JP7826457B2 - Aerosol generating device, control method, and program - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to an aerosol generating device, a control method, and a program.

An aerosol generating device (hereinafter referred to as an "aerosol generating device") generates an aerosol by heating an aerosol source containing a fragrance or the like.
There are two types of aerosol sources: liquid and solid. In the former, the aerosol source guided within a glass fiber called a wick is heated with a heater to generate aerosol. In the latter, the aerosol source filled in a paper tube or capsule is heated with a heater or the like to generate aerosol.

International Publication No. 2020/084779

Some aerosol generating devices can be fitted with both a liquid aerosol source and a solid aerosol source. In some cases, a heater is located only on the liquid aerosol source side of the aerosol generating device. In this device configuration, the aerosol generated from the liquid aerosol source heats the solid aerosol source before reaching the user's oral cavity. This allows the user to inhale a mixed gas containing two types of aerosols from different sources.

Heating both a liquid aerosol source and a solid aerosol source is expected to produce a more concentrated aerosol than heating only one of them. However, controlling the heating in an aerosol generator that heats both aerosol sources is more complicated than in an aerosol generator that heats only one of the aerosol sources. For this reason, measuring the remaining battery charge when generating aerosol using a combination of multiple aerosol sources makes it difficult to accurately measure the remaining battery charge.

In consideration of the above-mentioned problems, the present invention provides a technology for accurately measuring the remaining capacity of a battery even when aerosol is generated by combining heating of a liquid aerosol source and a solid aerosol source.

According to one aspect of the present invention, an aerosol generating device is provided, comprising: a battery for supplying power; a first heating unit for heating a first aerosol source which is a liquid; a second heating unit for heating a second aerosol source which is a solid; a first sensor for measuring the voltage of the battery; and a control unit for controlling the supply of power to the first heating unit and the second heating unit, wherein when aerosol is generated by combining heating of the first aerosol source and heating of the second aerosol source, the control unit measures the voltage of the first sensor while stopping the supply of power to both the first heating unit and the second heating unit, and detects the remaining capacity of the battery based on the measured voltage.

If the device further includes a second sensor that detects inhalation by the user, the control unit may, when supplying power to the first heating unit, stop supplying power to the second heating unit, and when the start of inhalation is detected by the second sensor, provide a period for measuring the remaining capacity of the battery before instructing the supply of power to the first heating unit.

If power is being supplied to the second heating unit at the time the second sensor detects the start of suction, the control unit may provide a period for measuring the remaining capacity of the battery after instructing the second heating unit to stop supplying power.

When the control unit supplies power to the first heating unit and stops the supply of power to the second heating unit, when the second sensor detects the end of suction, the control unit may provide a period for measuring the remaining capacity of the battery after instructing the supply of power to the first heating unit to be stopped and before instructing the supply of power to the first heating unit to be resumed.

If the device further includes a second sensor that detects inhalation by the user, when the control unit supplies power to the first heating unit and stops the supply of power to the second heating unit, when the end of inhalation is detected by the second sensor, the control unit may provide a period for measuring the remaining capacity of the battery after instructing the stop of the supply of power to the first heating unit and before instructing the supply of power to the second heating unit.

The control unit may set a monitoring period of a predetermined length upon detecting the first suction after the end of the previous suction, and stop supplying power to the second heating unit during the monitoring period. However, if power is supplied to the first heating unit in conjunction with the detection of the suction, when the monitoring period ends, a period may be set in which the remaining capacity of the battery is measured before instructing the supply of power to the second heating unit.

If the device further includes a second sensor that detects inhalation by the user, the control unit stops the supply of power to the second heating unit when supplying power to the first heating unit, and supplies power to the second heating unit when stopping the supply of power to the first heating unit.When the supply of power to the second heating unit is forcibly stopped after a predetermined time has elapsed since the second sensor last detected inhalation, a period of time may be set to measure the remaining capacity of the battery after the supply of power to the second heating unit is stopped.

The control unit may measure the remaining capacity of the battery once every several times, even if it is possible to measure the remaining capacity of the battery.

If the device further has a display unit that displays information, the control unit may display the detected remaining capacity of the battery on the display unit.

According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a control method for an aerosol generating device that generates aerosol, comprising: a step of heating a first aerosol source that is liquid using a first heating unit; a step of heating a second aerosol source that is solid using a second heating unit; a step of measuring the voltage of a battery that supplies power using a sensor; a step of controlling the supply of power to the first heating unit and the second heating unit; and, when aerosol is generated by combining heating of the first aerosol source and heating of the second aerosol source, a step of measuring the voltage of the sensor while stopping the supply of power to both the first heating unit and the second heating unit, and detecting the remaining capacity of the battery based on the measured voltage.

According to another aspect of the present invention, a program is provided for causing a computer to execute the following steps: a first heating unit heating a first aerosol source that is a liquid; a second heating unit heating a second aerosol source that is a solid; a sensor measuring the voltage of a battery that supplies power; controlling the supply of power to the first heating unit and the second heating unit; and, when aerosol is generated by combining heating of the first aerosol source and heating of the second aerosol source, measuring the voltage of the sensor while stopping the supply of power to both the first heating unit and the second heating unit, and detecting the remaining capacity of the battery based on the measured voltage.

The present invention provides a technology for accurately measuring the remaining capacity of a battery even when aerosol is generated by combining the heating of a liquid aerosol source and a solid aerosol source.

1 is a diagram illustrating an example of the appearance of an aerosol generating device assumed in embodiment 1. FIG. 10A and 10B are diagrams illustrating how to attach an aerosol source and the like to the device body. FIG. 2 is a diagram schematically illustrating the internal configuration of the aerosol generating device. 1 is an equivalent circuit illustrating a connection configuration of a power supply unit, a heating unit, and a voltmeter. 1A and 1B are diagrams illustrating a normal mode and a high mode, in which (A) is a diagram illustrating an example of the timing of heating in the normal mode, and (B) is a diagram illustrating an example of the timing of heating in the high mode. FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of a display screen of a display. 10 is a flowchart illustrating a part of an example of a process for measuring remaining battery capacity in high mode. 10 is a flowchart illustrating the remaining part of the example of the process for measuring the remaining capacity of the battery in high mode. 10A and 10B are diagrams illustrating an example of measurement timing when confirmation of remaining battery capacity is requested during sleep mode, in which (A) shows the change in capsule temperature in high mode, (B) shows the timing of heating the cartridge in high mode, and (C) shows the timing of heating the capsule in high mode. 10A and 10B are diagrams illustrating an example of measurement timing when confirmation of remaining battery capacity is requested during inhalation, in which (A) shows the change in capsule temperature in high mode, (B) shows the timing of heating the cartridge in high mode, and (C) shows the timing of heating the capsule in high mode. 10A and 10B are diagrams illustrating an example of measurement timing when the remaining battery capacity is checked during non-inhalation other than sleep mode, where (A) shows the change in capsule temperature in high mode, (B) shows the timing of cartridge heating in high mode, and (C) shows the timing of capsule heating in high mode. 10A and 10B are diagrams illustrating an example of measurement timing when the remaining battery capacity is checked almost simultaneously with the transition to sleep mode, where (A) shows the change in capsule temperature in high mode, (B) shows the timing of heating the cartridge in high mode, and (C) shows the timing of heating the capsule in high mode. 10A and 10B are diagrams illustrating an example of measurement timing when the remaining battery capacity is checked during a period when only the capsule is heated, where (A) shows the change in capsule temperature in high mode, (B) shows the timing of cartridge heating in high mode, and (C) shows the timing of capsule heating in high mode. 10A and 10B are diagrams illustrating other examples of the timing of heating the cartridge and capsule in high mode, where (A) shows the period of inhalation, (B) shows an example of the timing of heating the cartridge, and (C) shows an example of the timing of heating the capsule. 10 is a flowchart illustrating a part of an example of a process for measuring remaining battery capacity in high mode. 10 is a flowchart illustrating the remaining part of the example of the process for measuring the remaining capacity of the battery in high mode. 10A and 10B are diagrams illustrating an example of measurement timing when confirmation of the remaining battery capacity is requested during non-inhalation during the heating-on monitoring time, where (A) shows the change in capsule temperature in high mode, (B) shows the timing of cartridge heating in high mode, and (C) shows the timing of capsule heating in high mode. 10A and 10B are diagrams illustrating an example of measurement timing when confirmation of the remaining battery capacity is requested at the end of the heating-on monitoring time, where (A) shows the change in capsule temperature in high mode, (B) shows the timing of heating the cartridge in high mode, and (C) shows the timing of heating the capsule in high mode. 10A and 10B are diagrams illustrating an example of measurement timing when confirmation of the remaining battery capacity is requested during inhalation during the heating-on monitoring time, where (A) shows the change in capsule temperature in high mode, (B) shows the timing of heating the cartridge in high mode, and (C) shows the timing of heating the capsule in high mode. 10A and 10B are diagrams illustrating an example of measurement timing when confirmation of remaining battery capacity is requested during heating-off time, where (A) shows the change in capsule temperature in high mode, (B) shows the timing of heating the cartridge in high mode, and (C) shows the timing of heating the capsule in high mode. 1A and 1B are diagrams illustrating a case where the timing of the start of the first puff detected during the period from the end of the heating-off time to the start of the sleep mode coincides with the timing of the request to check the remaining battery capacity, where (A) shows the change in capsule temperature in high mode, (B) shows the timing of the cartridge heating in high mode, and (C) shows the timing of the capsule heating in high mode. 10A and 10B are diagrams illustrating a case where the start of inhalation is detected during the period from the end of the heating-off time to the start of the sleep mode, in which (A) shows the change in capsule temperature in high mode, (B) shows the timing of heating the cartridge in high mode, and (C) shows the timing of heating the capsule in high mode. 10A and 10B are diagrams illustrating other examples of the timing of heating the cartridge and capsule in high mode, where (A) shows the period of inhalation, (B) shows an example of the timing of heating the cartridge, and (C) shows an example of the timing of heating the capsule. 10 is a flowchart illustrating a part of an example of a process for measuring remaining battery capacity in high mode. 10 is a flowchart illustrating the remaining part of the example of the process for measuring the remaining capacity of the battery in high mode. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of measurement timing when confirmation of the remaining battery capacity is requested during suction during a heating-on monitoring period. FIG. 10A and 10B are diagrams illustrating an example of measurement timing when confirmation of the remaining battery capacity is requested when inhalation is detected during non-inhalation during heating-on monitoring time, where (A) shows the change in capsule temperature in high mode, (B) shows the timing of cartridge heating in high mode, and (C) shows the timing of capsule heating in high mode. 10A and 10B are diagrams illustrating an example of measurement timing when a command to check the remaining battery capacity is issued during non-inhalation monitoring during heating-on monitoring time, where (A) shows the change in capsule temperature in high mode, (B) shows the timing of cartridge heating in high mode, and (C) shows the timing of capsule heating in high mode.

Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In each drawing, the same parts are designated by the same reference numerals.

First Embodiment
<Features>
The aerosol generating device assumed in the first embodiment is a form of electronic cigarette. In the following description, the substance generated by the aerosol generating device is referred to as aerosol. Aerosol refers to a mixture of air or other gases and minute liquid or solid particles suspended in gas.
The aerosol generating device assumed in the first embodiment is capable of generating aerosol without combustion.
In the first embodiment, the act of a user inhaling the aerosol generated by the aerosol generating device is simply referred to as "inhaling" or "puffing."

In the first embodiment, the aerosol generating device is assumed to be a device to which both a liquid aerosol source and a solid aerosol source can be attached.
In the following, a container that contains a liquid aerosol source will be referred to as a "cartridge," and a container that contains a solid aerosol source will be referred to as a "capsule." Both cartridges and capsules are consumables. For this reason, replacement guidelines are set for each cartridge and capsule.

The aerosol generating device assumed in the first embodiment has a heater for heating the liquid aerosol source and a heater for heating the solid aerosol source. The heater is an example of a heating unit, which will be described later.
A liquid aerosol source is an example of a first aerosol source, and a solid aerosol source is an example of a second aerosol source.

<Appearance example>
FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of the appearance of an aerosol generating device 10 assumed in the first embodiment.
The external appearance example shown in FIG. 1 can be obtained by observing the front of the aerosol generation device 10 from diagonally above. The aerosol generation device 10 assumed in this embodiment has a size that can be held in one hand by a user. For example, the aerosol generation device 10 has a width of approximately 32 mm, a height of approximately 60 mm, and a depth of approximately 23 mm. These dimensions are merely examples. Furthermore, the width, height, and depth dimensions of the aerosol generation device 10 vary depending on the design.

1 shows a state in which a capsule holder 12 is attached to a device main body 11 of the aerosol generating device 10. As will be described later, the capsule holder 12 is detachable from the device main body 11.
A display 11A and operation buttons 11B are arranged on the top surface of the device main body 11. The display 11A may be, for example, a liquid crystal display or an organic EL (Electro Luminescence) display. The operation buttons 11B are used for, for example, turning the power on or off, checking the remaining amount of the solid aerosol source, checking the remaining battery level, and other operations. The display 11A is an example of a display unit.

<Examples of attaching aerosol sources, etc.>
2 is a diagram illustrating how to attach an aerosol source and the like to the device body 11. An opening (not shown) is provided in the upper part of the device body 11. This opening constitutes the end of a cylindrical body (not shown) provided inside the device body 11.
The cartridge 20 is first inserted into the opening of the device body 11, and then the capsule holder 12 is attached.

When attaching or detaching the capsule holder 12 to or from the opening of the device body 11, the user rotates the capsule holder 12 by, for example, 120° relative to the opening.
The capsule holder 12 attached to the device body 11 functions as a retainer to prevent the cartridge 20 inserted into the device body 11 from jumping out.
An opening is also provided in the capsule holder 12. The opening constitutes the end of a cylindrical body (not shown) provided inside the capsule holder 12. The capsule 30 is attached to this opening. The capsule 30 can be attached by pushing it into the opening of the capsule holder 12, and can be removed by pulling it out of the opening of the capsule holder 12.
In the present embodiment, the cartridge 20 is attached through an opening provided on the top surface of the apparatus main body 11, but a configuration in which it is attached from the bottom surface side of the apparatus main body 11 may also be adopted.

<Internal configuration of the device>
3 is a diagram showing a schematic internal configuration of the aerosol generating device 10. The internal configuration here includes a cartridge 20 (see FIG. 2) and a capsule 30 (see FIG. 2) attached to the device main body 11.
The internal configuration shown in Fig. 3 is intended to explain the components provided inside the device main body 11 and their positional relationships. Therefore, the appearance of the components shown in Fig. 3 does not necessarily match the appearance diagram described above.

The aerosol generating device 10 shown in Figure 3 has a power supply unit 111L, a sensor unit 112L, a notification unit 113L, a memory unit 114L, a communication unit 115L, a control unit 116L, a liquid guiding unit 122L, a liquid storage unit 123L, a heating unit 121L-1, a heating unit 121L-2, a holding unit 140L, and a heat insulating unit 144L.
An air flow path 180L is formed inside the device body 11. The air flow path 180L functions as a passage for transporting the aerosol generated from the liquid aerosol source stored in the liquid storage unit 123L to the capsule-type container 130L filled with the solid aerosol source.

The liquid storage section 123L corresponds to the cartridge 20 described above, and the capsule-type container 130L corresponds to the capsule 30 described above.
In this embodiment, the user performs inhalation with the capsule-type container 130L attached to the holding portion 140L. The holding portion 140L corresponds to the capsule holder 12 (see FIG. 2) and the cylindrical body on the device main body 11 side to which the capsule holder 12 is attached.

Each part constituting the device main body 11 will be described below.
The power supply unit 111L is a device that stores power and supplies power to each component of the device main body 11. A rechargeable battery such as a lithium ion secondary battery is used as the power supply unit 111L.
If the power supply unit 111L is a rechargeable battery, it can be charged any number of times via an external power source connected via a USB (=Universal Serial Bus) cable or the like.

If the device main body 11 is compatible with wireless power transmission, the power supply unit 111L can be charged in a non-contact state with an external device that is the power transmission side.
If the power supply unit 111L is removable from the device main body 11, it is possible to replace a worn-out power supply unit 111L with a new power supply unit 111L.

The sensor unit 112L is a device that detects information relating to each part of the device main body 11. The sensor unit 112L outputs the detected information to the control unit 116L.
The sensor unit 112L provided in the device main body 11 includes, for example, a pressure sensor such as a microphone capacitor, a flow rate sensor, and a temperature sensor. This type of sensor unit 112L is used, for example, to detect inhalation by a user. The sensor unit 112L used to detect inhalation is an example of a second sensor.

The sensor unit 112L provided in the device main body 11 includes an input device that accepts user operations, such as buttons and switches. The buttons here include the operation button 11B (see FIG. 1) described above. This type of sensor unit 112L is used, for example, to accept user operations.
The sensor unit 112L provided in the device main body 11 includes, for example, a thermistor. In the case of this embodiment, the thermistor is used to measure the temperature of the heating unit 121L-2 used to heat the capsule 30. In this embodiment, two thermistors are attached to the heating unit 121L-2.

The sensor unit 112L provided in the device main body 11 includes, for example, a voltmeter that measures the voltage between both terminals of a battery. The battery here is an example of the power supply unit 111L. In this embodiment, the voltmeter is used to calculate the remaining capacity of the battery.
FIG. 4 is an equivalent circuit illustrating the connection configuration of the power supply unit 111L, the heating units 121L-1 and 121L-2, and the voltmeter 112L-1.
The voltmeter 112L-1 is connected between both terminals of the power supply unit 111L, and measures the voltage V that appears between both terminals of the power supply unit 111L. The voltmeter 112L-1 here is an example of a first sensor.

A first series circuit SC1 consisting of a heating unit 121L-1 for the cartridge 20 and a switch SW1, and a second series circuit SC2 consisting of a heating unit 121L-2 for the capsule 30 and a switch SW2 are connected in parallel to the power supply unit 111L.
When the cartridge 20 is heated, that is, when power is supplied to the heating unit 121L-1, the switch SW1 is controlled to be on (or closed). On the other hand, when the cartridge 20 is not heated, that is, when power is not supplied to the heating unit 121L-1, the switch SW1 is controlled to be off (or opened).

When the capsule 30 is heated, i.e., when power is supplied to the heating unit 121L-2, the switch SW2 is controlled to be on (or closed). On the other hand, when the capsule 30 is not heated, i.e., when power is not supplied to the heating unit 121L-2, the switch SW2 is controlled to be off (or opened).
The on and off states of the switches SW1 and SW2 are individually controlled by the control unit 116L. In this embodiment, the measurement of the voltage V for measuring the remaining capacity is performed during a period in which both the switches SW1 and SW2 are controlled to be off.

This is because, while power is being supplied to either or both of the heating units 121L-1 and 121L-2, a current flows through the internal resistance of the battery, causing a voltage drop that makes the voltage value appearing between the two terminals smaller than the actual value. In other words, this makes it impossible to accurately measure the remaining battery capacity. Therefore, in this embodiment, the voltage V is measured while both switches SW1 and SW2 are controlled to be off, and the measured voltage V is used to detect the remaining battery capacity.
In this embodiment, the time allocated to measuring the voltage V is set to, for example, 20 ms or less. Because the measurement time is short, even if the voltage V is measured immediately before the start of heating the cartridge 20, the time difference between the start of suction and the generation of aerosol can be kept short.

Returning to the description of FIG.
The notification unit 113L is a device that notifies the user of information.
The notification unit 113L provided in the device main body 11 is, for example, a light-emitting device such as an LED (Light Emitting Diode). When the notification unit 113L is a light-emitting device, the light-emitting device is controlled to emit light in a pattern according to the content of the information to be notified. For example, the light-emitting device is controlled to emit light in different patterns when notifying the user that the power supply unit 111L needs to be charged, when notifying the user that the power supply unit 111L is being charged, and when notifying the user that an abnormality has occurred.

The different light emission patterns are a concept that includes differences in color, differences in timing of turning on and off the light, differences in brightness when turned on, and the like.
In addition, the notification unit 113L provided in the device main body 11 may include, for example, a display device that displays images, a sound output device that outputs sounds, and a vibration device that vibrates. These devices may be used alone or in combination, and may be used together with the light-emitting device described above or in place of the light-emitting device. An example of the display device here is the display 11A (see FIG. 1).

The storage unit 114L stores various types of information related to the operation of the device main body 11. The storage unit 114L is configured by a non-volatile storage medium such as a flash memory.
The information stored in the storage unit 114L includes, for example, programs executed by the control unit 116L. The programs include an OS (=Operating System), firmware, and application programs.

In addition, the information stored in the storage unit 114L includes, for example, information required by the control unit 116L to control each unit.
The information here includes information on each part detected by the sensor unit 112L described above. For example, information on inhalation by the user and the remaining battery capacity are also included. Information on inhalation by the user includes, for example, the number of inhalations, the time when inhalation was detected, and the cumulative time of inhalation.

The communication unit 115L is a communication interface used to send and receive information to and from other devices, and conforms to wired or wireless communication standards.
Communication standards include, for example, wireless LAN (Local Area Network), wired LAN, and mobile communication systems such as 4G and 5G. In this embodiment, Wi-Fi (registered trademark) and Bluetooth (registered trademark) are used.

The communication unit 115L is used, for example, to display information about the user's suction on a smartphone, tablet terminal, or the like.
In addition, the communication unit 115L is used to receive, for example, update data for the program stored in the storage unit 114L from a server.

The control unit 116L functions as an arithmetic processing unit and a control unit, and controls the operation of each unit constituting the device main body 11 through the execution of a program.
The control unit 116L is provided with electronic circuits such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) and a microprocessor.
In addition, the control unit 116L may be provided with a ROM (Read Only Memory) for storing programs, calculation parameters, etc., and a RAM (Random Access Memory) for temporarily storing parameters that change as appropriate.

The control unit 116L controls, for example, the power supply from the power supply unit 111L to each unit, the charging of the power supply unit 111L, the detection of information by the sensor unit 112L, the notification of information by the notification unit 113L, the storage and reading of information by the memory unit 114L, and the sending and receiving of information by the communication unit 115L.
The control unit 116L also performs processes such as accepting information from user operations and processing based on information output from each unit.

The liquid storage unit 123L is a container for storing a liquid aerosol source, such as a polyhydric alcohol, such as glycerin or propylene glycol, or water.
The liquid aerosol source may include a tobacco material or an extract derived from a tobacco material that releases a flavor component when heated, and may also include a nicotine component.

The liquid guide 122L is a component that guides and holds the liquid aerosol source stored in the liquid storage 123L from the liquid storage 123L. The liquid guide 122L has a structure in which a fiber material such as glass fiber or a porous material such as porous ceramic is twisted. This type of component is also called a wick.
Both ends of the liquid guide portion 122L are connected to the inside of the liquid storage portion 123L, so that the aerosol source stored in the liquid storage portion 123L spreads throughout the liquid guide portion 122L due to the capillary effect.

The heating unit 121L-1 is a component that heats and atomizes the aerosol source held in the liquid guiding unit 122L to generate an aerosol. The heating unit 121L-1 is an example of a first heating unit.
The heating section 121L-1 is not limited to the coil shape shown in Fig. 3, but may be a film shape, a blade shape, or other shapes. The shape of the heating section 121L-1 differs depending on the heating method, etc. The heating section 121L-1 is made of any material such as metal or polyimide.

The heating portion 121L-1 is disposed adjacent to the liquid guide portion 122L. In the present embodiment, the heating portion 121L-1 is a metal coil wound around the outer peripheral surface of the liquid guide portion 122L.
Heating unit 121L-1 generates heat when power is supplied from power supply unit 111L, and heats the aerosol source held in liquid guiding unit 122L to a vaporization temperature. The aerosol source that has reached the vaporization temperature is released as a gas from liquid guiding unit 122L into the air, but is cooled by the surrounding air and atomized, becoming an aerosol.

In this embodiment, power supply to the heating unit 121L-1, which heats the liquid aerosol source, is linked to the user's inhalation. That is, power is supplied to the heating unit 121L-1 from the start of inhalation by the user until the end of inhalation, and when the user ends inhalation, the power supply to the heating unit 121L-1 is stopped or the power supplied is reduced.

In addition, power supply to the heating unit 121L-1 that heats the liquid aerosol source may start, for example, when a specific button is pressed when no aerosol is being generated, and may stop when a specific button is pressed when aerosol is being generated.
The button for instructing the start of aerosol generation and the button for instructing the stop of aerosol generation may be the same physical button or may be different buttons.

The capsule-type container 130L is a container filled with a solid aerosol source.
The solid aerosol source may include a processed product, such as cut tobacco or a tobacco raw material formed into granules, sheets, or powder, which releases a flavor component when heated. That is, the solid aerosol source may include a tobacco-derived substance. The solid aerosol source may also include, for example, a nicotine component.
The solid aerosol source may also include non-tobacco-derived substances extracted from plants other than tobacco (e.g., mint, herbs, etc.) The solid aerosol source may also include flavoring ingredients such as menthol.

The holding portion 140L corresponds to, for example, the capsule holder 12 (see FIG. 2 ), and has an internal space 141L in which the capsule-type container 130L is attached. The holding portion 140L is a cylindrical body having a bottom 143L, and defines the columnar internal space 141L.
A portion of the capsule-type container 130L is held in the holding portion 140L, and the remainder is exposed to the outside of the holding portion 140L. The portion of the capsule-type container 130L that is exposed from the holding portion 140L is used as a mouthpiece 124L. The mouthpiece 124L is held in the mouth by a user who inhales the aerosol.

An air inlet (i.e., air inlet hole) for the holding portion 140L is provided, for example, in the bottom portion 143L. Note that a hole through which air can flow is formed in the bottom portion of the capsule-type container 130L. Therefore, air flowing in from the bottom portion 143L passes through the inside of the capsule-type container 130L and reaches the mouthpiece 124L. In other words, the mouthpiece 124L serves as an air outlet (i.e., air outlet hole).
Incidentally, the bottom portion 143L is in communication with an air outlet hole 182L of an air flow path 180L formed inside the apparatus body 11. Through this air outlet hole 182L, the internal space 141L of the holding portion 140L and the air flow path 180L are in communication with each other.

The heating unit 121L-2 heats the solid aerosol source filled in the capsule-type container 130L. The heating unit 121L-2 is an example of a second heating unit.
The heating portion 121L-2 is made of metal, polyimide, etc. The heating portion 121L-2 is provided at a position where it comes into contact with the outer peripheral surface of the metal portion of the holding portion 140L.
The heating unit 121L-2 generates heat when power is supplied from the power supply unit 111L, and heats the outer circumferential surface of the capsule-type container 130L that is in contact with the metal portion of the holding unit 140L.

Therefore, the position close to the outer circumferential surface of the capsule-type container 130L is heated first, and then the heated area spreads toward the center.
When the aerosol source reaches the vaporization temperature, it is vaporized, but when cooled by the surrounding air, it atomizes and becomes an aerosol.
The power supply to the heating unit 121L-2 and the heating that accompanies the power supply are controlled by the control unit 116L.

The heat insulating portion 144L is a member that prevents heat from being transmitted from the heating portion 121L-2 to other components of the apparatus main body 11. The heat insulating portion 144L covers at least the outer peripheral surface of the heating portion 121L-2.
The heat insulating section 144L is made of, for example, a vacuum insulating material or an aerogel insulating material. A vacuum insulating material is an insulating material in which glass wool, silica (silicon powder), or the like is wrapped in a resin film and placed in a high vacuum state, thereby reducing the thermal conduction of gas to as close to zero as possible.

As described above, the air flow path 180L is an air flow path provided inside the device main body 11. The air flow path 180L has a tubular structure having, at both ends, an air inlet hole 181L which is an air inlet to the air flow path 180L and an air outlet hole 182L which is an air outlet from the air flow path 180L.
When the user inhales, air flows into the air flow path 180L through the air inlet hole 181L, and flows out to the bottom 143L of the holder 140L through the air outlet hole 182L.

A liquid guide section 122L is disposed midway along the air flow path 180L. The liquid-derived aerosol generated by heating in the heating section 121L-1 is mixed with air flowing in through the air inlet hole 181L. The mixture of the liquid-derived aerosol and air then passes through the interior of the capsule-type container 130L and is output from the mouthpiece 124L into the user's oral cavity. In Figure 3, this flow path is indicated by arrow 190L.

Aerosol derived from solid matter is added to the mixed gas of the liquid-derived aerosol and air as it passes through the capsule-type container 130L.
The concentration of the aerosol derived from the solid matter increases by combining the heating control of the heating unit 121L-2.
As will be described later, in this embodiment, a heating mode that is not combined with the heating control of the heating unit 121L-2 is also provided.

When the heating control of the heating unit 121L-2 is not combined, the solid aerosol source is heated as the liquid aerosol passes through the capsule container 130L, thereby generating the solid aerosol.
However, the amount of solid-derived aerosol generated by heating the liquid-derived aerosol is smaller than when combined with the heating control of the heating unit 121L-2.

<Heating mode>
The aerosol generation device 10 assumed in the first embodiment is provided with two types of heating modes.
The first heating mode is a first mode in which only the heating unit 121L-1 that heats the aerosol source stored in the cartridge 20 (see FIG. 2) is used. That is, this is a heating mode in which only the cartridge 20 is heated.
Hereinafter, this heating mode will be referred to as the “normal mode.” In the normal mode, the heating unit 121L-2 that heats the solid aerosol source is always controlled to be off.

The second heating mode is a second mode that uses both the heating unit 121L-1 that heats the aerosol source stored in the cartridge 20 and the heating unit 121L-2 that heats the aerosol source filled in the capsule 30 (see FIG. 2). That is, this is a heating mode that heats both the cartridge 20 and the capsule 30.
Hereinafter, this heating mode will be referred to as the “high mode.” In the high mode, heating of the cartridge 20 by the heating unit 121L-1 and heating of the capsule 30 by the heating unit 121L-2 are alternately performed.

The heating mode can be switched by, for example, pressing and holding the operation button 11B (see FIG. 1) for two seconds or more.
For example, if the operation button 11B is pressed for two seconds or more in the high mode, the operation mode switches to the normal mode. On the other hand, if the operation button 11B is pressed for two seconds or more in the normal mode, the operation mode switches to the high mode.

In the high mode, the heating of the cartridge 20 by the heating unit 121L-1 takes priority over the heating of the capsule 30 by the heating unit 121L-2.
That is, while heating is being performed by the heating unit 121L-1, heating by the heating unit 121L-2 is controlled to stop. Also, if an event occurs in which heating by the heating unit 121L-1 starts heating the cartridge 20 while heating the capsule 30 by the heating unit 121L-2, heating by the heating unit 121L-2 is controlled to stop.

In the case of the aerosol generating device 10 assumed in embodiment 1, heating of heating unit 121L-1 and heating unit 121L-2 are controlled so as not to be performed simultaneously, so as not to exceed the upper limit value of the output current of the battery used as power supply unit 111L.
The term "simultaneous" here does not mean that the heating timings do not overlap at all, so overlaps caused by errors in operation timing, for example, are allowed.

5A and 5B are diagrams illustrating the normal mode and the high mode, in which (A) is a diagram illustrating an example of the timing of heating in the normal mode, and (B) is a diagram illustrating an example of the timing of heating in the high mode.
FIG. 5(A1) shows the heating timing of the cartridge 20 in the normal mode, and FIG. 5(A2) shows the heating timing of the capsule 30 in the normal mode.
The horizontal axis in FIGS. 5(A1) and (A2) represents time, and the vertical axis represents whether heating is performed or not.
During periods when heating is present, power is supplied to the corresponding heating section, and during periods when heating is not present, power is not supplied to the corresponding heating section, or the power supplied to the corresponding heating section is reduced.

Heating control in normal mode is started when the locked state is released.
In the locked state, control by control unit 116L is stopped, and therefore, even if the user inhales by adding mouthpiece 124L, no aerosol is generated.
The locked state can be released, for example, by pressing the operation button 11B (see FIG. 1) three times in succession within two seconds. The number of presses, the button to be operated, and the time required for the operation are all examples.
When the heating control in the normal mode starts, the cartridge 20 is heated in conjunction with the suction period, as shown in FIG. 5(A1).
"Linked to the period of suction" means linked to the detection of suction by sensor unit 112L.

Thus, if suction for one second is detected, the cartridge 20 is heated for one second, and if suction for two seconds is detected, the cartridge 20 is heated for two seconds.
As shown in FIG. 5(A2), in the normal mode, the capsule 30 is not heated regardless of whether or not inhalation is performed.
In the present embodiment, when a predetermined time has elapsed since the last time suction was detected, controller 116L transitions to the locked state.
The heating mode will not change even if the device is locked. The heating mode will not change even when the device is released from the locked state.

In this embodiment, the predetermined time is set to 6 minutes (i.e., 360 seconds). This time is an example. The passage of 6 minutes since the last inhalation indicates that it is highly likely that the user has stopped inhaling aerosol.
Therefore, in this embodiment, the aerosol generation device 10 is switched to the locked state in order to reduce the power consumption of the device main body 11 (see FIG. 2). The same applies to the high mode. That is, when six minutes have passed since the last suction, the aerosol generation device 10 is controlled to the locked state.

The device will also transition to the locked state if the user instructs it to do so. A manual transition to the locked state by the user is performed, for example, by pressing operation button 11B (see Figure 1) three times in succession within two seconds before six minutes have elapsed since the last suction. The number of presses, the button to be operated, and the time required for the operation are all examples.

FIG. 5(B1) shows the change in temperature of the capsule 30 in high mode, FIG. 5(B2) shows the heating timing of the cartridge 20 in high mode, and FIG. 5(B3) shows the heating timing of the capsule 30 in high mode.
The horizontal axis of Fig. 5(B1) represents time, and the vertical axis represents the capsule temperature, whereas the horizontal axis of Fig. 5(B2) and (B3) represents time, and the vertical axis represents whether heating was performed or not.
During periods when heating is present, power is supplied to the corresponding heating section, and during periods when heating is not present, power is not supplied to the corresponding heating section, or the power supplied to the corresponding heating section is reduced.

The heating control in the high mode is started when the locked state is released or when the normal mode is switched to the high mode.
When the high mode heating control starts, as shown in Fig. 5 (B3), heating of the capsule 30 starts. This heating basically continues until inhalation is detected, and heating of the capsule 30 is stopped or reduced during the period in which inhalation is detected.
5(B2) and 5(B3), heating of the capsule 30 is stopped or reduced at the timing when heating of the cartridge 20 is started. Note that the initial temperature of the capsule 30 is, for example, the air temperature of the environment in which the aerosol generation device 10 is used, for example, room temperature.

5(B1), the temperature of the capsule 30 increases as the capsule 30 is heated, and decreases when the heating of the capsule 30 is stopped or reduced. The temperature decrease is affected by, for example, the length of time that the heating is stopped or reduced, the amount of inhalation, and the ambient temperature (e.g., outside temperature).
A target temperature is set for the temperature of the capsule 30. When the temperature measured by the thermistor attached to the heating unit 121L-2 reaches the target temperature, the control unit 116L controls the power supply to the heating unit 121L-1 so as to maintain the target temperature.

For example, the heating control is switched from a duty ratio of 100% to a duty ratio of 50%. In this embodiment, the target temperature is 60° C. This value is an example.
Furthermore, it is preferable to switch to heating control with a 50% duty ratio from a temperature lower than the target temperature, for example, 55° C., which is 5° C. lower. By reducing the power supplied to the heating unit 121L-2 just before the target temperature is reached, it is possible to prevent the temperature of the heating unit 121L-2 from exceeding the target temperature, i.e., avoiding overshoot.
Note that the duty ratio is an example, and the ratio may be varied depending on the temperature difference from the target temperature. Furthermore, instead of control based on the duty ratio, power supply may be controlled on and off in a unit period. For example, power may be supplied (i.e., power supply is on) until the measured temperature reaches the target temperature, and power supply may be stopped (i.e., power supply is off) when the target temperature is exceeded. Note that the heating control of the heating unit 121L-2 by the control unit 116L may be proportional control, PID (Proportional-Integral-Differential) control, or the like.

In the case of the aerosol generating device 10 of this embodiment, as shown in Figures 5 (B2) and (B3), when 30 seconds have passed since the last detection of inhalation, heating of the capsule 30 may be stopped or reduced to reduce power consumption. In other words, the device may enter a sleep state. When the device enters the sleep state, heating of the capsule 30 is stopped or reduced, and the temperature of the capsule 30 also gradually decreases, as shown in Figure 5 (B1).

In the sleep state, heating of the capsule 30 is stopped or reduced, but the sensor unit 112L that detects inhalation is operational. Therefore, when inhalation by the user is detected in the sleep state, heating of the cartridge 20 is performed, as shown in FIG. 5 (B2). Furthermore, when heating of the cartridge 20 ends, heating of the capsule 30 is started or increased, as shown in FIG. 5 (B3). When heating of the capsule 30 is resumed or increased, the temperature of the capsule 30 also rises, as shown in FIG. 5 (B1).

In the present embodiment, the user is not notified of the transition to the sleep state, but the user may be notified.
If another 5 minutes and 30 seconds pass while remaining in the sleep state, the state shifts to the locked state described above.

<Example of remaining battery capacity display>
FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of a display screen of the display 11A.
The display screen 200 is displayed when the operation button 11B is pressed once, for example. The display screen 200 is displayed for approximately three seconds.
The display screen 200 shown in Figure 6 has a mode notification field 201 that notifies the current heating mode, a capsule remaining amount field 202 that notifies the remaining amount of aerosol source in the capsule 30, and a battery remaining amount field 203 that notifies the remaining battery capacity.

In the case of FIG. 6, the mode notification field 201 indicates that the mode is high mode.
The capsule remaining amount field 202 shown in FIG. 6 represents the remaining amount of the aerosol source in the capsule 30 using five sections. One section corresponds to 20% of the total remaining amount of the aerosol source when unused. Each time the consumed aerosol source exceeds 20%, the number of sections that are lit decreases. That is, the number of lit sections decreases to five, four, three, and so on. When the remaining amount falls below 20%, only one section remains lit. In the case of FIG. 6, all five sections are lit, indicating that at least 80% or more of the aerosol source remains.

The remaining battery capacity column 203 shown in Figure 6 represents the remaining battery capacity using four sections. One section corresponds to 25% when fully charged. Each time the consumed power exceeds 25%, the number of sections that are lit decreases. That is, the number of lit sections decreases to four, three, two, etc. When the remaining capacity falls below 25%, only one section remains lit. In the case of Figure 6, one section is off and the remaining three sections are lit. Therefore, the remaining capacity is at least 50% but less than 75%.

<Measurement of remaining battery capacity in high mode>
The remaining battery capacity measurement process in high mode will be described below with reference to FIGS.
In normal mode, the remaining battery capacity can be measured at any time as long as the cartridge 20 (see FIG. 2) is not heated. Also, if an operation to check the remaining battery capacity is received during inhalation, the remaining battery capacity is measured, for example, after the inhalation has ended.

7 is a flowchart illustrating a part of an example of the process for measuring the remaining battery capacity in high mode. FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating the remaining part of an example of the process for measuring the remaining battery capacity in high mode. The symbol S in the figure indicates a step.
7 and 8 are realized through the execution of a program. The program is stored in the storage unit 114L (see FIG. 3) and executed by the control unit 116L (see FIG. 3).

First, the control unit 116L determines whether or not an operation to check the remaining battery capacity has been received (step 1). In the present embodiment, the operation to check the remaining battery capacity is to press the operation button 11B once.
While a negative result is obtained in step 1, the control unit 116L repeats the determination in step 1.
If a positive result is obtained in step 1, the control unit 116L determines whether or not the device is in sleep mode (step 2).

If a request to check the remaining battery capacity is made during sleep, the control unit 116L obtains a positive result in step 2 and measures the battery voltage (step 3).
9A and 9B are diagrams illustrating an example of measurement timing when confirmation of remaining battery capacity is requested during sleep mode. (A) shows the temperature change of the capsule 30 in high mode, (B) shows the timing of heating the cartridge 20 in high mode, and (C) shows the timing of heating the capsule 30 in high mode.
In FIG. 9, parts corresponding to those in FIG. 5B are denoted by the same reference numerals.
As shown in FIG. 9, the sleep period is a period of time that elapses after 30 seconds or more have elapsed since the end of the last suction.

As shown in Figure 9, during the sleep mode, neither the cartridge 20 nor the capsule 30 is heated. Therefore, when an operation to check the remaining battery capacity is detected, the battery voltage is measured. Note that during the sleep mode, the remaining battery capacity may be measured periodically regardless of the user's operation. The same applies to the other embodiments described below.
Once the battery voltage has been measured, the control unit 116L calculates the remaining battery capacity from the measured voltage and displays it on the display 11A (see FIG. 6) (step 4). As shown in FIG. 6, the remaining capacity is expressed as a number of sections according to the remaining capacity. It is also possible to display it as a numerical value, such as 66%.

Incidentally, if the calculated remaining battery capacity is below a predetermined reference value (i.e., if the remaining capacity is insufficient or the battery is dead), the control unit 116L displays the insufficient remaining capacity on the display 11A and then transitions to a locked state.
In addition, if an operation to check the remaining battery capacity and inhalation are detected almost simultaneously during sleep mode, and heating of the cartridge 20 has not yet begun, the control unit 116L measures the battery voltage and then instructs the supply of power to the heating unit 121L-1, which heats the cartridge 20.
In addition, if the remaining amount is insufficient, the state shifts to a locked state after displaying the insufficient remaining amount, and power supply to the heating unit 121L-1 is not executed.

Next, a case where a negative result is obtained in step 2 will be described.
If a negative result is obtained in step 2, the control unit 116L determines whether or not suction is in progress (step 5).
If the user presses operation button 11B once during inhalation, controller 116L obtains a positive result in step 5. It is possible to stop heating cartridge 20 (see FIG. 2) and measure the battery voltage when the operation is detected, but this would interrupt the generation of aerosol from the liquid aerosol source for 20 ms. Therefore, in this embodiment, controller 116L waits for the end of inhalation before measuring the battery voltage.
That is, if a positive result is obtained in step 5, control unit 116L determines whether or not the end of suction has been detected (step 6).
As long as a negative result is obtained in step 6, the control unit 116L repeats the determination in step 6.

When the end of suction is detected, the control unit 116L obtains a positive result in step 6.
10A and 10B are diagrams illustrating an example of measurement timing when confirmation of remaining battery capacity is requested during inhalation. (A) shows the temperature change of the capsule 30 in high mode, (B) shows the timing of heating the cartridge 20 in high mode, and (C) shows the timing of heating the capsule 30 in high mode.
In Fig. 10, the same reference numerals are used to denote the same parts as in Fig. 5(B). In Fig. 10, three timings after the end of suction are shown as measurement timings.
10, when the inhalation is finished, the heating target is switched from the cartridge 20 to the capsule 30. Therefore, it is necessary to measure the battery voltage at this time.

Therefore, if a positive result is obtained in step 6, the control unit 116L stops supplying power to the heating unit 121L-1 that heats the cartridge 20 (step 7), measures the battery voltage (step 8), and then instructs the control unit 116L to supply power to the heating unit 121L-2 that heats the capsule 30 (step 9).
When the battery voltage is measured, the control unit 116L calculates the remaining battery capacity from the measured voltage and displays it on the display 11A (see FIG. 6) (step 4). If the remaining capacity is insufficient, this is displayed and the device enters a locked state. Therefore, power supply to the heating unit 121L-2 in step 9 is not executed.

Next, a case where a negative result is obtained in step 5 will be described. That is, a case where the capsule 30 is not in sleep mode or inhalation mode. In this case, the capsule 30 is being heated independently.
If a negative result is obtained in step 5, the control unit 116L determines whether or not the start of suction has been detected (step 10).
If the start of suction is detected, the control unit 116L obtains a positive result in step 10.

11A and 11B are diagrams illustrating an example of measurement timing when the remaining battery capacity is checked during non-inhalation periods other than sleep mode. (A) shows the temperature change of the capsule 30 in high mode, (B) shows the timing of heating the cartridge 20 in high mode, and (C) shows the timing of heating the capsule 30 in high mode.
In Fig. 11, the same reference numerals are used to denote the parts corresponding to those in Fig. 5B. In Fig. 11, two measurement timings are shown.
11, when the device is not inhaling except during sleep, only the capsule 30 is heated. Therefore, when inhalation is detected, the heating target is switched from the capsule 30 to the cartridge 20. Therefore, it is necessary to measure the battery voltage at this time.

Therefore, if a positive result is obtained in step 10, the control unit 116L stops supplying power to the heating unit 121L-2 that heats the capsule 30 (step 11), measures the battery voltage (step 12), and then instructs the control unit 116L to supply power to the heating unit 121L-1 that heats the cartridge 20 (step 13).
When the battery voltage is measured, the control unit 116L estimates the remaining battery capacity based on the measured voltage and displays it on the display 11A (see FIG. 6) (step 4). If the remaining capacity is insufficient, this is displayed and the device transitions to a locked state. Therefore, power supply to the heating unit 121L-1 in step 13 is not executed.

Next, a case where a negative result is obtained in step 10 will be described.
If a negative result is obtained in step 10, the control unit 116L determines whether or not it is time to transition to a sleep state (step 14).
If it is time to transition to the sleep state, the control unit 116L obtains a positive result in step 14.

12A and 12B are diagrams illustrating an example of measurement timing when the remaining battery capacity is checked at approximately the same time as the transition to sleep mode. (A) shows the temperature change of the capsule 30 in high mode, (B) shows the timing of heating the cartridge 20 in high mode, and (C) shows the timing of heating the capsule 30 in high mode.
In Fig. 12, the parts corresponding to those in Fig. 5(B) are denoted by the same reference numerals. In Fig. 12, an arrow indicating the measurement timing is drawn at the point 30 seconds after the last suction.

When the sleep mode is entered, heating of not only the cartridge 20 but also the capsule 30 is stopped. However, when the sleep mode is entered, heating of the capsule 30 continues as shown in FIG.
Therefore, if a positive result is obtained in step 14, the control unit 116L stops the power supply to the heating unit 121L-2 that heats the capsule 30 (step 15), and measures the battery voltage (step 16).
When the battery voltage is measured, the control unit 116L calculates the remaining battery capacity from the measured voltage and displays it on the display 11A (see FIG. 6) (step 4). If the remaining capacity is insufficient, this message is displayed and the device transitions to a locked state.

Next, a case where a negative result is obtained in step 14 will be described.
A negative result is obtained in step 14 if an operation requesting confirmation of the remaining battery capacity is detected at a time other than the start of inhalation or the transition to sleep mode during the period when only the capsule 30 is heated.
13A and 13B are diagrams illustrating an example of measurement timing when the remaining battery capacity is checked during a period when only the capsule 30 is heated. (A) shows the temperature change of the capsule 30 in high mode, (B) shows the timing of heating the cartridge 20 in high mode, and (C) shows the timing of heating the capsule 30 in high mode.
In Fig. 13, the same reference numerals are used to denote the parts corresponding to those in Fig. 5B. In Fig. 13, there are three measurement timings, but the number is not limited to three.

At this measurement timing, the control unit 116L stops supplying power to the heating unit 121L-2 that heats the capsule 30 (step 17), measures the battery voltage (step 18), and then instructs the heating unit 121L-2 to start supplying power again to heat the capsule 30 (step 19).
It should be noted that even if heating of capsule 30 is stopped for 20 ms to measure the remaining battery capacity, the temperature of the aerosol source inside capsule 30 does not immediately drop. Therefore, even if the remaining battery capacity is measured during the heating period of capsule 30, aerosol originating from the solid aerosol source can be continuously generated.
When the battery voltage is measured, the control unit 116L calculates the remaining battery capacity from the measured voltage and displays it on the display 11A (see FIG. 6) (step 4). If the remaining capacity is insufficient, this message is displayed and the device transitions to a locked state. Therefore, power supply to the heating unit 121L-2 in step 19 is not executed.

<Summary>
In the case of the aerosol generating device 10 of this embodiment, it is possible to accurately measure the remaining capacity of the battery even in high mode, which generates aerosol by combining heating of a liquid aerosol source and a solid aerosol source.

<Second Embodiment>
<Heating mode>
In the first embodiment, the timing of heating the capsule 30 (see FIG. 2) in the high mode coincided with the period during which the cartridge 20 (see FIG. 2) was not heated (i.e., the period during which inhalation was not detected), except for the sleep period. However, in the present embodiment, another example will be described.
14A and 14B are diagrams illustrating other examples of the timing of heating the cartridge 20 and the capsule 30 in high mode. (A) shows the period of inhalation, (B) shows an example of the timing of heating the cartridge 20, and (C) shows an example of the timing of heating the capsule 30.

In Fig. 14, the monitoring period for controlling the heating of the cartridge 20 and the capsule 30 in units of a predetermined monitoring period that is initiated upon detection of inhalation may be referred to as a "heat-on monitoring time." In the case of Fig. 14, the heating-on monitoring time is 2.4 seconds. Note that the heating-on monitoring time is not limited to 2.4 seconds and may be any number of seconds.
In the case of Figure 14(A), two suctions are detected during the heating-on monitoring period. Note that the number of suctions detected during the heating-on monitoring period may be one, three, or more. For example, if the patient coughs during suction, multiple suctions will be detected during the heating-on monitoring period.

The timing of heating the cartridge 20 shown in FIG. 14(B) coincides with the detected period of suction.
14(C) is controlled in units of the heating-on monitoring time. That is, the heating of the capsule 30 is controlled to be OFF during the heating-on monitoring time. This OFF control continues even if the end of the first inhalation is detected within the heating-on monitoring time.

After the end of the heating-on monitoring period, a heating-off period of, for example, 1.2 seconds is provided. During the heating-off period, the power supplied to the heating unit 121L-1, which heats the aerosol source held in the liquid guide unit 122L, is reduced to a state close to heating-off. Therefore, even if suction is detected during the heating-off period, the cartridge 20 is not heated.
The heating-on monitoring time and heating-off time are set to prevent the supply of the liquid aerosol source to the liquid guide section 122L (see FIG. 3) from being delayed due to continuous heating of the cartridge 20 for a long period of time. If heating section 121L-1 is heated when there is no liquid aerosol source in the liquid guide section 122L, no aerosol will be generated. This phenomenon is called liquid drying up or dry puffing.

When the heating-off time begins, heating of the cartridge 20 is forcibly terminated even if inhalation continues, and heating of the capsule 30 is resumed. Heating of the capsule 30 continues until the first breath is detected after the end of the heating-off time. When the first breath is detected, a new heating-on monitoring time is initiated.
Incidentally, if the state where suction is not detected continues for 28.8 seconds after the end of the heating-off time, the device will transition to a sleep state.

<Measurement of remaining battery capacity in high mode>
The remaining battery capacity measurement process in high mode will be described below with reference to FIGS.
Fig. 15 is a flowchart illustrating a part of an example of the process for measuring the remaining battery capacity in high mode. Fig. 16 is a flowchart illustrating the remaining part of an example of the process for measuring the remaining battery capacity in high mode. In Figs. 15 and 16, parts corresponding to those in Figs. 7 and 8 are designated by the same reference numerals.

15 and 16 are realized through the execution of a program. The program is stored in the storage unit 114L (see FIG. 3) and executed by the control unit 116L (see FIG. 3).
First, the control unit 116L determines whether or not an operation to check the remaining battery capacity has been accepted (step 1). In the present embodiment, the operation to check the remaining battery capacity is a single press of the operation button 11B.
While a negative result is obtained in step 1, the control unit 116L repeats the determination in step 1.
If a positive result is obtained in step 1, the control unit 116L determines whether or not the device is in sleep mode (step 2).

If a request to check the remaining battery capacity is made during sleep, the control unit 116L obtains a positive result in step 2 and measures the battery voltage (step 3).
When the battery voltage is measured, the control unit 116L calculates the remaining battery capacity from the measured voltage and displays it on the display 11A (see FIG. 6) (step 4). As in the first embodiment, if the remaining capacity is insufficient, this is displayed and the device transitions to a locked state.
If an operation to check the remaining battery capacity and inhalation are detected almost simultaneously during sleep mode, and heating of the cartridge 20 has not yet begun, the control unit 116L measures the battery voltage and then instructs the heater 121L-1, which heats the cartridge 20, to supply power. Again, if the remaining capacity is insufficient, a message indicating this is displayed and the device transitions to a locked state. Therefore, power is not supplied to the heater 121L-1.

Next, a case where a negative result is obtained in step 2 will be described.
If a negative result is obtained in step 2, the control unit 116L determines whether or not the heating-on monitoring time is in progress (step 21).
If an operation to check the remaining battery capacity is detected during the heating-on monitoring time, the control unit 116L obtains a positive result in step 21.
If a positive result is obtained in step 21, the control unit 116L determines whether or not suction is in progress (step 22).
If the heating-on monitoring time is in progress but suction is not in progress, the control unit 116L obtains a negative result in step 22.

17A and 17B are diagrams illustrating an example of measurement timing when confirmation of the remaining battery capacity is requested during non-inhalation during the heating-on monitoring period. (A) shows the temperature change of the capsule 30 in high mode, (B) shows the timing of heating the cartridge 20 in high mode, and (C) shows the timing of heating the capsule 30 in high mode.
In Fig. 17, the same reference numerals are used to denote the parts corresponding to those in Fig. 5(B). In Fig. 17, three timings after the end of suction are shown as measurement timings.
As shown in FIG. 17, when inhalation is not being performed during the heating-on monitoring time, heating of both the cartridge 20 and the capsule 30 is stopped.
Therefore, the control unit 116L measures the battery voltage (step 3), and then calculates the remaining battery capacity from the measured voltage and displays it on the display 11A (see Figure 6) (step 4). In this case, if the remaining capacity is insufficient, the display will display this information and then transition to a locked state.

Next, a case where a positive result is obtained in step 22 will be described.
If a positive result is obtained in step 22, the control unit 116L determines whether the heating-on monitoring time has ended (step 23). In other words, it determines whether the heating-off time has started.
If it is the end of the heating-on monitoring time, the control unit 116L obtains a positive result in step 23.
18A and 18B are diagrams illustrating an example of measurement timing when confirmation of the remaining battery capacity is requested at the end of the heating-on monitoring period. (A) shows the temperature change of the capsule 30 in high mode, (B) shows the timing of heating the cartridge 20 in high mode, and (C) shows the timing of heating the capsule 30 in high mode.
In Fig. 18, the same reference numerals are used to denote the parts corresponding to those in Fig. 5(B). In Fig. 18, one measurement timing is shown.

In the case of Fig. 18, suction ends before the end of the heating-on monitoring time. Therefore, when the heating-on monitoring time ends, only heating of the capsule 30 begins. On the other hand, there are cases where suction is still ongoing when the heating-on monitoring time ends. In such cases, heating of the cartridge 20 is forcibly terminated and heating of the capsule 30 begins simultaneously with the end of the heating-on monitoring time. In other words, heating is switched from the cartridge 20 to the capsule 30.
Therefore, if a positive result is obtained in step 23, the control unit 116L stops supplying power to the heating unit 121L-1 that heats the cartridge 20 (step 24), measures the battery voltage (step 25), and then instructs the control unit 116L to supply power to the heating unit 121L-2 that heats the capsule 30 (step 26).
When the battery voltage is measured, the control unit 116L calculates the remaining battery capacity from the measured voltage and displays it on the display 11A (see FIG. 6) (step 4).

Next, a case where a negative result is obtained in step 23 will be described.
If a negative result is obtained in step 23, it means that an operation to check the remaining battery capacity has been detected during suction during the heating-on monitoring time.
If a negative result is obtained in step 23, the control unit 116L determines whether or not the end of suction has been detected (step 6).
As long as a negative result is obtained in step 6, the control unit 116L repeats the determination in step 6.
If the end of suction is detected, the control unit 116L obtains a positive result in step 6.

19A and 19B are diagrams illustrating an example of measurement timing when confirmation of the remaining battery capacity is requested during inhalation during the heating-on monitoring time. (A) shows the temperature change of the capsule 30 in high mode, (B) shows the timing of heating the cartridge 20 in high mode, and (C) shows the timing of heating the capsule 30 in high mode.
In FIG. 19, parts corresponding to those in FIG. 5B are denoted by the same reference numerals.

In Figure 19, the measurement timing, which is performed simultaneously with the end of suction, is indicated by a solid arrow. Note that the remaining battery charge value can be measured at any time before the next suction is detected or before the end of the heating-on monitoring time. The measurement timing in this case is indicated by a dashed arrow in Figure 19.
Incidentally, when the measurement is performed at the timing indicated by the dashed line, the heating of the cartridge 20 and the heating of the capsule 30 are stopped, so the battery voltage can be measured immediately, just as when a positive result is obtained in step 2.

19 shows a case where the end of suction is detected and the battery voltage is measured at the same time. Therefore, if a positive result is obtained in step 6, the control unit 116L stops supplying power to the heating unit 121L-1 that heats the cartridge 20 (step 7), and then measures the battery voltage (step 8).
When the battery voltage is measured, the control unit 116L calculates the remaining battery capacity from the measured voltage and displays it on the display 11A (see FIG. 6) (step 4). If the remaining capacity is insufficient, the display will transition to a locked state after displaying this message.

Next, a case where a negative result is obtained in step 21 will be described.
A negative result is obtained in step 21 when the device is not in sleep mode or during the heating on monitoring time.
In this case, the control unit 116L determines whether or not the heating is off (step 27).
If it is during the heating off time, the control unit 116L obtains a positive result in step 27.
20A and 20B are diagrams illustrating an example of measurement timing when confirmation of the remaining battery capacity is requested during the heating-off period. (A) shows the temperature change of the capsule 30 in high mode, (B) shows the timing of heating the cartridge 20 in high mode, and (C) shows the timing of heating the capsule 30 in high mode.
In Fig. 20, the same reference numerals are used to denote the parts corresponding to those in Fig. 5(B). In Fig. 20, one measurement timing is shown.

As shown in FIG. 20, during the heating-off time, the heating of the cartridge 20 is stopped and only the capsule 30 is heated.
Therefore, if a positive result is obtained in step 27, the control unit 116L stops supplying power to the heating unit 121L-2 that heats the capsule 30 (step 28), measures the battery voltage (step 29), and then instructs the supply of power to the heating unit 121L-2 that heats the capsule 30 (step 30).
When the battery voltage is measured, the control unit 116L calculates the remaining battery capacity from the measured voltage and displays it on the display 11A (see FIG. 6) (step 4). If the remaining capacity is insufficient, the display indicates that the remaining capacity is insufficient and then the device transitions to a locked state. Therefore, power supply to the heating unit 121L-2 in step 30 is not executed.

Next, a case where a negative result is obtained in step 27 will be described.
If a negative result is obtained in step 27, there is a timing for transitioning to the sleep state, for example, during the period from the end of the heating off time to the start of the sleep state.
If a negative result is obtained in step 27, the control unit 116L determines whether or not the start of suction has been detected (step 10).
If the start of suction is detected, the control unit 116L obtains a positive result in step 10.

21A and 21B are diagrams illustrating a case where the timing of the start of the first inhalation detected during the period from the end of the heating-off time to the start of the sleep mode coincides with the timing of the request to check the remaining battery capacity. (A) shows the temperature change of the capsule 30 in high mode, (B) shows the timing of heating the cartridge 20 in high mode, and (C) shows the timing of heating the capsule 30 in high mode.
In FIG. 21, parts corresponding to those in FIG. 5B are denoted by the same reference numerals.
21, during this period, only the capsule 30 is heated. Therefore, when inhalation is detected, the heating target is switched from the capsule 30 to the cartridge 20. Therefore, it is necessary to measure the battery voltage at this time.

Therefore, if a positive result is obtained in step 10, the control unit 116L stops supplying power to the heating unit 121L-2 that heats the capsule 30 (step 11), measures the battery voltage (step 12), and then instructs the control unit 116L to supply power to the heating unit 121L-1 that heats the cartridge 20 (step 13).
When the battery voltage is measured, the control unit 116L calculates the remaining battery capacity from the measured voltage and displays it on the display 11A (see FIG. 1) (step 4). If the remaining capacity is insufficient, this is displayed and the device transitions to a locked state. Therefore, power supply to the heating unit 121L-1 in step 13 is not executed.

Next, a case where a negative result is obtained in step 10 will be described.
If a negative result is obtained in step 10, the control unit 116L determines whether or not it is time to transition to a sleep state (step 14).
If it is time to transition to the sleep state, the control unit 116L obtains a positive result in step 14.
In this case, the control unit 116L stops the power supply to the heating unit 121L-2 that heats the capsule 30 (step 15), measures the battery voltage (step 16), and then calculates the remaining battery capacity from the measured voltage and displays it on the display 11A (see Figure 6) (step 4).
When the device enters the sleep state, neither the cartridge 20 nor the capsule 30 is heated, so that the cartridge 20 or the capsule 30 is not heated after step 16 is executed.

Next, a case where a negative result is obtained in step 14 will be described.
22A and 22B are diagrams illustrating a case where the start of inhalation is detected during the period from the end of the heating-off time to the start of the sleep mode, in which (A) shows the temperature change of the capsule 30 in high mode, (B) shows the timing of heating the cartridge 20 in high mode, and (C) shows the timing of heating the capsule 30 in high mode.
In FIG. 22, parts corresponding to those in FIG. 5B are denoted by the same reference numerals.
At this measurement timing, the control unit 116L stops supplying power to the heating unit 121L-2 that heats the capsule 30 (step 17), measures the battery voltage (step 18), and then instructs the heating unit 121L-2 to start supplying power again to heat the capsule 30 (step 19).
When the battery voltage is measured, the control unit 116L calculates the remaining battery capacity from the measured voltage and displays it on the display 11A (see FIG. 6) (step 4). If the remaining capacity is insufficient, the display will indicate this and then the device will transition to a locked state. Therefore, power supply to the heating unit 121L-2 in step 19 will not be executed.

<Summary>
In the case of the aerosol generating device 10 of this embodiment, in high mode where aerosol is generated by combining the heating of a liquid aerosol source and a solid aerosol source, it is possible to accurately measure the remaining capacity of the battery even when the heating is controlled by setting the heating on monitoring time and the heating off time.

<Third Embodiment>
<Heating mode>
In the case of embodiment 2, heating of the capsule 30 is stopped during the heating-on monitoring time, but it is also possible to alternate between heating of the cartridge 20 and heating of the capsule 30 during the heating-on monitoring time.
23A and 23B are diagrams illustrating another example of the timing of heating the cartridge 20 and the capsule 30 in high mode. (A) shows the period of inhalation, (B) shows an example of the timing of heating the cartridge 20, and (C) shows an example of the timing of heating the capsule 30.
In FIG. 23, parts corresponding to those in FIG. 14 are denoted by the same reference numerals.

In the case of Fig. 23(A), the second puff detected during the heating-on monitoring time continues beyond the heating-on monitoring time. However, as shown in Fig. 23(B), even if the puff continues beyond the heating-on monitoring time, heating of the cartridge 20 is stopped when the heating-on monitoring time has elapsed. Also, as shown in Fig. 23(C), heating of the capsule 30 is initiated or increased.
23(C), the capsule 30 is heated even between the first and second puffs during the heating-on monitoring time, which is a difference from the second embodiment.
23A, inhalation is initiated during the heating-off time. However, heating of the capsule 30 continues and heating of the cartridge 20 is stopped until the heating-off time ends. Simultaneously with the end of the heating-off time, the heating-on monitoring time begins. Furthermore, heating of the capsule 30 is stopped simultaneously with the start of the heating-on start time.

<Measurement of remaining battery capacity in high mode>
The remaining battery capacity measurement process in high mode will be described below with reference to FIGS.
Fig. 24 is a flowchart illustrating a part of an example of the process for measuring the remaining battery capacity in high mode. Fig. 25 is a flowchart illustrating the remaining part of an example of the process for measuring the remaining battery capacity in high mode. In Figs. 24 and 25, parts corresponding to those in Figs. 7, 8, 15, and 16 are designated by the same reference numerals.

24 and 25 are realized through the execution of a program. The program is stored in the storage unit 114L (see FIG. 3) and executed by the control unit 116L (see FIG. 3).
First, the control unit 116L determines whether or not an operation requesting confirmation of the remaining battery capacity has been accepted (step 1).
While a negative result is obtained in step 1, the control unit 116L repeats the determination in step 1.
If a positive result is obtained in step 1, the control unit 116L determines whether or not the device is in sleep mode (step 2).

If a request to check the remaining battery capacity is made during sleep, the control unit 116L obtains a positive result in step 2 and measures the battery voltage (step 3).
When the battery voltage is measured, the control unit 116L calculates the remaining battery capacity from the measured voltage and displays it on the display 11A (see FIG. 1) (step 4). As in the first embodiment, if the remaining capacity is insufficient, the display indicates that the remaining capacity is insufficient and then the device transitions to a locked state.
If an operation to check the remaining battery capacity and inhalation are detected almost simultaneously during sleep mode, and heating of the cartridge 20 has not yet begun, the control unit 116L measures the battery voltage and then instructs the heater 121L-1, which heats the cartridge 20, to supply power. Again, if the remaining capacity is insufficient, the device transitions to a locked state after displaying this message. Therefore, power is not supplied to the heater 121L-1.

Next, a case where a negative result is obtained in step 2 will be described.
If a negative result is obtained in step 2, the control unit 116L determines whether or not the heating-on monitoring time is in progress (step 21).
If an operation to check the remaining battery capacity is detected during the heating-on monitoring time, the control unit 116L obtains a positive result in step 21.
If a positive result is obtained in step 21, the control unit 116L determines whether or not suction is in progress (step 22).

If confirmation of the remaining battery capacity is detected during inhalation during the heating-on monitoring time, the control unit 116L obtains a positive result in step 22.
In this case, the control unit 116L further determines whether or not the end of suction has been detected (step 6), because, as described above, the battery voltage is not measured during suction.
Therefore, while a negative result is obtained in step 6, the control unit 116L repeats the determination in step 6.

26A and 26B are diagrams illustrating an example of measurement timing when confirmation of the remaining battery capacity is requested during inhalation during the heating-on monitoring period. (A) shows the temperature change of the capsule 30 in high mode, (B) shows the timing of heating the cartridge 20 in high mode, and (C) shows the timing of heating the capsule 30 in high mode.
In Fig. 26, the same reference numerals are used to denote the parts corresponding to those in Fig. 22(C). In Fig. 26, two measurement timings are shown.
If a positive result is obtained in step 6, the control unit 116L stops supplying power to the heating unit 121L-1 that heats the cartridge 20 (step 7), measures the battery voltage (step 8), and then instructs the supply of power to the heating unit 121L-2 that heats the capsule 30 (step 9).
When the battery voltage is measured, the control unit 116L calculates the remaining battery capacity from the measured voltage and displays it on the display 11A (see FIG. 6) (step 4). In this case, if the remaining capacity is insufficient, the display will transition to a locked state after displaying the insufficient remaining capacity. Therefore, power supply to the heating unit 121L-2 in step 9 will not be executed.

Next, a case where a negative result is obtained in step 22 will be described.
A negative result in step 22 means that the heating is on during a non-inhalation period, i.e., during a period in which only the capsule 30 is heated.
If a negative result is obtained in step 22, the control unit 116L determines whether or not the start of suction has been detected (step 10).
If the start of suction is detected, the control unit 116L obtains a positive result in step 10.

27A and 27B are diagrams illustrating an example of measurement timing when confirmation of the remaining battery capacity is requested when inhalation is detected during non-inhalation during the heating-on monitoring time. (A) shows the temperature change of the capsule 30 in high mode, (B) shows the timing of heating the cartridge 20 in high mode, and (C) shows the timing of heating the capsule 30 in high mode.
In Fig. 27, the same reference numerals are used to denote the same parts as in Fig. 22. In Fig. 27, one measurement timing is shown.
27, when inhalation is not being performed during the heating-on monitoring period, only the capsule 30 is heated. Therefore, when inhalation is detected, the heating target is switched from the capsule 30 to the cartridge 20. Therefore, it is necessary to measure the battery voltage at this time.

Therefore, if a positive result is obtained in step 10, the control unit 116L stops supplying power to the heating unit 121L-2 that heats the capsule 30 (step 11), measures the battery voltage (step 12), and then instructs the control unit 116L to supply power to the heating unit 121L-1 that heats the cartridge 20 (step 13).
When the battery voltage is measured, the control unit 116L calculates the remaining battery capacity from the measured voltage and displays it on the display 11A (see FIG. 6) (step 4). If the remaining capacity is insufficient, the display will indicate this and then the device will transition to a locked state. Therefore, power supply to the heating unit 121L-1 in step 13 will not be executed.

Next, a case where a negative result is obtained in step 10 will be described.
If a negative result is obtained in step 10, it is the timing before suction is detected.
28A and 28B are diagrams illustrating an example of measurement timing when a command to check the remaining battery capacity is issued while not inhaling during the heating-on monitoring period. (A) shows the temperature change of the capsule 30 in high mode, (B) shows the timing of heating the cartridge 20 in high mode, and (C) shows the timing of heating the capsule 30 in high mode.
In FIG. 28, parts corresponding to those in FIG. 22 are denoted by the same reference numerals.

Therefore, if a negative result is obtained in step 10, the control unit 116L stops supplying power to the heating unit 121L-2 that heats the capsule 30 (step 31), measures the battery voltage (step 32), and then instructs the control unit 116L to start supplying power to the heating unit 121L-2 that heats the capsule 30 (step 33).
When the battery voltage is measured, the control unit 116L calculates the remaining battery capacity from the measured voltage and displays it on the display 11A (see FIG. 1) (step 4). If the remaining capacity is insufficient, the display indicates that the remaining capacity is insufficient and then the device transitions to a locked state. Therefore, power supply to the heating unit 121L-2 in step 33 is not executed.
If a negative result is obtained in step 22, the process is the same as in the second embodiment, and therefore the description will be omitted. That is, the process of FIG.

<Summary>
In the case of the aerosol generating device 10 of this embodiment, in high mode in which aerosol is generated by combining the heating of a liquid aerosol source and a solid aerosol source, when the heating is controlled by setting the heating on monitoring time and the heating off time, it is possible to accurately measure the remaining capacity of the battery even during the heating on monitoring time when switching between heating of the cartridge 20 and heating of the capsule in conjunction with suction.

<Other embodiments>
(1) Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the technical scope of the present invention is not limited to the scope of the above-described embodiments. It is clear from the claims that various modifications and improvements to the above-described embodiments are also included in the technical scope of the present invention.

(2) In the above embodiment, the aerosol generating device 10 (see FIG. 1) is described as an electronic cigarette, but it may also be a medical inhaler such as a nebulizer. When the aerosol generating device 10 is a nebulizer, the liquid aerosol source or solid aerosol source may contain a drug for inhalation by the patient.

(3) In the above-described embodiment, a liquid aerosol source is heated by heating unit 121L-1 to generate aerosol. However, the liquid aerosol source may be vibrated by an oscillator to generate aerosol. Furthermore, heating unit 121L-1 may be configured as a susceptor made of a conductive material such as metal, and this susceptor may be inductively heated by an electromagnetic induction source to generate aerosol.

(4) In the above-described embodiment, the solid aerosol source is heated by heating section 121L-2, but a susceptor made of a conductive material such as metal may be placed inside capsule-type container 130L, and this susceptor may be induction heated by an electromagnetic induction source.

(5) In the above-described embodiment, simultaneous heating by the heating units 121L-1 and 121L-2 in high mode is prohibited, but simultaneous heating may be permitted. That is, the heating period by the heating unit 121L-1 and the heating period by the heating unit 121L-2 may be permitted to overlap partially or completely. Note that, if simultaneous heating is permitted, it is desirable to set the maximum value of power supplied to the heating units 121L-1 and 121L-2 during simultaneous heating to be smaller than the maximum value of power supplied when heating each unit individually, so as not to exceed the upper limit of the battery output current.
If simultaneous heating is permitted, both heating operations are stopped when the remaining battery power is measured.

(6) In the above-mentioned embodiment 2, the time period during which the heating is controlled to a state close to off, which begins after the end of the heating on monitoring time, is referred to as the "heating off time." However, the time period during which the cartridge 20 is not heated as a result of no suction being detected after the end of the heating on monitoring time may also be referred to as the "heating off time."

10... aerosol generating device, 11... device main body, 11A... display, 11B... operation button, 12... capsule holder, 20... cartridge, 30... capsule, 112L-1... voltmeter

Claims (11)

a battery for supplying power;
a first heating unit that heats a first aerosol source that is a liquid;
a second heating unit that heats a second aerosol source that is a solid;
a first sensor for measuring the voltage of the battery;
a control unit that controls the supply of power to the first heating unit and the second heating unit;
and
The control unit
When the aerosol is generated by combining heating of the first aerosol source and heating of the second aerosol source, measuring the voltage of the first sensor while stopping the supply of power to both the first heating unit and the second heating unit, and detecting the remaining capacity of the battery based on the measured voltage.
Aerosol generator. a second sensor for detecting inhalation by a user;
The control unit
and when power is supplied to the first heating unit, and when the supply of power to the second heating unit is stopped, when the start of suction is detected by the second sensor, a period for measuring the remaining capacity of the battery is provided before issuing an instruction to supply power to the first heating unit.
The aerosol generating device according to claim 1 . The control unit
If power is being supplied to the second heating unit at the time when the second sensor detects the start of suction, a period is provided for measuring the remaining capacity of the battery after issuing an instruction to stop the supply of power to the second heating unit.
The aerosol generating device according to claim 2 . The control unit
When power is supplied to the first heating unit, when the supply of power to the second heating unit is stopped and the second sensor detects the end of suction, a period is provided for measuring the remaining capacity of the battery after issuing an instruction to stop the supply of power to the first heating unit and before issuing an instruction to restart the supply of power to the first heating unit.
The aerosol generating device according to claim 2 . a second sensor for detecting inhalation by a user;
The control unit
When power is supplied to the first heating unit, when the supply of power to the second heating unit is stopped and the second sensor detects the end of suction, a period is provided for measuring the remaining capacity of the battery after issuing an instruction to stop the supply of power to the first heating unit and before issuing an instruction to start the supply of power to the second heating unit.
The aerosol generating device according to claim 1 . The control unit
a monitoring period of a predetermined length is set upon detection of the first suction after the end of the previous suction, and during the monitoring period, power supply to the second heating unit is stopped, while power is supplied to the first heating unit in conjunction with the detection of the suction, and when the monitoring period ends, a period is set for measuring the remaining capacity of the battery before instructing the supply of power to the second heating unit;
The aerosol generating device according to claim 1 . a second sensor for detecting inhalation by a user;
The control unit
when power supply to the first heating unit is stopped, power supply to the second heating unit is stopped, and when power supply to the first heating unit is stopped, power supply to the second heating unit is stopped; when power supply to the second heating unit is forcibly stopped as a predetermined time has elapsed since the second sensor last detected suction, a period is provided for measuring the remaining capacity of the battery after power supply to the second heating unit is stopped.
The aerosol generating device according to claim 1 . The control unit
Even if the remaining capacity of the battery can be measured, the remaining capacity of the battery is measured once every several times.
The aerosol generating device according to any one of claims 1 to 7. Further comprising a display unit for displaying information,
The control unit
The detected remaining capacity of the battery is displayed on the display unit.
The aerosol generating device according to any one of claims 1 to 8. A method for controlling an aerosol generating device that generates an aerosol, comprising:
a first heating unit heating a first aerosol source that is a liquid;
a second heating section heating a second aerosol source that is a solid;
measuring the voltage of a battery powered by the sensor;
controlling the supply of power to the first heating unit and the second heating unit;
When aerosol is generated by combining heating of the first aerosol source and heating of the second aerosol source, measuring the voltage of the sensor while stopping the supply of power to both the first heating unit and the second heating unit, and detecting the remaining capacity of the battery based on the measured voltage;
A control method comprising: On the computer,
a first heating section heating a first aerosol source that is a liquid;
a second heating section heating a second aerosol source that is a solid;
measuring the voltage of a battery powered by the sensor;
controlling the supply of power to the first heating unit and the second heating unit;
When the aerosol is generated by combining heating of the first aerosol source and heating of the second aerosol source, measuring the voltage of the sensor while stopping the supply of power to both the first heating unit and the second heating unit, and detecting the remaining capacity of the battery based on the measured voltage;
A program to execute.