JP7789869B2 - 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 detachable cartridge.

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

For example, a non-combustion 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 multiple ingredient pieces that impart flavor to the aerosol generated by a non-combustion flavor inhaler; a flavor source container that contains the flavor source; and a mesh body that is arranged at at least one end of the flavor source container, wherein the mesh body has multiple openings, each of which has a polygonal shape with an interior angle of 180° or less, and each of which has a minimum width and a maximum width that are the widths passing through the centers of gravity of the multiple openings, the minimum width being smaller than the lower limit of the size of the multiple ingredient pieces, and the maximum width being larger than the minimum width.

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

A 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.

A fourth feature is summarized as follows: 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.

A fifth feature is summarized as any one of the first to fourth features, wherein the maximum size of the flavor source container in the predetermined direction is 25 mm or less, and the maximum size of the flavor source container in a direction perpendicular to the predetermined direction is 10 mm or less.

A sixth feature is any one of the first to fifth features, wherein each of the plurality of openings has a rectangular shape.

A seventh feature is summarized as being based on any one of the first to sixth features, wherein 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 spacing between adjacent apertures is 0.15 mm or more and 0.30 mm or less.

A ninth feature is summarized as any one of the first to eighth features, wherein the maximum width is greater than the lower limit of the size of the plurality of raw material pieces.

The tenth feature is summarized as any one of the first to ninth features, wherein the maximum width is between √2 and 6 times the minimum width.

An eleventh feature is summarized as any of the first to tenth features, wherein the flavor source container forms an aerosol flow path extending in a predetermined direction, the mesh body is disposed at the upstream end of the aerosol flow path within 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.

A twelfth feature is summarized as any one of the first to eleventh features, wherein the flavor source container forms an aerosol flow path extending in a predetermined direction, and the inner wall surface of the flavor source container is provided with ribs extending from upstream to downstream in the predetermined direction.

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

A fourteenth feature is summarized as any one of the first to thirteenth features, wherein 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, wherein the inner wall surface of the flavor source container is provided with a rib 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 that is detachably equipped with a cartridge described in any of the first to fifteenth features.

A seventeenth feature is the sixteenth feature, wherein the non-combustion flavor inhaler includes, as the aerosol flow path, a first flow path located downstream of the atomization unit, and the cartridge includes, as the aerosol flow path, a second flow path located downstream of the first flow path, and an aerosol flow adjusting 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 aerosol flow within 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 the line AA shown 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 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 connection state between the first cartridge 20 and the second cartridge 30 according to the embodiment. FIG. 14 is a view showing a cross section 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 illustrating a control method according to the embodiment. FIG. 19 is a diagram showing a connection state between the first cartridge 20 and the second cartridge 30 according to the first modification. 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 modification. FIG. 27 is a diagram mainly showing functional blocks of a control circuit 50 according to the sixth modification. 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 modification.

Embodiments are described below. Note that in the following drawings, identical or similar parts are designated by identical or similar reference numerals. However, please note that the drawings are schematic, and the dimensional ratios and other aspects may differ from those of the actual product.

Therefore, specific dimensions should be determined with reference to the explanation below. Naturally, there are also differences in the dimensional relationships and ratios between the drawings.

[Disclosure Summary]
The cartridge mentioned in the background art 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 out of the raw material pieces that make up the flavor source. Furthermore, to improve the efficiency of extracting flavor components, it is preferable that the particle size of the raw material pieces that make up the flavor source be small. On the other hand, it is preferable that each of the multiple openings in the mesh body have a large area to ensure a sufficient opening rate for the mesh body as a whole.

After extensive research, the inventors discovered that because cartridges for non-combustion flavor inhalers are extremely small, careful consideration of the shape of the multiple apertures is necessary to simultaneously prevent them from falling out and ensure opening efficiency. Based on this new knowledge, the inventors have found the following features to be effective.

The cartridge according to the summary of the disclosure comprises a flavor source composed of a plurality of ingredient pieces that impart flavor to the aerosol generated by a non-combustion flavor inhaler, a flavor source container that contains the flavor source, and a mesh body 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 ingredient 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 passing through the center of gravity of each of the multiple openings, and a maximum width that is the largest width. Here, the minimum width is smaller than the size of the raw material pieces that make up the flavor source, so 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 it is possible to increase the open area ratio of the mesh body as a whole.

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

[Embodiment]
(Non-burning flavor inhaler)
A non-combustion type flavor inhaler according to an embodiment will be described below. FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view of a non-combustion type flavor inhaler 1 according to an embodiment. FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of a power supply unit 10 according to an embodiment. FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of a first cartridge 20 according to an embodiment. FIG. 4 is a view showing the internal structure of the first cartridge 20 according to an embodiment. It should be noted that a reservoir 21, which will be described later, is omitted from FIG. 4. FIG. 5 is a side view of 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) of 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) of a flavor source container 31 according to an embodiment. It should be noted that a flavor source 31A, which will be described later, is omitted from FIG. 6.

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

Specifically, the non-combustion 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 that extends along a predetermined direction A and includes at least a battery 11. The battery 11 may be a disposable battery or a rechargeable battery. The initial 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 unit 22, a flow path forming body 23, an outer frame 24, and an end cap 25. The first cartridge 20 has a first flow path 20X that is located downstream of the atomizing unit 22 as an aerosol flow path that extends along the predetermined direction A. It should be noted that the side of the aerosol flow path closer to the atomizing unit 22 is referred to as the upstream side, and the side away from the atomizing unit 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 this 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 material such as a resin web or cotton. However, the reservoir 21 may also 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 using power supplied from the battery 11 without combustion. In this 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 with a resistance value in the range of 1.0 Ω to 3.0 Ω. The predetermined pitch is preferably a small value greater than or equal to a 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. Note that 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 this 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 toward the second cartridge 30.

5 and 6, the second cartridge 30 includes at least a flavor source 31A. The second cartridge 30 is attached to the non-combustion type flavor inhaler 1. In this 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 serves as an aerosol flow path and is located downstream of the first flow path 20X.

The second cartridge 30 imparts flavor to the aerosol atomized by the atomization unit 22 by passing the aerosol through it. It should be noted that in this 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 within 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 to ensure the volume of the reservoir 21 that stores the aerosol source 21A. Therefore, in cases 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 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 greater the specific surface area, making it easier for flavor components to be released from the raw material pieces that make up the flavor source 31A. The raw material pieces that make up the flavor source 31A can be cut tobacco or a molded product made by molding tobacco raw material into granules. The flavor source 31A may also be composed of plants other than tobacco (e.g., mint, herbs, etc.). The flavor source 31A may also be imparted with a flavoring such as menthol.

Here, the raw material pieces constituting the flavor source 31A are obtained, for example, by 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 using a stainless steel sieve with 0.71 mm mesh size by dry mechanical shaking for 20 minutes to obtain raw material pieces that pass through the stainless steel sieve with 0.71 mm mesh size. Next, the raw material pieces are sieved using a stainless steel sieve with 0.212 mm mesh size by dry mechanical shaking for 20 minutes to remove raw material pieces that pass through the stainless steel sieve with 0.212 mm mesh size. In other words, the raw material pieces constituting the flavor source 31A are raw material pieces that pass through the stainless steel sieve (mesh size = 0.71 mm) that defines the upper limit but do not pass through the stainless steel sieve (mesh size = 0.212 mm) that defines the lower limit. Therefore, in this embodiment, the lower limit of the size of the raw material pieces constituting the flavor source 31A is defined by the opening size of the stainless steel sieve that defines the lower limit, and the upper limit of the size of the raw material pieces constituting the flavor source 31A is defined by the opening size of the stainless steel sieve that defines the upper limit.

In an embodiment, as shown in Figures 6 and 7, the flavor source container 31 preferably has a protrusion 31E that protrudes upstream (toward the flow path forming body 23 or end cap 25 in this embodiment) 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). 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 if a gap exists 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 prevent aerosol from accumulating in the space formed upstream of the tapered portion 31T.

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

In an 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 in 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 into 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 positioned upstream (non-suction side) of the flavor source 31A. In this embodiment, the mesh body 32 is positioned at the upstream end of the flavor source container 31. When providing the mesh body 32 to a very small flavor source container 31, it is preferable that the flavor source container 31 and the mesh body 32 are integrally molded to ensure the strength of the mesh body 32. That is, in this embodiment, the mesh body 32 is part of the flavor source container 31. In such a case, the flavor source container 31 and the mesh body 32 are preferably made of resin. For example, one or more resins selected from polypropylene, polyethylene terephthalate, polyethylene resin, and ABS resin can be used as the resin. From the standpoints of moldability and texture, it is preferable that the resin be polypropylene. The flavor source container 31 and the mesh body 32 are formed by mold molding or injection molding.

In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 8 , the mesh body 32 has a plurality of openings 32A. Each of the openings 32A has a polygonal shape with an interior angle of 180° or less. Each of the openings 32A has a minimum width Wmin, which is the smallest width, and a maximum width Wmax, which is the largest width, as a width passing through the center of gravity of the opening 32A. The minimum width Wmin is smaller than the lower limit of the size of the raw material pieces constituting the flavor source 31A. Specifically, 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 ½ 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 between √2 and 6 times the minimum width Wmin. That is, each of the plurality of openings 32A has a shape other than a circle. Furthermore, each of the plurality of openings 32A is preferably rectangular in shape, since it is difficult for the raw material pieces to fit into the openings 32A. Note that each side of the rectangular shape of the openings 32A may include a nonlinear portion that occurs during the manufacturing of the openings 32A. Also, each vertex of the rectangular shape of the openings 32A may include a curved portion that occurs during the manufacturing of the openings 32A.

Here, it is preferable that each of the multiple apertures 32A has a shape selected from square, rectangular, rhombic, hexagonal, and octagonal, as shown in Figures 9 to 12. The multiple apertures 32A may each have one type of shape, as shown in Figures 9 to 11, or two types, as shown in Figure 12. The multiple apertures 32A may each have three or more types of shapes. From the perspective of arrangement efficiency and ease of manufacturing of the multiple apertures 32A, it is preferable that each of the multiple apertures 32A has a quadrangular 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. The spacing P between adjacent openings 32A is preferably 0.15 mm or more and 0.30 mm or less. In such cases, 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 is rough enough to prevent raw material pieces from passing through. The filter 33 is placed downstream of the flavor source 31A. The filter 33 is, for example, an acetate filter. The cap 34 is placed downstream of the filter 33 (towards the mouthpiece).

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

In this 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. Figure 13 is a diagram showing the connection state between the first cartridge 20 and the second cartridge 30 according to the embodiment. Figure 14 is a diagram showing a cross section taken along line CC shown in Figure 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 from Figure 13.

As shown in FIG. 13 , an aerosol flow adjusting chamber G is provided between the first flow path 20X and the second flow path 30X to adjust the flow of aerosol supplied from the first flow path 20X so as to prevent bias in the aerosol flow in the second flow path 30X. In this embodiment, the aerosol flow adjusting 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. More specifically, the aerosol flow adjusting 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 may not be 100% of the capacity of the flavor source container 31. In other words, it is possible that a void will occur within the flavor source container 31. However, it goes without saying that the aerosol flow adjusting chamber G is different from the void that occurs 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, if the shift distance is defined as 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 extending from the center of gravity of the first flow path 20X toward the outside of the first flow path 20X, the length LG of the aerosol flow adjusting chamber G in the predetermined direction A may be determined taking into account the largest shift distance among the shift distances. In other words, the length LG of the aerosol flow adjusting chamber G may be determined according to the largest shift distance. From the perspective of suppressing bias in the flow of aerosol flowing within the flavor source container 31, it is preferable that the length LG of the aerosol flow adjusting chamber G is longer as the largest shift distance increases. It is preferable that the length LG of the aerosol flow adjusting chamber G is at least 1/10 of the largest shift distance.

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

In this embodiment, as described above, the flavor source container 31 has a protrusion 31E that protrudes upstream (toward the flow path forming body 23 or end cap 25 in this embodiment) 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). 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 adjusting chamber G. The entire upstream end of the flavor source container 31 (second flow path 30X) is preferably exposed to the aerosol flow adjusting 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 adjusting 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 also 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 prevents 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 this 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 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. Furthermore, when the end cap 25 is placed inside the outer frame 24, the end cap 25 is less likely to interfere with the flow path forming body 23.

(Control circuit)
The following mainly describes the control circuit according to the embodiment. Fig. 15 is a diagram mainly showing the functional blocks of the control circuit 50 according to the embodiment.

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

The notification unit 40 notifies various types of information. The notification unit 40 may be composed of 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, vibration element, and sound output element. The notification unit 40 is preferably provided in the power supply unit 10, but the embodiment is not limited to this. The notification unit 40 may be provided in the first cartridge 20 or 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 puffing. In such cases, the detection unit 51 is connected to a suction sensor and detects puffing based on the output of the suction sensor. The detection unit 51 also detects power supply from the battery 11 to the atomization unit 22. In such cases, 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 power supply based on the output of the voltage sensor.

The notification control unit 52 controls the notification unit 40 to notify various types of information. For example, the notification control unit 52 controls the notification unit 40 to notify the replacement timing of the second cartridge 30 in response to detection of the replacement timing of the second cartridge 30. As described above, the notification unit 40 may notify the replacement timing of the second cartridge 30 by emitting light from a light-emitting element, by vibrating a vibration element, or by outputting sound from 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 from 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 from 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 puffs or the duration 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 for replacing the second cartridge 30 and resets the count value of the counter 52X. Preferably, 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 user that it is time to replace the second cartridge 30, and resets the count value of the counter 52X in response to a predetermined user operation. If the non-combustion flavor inhaler 1 is provided with a hardware interface (e.g., a switch or button) for turning the power of the non-combustion flavor inhaler 1 on or off or a hardware interface (e.g., a switch or button) for controlling the power supply to the atomization unit 22, the predetermined user operation may be an operation of the hardware interface. Alternatively, the predetermined user operation may be an operation of blowing air into the mouthpiece of the non-combustion flavor inhaler 1, as long as the detection unit 51 can detect a puffing operation. Alternatively, the predetermined user operation may be an inhalation operation (for example, two inhalations in a short period of time), as long as the detection unit 51 can detect a puffing operation and the operation is distinguishable from a typical puffing operation. The counter 52X may be a count-up type counter or a count-down type counter.

In this embodiment, the notification control unit 52 preferably 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. In such a case, the notification control unit 52 preferably detects the timing to replace the first cartridge 20 based on the number of times the second cartridge 30 has been replaced. In particular, the notification control unit 52 detects the timing to replace the first cartridge 20 when the number of times the second cartridge 30 has been replaced reaches a predetermined number.

In this embodiment, the notification control unit 52 preferably controls the notification unit 40 to notify the timing of battery 11 replacement or charging in response to detection of the timing of battery 11 replacement or charging. In such a case, the notification control unit 52 preferably detects the timing of battery 11 replacement or charging based on the output voltage of battery 11. In particular, the notification control unit 52 preferably detects the timing of battery replacement or charging when the output voltage of 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 or charge the battery 11 based on the number of puffing operations or the time that electricity is supplied to the atomization unit 22. In particular, the notification control unit 52 may detect the timing to replace or charge the battery 11 when the number of puffing operations or the time that electricity is supplied 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, replace the battery 11, or charge the battery 11 by emitting light from the light-emitting element, vibrating the vibration element, or outputting sound from the sound output element, just as it does when it is time to replace the second cartridge 30.

The power control unit 53 outputs a predetermined 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 instructions 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 instructions as the amount of power stored in the battery 11 decreases. Furthermore, the power control unit 53 stops the supply of power 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. In other words, the power control unit 53 stops the supply of power 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 action during that period.

Furthermore, 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 periods when the puffing operation is not being performed (non-puffing periods), which prevents droplets from being generated due to aerosol stagnation and condensation in the aerosol flow path during non-puffing periods, and prevents aerosol generated by puffing following the non-puffing period from being trapped in the droplets. This prevents the risk of interference with the supply of the desired amount of aerosol and deterioration of the smoking taste due to 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, the specified period is preferably 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 reduce variations in users' puffing periods, so there must be a certain number of users whose puffing periods are longer than the specified period. From this perspective, it is preferable to derive the specified period from statistics. Furthermore, by setting the specified period shorter than the average puffing period derived from statistics, the duration of power supply to the atomization unit 22 for the majority of puffing operations can be fixed to the specified period, thereby reducing fluctuations in the amount of aerosol caused by variations in users' puffing periods.

For example, the predetermined period is between 1 second and 3 seconds. By setting the predetermined period to 1 second or more, the time during which current is applied to the atomization unit 22 will not be too short compared to the puff period, reducing the discomfort felt by the user. On the other hand, by setting the predetermined period to 3 seconds or less, it is possible to ensure that the number of puff operations during which current is applied to the atomization unit 22 is fixed at the predetermined period is at least a certain number.

Furthermore, the predetermined period may be between 1.5 seconds and 2.5 seconds. This further reduces the discomfort felt by the user and increases the number of puffing operations in which the duration of current flow to the atomization unit 22 is fixed at a predetermined 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 the 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 and upper limits may be derived based on the distribution of users' puff period data, for example, as the lower and upper limits of the 95% confidence interval of the mean value, or as m±nσ (where m is the mean value, σ is the standard deviation, and n is a positive real number).

In this embodiment, the power control unit 53 preferably controls the amount of power supplied from the battery 11 to the atomization unit 22 using 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 per puff operation as the amount of power stored 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 by gradually increasing the duty ratio or by continuously increasing the duty ratio as the amount of stored power in the battery 11 decreases.

In the embodiment, the power control unit 53 preferably estimates the amount of power stored 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 power stored in the battery 11 based on the number of puffing operations or the time duration for which power is supplied to the atomizing unit 22. The number of puffing operations can be determined from the puffing operations detected by the above-described detection unit 51. Similarly, the time duration for which power is supplied to the atomizing unit 22 can be determined from the power supply detected by the above-described detection unit 51.

In this embodiment, the power control unit 53 preferably stops the supply of power from the battery 11 to the atomization unit 22 from the time 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 supply of power from the battery 11 to the atomization unit 22 from the time the timing for replacing the second cartridge 30 is notified until the count value is reset. In other words, the supply of power from the battery 11 to the atomization unit 22 is stopped until the second cartridge 30 is replaced. This reduces the use of the second cartridge 30, which can only impart a small amount of flavor to the aerosol.

(Control Method)
A control method according to the embodiment will be described below. Fig. 18 is a flow chart showing the control method according to the embodiment. Fig. 18 is a flow chart 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.

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

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

In step S20, the non-combustion 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 flavor inhaler 1 determines the 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 flavor inhaler 1 outputs an instruction to increase the duty ratio as a change to the predetermined instruction.

In step S30, the non-combustion flavor inhaler 1 (i.e., the power control unit 53) determines whether a predetermined period of time has elapsed since the start of power supply to the atomization unit 22. In other words, the non-combustion flavor inhaler 1 determines whether the puff period has exceeded the predetermined period of time. If the determination result is YES, the non-combustion flavor inhaler 1 proceeds to processing in step S50; if the determination result is NO, the non-combustion flavor inhaler 1 proceeds to processing in step S40.

In step S40, the non-burning flavor inhaler 1 (i.e., the power control unit 53) determines whether the puffing operation has ended. If the determination result is NO, the non-burning flavor inhaler 1 returns to the processing of step S30. If the determination result is YES, the non-burning flavor inhaler 1 stops the supply of power 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 supply of power 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 effect)
In the embodiment, the power control unit 53 stops the supply of power 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. The predetermined period of time is shorter than the upper limit of the standard puff period derived from statistics of users' puff periods. Therefore, even if a user whose puff period is longer than the predetermined period uses the non-combustion flavor inhaler, a drastic 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 or the amount of charge stored in the battery 11, the amount of aerosol supplied per puff can be kept within the desired range throughout the puffing action from the start of smoking (the early stage when the battery 11 has sufficient charge) to the end of smoking (i.e., the final stage when the battery 11's charge is decreasing).

In this embodiment, the power control unit 53 changes the predetermined instruction output to the battery 11 during one puffing operation as the amount of stored power in the battery 11 decreases. This reduces the difference in the amount of power actually supplied from the battery 11 to the atomization unit 22 between an initial stage when the amount of stored power in the battery 11 is sufficient and a final stage when the amount of stored power in the battery 11 is insufficient. This allows the amount of aerosol atomized by the atomization unit 22 to fall within a desired range, regardless of the length of the user's puffing period or 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 replacements of the second cartridge 30. 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 end while the second cartridge 30 is being used. Of course, 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 this embodiment, the notification control unit 52 controls the notification unit 40 to notify the user of the timing to replace or charge the battery 11 in response to detection of the timing to replace or charge the battery 11. This allows the user to easily know when to replace or charge the battery 11.

In this embodiment, the power control unit 53 stops the supply of power from the battery 11 to the atomizing unit 22 after the count value of the counter 52X reaches a predetermined value until the count value is reset. Therefore, the supply of power 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,
The use of the cartridge 30 is reduced.

In this embodiment, the power control unit 53 controls predetermined instructions so that the amount of aerosol atomized by the atomization unit 22 falls within a desired range, and stops the supply of power 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. This reduces the variation in the amount of power consumed per puff, improving the accuracy of detecting when to replace the second cartridge 30 when the replacement timing is detected based on the number of puffs.

In this embodiment, an aerosol flow adjusting chamber G is provided between the first flow path 20X and the second flow path 30X to adjust the flow of aerosol supplied from the first flow path 20X so as to prevent uneven 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 uneven flow within 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 ensures the volume of the reservoir 21 that stores the aerosol source 21A while limiting the overall length of the first cartridge 20 in the first flow path 20X (predetermined direction A).

In this 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, because 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. Because 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 this embodiment, in a cross section perpendicular to the aerosol flow path (predetermined direction A), the outer edge 25out of the end cap 25 contacts the inner wall surface 24in of the outer frame 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. Furthermore, when the end cap 25 is placed inside the outer frame 24, the end cap 25 is unlikely to interfere with the flow path forming body 23.

In this embodiment, in a cross section perpendicular to the predetermined direction A, if the shift distance is defined as 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 extending from the center of gravity of the first flow path 20X toward the outside of the first flow path 20X, the length LG of the aerosol flow adjustment chamber G in the predetermined direction A is determined according to the longest shift distance. 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 can easily pass through the flavor source 31A without being biased within the second cartridge 30.

In this 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, which is the smallest width, and a maximum width Wmax, which is the largest width passing through the center of gravity of the multiple openings 32A. Here, the minimum width Wmin is smaller than the size of the ingredient pieces that make up the flavor source 31A, which prevents the ingredient pieces that make up the flavor source 31A from falling out. The maximum width Wmax is larger than the minimum width Wmin, which increases the open area ratio of the mesh body as a whole.

In this way, in the second cartridge 30 for a non-combustion type flavor inhaler, the porosity of the mesh body 32 as a whole can be ensured while preventing the raw material pieces that make up the flavor source from falling off.

In this embodiment, the maximum width Wmax of the openings 32A is greater than the lower limit of the size of the ingredient pieces that make up the flavor source 31A. Therefore, the overall open area ratio of the mesh body 32 is improved.

In this embodiment, the maximum width Wmax of the openings 32A is between √2 and 6 times the minimum width Wmin of the openings 32A. Therefore, by making the maximum width Wmax √2 or more times the minimum width Wmin, the overall open area ratio of the mesh body 32 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 this embodiment, each of the multiple openings 32A has a shape selected from square, rectangular, rhombic, hexagonal, and octagonal. The multiple openings 32A are arranged so that the sides of adjacent openings 32A are parallel to each other. The spacing 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, improving the overall opening rate of the mesh body 32 while maintaining the strength 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 predetermined direction A. Therefore, while the ribs 31R reinforce the flavor source container 31, the flow of aerosol in the predetermined direction A within the flavor source container 31 is not obstructed by the ribs 31R, making it easier 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 upstream to downstream. This makes it easier for the second cartridge 30 to fit into the outer frame 24 of the first cartridge 20, and prevents the second cartridge 30 from falling off while allowing for manufacturing errors in the outer shape of the flavor source container 31.

In this 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 functioning to position the filter 33.

[Modification 1]
Modification 1 of the embodiment will be described below, focusing mainly on the differences from the embodiment.

Specifically, in this 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 Modification Example 1, 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. Note, however, that the reservoir 21, atomization unit 22, flavor source 31A, filter 33, and cap 34 are omitted from Figure 19.

19 , the flavor source container 31 has a main body 31P that contains a flavor source 31A and a flange 31Q disposed on the side 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 more than the main body 31P and protrudes outward to the same extent or more 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 this 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 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 having the flange portion 31Q catch on the downstream end of the outer frame 24, an aerosol flow adjusting chamber G is formed that adjusts the flow of aerosol supplied from the first flow path 20X, 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]
Modification 2 of the embodiment will be described below, focusing mainly on the differences from the embodiment.

Specifically, in this 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 Modification Example 2, 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 Modification Example 2. Note, however, that the reservoir 21, atomizing unit 22, flavor source 31A, filter 33, and cap 34 are omitted from Figure 20. The protrusion 25E contacts the upstream end (preferably the outer edge of the upstream end) of the flavor source container 31.

As shown in FIG. 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 (predetermined 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 if a gap exists between the outer frame 24 and the flavor source container 31, it is preferable that the protrusion 25E be provided continuously along the outer edge of the end cap 25. This makes it possible to prevent aerosol from accumulating in the space formed in the upstream portion of the tapered portion 31T.

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

Note that if the first cartridge 20 does not have an end cap 25, the flow path forming body 23 has a protrusion similar to 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]
Modification 3 of the embodiment will be described below, focusing mainly on the differences from the embodiment.

Specifically, in this embodiment, the first flow path 20X completely overlaps the second flow path 30X when viewed from the specified direction A. Furthermore, 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, the size of the second flow path 30X in a cross section perpendicular to the aerosol flow path (specified direction A) is not particularly limited, but may be approximately the same as the size of the first flow path 20X or 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 Figures 22 to 25. Differences from the embodiment will be mainly described below. In Figures 22 to 25, the vertical axis represents the amount of aerosol (TPM (Total Particulate Matter) amount) (mg/puffing in Figures 22 to 25), and the horizontal axis represents the number of puffing operations (puff number). The further away from the intersection of the vertical and horizontal axes, the larger the values represented.

In Modification Example 4, similar to the embodiment, the power control unit 53 stops the supply of power 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. The predetermined period of time is shorter than the upper limit of the standard puff period derived from statistics of the user's puff period.

The amount of aerosol atomized by the atomization unit 22 depends on the puffing period during which the user actually puffs and the output voltage output to the battery 11. Here, we will assume a case in which the standard puffing period derived from statistics of users' puffing periods 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 puffing 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, approximately 3 to 4 seconds.

In sample E, the initial output voltage of battery 11 is 4.2 V, and the battery capacity of battery 11 is 220 mAh. Furthermore, atomization portion 22 is composed of a wound heating wire, and the resistance of the heating wire is 3.5 Ω. In Figure 22, sample E1 shows the relationship between the number of puffs and the amount of aerosol when sample E is inhaled with a puffing period of 2 seconds per puffing action, and sample E2 shows the relationship between the number of puffs and the amount of aerosol when sample E is inhaled with a puffing period of 3 seconds per puffing action. It should be noted that if the standard puffing period follows a normal distribution with a mean of 2.4 seconds and a standard deviation of 1 second, the probability of inhaling with a puffing period of 3 seconds or more per puffing action, as shown in sample E2, is approximately 27%, and is a quite plausible event.

In sample F, the configuration of the battery 11 and the atomizing unit 22 is the same as in 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 puffing period of 2 seconds per puffing action, and sample F2 shows the relationship between the number of puffs and the amount of aerosol when sample F is inhaled with a puffing period of 3 seconds per puffing action. However, in samples F1 and F2, 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 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 of the standard puffing period derived from statistics of users' puffing periods and shorter than the average value of the puffing period.

In Sample G, the battery 11 has the same configuration as Samples E and F. However, the atomization unit 22 is composed of a heating wire wound at a predetermined pitch, and differs from Samples E and F in that the resistance of the heating wire is 2.9 Ω. In Figure 24, Sample G1 shows the relationship between the number of puffs and the amount of aerosol when Sample G is inhaled with a puffing period of 2 seconds per puff, and Sample G2 shows the relationship between the number of puffs and the amount of aerosol when Sample G is inhaled with a puffing period of 3 seconds per puff. However, in Samples G1 and G2, the power control unit 53 stops the supply of power from the battery 11 to the atomization unit 22 when a predetermined period (here, 2.2 seconds) has elapsed since the start of power supply to the atomization unit 22.

In Sample H, the battery 11 and atomizing unit 22 are configured similarly to those in Sample G. However, the predetermined pitch of the heating wire constituting the atomizing unit 22 is uniformly wound within a range of 0.35 mm to 0.40 mm, which is narrower than the predetermined pitch in Sample G. In Figure 25, Sample H1 shows the relationship between the number of puffs and the amount of aerosol when Sample H is inhaled with a puffing period of 2 seconds per puffing action, while Sample H2 shows the relationship between the number of puffs and the amount of aerosol when Sample H is inhaled with a puffing period of 3 seconds per puffing action. Furthermore, in Samples H1 and H2, as in Sample G, 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 power supply to the atomizing unit 22. However, in Samples H1 and H2, the duty ratio during power supply 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 electricity stored 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 conditions, as shown in Figure 22, for sample E, in which the puff period and the duration of current application to the atomization unit 22 are the same regardless of the length of the puff period, the amount of aerosol varies significantly between when the puff period is 3 seconds and when it is 2 seconds. Furthermore, as can be seen by comparing the slopes of sample E1 and sample E2, the longer the puff period (i.e., the duration of current application), the more significant the variation in the amount of aerosol from the first puff to the final puff.

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 users' puff periods, and stopping the supply of power from the battery 11 to the atomization unit 22 when the predetermined period has elapsed since the start of power supply to the atomization unit 22 for one puff operation, it is possible to suppress fluctuations in the amount of aerosol from the first puff to the final puff, as shown in Figure 23, even for sample F2, which has a puff period of 3 seconds. This makes it possible to suppress fluctuations in the amount of aerosol caused by variations in users' puff periods.

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 atomizing unit 22 is energized for a predetermined period of time, 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 Figure 24. Comparing sample G2 shown in Figure 24 with sample F2 shown in Figure 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
The fluctuation range is larger than that of sample F2. This is because the change in the configuration of atomizing part 22 increases the amount of power supplied from battery 11 to atomizing part 22 per puffing operation.

Furthermore, the inventors have focused on these results and discovered 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 accordance with 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 specified pitch of the heating wire. With these changes, as shown in Figure 25, the inventors have discovered 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 discovered 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 supply of power 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. Here, it is preferable that the predetermined period of time be shorter than the upper limit of the standard puff period derived from statistics of the user's puff period and shorter than the average 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 current is applied to the atomizing unit 22 for 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 current is applied to the atomizing unit 22 for 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 battery 11 has insufficient stored power.

(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 the 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 puffing 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 Modification Example 4, by adjusting the predetermined pitch and resistance 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 aerosol supply amount in one puff operation, at least when use of the atomization unit 22 begins (in other words, when the battery 11 is fully charged).

Under these conditions, 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 during that 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, while suppressing fluctuations in the amount of aerosol resulting from variations in the length of the user's puffing period. Therefore, the amount of aerosol can be easily kept within a desired range regardless of the length of the user's puffing period, from the initial stage (start of smoking) when the battery 11 has sufficient stored power, to the final stage (end of smoking) when the battery 11 has insufficient stored power.

In Modification Example 4, the upper limit of the amount of aerosol (desired range) atomized by the atomization unit 22 is preferably 4.0 mg/puff. Furthermore, the upper limit is preferably 3.0 mg/puff. 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, the lower limit of the amount of aerosol atomized by the atomization unit 22 (desired range) is preferably 0.1 mg/puff. By setting the above-mentioned value as the lower limit, it is possible to supply an amount of aerosol that does not leave the user feeling insufficient, and to extract flavor components from the flavor source 31A contained in the second cartridge 30 by the aerosol.

[Modification 5]
The fifth 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 based on a standard puff period derived from statistics on the puff periods of multiple users. In contrast, in Modification Example 5, the predetermined period is derived from statistics on 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 Modification Example 5. In Figure 26, the same components as those in Figure 15 are assigned the same reference numerals, and a description of the same components as those in Figure 15 will be omitted.

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

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

For example, the calculation unit 55 calculates the predetermined period using the following procedure.

First, in the initial setting, as in the above-described embodiment, the predetermined period (1 second) is pre-determined based on the standard puff period derived from statistics on the puff periods of multiple users.

Secondly, for example, an average value is derived from statistics of the puff duration detected over a certain period (e.g., from the start of use of the first cartridge 20 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 after X seconds of inhalation is equal to the amount of power supplied at the initial setting (after I seconds of inhalation). That is, if the average value (X) is less than the initial setting value (I), the duty ratio corresponding to each battery voltage is relatively increased. On the other hand, if the average value (X) is greater than the initial setting value (I), the duty ratio is decreased.

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

(Action and effect)
In the fifth modified example, the predetermined period is derived from statistics of the puffing periods of users who actually use the non-combustion flavor inhaler 1. Therefore, a period suitable for the user can be set as the predetermined period to be referenced when stopping the supply of power from the battery 11 to the atomization unit 22. In particular, by setting a predetermined time suitable for the user's actual puffing period, compared to the case where a predetermined period derived from statistics of the puffing periods of multiple users is used, for users with long puffing periods, the discomfort caused by the supply of aerosol throughout the entire puffing period can be alleviated, and for users with short puffing periods, the number of puffing actions that supply aerosol within the desired range can be increased.

[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 based on a standard puff period derived from statistics on the puff periods of multiple users. In contrast, in Modification Example 6, the predetermined period is derived from statistics on 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 assigned the same reference numerals, and a 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.

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 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 the same manner as the calculation unit 55 in Modification Example 5.

(Action and effect)
In the sixth modified example, the predetermined period is derived from statistics of the puffing periods of users who actually use the non-combustion flavor inhaler 1. Therefore, a period suitable for the user can be set as the predetermined period to be referenced when stopping the power supply from the battery 11 to the atomization unit 22. In particular, by setting a predetermined time suitable for the user's actual puffing period, compared to the case where a predetermined period derived from statistics of the puffing periods of multiple users is used, for users with long puffing periods, the discomfort caused by the supply of aerosol throughout the puffing period can be alleviated, and for users with short puffing periods, the number of puffing actions that supply aerosol within the desired range can be increased.

[Modification 7]
The seventh modification of the embodiment will be described below, focusing mainly on the differences from the embodiment.

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 Modification Example 7, as shown in FIG. 28 , 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.

It should be noted that in Modification Example 7, 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 also increment the count value of the second counter 52B. As a result, 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. In other words, similar to the embodiment described above, 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).

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 for replacing the first cartridge 20 based on the number of times the second cartridge 30 has been replaced.

In Modification Example 7, 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 the first predetermined value, and reset the count value of the first counter 52A in response to a predetermined operation by the user. In such a case, it is preferable that the power control unit 53 suspends the supply of power from the battery 11 to the atomization unit 22 from the time the count value of the first counter 52A reaches the first predetermined value until the count value is reset.

In Modification Example 7, 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 a 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 in response to a predetermined operation by the user. In such a case, it is preferable that the power control unit 53 suspends the supply of power from the battery 11 to the atomization unit 22 from the time the count value of the second counter 52B reaches the second predetermined value until the count value is reset.

(Action and effect)
In modified example 7, since the second predetermined value is an integer multiple of the first predetermined value, even if 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 user convenience.

[Modification 8]
The eighth modification of the embodiment will be described below, focusing mainly on the differences from the embodiment.

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 all five second cartridges 30 have been used up.

Specifically, the first cartridge 20 is provided with a permissible number of puffs, which is the number of puffing operations permitted for the first cartridge 20, and a permissible energization time, which is the permissible energization time for the first cartridge 20. The permissible number of puffs and the permissible energization time are values for preventing depletion of the aerosol source 21A. In other words, the permissible number of puffs and the permissible energization time are upper limits for ensuring a stable supply of aerosol source 21A to the atomization unit 22 and for atomizing an appropriate aerosol. The timing for replacing the second cartridge 30 is determined when the number of puffing operations or the permissible energization 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 permissible number of puffs or the permissible energization time by a predetermined value. Here, the permissible number of puffs or the permissible energization time does not have to be divisible by the predetermined value. In other words, the lifespan of the first cartridge 20 may have a margin relative to the number of second cartridges 30.

Alternatively, the timing for replacing the second cartridge 30 is when the number of puffing operations or the duration of time that electricity is applied to the atomization unit 22 reaches a first predetermined value. The timing for replacing the first cartridge 20 is when the number of puffing operations or the duration of 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 effect)
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 when 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 embodiments, the descriptions and drawings that form part of this disclosure should not be understood to limit 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, if the reservoir 21 has a configuration (e.g., a tank) that can suppress 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 adjusting 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 (protrusion 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 be joined to the reservoir 21 to prevent the reservoir 21 from being refilled with the aerosol source 21A.

In this 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 cases 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 (e.g., 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 electric heating wire that makes up the atomization unit 22 can have any shape.

In the embodiment, the atomization unit 22 is configured using an electric heating wire. However, the embodiment is not limited to this. The atomization unit 22 may also atomize the aerosol source 21A using ultrasound.

In this 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 may be provided in the non-combustion flavor inhaler 1, and the atomization unit may be a unit that is not replaceable.

In this 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 may be provided in the non-combustion flavor inhaler 1, and the flavor source unit may not be replaceable. However, this does not apply if the second cartridge 30 is an essential feature.

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

In this 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 the 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 this 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 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 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 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. 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 operation of a hardware interface (e.g., a switch or button) for outputting power to the atomization unit 22. In other words, the puffing operation and non-puffing operation are switched in response to operation of the hardware interface.

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

Claims (6)

A non-combustion type flavor inhaler,
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 amount of aerosol atomized by the atomization unit falls within a desired range;
a memory that stores a puff period during which the user performs the puffing action;
Equipped with
when a predetermined period of time has elapsed since the start of power supply to the atomization unit, the control unit instructs the battery to stop power supply from the battery to the atomization unit even during a puffing period in which a user is performing a puffing operation;
The non-burning flavor inhaler, wherein the predetermined period is determined based on statistics of puff periods of the user using the non-burning flavor inhaler. A non-combustion type flavor inhaler,
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 amount of aerosol atomized by the atomization unit falls within a desired range;
a memory that stores a puff period during which the user performs the puffing action;
an interface for communicating with an external device provided separately from the non-combustion type flavor inhaler;
Equipped with
when a predetermined period of time has elapsed since the start of power supply to the atomization unit, the control unit instructs the battery to stop power supply from the battery to the atomization unit even during a puffing period in which a user is performing a puffing operation;
the interface transmits the puff duration stored in the memory to the external device;
The non-combustion type flavor inhaler, wherein the interface receives the predetermined period calculated by the external device from statistics based on the puff period 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;
a memory for storing a puff period during which the user performs a puffing action;
Equipped with
when a predetermined period of time has elapsed since the start of power supply to the atomization unit, even if the user is performing a puffing operation during a puffing period, the control unit instructs the battery to stop power supply to the atomization unit;
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;
A non-burning flavor inhaler characterized by the above. further comprising an interface for communicating with an external device provided separately from the non-combustion type flavor inhaler;
The non-burning type flavor inhaler according to claim 3 , wherein the interface transmits the puff duration stored in the memory to the external device. the control unit dynamically changes an instruction to the battery according to the amount of charge stored in the battery so that the amount of aerosol atomized by the atomization unit falls within a desired range.
The non-burning flavor inhaler according to claim 3 or 4. The non-combustion flavor inhaler of claim 5, wherein the changed instruction includes an instruction for the control unit to increase the duty ratio output to the battery during the user's puffing action based on a decrease in the amount of stored power in the battery.