JP7549690B2 - Cartridges and non-burning flavor inhalers - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a cartridge for use in a non-combustion flavor inhaler having a flavor source, and to a non-combustion flavor inhaler equipped with a removable cartridge.

A non-combustion flavor inhaler that atomizes an aerosol source using power supplied from a battery is known (for example, Patent Document 1).

For example, a non-combustion type flavor inhaler includes an atomization unit that atomizes an aerosol source and a cartridge having a flavor source. For example, the cartridge is replaceable and connected to the atomization unit.

WO2013/116558 publication

The first feature is a cartridge comprising a flavor source composed of a plurality of raw material pieces that impart flavor to the aerosol generated by a non-combustion type flavor inhaler, a flavor source container that contains the flavor source, and a mesh body that is placed at at least one end of the flavor source container, the mesh body having a plurality of openings, each of which has a polygonal shape with an interior angle of 180° or less, each of which has a minimum width that is the smallest width and a maximum width that is the largest width passing through the center of gravity of each of the plurality of openings, the minimum width being smaller than the lower limit of the size of the plurality of raw material pieces, and the maximum width being larger than the minimum width.

The second feature is the first feature, in which the flavor source container and the mesh body are integrally formed.

The third feature is the first or second feature, wherein the lower limit of the size of the plurality of raw material pieces is 0.2 mm.

The fourth feature is that in any one of the first to third features, the flavor source container forms an aerosol flow path extending along a predetermined direction, and in the predetermined direction, the maximum size of the flavor source container is 40 mm or less, and in a direction perpendicular to the predetermined direction, the maximum size of the flavor source container is 20 mm or less.

The fifth feature is that in any one of the first to fourth features, the maximum size of the flavor source container in the specified direction is 25 mm or less, and the maximum size of the flavor source container in a direction perpendicular to the specified direction is 10 mm or less.

The sixth feature is any one of the first to fifth features, in which each of the multiple openings has a rectangular shape.

A seventh feature is summarized as being based on any one of the first to sixth features, in that the plurality of apertures are arranged such that sides of adjacent apertures are parallel to each other.

The eighth feature is the seventh feature, wherein the distance between adjacent openings is 0.15 mm or more and 0.30 mm or less.

The ninth feature is any one of the first to eighth features, in which the maximum width is greater than the lower limit of the size of the plurality of raw material pieces.

The tenth feature is that in any of the first to ninth features, the maximum width is greater than or equal to √2 and less than or equal to 6 times the minimum width.

The eleventh feature is that in any one of the first to tenth features, the flavor source container forms an aerosol flow path extending along a predetermined direction, the mesh body is disposed at the upstream end of the aerosol flow path in the flavor source container, and the flavor source container has a protrusion that protrudes upstream from the outer edge of the mesh body in a cross section perpendicular to the aerosol flow path.

The twelfth feature is that in any one of the first to eleventh features, the flavor source container forms an aerosol flow path extending along a predetermined direction, and a rib extending from upstream to downstream along the predetermined direction is provided on the inner wall surface of the flavor source container.

The thirteenth feature is that in any one of the first to twelfth features, the flavor source container forms an aerosol flow path extending along a predetermined direction, and the outer wall surface of the flavor source container includes a tapered shape that widens from the upstream to the downstream.

The fourteenth feature is that in any one of the first to thirteenth features, the flavor source container forms an aerosol flow path extending in a predetermined direction and includes a filter disposed downstream of the flavor source.

The fifteenth feature is the fourteenth feature, in which a rib is provided on the inner wall surface of the flavor source container, extending from upstream to downstream along the predetermined direction, and the downstream end of the rib contacts the upstream end of the filter without reaching the downstream end of the flavor source container.

The sixteenth feature is a non-combustion flavor inhaler that includes an atomization unit that atomizes an aerosol source without combustion, and is equipped with a removable cartridge described in any one of the first to fifteenth features.

The seventeenth feature of the sixteenth feature is that the non-combustion type flavor inhaler has a first flow path as the aerosol flow path, the first flow path being located downstream of the atomizing unit, the cartridge has a second flow path as the aerosol flow path, the second flow path being located downstream of the first flow path, and an aerosol flow adjustment chamber is provided between the first flow path and the second flow path to adjust the flow of the aerosol supplied from the first flow path so as to suppress bias in the flow of the aerosol in the second flow path.

FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view showing a non-combustion type flavor inhaler 1 according to an embodiment. FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view showing the power supply unit 10 according to the embodiment. FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view showing the first cartridge 20 according to the embodiment. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing the internal structure of the first cartridge 20 according to the embodiment. FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view showing the second cartridge 30 according to the embodiment. FIG. 6 is an exploded perspective view of the second cartridge 30 according to the embodiment. FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view (cross-sectional view taken along line AA in FIG. 5) showing the flavor source container 31 according to the embodiment. FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view (cross-sectional view taken along line BB shown in FIG. 7) showing the flavor source container 31 according to the embodiment. FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an example of the shape of the opening 32A according to the embodiment. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of the shape of the opening 32A according to the embodiment. FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of the shape of the opening 32A according to the embodiment. FIG. 12 is a diagram showing an example of the shape of the opening 32A according to the embodiment. FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a connected state between the first cartridge 20 and the second cartridge 30 according to the embodiment. FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line CC shown in FIG. FIG. 15 is a diagram mainly showing functional blocks of a control circuit 50 according to the embodiment. FIG. 16 is a diagram illustrating an example of duty ratio control according to the embodiment. FIG. 17 is a diagram illustrating an example of duty ratio control according to the embodiment. FIG. 18 is a flow diagram showing a control method according to an embodiment. FIG. 19 is a diagram showing a connection state between the first cartridge 20 and the second cartridge 30 according to the first modified example. FIG. 20 is a diagram showing a connection state between the first cartridge 20 and the second cartridge 30 according to the second modification. FIG. 21 is a diagram showing a connection state between the first cartridge 20 and the second cartridge 30 according to the third modified example. FIG. 22 is a diagram for explaining the amount of aerosol according to the fourth modification. FIG. 23 is a diagram for explaining the amount of aerosol according to the fourth modification. FIG. 24 is a diagram for explaining the amount of aerosol according to the fourth modification. FIG. 25 is a diagram for explaining the amount of aerosol according to the fourth modification. FIG. 26 is a diagram mainly showing functional blocks of a control circuit 50 according to the fifth modified example. FIG. 27 is a diagram mainly showing functional blocks of a control circuit 50 according to the sixth modified example. FIG. 28 is a diagram mainly showing functional blocks of a control circuit 50 according to the seventh modification. FIG. 29 is a diagram showing a package 300 according to the eighth modified example.

The following describes an embodiment. In the following drawings, the same or similar parts are denoted by the same or similar reference numerals. However, it should be noted that the drawings are schematic, and the ratios of the dimensions may differ from the actual ones.

Therefore, specific dimensions should be determined with reference to the following explanation. Of course, there are also parts in which the dimensional relationships and ratios differ between the drawings.

[Disclosure Summary]
The cartridge mentioned in the Background Art section must be breathable so that the user can inhale the aerosol. For example, a mesh body having a plurality of openings is disposed at at least one end of the cartridge.

However, each of the multiple openings in the mesh body must be small enough to prevent the falling off of the raw material pieces that make up the flavor source. Furthermore, in order to improve the efficiency of extracting the flavor components, it is preferable that the particle size of the raw material pieces that make up the flavor source is small. On the other hand, it is preferable that each of the multiple openings in the mesh body has a large area to ensure a sufficient opening rate for the mesh body as a whole.

After careful consideration, the inventors have come to the new realization that, because cartridges for non-combustion flavor inhalers are very small, in order to simultaneously prevent falling off and ensure opening efficiency, sufficient ingenuity is required regarding the shape of the multiple openings. Based on this new realization, the inventors have found that the following features are effective.

The cartridge according to the outline of the disclosure includes a flavor source composed of a plurality of raw material pieces that impart flavor to the aerosol generated by a non-combustion type flavor inhaler, a flavor source container that contains the flavor source, and a mesh body that is disposed at at least one end of the flavor source container. The mesh body has a plurality of openings. Each of the plurality of openings has a polygonal shape with an interior angle of 180° or less. Each of the plurality of openings has a minimum width that is the smallest width and a maximum width that is the largest width passing through the center of gravity of each of the plurality of openings. The minimum width is smaller than the lower limit of the size of the plurality of raw material pieces, and the maximum width is larger than the minimum width.

In the summary of the disclosure, each of the multiple openings provided in the mesh body has a polygonal shape with an interior angle of 180° or less, and has a minimum width that is the smallest width and a maximum width that is the largest width passing through the center of gravity of each of the multiple openings. Here, the minimum width is smaller than the size of the raw material pieces that make up the flavor source, so that it is possible to prevent the raw material pieces that make up the flavor source from falling out, and the maximum width is larger than the minimum width, so that it is possible to increase the opening rate of the mesh body as a whole.

In this way, in a cartridge for a non-combustion type flavor inhaler, it is possible to ensure an opening rate for the entire mesh body while preventing the raw material pieces that make up the flavor source from falling off.

[Embodiment]
(Non-combustion flavor inhaler)
A non-combustion type flavor inhaler according to an embodiment will be described below. FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view showing a non-combustion type flavor inhaler 1 according to an embodiment. FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view showing a power supply unit 10 according to an embodiment. FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view showing a first cartridge 20 according to an embodiment. FIG. 4 is a view showing an internal structure of the first cartridge 20 according to an embodiment. However, it should be noted that a reservoir 21 described later is omitted in FIG. 4. FIG. 5 is a side view showing a second cartridge 30 according to an embodiment. FIG. 6 is an exploded perspective view of the second cartridge 30 according to an embodiment. FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view (A-A cross-sectional view shown in FIG. 5) showing a flavor source container 31 according to an embodiment. FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view (B-B cross-sectional view shown in FIG. 7) showing a flavor source container 31 according to an embodiment. However, it should be noted that a flavor source 31A described later is omitted in FIG. 6.

1, the non-combustion type flavor inhaler 1 has a shape extending along a predetermined direction A, which is a direction from the non-suction end toward the mouth end. The non-combustion type flavor inhaler 1 is a device for inhaling flavor without combustion.

Specifically, the non-combustion type flavor inhaler 1 has a power supply unit 10, a first cartridge 20, and a second cartridge 30. The first cartridge 20 is detachable from the power supply unit 10, and the second cartridge 30 is detachable from the first cartridge 20. In other words, the first cartridge 20 and the second cartridge 30 are each replaceable.

As shown in FIG. 2, the power supply unit 10 has a shape extending along a specific direction A, and includes at least a battery 11. The battery 11 may be a disposable battery or a rechargeable battery. The initial value of the output voltage of the battery 11 is preferably in the range of 1.2 V to 4.2 V. The battery capacity of the battery 11 is preferably in the range of 100 mAh to 1000 mAh.

As shown in Figures 3 and 4, the first cartridge 20 has a shape that extends along a predetermined direction A. The first cartridge 20 has a reservoir 21, an atomizing section 22, a flow path forming body 23, an outer frame body 24, and an end cap 25. The first cartridge 20 has a first flow path 20X that is located downstream of the atomizing section 22 as an aerosol flow path that extends along the predetermined direction A. It should be noted that in the aerosol flow path, the side closer to the atomizing section 22 is referred to as the upstream side, and the side away from the atomizing section 22 is referred to as the downstream side.

The reservoir 21 stores the aerosol source 21A. The reservoir 21 is located around the flow path forming body 23 in a cross section perpendicular to the first flow path 20X (predetermined direction A). In the embodiment, the reservoir 21 is located in the gap between the flow path forming body 23 and the outer frame body 24. The reservoir 21 is formed of a porous body such as a resin web or cotton. However, the reservoir 21 may be formed of a tank that contains the liquid aerosol source 21A. The aerosol source 21A contains a liquid such as glycerin or propylene glycol.

The atomization unit 22 atomizes the aerosol source 21A without combustion by using the power supplied from the battery 11. In the embodiment, the atomization unit 22 is composed of a heating wire (coil) wound at a predetermined pitch, and the atomization unit 22 is preferably composed of a heating wire having a resistance value in the range of 1.0Ω to 3.0Ω. The predetermined pitch is preferably a small value that is equal to or greater than the value at which the heating wires do not come into contact. The predetermined pitch is preferably 0.40 mm or less, for example. The predetermined pitch is preferably constant to stabilize the atomization of the aerosol source 21A. The predetermined pitch is the distance between the centers of adjacent heating wires.

The flow path forming body 23 has a shape that extends along a predetermined direction A. The flow path forming body 23 has a cylindrical shape that forms a first flow path 20X that extends along the predetermined direction A.

The outer frame 24 has a shape that extends along a predetermined direction A. The outer frame 24 has a cylindrical shape that houses the flow path forming body 23. In the embodiment, the outer frame 24 extends downstream beyond the end cap 25 and houses a portion of the second cartridge 30.

The end cap 25 is a cap that closes the gap between the flow path forming body 23 and the outer frame body 24 from the downstream side. The end cap 25 prevents the aerosol source 21A stored in the reservoir 21 from leaking to the second cartridge 30 side.

As shown in Fig. 5 and Fig. 6, the second cartridge 30 has at least a flavor source 31A. The second cartridge 30 is attached to the non-combustion type flavor inhaler 1. In the embodiment,
The cartridge 30 is connected to the first cartridge 20. In particular, a portion of the second cartridge 30 is housed in the outer frame 24 of the first cartridge 20, as described above.

The second cartridge 30 has a shape that extends along a predetermined direction A. The second cartridge 30 has a flavor source container 31, a mesh body 32, a filter 33, and a cap 34. The second cartridge 30 has a second flow path 30X that is disposed downstream of the first flow path 20X as an aerosol flow path.

The second cartridge 30 imparts flavor to the aerosol by passing the aerosol atomized by the atomization unit 22 through it. It should be noted here that in the embodiment, flavor can be imparted to the aerosol without heating the flavor source 31A. It should also be noted that substantially no aerosol is generated from the flavor source 31A.

In the specified direction A, the maximum size of the second cartridge 30 is preferably 40 mm or less. Furthermore, in the specified direction A, the maximum size of the second cartridge 30 is preferably 25 mm or less. On the other hand, in the specified direction A, the minimum size of the second cartridge 30 is preferably 5 mm or more. Furthermore, in the specified direction A, the minimum size of the second cartridge 30 is preferably 1 mm or more. In the direction perpendicular to the specified direction A, the maximum size of the second cartridge 30 is preferably 20 mm or less. Furthermore, in the direction perpendicular to the specified direction A, the maximum size of the second cartridge 30 is preferably 10 mm or less. On the other hand, in the direction perpendicular to the specified direction A, the minimum size of the second cartridge 30 is preferably 3 mm or more. Furthermore, in the direction perpendicular to the specified direction A, the minimum size of the second cartridge 30 is preferably 1 mm or more.

The flavor source container 31 has a cylindrical shape and forms a second flow path 30X extending along the predetermined direction A. The flavor source container 31 contains a flavor source 31A. The flavor source 31A, which imparts flavor to the aerosol, is contained in the second flow path 30X. Here, in a cross section perpendicular to the aerosol flow path (predetermined direction A), it is preferable that the size of the first flow path 20X is small in order to ensure the volume of the reservoir 21 that stores the aerosol source 21A. Therefore, in a case where the second cartridge 30 is contained in an outer frame 24 having a constant cross-sectional area across the aerosol flow path (predetermined direction A), the size of the second flow path 30X tends to be larger than the size of the first flow path 20X described above.

The flavor source 31A is composed of raw material pieces that impart flavor to the aerosol generated by the non-combustion type flavor inhaler 1. The lower limit of the size of the raw material pieces is preferably 0.2 mm or more and 1.2 mm or less. Furthermore, the lower limit of the size of the raw material pieces is preferably 0.2 mm or more and 0.7 mm or less. The smaller the size of the raw material pieces that make up the flavor source 31A, the larger the specific surface area, and therefore the easier it is for flavor components to be released from the raw material pieces that make up the flavor source 31A. As the raw material pieces that make up the flavor source 31A, cut tobacco and molded bodies made by molding tobacco raw materials into granules can be used. The flavor source 31A may be composed of plants other than tobacco (e.g., mint, herbs, etc.). The flavor source 31A may be imparted with flavorings such as menthol.

Here, the raw material pieces constituting the flavor source 31A are obtained by, for example, sieving in accordance with JIS Z 8815 using a stainless steel sieve conforming to JIS Z 8801. For example, the raw material pieces are sieved for 20 minutes using a stainless steel sieve having an opening of 0.71 mm by a dry mechanical shaking method to obtain raw material pieces that pass through the stainless steel sieve having an opening of 0.71 mm. Next, the raw material pieces are sieved for 20 minutes using a stainless steel sieve having an opening of 0.212 mm by a dry mechanical shaking method to remove the raw material pieces that pass through the stainless steel sieve having an opening of 0.212 mm. In other words, the raw material pieces constituting the flavor source 31A are raw material pieces that pass through the stainless steel sieve (opening = 0.71 mm) that specifies the upper limit, but do not pass through the stainless steel sieve (opening = 0.212 mm) that specifies the lower limit. Therefore, in the embodiment, the lower limit of the size of the raw material pieces constituting the flavor source 31A is defined by the opening of the stainless steel sieve that defines the lower limit. Note that the upper limit of the size of the raw material pieces constituting the flavor source 31A is defined by the opening of the stainless steel sieve that defines the upper limit.

In the embodiment, as shown in Figs. 6 and 7, the flavor source container 31 preferably has a protrusion 31E that protrudes from the outer edge of the upstream end (here, the mesh body 32) of the flavor source container 31 in a cross section perpendicular to the aerosol flow path (predetermined direction A) to the upstream side (in the embodiment, the flow path forming body 23 or end cap 25 side). The protrusion 31E may be provided continuously along the outer edge of the upstream end (here, the mesh body 32) of the flavor source container 31, or may be provided intermittently along the outer edge of the flavor source container 31. Note that, when there is a gap between the outer frame 24 and the flavor source container 31, the protrusion 31E is preferably provided continuously along the outer edge of the upstream end (here, the mesh body 32) of the flavor source container 31. This makes it possible to suppress the aerosol from stagnation in the space formed in the upstream part of the tapered portion 31T.

In an embodiment, the outer wall surface of the flavor source container 31 preferably includes a tapered portion 31T that widens from the upstream to the downstream as shown in Figs. 6 and 7. The tapered portion 31T may be included in a portion of the outer wall surface of the flavor source container 31. The taper angle α of the tapered portion 31T is, for example, about 5 degrees.

In the embodiment, as shown in FIG. 7, the inner wall surface of the flavor source container 31 is preferably provided with ribs 31R extending from upstream to downstream along the specified direction A. Although not particularly limited, the number of ribs 31R is preferably two or more. The downstream end of the rib 31R preferably does not reach the downstream end of the flavor source container 31. For example, in the specified direction A, the length L2 from the mesh body 32 to the downstream end of the rib 31R is shorter than the length L1 from the mesh body 32 to the downstream end of the flavor source container 31. In other words, when the filter 33 is inserted in the flavor source container 31, the downstream end of the rib 31R preferably contacts the filter 33 without reaching the downstream end of the flavor source container 31.

The mesh body 32 is disposed upstream (non-mouth side) of the flavor source 31A. In the embodiment, the mesh body 32 is disposed at the upstream end of the flavor source container 31. When the mesh body 32 is provided in a very small flavor source container 31, it is preferable that the flavor source container 31 and the mesh body 32 are formed by integral molding from the viewpoint of ensuring the strength of the mesh body 32. That is, in the embodiment, the mesh body 32 is a part of the flavor source container 31. In such a case, it is preferable that the flavor source container 31 and the mesh body 32 are made of a resin. As the resin, for example, one or more resins selected from polypropylene, polyethylene terephthalate, polyethylene resin, and ABS resin can be used. From the viewpoint of moldability and texture, it is preferable that the resin is polypropylene. The flavor source container 31 and the mesh body 32 are formed by mold molding or injection molding.

In the embodiment, the mesh body 32 has a plurality of openings 32A as shown in FIG. 8. Each of the plurality of openings 32A has a polygonal shape with an interior angle of 180° or less. Each of the plurality of openings 32A has a minimum width Wmin having the smallest width and a maximum width Wmax having the largest width as a width passing through the center of gravity of each of the plurality of openings 32A. The minimum width Wmin is smaller than the lower limit of the size of the raw material pieces constituting the flavor source 31A. In detail, since the raw material pieces constituting the flavor source 31A are actually non-spherical, from the viewpoint of suppressing the falling off of the raw material pieces, it is preferable that the minimum width Wmin is smaller than 1/2 of the lower limit of the size of the raw material pieces constituting the flavor source 31A. The maximum width Wmax is larger than the minimum width Wmin. For example, it is preferable that the maximum width Wmax is larger than the lower limit of the size of the raw material pieces. Alternatively, it is preferable that the maximum width Wmax is √2 times or more and 6 times or less of the minimum width Wmin. That is, each of the multiple openings 32A has a shape other than a circle. Furthermore, each of the multiple openings 32A is preferably rectangular in shape because it is difficult for the raw material pieces to fit into the openings 32A. Each side of the rectangular shape of the openings 32A may include a nonlinear portion that occurs during the manufacture of the openings 32A. Furthermore, each vertex of the rectangular shape of the openings 32A may include a curved portion that occurs during the manufacture of the openings 32A.

It is preferable that each of the multiple openings 32A has a shape selected from square, rectangle, rhombus, hexagon, and octagon, as shown in Figures 9 to 12. The shape of each of the multiple openings 32A may be one type, as shown in Figures 9 to 11, or two types, as shown in Figure 12. The shape of each of the multiple openings 32A may be three or more types. From the viewpoints of arrangement efficiency of the multiple openings 32A and ease of manufacture, it is preferable that each of the multiple openings 32A has a quadrangle shape.

In the examples shown in Figures 9 to 12, the multiple openings 32A are preferably arranged so that the sides of adjacent openings 32A are parallel to each other. The spacing P between adjacent openings 32A is preferably 0.15 mm or more and 0.30 mm or less. In such a case, the thickness of the mesh body 32 is preferably 0.1 mm or more and 1 mm or less.

The filter 33 is made of a specific fiber and has a roughness that prevents the passage of raw material pieces. The filter 33 is disposed downstream of the flavor source 31A. The filter 33 is, for example, an acetate filter. The cap 34 is disposed downstream of the filter 33 (on the mouthpiece side).

It is preferable that the flavor source container 31 (here, including the mesh body 32), the filter 33, and the cap 34 are bonded or welded to each other.

In the embodiment, it is preferable that all of the openings in the mesh body 32 are the openings 32A described above, but the embodiment is not limited to this. The openings in the mesh body 32 may include openings other than the openings 32A described above.

(Connection status)
The connection state between the first cartridge 20 and the second cartridge 30 according to the embodiment will be described below. Fig. 13 is a diagram showing the connection state between the first cartridge 20 and the second cartridge 30 according to the embodiment. Fig. 14 is a diagram showing a cross section taken along line CC shown in Fig. 13. However, it should be noted that the reservoir 21, the atomizing unit 22, the flavor source 31A, the filter 33, and the cap 34 are omitted in Fig. 13.

As shown in FIG. 13, an aerosol flow adjustment chamber G is provided between the first flow path 20X and the second flow path 30X to adjust the flow of the aerosol supplied from the first flow path 20X so as to suppress bias in the flow of the aerosol in the second flow path 30X. In the embodiment, the aerosol flow adjustment chamber G is formed between the downstream end of the flow path forming body 23 and the upstream end of the flavor source container 31. In detail, the aerosol flow adjustment chamber G is formed between the end cap 25 and the mesh body 32.

Here, the filling rate of the flavor source 31A contained in the flavor source container 31 does not have to be 100% relative to the capacity of the flavor source container 31. In other words, it is considered that a void will be generated within the flavor source container 31. However, it goes without saying that the aerosol flow adjusting chamber G is different from the void generated when the filling rate of the flavor source 31A is not 100%.

In an embodiment, in a cross section perpendicular to the predetermined direction A, when the distance from the outer edge of the first flow path 20X to the outer surface of the second flow path 30X on a straight line from the center of gravity of the first flow path 20X toward the outside of the first flow path 20X is defined as the shift distance, the length LG of the aerosol flow adjustment chamber G in the predetermined direction A may be determined taking into consideration the largest shift distance among the shift distances. That is, the length LG of the aerosol flow adjustment chamber G may be determined according to the largest shift distance. From the viewpoint of suppressing bias in the flow of the aerosol flowing in the flavor source container 31, it is preferable that the longer the largest shift distance, the longer the length LG of the aerosol flow adjustment chamber G. It is preferable that the length LG of the aerosol flow adjustment chamber G is 1/10 or more of the largest shift distance.

For example, as shown in FIG. 14, in a cross section perpendicular to the specified direction A, when the first flow path 20X and the second flow path 30X are coaxial circles, the length LG of the aerosol flow adjustment chamber G in the specified direction A is determined according to the difference (i.e., the shift distance) between the radius R1 of the first flow path 20X and the radius R2 of the second flow path 30X.

In the embodiment, as described above, the flavor source container 31 has a protrusion 31E that protrudes from the outer edge of the upstream end (here, the mesh body 32) of the flavor source container 31 in a cross section perpendicular to the aerosol flow path (predetermined direction A) toward the upstream side (in the embodiment, toward the flow path forming body 23 or end cap 25). That is, the flavor source container 31 has the protrusion 31E (first protrusion) as a spacer that forms the aerosol flow adjustment chamber G.

In this embodiment, the entire downstream end of the flow path forming body 23 (first flow path 20X) is preferably exposed to the aerosol flow adjustment chamber G. The entire upstream end of the flavor source container 31 (second flow path 30X) is preferably exposed to the aerosol flow adjustment chamber G. This allows the aerosol flow guided from the first flow path 20X to the second flow path 30X to be efficiently adjusted by the aerosol flow adjustment chamber G.

It is preferable that the aerosol flow adjustment chamber G does not include a portion that extends upstream beyond the downstream end of the flow path forming body 23 (first flow path 20X). It is preferable that the aerosol flow adjustment chamber G does not include a portion that extends downstream beyond the upstream end of the flavor source container 31 (second flow path 30X). This makes it possible to prevent aerosol from remaining in unnecessary space.

It is preferable that the inner wall surface constituting the aerosol flow adjustment chamber G is continuous without any steps from the outer edge of the downstream end of the flow path forming body 23 (first flow path 20X) to the outer edge of the upstream end of the flavor source container 31 (second flow path 30X).

In an embodiment, as shown in Figures 13 and 14, in a cross section perpendicular to the aerosol flow path (predetermined direction A), the outer edge 25out of the end cap 25 is in contact with the inner wall surface 24in of the outer frame body 24, and the inner edge 25in of the end cap 25 is preferably located between the outer edge 25out of the flow path forming body 23 and the inner edge 25in of the flow path forming body 23. This makes it difficult to remove the end cap 25 from the downstream side. In addition, when the end cap 25 is placed in the outer frame body 24, the end cap 25 is unlikely to interfere with the flow path forming body 23.

(Control circuit)
The control circuit according to the embodiment will be mainly described below. Fig. 15 is a diagram mainly showing the functional blocks of a control circuit 50 according to the embodiment.

As shown in FIG. 15, the non-combustion flavor inhaler 1 has a notification unit 40 and a control circuit 50.

The notification unit 40 notifies various types of information. The notification unit 40 may be configured with a light-emitting element, a vibration element, or a sound output element. The notification unit 40 may be a combination of two or more elements selected from the light-emitting element, the vibration element, and the sound output element. The notification unit 40 is preferably provided in the power supply unit 10, but the embodiment is not limited thereto. The notification unit 40 may be provided in the first cartridge 20, or in the second cartridge 30.

The control circuit 50 has a detection unit 51, a notification control unit 52, and a power control unit 53.

The detection unit 51 detects the puffing action. In such a case, the detection unit 51 is connected to a suction sensor, and detects the puffing action based on the output result of the suction sensor. The detection unit 51 also detects the power supply from the battery 11 to the atomization unit 22. In such a case, the detection unit 51 is connected to a voltage sensor provided on the power line connecting the battery 11 and the atomization unit 22, and detects the power supply based on the output result of the voltage sensor.

The notification control unit 52 controls the notification unit 40 to notify various information. For example, the notification control unit 52 controls the notification unit 40 to notify the timing of replacement of the second cartridge 30 in response to detection of the timing of replacement of the second cartridge 30. As described above, the notification unit 40 may notify the timing of replacement of the second cartridge 30 by emitting light from a light-emitting element, may notify the timing of replacement of the second cartridge 30 by vibration of a vibration element, or may notify the timing of replacement of the second cartridge 30 by output sound of a sound output element.

Here, the notification control unit 52 detects the timing to replace the second cartridge 30 based on the number of puffing operations or the time that electricity is supplied to the atomization unit 22. The number of puffing operations can be determined by the puffing operations detected by the detection unit 51 described above. Similarly, the time that electricity is supplied to the atomization unit 22 can be determined by the power supply detected by the detection unit 51 described above.

Specifically, the notification control unit 52 has a counter 52X that counts the number of puffing operations or the time of power supply to the atomization unit 22. When the count value of the counter 52X reaches a predetermined value, the notification control unit 52 detects the timing of replacing the second cartridge 30 and resets the count value of the counter 52X. It is preferable that the notification control unit 52 resets the count value of the counter 52X after the second cartridge 30 is replaced. Alternatively, when the count value of the counter 52X reaches a predetermined value, the notification control unit 52 notifies the timing of replacing the second cartridge 30 and resets the count value of the counter 52X by a predetermined operation of the user. The predetermined operation of the user may be an operation of a hardware interface (e.g., a switch or a button) for turning on or off the power of the non-combustion type flavor inhaler 1 or a hardware interface (e.g., a switch or a button) for controlling the power supply to the atomization unit 22, if the non-combustion type flavor inhaler 1 is provided with such a hardware interface. Alternatively, the predetermined user operation may be an operation of blowing air into the mouthpiece of the non-combustion type flavor inhaler 1, as long as the detection unit 51 can detect a puffing action. Alternatively, the predetermined user operation may be an inhalation action (e.g., two inhalations in a short period of time), as long as the detection unit 51 can detect a puffing action and the action can be distinguished from a general puffing action. The counter 52X may be a count-up type counter or a count-down type counter.

In the embodiment, the notification control unit 52 preferably controls the notification unit 40 to notify the replacement timing of the first cartridge 20 in response to detection of the replacement timing of the first cartridge 20. In such a case, the notification control unit 52 preferably detects the replacement timing of the first cartridge 20 based on the number of times the second cartridge 30 has been replaced. In detail, the notification control unit 52 detects the replacement timing of the first cartridge 20 when the number of times the second cartridge 30 has been replaced reaches a predetermined number.

In the embodiment, it is preferable that the notification control unit 52 controls the notification unit 40 to notify the timing of replacing or charging the battery 11 in response to detection of the timing of replacing or charging the battery 11. In such a case, it is preferable that the notification control unit 52 detects the timing of replacing or charging the battery 11 based on the output voltage of the battery 11. In detail, it is preferable that the notification control unit 52 detects the timing of replacing or charging the battery 11 when the output voltage of the battery 11 falls below a predetermined threshold.

However, the embodiment is not limited to this, and the notification control unit 52 may detect the timing to replace the battery 11 or the timing to charge the battery 11 based on the number of puffing operations or the time of current supply to the atomization unit 22. In detail, the notification control unit 52 may detect the timing to replace the battery 11 or the timing to charge the battery 11 when the number of puffing operations or the time of current supply to the atomization unit 22 exceeds a predetermined threshold.

In addition, the notification unit 40 notifies the user of the timing to replace the first cartridge 20, the timing to replace the battery 11, or the timing to charge the battery 11 by using light emitted from the light-emitting element, vibration from the vibration element, or sound output from the sound output element, in the same way as when to replace the second cartridge 30.

The power control unit 53 outputs a predetermined instruction to the battery 11 as an instruction to the battery 11 to instruct the battery 11 to keep the amount of aerosol atomized by the atomization unit 22 within a desired range. The predetermined instruction may be output once for each puffing operation. It should be noted that the power control unit 53 instructs the battery 11 to output power to the atomization unit 22 during a puffing period when a puffing operation is being performed, but does not instruct the battery 11 to output power to the atomization unit 22 during a non-puffing period when a puffing operation is not being performed. The puffing period and non-puffing period can be identified by the puffing operation detected by the detection unit 51 described above.

Here, the power control unit 53 controls the predetermined instruction so that the amount of aerosol atomized by the atomization unit 22 falls within a desired range. For example, the power control unit 53 changes the predetermined instruction as the amount of stored power in the battery 11 decreases. Furthermore, the power control unit 53 stops the power supply from the battery 11 to the atomization unit 22 when a predetermined period has elapsed since the start of the power supply to the atomization unit 22. In other words, the power control unit 53 stops the power supply from the battery 11 to the atomization unit 22 when the puff period exceeds the predetermined period, even if the user is actually performing a puffing operation during that puff period.

In addition, the power control unit 53 stops the supply of power from the battery 11 to the atomization unit 22 when the puffing operation ends, even if a predetermined period has not elapsed since the start of the puffing operation. As a result, aerosol is not generated during the period when the puffing operation is not performed (non-puffing period), and therefore the aerosol generated by the puffing operation following the non-puffing period, which is caused by the aerosol remaining in the aerosol flow path and condensing, is prevented from being trapped in the droplets. This makes it possible to prevent the supply of the desired amount of aerosol from being hindered and to prevent the deterioration of the smoking taste caused by the droplets.

Here, the specified period is shorter than the upper limit of the standard puff period derived from the statistics of the user's puff period. Furthermore, it is preferable that the specified period is shorter than the average value of the puff period derived from the statistics of the user's puff period. Of course, the average value of the puff period is shorter than the upper limit of the standard puff period.

The specified period is set to suppress variation in the puffing period of users, so there must be a certain number of users whose puffing period is longer than the specified period. From this perspective, it is preferable that the specified period is derived from statistics. Furthermore, by making the specified period shorter than the average value of the puffing period derived from statistics, the time during which electricity is applied to the atomization unit 22 in the majority of puffing operations can be fixed to the specified period, thereby suppressing fluctuations in the amount of aerosol caused by variation in the puffing period of users.

For example, the specified period is 1 second or more and 3 seconds or less. By making the specified period 1 second or more, the time during which electricity is applied to the atomization unit 22 is not too short compared to the puff period, reducing the discomfort felt by the user. On the other hand, by making the specified period 3 seconds or less, it is possible to make the number of puff operations in which the time during which electricity is applied to the atomization unit 22 is fixed to the specified period more than a certain number.

Furthermore, the specified period may be 1.5 seconds or more and 2.5 seconds or less. This further reduces the discomfort felt by the user and allows for an increase in the number of puffing operations in which the time that electricity is applied to the atomization unit 22 is fixed at a specified period.

In an embodiment, the predetermined period is preferably determined in advance. In such a case, the predetermined period is preferably determined according to a standard puff period derived from statistics of puff periods of multiple users.

The standard puff period can be derived from statistics of users' puff periods, and is the period between the lower limit of the puff periods of multiple users and the upper limit of the puff periods of multiple users. The lower limit and upper limit may be derived based on the distribution of users' puff period data, for example, as the lower limit and upper limit of the 95% confidence interval of the mean value, or may be derived as m±nσ (where m is the mean value, σ is the standard deviation, and n is a positive real number).

In the embodiment, the power control unit 53 preferably controls the amount of power supplied from the battery 11 to the atomization unit 22 by pulse control. In such a case, the power control unit 53 preferably outputs, as a change to the predetermined instruction, an instruction to increase the duty ratio output to the battery 11 in one puff operation as the amount of stored power in the battery 11 decreases.

For example, as shown in FIG. 16, the power control unit 53 controls the interval (pulse interval) of the on-time during which power is supplied from the battery 11 to the atomization unit 22. Specifically, the power control unit 53 increases the duty ratio output to the battery 11 in one puff operation by changing the pulse interval P1 to the pulse interval P2.

Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 17, the power control unit 53 controls the length of the on-time (pulse width) during which power is supplied from the battery 11 to the atomization unit 22. Specifically, the power control unit 53 increases the duty ratio output to the battery 11 in one puff operation by changing the pulse width W1 to the pulse width W2.

In addition, the power control unit 53 may change the specified instruction in response to a decrease in the amount of stored power in the battery 11 by gradually increasing the duty ratio or by continuously increasing the duty ratio.

In the embodiment, it is preferable that the power control unit 53 estimates the amount of stored power in the battery 11 based on the voltage value output from the battery 11. Alternatively, the power control unit 53 may estimate the amount of stored power in the battery 11 based on the number of puffing operations or the time of current supply to the atomization unit 22. The number of puffing operations can be specified by the puffing operations detected by the above-mentioned detection unit 51. Similarly, the time of current supply to the atomization unit 22 can be specified by the power supply detected by the above-mentioned detection unit 51.

In the embodiment, the power control unit 53 preferably stops the power supply from the battery 11 to the atomization unit 22 from when the count value of the counter 52X reaches a predetermined value until the count value is reset. In other words, the power control unit 53 preferably stops the power supply from the battery 11 to the atomization unit 22 from when the timing to replace the second cartridge 30 is notified until the count value is reset. That is, the power supply from the battery 11 to the atomization unit 22 is stopped until the second cartridge 30 is replaced. Therefore, the use of the second cartridge 30, which can only impart a small amount of flavor to the aerosol, is suppressed.

(Control Method)
The control method according to the embodiment will be described below. Fig. 18 is a flow diagram showing the control method according to the embodiment. Fig. 18 is a flow diagram showing a method for controlling the amount of power supplied from the battery 11 to the atomizing unit 22 in one puffing operation. It should be noted that the flow shown in Fig. 18 starts upon detection of the start of a puffing operation.

Note that the flow shown in FIG. 18 is premised on the fact that the non-combustion type flavor inhaler 1 (i.e., the power control unit 53) instructs the battery 11 to output power to the atomization unit 22 during a puffing period when a puffing operation is being performed, but does not instruct the battery 11 to output power to the atomization unit 22 during a non-puffing period when a puffing operation is not being performed.

As shown in FIG. 18, in step S10, the non-combustion type flavor inhaler 1 (i.e., the power control unit 53) estimates the amount of stored power in the battery 11. As described above, it is preferable that the non-combustion type flavor inhaler 1 estimates the amount of stored power in the battery 11 based on the voltage value output from the battery 11.

In step S20, the non-combustion type flavor inhaler 1 (i.e., the power control unit 53) determines a predetermined instruction (e.g., a duty ratio) to be output to the battery 11. In detail, the non-combustion type flavor inhaler 1 determines a duty ratio to be output to the battery 11 so that the duty ratio increases as the amount of stored power in the battery 11 decreases. In other words, the non-combustion type flavor inhaler 1 outputs an instruction to increase the duty ratio as a change in the predetermined instruction.

In step S30, the non-combustion type flavor inhaler 1 (i.e., the power control unit 53) determines whether or not a predetermined period of time has elapsed since the start of the power supply to the atomization unit 22. In other words, the non-combustion type flavor inhaler 1 determines whether or not the puff period has exceeded a predetermined period of time. If the determination result is YES, the non-combustion type flavor inhaler 1 proceeds to processing in step S50, and if the determination result is NO, the non-combustion type flavor inhaler 1 proceeds to processing in step S40.

In step S40, the non-combustion type flavor inhaler 1 (i.e., the power control unit 53) judges whether or not the puffing operation has ended. If the judgment result is NO, the non-combustion type flavor inhaler 1 returns to the process of step S30, and if the judgment result is YES, the non-combustion type flavor inhaler 1 stops the power supply to the atomization unit 22 and ends the series of processes. Note that, as described above, the end of the puffing operation may be detected by the detection unit 51 if the detection unit 51 is capable of detecting the puffing operation. Alternatively, the end of the puffing operation may be detected by the operation of a hardware interface (e.g., a switch or button) for switching whether or not to supply power to the atomization unit 22.

In step S50, the non-combustion flavor inhaler 1 (i.e., the power control unit 53) stops the power supply from the battery 11 to the atomization unit 22 even during the puffing period when the user is actually performing a puffing action.

(Action and Effects)
In the embodiment, the power control unit 53 stops the power supply from the battery 11 to the atomization unit 22 when a predetermined period has elapsed since the start of the power supply to the atomization unit 22. The predetermined period is shorter than the upper limit of the standard puff period derived from the statistics of the user's puff period. Therefore, even if a user with a puff period longer than the predetermined period uses a non-combustion type flavor inhaler, an extreme decrease in the amount of stored power in the battery 11 is suppressed, and it is easy to control the predetermined instruction so that the amount of aerosol atomized by the atomization unit 22 falls within a desired range.

In this way, regardless of the length of the user's puffing period and the amount of stored power in the battery 11, the amount of aerosol supplied per puffing action can be kept within a desired range throughout the puffing action from the start of smoking (the initial stage when the amount of stored power in the battery 11 is sufficient) to the end of smoking (i.e., the final stage when the amount of stored power in the battery 11 is decreasing).

In the embodiment, the power control unit 53 changes the predetermined instruction output to the battery 11 in one puff operation as the amount of stored power in the battery 11 decreases. It is possible to suppress the difference in the amount of power actually supplied from the battery 11 to the atomization unit 22 between an initial stage in which the amount of stored power in the battery 11 is sufficient and an end stage in which the amount of stored power in the battery 11 is insufficient. This makes it possible to keep the amount of aerosol atomized by the atomization unit 22 within a desired range, regardless of the length of the user's puff period and the amount of stored power in the battery 11.

In this embodiment, the notification control unit 52 controls the notification unit 40 to notify the user of the timing to replace the second cartridge 30 in response to detection of the timing to replace the second cartridge 30. Therefore, the user can easily know when it is time to replace the second cartridge 30.

In this embodiment, the notification control unit 52 controls the notification unit 40 to notify the user of the timing to replace the first cartridge 20 in response to detection of the timing to replace the first cartridge 20. Therefore, the user can easily know when it is time to replace the first cartridge 20.

In this embodiment, the notification control unit 52 detects the replacement timing (lifespan) of the first cartridge 20 based on the number of times the second cartridge 30 has been replaced. This makes it easy to detect the replacement timing of the first cartridge 20. Furthermore, it is possible to reduce the possibility that the lifespan of the first cartridge 20 will expire while the second cartridge 30 is being used. It goes without saying that the replacement timing (lifespan) of the first cartridge 20 corresponds to the number of second cartridges 30 (number of replacements) that can be used with one first cartridge 20.

In the embodiment, the notification control unit 52 controls the notification unit 40 to notify the timing of replacing the battery 11 or the timing of charging the battery 11 in response to detection of the timing of replacing the battery 11 or the timing of charging the battery 11. Therefore, the user can easily know the timing of replacing the battery 11 or the timing of charging the battery 11.

In the embodiment, the power control unit 53 stops the power supply from the battery 11 to the atomizing unit 22 from when the count value of the counter 52X reaches a predetermined value until the count value is reset. Therefore, the power supply from the battery 11 to the atomizing unit 22 is stopped until the second cartridge 30 is replaced. Therefore, the second cartridge 30, which can only impart a small amount of flavor to the aerosol, is not supplied with power.
The use of the cartridge 30 is suppressed.

In the embodiment, the power control unit 53 controls the predetermined instructions so that the amount of aerosol atomized by the atomization unit 22 falls within a desired range, and stops the power supply from the battery 11 to the atomization unit 22 when a predetermined period of time has elapsed since the start of power supply to the atomization unit 22. Therefore, the variation in the amount of power consumed in one puffing operation is reduced, and the accuracy of detecting the timing to replace the second cartridge 30 is improved when detecting the timing to replace the second cartridge 30 based on the number of puffing operations.

In this embodiment, an aerosol flow adjustment chamber G is provided between the first flow path 20X and the second flow path 30X to adjust the flow of the aerosol supplied from the first flow path 20X so as to suppress bias in the flow of the aerosol in the second flow path 30X. This allows the aerosol supplied from the first flow path 20X to easily pass through the flavor source without being biased in the second flow path 30X.

In this embodiment, the reservoir 21 is located around the flow path forming body 23 in a cross section perpendicular to the first flow path 20X (predetermined direction A). This makes it possible to ensure the volume of the reservoir 21 that stores the aerosol source 21A while suppressing the overall length of the first cartridge 20 in the first flow path 20X (predetermined direction A).

In the embodiment, the size of the second flow path 30X is larger than the size of the first flow path 20X in a cross section perpendicular to the aerosol flow path (predetermined direction A). In other words, since the first flow path 20X is small in a cross section perpendicular to the aerosol flow path (predetermined direction A), the volume of the reservoir 21 located around the flow path forming body 23 can be secured. Since the size of the second flow path 30X is large in a cross section perpendicular to the aerosol flow path (predetermined direction A), flavor components can be efficiently extracted from the flavor source 31A.

In the embodiment, in a cross section perpendicular to the aerosol flow path (predetermined direction A), the outer edge 25out of the end cap 25 is in contact with the inner wall surface 24in of the outer frame body 24, and the inner edge 25in of the end cap 25 is located between the outer edge 25out of the flow path forming body 23 and the inner edge 25in of the flow path forming body 23. This makes it difficult to remove the end cap 25 from the downstream side. In addition, when the end cap 25 is placed inside the outer frame body 24, the end cap 25 is unlikely to interfere with the flow path forming body 23.

In the embodiment, in a cross section perpendicular to the predetermined direction A, when the distance from the outer edge of the first flow path 20X to the outer surface of the second flow path 30X on a straight line from the center of gravity of the first flow path 20X toward the outside of the first flow path 20X is defined as the shift distance, the length LG of the aerosol flow adjustment chamber G in the predetermined direction A is determined according to the largest shift distance among the shift distances. This allows the aerosol flow guided from the first flow path 20X to the second flow path 30X to be appropriately adjusted by the aerosol flow adjustment chamber G, and the aerosol supplied from the first flow path 20X easily passes through the flavor source 31A without being biased within the second cartridge 30.

In the embodiment, each of the multiple openings 32A provided in the mesh body 32 has a polygonal shape with an interior angle of 180° or less. Each of the multiple openings 32A has a minimum width Wmin that is the smallest width passing through the center of gravity of each of the multiple openings 32A, and a maximum width Wmax that is the largest width. Here, the minimum width Wmin is smaller than the size of the raw material pieces that make up the flavor source 31A, so that the falling off of the raw material pieces that make up the flavor source 31A can be suppressed, and the maximum width Wmax is larger than the minimum width Wmin, so that the opening rate of the mesh body as a whole can be increased.

In this way, in the second cartridge 30 for a non-combustion type flavor inhaler, the opening rate of the mesh body 32 as a whole can be secured while preventing the raw material pieces constituting the flavor source from falling off.

In this embodiment, the maximum width Wmax of the opening 32A is greater than the lower limit of the size of the raw material pieces that make up the flavor source 31A. Therefore, the overall opening rate of the mesh body 32 is improved.

In the embodiment, the maximum width Wmax of the opening 32A is between √2 and 6 times the minimum width Wmin of the opening 32A. Therefore, by making the maximum width Wmax √2 or more times the minimum width Wmin, the opening rate of the mesh body 32 as a whole is improved, and by making the maximum width Wmax 6 times or less the minimum width Wmin, the strength of the mesh body 32 can be maintained.

In the embodiment, each of the multiple openings 32A has a shape selected from a square, a rectangle, a rhombus, a hexagon, and an octagon. The multiple openings 32A are arranged so that the sides of adjacent openings 32A are parallel to each other. The distance P between adjacent openings 32A is 0.15 mm or more and 0.30 mm or less. This allows the multiple openings 32A to be arranged efficiently, and the strength of the mesh body 32 can be maintained while improving the overall opening rate of the mesh body 32.

In this embodiment, the inner wall surface of the flavor source container 31 is provided with ribs 31R extending from upstream to downstream in a specific direction A. Therefore, while the ribs 31R reinforce the flavor source container 31, the flow of the aerosol in the specific direction A within the flavor source container 31 is not impeded by the ribs 31R, making it easy to extract flavor components from the flavor source 31A.

In this embodiment, the outer wall surface of the flavor source container 31 includes a tapered portion 31T that widens from the upstream to the downstream. Therefore, the second cartridge 30 is easily fitted into the outer frame 24 of the first cartridge 20, and the second cartridge 30 is prevented from falling off while allowing for manufacturing errors in the outer shape of the flavor source container 31.

In the embodiment, in the specified direction A, the length L2 from the mesh body 32 to the downstream end of the rib 31R is shorter than the length L1 from the mesh body 32 to the downstream end of the flavor source container 31. In other words, the downstream end of the rib 31R contacts the filter 33 without reaching the downstream end of the flavor source container 31. Therefore, the rib 31R reinforces the flavor source container 31 while also fulfilling the function of positioning the filter 33.

[Modification 1]
Modification 1 of the embodiment will be described below. Differences from the embodiment will be mainly described below.

Specifically, in the embodiment, the flavor source container 31 has a protrusion 31E (first protrusion) as a spacer that forms the aerosol flow adjustment chamber G. In contrast, in the first modification, the flavor source container 31 does not have a protrusion 31E.

Figure 19 is a diagram showing the connection state between the first cartridge 20 and the second cartridge 30 in Modification Example 1. However, it should be noted that the reservoir 21, the atomizing unit 22, the flavor source 31A, the filter 33, and the cap 34 are omitted in Figure 19.

19, the flavor source container 31 has a main body 31P that contains the flavor source 31A, and a flange 31Q disposed on a side surface of the main body 31P. It should be noted that in a cross section perpendicular to the aerosol flow path (predetermined direction A), the flange 31Q protrudes outward from the main body 31P and protrudes outward to the same extent or greater than the inner surface of the outer frame 24. In FIG. 19, the flange 31Q is provided on the side surface of the downstream end of the main body 31P, but is not limited thereto, and may be provided anywhere on the side surface of the main body 31P as long as it is engaged with the inner surface of the outer frame 24.

Here, the distance L3 from the downstream end of the outer frame 24 to the end cap 25 (i.e., the distance from the portion where the outer frame 24 abuts against the flange portion 31Q to the downstream end of the end cap 25) is longer than the length L4 of the main body portion 31P (i.e., the distance from the upstream end of the flange portion 31Q to the upstream end of the main body portion 31P). Therefore, by the flange portion 31Q being caught on the downstream end of the outer frame 24, an aerosol flow adjustment chamber G that adjusts the flow of the aerosol supplied from the first flow path 20X is formed even if the flavor source container 31 does not have a protrusion 31E.

When the first cartridge 20 does not have an end cap 25, the distance from the downstream end of the outer frame 24 to the downstream end of the flow path forming body 23 (i.e., the distance from the portion where the outer frame 24 abuts the flange portion 31Q to the downstream end of the flow path forming body 23) is longer than the length of the main body portion 31P (i.e., the distance from the upstream end of the flange portion 31Q to the upstream end of the main body portion 31P).

[Modification 2]
The second modification of the embodiment will be described below, focusing mainly on the differences from the embodiment.

Specifically, in the embodiment, the flavor source container 31 has a protrusion 31E (first protrusion) as a spacer that forms the aerosol flow adjustment chamber G. In contrast, in the second modification, the flavor source container 31 does not have a protrusion 31E.

Figure 20 is a diagram showing the connection state between the first cartridge 20 and the second cartridge 30 according to the second modified example. However, it should be noted that the reservoir 21, the atomizing unit 22, the flavor source 31A, the filter 33, and the cap 34 are omitted in Figure 20. The protrusion 25E contacts the upstream end of the flavor source container 31 (preferably the outer edge of the upstream end).

20, the end cap 25 has a protrusion 25E that protrudes downstream (toward the flavor source container 31) from the outer edge of the downstream end of the end cap 25 in a cross section perpendicular to the aerosol flow path (specific direction A). The protrusion 25E may be provided continuously along the outer edge of the end cap 25, or may be provided intermittently along the outer edge of the end cap 25. Note that, when a gap exists between the outer frame 24 and the flavor source container 31, it is preferable that the protrusion 25E is provided continuously along the outer edge of the end cap 25. This makes it possible to prevent the aerosol from stagnation in the space formed in the upstream part of the tapered portion 31T.

In this way, by providing protrusion 25E instead of protrusion 31E, an aerosol flow adjustment chamber G that adjusts the flow of aerosol supplied from the first flow path 20X is formed even if the flavor source container 31 does not have protrusion 31E.

When the first cartridge 20 does not have an end cap 25, the flow path forming body 23 has a protrusion similar to the protrusion 25E that protrudes downstream (toward the flavor source container 31) from the outer edge of the downstream end of the flow path forming body 23 in a cross section perpendicular to the aerosol flow path (predetermined direction A).

[Modification 3]
The third modification of the embodiment will be described below. Differences from the embodiment will be mainly described below.

Specifically, in the embodiment, the first flow path 20X completely overlaps with the second flow path 30X when viewed from the specified direction A. In addition, in a cross section perpendicular to the aerosol flow path (specified direction A), the size of the second flow path 30X is preferably larger than the size of the first flow path 20X.

In contrast, in Modification Example 3, as shown in FIG. 21, when viewed from the specified direction A, the first flow path 20X does not completely overlap with the second flow path 30X, but is shifted from the second flow path 30X. In such a case, in a cross section perpendicular to the aerosol flow path (specified direction A), the size of the second flow path 30X is not particularly limited, but may be approximately the same as the size of the first flow path 20X, or may be smaller than the size of the first flow path 20X. However, the size of the second flow path 30X may be larger than the size of the first flow path 20X.

[Modification 4]
Modification 4 of the embodiment will be described below with reference to Figs. 22 to 25. Differences from the embodiment will be mainly described below. In Figs. 22 to 25, the vertical axis represents the amount of aerosol (in Figs. 22 to 25, TPM (Total Particulate Matter) amount) (mg/puffing), and the horizontal axis represents the number of puffing operations (Puff number). The further away from the intersection point of the vertical and horizontal axes, the larger the values represented.

In the fourth modification, similar to the embodiment, the power control unit 53 stops the power supply from the battery 11 to the atomization unit 22 when a predetermined period has elapsed since the start of the power supply to the atomization unit 22. The predetermined period is shorter than the upper limit of the standard puff period derived from the statistics of the user's puff period.

The amount of aerosol atomized by the atomization unit 22 depends on the puff period during which the user actually performs the puffing action and the output voltage output to the battery 11. Here, we will assume a case in which the standard puff period derived from statistics of the user's puff period can be considered to follow a normal distribution with a mean of 2.4 seconds and a standard deviation of 1 second. In such a case, the upper limit of the standard puff period is derived as m+nσ (where m is the mean value, σ is the standard deviation, and n is a positive real number) as described above, and is, for example, about 3 to 4 seconds.

In sample E, the initial value of the output voltage of the battery 11 is 4.2 V, and the battery capacity of the battery 11 is 220 mAh. The atomizing section 22 is composed of a wound heating wire, and the resistance value of the heating wire is 3.5 Ω. In FIG. 22, sample E1 shows the relationship between the number of puffs and the amount of aerosol when sample E is inhaled with a puff period of 2 seconds per puffing operation, and sample E2 shows the relationship between the number of puffs and the amount of aerosol when sample E is inhaled with a puff period of 3 seconds per puffing operation. Here, if the standard puff period follows a normal distribution with an average of 2.4 seconds and a standard deviation of 1 second, it should be noted that the probability of inhaling with a puff period of 3 seconds or more per puffing operation as shown in sample E2 is about 27%, which is a quite possible event.

In sample F, the configuration of the battery 11 and the atomizing unit 22 is the same as that of sample E. In FIG. 23, sample F1 shows the relationship between the number of puffs and the amount of aerosol when sample F is inhaled with a puff period of 2 seconds per puffing operation, and sample F2 shows the relationship between the number of puffs and the amount of aerosol when sample F is inhaled with a puff period of 3 seconds per puffing operation. However, in samples F1 and F2, the power control unit 53 stops the power supply from the battery 11 to the atomizing unit 22 when a predetermined period (here, 2.2 seconds) has elapsed since starting the power supply to the atomizing unit 22. It should be noted that the predetermined period of 2.2 seconds is shorter than the upper limit value of the standard puff period derived from the statistics of the user's puff period and shorter than the average value of the puff period.

In sample G, the configuration of the battery 11 is the same as in samples E and F. On the other hand, the atomizing unit 22 is composed of a heating wire wound at a predetermined pitch, and the resistance value of the heating wire is 2.9Ω, which is different from samples E and F. In FIG. 24, sample G1 shows the relationship between the number of puffs and the amount of aerosol when sample G is inhaled with a puff period of 2 seconds per puffing operation, and sample G2 shows the relationship between the number of puffs and the amount of aerosol when sample G is inhaled with a puff period of 3 seconds per puffing operation. However, in samples G1 and G2, the power control unit 53 stops the supply of power from the battery 11 to the atomizing unit 22 when a predetermined period (here, 2.2 seconds) has elapsed since the start of the supply of power to the atomizing unit 22.

In sample H, the configuration of the battery 11 and the atomizing unit 22 is the same as that of sample G. However, the predetermined pitch of the heating wire constituting the atomizing unit 22 is uniformly wound in the range of 0.35 mm to 0.40 mm, which is narrower than the predetermined pitch of sample G. In FIG. 25, sample H1 shows the relationship between the number of puffs and the amount of aerosol when sample H is inhaled with a puff period of 2 seconds per puff operation, and sample H2 shows the relationship between the number of puffs and the amount of aerosol when sample H is inhaled with a puff period of 3 seconds per puff operation. In addition, in samples H1 and H2, as in sample G, the power control unit 53 stops the power supply from the battery 11 to the atomizing unit 22 when a predetermined period (here, 2.2 seconds) has elapsed since the start of the power supply to the atomizing unit 22. However, in samples H1 and H2, the duty ratio when power is supplied to the atomizing unit 22 is changed depending on the value of the output voltage of the battery 11 detected by the detection unit 51. Specifically, as described above, as the amount of stored electricity in the battery 11 decreases, the output voltage of the battery 11 decreases, and the duty ratio of the power supplied to the atomization unit 22 is increased in response to the decrease in the output voltage of the battery 11.

Under these assumptions, as shown in Figure 22, for sample E, in which the puff period and the time that electricity is applied to the atomization unit 22 are the same regardless of the length of the puff period, the amount of aerosol varies greatly between when the puff period is 3 seconds and when it is 2 seconds. Also, as can be seen by comparing the slopes of sample E1 and sample E2, the longer the puff period, i.e., the longer the time that electricity is applied, the more significant the variation in the amount of aerosol from the first puff to the final puff becomes.

The inventors focused on these results and discovered that by setting a predetermined period shorter than the upper limit of the standard puff period derived from statistics on the user's puff period and stopping the power supply from the battery 11 to the atomization unit 22 when a predetermined period has elapsed since the start of power supply to the atomization unit 22 for one puff operation, it is possible to suppress the variation in the amount of aerosol from the first puff to the final puff, as shown in FIG. 23, even for sample F2, which has a puff period of 3 seconds. This makes it possible to suppress the variation in the amount of aerosol caused by variations in the user's puff period.

Furthermore, the inventors have focused on these results and discovered that by changing the configuration of the atomizing unit 22 so that the amount of aerosol atomized by the atomizing unit 22 falls within a desired range when the time that electricity is applied to the atomizing unit 22 is a predetermined period, the amount of aerosol atomized by the atomizing unit 22 can be kept within a desired range over a longer number of puffs from the first puff to the final puff, as shown in Fig. 24. Comparing sample G2 shown in Fig. 24 with sample F2 shown in Fig. 23, sample G2 is able to keep the amount of aerosol atomized by the atomizing unit 22 within a desired range over a longer number of puffs than sample F2, while the range of variation in the amount of aerosol from the first puff to the final puff is as follows:
The fluctuation range is larger than that of sample F2. This is because the change in the configuration of atomization part 22 increases the amount of power supplied from battery 11 to atomization part 22 in one puffing action.

Furthermore, the inventors have noticed these results and found that the rate of decrease in the amount of aerosol can be reduced by making the following changes. Specifically, the rate of decrease in the amount of aerosol can be reduced by increasing the duty ratio of the power supplied to the atomization unit 22 in response to a decrease in the output voltage of the battery 11. The rate of decrease in the amount of aerosol can also be reduced by narrowing the predetermined pitch of the heating wire. With these changes, as shown in FIG. 25, it has been found that the amount of aerosol atomized by the atomization unit 22 falls within the desired range throughout the entire period from the first puff to the final puff for both H1, which has a puff period of 2 seconds, and H2, which has a puff period of 3 seconds.

Based on these results, the inventors have come to the new realization that it is effective to control the power supply from the battery 11 to the atomization unit 22 as described below.

(1) The power control unit 53 stops the power supply from the battery 11 to the atomization unit 22 when a predetermined period of time has elapsed since the start of the power supply to the atomization unit 22. Here, it is preferable that the predetermined period of time is shorter than the upper limit of the standard puff period derived from the statistics of the user's puff period and shorter than the average value of the puff period.

(2) The resistance value of the heating wire of the atomizing unit 22 is determined so that the amount of aerosol atomized by the atomizing unit 22 falls within the desired range when the time that electricity is applied to the atomizing unit 22 is a predetermined period of time. Here, it is preferable to determine the resistance value of the heating wire so that the amount of aerosol atomized by the atomizing unit 22 falls within the desired range when the time that electricity is applied to the atomizing unit 22 is a predetermined period of time, assuming that the voltage supplied to the atomizing unit 22 from the battery 11 is the voltage at the end stage when the amount of stored electricity in the battery 11 is insufficient.

(3) Furthermore, the power control unit 53 increases the duty ratio of the power supplied to the atomization unit 22 in response to a decrease in the output voltage of the battery 11 so that the amount of aerosol atomized by the atomization unit 22 falls within a desired range throughout the entire period from the first puff to the final puff.

The above-described control makes it easy to keep the amount of aerosol within the desired range, regardless of the length of the user's puff period, from the initial stage when the battery 11 has sufficient stored power to the final stage when the battery 11 has insufficient stored power.

In other words, in the fourth modified example, by adjusting the predetermined pitch and resistance value of the heating wire that constitutes the atomization unit 22, the atomization unit 22 is configured to be able to atomize a larger amount of aerosol than the desired range of the aerosol supply amount in one puff operation, at least when the use of the atomization unit 22 begins (in other words, when the battery 11 is fully charged).

Under such a premise, the predetermined instruction (here, the duty ratio) output from the power control unit 53 is determined based on the length of the predetermined period so that the amount of aerosol atomized by the atomization unit 22 in the predetermined period falls within a desired range. In other words, by determining the predetermined period, the predetermined instruction is determined based on the length of the predetermined period in a state in which fluctuations in the amount of aerosol caused by variations in the length of the user's puff period are suppressed. Therefore, from the initial stage (start of smoking) when the amount of stored power in the battery 11 is sufficient to the final stage (end of smoking) when the amount of stored power in the battery 11 is insufficient, the amount of aerosol can be easily kept within a desired range regardless of the length of the user's puff period.

In the fourth modified example, the upper limit of the amount of aerosol (desired range) atomized by the atomization unit 22 is preferably 4.0 mg/puff operation. Furthermore, the upper limit is preferably 3.0 mg/puff operation. By setting the upper limit at the above-mentioned value, deterioration of the raw material pieces that make up the flavor source 31A contained in the second cartridge 30 is suppressed.

On the other hand, it is preferable that the lower limit of the amount of aerosol (desired range) atomized by the atomization unit 22 is 0.1 mg/1 puff operation. By setting the above-mentioned value as the lower limit, it is possible to supply an amount of aerosol that does not cause the user to feel a shortage, and the flavor components can be extracted by the aerosol from the flavor source 31A contained in the second cartridge 30.

[Modification 5]
The fifth modification of the embodiment will be described below. The differences from the embodiment will be mainly described below.

In the above-described embodiment, the predetermined period is determined according to a standard puff period derived from statistics of the puff periods of multiple users. In contrast, in modified example 5, the predetermined period is derived from statistics of the puff periods of users who actually use the non-combustion flavor inhaler 1.

Figure 26 is a diagram mainly showing the functional blocks of the control circuit 50 according to the fifth modified example. In Figure 26, the same components as those in Figure 15 are given the same reference numerals, and the description of the same components as those in Figure 15 will be omitted.

As shown in FIG. 26, the control circuit 50 has a memory 54 and a calculation unit 55 in addition to the configuration shown in FIG. 15.

The memory 54 stores the puff period, which is the period during which the user performs a puffing action.

The calculation unit 55 calculates the above-mentioned predetermined period from the statistics of the puff period stored in the memory 54. In other words, the predetermined period is derived from the statistics of the puff period stored in the memory 54. However, it should be noted that the predetermined period is shorter than the upper limit of the standard puff period described above.

For example, the calculation unit 55 calculates the specified period according to the following procedure.

First, in the initial setting, as in the above-described embodiment, a predetermined period (I seconds) is predefined according to a standard puff period derived from statistics on the puff periods of multiple users.

Second, for example, an average value is derived from statistics of puff periods detected over a certain period (for example, from when the first cartridge 20 begins to be used until the first cartridge 20 is replaced).

Third, change the specified period to the average value (X seconds).

Fourth, the duty ratio is changed so that the amount of power supplied to the atomization unit 22 when inhaled for X seconds is equal to the amount of power supplied at the initial setting (when inhaled for I seconds). That is, when the average value (X) is smaller than the initial setting value (I), the duty ratio corresponding to each battery voltage is relatively increased. On the other hand, when the average value (X) is larger than the initial setting value (I), the duty ratio is lowered.

It is preferable that the specified period be recalculated at regular intervals (e.g., after replacement of the first cartridge 20).

(Action and Effects)
In the fifth modified example, the predetermined period is derived from statistics of the puffing periods of users who actually use the non-combustion type flavor inhaler 1. Therefore, a period suitable for the user can be set as the predetermined period to be referred to when the power supply from the battery 11 to the atomization unit 22 is stopped. In detail, by setting a predetermined time suitable for the actual puffing period of the user, it is possible to reduce discomfort by supplying aerosol throughout the entire puffing period for users with long puffing periods, and it is possible to increase the number of puffing operations in which aerosol is supplied within a desired range for users with short puffing periods, compared to the case where a predetermined period derived from statistics of the puffing periods of multiple users is used.

[Modification 6]
The sixth modification of the embodiment will be described below, focusing mainly on the differences from the embodiment.

In the above-described embodiment, the predetermined period is determined according to a standard puff period derived from statistics of the puff periods of multiple users. In contrast, in modified example 6, the predetermined period is derived from statistics of the puff periods of users who actually use the non-combustion flavor inhaler 1.

Figure 27 is a diagram mainly showing the functional blocks of the control circuit 50 according to modification example 6. In Figure 27, the same components as those in Figure 15 are given the same reference numerals, and the description of the same components as those in Figure 15 will be omitted.

As shown in FIG. 27, the control circuit 50 has a memory 54 and an interface 56 in addition to the configuration shown in FIG. 15.

The memory 54 stores the puff period, which is the period during which the user performs a puffing action.

The interface 56 is an interface for communicating with an external device 200 provided separately from the non-combustion type flavor inhaler 1. The interface 56 may be a USB port, a wired LAN module, a wireless LAN module, or a short-range communication module (e.g., Bluetooth (registered trademark) or Felica). The external device 200 may be a personal computer or a smartphone.

Specifically, the interface 56 transmits the puff period stored in the memory 54 to the external device 200. The interface 56 receives from the external device 200 the predetermined period calculated by the external device 200 from statistics based on the puff period.

It should be noted that the external device 200 calculates the predetermined period in a manner similar to that of the calculation unit 55 in the fifth modified example.

(Action and Effects)
In the sixth modified example, the predetermined period is derived from statistics of the puffing periods of users who actually use the non-combustion type flavor inhaler 1. Therefore, a period suitable for the user can be set as the predetermined period to be referred to when the power supply from the battery 11 to the atomization unit 22 is stopped. In detail, by setting a predetermined time suitable for the actual puffing period of the user, it is possible to reduce discomfort by supplying aerosol throughout the entire puffing period for users with long puffing periods, and it is possible to increase the number of puffing operations in which aerosol is supplied within a desired range for users with short puffing periods, compared to the case where a predetermined period derived from statistics of the puffing periods of multiple users is used.

[Modification 7]
The seventh modification of the embodiment will be described below. Differences from the embodiment will be mainly described below.

In the above-described embodiment, the notification control unit 52 has a counter 52X that counts the number of puffing operations or the time that electricity is applied to the atomization unit 22. In contrast, in the seventh modified example, the notification control unit 52 has a first counter 52A and a second counter 52B as counters 52X that count the number of puffing operations or the time that electricity is applied to the atomization unit 22, as shown in FIG. 28.

It should be noted that in the seventh modified example, the lifespan of the first cartridge 20 is the lifespan of the second cartridge 30 x T (T is an integer) + β. Note that β is a value smaller than the lifespan of the second cartridge 30, but is not particularly limited to this value.

The notification control unit 52 detects the timing to replace the second cartridge 30 when the count value of the first counter 52A reaches a first predetermined value. The notification control unit 52 detects the timing to replace the first cartridge 20 when the count value of the second counter 52B reaches a second predetermined value. The second predetermined value is an integer multiple of the first predetermined value.

Alternatively, the notification control unit 52 may detect the timing to replace the second cartridge 30 when the count value of the first counter 52A reaches a predetermined value P, and may increment the count value of the second counter 52B. In this way, the notification control unit 52 may detect the timing to replace the first cartridge 20 when the count value of the second counter 52B reaches a predetermined value Q. That is, the notification control unit 52 may detect the timing to replace the first cartridge 20 when the number of times the second cartridge 30 has been replaced reaches a predetermined number (predetermined value Q), similar to the embodiment described above.

In this way, it should be noted that because the second predetermined value is an integer multiple of the first predetermined value, the notification control unit 52 ultimately detects the timing of replacement of the first cartridge 20 based on the number of times the second cartridge 30 has been replaced.

In the seventh modified example, the notification control unit 52 may detect the timing to replace the second cartridge 30 and reset the count value of the first counter 52A when the count value of the first counter 52A reaches a first predetermined value. Alternatively, the notification control unit 52 may detect the timing to replace the second cartridge 30 when the count value of the first counter 52A reaches a first predetermined value, and reset the count value of the first counter 52A by a predetermined operation of the user. In such a case, it is preferable that the power control unit 53 stops the supply of power from the battery 11 to the atomization unit 22 from the time when the count value of the first counter 52A reaches the first predetermined value until the count value is reset.

In the seventh modified example, the notification control unit 52 may detect the timing to replace the first cartridge 20 and reset the count value of the second counter 52B when the count value of the second counter 52B reaches the second predetermined value. Alternatively, the notification control unit 52 may detect the timing to replace the first cartridge 20 when the count value of the second counter 52B reaches the second predetermined value, and reset the count value of the second counter 52B by a predetermined operation of the user. In such a case, it is preferable that the power control unit 53 stops the supply of power from the battery 11 to the atomization unit 22 from when the count value of the second counter 52B reaches the second predetermined value until the count value is reset.

(Action and Effects)
In modified example 7, since the second specified value is an integer multiple of the first specified value, even when the second cartridge 30 is repeatedly replaced, the replacement timing of the first cartridge 20 and the second cartridge 30 is notified at the same time, thereby improving convenience for the user.

[Modification 8]
The eighth modified example of the embodiment will be described below. The differences from the embodiment will be mainly described below.

In Modification Example 8, a package including a first cartridge and a second cartridge is described. Figure 29 shows a package 300 according to Modification Example 8.

As shown in FIG. 29, the package 300 has a first cartridge 20 and a second cartridge 30. The number of second cartridges 30 is determined according to the lifespan of the first cartridge 20. For example, the package 300 shown in FIG. 29 has one first cartridge 20 and five second cartridges 30. In other words, the number of second cartridges 30 is determined so that the lifespan of one first cartridge 20 comes to an end when the five second cartridges 30 are used up.

Specifically, the first cartridge 20 is set with an allowable puff count, which is the number of puff operations allowed for the first cartridge 20, or an allowable current flow time, which is the time allowed for current flow for the first cartridge 20. The allowable puff count and allowable current flow time are values for suppressing depletion of the aerosol source 21A. In other words, the allowable puff count and allowable current flow time are upper limits for stably supplying the aerosol source 21A to the atomization unit 22 and atomizing an appropriate aerosol. The timing for replacing the second cartridge 30 is set with the timing when the number of puff operations or the current flow time for the atomization unit 22 reaches a predetermined value. The number of second cartridges 30 is the integer part of the quotient obtained by dividing the allowable puff count or the allowable current flow time by a predetermined value. Here, the allowable puff count or the allowable current flow time does not have to be divisible by the predetermined value. In other words, the life of the first cartridge 20 may be a life with a margin relative to the number of second cartridges 30.

Alternatively, the timing for replacing the second cartridge 30 is the timing when the number of puffing operations or the time that electricity is applied to the atomization unit 22 reaches a first predetermined value. The timing for replacing the first cartridge 20 is the timing when the number of puffing operations or the time that electricity is applied to the atomization unit 22 reaches a second predetermined value. The second predetermined value is an integer multiple T of the first predetermined value. The integer multiple T is the number of second cartridges 30 included in the package 300.

(Action and Effects)
In the eighth modified example, the number of second cartridges 30 is determined according to the lifespan of the first cartridges 20, and therefore, even if the second cartridges 30 are repeatedly replaced, the replacement timing of the first cartridges 20 and the second cartridges 30 is synchronized, improving convenience for the user. In other words, by using up the second cartridges 30 included in the package 300, the user can easily know when to replace the first cartridges 20.

[Other embodiments]
Although the present invention has been described by the above-mentioned embodiment, the description and drawings forming a part of this disclosure should not be understood as limiting the present invention. From this disclosure, various alternative embodiments, examples and operating techniques will become apparent to those skilled in the art.

In the embodiment, the first cartridge 20 has the end cap 25, but the embodiment is not limited thereto. For example, when the reservoir 21 has a configuration (e.g., a tank) capable of suppressing leakage of the aerosol source 21A, the first cartridge 20 does not need to have the end cap 25. In such a case, the aerosol flow adjustment chamber G is formed between the downstream end of the flow path forming body 23 and the upstream end of the flavor source container 31.

In the embodiment, the second cartridge 30 is housed in the first cartridge 20 (protruding portion 25E), but the embodiment is not limited to this. For example, the power supply unit 10 may house the first cartridge 20 and the second cartridge 30. Alternatively, the first cartridge 20 and the second cartridge 30 may be connected at their opposing end surfaces. In such a case, the first cartridge 20 and the second cartridge 30 are connected, for example, by screwing.

Although not specifically mentioned in the embodiment, it is preferable that the end cap 25 is joined to the reservoir 21 in order to prevent the aerosol source 21A from being refilled into the reservoir 21.

In the embodiment, the end cap 25 has a protrusion 25E that protrudes downstream (toward the flavor source container 31) from the outer edge of the end cap 25 in a cross section perpendicular to the aerosol flow path (predetermined direction A). However, the embodiment is not limited to this. In a case where the end cap 25 is not provided, the flow path forming body 23 may have a protrusion 25E that protrudes downstream (toward the flavor source container 31) from the outer edge of the flow path forming body 23 in a cross section perpendicular to the aerosol flow path (predetermined direction A). The protrusion 25E contacts the upstream end of the flavor source container 31 (for example, the outer edge of the upstream end).

In the embodiment, the atomization unit 22 is an electric heating wire (coil) wound at a predetermined pitch. However, the embodiment is not limited to this. The shape of the electric heating wire that constitutes the atomization unit 22 is arbitrary.

In the embodiment, the case where the atomization unit 22 is configured by an electric heating wire is exemplified. However, the embodiment is not limited to this. The atomization unit 22 may atomize the aerosol source 21A by ultrasonic waves.

In the embodiment, the first cartridge 20 is replaceable. However, the embodiment is not limited to this. Specifically, instead of the first cartridge 20, an atomization unit having a reservoir 21 and an atomization section 22 is provided in the non-combustion type flavor inhaler 1, and the atomization unit may be a unit that is not replaceable.

In the embodiment, the second cartridge 30 is replaceable. However, the embodiment is not limited to this. Specifically, instead of the second cartridge 30, a flavor source unit having a flavor source 31A is provided in the non-combustion type flavor inhaler 1, and the flavor source unit may be a unit that is not replaceable. However, this is not the case when the second cartridge 30 is an essential feature.

In the embodiment, the first cartridge 20 and the second cartridge 30 are replaceable. However, the embodiment is not limited to this. Specifically, the configuration of the first cartridge 20 and the second cartridge 30 may be provided in the non-combustion type flavor inhaler 1.

In the embodiment, the package 300 includes one first cartridge 20. However, the embodiment is not limited thereto. The package 300 may include two or more first cartridges 20.

In the embodiment, the power control unit 53 controls the amount of power supplied from the battery 11 to the atomization unit 22 by pulse control. However, the embodiment is not limited to this. The power control unit 53 may control the output voltage of the battery 11. In such a case, the power control unit 53 may output, as a change to the specified instruction, an instruction to increase the instruction voltage to be output to the battery 11 as the amount of stored power in the battery 11 decreases.

In the embodiment, the power control unit 53 outputs, as a change to the predetermined instruction, an instruction to increase the duty ratio output to the battery 11 in one puff operation as the amount of stored power in the battery 11 decreases. However, the embodiment is not limited to this. As a change to the predetermined instruction, the power control unit 53 may output, as a change to the predetermined instruction, an instruction to extend a predetermined period for stopping the supply of power from the battery 11 to the atomization unit 22 as the amount of stored power in the battery 11 decreases.

In the embodiment, the detection unit 51 is connected to a voltage sensor provided on the power line connecting the battery 11 and the atomization unit 22, and detects the power supply based on the output result of the voltage sensor. However, the embodiment is not limited to this. For example, the detection unit 51 may be connected to a current sensor provided on the power line connecting the battery 11 and the atomization unit 22, and detect the power supply based on the output result of the current sensor.

In the embodiment, the power control unit 53 instructs the battery 11 to output power to the atomization unit 22 during a puff period when a puff operation is being performed, but does not instruct the battery 11 to output power to the atomization unit 22 during a non-puff period when a puff operation is not being performed. However, the embodiment is not limited to this. The power control unit 53 may switch the output of power to the atomization unit 22 in response to the operation of a hardware interface (e.g., a switch or button) for outputting power to the atomization unit 22. That is, the puff operation and non-puff operation are switched in response to the operation of the hardware interface.

The present invention provides a cartridge and a non-combustion type flavor inhaler that can ensure an opening rate for the entire mesh body while preventing the falling off of the raw material pieces that make up the flavor source.

Claims (8)

An atomization unit that atomizes the aerosol source without combustion;
A battery that stores power to be supplied to the atomization unit;
means for detecting a puffing action by a user;
a control unit that outputs a predetermined instruction to the battery so as to instruct the battery to make the amount of aerosol atomized by the atomization unit fall within a desired range,
when a predetermined period of time has elapsed since the start of power supply to the atomization unit, even during a puffing period during which the user is performing a puffing action, the control unit instructs the battery to stop power supply to the atomization unit ,
The predetermined period is determined based on statistics of the puffing period of a user who uses the non-combustion type flavor inhaler.
A non-combustion type flavor inhaler characterized by the above. an interface for communicating with an external device provided separately from the non-combustion type flavor inhaler;
A memory that stores a puff period during which a user performs a puffing action,
The non-burning type flavor inhaler according to claim 1 , wherein the interface transmits the puff duration stored in the memory to the external device. The non-combustion type flavor inhaler according to claim 2 , wherein the interface receives the predetermined period calculated from statistics based on the puff period by the external device from the external device. An atomization unit that atomizes the aerosol source without combustion;
A battery that stores power to be supplied to the atomization unit;
means for detecting a puffing action by a user;
a control unit that outputs a predetermined instruction to the battery so that the atomization unit atomizes the aerosol source;
when a predetermined period of time has elapsed since the start of power supply to the atomization unit, even during a puffing period in which a user is performing a puffing operation, the control unit instructs the battery to stop power supply to the atomization unit ,
The predetermined period is determined based on statistics of the puffing period of a user who uses the non-combustion type flavor inhaler.
A non-combustion type flavor inhaler characterized by the above. an interface for communicating with an external device provided separately from the non-combustion type flavor inhaler;
A memory that stores a puff period during which a user performs a puffing action,
The non-burning type flavor inhaler according to claim 4 , wherein the interface transmits the puff duration stored in the memory to the external device. The non-burning type flavor inhaler according to claim 4 , further comprising:
A memory is provided for storing a puff period during which a user performs a puffing action,
The predetermined period is shorter than an upper limit of a standard puff period derived from statistics based on the puff periods stored in the memory. The control unit dynamically changes an instruction to the battery according to a charge amount of the battery so that the amount of the aerosol atomized by the atomization unit falls within a desired range.
The non-combustion type flavor inhaler according to claims 4 to 6 . The non-combustion type flavor inhaler according to claim 7 , wherein the changed instruction includes an instruction for increasing a duty ratio that the control unit outputs to the battery in a puffing action by the user based on a decrease in the amount of stored power in the battery.

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