Patent Description:
A non-combustion-type aerosol generation device, which is used in place of a prior-art combustion-type cigarette, for sucking aerosol generated by atomizing an aerosol forming base-material (a smoking article) by a heater has been known (Patent Literature <NUM> and Patent Literature <NUM>).

Patent Literature <NUM> discloses an aerosol generation device which comprises a smoking article comprising a solid aerosol forming base-material, and a blade-type heater that is to be inserted in the aerosol forming base-material when it is used. The heater heats the aerosol forming base-material from the inside thereof.

Patent Literature <NUM> discloses an aerosol generation device which comprises a smoking article comprising a solid aerosol forming base-material, and a cylinder-type heater that is to be positioned in an outer periphery part of the aerosol forming base-material when it is used. The heater heats the aerosol forming base-material from the outer periphery side.

Unlike a prior-art combustion-type cigarette, change in appearance corresponding to a suction action by a user is small in each of the aerosol generation devices disclosed in Patent Literature <NUM> and Patent Literature <NUM>, so that there is a case that it is difficult for a user to intuitively understand the stage, in a suction allowable period, that the user is presently in.

<CIT> relates to an apparatus to heat smokable material to volatilise at least one component of the smokable material. In one exemplary embodiment, the apparatus has a housing and a plurality of heater segments longitudinally arranged within the housing for heating smokable material contained within the apparatus. At least one heater segment is arranged so as to heat smokable material contained within the at least one heater segment more quickly than at least one other heater segment heats smokable material contained within the at least one other heater segment.

The object is achieved by the subject matter of the independent claims. Advantageous embodiments are defined by the dependent claims.

In the following description, embodiments 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. It should be reminded that the figures are drawn in a schematic manner, so that ratios between respective sizes and so on may be different from actual ratios and so on.

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

In the case of a prior-art combustion-type cigarette, a user can easily recognize a specific stage, i.e., one of an initial period, an intermediate period, and a final period of a suction allowable period, that the user is presently in, by visually recognizing a position of the cigarette where the cigarette is burning. However, in many aerosol generation devices, it is not possible to visually check a state of heating of a smoking article, since the most part of the smoking article is hidden in the inside of a heater or other members.

The delivery profile of main aerosol components described in Patent Literature <NUM> exhibits increase in an initial period of operation of a heater, and, thereafter, maintains the delivery profile in a constant state until the heater is stopped. Thus, it is difficult for a user to intuitively feel, based on sensation felt when performing suction action, a specific period, i.e., one of an initial period, an intermediate period, and a final period of a suction allowable period, that the user is presently in.

In a present embodiment, a heater, which is constructed to be able to heat an outer periphery of a smoking article comprising an aerosol source, is controlled in such a manner that a delivery profile of aerosol in a predetermined suction allowable period comprises one or plural maximum values in a period between a start point and an end point in the suction allowable period.

That is, the delivery profile of aerosol increases first, has a maximum value thereafter, and decreases thereafter. Thus, a user can recognize a specific period, i.e., one of an initial period, an intermediate period, and a final period of a suction allowable period, that the user is presently in, based on sensation felt when sucking aerosol.

In the following description, a flavor inhaler according to an embodiment will be explained. <FIG> is a figure showing a flavor inhaler according to an embodiment. <FIG> is a figure showing the flavor inhaler in which a smoking article is inserted. <FIG> is a figure showing an internal construction of the flavor inhaler shown in <FIG>. <FIG> is a figure showing an internal construction of the smoking article shown in <FIG>. <FIG> is a block diagram of the flavor inhaler.

The flavor inhaler <NUM> may be a non-combustion-type flavor inhaler for generating, without a combustion process, aerosol from a smoking article. Specifically, the flavor inhaler <NUM> may be a portable device.

The flavor inhaler <NUM> comprises a smoking article <NUM> including an aerosol source, and an aerosol generation device <NUM> for generating aerosol from the smoking article <NUM>.

The smoking article <NUM> is an exchangeable cartridge which may include an aerosol source and a flavor source, and has a column shape extending in a longitudinal direction. The smoking article <NUM> may be constructed to generates aerosol and flavor components when it is heated in the state that it is inserted in the aerosol generation device <NUM>.

In the embodiment shown in <FIG>, the smoking article <NUM> comprises a base material part 11A, which comprises a filling article <NUM> and first rolling paper <NUM> by which the filling article <NUM> is wound, and a suction opening part 11B which forms an end part opposite to the base material part 11A. The base material part 11A and the suction opening part 11B are connected by second rolling paper <NUM> which is different from the first rolling paper <NUM>. In this regard, it is possible to connect the base material part 11A and the suction opening part 11B by using the first rolling paper <NUM>, i.e., by omitting the second rolling paper <NUM>.

The suction opening part 11B in <FIG> comprises a paper tube part <NUM>, a filter part <NUM>, a hollow segment part <NUM> positioned between the paper tube part <NUM> and the filter part <NUM>. For example, the hollow segment part <NUM> comprises a filling layer including one or plural hollow channels, and a plug wrapper for covering the filling layer. Since the density of filled fibers in the filling layer is high, air and aerosol flows through the hollow channel only, and almost no air and aerosol flows through the filling layer, when suction action is performed. Regarding the flavor generation article <NUM>, if it is desired to lower a decrease in the quantity of the aerosol components due to filtering in the filter part <NUM>, it is effective to shorten the length of the filter part <NUM> and replace that part by the hollow segment part <NUM>, for increasing the quantity of delivery of the aerosol.

The suction opening part 11B in <FIG> is constructed by using three segments; however, in the present embodiment, the suction opening part 11B may be constructed by using one or two segments, or may be constructed by using four or more segments. For example, it is possible to omit the hollow segment part <NUM>, and form the suction opening part 11B by arranging the paper tube part <NUM> and the filter part <NUM> adjacent to each other.

In the embodiment shown in <FIG>, regarding the length in the longitudinal direction of the smoking article <NUM>, it is preferable to set it to <NUM>-<NUM>, more preferable to set it to <NUM>-<NUM>, and still more preferably to set it to <NUM>-<NUM>. Regarding the circumference of the smoking article <NUM>, it is preferable to set it to <NUM>-<NUM>, more preferable to set it to <NUM>-<NUM>, and still more preferably to set it to <NUM>-<NUM>. Further, in the longitudinal direction of the smoking article <NUM>, the length of the base material part 11A may be <NUM>, the length of the first rolling paper <NUM> may be <NUM>, the length of the hollow segment part <NUM> may be <NUM>, and the length of the filter part <NUM> may be <NUM>; however, the length of each of the above segments may be changed appropriately, according to suitability to manufacture, required quality, and so on.

In the present embodiment, the filling article <NUM> in the smoking article <NUM> may comprise an aerosol source which generates aerosol when heat of predetermined temperature is applied thereto. The kind of the aerosol source is not specifically limited, and extracted material and/or components thereof, that are obtained from various natural products, may be selected as an aerosol source according to a use. Glycerin, propylene glycol, triacetin, <NUM>,<NUM>-butanediol, and a mixture thereof, for example, can be listed as aerosol sources. The aerosol source content of the filling article <NUM> is not specifically limited; and, in view of generation of sufficient quantity of aerosol and satisfactory addition of fragrance inhaling taste, the aerosol source content is usually equal to or greater than <NUM> weight percent, and, preferably, equal to or greater than <NUM> weight percent, and is usually equal to or less than <NUM> weight percent, and, preferably, equal to or less than <NUM> weight percent.

The filling article <NUM> in the smoking article <NUM> in the present embodiment may comprise shredded tobacco as a flavor source. The material of shredded tobacco is not specifically limited, and publicly known material such as a lamina, a stem, and so on may be used as the material. The range of the content of the filling article <NUM> in the smoking article <NUM>, in the case that the circumference is <NUM> and the length is <NUM>, is, for example, <NUM>-<NUM>, and, preferably, <NUM>-<NUM>. The water content of the filling article <NUM> is, for example, <NUM>-<NUM> weight percent, and, preferably, <NUM>-<NUM> weight percent. In the case that the water content is that explained above, occurrence of staining at the time of rolling is suppressed, and suitability to rolling at the time of manufacture of the base part 11A is made satisfactory. There is no special limitation with respect to the size, the preparation method, and so on of the shredded tobacco used as the filling article <NUM>. For example, dried tobacco leaves cut into pieces, each having the width of <NUM>-<NUM>, may be used. Alternatively, dried tobacco leaves are crushed and uniformized to become particles, regarding which the average particle size is <NUM>-<NUM>, and the particles are processed to become a sheet, and the sheet cut into pieces, each having the width of <NUM>-<NUM>, may be used. Further, the above sheet formed via the sheet process may be processed to gather it, and the gathered sheet may be used as the filling article <NUM>. Further, the filling article <NUM> may comprise one kind or two or more kinds of flavors. The kinds of flavors are not specifically limited; however, in view of provision of satisfactory smoke flavor, a flavor is menthol, preferably.

In the present embodiment, each sheet of the first and second rolling paper <NUM> and <NUM> may be constructed by use of base paper which has the basis weight of, for example, <NUM>-<NUM> gsm, and, preferably, <NUM>-<NUM> gsm. The thickness of each sheet of the first and second rolling paper <NUM> and <NUM> is not specifically limited; however, in view of rigidness, gas permeability, and easiness of adjustment at the time of paper manufacture, the thickness is set to <NUM>-<NUM>, and, preferably, set to <NUM>-<NUM>, and, more preferably, set to <NUM>-<NUM>.

In the present embodiment, filler may be included in the rolling paper <NUM> and <NUM> in the filling article <NUM>. The filler content may be equal to or greater than <NUM> weight percent and less than <NUM> weight percent, and, preferably, <NUM>-<NUM> weigh percent, with respect to the total weight of the rolling paper <NUM> and <NUM>. In the present embodiment, it is preferable that the filler be <NUM>-<NUM> weight percent, with respect to a preferable range of basis weight (<NUM>-<NUM> gsm). For example, calcium carbonate, titanium dioxide, kaolin, and so on may be used as filler. Paper including filler such as that explained above presents a white color that is preferable in view of appearance of paper used as rolling paper of the smoking article <NUM>, and is able to keep its whiteness permanently. By including a large quantity of filler such as that explained above, the ISO whiteness of rolling paper can be raised to <NUM> % or more, for example. Further, in view of practicality in terms of use of it as rolling paper in the smoking article <NUM>, it is preferable that the rolling paper <NUM> and <NUM> have the tensile strength of 8N/<NUM> or more. The tensile strength can be increased by reducing the filler content. Specifically, the tensile strength can be increased by reducing the filler content to that less than the upper limit of the filler content that has been shown with respect to each range of the basis weight illustrated in the above description.

Here, <FIG> is referred to; and the aerosol generation device <NUM> comprises an insertion hole <NUM> to which the smoking article <NUM> can be inserted. That is, the aerosol generation device <NUM> comprises an inner-side cylindrical member <NUM> which is a component of the insertion hole <NUM>. The inner-side cylindrical member <NUM> may be constructed by a thermal conduction component such as aluminum, stainless steel (SUS), or the like, for example.

Further, the aerosol generation device <NUM> may comprise a lid part <NUM> for covering the insertion hole <NUM>. The lid part <NUM> may be constructed to be able to slide between a state that the insertion hole <NUM> is closed (refer to <FIG>) and a state that the insertion hole <NUM> is exposed (refer to <FIG>).

The aerosol generation device <NUM> may comprise an air flow path <NUM> which communicates with the insertion hole <NUM>. An end of the air flow path <NUM> is connected to the insertion hole <NUM>, and the other end of the air flow path <NUM> communicates with the outside (the air outside) of the aerosol generation device <NUM> via a part different from the insertion hole <NUM>.

The aerosol generation device <NUM> may comprise a lid part <NUM> for covering an end of the air flow path <NUM> on a side where the air flow path <NUM> communicates with the outside air. The lid part <NUM> may be brought to a state that the end on the outside air communicating side of the air flow path <NUM> is covered thereby, and a state that the air flow path <NUM> is exposed.

The lid part <NUM> does not block the air flow path <NUM> airtightly, even in the state that it covers the air flow path <NUM>. That is, it is constructed that, even in the state that the air flow path <NUM> is being covered by the lid part <NUM>, the outside air is allowed to flow into the air flow path <NUM> via a part near the lid part <NUM>.

In the state that the smoking article <NUM> is being inserted in the flavor inhaler <NUM>, a user holds an end part of the smoking article <NUM>, specifically, the suction opening part 11B in <FIG>, in the user's mouth and performs a suction action. As a result of the suction action by the user, the outside air flows into the air flow path <NUM>. The air flown into the air flow path <NUM> is guided to the inside of the mouth of the user via the smoking article <NUM> in the insertion hole <NUM>.

In the state that the insertion hole <NUM> is not covered by the lid part <NUM> and the smoking article <NUM> is not inserted therein, i.e., in the state that the inner space of the inner-side cylindrical member <NUM> and the air flow path <NUM> are exposed, a user is allowed to clean the inside of the air flow path <NUM> in the inner-side cylindrical member <NUM> by using a cleaning device such as a brush. The above cleaning device may be inserted from the side of the top lid part <NUM> in <FIG> to the inside of the air flow path <NUM>, or may be inserted from the side of the bottom lid part <NUM> to the inside of the air flow path <NUM>.

The aerosol generation device <NUM> may be provided with a temperature sensor in the air flow path <NUM> or on a wall part which is a component of the air flow path <NUM>. The temperature sensor may be a thermistor, a thermocouple, or the like, for example. When a user has performed a suction action via the suction opening part 11B of the smoking article <NUM>, the temperature of the inside of the air flow path <NUM> or the temperature of the wall part which is a component of the air flow path <NUM> decreases, due to effect of air flowing through the air flow path <NUM> in the direction from the side of the lid part <NUM> to the side of the heater <NUM>. The temperature sensor detects an inhalation action of a user by measuring the decrease in the temperature.

The aerosol generation device <NUM> comprises a battery <NUM>, a control unit <NUM>, and a heater <NUM>. The battery stores electric power that is to be used in the aerosol generation device <NUM>. The battery <NUM> may be a chargeable/dischargeable secondary battery. The battery may be a lithium-ion battery, for example.

The heater <NUM> may be installed in a position around the inner-side cylindrical member <NUM>. The space in which the heater <NUM> is housed and the space in which the battery <NUM> is housed may be separated by a partition wall <NUM>. In the above case, it is possible to suppress the air heated by the heater from entering the space for housing the battery <NUM>. Thus, increase in temperature of the battery <NUM> can be suppressed.

It is preferable that the heater <NUM> have a cylindrical shape that make it possible to heat the periphery of the column-shape smoking article <NUM>. The heater <NUM> may be a film heater, for example. The film heater may comprise a pair of film-shape substrates and a resistance heating element positioned between the pair of film-shape substrates. It is preferable that the film-shape substrate be constructed by use of material having excellent heat resistance and electric insulation, and, typically, the film-shape substrate is constructed by using polyimide. It is preferable that the resistance heating element be constructed by use of one or two or more of copper, nickel alloy, chromium alloy, stainless steel, platinum-rhodium, and so on, and the resistance heating element may be formed by using stainless-steel base material, for example. Further, for connection to an electric power source via a flexible printed circuit (FPC), connection parts and lead parts thereof of the resistance heating element may be copper plated.

<FIG> is a schematic enlarged view of the region 5R in <FIG>, and a cross-section view of the heater <NUM> and parts around it. In the example shown in <FIG>, the heater <NUM> is the above-explained film heater, and is wound around the periphery of the inner-side cylindrical member <NUM> which can accept the smoking article <NUM>. That is, the heater <NUM> is wound in such a manner that it forms a cylinder shape surrounding the inner-side cylindrical member <NUM>. As a result, the heater <NUM> surrounds the outer periphery of the smoking article, and can heat the smoking article <NUM> from the outside thereof.

Preferably, a heat-shrinkable tube <NUM> may be installed on the outer side of the heater <NUM>. In other words, it is preferable that the heater <NUM> be installed in the heat-shrinkable tube <NUM>. The heat-shrinkable tube <NUM> is a tube <NUM> which shrinks in a radius direction when heat is applied, and may be constructed by use of thermoplastic elastomer, for example. As a result of effect of shrinking of the heat-shrinkable tube <NUM>, the heater <NUM> is pushed to the inner-side cylindrical member <NUM>. As a result, adhesion between the heater <NUM> and the inner-side cylindrical member <NUM> is enhanced, so that heat conductivity from the heater <NUM> to the smoking article <NUM> via the inner-side cylindrical member <NUM> is improved.

The aerosol generation device <NUM> may comprise a heat insulating material <NUM> having a cylindrical shape, on the outer side in the radius direction of the heater <NUM>, preferably, on the outer side of the heat-shrinkable tube <NUM>. It is preferable that the heat insulating material <NUM> be positioned to surround the outer periphery of the heater <NUM>. The heat insulating material <NUM> may fulfill a role to prevent the temperature of the outer surface of the housing of the aerosol generation device <NUM> from reaching excessively high temperature, by blocking the heat from the heater <NUM>. The heat insulating material <NUM> may be constructed by using aerogel, such as silica aerogel, carbon aerogel, alumina aerogel, or the like, for example. For example, the aerogel used as the heat insulating material <NUM> may be silica aerogel which has a high heat insulation property and can be manufactured by spending a relatively low cost. In this regard, the heat insulating material <NUM> may be fiber-type heat insulating material such as glass wool, rock wool, or the like, or may be a foam-type heat insulating material such as urethane foam or phenol foam. Alternatively, the heat insulating material <NUM> may be a vacuum insulating material.

The insulating material <NUM> may be installed in a position between the inner-side cylindrical member <NUM> facing the smoking article <NUM> and an outer-side cylindrical member <NUM> on the outer side of the insulating material <NUM>. The outer-side cylindrical member <NUM> may be constructed by using a heat conducting member which comprises aluminum or stainless steel (SUS), for example. It is preferable that the insulating material <NUM> be installed in a closed space.

<FIG> is a figure schematically showing positional relationship, in an axis-line direction, between the base part 11A in the smoking article <NUM> and the heater <NUM> and the inner-side cylindrical member <NUM> in the aerosol generation device <NUM>, in the flavor inhaler <NUM>. The axis-line in the present case means the center axis of the insertion hole <NUM> in the aerosol generation device <NUM>, and, when the smoking article <NUM> is inserted in the insertion hole <NUM>, the axis-line and the center axis of the smoking article <NUM> partially overlap with each other (refer to <FIG>, also).

The length D0 of the heater <NUM> in the axis-line direction can be set to that shorter than the length L0 of the base part 11A in the axis-line direction in the smoking article <NUM> (D0<L0). Further, the ratio of the length D0 to the length L0 (D0/L0) may be <NUM>-<NUM>, preferably, <NUM>-<NUM>, and, typically, <NUM>. Thus, in the case that the length L0 of the base part 11A is <NUM>, the length D0 of the heater <NUM> may be <NUM>-<NUM>, preferably, <NUM>-<NUM>, and, typically, <NUM>.

The upstream end of the base member 11A may protrude toward the upstream side above the upstream end of the heater <NUM> by the length of D1. The upstream side and the downstream side in the present case correspond to the upstream side and the downstream side of the flow of air passing through the inside of the air flow path <NUM> as a result of suction action by a user (refer to <FIG>, also). The part, which protrudes from the heater <NUM>, of the base part 11A does not have the heater <NUM> on the outer side in the radius direction of the base part 11A, so that the temperature in the inside thereof may become somewhat lower, compared with the temperature of the other part of the base part 11A. Thus, generation of aerosol in the upstream end and a place near thereof of the base material 11A can be suppressed, so that it is possible to prevent aerosol generated in the above places from being condensed and from flowing backward in the air flow path <NUM>. The aerosol generated in the other part of the base part 11A may be condensed in the upstream end and a place near thereof of the base part 11A.

The ratio of the protruded length D1 to the whole length L0 of the base part 11A (D1/L0) may be <NUM>-<NUM>, preferably, <NUM>-<NUM>, and typically, <NUM>. Thus, in the case that the whole length L0 of the base part 11A is <NUM>, the protruded length D1 may be <NUM>-<NUM>, preferably, <NUM>-<NUM>, and, typically, <NUM>.

The downstream end of the heater <NUM> may protrude toward the downstream side below the downstream end of the base part 11A by the length of D2. Thus, it is possible to sufficiently heat the downstream end and a place near thereof of the base part 11A, so that it is possible to prevent shortage of the quantity of generated aerosol and occurrence of condensation of aerosol in the above places. The ratio of the protruded length D2 of the heater <NUM> to the length L0 of the base part 11A (D2/L0) may be <NUM>-<NUM>, preferably, <NUM>-<NUM>, and typically, <NUM>. Thus, in the case that the length L0 of the base part 11A is <NUM>, the protruded length D2 of the heater <NUM> may be <NUM>-<NUM>, preferably, <NUM>-<NUM>, and, typically, <NUM>.

The position of the upstream end of the inner-side cylindrical member <NUM> and the position of the upstream end of the base part 11A in the axis-line direction may roughly coincide with each other. On the other hand, similar to the case of the downstream end of the heater <NUM>, the downstream end of the inner-side cylindrical member <NUM> may protrude toward the downstream side below the downstream end of the base part 11A by the length of D3. Thus, in addition to the downstream end and a place near thereof of the base part 11A, it is possible to heat the upstream end and a place near thereof of the paper tube part <NUM>, so that it is possible to prevent aerosol generated from the base part 11A from being excessively cooled and condensed in the upstream end and the place near thereof of the paper tube part <NUM>. The ratio of the protruded length D3 of the inner-side cylindrical member <NUM> to the protruded length D2 of the heater <NUM> (D3/D2) may be <NUM>-<NUM>, preferably, <NUM>-<NUM>, and, more preferably, <NUM>. Thus, in the case that the protruded length D2 of the heater is <NUM>, the protruded length D3 of the inner-side cylindrical member <NUM> may be <NUM>-<NUM>, preferably, <NUM>-<NUM>, and, typically, <NUM>.

When <FIG> is referred to, the control unit <NUM> may comprise a control board, a CPU, a memory, and so on. The CPU and the memory are components for constructing the control part <NUM> which controls the heater <NUM> for heating an aerosol source. Further, the control unit <NUM> has a notification part <NUM> for reporting a variety of information to a user. For example, the notification part <NUM> may be a light emitting element such as an LED or a vibrating element, or a combination thereof.

The control part <NUM>, when it has detected an activation request issued by a user, starts supply of electric power from the battery <NUM> to the heater <NUM>. The user's activation request is generated, for example, as a result of manipulation of a push button or a slide-type switch by a user, or a suction action by a user. In the present embodiment, the user's activation request is generated as a result of pressing of the push button <NUM>. More specifically, the user's activation request is generated as a result of pressing of the push button <NUM> during the state that the lid part <NUM> is being opened. Alternatively, the user's activation request may be generated when a suction action by a user is detected. For example, a suction action by a user may be detected by a temperature sensor such as that explained above.

Next, a delivery profile of main aerosol components relating to an aerosol generation device will be explained by using <FIG>. In the present embodiment, a heating profile is a graph showing time variation of target temperature in controlling of the heater. Further, a delivery profile is a graph showing time variation of the quantity of main aerosol components per single suction action, that is delivered to the inside of the mouth of a user when the user has performed the suction action by using the smoking article <NUM>. <FIG> is a figure showing a heating profile of the heater <NUM> and a delivery profile of main aerosol components. The vertical axis in <FIG> represents the temperature of the heater or the quantity of delivery of main aerosol components. The horizontal axis in <FIG> represents time.

In this regard, the expression "main aerosol components" refers to visible aerosol components which are generated when various aerosol sources included in a smoking article is heated to have temperature above predetermined temperature. Typically, the aerosol sources included in a smoking article are propylene glycol and glycerin. Further, in the case that the smoking article comprises a flavor source such as tobacco or the like, an aerosol component originated from the flavor source is included in the main aerosol components. On the other hand, in the present embodiment, an aerosol component originated from moisture included in the smoking article is not regarded as an object to be included in the main aerosol components.

The delivery profile of the main aerosol components may be measured by using a method such as that explained below. First, an aerosol generation device, with respect to which a delivery profile of main aerosol components should be measured, is prepared. Next, in a state that a smoking article has been inserted in the aerosol generation device, suction from a suction opening part of the smoking article, by using an automatic smoking device (that is manufactured by Borgwaldt KC Inc. , for example), is performed. When performing the above process, the heater <NUM> is heated according to a control method defined with respect to the prepared aerosol generation device. Regarding suction conditions, conditions equivalent to HCI conditions (HCI; health Canada Intense) defined by Health Canada are adopted. Specifically, the suction conditions are as follows: the quantity of suction, <NUM> per second; suction time, <NUM> seconds per single action; and the interval between suction actions, <NUM> seconds.

The aerosol sucked by the automatic smoking device under the above suction conditions is collected by a Cambridge filter (for example, CM-<NUM> manufactured by Borgwaldt KC Inc. Specifically, smoke, that has passed through the above Cambridge filter, is collected in <NUM> of methanol which has been cooled to -<NUM> degrees Celsius by using a dry ice-isopropanol refrigerant. The <NUM> of methanol solution, in which the tobacco smoke has been collected, and an internal standard solution (<NUM>/mL of pentadecane-d32, <NUM>/L of d-<NUM>-ethanol, <NUM>/L of anethole, and <NUM>/L of <NUM>,<NUM>-butanediol) are added to the Cambridge filter, and it is shook for <NUM> minutes, and contained components are extracted.

Extraction of the contained components has been performed with respect to each of suction actions. As a result, the quantity of main aerosol components delivered from the aerosol generation device to the automatic smoking device, with respect to each suction action, is defined. By plotting the quantity of the main aerosol components delivered during the time that each suction action has been performed, the delivery profile of the main aerosol components, on the time axis, can be derived discretely. It should be reminded that, in <FIG>, the discretely derived delivery profile has been drawn in a continuous manner by using an approximate curve.

In the present embodiment, the delivery profile of the main aerosol components comprises an initial period Q1, an intermediate period Q2, and a final period Q3. The initial period Q1 is a period during that a gradient with respect to the main aerosol components relative to time gradually increases. In other words, the initial period Q1 is a period during that the quantity of increase in the quantity of delivery of the main aerosol components per each suction action increases gradually.

In this regard, the gradient of the delivery profile of the main aerosol components is an absolute value of a slope of each point on the curve which forms the delivery profile. The gradient of the delivery profile of the main aerosol components can be defined by using the following method, for example. As explained above, the delivery profile of the main aerosol components on the time axis is derived discretely. In the above case, the gradient of the delivery profile of the main aerosol components may be defined, with respect to plotted points that are adjacent to each other on the time axis, by a value obtained by dividing a difference in the delivery profile of the main aerosol components by a difference in time between the plotted points.

Alternatively, the gradient of the delivery profile of the main aerosol components may be derived, for example, by using an approximate curve derived based on discrete plotting. In the above case, if an analytic formula of the approximate curve is defined, the gradient of the delivery profile of the main aerosol components can be defined by calculating a differential value of the analytic formula. An approximate curve such as that explained above may be derived, for example, by using a polynomial expression or by using a trigonometric function.

In the present embodiment, the start point S0 of the delivery profile is defined by the start point of the aerosol suction allowable period (the suction allowable period) (refer to <FIG>). Specifically, the start point S0 of the delivery profile is defined by reporting of a start of the suction allowable period (the timing T2 in <FIG>) that will be explained later.

Further, the boundary S1 between the initial period Q1 and the intermediate period Q2 may be defined by a point whereat the gradient of the main aerosol components in the initial period Q1 becomes the largest. In other words, the boundary S1 between the initial period Q1 and the intermediate period Q2 is a point whereat decreasing of the first time in the gradient of the main aerosol components in the whole delivery profile starts. In the case that the delivery profile is approximated by using a continuous approximate curve, the boundary S1 between the initial period Q1 and the intermediate period Q2 may be defined by a point of inflection.

The final period Q3 is a period during that a gradient with respect to the main aerosol components relative to time gradually decreases. In other words, the final period Q3 is a period during that the quantity of decrease in the quantity of delivery of the main aerosol components per each suction action decreases gradually.

In the present embodiment, the end point S3 of the delivery profile is defined by the end point of the aerosol suction allowable period (the suction allowable period) (refer to <FIG>). Specifically, the end point S3 of the delivery profile is defined by timing when a report of an end of the suction allowable period is provided (the timing T7 in <FIG>).

Further, the boundary S2 between the intermediate period Q2 and the final period Q3 may be defined by a point whereat the gradient of the main aerosol components in the final period Q3 becomes the largest. In other words, the boundary S2 between the intermediate period Q2 and the final period Q3 is a point whereat decreasing of the last time in the gradient of the main aerosol components in the whole delivery profile starts. In the case that the delivery profile is approximated by using a continuous approximate curve, the boundary S2 between the intermediate period Q2 and the final period Q3 may be defined by a point of inflection.

The intermediate period Q2 is a period between the initial period Q1 and the final period Q3. The intermediate period Q2 includes one or plural maximum values that are larger than the start point and the end point of the delivery profile. In the delivery profile shown in <FIG>, the intermediate period Q2 includes a single maximum value (the largest value).

According to the above-explained aerosol delivery profile, the quantity of delivery of aerosol increases in a period from the initial period Q1 to the intermediate period Q2, has the maximum value in the intermediate period Q2, and decreases in a period from the intermediate period Q2 to the final period Q3. Thus, a user can recognize a specific period, i.e., one of the initial period Q1, the intermediate period Q2, and the final period Q3 of the suction allowable period, that the user is presently in, based on sensation felt when sucking aerosol.

Further, in the initial period Q1, the gradient with respect to the main aerosol components relating to time gradually increases, so that the delivery profile has a downwardly convex shape. On the other hand, in the intermediate period Q2, the delivery profile has an upwardly convex shape. Thus, the quantity of delivery of aerosol may drastically change at the time of transition from the initial period Q1 to the intermediate period Q2. Further, in the final period Q3, the gradient with respect to the main aerosol components relating to time gradually decreases, so that the delivery profile has a downwardly convex shape. Thus, the quantity of delivery of aerosol may drastically change at the time of transition from the intermediate period Q2 to the final period Q3. Thus, a user will be able to more easily recognize, based on sensation felt when sucking aerosol, transition from the initial period Q1 to the intermediate period Q2 and transition from the intermediate period Q2 to the final period Q3.

Preferably, the intermediate period Q2 is longer than each of the initial period Q1 and the final period Q3. More preferably, the intermediate period Q2 is equal to or longer than a sum of the initial period Q1 and the final period Q3. For example, the intermediate period Q2 may be <NUM>-<NUM>% of the whole period, and each of the initial period Q1 and the final period Q3 may be <NUM>-<NUM>% of the whole period. According to the above construction, the period, during that the quantity of delivery of main aerosol components is large, becomes relatively long, so that a user can suck the main aerosol components for a relatively long period.

It is preferable that the quantity of delivery of the main aerosol components at the end point S3 in the final period Q3 be larger than the quantity of delivery of the main aerosol components at the start point S0. In the above case, it is possible to suppress an excessive decrease in the quantity of delivery of the aerosol in the final period Q3. According to the above construction, decreasing of the quantity of delivery of the main aerosol components to a low level during the suction allowable period can be prevented, and, especially, the quantity of delivery of a high level can be maintained until the end of the final period Q2.

It is preferable that the largest value of the gradient relating to the main aerosol components in the final period Q3 be smaller than the largest value of the gradient relating to the main aerosol components in the first period Q1. In the above case, the speed of increase of the main aerosol components in the initial period Q1 becomes relatively high, so that the quantity of aerosol delivery can be brought to a high level in a relatively early stage in the suction allowable period. On the other hand, the gradient relating to the main aerosol components in the final period Q3 is small, so that the speed of decrease of the main aerosol components in the final period Q3 becomes relatively low. Thus, drastic decrease in the quantity of aerosol delivery in the final period Q3 can be suppressed. According to the above construction, the quantity of aerosol delivery of a high level can be maintained for a relatively long period.

It is preferable that the smallest value of the gradient relating to the main aerosol components in the final period Q3 be smaller than the smallest value of the gradient relating to the main aerosol components in the initial period Q1. Since the smallest value of the gradient relating to the main aerosol components in the final period Q3 is small, the speed of decrease of the main aerosol components in the final period Q3 becomes relatively low. Thus, drastic decrease in the quantity of aerosol delivery in the final period Q3 can be suppressed.

The intermediate period Q2 may comprise a stable period SP wherein the absolute value of the gradient relating to the main aerosol components is smaller than the smallest value of the gradient relating to the main aerosol components in the initial period Q1 and smaller than the smallest value of the gradient relating to the main aerosol components in the final period Q3. That is, the stable period SP is a period wherein change in the quantity of delivery of main aerosol components per each suction action is relatively small.

It is preferable that the stable period SP be longer than each of the initial period Q1 and the final period Q3. In the stable period SP, the quantity of delivery of main aerosol components is large, and change in the quantity of delivery is small. Thus, in the case that the stable period SP is longer than each of the initial period Q1 and the final period Q3, the main aerosol components can be supplied stably for a relatively long period in the intermediate period Q2. Further, it is preferable that the stable period SP be <NUM>-<NUM>% of the intermediate period Q2. According to the above construction, the main aerosol components can be supplied stably for a relatively long period in the intermediate period Q2.

It should be reminded that the above-explained delivery profile and advantages thereof are those found as a result of diligent study by the inventors relating to the subject application.

The control part <NUM> of the aerosol generation device <NUM> may be constructed to control the heater <NUM> to realize the above-explained delivery profile of the main aerosol components. In this regard, the delivery profile of the main aerosol components is dependent, mainly, on the heating profile of the heater <NUM>.

<FIG> shows an example of a heating profile of a heater. It should be reminded that the heating profile shown in <FIG> is an example that is appropriate for realizing the above-explained delivery profile of the main aerosol components, and the heating profile is not necessarily limited to the above heating profile.

As explained above, the heating profile is a graph showing time variation of target temperature in controlling of the heater <NUM>. Temperature control of the heater <NUM> can be realized by using publicly known feedback control, for example. Specifically, the control part <NUM> of the aerosol generation device <NUM> can supply electric power from the battery <NUM> to the heater <NUM> in the forms of pulses according to pulse width modulation (PWM) or pulse frequency modulation (PFM). In the above case, the control part <NUM> can perform temperature control of the heater <NUM> by adjusting the duty ratio of the electric power pulses.

In the feedback control, the control part <NUM> may measure or estimate temperature of the heater <NUM>, and, based on a difference between the measured or estimated temperature of the heater <NUM> and a target temperature, or the like, control the electric power supplied to the heater <NUM>, for example, control the above-explained duty ratio. The feedback control may be PID control, for example. The temperature of the heater can be quantitatively determined, for example, by measuring or estimating an electric resistance value of a heating resistor which is a component of the heater <NUM>. This is because the electric resistance value of the heating resistor changes in response to temperature. The electric resistance value of the heating resistor can be estimated, for example, by measuring the quantity of voltage drop in the heating resistor. The quantity of voltage drop in the heating resistor can be measured by a voltage sensor which measures a potential difference applied to the heating resistor. In the other example, the temperature of the sensor may be measured by a temperature sensor installed in a position near the heater <NUM>.

As explained above, in the present embodiment, supply of electric power to the heater <NUM> may be controlled in such a manner that the actual temperature of the heater <NUM> approaches a target temperature in the heating profile. In this regard, since there may be a case that the heating profile includes a part whereat the target temperature rapidly changes, there may be a case that, in a part such as the above part, separation between the actual temperature of the heater <NUM> and the target temperature becomes large temporarily. In the heating profile illustrated in <FIG>, each of parts, whereat separation between the actual temperature of the heater <NUM> and the target temperature is large, is shown by using a broken line.

In the heating profile shown in <FIG>, when supply of electric power from the battery <NUM> to the heater <NUM> is started in response to reception of an activation request from a user, the control part <NUM> first controls the temperature of the heater <NUM> to bring it to a first target temperature TA1 during a first period P1. That is, the control part <NUM> heats the heater <NUM> to raise temperature from initial temperature to the first target temperature TA1. In the first period P1, after the temperature of the heater <NUM> has reached the first target temperature TA1, the control part <NUM> performs control to maintain the temperature of the heater <NUM> at the first target temperature TA1.

The first target temperature TA1 may be <NUM>-<NUM> degrees Celsius, preferably, and <NUM> degrees Celsius, typically.

The speed of raising of temperature of the heater <NUM> can be increased by setting the first target temperature TA1 in the first period P1 to relatively high temperature. By increasing the speed of raising of temperature of the heater <NUM>, the period from a start of supply of electric power to the heater <NUM> to the time when suction of aerosol becomes possible can be shortened.

The control part <NUM> may be constructed to report, to a user, a state that a suction allowable period has started, in a period that is in the first period P1 and during that the temperature of the heater <NUM> is being maintained at the first target temperature TA1. Reporting of the state that the suction allowable period has started may be performed by controlling the notification part <NUM>, and, for example, may be performed by performing a control process to change the color of light emitted from a light emitting element such as an LED or the like, a control process to change a light emitting pattern, or a control process to drive a vibration element, or a control process comprising a combination of the above control processes.

In the example shown in <FIG>, reporting of the state that the suction allowable period has started is performed at timing T2. More specifically, reporting of the state that the suction allowable period has started may be performed at either timing T2 when a predetermined period P1b has elapsed since the time when the temperature of the heater <NUM> has reached the first target temperature, or timing when a predetermined period has elapsed since the time when supply of electric power to the heater <NUM> has started, that occurs earlier. The predetermined period P1b may be <NUM>-<NUM> seconds, preferably, and <NUM> seconds, typically.

Preferably, the control part <NUM> may be constructed to report, in the latter half of the first period P1, the state that the suction allowable period has started. The latter half of the first period P1 means a period after the center of the first period P1.

At timing T3 when predetermined period P1c has elapsed since the timing Ts when a start of the suction allowable period was reported, the control part <NUM> operates to proceed the period to a second period P2 that will be explained later. The predetermined period P1c may be <NUM>-<NUM> seconds, preferably, and <NUM> seconds, typically. According to the above construction, the probability of occurrence of an event that a user performs a suction action of the first time during the first period P1 becomes high. In the above case, it is possible to bring a user to perform a suction action of the first time, during a period that the heater temperature is maintained at temperature near the first target temperature TA1 that is the highest temperature in the heating profile.

The first period P1 changes due to the states of heating, ambient temperature, and so on of the heater <NUM> and the smoking article <NUM>; however, it may typically be that in the range of <NUM>-<NUM> seconds. In this regard, it is preferable that the control part <NUM> be constructed to be able to change the length of the first period P1, based on the speed of raising of the temperature of the heater <NUM> in the first period P1. More specifically, the initial temperature rising period P1a in the first period P1 may be constructed to be changeable, based on the speed of raising of the temperature of the heater <NUM>. Specifically, it is preferable that the control part <NUM> be constructed to change the length of the first period P1 to become shorter, as the period from a start of heating of the heater <NUM> to the time when the temperature has reached predetermined temperature becomes shorter.

In the present embodiment, the first period P1 ends when a predetermined period (P1b+P1c) has elapsed since the time when the temperature of the heater <NUM> has reached the first target temperature TA1. That is, if the speed of raising of the temperature of the heater <NUM> is high, the period P1, that is from the time T0 when supply of electric power to the heater <NUM> is started to the time when the temperature of the heater <NUM> reaches the first target temperature TA1, becomes short. The predetermined period (P1b+P1c) may be <NUM>-<NUM> seconds, preferably, and <NUM> seconds, typically.

As explained above, in the case that the speed of raising of the temperature of the heater <NUM> is high, consumption of electric power used during a preheating period can be reduced, by shortening the preheating period.

It is preferable that the variable range of the firs period P1, more specifically, the variable range of the period (P1a+P1b) that ends when a start of the suction allowable period is reported, have a predetermined upper limit value. For example, the upper limit value of the period (P1a+P1b), that is from a start of supply of electric power T0 to the time of reporting of a start of the suction allowable period T2, is <NUM>-<NUM> seconds, preferably, and <NUM> seconds, typically. According to the above construction, it is possible to prevent the control part <NUM> continuing preheating without transition to the second period P2, in the case that the temperature of the heater <NUM> does not reach the first target temperature TA1.

Next, during the second period P2 following the first period P1, the control part <NUM> controls the temperature of the heater <NUM> to change it to a second target temperature TA2 that is lower than the first target temperature TA1. That is, the control part <NUM> controls the heater <NUM> to lower the temperature of the heater <NUM> from the first target temperature TA1, and maintain the temperature at the second target temperature TA2.

The second target temperature TA2 may be that in the range of <NUM>-<NUM> degrees Celsius, preferably, and <NUM> degrees Celsius, typically. The second period P2 may be that in the range of <NUM>-<NUM> seconds, preferably, and <NUM> seconds, typically. It is preferable that the second period P2 be longer than each of the first period P1 and a third period P3 that will be explained later. Since the second period is a period during that temperature higher than that in the third period P3 is maintained, the second period is a period during that the aerosol is stably supplied. Thus, the period, during that the aerosol can be stably supplied, can be made relatively long.

By lowering the target temperature in the second period P2, it becomes possible to reduce electric power consumed in the second period P2.

The control part <NUM> may have a first off period, that is from the end of the first period P1 to an early period in the second period P2, for stopping supply of electric power to the heater <NUM>. By setting the first off period, lowering of temperature from the first target temperature TA1 to the second target temperature TA2 can be completed in the shortest period of time. The control part <NUM> can continue measurement of temperature of the heater <NUM> even in the first off period. In the above case, the control par <NUM> may be constructed to resume supply of electric power to the heater <NUM> when the temperature of the heater <NUM> has decreased and reached temperature near the second target temperature TA2.

It is preferable that the first off period be a time interval during that a general user cannot perform two or more times of suction actions. If a user performs two or more times of suction actions during the off period, the temperature of the heater <NUM> may be lowered drastically, and may become that much lower than the second target temperature TA2. In the above case, there may be a risk that the quantity of aerosol generated from the smoking article <NUM> is reduced. If it is supposed that a time interval between usual suction actions by a general user is approximately <NUM> seconds, it is preferable that the first off period be that in the range of <NUM>-<NUM> seconds, for example. The first target temperature TA1 and the second target temperature TA2 may be set in such a manner that lowering of temperature from the first target temperature TA1 to the second target temperature TA2 as a result of natural cooling during the first off period is completed in the above time range. Alternatively, the control part <NUM> may be constructed to measure elapsed time of the first off period, and, when the first off period has reached a predetermined upper limit value, forcibly resume supply of electric power to the heater <NUM>. It is preferable that the upper limit value of the first off period in the above case be <NUM>-<NUM> seconds.

Next, during the third period P3 that follows the second period P2, the control part <NUM> controls the temperature of the heater <NUM> to change it to a third target temperature TA3 that is lower than the second target temperature TA2. That is, the control part <NUM> controls the heater <NUM> to further lower the temperature of the heater <NUM> from the second target temperature TA2, and maintain the temperature at the third target temperature TA3. The third target temperature TA3 may be that in the range of <NUM>-<NUM> degrees Celsius, preferably, and <NUM> degrees Celsius, typically. The third period P3 may be that in the range of <NUM>-<NUM> seconds, preferably, and <NUM> seconds, typically. By further lowering the target temperature in the third period P3, it becomes possible to reduce electric power consumed in the third period P3.

It is preferable that a temperature difference (ΔT12) between the first target temperature TA1 and the second target temperature TA2 be larger than a temperature difference (ΔT23) between the second target temperature TA2 and the third target temperature TA3. The consumed electric power of the heater <NUM> in the second period P2 is larger than that in the third period p3, so that electric power consumption through the whole period can be reduced when the temperature difference (ΔT12) at the time of transition from the first period P1 to the second period P2 is set to that larger than the temperature difference (ΔT23) at the time of transition from the second period P2 to the third period P3. Thus, it is preferable that ΔT12/Δ23 be larger than <NUM>. On the other hand, in the case that Δ12 is made excessively large compared with Δ23, the target temperature TA2 in the second period P2, that is set by taking stable supply of aerosol into consideration, becomes relatively low, so that there may be a risk that supply of aerosol in the second period P2 becomes unstable. Thus, it is preferable that ΔT12/Δ23 have a predetermined upper limit value. The upper limit value of ΔT12/Δ23 may be <NUM>, for example. ΔT12/Δ23 may be <NUM>-<NUM>, preferably, and <NUM>, typically.

The control part <NUM> may have a second off period, that is from the end of the second period P2 to an early period in the third period P3, for stopping supply of electric power to the heater <NUM>. By setting the second off period, lowering of temperature from the second target temperature TA2 to the third target temperature TA3 can be completed in the shortest period of time. The control part <NUM> can continue measurement of temperature of the heater <NUM> even in the second off period. In the above case, the control par <NUM> may be constructed to resume supply of electric power to the heater <NUM> when the temperature of the heater <NUM> has decreased and reached temperature near the third target temperature TA3. Similar to the first off period, it is preferable that the second off period be a time interval during that a general user cannot perform two or more times of suction actions, and that the second off period be that in the range of <NUM>-<NUM> seconds. The second target temperature TA2 and the third target temperature TA3 may be set in such a manner that lowering of temperature from the second target temperature TA2 to the third target temperature TA3 as a result of natural cooling during the second off period is completed in the above time range. Alternatively, the control part <NUM> may be constructed to measure elapsed time of the second off period, and, when the second off period has reached a predetermined upper limit value, forcibly resume supply of electric power to the heater <NUM>.

As explained above, it is preferable that the temperature difference (ΔT12) between the first target temperature TA1 and the second target temperature TA2 be larger than the temperature difference (ΔT23) between the second target temperature TA2 and the third target temperature TA3; and the above relationship is preferable in view of setting of the first off period and the second off period to make them have values close to each other. According to the Newton's law of cooling, the speed of lowering of temperature in a high temperature range is faster than that in a low temperature range in the case of natural cooling; thus, for setting the first off period and the second off period as close as possible to each other, it is necessary to set the temperature difference (ΔT12) between the first target temperature TA1 and the second target temperature TA2, that belongs to the high temperature range, to that relatively large. If it is supposed that the temperature difference (ΔT12) between the first target temperature TA1 and the second target temperature TA2 is set to that equal to the temperature difference (ΔT23) between the second target temperature TA2 and the third target temperature TA3, or if it is supposed that the temperature difference (ΔT12) of the former is set to that smaller than the temperature difference (ΔT23) of the latter, the first off period always becomes shorter than the second off period, so that it becomes theoretically impossible to set the two off periods equal to each other.

Further, it is preferable that the ratio of the difference between the first target temperature TA1 and the second target temperature TA2 to the difference between the second target temperature TA2 and the third target temperature TA3 be less than <NUM>. The reason that above construction is adopted is to allow stable generation of aerosol during a middle stage in the puff allowable period, by preventing the difference between the first target temperature TA1 and the second target temperature TA2 from becoming excessively large.

It should be reminded that, in view of reduction of electric power consumption, there may be a case that it is preferable to control the heater <NUM> at the third target temperature TA3 without going through the stage of the second target temperature TA2 after the first target temperature TA1. However, in the above case, the period (the second off period) required to change the temperature from the first target temperature TA1 to the third target temperature TA3 becomes relatively long. Since supply of electric power to the heater <NUM> is stopped during the period required to reach the third target temperature TA3 from the first target temperature TA1, there may be a risk that the temperature of the heater <NUM> may become that much lower than the third target temperature, if a user performs plural times of suction actions during the above period. By going through the second target temperature T2 that is set between the first target temperature TA1 and the third target temperature TA3 before transitioning from the first target temperature TA1 to the third target temperature TA3, the time required for transition from one target temperature to the other target temperature can be shortened. According to the above construction, duration of an off period, during that supply of electric power to the heater <NUM> is stopped, becomes shorter, so that it becomes possible to prevent excessive lowering of temperature of a smoking article due to plural times of suction actions, and prevent unstable generation of aerosol due thereto.

The control part <NUM> stops supply of electric power to the heater <NUM> at the time when the third period P3 ends. Next, the control part <NUM> reports an end of the suction allowable period at timing T7 when a predetermined period has elapsed since supply of electric power to the heater <NUM> is stopped (timing T6). That is, even in the time after supply of electric power to the heater <NUM> is stopped, a user is prompted to perform an aerosol suction action, until a predetermined period has elapsed, to allow the user to taste the aerosol by using remaining heat of the heater <NUM> and the smoking article <NUM>. In this regard, reporting of the end of the suction allowable period may be performed by the notification part <NUM>, and, for example, may be performed by performing a control process to change the color of light emitted from a light emitting element such as an LED or the like, a control process to change a light emitting pattern, or a control process to drive a vibration element, or a control process comprising a combination of the above control processes.

After the heater <NUM> went through the first period P1, the second period P2, and the third period P3 in the heating profile, heat from the heater <NUM> has been transferred sufficiently to the inside of the smoking article <NUM>. Thus, in a period from the end of the third period P3 to the end of the suction allowable period, that is, in a fourth period P4 in <FIG>, a certain quantity of aerosol can be generated by using remaining heat of the heater <NUM> and the smoking article <NUM>. In this regard, similar to the cases of the first off period and the second off period, generation of aerosol becomes unstable in the fourth period P4, so that it is preferable that the fourth period P4 be a time interval during that a user does not perform two or more times of suction actions. Thus, the fourth period P4 is preferably <NUM>-<NUM> seconds, and, typically <NUM> seconds.

Further, the control part <NUM> may report a state that the suction allowable period is drawing to an end, at timing T5 that is earlier, by a predetermined period Pe, than timing T7 when the end of the suction allowable period is reported. Reporting such as that explained above may be performed, for example, <NUM>-<NUM> seconds before the end of the suction allowable period. Reporting such as that explained above may be performed by the notification part <NUM>, and, for example, may be performed by performing a control process to change the color of light emitted from a light emitting element such as an LED or the like, a control process to change a light emitting pattern, or a control process to drive a vibration element, or a control process comprising a combination of the above control processes.

In the above-explained embodiment, the control part <NUM> stops supply of electric power to the heater <NUM> at the time of the end of the third period P3. In addition, the control part <NUM> may stop supply of electric power to the heater <NUM>, even in the second period P2 or the third period P3 in the case that the number of times of suction actions by a user exceeds a predetermined number of times. A puff action by a user may be detected by the above-explained temperature sensor, for example.

<FIG> will be referred to, again. The delivery profile of the main aerosol components may mainly be dependent on the heating profile of the heater <NUM>. Specifically, the delivery profile of the main aerosol components may basically be a profile corresponding to a temperature profile of the inside of the smoking article <NUM>. The temperature profile of the inside of the smoking article <NUM> follows the hating profile of the heater <NUM>, so that it generally tends to have a shape that is time-delayed relative to the heating profile.

Thus, by setting the first target temperature TA1 in the first period P1 to the highest temperature throughout the heating profile, it becomes easier to form an ascending curve having a steep gradient in the initial period Q1 in the delivery profile of the main aerosol components. Also, by maintaining the temperature of the heater <NUM> at the second target temperature TA2 during the most part of the second period P2 that follows the first period P1, it becomes easier to form the stable period SP, during that change per suction action is small, in the intermediate period Q2 in the delivery profile of the main aerosol components. Further, by controlling the temperature of the heater <NUM> to direct it to the third target temperature TA3 that is lower than the second target temperature TA2 during the third period P3 that follows the second period P2, it becomes easier to form a descending curve in the final period Q3 in the delivery profile of the main aerosol components. Especially, by making the temperature difference T23 between the second target temperature TA2 and the third target temperature TA3 small, it becomes easier to form a descending curve having a more gentle gradient in the final period Q3 in the delivery profile of the main aerosol components. As explained above, by performing control of the heater <NUM> according to the heating profile illustrated in <FIG>, it becomes easier to form an upwardly convex curve, as a whole, having a maximum point in the intermediate period Q2, it becomes easier to form an ascending curve having a steep gradient in the initial period Q1, and it becomes easier to form a descending curve having a gentle gradient in the final period Q3, in the delivery profile of the main aerosol components.

As explained above, the delivery profile of the main aerosol components is mainly dependent on the heating profile of the heater <NUM>. However, the delivery profile of the main aerosol components may change according to factors such as the shape of the heater <NUM>, presence/absence and the shape of the heat insulating material <NUM>, the size of the smoking article <NUM>, the degree of contact between the heater <NUM> and the smoking article <NUM>, the position of the heating part of the heater <NUM> relative to the smoking article <NUM>, and so on. Thus, for realizing a desired delivery profile of the main aerosol components, the heating profile of the heater <NUM> and the above factors may be combined appropriately.

For example, in the case that the heater <NUM> has a cylindrical shape surrounding an outer periphery of a column-shape smoking article, it is hard for the heat transferred to the smoking article <NUM> to dissipate to the outside, so that it becomes easier for the delivery profile of the main aerosol components to follow the heating profile of the heater <NUM>. similarly, in the case that the cylindrical heat insulating material <NUM> is positioned on the outer side in a radius direction of the heater <NUM>, it is hard for the heat transferred to the smoking article <NUM> to dissipate to the outside, so that it becomes easier for the delivery profile of the main aerosol components to follow the heating profile of the heater <NUM>. In the above case, the speed of increase of the delivery profile in the initial period Q1 becomes relatively high, so that the overall ascending curve of the delivery profile in the initial period Q1 may have more steep gradients. On the other hand, the speed of decrease of the delivery profile in the final period Q3 becomes relatively low, so that the overall descending curve of the delivery profile in the final period Q3 may have more gentle gradients.

Further, if the size of the smoking article <NUM>, more specifically, the diameter of the smoking article <NUM>, is made smaller, transfer of the heat from the outer side of the smoking article <NUM> to the inner side of the smoking article <NUM> becomes easier. Thus, if the diameter of the smoking article <NUM> is made smaller, it becomes easier for the delivery profile of the main aerosol components to follow the heating profile of the heater <NUM>.

Further, if the degree of contact between the heater <NUM> and the smoking article <NUM> is made high when they are used, it becomes easier for the heat from the heater <NUM> to be transferred to the smoking article <NUM>. That is, if the space between the smoking article <NUM> and the insertion hole <NUM> is set smaller in the state that the smoking article <NUM> is being inserted in the insertion hole <NUM>, it becomes easier for the delivery profile of the main aerosol components to follow the heating profile of the heater <NUM>.

Further, the delivery profile of the main aerosol components may be dependent on positional relationship between the smoking article <NUM> and the heater <NUM>. When <FIG> is referred to again, it is preferable that the heater <NUM> be positioned in such a manner that it extends, in the smoking article <NUM>, from the base part 11A which comprises the aerosol source to the paper tube part <NUM> which does not comprise the aerosol source. According to the above construction, it becomes easier for the heat from the heater <NUM> to be transferred sufficiently to the end surface on the downstream side and the place near thereof of the base material 11A, so that it becomes easier for the delivery profile of the main aerosol components to follow the heating profile of the heater <NUM>. Further, it is preferable that the inner-side cylindrical member <NUM>, which has an inner peripheral surface which comes in contact with the smoking article <NUM> and an outer peripheral surface which comes in contact with the heater <NUM>, be positioned in such a manner that it extends from the base part 11A which comprises the aerosol source to the paper tube part <NUM> which does not comprise the aerosol source. Especially, it is preferable that the downstream end of the inner-side cylindrical member <NUM> protrude toward the downstream side below the downstream end of the heater <NUM>. According to the above construction, it is possible to sufficiently heat, in addition to the downstream end surface of the base part 11A, the upstream end surface and a place near thereof of the paper tube part <NUM>, and, thus, it is possible to suppress condensation of aerosol in the above part, so that the above matter becomes a factor for increasing the delivery profile over all. In this regard, the heating part <NUM> of the heater <NUM> is a part which is heated actively. In the case of a heater comprising a heating resistor, the heating part <NUM> of the heater <NUM> refers to the heating resistor.

Further, the delivery profile of the main aerosol components may be caused by components constructing the smoking article <NUM>. More specifically, the quantity of moisture in the smoking article <NUM> may have influence on the speed of increase in the initial period Q1 in the delivery profile of the main aerosol components. For example, in the case that the quantity of moisture in the smoking article <NUM> is relatively large, the heat from the heater <NUM> may be used for vaporizing the moisture instead of heating the aerosol source, and the above matter may become a factor to lower the speed of increase in the delivery profile of the main aerosol components. As a result, the part of the delivery profile corresponding to the initial period Q1, as a whole, may have more gentle gradients. As explained above, the aerosol originated from the moisture in the smoking article <NUM> does not include the main aerosol components, usually.

By appropriately setting the heating profile of the heater <NUM> by taking the factors such as those explained above, which have influence on the delivery profile, into consideration, the above-explained desired delivery profile of the main aerosol components may be realized.

Claim 1:
An aerosol generation device (<NUM>) comprising:
a heater (<NUM>) configured to heat an outer periphery of a smoking article (<NUM>) comprising an aerosol source, and
a control part (<NUM>) configured to control the heater (<NUM>);
wherein the control part (<NUM>) is configured to control the heater (<NUM>) in such a manner that a delivery profile of aerosol in a predetermined suction allowable period comprises one or more maximum values in a period between a start point (T2) and an end point (T7) in the suction allowable period,
wherein the smoking article (<NUM>) comprises an aerosol existing region (11A) including the aerosol source, and an aerosol non-existing region (11B) positioned downstream the aerosol existing region (11A) in the direction of flow of generated aerosol;
characterized in that, when the smoking article (<NUM>) is inserted into the aerosol generation device (<NUM>), a heating part of the heater (<NUM>) is arranged to extend from the aerosol existing region (11A) of the smoking article (<NUM>) to the aerosol non-existing region (11B) of the smoking article (<NUM>).