps
S31 to S33 is omitted.
[0128] After step S31, the MCU 50 determines whether a value
obtained by subtracting the volatilization amount calculated in
step S31 from the flavor component remaining amount W.sub.capsule
(n.sub.puff) is equal to or greater than a remaining amount
threshold value (step S32). The remaining amount threshold value is
the same as that used in step S25. When the determination in step
S31 is YES, the MCU 50 shifts the processing to step S14, and when
the determination in step S31 is NO, the MCU 50 shifts the
processing to step S33.
[0129] In step S33, the MCU 50 stops the discharge to the second
load 31. After step S33, the MCU 50 shifts the proceeding to step
S26.
[0130] In this way, the volatilization amount is calculated when
the aerosol generation request is made, and when the flavor
component remaining amount considering the volatilization amount is
insufficient, the replacement notification of the second cartridge
30 is performed. Thereby, the user can be notified of a shortage of
the flavor source 33 at a timing when attention of the user is
directed to the aerosol generation device 1 in order to perform the
aerosol generation request. Therefore, it is easy to inform the
user that the second cartridge 30 needs to be replaced.
(Second Modification of Aerosol Generation Device)
[0131] In the flowcharts shown in FIGS. 9 and 10, the MCU 50 may
execute a subroutine shown in FIG. 14 during a period from a time
point when the flavor component remaining amount is updated after
the aerosol is generated to a time point when the next aerosol
generation request is detected.
[0132] FIG. 14 is a flowchart for explaining a subroutine. The MCU
50 acquires the parameters P1 to P5 (step S41), and calculates the
volatilization amount based on the acquired parameters P1 to P5
(step S42). The MCU 50 determines whether a value obtained by
subtracting the volatilization amount r calculated in step S42 from
the flavor component remaining amount W.sub.capsule (n.sub.puff) is
equal to or greater than a remaining amount threshold value (step
S43). The remaining amount threshold value is the same as that used
in step S25. When the determination in step S43 is NO, the MCU 50
returns the processing to step S41. When the determination in step
S43 is YES, the MCU 50 causes at least one of the first
notification unit 45 and the second notification unit 46 to perform
a notification for prompting replacement of the second cartridge 30
(step S44). Then, the MCU 50 resets the puff number counter to the
initial value (=0), deletes the values of the past W.sub.flavor,
initializes the target temperature T.sub.cap_target, and stops the
discharge to the second load 31 (step S45). Step S44 and step S45
are interrupt processing for a main routine shown in FIGS. 9 and
10. That is, when step S44 and step S45 are executed, the MCU 50
stops the processing of the main routine shown in FIGS. 9 and 10
regardless of which step is being executed.
[0133] According to the second modification, regardless of presence
or absence of the aerosol generation request, when the flavor
component remaining amount considering the volatilization amount is
insufficient, the replacement notification of the second cartridge
30 is immediately performed. In this way, when the user immediately
knows a shortage of the remaining amount of the flavor source 33,
inhaling is executed after the second cartridge 30 is replaced with
a new one. Therefore, a situation in which the aerosol to which a
flavor is added is not generated even when the inhaling is
performed is prevented, and convenience of the aerosol generation
device 1 is improved.
(Third Modification of Aerosol Generation Device)
[0134] The operation after the determination in step S10 of FIG. 9
is YES (FIG. 10) may be modified as shown in FIG. 15. FIG. 15 is a
flowchart for explaining a third modification of the operation of
the aerosol generation device 1. FIG. 15 is the same as FIG. 10
except that step S25 is changed to step S25a.
[0135] When the flavor component remaining amount is updated in
step S24, the MCU 50 determines whether a value obtained by
subtracting a predetermined amount determined in advance based on
the updated flavor component remaining amount is smaller than a
remaining amount threshold value (step S25a). The predetermined
amount .sub.a is an amount of the flavor component assumed to
volatilize until a start of the next aerosol generation, and is an
experimentally determined fixed value. As the predetermined amount
.sub.a, for example, a value such as 1% or 0.5% of the flavor
component remaining amount of the new second cartridge 30 is used.
When the determination in step S25a is YES, the MCU 50 shifts the
processing to step S26, and when the determination in step S25a is
NO, the MCU 50 shills the processing to step S28.
[0136] According to the third modification, in a case where the
remaining amount of the flavor source 33 after the aerosol is
generated is insufficient in consideration of subsequent
volatilization, the notification is executed at a timing when
attention of the user is directed to the aerosol generation device
1, that is, immediately after the aerosol is generated. Therefore,
it is easy to inform a user that the second cartridge 30 needs to
be replaced while preventing a situation in which the aerosol to
which a flavor is added is not generated even when inhaling is
performed.
[0137] In the aerosol generation device 1, the first load 21 may
include elements that can atomize the aerosol source 22 without
heating the aerosol source 22 by ultrasonic waves or the like. The
elements that can be used for the first load 21 are not limited to
a heater and an ultrasonic element, and various elements or
combinations thereof can be used as long as the elements can
atomize the aerosol source 22 by consuming the power supplied from
the power supply 12.
[0138] At least the following matters are described in the present
specification. The corresponding components and the like in the
above-described embodiment are shown in parentheses, but the
present invention is not limited thereto.
[0139] (1) A power supply unit for an aerosol generation device,
the power supply unit comprising:
[0140] a power supply (power supply 12);
[0141] a first connector (discharging terminal 41) electrically
connectable to an atomizer (first load 21) capable of atomizing an
aerosol source (aerosol source 22) and electrically connected to
the power supply;
[0142] a second connector (connector CN) electrically connectable
to a heater (second load 31) capable of heating a flavor source
(flavor source 33) that adds a flavor to an aerosol generated from
the aerosol source, and electrically connected to the power supply;
and
[0143] a processing device (a processor of an MCU 50),
[0144] wherein the processing device is configured to [0145]
generate the aerosol to which the flavor is added by controlling
discharge from the power supply to the atomizer and the heater,
[0146] acquire a remaining amount of the flavor source at a first
timing after generation of the aerosol to which the flavor is added
as a first remaining amount (a flavor component remaining amount
W.sub.capsule (n.sub.puff)), and [0147] acquire a second remaining
amount (W.sub.capsule (n.sub.puff)- ), which is a remaining amount
of the flavor source at a timing between the first timing and a
second timing when next generation of the aerosol to which the
flavor is added starts, as an amount smaller than the first
remaining amount.
[0148] According to (1), since the second remaining amount of the
flavor source acquired during a period from after the generation of
the aerosol to a start of the next generation of the aerosol is
acquired as the amount smaller than the first remaining amount in
consideration of volatilization of the flavor source after the
generation of the aerosol, the remaining amount of the flavor
source can be accurately acquired.
[0149] (2) The power supply unit according to (1),
[0150] wherein the processing device is configured to control the
discharge from the power supply to the atomizer and the heater
based on the second remaining amount.
[0151] According to (2), since the discharge to the heater is
controlled based on the accurate remaining amount of the flavor
source in consideration of the volatilization, the aerosol to which
the flavor is added can be generated while being highly
controlled.
[0152] (3) The power supply unit according to (1) or (2),
[0153] wherein the processing device is configured to acquire the
second remaining amount based on an elapsed time from the first
timing.
[0154] According to (3), since the second remaining amount is
acquired. based on the elapsed time closely related to an amount of
the flavor source volatilized after the generation of the aerosol,
the remaining amount of the flavor source ager the volatilization
can be accurately acquired.
[0155] (4) The power supply unit according to any one of(1) to
(3),
[0156] wherein the processing device is configured to [0157]
acquire a temperature of the flavor source (temperature
T.sub.cap_sense), and [0158] acquire the second remaining amount
based on the temperature of the flavor source at a timing after the
first timing and before the second timing.
[0159] According to (4), since the second remaining amount is
acquired based on the temperature of the flavor source closely
related to the amount of the flavor source volatilized after the
generation of the aerosol, the remaining amount of the flavor
source after the volatilization can be accurately acquired.
[0160] (5) The power supply unit according to any one of (1) to
(3),
[0161] wherein the processing device is configured to [0162]
acquire a temperature of the heater (temperature T.sub.cap_sense),
[0163] control the discharge from the power supply to the heater
such that the temperature of the heater converges to any one of a
plurality of target temperatures (target temperature
T.sub.cap_target), and [0164] acquire the second remaining amount
based on a value of the temperature of the heater at the first
timing or the one of target temperature.
[0165] According to (5), since the second remaining amount is
acquired based on the temperature of the heater closely related to
the amount of the flavor source volatilized after the generation of
the aerosol or the target temperature, the remaining amount of the
flavor source after the volatilization can be accurately
acquired.
[0166] (6) The power supply unit according to any one of (1) to
(5), further comprising:
[0167] a notification unit (at least one of first notification unit
45 and second notification unit 46),
[0168] wherein the processing device is configured to [0169] cause
the notification unit to perform a notification when the remaining
amount of the flavor source is smaller than a threshold value, and
[0170] acquire the second remaining amount based on an accumulated
value of an amount of power supplied to the atomizer after the
notification.
[0171] According to (6), since the second remaining amount is
acquired based on the accumulated amount of power supplied to the
heater closely related to the amount of the flavor source
volatilized after the generation of the aerosol, the remaining
amount of the flavor source after the volatilization can be
accurately acquired.
[0172] (7) The power supply unit device according to any one of (1)
to (5),
[0173] wherein the processing device is configured to [0174] detect
attachment and detachment of a container (second cartridge 10) that
accommodates the flavor source to and from the aerosol generation
device, and [0175] acquire the second remaining amount based on an
accumulated value of an amount of power supplied to the atomizer
after the container is attached.
[0176] According to (7), since the second remaining amount is
acquired based on the accumulated amount of power supplied to the
heater closely related to the amount of the flavor source
volatilized after the generation of the aerosol, the remaining
amount of the flavor source after the volatilization can be
accurately acquired.
[0177] (8) The power supply unit according to any one of (1 to (7),
further comprising:
[0178] a sensor (temperature sensor built in intake sensor 15) that
outputs a value related to an ambient temperature (outside air
temperature) around the power supply unit,
[0179] wherein the processing device is configured to acquire the
second remaining amount based on an output of the sensor after the
first timing and before the second timing.
[0180] According to (8), since the second remaining amount is
acquired based on the ambient temperature closely related to the
amount of the flavor source volatilized after the generation of the
aerosol, the remaining amount of the flavor source at a timing
after the volatilization can be accurately acquired.
[0181] (9) The power supply unit according to any one of (1) to
(8),
[0182] wherein the processing device is configured to acquire the
second remaining amount based on the first remaining amount.
[0183] According to (9), since the second remaining amount is
acquired based on the first remaining amount before the
volatilization closely related to the amount of the flavor source
volatilized after the generation of the aerosol, the remaining
amount of the flavor source after the volatilization can be
accurately acquired.
[0184] (10) The power supply unit according to any one of (1) to
(9), further comprising:
[0185] the notification unit (at least one of first notification
unit 45 and second notification unit 46),
[0186] wherein the processing device is configured to cause the
notification unit to immediately execute the notification when the
second remaining amount is smaller than the threshold value.
[0187] According to (10), when the user immediately knows a
shortage of the remaining amount of the flavor source due to the
second remaining amount in consideration of the volatilization,
inhaling is executed after the flavor source is replaced with a new
one. Therefore, a situation in which the aerosol to which the
flavor is added is not generated even when the inhaling is
performed is prevented, and convenience of the aerosol generation
device is improved.
[0188] (11) The power supply unit according to any one of (1) to
(9), further comprising:
[0189] the notification unit tat least one of first notification
unit 45 and second notification unit 46);
[0190] an input unit (intake sensor 15 or operation unit 14)
capable of detecting an input by a user,
[0191] wherein the processing device is configured to [0192] start
the discharge from the power supply to the atomizer based on the
input to the input unit, and [0193] cause the notification unit to
execute the notification in response to the input to the input unit
when the second remaining amount is smaller than the threshold
value.
[0194] According to (11), when a shortage of the remaining amount
of the flavor source due to the second remaining amount in
consideration of the volatilization occurs, the notification is
executed at a timing, when attention of the user that the
generation of the aerosol is required is directed to the aerosol
generation device. For this reason, it is easy to inform the user
that the flavor source needs to be replaced.
[0195] (12) The power supply unit according to (10) or (11),
[0196] wherein the processing device is configured to [0197]
immediately acquire an amount obtained by subtracting a
predetermined amount (predetermined amount .sub.a) from the first
remaining amount after acquiring the first remaining amount, and
[0198] cause the notification unit to immediately execute the
notification when the amount obtained by subtracting the
predetermined amount from the first remaining amount is smaller
than the threshold value.
[0199] According to (12), in a case where the remaining amount of
the flavor source after the generation of the aerosol is
insufficient in consideration of subsequent volatilization, the
notification is executed at a timing when attention of the user is
directed to the aerosol generation device, that is, immediately
after the generation of the aerosol. Therefore, it is easy to
inform the user that the flavor source needs to be replaced while
preventing the situation in which the aerosol to which the flavor
is added is not generated even when the inhaling is performed.
* * * * *