Flavor inhaler, cartridge, and flavor unit

Provided is a flavor inhaler comprising: an atomizing unit that generates an aerosol from an aerosol source; a flavor source provided downstream from the atomizing unit; a mouthpiece section provided downstream from the flavor source; a control unit that controls the atomizing unit; an aerosol flow path leading to the mouthpiece section from the atomizing unit; and an information source for holding identification information associated with a correction value for correcting a reference aerosol amount that is the amount of aerosol generated by the atomizing unit and that is an amount designed in advance. The aerosol flow path branches between the atomizing unit and the flavor source into a first branch flow path through which the flavor source passes and a second branch flow path that differs from the first branch flow path. The correction value is a value relating to a flow rate ratio that is the flow rate in the first branch flow path relative to a predetermined flow rate when the mouthpiece section is sucked at a predetermined flow rate. The control unit controls the atomizing unit on the basis of a target aerosol amount calculated on the basis of the reference aerosol amount and the correction value.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to a flavor inhaler, and a cartridge and a flavor unit which are components of the flavor inhaler.

BACKGROUND ART

A type of flavor inhaler, by which flavor is inhaled without a burning process, has been known. A flavor inhaler comprises an atomizing unit for atomizing an aerosol source without a burning process, and a flavor source (for example, a tobacco source) arranged in a position closer to a mouthpiece side than a position of the atomizing unit (for example, refer to Patent Literature 1).

CITATION LIST

Patent Literature

PTL 1: Japanese Patent Application Public Disclosure No. 2010-506594

SUMMARY OF INVENTION

The gist of a first characteristic is that a flavor inhaler comprises: an atomizing section for generating aerosol from an aerosol source; a flavor source positioned downstream the atomizing section; a mouthpiece section positioned downstream the flavor source; a control section for controlling the atomizing section; an aerosol flow path leading from the atomizing section to the mouthpiece section; and an information source for holding identification information associated with a correction value used for correcting a reference amount of the aerosol that is a amount of the aerosol to be generated in the atomizing section and is designed in advance; wherein the aerosol flow path is divided, in a part between the atomizing section and the flavor source, into a first branched flow path passing through the flavor source and a second branched flow path different from the first branched flow path; the correction value is a value relating to a flow rate ratio of a flow rate in the first branched flow path to a predetermined flow rate at the time when the mouthpiece section is sucked at the predetermined flow rate; and the control section controls the atomizing section based on a target amount of the aerosol that is calculated based on the reference amount of the aerosol and the correction value.

The gist of a second characteristic is that the second characteristic comprises the first characteristic, wherein, in the case that the flow rate ratio is larger than a pre-designed value, the target amount of the aerosol is set to be smaller than a target amount of the aerosol in the case that the flow rate ratio coincides with the pre-designed value; and, in the case that the flow rate ratio is smaller than the pre-designed value, the target amount of the aerosol is set to be larger than the target amount of the aerosol in the case that the flow rate ratio coincides with the pre-designed value.

The gist of a third characteristic is that the third characteristic comprises the first characteristic or the second characteristic, wherein the first branched flow path and the second branched flow path are merged with each other in a point downstream the flavor source.

The gist of a fourth characteristic is that the fourth characteristic comprises one of the first to third characteristics, wherein the control section controls supply of electric energy to the atomizing section.

The gist of a fifth characteristic is that the fifth characteristic comprises the fourth characteristic, wherein the atomizing section comprises a resistance heating element, and electric energy supplied to the resistance heating element per a single puff action is represented by E, characteristic parameters of the atomizing section are represented by a and b, a amount of the aerosol generated per a single puff action is represented by A, and the control section calculates the amount A of the aerosol by use of formula A=a*E+b.

The gist of a sixth characteristic is that the sixth characteristic comprises the fourth characteristic or the fifth characteristic, wherein the atomizing section comprises a resistance heating element, and the target amount of the aerosol is represented by AT, target electric energy that should be supplied to the resistance heating element per a single puff action is represented by ET, characteristic parameters of the atomizing section are represented by a and b, and the control section determines the electric energy ETthat should be supplied to the resistance heating element by use of formula ET=(AT−b)/a.

The gist of a seventh characteristic is that the seventh characteristic comprises the fifth characteristic or the sixth characteristic, and comprises an information source having the characteristic parameters or identification information associated with the characteristic parameters. Note that the information source comprising the characteristic parameters or the identification information associated with the characteristic parameters may be the above information source which holds the identification information associated with the correction value, or may be an information source different from the above information source.

The gist of an eighth characteristic is that the eighth characteristic comprises one of the first to seventh characteristics, wherein the reference amount of the aerosol is defined by a designed value of a amount of the aerosol that should be passed through the first branched flow path when the flow rate ratio coincides with the pre-designed value.

The gist of a ninth characteristic is that the ninth characteristic comprises the eighth characteristic, wherein the target amount of the aerosol is set to a value that is obtained by dividing the reference amount of the aerosol by the flow rate ratio.

The gist of a tenth characteristic is that the tenth characteristic comprises one of the first to seventh characteristics, wherein the reference amount of the aerosol is defined by a value that is obtained by dividing, by the pre-designed value of the flow rate ratio, a designed value of a amount of aerosol that should be passed through the first branched flow path when the flow rate ratio coincides with the pre-designed value.

The gist of an eleventh characteristic is that the eleventh characteristic comprises the tenth characteristic, wherein the target amount of the aerosol is set to a value that is obtained by dividing, by the flow rate ratio, a product of the reference amount of the aerosol and the pre-designed value.

The gist of a twelfth characteristic is that the twelfth characteristic comprises one of the first to eleventh characteristics, wherein the flavor inhaler comprises an atomizing unit comprising the atomizing section and a flavor unit comprising the flavor source, and the flavor unit is constructed to be attachable/detachable to/from the atomizing unit.

The gist of a thirteenth characteristic is that the thirteenth characteristic comprises the twelfth characteristic, wherein the information source is positioned in the flavor unit.

The gist of a fourteenth characteristic is that the fourteenth characteristic comprises the twelfth characteristic or the thirteenth characteristic, wherein the first branched flow path and the second branched flow path are positioned in the flavor unit.

The gist of a fifteenth characteristic is that the fifteenth characteristic comprises one of the twelfth to fourteenth characteristics, wherein calculation of the target amount of the aerosol is performed under a state that the flavor unit is being attached to the atomizing unit.

The gist of a sixteenth characteristic is that the sixteenth characteristic comprises the fifteenth characteristic, wherein calculation of the target amount of the aerosol is performed when a state that the flavor unit is attached to the atomizing unit is detected.

The gist of a seventeenth characteristic is that the seventeenth characteristic comprises one of the twelfth to fifteenth characteristics, wherein calculation of the target amount of the aerosol is performed when predetermined manipulation performed by a user is detected.

The gist of an eighteenth characteristic is that the eighteenth characteristic comprises the seventeenth characteristic, wherein the flavor inhaler comprises an inhaling sensor for detecting inhaling action performed by a user, and calculation of the target amount of the aerosol is performed when the inhaling action is detected by the inhaling sensor for the first time.

The gist of a nineteenth characteristic is that the nineteenth characteristic comprises one of the twelfth to eighteenth characteristics, wherein the control section reads the correction value via the information source, under a state that the flavor unit is being attached to the atomizing unit.

The gist of a twentieth characteristic is that the twentieth characteristic comprises one of the twelfth to eighteenth characteristics, wherein the control section reads the correction value via the information source, under a state that the flavor unit is not being attached to the atomizing unit.

The gist of a twenty-first characteristic is that the twenty-first characteristic comprises one of the first to twentieth characteristics, wherein, in the case that an accumulated value of amounts of the aerosol generated in the atomizing section or an accumulated value of amounts of the aerosol passed through the first branched flow path exceeds a first threshold value, the amount of the aerosol to be generated in the atomizing section is increased.

The gist of a twenty-second characteristic is that the twenty-second characteristic comprises one of the first to twenty-first characteristics, wherein, in the case that an accumulated value of amounts of the aerosol generated in the atomizing section or an accumulated value of amounts of the aerosol passed through the first branched flow path exceeds a second threshold value, supply of electric power to the atomizing section is cut off.

The gist of a twenty-third characteristic is that the twenty-third characteristic comprises one of the first to twenty-second characteristics, wherein the flavor inhaler comprises a battery unit comprising a battery.

The gist of a twenty-fourth characteristic is that the twenty-fourth characteristic comprises the twenty-third characteristic, wherein the battery unit is constructed to be attachable/detachable to/from the atomizing unit comprising the atomizing section.

The gist of a twenty-fifth characteristic is that the twenty-fifth characteristic comprises the twenty-third characteristic or the twenty-fourth characteristic, wherein the control section is positioned in the battery unit.

The gist of a twenty-sixth characteristic is that a cartridge comprises: an atomizing section for generating aerosol from an aerosol source; a flavor source positioned downstream the atomizing section; a mouthpiece section positioned downstream the flavor source; an aerosol flow path leading from the atomizing section to the mouthpiece section; and an information source for holding identification information associated with a correction value used for correcting a reference amount of the aerosol that is a amount of the aerosol to be generated in the atomizing section and is designed in advance; wherein the aerosol flow path is divided, in a part between the atomizing section and the flavor source, into a first branched flow path passing through the flavor source and a second branched flow path different from the first branched flow path; and the correction value is a value relating to a flow rate ratio of a flow rate in the second branched flow path to a predetermined flow rate at the time when the mouthpiece section is sucked at the predetermined flow rate.

The gist of a twenty-third characteristic is that a flavor unit, which is attachable/detachable to/from an atomizing unit comprising an atomizing section for generating aerosol, comprises: a flavor source; a mouthpiece section positioned downstream the flavor source; an aerosol flow path which is constructed to be able to communicate with the atomizing section in the atomizing unit and leads to the mouthpiece section; and an information source for holding identification information associated with a correction value used for correcting a reference amount of aerosol that is a amount of the aerosol to be generated in the atomizing section and is designed in advance; wherein the aerosol flow path is divided, in a part between the atomizing section and the flavor source, into a first branched flow path passing through the flavor source and a second branched flow path different from the first branched flow path; and the correction value is a value relating to a flow rate ratio of a flow rate in the second branched flow path to a predetermined flow rate at the time when the mouthpiece section is sucked at the predetermined flow rate.

DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

In the following description, embodiments of the present invention will be explained. In this regard, in the following descriptions of the figures, the same or similar symbols are assigned to the same or similar parts. Note that the figures are drawn in a schematic manner, thus, ratios between respective sizes of components may be different from those of actual components.

Thus, specific sizes and so on should be determined by taking the following description into consideration. Further, it is a matter of course that relationship between sizes and ratios between sizes of some parts drawn in one figure may be different from those in another figure.

Summary of Disclosure

A flavor inhaler, which relates to a summary of the disclosure, comprises: an atomizing section for generating aerosol from an aerosol source; a flavor source positioned downstream the atomizing section; a mouthpiece section positioned downstream the flavor source; a control section for controlling the atomizing section; an aerosol flow path leading from the atomizing section to the mouthpiece section; and an information source for holding identification information associated with a correction value used for correcting a reference amount of the aerosol that is a amount of the aerosol to be generated in the atomizing section and is designed in advance. The aerosol flow path is divided, in a part between the atomizing section and the flavor source, into a first branched flow path passing through the flavor source and a second branched flow path different from the first branched flow path. The correction value is a value relating to a flow rate ratio of a flow rate in the first branched flow path to a predetermined flow rate at the time when the mouthpiece section is sucked at the predetermined flow rate. The control section controls the atomizing section based on a target amount of the aerosol that is calculated based on the reference amount of the aerosol and the correction value.

In the above flavor inhaler, the control section can change, based on a ratio between a flow rate of the aerosol in the first branched flow path and a flow rate of the aerosol in the second branched flow path, a target amount of the aerosol that should be generated in the atomizing section. Thus, the control section can adjust, based on the above flow rate ratio, the amount of the aerosol passing through the first branched flow path.

First Embodiment

Flavor Inhaler

In the following description, a flavor inhaler according to a first embodiment will be explained.FIG. 1is a figure showing a flavor inhaler100according to the first embodiment.FIG. 2is a figure showing an atomizing unit which is a component of the flavor inhaler100.

The flavor inhaler100is a device which is used when inhaling an inhaling component (a flavor component) without a burning process. The flavor inhaler100may have a shape that extends in a predetermined direction L that is a direction from a non-mouthpiece end E2to a mouthpiece end E1.

The flavor inhaler100comprises an atomizing unit111, a battery unit112, and a flavor unit130. The atomizing unit111may be constructed to be attachable/detachable to/from the battery unit112. The flavor unit130may be constructed to be attachable/detachable to/from the atomizing unit111.

Instead of the above mode, the atomizing unit111and the battery unit112may be constructed in such a manner that they are integrated into a single unit, and the flavor unit130may be constructed to be attachable/detachable to/from the atomizing unit111. Also, the flavor unit130and the atomizing unit111may be constructed in such a manner that they are integrated into a cartridge, and the cartridge may be constructed to be attachable/detachable to/from the battery unit112.

The atomizing unit111comprises at least an atomizing section111R. The atomizing section111R generates aerosol from an aerosol source which will be explained later. In this embodiment, the atomizing unit111further comprises a reservoir111P and a wick111Q.

The reservoir111P holds an aerosol source. The aerosol source may be a liquid such as glycerin or propylene glycol, for example. Note that the aerosol source may comprise a flavor source which includes a nicotine component or the like, or may not comprise a flavor source which includes a nicotine component or the like. The aerosol source may comprise a flavor source which includes a component other than a nicotine component, or may not comprise a flavor source which includes a component other than a nicotine component.

The reservoir111P is constructed by use of fibrous or porous material. In such a case, the reservoir111P can hold the aerosol source, which is in the form of fluid, by spaces between fibers or in pores in the porous material. Instead of the above construction, the reservoir111P may be constructed by use of a tank for holding a liquid. The reservoir111P may comprise a construction for allowing replenishment of the aerosol source, or a construction for allowing replacement of the reservoir itself when the aerosol source is exhausted.

The wick111Q sucks the aerosol source held in the reservoir111P. A part of the wick111Q extends to the inside of the reservoir111P and is in contact with the aerosol source. Another part of the wick111Q extends toward the atomizing section111R. The aerosol source is sent from the reservoir111P to the atomizing section111R by capillary effect in the wick111Q. For example, the wick111Q comprises glass fibers.

The atomizing section111R atomizes the aerosol source sucked by the wick111Q. For example, the atomizing section111R comprises a resistance heating element which is positioned to be close to or in contact with the wick111Q. The resistance heating element atomizes the aerosol source held by the wick111Q. The resistance heating element comprises, for example, a resistance heating element wound, with a predetermined pitch, around the wick111Q, for example, a heating wire. Instead of the above embodiment, the atomizing section111R may comprise an ultrasonic-type atomizer which atomizes the aerosol source by ultrasonic vibration.

Instead of the above embodiment, the reservoir111P and the wick111Q may be arranged in the battery unit112. In such a case, it may be constructed in such a manner that the atomizing section111R is positioned to be close to or in contact with the wick111Q when the atomizing unit111is attached to the battery unit112.

Further, the atomizing unit111may comprise an information source111M which stores characteristic information of the atomizing section111R. The information source111M comprises a memory, for example. In such a case, the control section51, which will be explained later, can obtain the characteristic information of the atomizing section111R from the memory. Regarding the characteristic information, an example thereof will be explained later.

The battery unit112comprises at least a battery40for storing electric power. The battery unit may comprise the control section51. The control section51controls the atomizing section111R in an electric manner. Specifically, the control section51controls electric energy supplied from the battery40to the atomizing section111R. The control section51is an electronic circuit module constructed as a microprocessor or a microcomputer, and is programmed to control operation of the flavor inhaler100in accordance with computer-executable instructions stored in the memory. The memory comprises an information storing medium such as a ROM, a RAM, a flash memory, or the like. The memory may store, in addition to the computer-executable instructions, setting data which are necessary for controlling the flavor inhaler100.

The flavor unit130comprises at least a flavor source132. The flavor source132is positioned downstream the atomizing section111R, and adds flavor to the aerosol generated by the atomizing section111R. The flavor source132may comprise, for example, a source which originates from tobacco, such as shredded tobacco, a product which is made by processing raw material comprising tobacco to have a granular form, a sheet form, or a powder form, or the like, or a source which does not originate from tobacco, such as a product made by use of a plant other than tobacco (for example, mint, a herb, and so on). For example, the flavor source132comprises a nicotine component. The flavor source132may comprise a flavor component such as menthol or the like. For example, the flavor inhaler100may be constructed in such a manner that the flavor source132holds flavor material which originates from tobacco and the reservoir comprises flavor material which does not originate from tobacco.

The flavor inhaler100may comprise a mouthpiece section160which is constructed to be attachable/detachable to/from a part at an mouthpiece-end side of the flavor unit130. The mouthpiece section160is a part which is held in a user's mouth during inhaling action. Note that the mouthpiece section160may be constructed in such a manner that it is integrated with the end part at the mouthpiece-end side of the flavor unit130.

The flavor inhaler100comprises an aerosol flow path140and an air flow path148. The air flow path148can guide air from a vent112A to the inside of the flavor inhaler100. The air flow path148leads from the vent112A to atomizing section111R.

The aerosol flow path140communicates with the air flow path148, and is a flow path leading from the atomizing section111R to the mouthpiece section. The aerosol flow path140guides a fluid, which comprises a mixture of the air taken into the air flow path148and the aerosol generated in the atomizing section111R, to the mouthpiece section.

The aerosol flow path140comprises a shared flow path140C, a first branched flow path140A, and a second branched flow path140B. Specifically, the aerosol flow path140is divided, in a part between the atomizing section111R and the flavor source132, into the first branched flow path140A passing through the flavor source132and the second branched flow path140B different from the first branched flow path140A. A junction145of the first branched flow path140A and the second branched flow path140B is positioned between the atomizing section111R and the flavor source132.

The shared flow path140C is a flow path leading from the atomizing section111R to the junction145. The first branched flow path140A extends from the junction145to the mouthpiece section160via the flavor source145. On the other hand, the second branched flow path140B extends to the mouthpiece section160without passing through the flavor source145.

The mixed fluid generated in the atomizing section111R passes through the shared flow path140C, and is separated at the junction145into parts for the first branched flow path140A and the second branched flow path140B. The aerosol flown into the first branched flow path140A is provided with a flavor component suppled from the flavor source132, and, thereafter, guided to the mouthpiece section160. The aerosol flown into the second branched flow path140B is guided to the mouthpiece section160without addition of the flavor component included in the flavor source132. The aerosol from the first branched flow path140A and the aerosol from the second branched flow path140B is inhaled by a user via the mouthpiece section160.

In this embodiment, the first branched flow path110A and the second branched flow path110B are joined at the mouthpiece section160downstream the flavor source132. However, the above construction is not necessarily required. For example, there may be a construction wherein an end (the downstream-side end) of the second branched flow path140B is joined, within the flavor source132, to the first branched flow path140A so that the aerosol flowing through the second branched flow path140B passes through a part of the flavor source132(for example, a part at the downstream side of the flavor source132). Further, although the first branched flow path140A only is provided with the flavor source132in the flavor inhaler100shown as an example inFIG. 2, a flavor source different from the flavor source132, for example, a flavor source which can add a flavor component, which is different from that included in the flavor source106, to the aerosol may further be added to the second branched flow path140B.

The flavor source132is not limited to that giving out flavor itself, and it may be material enhancing flavor when it is combined with a flavor component in the aerosol generated in the atomizing section111R, for example, acid such as pyruvic acid, levulinic acid, etc., or the like.

The flavor inhaler100may comprise a sensor for detecting connection of the flavor unit130to the atomizing unit111. For example, the flavor unit130may comprise a resistor which is electrically connected to an electric circuit in the atomizing unit111when the flavor unit130is connected to the atomizing unit111. According to the above construction, an electric resistance value of a part of the electric circuit in the atomizing unit111changes when the flavor unit130is connected to the atomizing unit111. The control section51can detect connection of the flavor unit130to the atomizing unit111by detecting change in the electric resistance value or change in current or voltage due to the change in the electric resistance value. Note that the sensor for detecting connection is not limited to that comprising the above construction, and the sensor may be that having an optional construction.

Further, the flavor inhaler100may comprise a sensor for detecting connection of the atomizing unit111to the battery unit112. For example, the atomizing unit111may comprise a resistor which is electrically connected to an electric circuit in the battery unit112when the atomizing unit111is connected to the battery unit112. According to the above construction, an electric resistance value of a part of the electric circuit in the battery unit112changes when the atomizing unit111is connected to the battery unit112. The control section51can detect connection of the atomizing unit111to the battery unit112by detecting change in the electric resistance value or change in current or voltage due to the change in the electric resistance value. Note that the resistor which is installed in the atomizing unit111and used for detecting connection may be the atomizing section111R itself. Further, the sensor for detecting connection is not limited to that comprising the above construction, and the sensor may be that having an optional construction.

The flavor inhaler100may comprise a contact sensor52. The contact sensor52may be positioned in an end part at the non-mouthpiece side E2of the flavor inhaler100. The contact sensor52can detect a state that the contact sensor52is touched by a user. For example, the contact sensor has a pair of electrodes which are spaced apart from each other. When the pair of electrodes is brought into a conduction state by an external element such as a finger of a user, current flows between the electrodes in the pair. The contact sensor52can detect the conduction state of the pair of the electrodes by detecting the current. Thus, the contact sensor52can detect touching by a finger of a user. Such a contact sensor52may be used for judging whether a user is an authorized user. In such a case, for example, when the contact sensor52is touched in a predetermined touching manner by a user, the control section51may set the flavor inhaler100to be in a state wherein electric power can be supplied to the atomizing section111R.

The flavor inhaler100may comprise a manipulation button which is manipulated by a user, or an inhaling sensor50for detecting inhaling action performed by a user. The inhaling sensor50may be a pressure sensor for detecting change in pressure in the air flow path148or the aerosol flow path140. The control section51starts supply of electric power to the atomizing section111R in response to pressing of the manipulation button or detection of inhaling action by the inhaling sensor50. As a result thereof, the aerosol is generated in the atomizing section111R.

As explained above, the fluid flowing through the aerosol flow path140is a fluid comprising a mixture of the aerosol generated in the atomizing section111R and the air taken from the air flow path148. It is supposed that a flow rate of the air and a flow rate of the aerosol flowing through the shared flow path140C are Q and Af, a flow rate of the air and a flow rate of the aerosol flowing through the first branched flow path140A are Q1and Af1, and a flow rate of the air and a flow rate of the aerosol flowing through the second branched flow path140B are Q2and Af2, respectively. In this regard, it is defined that Q=Q1+Q2and Af=Af1+Af2. Note that, in this specification, the “flow rate of air” means a volume flow rate (mL/sec), and the “flow rate of aerosol” means a mass flow rate (mg/sec). Further, it should be reminded in the following description that, in the case that the expression “flow rate,” rather than the expression “flow rate of aerosol,” is simply used, the “flow rate” means a flow rate of the air. Further, the flow rate of the air and the flow rate of the aerosol flowing through the shared flow path140C are substantially equal to a total flow rate of the air and a total flow rate of the aerosol flowing through the aerosol flow path140, respectively.

In this specification, it is defined that a flow rater ratio β is a ratio of a flow rate of the air flowing through the first branched flow path110A to the total flow rate of the air flowing through the aerosol flow path140(i.e., β=Q1/Q). In this regard, the flow rater ratio β is substantially equal to the ratio of the flow rate Af1of the aerosol flowing through the first branched flow path140A to the total flow rate Afof the aerosol flowing through the aerosol flow path140(i.e., β=Q1/Q=Af1/Af). Further, the flow rater ratio β is substantially equal to the ratio between a amount A of the aerosol generated in the atomizing section111R and a amount A1of part of the aerosol generated in the atomizing section111R and passed through the first branched flow path140A, in predetermined time, for example, in the length of time required for performing a single puff action (i.e., β=Q1/Q=A1/A).

The flow rate ratio β is dependent on air-flow resistance of each of the first branched flow path140A and the second branched flow path140B. The air-flow resistance is dependent on the length and the cross-sectional area, the degree of bending, the shapes of a branching part and a junction part, and so on of the flow path.

Thus, the flow rate ratio β is a value specific to the flavor unit130or a value specific to a combination of the atomizing unit111and the flavor unit130, and may change depending on each of atomizing units111and/or flavor units130attached to the battery unit130. Specifically, in the case that a junction145and a first branched flow path140A and a second branched flow path140B downstream the junction145are positioned in each flavor unit130, the flow rate ratio β changes depending on each of flavor units130.

For example, each of atomizing units111and/or each of flavor units130, which respectively have values of different flow rate ratios β positively, may be constructed to be attachable/detachable to/from the battery unit112. In such a case, the flow rate ratio β may be changed positively according to the type and/or the amount of the flavor source132included in each flavor unit130, for example.

In another example, flow rate ratios β relating to atomizing units111and/or flavor units130may vary from one unit to another, since there may be variation between lots thereof due to manufacturing errors even if an effort to manufacture the atomizing units111and/or the flavor units130as designed is made. Thus, even in the case that products (atomizing units111and/or flavor units130) which are designed to be similar to each other are used, flow rate ratios may vary from one product to another.

In the case that the flow rate ratio β is changed, the amount of aerosol passing through the first branched flow path140A, thus, the flavor source132, is changed, even if the amount of aerosol generated in the atomizing section111R is maintained to be constant.

It is preferable that the first branched flow path140A, the second branched flow path140B, and the junction145be positioned in the flavor unit130. In such a case, the flow rate ratio β is determined for each flavor unit130, and is not substantially dependent on an atomizing unit111. Instead of the above construction, part of the first branched flow path140A and the second branched flow path140B and the junction145may be positioned in the atomizing unit111. In such a case, the flow rate ratio β is determined with respect to a combination of a flavor unit130and an atomizing unit111.

In this embodiment, the control section51controls the atomizing section111R, based on the flow rate ratio β, for changing the amount of the aerosol to be generated in the atomizing section111R. For the above purpose, the flavor inhaler100comprises an information source134M for holding identification information associated with correction values. Specifically, a correction value is a value used for correcting a reference amount ARof aerosol that is the amount of aerosol to be generated in the atomizing section111R and is designed in advance. Note that, as will be explained later, the above-explained information source111M is that for storing identification information different from that stored in the information source134M.

For example, the information source134M may be a memory which stores identification information associated with a correction value that is used for correcting the reference amount ARof aerosol. The information source134M may be positioned in the flavor unit130. In the case that the atomizing unit111and the flavor unit130are integrated into a cartridge, the information source134M may be positioned in the cartridge, thus, in the flavor unit130or the atomizing unit111. In such a case, the information sources111M and134M may be constructed by use of the same memory.

The correction value is a value relating to a flow rate ratio β of a flow rate Q1of the first branched flow path140A to a predetermined flow rate QAwhen inhaling action with the predetermined flow rate is performed at the mouthpiece section160. Specifically, the correction value may be the value of the flow rate ratio β itself. Note that it is considered that the predetermined flow rate QAin the mouthpiece section160is substantially equal to the flow rate Q in the shared flow path140C.

Instead of the above construction, the correction value may be defined as a parameter that can be converted to the flow rate ratio β. Examples of such parameters are a ratio of the flow rate Q2of the second branched flow path140B to the predetermined flow rate QA, a ratio between the flow rate Q1of the first branched flow path140A and the flow rate Q2of the second branched flow path140B, and so on. The correction values are not limited to the above examples, and may be one or more optional parameters that can be used for calculating the flow rate ratio β.

Note that the values of the flow rate Q1of the first branched flow path140A and/or the flow rate Q2of the second branched flow path140B to the predetermined flow rate QAare determined by performing measurement in advance, i.e., by performing measurement when manufacturing the atomizing unit111and the flavor unit130. For example, with respect to a manufactured flavor unit130or a manufactured cartridge comprising a flavor unit130and an atomizing unit130in each lot to which it belongs, inhaling operation at a predetermined flow rate QAat a mouthpiece section160is performed. By actually measuring the flow rates Q1and Q2by the measurement, a value of the correction value can be determined. The correction value is stored in the information source134M in advance.

Note that it is expected that the flavor units130or the cartridges, each of which comprising a flavor unit130and an atomizing unit130, manufactured as members of a single production lot have the substantially same flow rate ratio β. Thus, it is not necessarily required to perform the above measurement for all products in a single production lot, and the correction value may be determined on the supposition that the same flow rate ratio β can be obtained for all products in a single production lot.

Correction of the Amount of Aerosol

As shown inFIG. 4, the control section51obtains, at predetermined timing, the above correction value via the information source134M (step S101). As a result thereof, the control section51can obtain a flow rate ratio β. The flow rate ratio β is used for correcting the amount of aerosol to be generated in the atomizing section111R.

A reference amount ARof aerosol is a amount of aerosol to be generated in the atomizing section111R, and is defined by a pre-designed amount. More specifically, in the first embodiment, the reference amount ARof aerosol is defined by a designed value of a amount of aerosol that should be passed through the first branched flow path140A when the flow rate ratio is equal to a pre-designed reference value. Specifically, the reference amount ARof aerosol is defined by an initial set value of the amount of aerosol that should be passed through the first branched flow path140A. Thus, the reference amount ARof aerosol is not dependent on an actual flow rate ratio β. The reference amount ARof aerosol may be stored in a memory in the control section51or the information source134M in advance.

The reference amount ARof aerosol may have a constant value regardless of the type and/or the amount of the flavor source132. In such a case, the reference amount ARof aerosol may be stored in a memory in the control section51. Instead of the above construction, the reference amount ARof aerosol may have a value that is different from one flavor unit130to another, according to the type and/or the amount of the flavor source132. In such a case, the reference amount ARof aerosol may be stored in the information source134M.

The control section51determines, at predetermined timing, a target amount ATof aerosol based on the reference amount ARof aerosol and the flow rate ratio β (step S102). That is, the control section51changes, based on the flow rate ratio β, the target amount ATof aerosol that should be atomized in the atomizing section111R.

Thereafter, in response to pressing of the manipulation button by a user or detection of inhaling action by the inhaling sensor50, the control section51controls the atomizing section111R in such a manner that the target amount ATof aerosol is generated in the atomizing section111R. Note that, in the case that the amount of aerosol generated in the atomizing section111R can be adjusted based on electric power supplied to the atomizing section111R, the control section51may determine target electric energy ETsupplied to the atomizing section111R, so as to make the atomizing section111R to generate the target amount ATof aerosol that is determined as explained above. Details of the target electric energy ETwill be explained later.

According to the above mode, in the case that flavor units130or cartridges, each of which comprising a flavor unit130and an atomizing unit111, having different flow rate ratios β are positively used, the most suitable target amount ATof aerosol is determined based on the type and/or the amount of a flavor source132included in a flavor unit130. Since the control section51controls the atomizing section111R in such a manner that the target amount ATof aerosol is generated in the atomizing section111R, an actual flow rate of the aerosol that is to be passed through the flavor source132can be adjusted to a most suitable value based on the type and/or the amount of the flavor source132included in the flavor unit130.

As a tangible example, in the case that the flow rate ratio β is larger than a pre-designed value, the target amount ATof aerosol is set to be smaller than a target amount of the aerosol in the case that the flow rate ratio β coincides with the pre-designed value; and, in the case that the flow rate ratio β is smaller than the pre-designed value, the target amount ATof aerosol is set to be larger than the target amount of the aerosol in the case that the flow rate ratio coincides with the pre-designed value. In such a case, the target amount ATof aerosol becomes smaller as the flow rate of the first branched flow path140A becomes larger, and the target amount ATof aerosol becomes larger as the flow rate of the first branched flow path140A becomes smaller. Thus, even if change in the flow rate ratio β has occurred, the amount of aerosol flowing through the first branched flow path140A during a single puff action can be made to be uniform to some extent.

In another tangible example, the control section51may determine the target amount ATof aerosol based on the reference amount ARof aerosol and the flow rate ratio β in such a manner that the target amount ATof aerosol satisfies formula “AT=AR/β.” That is, the target amount ATof aerosol is set to a value obtained by dividing the reference amount ARof aerosol by the flow rate ratio β. In such a case, the target amount ATof aerosol is determined to satisfy the condition that the amount of aerosol flowing through the first branched flow path140A during a single puff action is made to be constant regardless of the flow rate ratio β. As a result thereof, even if any flavor unit130or any cartridge comprising a flavor unit130and an atomizing unit110is used, a user can inhale an approximately constant amount of flavor components in a single puff action. In this regard, in the flavor inhaler100according to the above mode, the control section51can make the amount of the aerosol flowing through the first branched flow path140A to be uniform, by suppressing change in the flow rate ratios β due to variation between production lots. Thus, change in the amount of flavor components inhaled by a user, that occurs due to variation between production lots that is due to manufacturing errors, can be suppressed. Further, since change in the amount of flavor components, that occurs due to variation in the lots that occurs due to manufacturing errors, can be suppressed, a stable amount of aerosol can be sent to pass through the flavor source132, even if the fabrication tolerance is set to be large.

Note that the amounts of flavor supplied to a user are not necessarily maintained to be a precisely equal value. For example, the control section51may control the atomizing section111R for suppressing, to some extent, change in the amount of the aerosol passing through the first branched flow path140A.

Timing for Obtaining a Correction Value

Timing that the control section51obtains a correction value, that is a value relating to a flow rate ratio β, is at least that before calculating a target amount ATof aerosol. In this embodiment, under the state that the flavor unit130is attached to the atomizing unit111, or the state that the cartridge comprising the flavor unit130and the atomizing unit111is attached to the battery unit112, the control section51can read a correction value via the information source134M.

For example, when connection of the flavor unit130to the atomizing unit111attached to the battery unit112is detected, the control section51may obtain a correction value via the information source134M. In another example, in the case that the atomizing unit111and the flavor unit130are integrated into a cartridge, the control section51may obtain a correction value via the information source134M when connection of the cartridge to the battery unit112is detected.

In another example, under the state that the flavor unit130is connected to the atomizing unit111attached to the battery unit112, or the state that the cartridge, which comprises a construction that the atomizing unit111and the flavor unit130are integrated into it, is attached to the battery unit112, the control section51may obtain a correction value via the information source134M, when a manipulation button for starting atomization is pressed by a user or when inhaling action is detected by the inhaling sensor50. In such a case, the correction value may be obtained when the manipulation button for starting atomization is pressed by a user for the first time or when inhaling action is detected by the inhaling sensor50for the first time, after the flavor unit130is connected to the atomizing unit111attached to the battery unit112, or after the cartridge, which comprises a construction that the atomizing unit111and the flavor unit130are integrated into it, is connected to the battery unit112. In such a case, regarding the correction value obtaining process, a single number of time of execution of the process, after connection of the flavor unit130or the cartridge, is sufficient. However, it is also possible to construct the control section51to obtain a correction value via the information source134M every time the manipulation button for starting atomization is pressed by a user or every time inhaling action is detected by the inhaling sensor50.

Further, the control section51may be constructed in such a manner that it obtains a correction value via the information source134M when the manipulation button for starting atomization is pressed in a predetermined pressing manner by a user or when inhaling action in a predetermined inhaling manner is detected by the inhaling sensor50, under the state that the flavor unit130is connected to the atomizing unit111attached to the battery unit112, or the state that the cartridge, which comprises a construction that the atomizing unit111and the flavor unit130are integrated into it, is attached to the battery unit112.

Further, the control section51may be constructed in such a manner that it obtains a correction value via the information source134M when conduction in a predetermined conducting manner is detected by the contact sensor52, under the state that the flavor unit130is connected to the atomizing unit111attached to the battery unit112, or the state that the cartridge, which comprises a construction that the atomizing unit111and the flavor unit130are integrated into it, is attached to the battery unit112.

Timing for Calculating a Target Amount of Aerosol

Timing that the control section51calculates a target amount of aerosol is at least that after obtaining a correction value. In this embodiment, under the state that the flavor unit130is attached to the atomizing unit111, or the state that the cartridge comprising the flavor unit130and the atomizing unit111is attached to the battery unit112, the control section51can calculate a target amount of aerosol.

For example, when connection of the flavor unit130to the atomizing unit111attached to the battery unit112is detected, the control section51may obtain a correction value via the information source134M and calculate, based thereon, a target amount of aerosol. In another example, in the case that the atomizing unit111and the flavor unit130are integrated into a cartridge, the control section51may obtain a correction value via the information source134M and calculate, based thereon, a target amount of aerosol, when connection of the cartridge to the battery unit112is detected.

In another example, under the state that the flavor unit130is connected to the atomizing unit111attached to the battery unit112, or the state that the cartridge, which comprises a construction that the atomizing unit111and the flavor unit130are integrated into it, is attached to the battery unit112, the control section51may calculate a target amount of aerosol, when the manipulation button for starting atomization is pressed by a user or when inhaling action is detected by the inhaling sensor50. In such a case, calculation of the target amount of aerosol may be performed when the manipulation button for starting atomization is pressed by a user for the first time or when inhaling action is detected by the inhaling sensor50for the first time, after the flavor unit130is connected to the atomizing unit111attached to the battery unit112, or after the cartridge, which comprises a construction that the atomizing unit111and the flavor unit130are integrated into it, is connected to the battery unit112. In such a case, regarding the calculation of the target amount of aerosol, a single number of time of calculation, after connection of the flavor unit130or the cartridge, is sufficient. However, it is also possible to construct the control section51to calculate a target amount of aerosol every time the manipulation button for starting atomization is pressed by a user or every time inhaling action is detected by the inhaling sensor50.

Further, the control section51may be constructed in such a manner that it calculates a target amount of aerosol when the manipulation button for starting atomization is pressed in a predetermined pressing manner by a user or when inhaling action in a predetermined inhaling manner is detected by the inhaling sensor50, under the state that the flavor unit130is connected to the atomizing unit111attached to the battery unit112, or the state that the cartridge, which comprises a construction that the atomizing unit111and the flavor unit130are integrated into it, is attached to the battery unit112.

Further, the control section51may be constructed in such a manner that it calculates a target amount of aerosol when conduction in a predetermined conducting manner is detected by the contact sensor52, under the state that the flavor unit130is connected to the atomizing unit111attached to the battery unit112, or the state that the cartridge, which comprises a construction that the atomizing unit111and the flavor unit130are integrated into it, is attached to the battery unit112.

Control of Supply of Electric Power to the Atomizing Section

As explained above, the control section51controls the atomizing section111R in such a manner that the amount of the aerosol generated in the atomizing section111R becomes the same as a target amount ATof the aerosol. The control section51can control the amount of the aerosol to be generated in the atomizing section111R by changing electric energy supplied from the battery40to the atomizing section111R. Relationship between electric energy supplied to the atomizing section111R and amounts of aerosol generated by use of the electric energy may be stored in the information source111M in advance, for example. The control section51can obtain, by referring to the information source111M and based on the target amount ATof the aerosol, electric energy that should be supplied to the atomizing section111R.

Instead of the above construction, electric power to be supplied to the atomizing section111R may be calculated based on a relational expression by which relationship between the amount of the aerosol generated in the atomizing section111R and electric energy supplied to the atomizing section111R is derived. The above matter will be explained in the following description.

Regarding the case that the atomizing section111R comprises a resistance heating element, the inventors et al. found as a result of diligent study that there is linear relationship between electric energy E supplied to the atomizing section111R and amounts A of aerosol generated in the atomizing section111R, and that such linear relationship is different from one atomizing section111R to another (refer toFIG. 5). InFIG. 5, the vertical axis represents the amounts A of aerosol (mg/puff), and the horizontal axis represents electric energy E (J/puff). The amounts A of aerosol generated in the atomizing section111R and the electric energy E supplied to the atomizing section111R have linear relationship in a range from a lower-limit electric energy EMINto an upper-limit electric energy EMAX.

The linear relationship is represented by “A=a*E+b.” In the above expression, “A” represents the amount of aerosol generated in the atomizing section per a single puff action. “E” represents the electric energy supplied to the atomizing section111R per a single puff action. “a” and “b” represent characteristic parameters of the atomizing unit111. The characteristic parameters of the atomizing unit111depend on the composition of the wick111Q, the composition of the atomizing section111R, the composition of the aerosol source, the structure of the atomizing unit111(the wick111Q and the resistance heating element111R), and so on. Thus, the characteristic parameters “a” and “b” are different from one atomizing unit111to another. Also, regarding the parameters EMINand EMAX, since they are different from one atomizing unit111to another, it is possible to consider that they are characteristic parameters of the atomizing unit111.

It is preferable that the characteristic parameters “a” and “b” be stored, in advance, in the information source111M positioned in the atomizing unit111. In such a case, the control section51can determine the target amount ATof the aerosol by obtaining the characteristic parameters “a” and “b” from the information source111M and the flow rate ratio β from the information source134M.

The control section51can calculate, based on a relational expression “A=a*E+b,” a target amount ETof electric energy that is required for generating the target amount ATof the aerosol. That is, in the case that values of the characteristic parameters “a” and “b” have been known, the control section51can calculate the target amount ETof electric energy by use of the target amount ATof the aerosol in such a manner that a relational expression “ET=(AT−b)/a” is satisfied. Regarding the target amount ATof the aerosol, explanation thereof is the same as the above explanation.

Thus, in the case that the target amount ATof the aerosol is determined based on the reference amount ARof aerosol and the flow rate ratio β and by use of a relational expression “AT=AR/β,” the control section51can calculate the target amount ETof electric energy by use of the target amount ATof the aerosol in such a manner that a relational expression “ET=(AR/β−b)/a” is satisfied. Note that, in the case that the value of |b| is sufficiently smaller than the value of |AR/β|, approximation of b=0 in the above relational expression may be possible.

Note that the information source111M positioned in the atomizing unit111may store values of the parameters “a” and “b.” Then, the control section51can obtain the values of the parameters “a” and “b” via the information source111M.

Also, the information source111M may further store values of the parameters EMINand EMAX. In this regard, in the case that the atomizing section111R comprises a resistance heating element, the electric energy E is affected by a voltage VSapplied to the atomizing section111R and the length of time T of application of the voltage VS. Thus, EMINand EMAXmay be specified by use of the voltage VSand application time TMINand TMAX. That is, the above-explained information source111M may store the voltage VSand the application time TMINand TMAX, instead of the parameters EMINand EMAX. Note that the voltage VSis a parameter used for replacing EMINand EMAXwith TMINand TMAX, and may be a constant value. In the case that the voltage VSis a constant value, the voltage VSmay not be stored in the information source111M. In the embodiment, the voltage VScorresponds to a reference voltage value VCthat will be explained later, and the information source111M stores the parameters TMINand TMAX.

The control section51may control the atomizing section111R in such a manner that the electric energy E(T) per a single puff action does not exceeds EMAX(TMAX). Specifically, for example, in the case that the electric energy E (T) has reached EMAX(TMAX), the control section51terminates supply of electric power to the resistance heating element111R.

In the case that the electric energy supplied to the atomizing section111R is represented by E, the value of the output voltage of the battery40is represented by V, the length of time that the voltage is applied to the atomizing section is represented by T, and the value of the electric resistance of the atomizing section (the resistance heating element)111R is represented by R, a relational expression “E=(V2/R)*T” is satisfied. Thus, the control section51can calculate, from the target amount ETof electric energy required for generating the target amount ATof aerosol and by use of a relational expression “ET=(V2/R)*T,” the value V of the output voltage of the battery40and the length of time T that the voltage is applied to the atomizing section. Note that, as explained above, the target amount ETof electric energy can be determined based on the target amount ATof aerosol. The output voltage value that is required for generating the target amount ATof aerosol and the length of time that the output voltage having the above value should be applied to the atomizing section can be calculated by use of the relational expression “ET=(V2/R)*T.”

Note that V and T are values that are detectable by the control section51, and R is a value that is obtainable by the control section51by reading it from the information source111M. That is, it is preferable that the information source111M store the electric resistance value R of the atomizing section (the resistance heating element)111R. Note that R may be estimated by the control section51.

Thus, the control section51performs control in such a manner that electric power is supplied to the atomizing section111R according to the output voltage value and the application time that are calculated as explained above. As a result thereof, the above-explained target amount ATof aerosol can be generated in the atomizing section111R.

In the case that a user performs plural puff actions, the control section51may supply electric power, that is determined based on the same voltage value and the same application time, to the atomizing section111R during each puff action in the plural puff actions, for example. Instead, in the case that it is assumed that voltage drop of the battery40relating to increase in the number of times of puff actions (the number of times of puffs) occurs as shown inFIG. 6, it is preferable that the control section51correct the output voltage value of the battery40and the application time according to the number of times of puffs, for suppressing reduction, that is due to voltage drop of the battery40, of electric power supplied to the atomizing section. Regarding the above case, if the electric energy supplied to the atomizing section111R is represented by E, the value of the output voltage of the battery40is represented by V, the length of time that the voltage is applied to the atomizing section is represented by T, and the value of the electric resistance of the atomizing section (the resistance heating element)111R is represented by R, a relational expression “E=D*(V2/R)*T” is generally satisfied (refer toFIG. 6). In the above expression, D is a correction term relating to the voltage drop.

Specifically, the correction term D is calculated based on the output voltage value VAof the battery40and the reference voltage value VCof the battery. The reference voltage value VCis a value that is predetermined in accordance with the type of the battery40and so on, and is higher than at least the cut-off voltage of the battery40. In the case that the battery40is a lithium-ion battery, the reference voltage value VCmay be set to 3.2V.

In detail, as shown inFIG. 6, the output voltage value VAof the battery40decreases as the number of times of puffs increases. Thus, in the case that correction by use of the correction term D is not performed, the electric energy E supplied to the atomizing section decreases as the number of times of puffs increases (refer to the dot-dash-line inFIG. 6). As a result, the amount A of the aerosol generated per a single puff increases as the number of times of puffs increases.

For solving the above problem, the control section51sets the correction term D by use of a formula “D=VC/VA.” By introducing such a correction term, reduction of the electric energy E supplied to the atomizing section111R, when the output voltage value VAof the battery is decreased, can be mitigated. Preferably, the control section51sets the correction term D by use of a formula “D=VC2/VA2.” By introducing such a correction term, reduction of the electric energy E supplied to the atomizing section111R, when the output voltage value VAof the battery is decreased, can be further mitigated.

In view of the above-explained voltage drop of the battery40, the control section51can calculate the value V of voltage that should be applied to the atomizing section111R and the application time T, from the target amount ETof the electric energy required for generating the target amount ATof the aerosol and based on a relational expression “ET=D*(V2/R)*T.” Note that the target amount ETof the electric energy can be determined based on the target amount ATof the aerosol as explained above. By determining the voltage value V and the application time T based on the above relational expression and the target amount ETof the electric energy supplied to the atomizing section111R, the amount of the aerosol generated per a single puff action can be equalized even in the case that voltage drop has occurred in the battery40, while taking the target amount ATof the aerosol, i.e., the correction value relating to the flow rate ration β, into consideration.

In this regard, adjustment of the electric energy to be supplied to the atomizing section111R is made by performing adjustment of the absolute value of the voltage applied to the resistance heating element111R, or adjustment of the application time of the voltage applied to the resistance heating element111R (i.e., the pulse width and the pulse interval), or a combination of the above two types of adjustment. Note that correction of the absolute value of the value of the voltage applied to the atomizing section111R is realized by use of a DC/AC converter. The DC/AC converter may be a step-down converter, or may be a step-up converter.

Note that the control section may also be able to estimate the amount of the aerosol generated in the atomizing section111R, from the amount of electric energy suppled to the atomizing section111R or from the applied voltage and the application time, and based on the relational expression “A=a*E+b” and the expression “E=(V2/R)*T” or “E=D*(V2/R)*T.”

In this regard, the amount of the aerosol generated per a single puff action is substantially equal to the amount of the aerosol source consumed per a single puff action. Thus, the control section51may also be able to estimate the consumed amount of the aerosol source, from the amount of electric energy suppled to the atomizing section111R or from the applied voltage and the application time, and based on the relational expression “A=a*E+b” and the expression “E=(V2/R)*T” or “E=D*(V2/R)*T.”

Control of the Atomizing Section During Puff Action

FIG. 7is a flow chart showing operation of the atomizing section that is performed when electric power is supplied to the atomizing section111R, i.e., when puff action is performed. The control section51calculates an accumulated value of amounts of aerosol generated in the atomizing section111R during puff action (step S702). As explained above, the amount of the generated aerosol can be estimated based on the amount of electric energy supplied to the atomizing section51. That is, the amount of the aerosol generated in the atomizing section111R per a single puff action can be estimated, for example, by use of the relational expression “A=a*E+b,” specifically, “E=(V2/R)*T,” more specifically, “E=D*(V2/R)*T.”

The control section51observes, over time, the electric energy (=electric power*conduction time) supplied from the battery40to the atomizing section111R, and successively adds the amounts of the generated aerosol that are estimated based on the electric energy. Thus, the control section51can obtain, in an estimate manner, the accumulated value of the amounts of the aerosol generated in the atomizing section111R.

The control section51calculates an accumulated value of amounts of the aerosol passed through the first branched flow path140A (step S704). The amount of the aerosol passed through the first branched flow path110A can be calculated based on the estimated value of the amount of the aerosol generated in the atomizing section111R and the flow rate ratio β. The control section51may calculate an accumulated value of amounts of the aerosol passed through the second branched flow path140B in a manner similar to that explained above. Note that step S704is optional, and it may be omitted.

The control section51judges whether the accumulated value of the amounts of the aerosol generated in the atomizing section111R exceeds a first threshold value (step S706). If the accumulated value of the amounts of the aerosol exceeds the first threshold value, the process proceeds to step S708that will be explained later, and, if not, the process returns to previous step S702.

In above step704, in the case that an accumulated value of the amounts of the aerosol passed through the first branched flow path140A is calculated, the control section51may be constructed in such a manner that it judges whether the accumulated value of the amounts of the aerosol passed through the first branched flow path140A exceeds a predetermined threshold value that corresponds to the above first threshold value, instead of judging whether the accumulated value of the amounts of the aerosol generated in the atomizing section111R exceeds the first threshold value.

The judgment in step S706may be performed at any of timing 1) after a single puff action is completed, 2) during a predetermined time lag that is between a point in time when a puff action is detected by the inhaling sensor50and a point in time when atomizing of aerosol is started, or 3) during puff action (during a period of electric conduction to the atomizing section111R), for example.

In step S708, the control section51changes the amount of aerosol generated in the atomizing section51. Specifically, the control section51controls the atomizing section111R in such a manner that the amount of aerosol passing through the first branched flow path140A increases. Ability of the flavor source132to release flavor components may be degraded gradually due to flow of aerosol passing through it. For compensating for lowering of the amount of the flavor components released from the flavor source132, the control section51performs control for increasing the amount of the aerosol passing through the first branched flow path140A when the accumulated value of the aerosol passing through the first branched flow path140A exceeds the predetermined first threshold value. In such a case, the first threshold value used in judgment performed in step S706corresponds to an accumulated amount of aerosol that is sufficient for consuming a certain amount of the flavor components from the flavor source132. As a result of control such as that explained above, the flavor inhaler100can suppress effect due to consumption of the flavor source132, and equalize the amounts of flavor components supplied to a user for a long period.

In step S710, the control section51judges whether the accumulated value of the amounts of the aerosol generated in the atomizing section111R exceeds a second threshold value. If the accumulated value of the amounts of the generated aerosol exceeds the second threshold value, the process proceeds to step S712, and, if not, the process returns to first step S702. The second threshold value is a value larger than the above first threshold value. In the case that an accumulated value of the amounts of the aerosol passed through the first branched flow path140A is calculated in step S704, the control section51may be constructed in such a manner that it judges whether the accumulated value of the amounts of the aerosol passed through the first branched flow path140A exceeds a predetermined threshold value that corresponds to the above second threshold value, instead of judging whether the accumulated value of the amounts of the aerosol generated in the atomizing section111R exceeds the second threshold value.

In step S712, the control section51performs control to stop supply of electric power to the atomizing section111R. As a result thereof, the flavor inhaler100can prevent supply of an excessive amount of flavor to a user. Also, it is possible to automatically stop the flavor inhaler100, when the ability to release flavor components in the flavor source is remarkably degraded.

In a manner similar to that in above step S706, the judgment in above step S710may be performed at any of timing 1) after a single puff action is completed, 2) during a predetermined time lag that is between a point in time when puff action is detected by the inhaling sensor50and a point in time when atomizing of aerosol is started, or 3) during puff action (during a period of electric conduction to the atomizing section111R), for example.

In the case that judgment in step S710is performed at timing after a single puff action is completed, an unnatural feel sensed by a user can be suppressed, since the control performed in step S712does not interrupt atomizing of the aerosol during puff action of the user.

Note that the order of the judgment process in step S706and the control process in step S708following step S706, and the judgment process in step S710and the control process in step S712following step S710may be changed between them and performed in the changed order.

Second Embodiment

In the following description, a second embodiment will be explained. In the following description, difference from the first embodiment will be explained.

A reference amount ARof aerosol is a amount of aerosol to be generated in the atomizing section111R, and is defined by a pre-designed amount. More specifically, in the second embodiment, the reference amount ARof the aerosol is defined by a value that is obtained by dividing, by a pre-designed value β′, a designed value of a amount of the aerosol that should be passed through the first branched flow path140A when a flow rate ratio coincides with the pre-designed value β′. In other words, the reference amount ARof the aerosol is made to be equal to the amount of the aerosol generated in the atomizing section111R, so as to make the value of the amount of the aerosol to be passed though the first branched flow path140A becomes the above designed value when a flavor unit130and/or an atomizing unit111having a flow rate ratio β equal to the pre-designed value β′ are/is used.

A target amount ATof the aerosol is calculated based on the reference amount ARof the aerosol and the flow rate ratio β. In a tangible example, in the case that the flow rate ratio β is larger than a pre-designed value β′, the target amount ATof the aerosol is set to be smaller than a target amount of the aerosol in the case that the flow rate ratio coincides with the pre-designed value β′; and, in the case that the flow rate ratio β is smaller than the pre-designed value β′, the target amount ATof the aerosol is set to be larger than the target amount of the aerosol in the case that the flow rate ratio coincides with the pre-designed value β′.

In a tangible example, the target amount ATof the aerosol is set to a value that is obtained by dividing, by the flow rate ratio β, a product of the reference amount ARof the aerosol and the pre-designed value β′ of the flow rate ratio (i.e., AT=AR*(β′/β). In such a case, the target amount ATof the aerosol is determined in such a manner that the amount of the aerosol flowing through the first branched flow path140A per a single puff action is made to be constant regardless of the flow rate ratio β.

The control section51controls the atomizing section111R in such as manner that the amount of the aerosol generated in the atomizing section111R is made to be equal to the target amount ATof the aerosol.

Control of Electric Power Supplied to the Atomizing Section

Similar to the manner in the first embodiment, the control section51can calculate, based on a relational expression “ET=(AT−b)/a,” a target amount ETof electric energy that is required for generating the target amount ATof the aerosol. That is, in the case that values of the characteristic parameters “a” and “b” have been known, the control section51can calculate the target amount ETof electric energy by use of the target amount ATof the aerosol in such a manner that a relational expression “ET=(AT−b)/a” is satisfied. Note that, regarding the parameters “a” and “b,” explanation thereof is the same as the above explanation.

Thus, in the case that the target amount ATof the aerosol is determined based on the reference amount ARof aerosol and the flow rate ratio β and by use of a relational expression “AT=AR*β′/β,” the control section51can calculate the target amount ETof electric energy by use of the target amount ATof the aerosol in such a manner that a relational expression “ET=((AR*β′/β)−b)/a” is satisfied. Except for change in the form of the mathematical formula for representing the target amount ETof electric energy, control of electric power for the atomizing section111R is performed in a manner similar to that in the first embodiment.

Third Embodiment

In the following description, a third embodiment will be explained. In the following description, difference from the first embodiment will be explained.

In the first embodiment, the information source134M in the flavor source130stores values relating to the flow rate ratio β. On the other hand, in the third embodiment, the information source134M stores identification information associated with values relating to the flow rate ratio β.

Also, in the first embodiment, the information source111M in the atomizing unit111stores characteristic parameters (a, b, TMIN, TMAX) of the atomizing unit111, an electric resistance value (R) of the atomizing section (the resistance heating element)111R, and so on. On the other hand, in the third embodiment, the information source111stores identification information associated with the above pieces of information.

Configuration Represented by Blocks

In the following description, a block configuration of a flavor inhaler according to the second embodiment will be explained.FIG. 8shows a block configuration of a flavor inhaler100according to the second embodiment. Note that, inFIG. 8, symbols similar to those shown inFIG. 3are assigned to constructions similar to those shown inFIG. 3.

InFIG. 8, a communication terminal200is a terminal which has a function for communicating with a server300. The communication terminal200comprises, for example, a personal computer, a smartphone, a tablet, or the like.

The server300comprises an external storage medium for storing values relating to the flow rate ratio β. The server300may further store characteristic parameters (a, b, TMIN, TMAX) of the atomizing unit111, an electric resistance value (R) of the resistance heating element111R, and so on. Further, as explained above, the information sources134M and111M store identification information associated with the above pieces of information.

As shown inFIG. 8, a control section51has a function for directly or indirectly accessing the server300via an external access section53. InFIG. 8, a function by which the external access section52accesses the server300via the communication terminal200is shown as an example. In such a case, the external access section53may comprise, for example, a module for wired connection with the communication terminal200(for example, a USB port), or a module for wireless connection with the communication terminal200(for example, a Bluetooth (R) module or a NFC (Near Field Communication) module).

In this regard, the external access section53may has a function for directly communicating with the server300. In such a case, the external access section53may comprise a wireless LAN module.

The communication terminal200reads identification information from the information sources111M and/or134M, and uses the read identification information for obtaining, from the server300, information associated with the identification information, i.e., a value relating to a flow rate ratio β, characteristic parameters (a, b, TMIN, TMAX) of the atomizing unit111, an electric resistance value (R) of the resistance heating element111R, and so on. The value relating to the flow rate ratio β, the characteristic parameters (a, b, TMIN, TMAX) of the atomizing unit111, the electric resistance value (R) of the resistance heating element111R, and so on are sent from the communication terminal200to the control section51via the external access section53.

The control section51can perform control of electric power supplied to the atomizing unit111in a manner explained above, based on the value relating to the flow rate ratio β, the characteristic parameters of the atomizing unit111, and so on obtained from the server300via the communication terminal200.

In the second embodiment, each of the information sources111M and134M comprises a memory. Meanwhile, an information source may comprise a barcode or an identification label that the atomizing unit111or the flavor unit130is provided with. Also, such a barcode or an identification label may be that given on an outside surface of the atomizing unit111or the flavor unit130, on an operating manual packed with the atomizing unit111or the flavor unit130, and/or on a box in which the atomizing unit111or the flavor unit130is packed, for example.

In the above case, the communication terminal200inputs identification information such as the barcode or the identification label or reading the identification information to thereby obtain information associated with the identification information, i.e., obtain the flow rate ratio β, the characteristic parameters (a, b, TMIN, TMAX) of the atomizing unit111, the electric resistance value (R) of the resistance heating element111R, and so on, from the server300. The information obtained by the communication terminal200is sent to the control section51via the external access section53.

In the case of the flavor inhaler according to the second embodiment, the control section51can obtain a correction value via the information source134M, under the state that the flavor unit130is not attached to the atomizing unit111, or the state that the cartridge comprising the flavor unit130and the atomizing unit111is not attached to the battery unit112. In this regard, the control section51may be able to obtain a correction value, under the state that the flavor unit130is attached to the atomizing unit111, or the state that the cartridge comprising the flavor unit130and the atomizing unit111is attached to the battery unit112.

Calculation of the target amount ATof the aerosol may be performed right after obtaining the correction value, or at predetermined timing after obtaining the correction value. Regarding the predetermined timing at when calculation of the target amount ATof the aerosol is performed, explanation thereof is the same as that provided in the explanation of the first embodiment.

Although the embodiments of the present invention have been explained in the above description, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments, and the embodiments can be modified in various ways without departing from the scope of the gist of the present invention.